|
Whānau News: 15 December 2023
|
|
Beneath the Southern Cross, in Aotearoa's embrace,
A Kiwi advent, a sacred space.
On the shores where Pōhutukawa blooms,
The Christ-child's arrival, in humble rooms.
In the land of the Kiwi, where ferns unfurl,
The story of Jesus, the Redeemer's pearl.
Tui birds echo, a celestial hymn,
Announcing His birth, a radiant whim.
On the hills of Hobbiton, a star takes flight,
Guiding the way to the manger's light.
In the Kowhai's gold, a symbol so clear,
A Kiwi Christmas, Jesus draws near.
In the South Pacific, redemption defined.
As the Kiwis gather, hearts intertwined,
Reflecting the love in the Savior's embrace.
Pavlova sweetness, a feast of grace,
- Unknown Author
Praying for you all as you journey toward Christmas Day.
Josh v
|
|
On Sunday we will be counting down to Christmas with a special family service. This week's advent focus is Joy. We will be exploring different aspects of Christmas celebrations to see if we can find the "great joy" mentioned in Luke 2:10.
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 info@fbc.nz
|
|
|
For the Kids...
We are all in the service together this morning. Kids programmes will return Sunday 4th February.
|
|
|
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.
Please note that the fellowship prayer meetings have concluded for the year; and will resume for 2024 on Sunday 4th February.
|
|
|
GAT Christmas Appeal
The church is doing a special Christmas Day Offering for an overseas project. This year it will be for the “Eastern Lawa Translation Building Project”. This is an initiative that Greg and Rosie Blok have been working on for a number of years, which has been shared about in newsletters and video updates. When completed it will provide a permanent facility to further the work as well as a secure place for worship and study. The project is planned in 2 stages with the first stage budgeted at costing NZ$100,000. They have $20k towards this so far with a possible $30-40k coming from other sources. They are setting up a Foundation to enable legal ownership of the land to provide a good governance structure going forward.
Your generosity will be a great encouragement to Greg and Rosie and the wider team. The need is great but many of us together (through God’s provision) can make it happen.
The appeal is open through to the end of January. Please deposit any funds via the church bank account 01 0403 0013842 00 including the Ref. Christmas Offering.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Free Books!
There is a table full of free books at the church foyer. Have a nice read through the holidays!
|
|
Leadership Team Portfolios
We have recently updated our Leadership Team Portfolios since Dave Stevens stepped down and Liz Kelsey joined. You can read that updated list here. Just some background for those of you who are newer to FBC - these portfolios ensure that FBC attendees know where to go to seek answers to any questions they may have, where to raise any issues, and where to make suggestions for change or improvement.
|
|
Constitution Review
Franklin Baptist is currently looking at the Constitution for our Church. A review is underway and we want to thank the people present on our initial meeting. If you are curious to know more, please come along. The next meeting will be held in the church cafe 7pm on Thursday 14 December. For a copy of our current constitution, please follow this link, or stop by the info desk on Sunday.
|
|
|
Pastoral Search Update
The Search Committee wish to thank you for your continued prayers. The team are going to have a holiday break over Christmas / New Years from meeting together but are committed to partnering with God in seeking His will for a new pastor.
|
|
|
Garden Party
The High Tea event will be held in February. Date to follow soon.
|
|
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 ongoing conflict in the region. They have sent us some prayer points to help us pray effectively. You can find their prayer points here.
|
|
|
Ministries of the Church
We are making a new Ministries of the Church directory for the New Year. If you are a ministry leader, please email your ministry details to carol@fbc.nz so we include all the correct details. Thank you!
|
|
|
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
Oasis will still proceed to have fellowship every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:15am over the the holiday season of December and January. Margaret will be leading and there will be coffee/tea and snacks. For more information contact Charlie Potter 027 529 8211.
|
|
Alpha - The Marriage Course
An enrichment course for all couples, no matter your age, the length 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
|
|
|
Alpha Courses coming soon!
Alpha Course are coming soon, so please start thinking who you will invite.
Dates for new Alpha Courses
Sundays starting 3rd March @ 1.30pm @ church
Wednesdays starting 6th March @6.30pm @ church
|
|
|
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 DEC-JAN 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.
|
|
Whanau news
If you have something you would like to share in the Whanau news, please email it to info@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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
