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Whānau News: 24 November 2023

Kia Ora Church Whanau,

I have been pondering the themes of advent - hope, love, peace and joy (in no particular order). Here are a few of my musings to hopefully get you pondering this wondrous season of hope. They actually are not even on advent but about this exciting Christian journey we are all on.

  • Contentment - the only true contentment is found when we delight in God's wise plan for our lives, live humbly and allow Him to direct us. Hebrews 13:5 says, 'Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" 
  • Thankfulness - the one thing we can be thankful for any time, no matter our circumstances, is the presence of the risen Christ in our lives and the joy of being part of the Kingdom of the Heavens with him. Psalm 136:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
  • Love - the commandment that is hardest of all. If the only thing we strive for is to love each other, everything else will fall into place. John 13:34-35: "I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples."

I would love to know how God is prompting you in this time. Let me know.

Bless you all in abundance,

Sandra

Intimacy with God / Josh van de Worp
Last week we talked about change, and in the midst of change pressing into God. This week we dive into how we can have and intimate relationship with God.
Join us at 10AM in-person or online.  Unfortunately we are aware that Covid is on the rise again. We would love to have you join us online for the service if you are not able or unwell. Please contact us if you need support staff@fbc.nz
Baptism this Sunday
We are looking forward to Baptising Emily Palmer this Sunday.  Please be praying for her in the weeks before and after this.  We also look forward to having Tim, Jenni and family with us this Sunday.
For the Kids...  
Wonder Kids (Preschool Programme): This week we care starting our Christmas series with a look at the stoyr in Luke 1:26-33,38 where the angel visits Mary
Discovery Kids (Primary Programme): This week we are starting Christmas by looking at the promise of Jesus as we see in Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaia 7:214-15. 
FBI (Intermediate Programme): This week the intermediates have the option of joining the Primary aged programme or staying in the church with their families. 

We also have advent packs at the information desk for families to collect.  These packs are full of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.  For those who are interested in this but don't fit into the children's church space we will have a copy of the readings for you to follow along available at the information desk.
Prayer at 5pm
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Eph. 1:17
 As a church fellowship, we need to declare Christ as the Head of our Fellowship and seek His direction and enablement for our church, so that we can be in step with His will.
We meet at 5pm on a Sunday in the church prayer area to do just that, to connect with Jesus, who brings life to us individually and fruitful life to our fellowship. We would love to have you join us!
Garden Party
Due to the busyness of the season, we look forward to hosting the garden High Tea in February. Date to follow soon.
December Calendar
There is a lot going on this month. Please see the attached calendar so you can get all these dates in your diary.
Constitution Review
Franklin Baptist is currently looking at the Constitution for our Church.  A review is underway and we want you to have a say.  If you are curious to know more, please come along.  The next meeting will be held in the prayer room after church on Sunday 3rd December.  For a copy of our current constitution, please follow this link, or stop by the info desk on Sunday. 
Pastoral Search Update
We continue to thank you for your prayers for the Search committee as we seek a new pastor. As you can appreciate, the task is a difficult one. There are more pastoral vacancies within the Baptist churches of New Zealand than people available. We have had some applicants and continue working with a couple of potential candidates.
Prayer for Israel and the Palestinian territories 
The Baptist World Alliance, along with Baptist churches in Israel and Palestine are asking us to join with them in prayer over the recent conflict in the region.  With the current ceasefire, please continue to pray for this region.  They have sent us some prayer points to help us pray effectively.  You can find their prayer points here.
Global Action Team (GAT) Calendars
Our GAT team are preparing calendars to send to our global partners. Please stop by the table in the foyer on Sunday to write a short greeting, verse, or word of encouragement on the calendars we will send to our cross-cultural workers overseas. Your notes will be a great blessing to them throughout 2024.
Christmas Joy
This year we are partnering with Franklin Family Support with their Christmas Smiles Appeal. They are looking for donations of:
  • Non- perishable food
  • vouchers
  • new or near new toys
  • kids books
  • care items such as soap, deodorants, perfumes
  • monetary donations.
You can put your donations in the collection basket under the Christmas tree in the Church foyer.  The last day for donations is Sunday 17th December. Thank you so much for your support. 
Oasis
This week we are having an outing for high tea.  We will meet at the church at 10am and depart soon after. For more information contact Charlie Potter 027 529 8211.
Alpha - The Marriage Course
An enrichment course for all couples, no matter age, length of, or health of your marriage. The next course is starting on 7 February 2024 and will run for 7 weeks. Please register your interest here or go to the "Events" tab on Church Center.
Enquiries: sandra@fbc.nz
Sharing Kai
It has been great to see people bringing in excess produce from their fruit trees at home to share with everyone.  We have created a space for this underneath the missions notice board.  Please put fruit/vegetables that you would like to share with the congregation on the table.  
GAT Prayer
Check out the latest news from the Global Action Team. Click here for the OCT-NOV newsletter.  A printed copy is available at the Info desk. Thanks for upholding them and our other partners in prayer.
Booking Rooms at FBC
If you would like to book the use of a room at FBC (either for personal use or church use), please fill out the form. Link for FBC Booking Request Form
Prayer Chain
If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Prayer Chain, please email Arlene Hutcheon on prayerchain@fbc.nz or send a text to 0274726198. All prayer requests are treated as confidential.
Giving
You can give online, by automatic payment or direct debit. Our church bank account: 01 0403 0013842 00 or click here to donate now. For the "Renew" giving, please indicate "Renew" as reference for giving through bank. And if using the above link, click "Renew" on the drop down tab. 
Church Center App
Our Church Center app is where you can find what's going on in our church whanau. Click this link to find out how to download the app here.
Whanau news
If you have something you would like to share in the Whanau news, please email it to staff@fbc.nz by 12 noon on Thursday. Thank you.
Please note that we post Church sponsored/supported events and activities. You can personally post any other advertising requests in our FBC Community Facebook page.

As an encouragement to all of you while you're at home...check out some of the songs we're currently singing on Sundays and a few new ones we might sing in the future. If you have a Spotify account, this is the link to FBC Worship on Spotify

 
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Franklin Baptist Church  128 Victoria Street West, PO Box 52, Pukekohe 2120
telephone: (09) 238 8544    email:
info@fbc.nz    website: www.franklinbaptist.org.nz

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Franklin Baptist Church · 128 Victoria Street West · Pukekohe, Auckland 2120 · New Zealand

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