Whānau News: 4 November

Hi Church Family, 
 
Welcome to another week of our whanau newsletter. We have lots going on in the life of the church right now so please have a read through and remember to buy your tickets for the high tea coming up, it’s going to be great. 
 
I’m reminded this week of the fact that making choices that are life giving now and in the future bring joy and hope. It can be a challenge to choose well at times, to choose to trust God rather than worry about situations, but the more we do it the greater life we experience. 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Blessings
Penny 

Thriving faith communities | Tim Palmer
This Sunday we celebrate communion together, looking at Romans 12:1-2.   Our pastors will share and reflect about Baptist Hui this week, and the five focus areas: Robust Leadership, Growing Disciples, Authentic Worship, Healthy Resources, Effective Mission. Join us at 10AM in-person or online.
 

Urgent update about the "Zion" cult
Sadly, we need to inform you about a cult that is having a damaging effect in our nation, and recently has been seeking to influence a few individuals in our own church.
We need to be aware of the damaging nature of this cult, sometimes known as “Zion Christian Mission Centre”, “Zion Church / Bible study” or “Shincheonji”.  It begins as a friendly Bible study, but becomes a very forceful and manipulative distortion of truth. 
 
I’ve attached an important letter and information from another Baptist pastor who has had to navigate this. (Link to the letter) Please take time to read, and to keep this on the radar for yourself, family members and other Christians. 
 
Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this.  It is important to understand that there is no need to feel embarrassed if you have been affected by this group, as they are very deceptive in the way they operate and portray themselves.
 
Please also pray about this situation, for the church of our nation, and for opportunities to share the gospel truth of Jesus Christ.

Chinese Alpha Course
华人启发课程
时间：10月21日 - 12月16日，每周五，10:30am - 1pm, 为期九周。
报名联系人：Jackie 027 9389182； Sally 021 0798176

Chinese Alpha course started but it is not too late to join! Please invite your family and friends to join Jackie and Sally for this exciting new venture. This is an Alpha course in the Chinese language (with English subtitles).Held in the church cafe from 10.30am to noon followed by a light buffet. Book your place on the course through FBC office - Paul 

Christmas Craft Market
Next Saturday,12th November, 9-2pm Cafe running. Various Christmas/birthday gifts to purchase. All handmade with love. If you make things and would like to sell them, click this link  to register your stall. For more information please contact Sandra – sandra@fbc.nz

High Tea/Picnic for Friends, Fun and Fundraising
Saturday 19th November 2 - 4.30pm Set in Caldwell’s beautiful garden in Karaka with High tea and live music. Tickets available at the info desk. $45 for two people (bring a friend) or $25 one person. Diary the date and watch and listen for more details.

Calendars for our Global Missions Partners
We are sending  the Calendars in the church foyer to those we support in Global mission.  Please take a moment after the service to write a short greeting.  This will be a blessing to them through 2023.

Covid Reminder/Update
We are aware that there is a lot of Covid-19 and flu cases in the community at present. We would love to have you join us online for the service if you are unwell.

Prayer Chain
If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Prayer Chain, please email Arlene Hutcheon on arlene@ps.gen.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.

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