Hello Church Family,
 
This week I have been pondering on the cross as we journey towards Easter. I'm reminded of the power of the cross where Jesus died for us, and then rose again to life. He has taken all of our sins and wrong doings and offers us forgiveness freely, Jesus offers us life.

What do we need to lay at the cross in preparation for Easter?
Jesus forgives freely and offers you and I life.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

 Blessings and love
~ Penny

The Lord Needs It / Sandra Bruin
This week, on Palm Sunday, we'll be looking at how all four gospels tell how Jesus entered Jerusalem as king, riding on a young donkey. Years before the birth of Jesus it was prophesied that their king would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey colt, gentle and humble. The donkey is an important part of the story and on Sunday we will explore the story of the donkey a bit deeper.
"The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly." Mark 11:3
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...  
Wonder Kids (Preschool Programme) - We are learning to love like Jesus loves through the story of Jesus choosing the disciples. 
Discovery Kids (Primary aged Programme) - We are looking at Palm Sunday and the way in which Jesus served the disciples by washing their feet, focusing on Humility
FBI (Intermediate Programme) - This week FBI will be looking at Easter and the importance of this story in our faith

KIDS CHURCH DATES TO KEEP IN MIND 
2nd April - Parent meetings:
Parents of primary aged children, brief meeting during the service
Parents of Preschoolers, directly after the church service. 
If you have any questions about the above, please email carol@fbc.nz or come see Carol on Sunday.

Prayer at 5pm
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. The presence of God’s Spirit fuelled by prayer brings God’s wisdom, strength and compassion into our lives and victory over the many issues that have held us back in the past. We would love you to join us, humble ourselves and pray -Sundays 5pm in the Church Auditorium.
 

Intermediates — E-Camp!
When: 7 - 10 April 2023
Where: Finlay Park, Karapiro
This is going to be an awesome weekend with thousands of Intermediates from across the North Island. As a group we will be staying in Tent Town. 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. Buy your ticket now. Note: you need to come to camp with a youth group - check out our website for more info. For more info please email josh@fbc.nz or talk to your youth leader.

We do not want cost to be a barrier for young people to attend these events.  Please talk to staff if you would like your child/teen to attend e-camp/Easter camp and we will work with you to make this happen. 
 

Franklin Food Bank
We are partnering with the Catholic Church in Pukekohe to provide a food bank for those in need. They would love donations of:

Daylight Saving Time is ending
Don't forget, clocks are turned backward 1 hour on Sunday, 2 April 2023!

Giving: Tax Year Ending
The tax year will end on 31 March, so today is your last opportunity to give a donation that would reflect on this year's tax receipt (for rebating purposes). Please make sure that your donations are in the church bank account by Friday 31 March 2022. Give online, through automatic payment or direct debit. Our church bank account: 01 0403 0013842 00 or click here to donate now.

30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
The annual prayer focus for the Muslim World over the fasting month of Ramadan is from 22nd March to 20th April 2023. 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is a prayer guide that inspires. It is filled with stories to help us learn about, love and pray for Muslim peoples. You can use it individually, in life groups and families. The prayer guide booklet is available to download from the international website https://www.pray30days.org. There is a cost of US$2 which is about NZ$3.25. Please contact Val Horne or Stuart Smith if you are unable to download the guide and would like a printed copy.

Donation Rebates/Receipts
Hi FBC whanau. If you’ve made a donation above $5 to any registered charity, religious organisation or school in the past 4 years, you’re eligible for a 33% rebate from Inland Revenue. If you need help in processing your rebates, we've found a company that can help.
For more information, click this link: Supergenerous.  They will collect all of your donation receipts, lodging the claim with IRD and processing your donation rebates on your behalf. It also gives you the choice to either get the refund or re-gift it back to Franklin Baptist Church. Please note that donation receipts will be sent on the last week of April 2023.

Barista Coffee
Due to the success of pre-ordering coffees before the service begins we are going to continue as a regular opportunity. We will continue to take orders after the service, however, if you’re able to pre-order before 10am we would hugely appreciate it. Pre-ordering is available from 9:30am every Sunday morning volunteer team dependant.  

Chapel Service
We meet next Wednesday at 11am, followed by a luncheon at 12pm. All are welcome, so come and join us for a mid-week opportunity to worship God and have fellowship together over a meal. A Koha to cover the cost of a meal is appreciated. For more information contact Charlie Potter. 027 529 8211

Seedpods
Seedpods is a weekly play workshop and friendship group for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. Thursdays 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.

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 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.

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.

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