As we’ve heard last week, disappointment is part of every day life. What about uncertainty? None of us are in control of every little detail of our lives. What I have learnt is that for me to live life well, to develop and cultivate good relationships, and to love those around me means that I need to be okay with constant change. Uncertainty and change are never threatening because I know that God is with me. He is always with me no matter where I go or what I go through.

How can I get away from your Spirit? Where can I go to escape from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth, you are also there. Suppose I were to rise with the sun in the east. Suppose I travel to the west where it sinks into the ocean.  Your hand would always be there to guide me. Your right hand would still be holding me close. Psalm 139: 7-10

~ Sandra Bruin 
 

My Plan or God's Plan? / Steve Clark  
Sometimes the day just doesn't work out the way you planned it. Yet, when you look back you can see God's fingerprints all over it. This week we are going to look at a very familiar story and see how God's plans often break into our lives so that His will can be fulfilled in and through us. Join us at 10AM in-person or online. We would love to have you join us online for the service if you are unwell.
 

For the Kids this Week...  
We are back! We are excited to start into our programmes this week. Here is a little of what we will be up to:
Preschool Programme (Wonder Kids) - is looking at the central theme of "Who Loves You?" This week they will explore the story of the Centurion and will build their understanding that Jesus loves them and wants to help them.
Primary aged Programme (Discovery Kids) - is exploring the concept of Respect through the story of Mary and Martha, encouraging to take time to show others that they are important.
Intermediate Programme (FBI) - is looking at the some of the important things that Jesus said. The key concept is that we remember what Jesus has done to know that he is still working.

UPCOMING DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
Please take note, dates may have changed due to recent rescheduling. 
19th February - Kids programmes start. 
12th March - Primary aged programme Parents Meeting - come along to hear a little more about the year ahead. 
19th March - Preschool aged programme Parents Meeting - come along to hear a little more about the year ahead.
If you have any questions about the above, please email me carol@fbc.nz or come see me on Sunday.
 

Prayer at 5pm
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
 
The pattern of this world is to live and to be in one’s own strength. The clubs of this world are governed by committees laying down human wisdom for the members. We are called as a people who follow Christ to be radically different. We are called to walk with our creator, we are called to have our minds transformed by his presence in prayer and praise and we are called to know His will and carry this out in the world in which He has placed us.

This takes time, this takes effort to spend the time with Christ in prayer. But it is a living experience like no other, as God walks and talks with his people.
Won’t you join us - Sundays, 5pm in the Church Auditorium

Alpha Sunday + Tim's Farewell
We are looking forward to Alpha Sunday, which is an awesome time to be reminded of the impacts that Alpha can have in the lives of our friends and family. This is a great service to invite family and friends to. Following the service we will also be celebrating the Palmer whānau. 
 

Inspire '23 
GIVING SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO SERVE AT FBC
Saturday Feb 25, from 1-3:30pm. Everyone who serves at FBC is invited to a relaxed afternoon of inspiration, prayer and worship. This will also be a time to share some practical tools, hear some testimonies and share some kai together. Our desire is that you leave this day with your heart full, and fueled to be a leader led by God. Take note of this date and register here. We would love to see you there!
Registrations close this Sunday! 
 

ALPHA — Courses coming up!
Monday 6th March @ 10am (click to register)
Wednesday 8th March @ 6.30pm (click to register)

Please pray and invite friends, neighbours and family to enjoy this fabulous course which teaches the basics of the Christian faith. We can no stress too strongly that the success of the course is totally reliant on YOU bringing people along.
 

Baby Sadie
Wendy and Josh are delighted to introduce to our church whanau, Sadie Marisha van de Worp. Weighs 4.275. Born at 3:18pm. Josh is on parental leave.

Flood Relief
We all want to contribute to the flood victims and right now it’s with food. Can you please drop these non-perishable items off to the church:
— Canned fish
— Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, tomatoes)
— Canned fruit
— Spreads (marmite, peanut butter)
— Rice and pasta
— Crackers and biscuits 
— Toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, tampons and pads, soap and moisturiser.

If you would like to support in other ways, St Andrew's Anglican Church (with the broken arch) is accepting items for flood victims and women's refuge. You can contribute good quality labeled linen (blankets, duvets and duvet covers, sheets and new pillows). Please drop them off from Monday to Thursday, 9-12pm. Ask at the church office out the back.

Intermediates — E-Camp!
When: 7 - 10 April 2023
Where: Finlay Park, Karapiro
This is going to an awesome weekend with thousands of Intermediates from across the North Island. As a group we will be staying in Tent Town, enjoying some inspirational speaking and all the fun. You don't want to miss this. Grab a flyer at church on Sunday and SIGN UP!

Youth — AWAKEN Easter Camp!
When: 6 - 10 April 2023
Where: Mystery Creek, Hamilton
Join thousands of teenagers from all over the North Island for a massive five day combined-youth gathering in the Waikato. Featuring great communicators, musical artists, outdoor activities, seminars, sports competitions, talent quest, pop up events and more. Buy your ticket now to take advantage of early bird prices! Note: you need to come to camp with a youth group - check out our website for more info. Really, what we're trying to say is - it's a massive vibe and you don't want to sleep on this! For More Info Please email josh@fbc.nz or talk to your youth leader.

Seedpods
Seedpods is a weekly play workshop and friendship group for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. We have just started last Thursday 16th February at 9.30am. Please contact Lynley Clark on 0276514349 if you are interested in attending. If you are interested but Thursday doesn't suit, please let us know. Flyers are available at the info desk if you have someone you would like to invite.

Missions Lunch
Paul Beisley from the Loyal Workshop will be sharing on Sunday 19th March. You are all welcome to join us for a shared lunch in the cafe after church.

Christmas Appeal 2022 Update
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the Christmas Appeal for the local worker for the Birds. The sum raised was just a little over $5,000. Along with some funds from another source the Birds will be able to keep this worker employed for at least 6 more months. Thanks again for your generosity.

A gift to thank the Palmer whānau
This Sunday we will be taking some time to thank Tim and his family for the way God has worked through them during their time serving at FBC. If you would like to financially contribute to this gift, you can give online. Our church bank account: 01 0403 0013842 00 or click here to donate now. Please put "Tim" in the reference.

A Book of Testimonies for the Palmers
On Sunday morning there will be a book available in the foyer for you to share how God has worked/moved in your life over the last seven years. It is a place to share testimonies of how God has led you, helped you to grow, miracles that God has graciously given. We would love this book to be an encouragement to Tim and his whānau, showing how God has been at work during the time Tim has been serving us as the Senior Pastor of FBC. Please take some time to write your story. If you would like to bring in a photo to stick in the book, you are most welcome!

Barista Coffee
We love providing good quality, inexpensive coffee on Sundays. However, the prices of commodities have gone up, so we need to increase the price of our barista coffees too. The new price is $4 for single coffee or you can purchase coffee cards for $40 (12 cups). Share your blessings over a cup of coffee!

Oasis
We meet this coming Wednesday at 10am for morning tea, a time of fellowship, praise and worship and some teaching on a video from Chuck Swindoll. Some food to help with morning tea is always appreciated. All are welcome. Hope to see you then. For more information contact Charlie Potter. 027 529 8211

GAT Prayer
Check out the latest news from the Global Action Team. Click here for the JAN - MAR newsletter. A printed copy is available at the Info desk. Thanks for upholding them and our other partners in prayer.

FREE BOOKS!
Attention!!! The FREE book table is here again. It's located near the hot drinks table in the cafe/lounge. Please feel free to take what books you would like.

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 Form

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