Kia Ora Church.

I honestly cannot believe that we are in August.  This second half of the year will pass in the blink of an eye.  I, myself, have a lot going on.  Juggling working for the church, relief teaching, family/friend commitments and relationships, attending CareyLocal, planning for a trip to India at the end of this month.  I do enjoy all these things, but it is busy!

To be honest, I have found myself overwhelmed at times. The thing that God has been encouraged to do is "Be still and know that I am God". Spending time with Him has always given me peace.

He has given me amazing blessings in the busyness. CareyLocal happens to be on self-directed study the three weeks I will be away so there are no lectures to catch up on. He has given me an amazing ministry team who run the programmes so well (along with some great pitch hitters who fill in the gaps for me).  He has given me a staff team that is stepping in for the things I cannot do.  He has given me family and friends who help me out.  I am so thankful to God and I am so thankful for you all.

This week can I encourage you to take time and slow down.  Spend some time just to be still and know that He is God.  Rest in His presence and enjoy His peace.

- Carol

Philippians 1:1-11/ Steve Clark
Lets consider, what does God require of us? 
Join us at 10AM in-person or online. There has been a rise in Covid and flu in the community 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 

For the Kids...  
Wonder Kids (Preschool Programme): We are focusing on days three and four of creation (Genesis 1:9-19)
Discovery Kids (Primary Programme): We are exploring that we were created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
FBI (Intermediate Programme): This week in FBI we are doing week 2 of a 3 week series looking at Breaking free from comparison. This week we are looking at how celebrating each other is better than comparing. 

We will also be starting to introduce tithes and offerings as a form of worship in our programmes from this week.  These Tithes and Offerings will go to buy books for the literacy programme that Kevin and Gillian are working with in Cambodia.  Parents, I have sent an email with more information to you.
If you have any questions, please email carol@fbc.nz

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.
 

Global Action Lunch
You are warmly invited to a pot luck lunch in the cafe after the service on Sunday August 13th. Anne Walsh will be relaying some of her ministry and mission experiences in Uganda. We look forward to seeing you there - GAT Team

Ministry Reports for Church Annual Report 2023
A big thank you to those who have already submitted their reports. Your promptness is much appreciated! For those who haven't, we hope your reports are already in process.

As ministry/team leaders, your insights, reflections, and visions are essential in informing, inspiring, and thanking God for the impact of our individual ministries and church participation.
Please compile your reports and email them to carol@fbc.nz this week. 

Church Update
Thank you to everyone who came to our Church Meeting a few weeks ago.  We value your input and support. 
We are currently compiling a list of church ministries and ministries connected to our church family.  We don't want to miss anyone out.  Please contact penny@fbc.nz to share your ministry details.

Join our Worship Workshop
Are you passionate about worship? Are you looking to enhance your musical skills and deepen your connection with God through music? We have some exciting news for you! 
Our Worship Team Leader, Josh Temu, has organized a series of workshops that will not only benefit our Worship Team but are also open to the wider church community. Mark your calendars for these inspiring sessions, which will take place every Thursday night from 7pm to 8.30pm throughout July, August, and September.
For schedules and availability click here.
Workshops will cover a range of musical areas, including vocals, drums, keys/piano, sound and media, and bass. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, there's something for everyone!
If you're interested in participating, simply get in touch with Josh after Church or send him an email at Josh.temu@fbc.co.nz. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to develop your worship skills. 

Alpha - The Marriage Course
An online course is planned for later this year - aimed at those couples with little children or who find themselves in a different location. More information coming soon!
Enquiries: sandra@fbc.nz

Alpha 
The next Alpha course is starting soon.
Start Dates: 
Monday 14th Aug @ 10am (with light refreshments)
Wednesday 16th Aug @ 6.30pm (dinner served)
We have just completed two wonderful courses and we are looking to do the same again.
Please think about who you would like to invite and think, what a privilege it is to journey with someone on their road to faith. Please enroll you and your guests on the form at our information desk or book online here: Mondays / Wednesdays.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to those who have made donations recently to the Alpha Course.
Are you able to help us?
We would like some volunteers to prepare and cook a meal for the Wednesday evening Alpha. Please contact office or Paul 021 147 1923
Thanks The Alpha team 

Oasis
We will be meeting again on Wednesday at 10am.  All are welcome! It would be appreciated, as always, if you are able to bring a food item towards morning tea. 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 during term time. 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.

A call to people who love baking
We would love to bless the couples attending the Marriage Course with home baking for each of the 7 sessions. If you want to join the serving team, please contact Sandra on sandra@fbc.nz or 027 215 7817.

Franklin Food Bank
A huge thank you to all that have been giving donations to the foodbank.  They have been most gratefully received.  We would love to make regular donations to the foodbank.  Please continue to leave canned and dry foods, along with hygiene products at the information desk.  Thank you for your generosity. 

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 JUN - JUL 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 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. 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. 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