GBC Blog

GBC Web Site & Facebook

2011-10-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years we have been trying to develop our new web site into something that not only will be of interest to GBC folk but also one that be of interest to our local community and beyond.

Apart from informing on our Sunday services we also show many of our community services, Faith in Axion partners and our Mission Statement. Scattered amongst all this information are Bible verses that may speak to the many visitors to our site from home or overseas. Last month we had visit not just in New Zealand but from Australia, USA, Brazil, Philippines, Turkey, Cook Islands, India, Czech Republic and the UK. Over recent month people in Myanmar, Vietnam, Yemen, Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea, Co te d’Ivoire, Sweden and France have all looked at our web site. This year we have had nearly 1500 visits to our web site with an average of 3 pages viewed per visit.

Recently we have added a Facebook page for GBC that can be used to promote up-coming events such as the Light Party, Sugar and Spice or the visit of Graham and Wanda Ashby. We are working with our Web Hosts to get the two linking more efficiently so that our GBC life can be promoted not only to our GBC family but also to our community, our world. We may never know the full extent of what impact our web site may have in the lives of people that check it out, it could be that they read one of the many Bible verses scattered throughout its pages, listen to one of our Sunday messages or bring their child to our Community Playgroup, so let us use it for the Glory of God to reach people in Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and the World.

If you’re on Facebook add us, so your friends can see just how exciting life at GBC is!

Graham and Wanda Ashby

2011-10-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Once again we as a Church family will have the privilege of hosting Graham and Wanda Ashby.

For those that were with us in May of this year will know that Graham and Wanda Ashby have been involved in a travelling ministry throughout New Zealand and Internationally for 25 years.

In demand throughout New Zealand and fresh from a 3 month preaching and teaching tour of Northern Ireland, Graham will once again bring a real passion of Bible preaching and teaching to GBC.

Graham is an evangelist by conviction, not convenience, and soundly yet relevantly presents the Gospel to all who hear him.

Graham is a gifted communicator to all age groups. Whether he is explaining the Gospel to children or more established in age he has the unique ability to capture their attention.

While at Greerton Bible Church (16 – 21 November) Graham and Wanda will be involved in

Wednesday 16
Marriage Matters (Part 3) (evening)

Thursday 17
More than Craft – devotions (am)
Marriage Matters (Part 4) (evening)

Friday 18
CHAOS youth service (evening)

Sunday 20
GBC speaking (am)
GBC Family Ministries Event (afternoon
GBC Evening event

Monday 21
Girls Rally (devotions)

Start planning to be at as many of these events as you can and don’t forget to invite your friends, contacts and extended family.

The Music Ministry

2011-09-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Psalm 34:3
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt
His name together.

We are the ministry group at GBC that you see every week and thus you may feel that you know all about us. What you see on a Sunday is only a small part of what has gone on behind the scenes.

The role of our ministry is to serve our church family by assisting them to “connect” with God each time we gather together. It is like taking a journey. We seek to gather our church family together, and then move them from a point of corporate praise and worship to a place of individual worship and response. The songs chosen are the route we take. We see the music as part of the message. We choose songs to bring focus at communion, to bring opportunity for commitment and challenge after the message or encouragement for the week ahead at the end of the service.

The music as you see it on a Sunday has already had 2 1/2 hours work by the music team as well as the prayer and time taken to choose the songs. Working together to produce an accompaniment that enhances each song takes us time, practise and sometimes compromise. We do not have everything perfect; however we do strive to give our best each Sunday.

We have two music teams, consisting of a combination of musicians of vastly different skills, experience and musical styles. Altogether we number at least 15. Some faithful music team members are involved very regularly; others bless us with their talents on a short term basis. We are grateful for the contribution of each person and pay special tribute to Syd who has been working for both teams all year.

Please pray with us for new musicians to join us, and especially a Team Leader who can develop and lead this ministry in the future. Thank you to those who encourage us. Please keep praying for us – this is a 52 week of the year ministry.

On behalf of the music ministry

More Than Craft

2011-09-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

This is a Thursday morning craft group - not to be confused with Care & Craft, held on Wednesday. This is a regular event running for 8-9 weeks throughout the school terms. This gives the tutors and staff a good break to recharge their batteries.

The AIM of More than Craft is to reach out into the community with the message of Christ by way of craft and friendship.

The strategy for achieving our AIM is:

to plan and put into place

A) relevant crafts demonstrated by talented tutors. We are blessed to have 11 creative tutors each with 3-10 people at their table. The range of crafts include floral art, painting, mosaics, teddies, card-making, quilling, embroidery, hardanger, doll-making, paper tole and specialised machining.

B) a spoken message. A 5 minute Christian message is read out after morning tea. A copy along with a recipe is given to everyone to take home. In our final week of term we dispense with craft and have a social time café style with lots of lovely morning tea and a programme. Our folk understand that there will be a spiritual content and Praise God most turn out for that morning.

C) with friendship evangelism - as we chat throughout the morning. We ensure all members and visitors are welcomed, valued and appreciated. We work hard as kitchen hostesses and committee to from friendships. We invite people home for lunch, listen carefully to their stories with a deep desire to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

If you’ve passed by on a Thursday morning you’ll be familiar with the overflowing car park. Inside, the hall is full of trestle tables with approximately 80 people bent over a variety of crafts. These folk - mostly ladies (we have 2 men who come), have come from all over Tauranga but also include some from Te Puke. Some come just for friendship and chat with little actual work getting done - not hard for women eh?

Our committee of 7 thank God for the opportunity to serve him in this way. We always pray for his presence with us and that all wilt be done for His Glory. We value our church family and all that is done behind the scenes for us. Please pray for those non Christian folk who come each week and that as a team we will have wisdom in all we do.

On behalf of the MTC Committee

GBC Community Playgroup

2011-09-12T17:32:00.001-07:00

It was great to get a full Certificate of Registration in June this year in accordance with the Education Playgroups regulations 2008. We are funded by the Ministry of Education and must also comply with all Health & safety regulations. Playgroup is held every Tuesday 9.30-11.30am during term time. We currently have a roll of 45 children and all parents and caregivers are encouraged to take part.

Group philosophy

We aim to have a relaxed and stimulating environment for Pre-schoolers. Children learn from hands-on experience so a wide range of activities is available for them. We also provide a comfortable and supportive environment for the caregivers and parents. We endeavour to make sure that everyone is valued and supported through the years of bringing up their small children.

A typical morning

Children enjoy a time of free play and activities. These include: puzzles, painting, books, bikes, play-dough, dramatic play and sand pit. We try to have a theme activity for the day and invite parents/caregivers to offer ideas. We also have a mat time with music and stories where everyone (including the adults) is encouraged to take part. Morning tea is provided for the children. This is covered in their door charge - $2 for community families or $2 for each child with an agency caregiver. The parents/caregivers bring morning tea for the adults on a rostered basis.

On behalf of GBC Community Playgroup

Fathers' Day

2011-09-05T00:54:00.001-07:00

Words, words, words.....what words describe your Dad?

There is no doubt about it being a parent and a father can be an interesting and trying experience.

Mark Twain said, "When I was a boy of 14 my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to the 21, I was astonished at how much the old man learned in 7 years."

Someone wrote these words entitled, "The World According to Dad." These are words that most dads have said at some time or another to their children.

- This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. - Quiet. I’m watching the game. - Don’t forget to check the oil. - Bring back all the change.

- How should I know? Ask your mother. - I’m not made out of money! - When I was your age I walked 5 miles to and from school each day and it was uphill both ways. - You are going and you will have fun! - Who’s paying the bills around here, anyway? - If you break your leg don’t come running to me. - Don’t put your feet on the furniture. Your mother will kill you. - Get down before you kill yourself. - Quit playing with your food. - Be quiet! Can’t you see I’m trying to think! - Why? Because I said so! - If you don’t quit that I’m going to call your mother. - You better get that stuff picked up before your mother comes in here. - Just wait till you have kids of your own. - I was not asleep. I was just resting my eyes.

Someone said, "Parents spend the first part of a child’s life urging him to talk and walk, and the rest of his childhood telling him to sit down and keep quiet." Both parenting and fatherhood can be a real trial. And yet a real blessing.

Here is a letter than someone wrote to their dad.

There are so many things I’d like To tell you face to face; I either lack the words or fail To find the time and place.

But in this special letter, Dad, You’ll find, at least in part, The feelings that the passing years Have left within my heart.

The memories of childhood days And all that you have done, To make our home a happy place And growing up such fun!

I still recall the walks we took, The games we often played; Those confidential chats we had While resting in the shade.

This letter comes to thank you, and, For needed words of praise; The counsel and the guidance, too, That shaped my grown-up days.

No words of mine can tell you, Dad, The things I really feel; But you must know my love for you Is lasting, warm and real.

You made my world a better place, And through the coming years; I’ll keep these memories of you As cherished souvenirs. ...

Have a great Fathers’ Day

INK

2011-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Last term saw the launch of a new youth initiative for intermediate age kids from our church and community groups – INK.

INK is held once a month on a Saturday night at GBC and is a social event for Year 7 & 8 kids. It is intended to be a fun night where the kids can get to know each other and strengthen friendships.For sometime there has been an awareness that some of the kids we contact through Rally and ICONZ are not being linked into other church groups and by the time they reach the age for CHAOS youth they are no longer associated with GBC. It is hoped that INK will help with the transition into the CHAOS youth programme.

Recently we held a Newspaper games night and had sixteen kids attend; twelve of these kids were not from GBC homes.

Other events have been ‘The Great Crunchie Hunt’, ‘Veggie Tales’ – movie making night and swimming at Baywave followed by a barbecue tea.

Next month we are holding a ‘Master Chef’ evening on 17 September.

While INK stands for INtermediate Kids it can also refer to our desire to see young people making their 'mark' on the world as Christians.

On behalf of the INK team.

Girls Rally

2011-08-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Girls Rally meets fortnightly on Mondays during term time. Juniors (aged 7 years to school year 6) meet from 4pm to 6pm and Seniors (Intermediate age upwards) meet from 6.30 till 8.30pm. We have 30 regulars in each group making a total of 60 girls all of whom are very keen and enjoying the program of games, parade, devotions and crafts. (One night last term our senior group had 100% attendance).

Highlights this last term have been a number of girls from both rallies becoming Christians and now wanting to learn more about Jesus and Gods word.

During these school holidays 4 of our senior girls and Liz M. went to National Leadership Training Camp held at Totara Springs. They learned a huge amount and participated in things way outside of their comfort zone earning good grades and gaining their certificates. Thanks to fund-raising and donations from Church members their camp fees were fully covered and we thank all those who gave and also ate our sausages and fudge.

Senior girls were also involved at Totara Springs at the children's camp – some as leaders and some as leaders in training. They also helped in the Holiday program. A number are also attending Youth Group and we hope to have some of our Intermediate girls joining the younger youth group which is starting up. We are very proud of all our girls and how keen they are to participate.

We also have outreach nights during the year and recently hosted our ‘Mothers night’ ‘Mid-winter Christmas Dinner’. With Mothers bringing a plate towards the main course we fed 140 people with the message being given by the American Outreach team. Fathers night will be held at the end of this term and if there are any GBC Men out there who would be willing to be a substitute Dad for the night please let me know. We have a number of girls without Dads who would like to ‘borrow’ you for the night (age no barrier).

On behalf of the Girls Rally Team.

ICONZ

2011-07-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

What is ICONZ? The ICONZ organization is a subsidiary of NZ Boys Brigade. The Name ICONZ has Icons and NZ because it is the aim to develop each child into a Kiwi Icon using positive role models (Kiwi Icons) from families, churches and from within the local community. The curriculum material builds on the heritage, culture and pride that are unique to our country. Through this we want to grow meaningful and positive relationships and boundaries for teaching under the (ALLS Fun) principles of Adventure, Leadership, Life Skills and Fun. Greerton Bible church’s ICONZ meets on Tuesdays fortnightly and is for boys in years 3-6. However, we are currently discussing the years served as it would be very good to feed these kids into Youth Group when we are finished.

Just this week I had the opportunity of seeing one of the boys that used to go to ICONZ at Winter Kid’s Camp. This boy most likely does not go to a church. His mum told me how much he misses ICONZ now that he is older. He is quite keen to start at youth group but needs to wait until term 4. Thankfully I had the opportunity to introduce him to Eddie at camp but there are plenty of kids that leave ICONZ and are not associated with any church but have a desire for the acceptance they find at church events.

At ICONZ, boys participate in different learning experiences such as bush safety, swimming skills, drama skills, and many others. When they have completed these they receive badges.

In November there is an area ICONZ camp. We are currently fundraising in hopes that we will be able to take all the boys for a cost of $10 to them as many cannot afford the full cost. We are booked to do a sausage sizzle at Mitre 10 in Oct which should be lots of fun!! Thanks to everyone that has sponsored our bake sales!

We have a great group of leaders that truly love spending time with these boys. Thanks so much to those that pray and are interested in this group.

The ICONZ Team.

Sugar & Spice

2011-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sugar & Spice is a women’s ministry of GBC, run by women for women. All events are designed to bring women into a purposeful relationship with one another and into a personal relationship with Jesus. Our desire is to bless women in our community, through the country and around the globe.

We have events once a term for women aged 15 years plus and have hosted 16 events over the last 4 years.

We started the year with a “Walk & Talk” afternoon, where we walked and talked around the Art Gallery on a very wet afternoon, followed by pastries and coffee at a local French Café. Ruth Bloomfield spoke to us on our Global Positioning - what are we aligning ourselves with?

In term 2 we had “Breakfast with Wanda” at the Charthouse. 70 ladies enjoyed the buffet breakfast while looking out over the glistening harbour. Wanda Ashby challenged us on whether we make time for ourselves, friends and God in our lives. It was so good to see GBC women there with their neighbours, as well as women from More than Craft.

Our next event is on Saturday 13 August – our annual Chick Flick. More details to follow.

We aim to make women feel appreciated and special. The little extra personal touches do matter. We all need to be valued and this is a great way to show women in our community that they are important.

Sugar & Spice also makes it possible for GBC women to attend the annual Sistas Conference in Auckland. This year the conference is in November.

Thank you to all those who pray for us and the work God is doing in these women’s lives. Thank you too to the youth group and GBC men who support us practically with shifting heavy pews and security.

On behalf of Sugar & Spice

Friendship Group

2011-07-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you all from our Friendship group, which has been operating for about 25yrs. We started out as the ‘Maxi’ group then changed our title to the ‘50 Plus’ group and later adopted our present ‘Friendship Group’. We do so enjoy our fellowship

together with plenty of fun and games, outings and picnics etc. We meet once a month on the second Friday, over lunch. We have a devotional talk given by one of the men at each of the meetings too.

We are really grateful to those folk who open their homes to us for our gatherings and from time to time we also meet at the Church Activity Centre.

The Friendship group also supports a child from Manila in the Philippines - Manuel 10yrs. He wrote the following to us:

“How are you? I am very thankful for all the support you given to me especially the school supplies and my tuition; for my school needs. Thank you for monthly allowance that you give to me. I am shy because of my grade, but next this year I will study hard to do my best in school.”

We support Manuel with $52 every four months through New Hope Christian Ministries.

It is always a pleasure to meet with our friends and show how much we appreciate and love them. So if you’d like to come along and join us we would love to hear from you.

On behalf of the Friendship Group

Rest Home Services

2011-07-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

When asked the benefits of living to be 100 years old, one centenarian smiled and said "There's very little peer pressure ".

We are involved in 3 Rest Homes

Bethlehem Views - we were excited recently to be asked to be on their roster in this very new home. We have had our first turn there and had 15 "in-house folk" and had very good "feed back".

Cedar Manor - our numbers have dropped a little of late, but there is a lovely core group who attend. At the request of a dear
little lady from this home who mentioned how she misses the "communion service" we arranged with our team to have our own little service with some of them in our home. What a special time that was.

Althorp - We regularly have 50 to 60 folk - some with limited attention spans but all with great smiles. The staff here are extremely supportive and we have several of them who sit in on our services.

It is a great privilege to spend time with these precious people - many have no family and just love to hold your hand and chat and have a laugh. How they love the old hymns. Many times we feel like the ones "being blessed "as well as "bringing blessing " as they thank us so much for coming. Our aim is to bring the love of the Lord and the hope of the next life in Heaven, and just to love them and spend time with them. We let them know we are available for extra personal visits or chats.

We are blessed to have a wonderful team of supporters to work with who all bring their own personal contribution to our programmes.

On behalf of our team.

Mission Team Update

2011-06-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

We know God has placed a group of passionate, gifted people at GBC and that He has places and people he wants us to impact with the Gospel. What an exciting calling! God has been working in awesome ways through the generosity of our GBC family and the dedicated service of our Faith in Axion partners. Together we are reaching people in Bouganville, Thailand and China, training three students for ministry in India, transporting missionaries & supplies in PNG, building & repairing through MMM and planting churches & caring for orphans in Zambia. Next month you’ll hear more about our partners & have the opportunity to get behind them again through your faith promises. We also plan to bring you a new partnership opportunity. Brian Stark from IT is helping the Mission Team and Elders to prayerfully consider where God might be leading us in mission as a Church family. So far, we feel God is showing us that children’s ministry is a strategic mission focus for us so we are exploring that.

Other exciting family mission news:

Charlie Shadbolt is starting as the Youth Director for Global Connections in Mission as Emma goes on Maternity leave at the end of May. Congrats Charlie!

Colin & Rosemary Mcintosh returning to NZ from PNG in July. Let’s make them really welcome.

Debora McIntosh looking for support to undertake discipleship training and ministry outreach through Joshua Wilderness Institute in the US.

Mark and Emma Stokes have been invited to work with Bright Hope World as Thailand Partnership Facilitators and are in discussions with the Elders and Mission Team about this.

Have a great week and take some time to ask God about His plans for GBC in mission.

The GBC Mission Team

Urgent Prayer Chain

2011-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had an ‘Urgent’ or ‘Emergency’ situation when you have immediately petitioned our Lord God Almighty, and also felt that you would like quick prayer support from others?
Here at Greerton Bible Church, we passionately believe in PRAYER.

Out of scores of verses on ‘Prayer’, these two are Commands:- James 5:13 (NIV) “Is any of you in trouble ? He should pray.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) “Pray continually.”

We also believe in upholding before God’s Throne of Grace, those of our brothers and sisters in the Lord who, in a time of urgent need, seek immediate prayer support from others in our Church family.
On behalf of the GBC Urgent Prayer Chain.

LifeLink Community Trust

2011-05-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

This was established in 2007. It desires to facilitate the improvement of the social, cultural, spiritual and economic lives of the people of Tauranga with special emphasis on those living in the Merivale and Greerton area. The Trust applies for funding from various sources to enable these goals to be met.

We continue to have a budget advisor working at GBC each Friday morning. This is a free service run in conjuction with Tauranga Budget Advice Service. In January 2011 we received funding from Southern Trust to enable us to continue to employ part time Ali Syme, a fully trained counsellor. She is based at GBC and is available to counsel those in the community who have needs.

We welcome inquiries from community based activities linked with GBC who may require funding for special projects, we may be able to assist you with this.

We now have a website www.llct.org.nz

On behalf of the LLCT.

GONKS

2011-05-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

We Gonks, have just celebrated our fifth birthday, and it is interesting to think back over the last five years at the things we have done as a group and fun we have had in each other's company.

For those of you who don't know what a "GONK" is, the name "GONK" is an acronym for "Getting Older No Kids" and we are a group of mature "Teenagers" in the age group commonly known as "Empty Nesters." Our families,( if we had them) have left home and those of us who still have hair now feel free to let it down, those who haven't, just reflect the glory of the sunlight or moonlight or whatever light happens to be on at the time.

We welcome all, married or singles, who have a mature teenage type outlook on life and are prepared to enjoy themselves in a variety of social activities.

Our main aims are to get to know each other better, to enjoy each other's company and to provide a non threatening environment where church folk can invite friends and neighbours to enjoy an evening of fun.

We get together every second month, the next meeting being the 11th of June. At the time of writing this, details are still being confirmed.

Activities over recent months have included bus trips, eating, indoor bowls, eating, games evening. eating, and our Christmas Dinner. And no, we don't believe there is too much emphasis on eating, it is a necessary part of life.

We do make every effort to keep costs as low as we can to make activities affordable for everyone but for most evenings there is at least a minimum charge of $3 per person. This helps to offset some of the costs of materials and equipment and also subsidises some of the other activities.

Numbers still tend to average around twenty seven to thirty five but we have had as many as sixty to some evenings.

If you are in the "Empty Nester" age group and are not afraid of enjoying yourself and making friends, come along and join us on the 11th of June.

On behalf of the GONKS,

Mission Team Update

2011-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Have a great week and take some time to ask God about His plans for GBC in mission.

The GBC Mission Team

Job Description

2011-05-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

Job Title: Mother

Responsible to:

Everybody in the world and Almighty God

Hours of work:

Dawn to Dusk, some nights shifts required

Days of the week:

Seven

Term of Employment:

Permanent once employed

Working Relationships:

Children and all who enter the children’s’ sphere

Attributes required:

Caring,willing,supportive,longsuffering,noble,self sacrificing, fair,sharing etc etc etc

Applicant must be able to cope with:

Sleepless nights, tantrums, messes, tight schedules, washing, ironing, cooking and a myriad of other tasks.

Experience in Mediation and Problem Solving are an advantage.

Only those dedicated and in for the long haul need apply

Remuneration - Immeasureable

Name: ....................................................................

Signature: ............................................................

Date: .......................................

BKC (Bible Kid’s Club)

2011-05-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

BKC is for children school years 1-6. While that is a very large age spread it is also really neat to see older ones helping and being examples for the younger ones. Our teaching comes from mostly the same passages as those being taught in adult worship. That is done with a purpose so that parents and children can discuss together what they are learning. Parents are the spiritual teachers of their children and we are here to assist them in that.

First term we took a Road Trip through the Book of Acts. Each week the kids did a drama of the story and they LOVED it! This term we will be talking about how to be ‘Agents in Action” for God and applying that to some of 1 John.

We have an awesome team of leaders who are very committed to sharing God’s love with the kids. We were looking forward to a student from Central Bible College of the Bible, Joplin, Missouri joining us in the middle of May as an intern. However, our student is experiencing some serious health issues and her plans are on hold at the moment. She would truly covet your prayers as she awaits test results and the probable change in plans, as she was booked to arrive in NZ May 20th.

The end of term two will bring lots of cool things as the A Team are to arrive 7th of July and will be leading in BKC for a couple of Sundays. The 18th-22nd of July will be the High Seas Expedition Holiday Programme. The following week 25th-29th of July those in years 5-8 (ages 8-13) will be able to join a group of leaders from GBC and the A team going to the Winter Camp at Totara Springs. It’s going to be memory making month!

In everything we do in the Children’s Ministry it is our mission to “Tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of His power and the mighty miracles He did. So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.” Ps. 78:4b-7. We always appreciate your prayers and encouragements as we strive to fulfill this mission!

Blessings.

Pam (Children’s Pastor)

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

2011-04-23T21:49:00.001-07:00

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every

Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished..

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm finished.."

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........

The folded napkin meant,

"I'm coming back!"

On this Resurrection Sunday may you be so aware of the power and the message that one little folded napkin shouts to you and me.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend in the secure knowledge that He is alive……….and coming back.

John (Pastor)

Hospitality Team

2011-04-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

By serving and supporting GBC members and ministries and using hospitality our teams vision is to help GBC transform and multiply and reach out to our community.

We are a team of 10 ladies and are grateful for the assistance of others including men when needed. We enjoy serving the Lord and our GBC family and the friendship, fellowship and support we have as a team.

Our duties include catering, general kitchen duties, organise and replenish kitchen supplies, network with other groups and assist with special events, updating kitchen equipment, “spring cleans” etc. We do some special events e.g. providing food for “Habitat for Humanity” quick build teams of volunteers.

We are very grateful for the always very generous responses to requests for food for GBC morning teas, lunches etc. continuing our historic tradition of excellence and abundance when it comes to food!

From the Hospitality Team.

CHAOS Youth

2011-04-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be wondering why the name CHAOS, it is an acronym for Christ Has Already Overcome Sin. It was chosen and made up by the youth themselves and we all take ownership of it. There is also a verse that goes with it found in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

At the end of last year we took the youth through a journey of the Armour of God and how each part is important to wear so in the end we are still standing, this term we are looking at the fruit of the spirit and how we nurture and grow it. Now this would be impractical teaching if we don’t go out and show it. So this year we have gone around practically to show generosity to the community, one girl’s team baked biscuits for the local police another cleaned windows for the neighbours and the boys went out and delivered a load of wood as well as mowing their lawns. CHAOS this year is looking at doing more things in the community whether it be having fun or a bit of elbow grease and this is how practically we wear the armour of God and show fruit of the Spirit.

Our leadership team would like to thank those who have put prayer, time, money and effort for the youth we have at GBC. We had an awesome time last year and it’s been an even greater start to this year.

God Bless

Eddie and Alicia

Treehouse Update

2011-03-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

So whats happening in Treehouse? That naughty snake! I don’t like apples any more! Don’t you love opening up a can of worms that spill out into so many questions and feelings?

Treehouse has started with a bang! And along with my team we will Endeavour to plant seeds and write Gods word on their hearts. We are trying to keep them really busy with heaps of hands on stuff to do. We tried to build a really tall tower the other week but we weren’t as clever as we thought we were. Maybe a little like the people who tried to build the tower of Babel. Anyhow lots of singing, talking, coloring, playing, stories and praying. Oh and morning tea and that can’t come quick enough for some. [Hopefully all children are now eating apples!]

Prayer Points

-Pray for the children who are a little unsettled, that they will find Treehouse a safe, fun place to be to learn about God.

-It would be great to have two more helpers to create another team.

-To thank God for what he is already doing in these little lives and for the ones to come we don’t even know about yet.

The kids are just gorgeous! They never cease to make you laugh, try your patience, use up all the tissues for what ever, but most of all they remind us about our Father in Heaven and how He wants us to have the heart of a childs. Thanks for your support and prayers in our ministry.

From Treehouse Team

Pastoral Care

2011-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Some missionaries in the Philippines set up a croquet game in their front yard. Several of their tribal neighbours became interested and wanted to join the fun. The missionaries explained the game and started them out, each with a mallet and ball. As the game progressed, opportunity came for one of the players to take advantage of another by knocking that person’s ball out of the court. A missionary explained the procedure, but his advice only puzzled the tribesman. “Why would I want to knock his ball out of the court?’ he asked. ‘So you will be the one to win!’ a missionary said. The short-statured man, clad only in a loincloth, shook his head in bewilderment.

Competition is generally ruled out in a hunting and gathering society where people survive not by competing but by sharing equally in every activity. The game continued, but no one followed the missionaries’ advice. When a player successfully got through all the wickets, the game was not over for him. He went back and gave aid and advice to his fellows. As the final player moved toward the last wicket, the affair was still very much a team effort. And finally, when the last wicket was played, the ‘team’ shouted happily, “We won! We won!”

That is how the Church, the body of Christ, should be. We’re a team. We all win together. Pastoral care here at GBC is very much a team effort. We all have a responsibility to show, live and reveal the love of Jesus Christ to each other within the GBC family and the community in which we are a part of. Who is going to benefit from your ‘pastoral care’ this week?

John (Pastor)

What is your story?

2011-03-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

“An inner city church had an annual student recognition day. Normally, students would share about their educational experiences and then the pastor would get up and offer a few closing words. One year, the pastor’s words were a bit alarming. He stood up in front of all the young graduates and proud parents and said, "Children, you’re going to die! You may not think you’re going to die, but you’re going to die! One of these days they’re going to take you out to the cemetery, drop you in a hole, throw some dirt on your face, and go back to the church to eat potato salad ...

When you were born, you alone were crying, and everybody else was happy. The important question I want to ask is this: When you die are you alone going to be happy, leaving everybody else crying? The answer depends on whether you live to get titles or testimonies. Will they list your degrees and awards, or will they tell about what you meant to their lives? Will you leave behind a newspaper column telling people how important you were, or will you leave behind crying people who give their testimonies about how they’ve lost the best friend they ever had? Will they talk about all the boards you sat on and things you owned, or will they talk about all the money you gave away that made a difference in this world?”

"There’s nothing wrong with titles. Titles are good things to have. But if it ever comes down to a choice between a title or a testimony, go for the testimony ..." "Pharaoh may have had the title, but Moses had the testimony!

Nebuchadnezzar may have had the title, but Daniel had the testimony! Queen Jezebel may have had the title, but Elijah had the testimony!

Pilate may have had the title, but my Jesus had the testimony! And then he asked a single question: "What will it be for your life?"

John (Pastor)

Not For Sale...

2011-02-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

The devil, according to legend, once advertised his tools for sale at public auction. When the prospective buyers assembled, there was one oddly shaped tool, which was labelled “Not for sale.” Asked to explain why this was, the devil answered, “I can spare my other tools, but I cannot spare this one. It is the most useful implement that I have. It is called Discouragement, and with it I can work my way into hearts otherwise inaccessible. When I get this tool into a man’s heart, the way is open to plant anything there I may desire.”

If there is one thing that is constant it is that we all are subject to discouragement. There is no shortage of discouragements to hinder the work of God. The Bible is full of men and women of God who at times became discouraged. And let us be honest, you and I get discouraged from time to time.
This morning as we continue to explore the life of Paul we will see that even this great Apostle, this awesome man of God also had to deal with discouragement.
While it is true that friends encourage us and positive results encourage us the greatest encouragement of all is the Lord himself.

As you spend time this week reading His word (your Bible) ask Him to read something that encourages you……but don’t keep it to yourself…..share this encouragement with someone else.

Have a great week, thanks for being part of the GBC family,

John (Pastor)

On the go...

2011-02-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Just this week in all the headlines and TV news we were swamped by the mixed and various needs that a community like ours has. If anything each BOP Times headlines reminds us and challenges us to make sure that our evangelism, our community involvement is nothing short of being totally effective.

Paul certainly led an action packed life, he was always ‘on the go’.

Do you know anyone who cannot sit still? They always have to be doing something. Even when sitting, their motor is running (leg shaking)!

When you think about it the Apostle Paul was like that…he always had to be preaching or witnessing or discipling or visiting. He could have settled down comfortably in the large church at Antioch, but he didn’t…not as long as there were more people who needed to be reached, he had “itchy feet.”

He didn’t view the church as a parking lot, but more as a launching pad!

Maybe today will be a launching pad for your renewed relationship with Jesus Christ or perhaps it may re-ignite your passion for the community that God has entrusted to us as a church.

Whatever has happened in your week our prayer is that you relax, have a great morning here at GBC and with all that goes on trust that you let God speak to you.

John (Pastor)

Prayer

2011-02-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday at GBC we had the privilege of exploring Acts 13:1-6.

Have you ever thought about your prayer life? Have you ever examined it and wished that you could be better at communicating with God? Have you ever just felt like there were times when your prayers were just hitting the ceiling and bouncing right back down?

It seems that sometimes as Christians we pray asking God to do certain things, either in our life or the lives of others, only to be totally surprised when God answers our prayers.

What do you seek God to do in your prayer? So many times we are guilty of saying, "God supply my needs", "God supply my wants", "God make things turn out the way I want them to". Have we forgotten that the great God of heaven and earth has needs also? He needs to know that we love Him. He not only wants us to tell Him this, He wants us to prove it by serving Him faithfully. He needs to know that we desire to fellowship with Him. This involves spending time with God. It’s more than just a passing comment. Sometimes it means spending time in prayer talking to Him and sometimes it means shutting up and listening to what He has to say. He needs to know that we are devoted to Him. That means choosing Him when we have a choice. It’s amazing just to think that God wants to answer our prayers but He desires for us (me included) to be in the proper attitude for prayer. In the coming months ahead you are going to be asked to pray for specific things. As a leadership our prayer, our desire is that we all learn to pray with the right attitude. Take time to listen carefully to this morning’s message and ask God to challenge you (just focus on you) in your prayer life.

Have a great week

John (Pastor)

Welcome back to GBC.

2011-02-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

I trust that all of you that have been on holiday had a great time away with friends and family.

I guess in a way ‘normality’ began to set in again this week. The kids are back at school, most of us are back at work, many community service groups that we operate here at GBC all start up again next week (if they haven’t already).

Today we start a series on the ‘Life of Paul’. As we journey through this series we will see that living a life ‘in Christ’ is anything but normal.

The highlights of Paul’s life that we will look at are all taken from the Book of Acts.

They will include subjects like Changed in a Flash!, Prayer, Effective Evangelism, A Spiritual 'Second Wind', Float on Broken Pieces and so on.

Our prayer as leadership is that we all will acknowledge that being ‘in Christ’ is anything but boring and normal.

Welcome to 2011 and GBC, We look forward to a totally abnormal year with you.

January Services

2010-12-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

During January the services at GBC will commence at 9.30am. The reasons for this are

Great for being able to capture more of the Sunday as a family.
More people may choose to come to church early rather than not at all.
It may be a bit cooler in the morning.
It could be better for older folk who are up early and a lot of families are up earlier as well (it is one of those puzzling things in life that during the holidays kids will get up at the crack of dawn……however……during the school week this is not the case).
In the long run we may need to go to two services to cater for growth – how that will look like we don’t know but by trying a different time we start to sow seeds of potential change and as a church family explore different opportunities open to us.

Dates / times / topics for January are:

24 December (8.00pm)
On the Road to Bethlehem
John Elen

26 December (9.30am)
Psalm 11 A broken and Restored Community
Tony Harvey

02 January (9.30am)
Psalm 12 Desperate Prayer
Arthur Hudson

09 January (9.30am)
Psalm 13 When pouting becomes shouting
Peter Hanscamp

16 January (9.30am)
Psalm 15 The Marks of a Worshipper
Bruce Adams

23 January (9.30am)
Psalm 14 Foolishness, fearfulness and faithfulness
Ron Raikes

30 January (9.30am)
Psalm 16 David’s Golden Secret
David Maindonald

Our Stable

2010-12-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

On the stage this morning (Dec 12th) there was a frame of a ‘stable’.

When you think about it, that stable represented the first building that Jesus and his family would inhabit.

It is a far cry from the buildings that His family use today. From Crystal Cathedrals to thatched roofs. Different buildings, same purpose.

For the regular folk at GBC you will be aware that we are a growing inter-generational church. On and off over the last 18 months the Elders and others have been discussing ‘where to from here’ as far as our facility is concerned.

On the notice board in the activities centre you will see a ‘concept’ for possible auditorium extensions. This isn’t a final plan or anything like that, it is just a concept for folk to look at and make comment about.

We know that we need to do something with our present facilities and this is to start the ‘dreaming’ and consultation process that will be a major part in our site development.

When you are visiting other churches over the holidays go for a wee peak and see what they do for storage, offices, kitchens, foyers etc. Come back with ideas and
suggestions.

Have a look at the concept, grab a copy from the foyer and think, talk, dream and pray about what to do in the future with our facilities.

This is only a small part in the re-development of our whole site. Thanks for being part of the GBC family and we will keep you in the loop of developments and concepts over the next few months.

John Elen (Pastor)

Christmas Planning

2010-12-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

How are your plans for Christmas coming along? Think about Joseph and Mary and the lead up to their first Christmas. The beginning of their own journey on the road to Bethlehem. Frustrated, confusing and hurting two lonely figures made their way into town. A journey they could ill-afford to make. A poor carpenter and his young wife. Life was not easy.

Rumors wounded their reputations. Broken dreams. Dashed hopes of a groom longing for a sweet innocent bride. Desperate surrender to their God. Relinquishment and determination. Bowing to the will of God. A cold desert night. Beyond their strength. Their only place of respite - a hovel. The pain unbearable, wracking her slight body. No mother near. No comforting hand. Only a nervous, terrified husband. Lost together. Found in their divine purpose. Bound by hope.

Unified by the wonder of the cry of a newborn babe. God accomplished His purposes. Through two hearts. Surrendered to his will. The immortal became mortal. That blessed night. In all the business of this time of year, take time to remember and thank God for that blessed night.

On the Road to Bethlehem

2010-11-29T23:27:00.000-08:00

Next week we start our lead up to Christmas. On the road to Bethlehem is a journey that we will travel together cumulating in a very special service on Christmas Eve.

What would possess a man to take a woman who was nine months pregnant on a 120 km trip? Join us and find out.

05 December (10.00am)

On the Road to Bethlehem with Scrooge

Speaker: John Elen

12 December (10.00am)

On the Road to Bethlehem with a donkey, a sheep, a cow and ……

Taken by GBC Children’s Ministries

Followed by a shared morning tea

19 December (10.00am)

On the Road to Bethlehem with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy.

Speaker:
John Elen

24 December (8.00pm)

On the Road to Bethlehem with each other

Speaker:
John Elen

Followed by supper

Over the next 4 weeks you and I are going to spend a lot of time on the road to shopping centres, end of year functions and family gift swapping occasions. In the business of this season feel free to join us at each of these events and spend some time on the road that really matters – the Road to Bethlehem.

Give thanks with a grateful heart

2010-11-19T18:19:00.001-08:00

Perhaps you aren’t feeling too blessed this morning…maybe you can’t see the gifts that God has given you... maybe the pain of life has overwhelmed you to the point where you don’t see anymore how blessed you truly are. Like so many people today, maybe you have been so blessed, that even those blessings don’t look all that good anymore.

How, then, can we overcome our mindset of apathy and
more towards a true spirit of thanksgiving in a culture that teaches us to enter into the rat-race and compete for status with a world of un-thankful people. Well, I don’t pretend to have all of the answers, but I do think we need to recognize God’s blessing in all of their many manifestations and give
thanks to him even when it seems impossible to do so.

Next Sunday (28th Nov) for our morning service we are going to have a ‘thanksgiving service’. The kids will be involved at the beginning, there will be a time of praise / worship, an opportunity to publicly give thanks to God for what he has been doing in your life and we will also have the privilege of hearing some personal stories of Gods involvement in the life of some of our GBC family.

In the business of your week take some time to reflect on what you are thankful for.

Have a great week

John (Pastor)

Looking ahead for GBC Community Playgroup 2011

2010-11-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

As you all know we have Playgroup running every Tuesday morning here at GBC. Lesley has been organising and running this, many weeks on her own. So she is looking for some help in a variety of areas.

At the moment Playgroup is funded by the Government. However for this to continue we need to become a Certified Playgroup. This entails writing documents for Health & Safety, Civil defence and managing discipline etc. Lesley would love some help, even once a month, so she can talk this over with Playgroup members and get some policies down in writing.

Music at Playgroup - we would really appreciate someone to take a 10-15 minutes slot every 3-4 weeks using Mainly Music style songs. One of our members has recent experience leading Mainly Music but is caring for a small child and needs help to run the music.

Morning tea help - last week we had an extra-ordinarily large number of children (42!). An hour’s help in the kitchen would be wonderful!

Playgroup is so worthwhile in building friendships with people in our community. We are really appreciating also being able to offer, to our group, the Counselling and Budgeting services which are now available at GBC.

At present two ladies who had children come to the group when they were younger have now returned with their next ones. One of them told a staff member they like the atmosphere here. A staff member commented: “Perhaps the difference is Jesus”. Some of the ladies have taken another step by attending our Light Party, or sending their older girls to Girls Rally, or coming along to the Family Movie nights. It’s not so scary attending church if you already know someone there through these events!

On behalf of the Community Playgroup

Do Whatever is Good

2010-11-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

The memory verse that the Elders are learning at the moment is;

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good (Titus 3.1)

How do we ‘do whatever is good’ when we have people taking shots at you all the time?

If we don’t want to be shot at, don’t supply our enemies with the ammunition! Sounds like pretty simplistic advice on the surface of it. If we don’t want people sniping at us, we need to get off the defensive and get on the offensive.

When you watch a movie about D-Day and the invasion of France by the allies in World War II, you very seldom if ever get to see some of the vital things that occurred prior to and during the invasion that helped it succeed. One such event was the bombing of the enemy’s fuel and ammunition dumps just prior to the landings on the beaches.

The Allies took out critical supply and ammunition depots. They totally damaged the enemy fuel supply that reinforcing their coastal defences became nearly impossible. By denying the enemy fuel and ammunition the Allies were able to make their offensive work under some very adverse conditions.

If we don’t want people throwing rocks at us, we need to make sure that their supply of rocks is limited in the first place. The sooner they run out of ammunition, the sooner we can stop being on the defensive and start taking the offensive. Are you lying in the trenches of life right now ducking your head every time someone lobs a load of criticism your way? Ducking helps but it is just a matter of time before your timing gets off and you are going to take it squarely on the chin. Staying in the trenches achieves neither victory or defeat.

Go on the offensive and wipe out his ammunition dumps. Stop supplying the enemy with more ammunition. Doing right instead of wrong. Don’t worry about failure. It will happen. Eventually the cannons of criticism will be quieted for lack of ammunition.

Have a great week doing good.

John (Pastor)

Light Party

2010-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it. English is an odd language.
There is no egg in the eggplant,
No ham in the hamburger,
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
English muffins were not invented in England.
French fries were not invented in France.
We sometimes take English for granted,
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly,
Boxing rings are square,
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
If a vegetarian eats vegetables,
What in the world does a humanitarian eat!?
English was invented by people, not computers,
And it reflects the creativity of the human race
In the lead up to Sunday’s (31st Oct) light party event take some time to give thanks to God for the creativity and commitment of people in establishing such an event. We pray that regardless of language and culture the message of Jesus as Light of the World will be evident to all who attend.

Community Services

2010-10-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Over the next few weeks we will let you know of various needs that some of our ‘community services’ here at GBC require to function efficiently for 2011. By making you aware of these needs you can in your conversations with God talk to him about finding a solution or even seriously consider becoming part of the solution yourself.

Why are we at GBC so passionate about encouraging people to work as a team and be involved in a team? Quite simply, teamwork is the FUEL that allows common people to produce uncommon results! Please don’t think that I am calling you common but at GBC we are just real people doing real life in the real world and by working as a TEAM we can ACHIEVE far GREATER THINGS than as individuals.

In 2011 the Girls Rally (Junior and Senior) could do with a ‘crafty’ person and a devotional leader for senior rally. Pray hard about this.

We all can choose as to whether we want to be a contributor in the life of Greerton Bible Church or just a consumer.

Have a great week,

John (Pastor)

Light Party

2010-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 31^st October at 5.30pm an otherwise tranquil corner in Tauranga’s roading system will erupt into life with music, live animals, food, puppets, awesome fun interactive games and even a touch of Zumba. Combine all these high energy activities with loads of lights, lollies and laughter and you will have all the ingredients that make up the annual Greerton Bible Church Light Party. This is the seventh year that Greerton Bible Church will have the privilege of hosting a ‘Light Party’. This event is seen as a positive alternative to Halloween. Annually over 400 parents and children from the local community and further a field mix, mingle, and have a lot of fun with life size walking candles, fairy princesses, real live Bible characters and supermen (you’ll find no vampires or witches here) as they complete a number of task that will include everything from duck shooting (don’t panic it won’t be with real ducks or guns), puppet shows, sausage sizzles and treasure hunts. For parents that want a bit of a break from all the excitement and activity there will be a place where good coffee will be served combined with great home made baking. After you have had a coffee feel free to ‘work it off’ with a Zumba session………and then go back for another coffee. All in all another action packed fun night will be experienced by all who attend. Finishing at 7.30pm there will no doubt be many a satisfied child and parent leave the light party with fond memories, sore laugh lines, aching muscles and pockets bulging of lollies and other prizes. Check out the Greerton Bible Church website gbc.org.nz for details of this event and make it part of your daily conversations with God.

Light party team

Sound & I.T.

2010-10-03T17:38:00.001-07:00

We are the people at church who you won’t even know are there, if we are doing our job properly.

We have a four person team who usually make the musicians and speakers sound good, and three who put the pictures and words on the screen, plus one who does a lot of behind the scenes work making our slides look good. We also video the services, so if you missed something you can ask through our web site (gbc.org.nz) for a DVD copy.

Recently we purchased two new foldback speakers so the musicians could make more noise! (Actually, it’s so that they can hear themselves individually much better). We also have a new video mixer which means our videos are now much better. We are waiting to see if our application for funding for a new data projector will be approved. A new projector will make the images on the screen brighter and clearer.

If any of our church family feel they would like to man the camera or perhaps serve an apprenticeship on the sound desk or computer by all means come and see us.

This is an every Sunday ministry service to GBC, as well as Thursday evening attendance at the music practise, and many other church gatherings where sound or I.T. is required, so a big team would lighten the load.

It is our pleasure to serve you.

For the Sound and I.T. Team

ICONZ

2010-09-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

ICONZ Adventure is a boys programme aimed at ages 8-11 (Year 3 – Year 6). We meet every second Tuesday from 6pm – 7.30pm during the school terms.

The majority of our boys are from the local community with many of them from blended/split families. Our goal is to give the boys access to activities, role models and opportunities that they may not otherwise have.

These activities will include a Rodeo camp at Lakes Ranch with other area ICONZ groups. The camp is in November and if you would like to sponsor a boy ($80) please call the church office.

Other activities have included:

Team and individual competitions
A giant ice cream sundae
Safety with guns and in the bush, what to eat how to start a fire
Learned how to spoil their Mums
Worked on a race car
Homework
Food, devotions and many other activities

We are looking for some projects that we can have the boys involved in next term. If you have some garden work or other type of work that we could do on a Tuesday night please call the church office or contact us through our web site.

On behalf of the ICONZ team.

Sugar & Spice

2010-09-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

We have events once a term for women aged 15 years plus and have hosted 13 events over the last 3 years. Our most recent one was our Chick Flick at the Rialto featuring “Blindside” with 55 ladies attending. Earlier this year we enjoyed a Harbour Cruise, followed by a Right Royal Party. The events have lots of different components each time, we have a guest speaker to give us an encouraging and challenging message from God, and there is a chance for women to have prayer or discuss things further.

The feedback from our events is that women so appreciate being made to feel special. The little extra personal touches do matter. We all need to be valued and this is a great way to show women in our community that they are important.

Sugar & Spice also makes it possible for GBC women to attend the annual Sistas Conference in Auckland. Last week ten GBC ladies were blessed by attending this conference. The worship and teaching were very inspiring. Going as a group is a great way of getting to know other women in our church. Sistas 2011 will be in November. An opportunity for women to register will be advertised early in 2011.

Our next event is planned for Saturday the 16^th of October – an Intrepid Journey.

The Sugar & Spice Team

Faith in Axion - Angukali Rotokho SAIACS

2010-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Mission Team from the steamy night air of Chiang Mai, Thailand where we are in the fifth week of our Headspace team’s ten week mission experience. God is at work in some amazing ways – exciting stuff, but I digress!

We are thrilled to find that enough money is coming in weekly to meet our $60,000 Faith in Axion goal this year and we trust that God will continue to provide through you, our faithful GBC family, all that is needed to support our mission work.

Let me share with you more about one of the three students we are supporting at SAIACS in India under Havilah in the Old Testament Department. Angukali Rotokho grew up going to church and Sunday school. She accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour when she was sixteen but had decided as an eight year old that she would be involved in fulltime ministry. At the time Angu was not aware that her parents had also dedicated her for the Lord’s work after her miraculous recovery from a serious illness.

Angu moved to Shillong to pursue her pre degree and university studies. Here she lived at Lydia House, a Christian discipleship place for students and was involved in various student and hostel activities as prayer cell & worship leader. Angu also held responsible positions such as Finance and General Secretary in the Naga Christian Fellowship which she believes provided her with the required foundation and discipleship for Christian ministry. She was involved with (YWAM) before joining SAIACS in 2006 for a Master of Arts degree which she successfully graduated with The Principal’s Award for best MA Thesis in April 2009.

Today with the blessings and support of her family, Angu is set to complete her Master of Theological studies and is prayerfully considering cross cultural missionary work in China. Please pray for her and our other students as they prepare for the work God has for them in ministry and mission.

Let us continue in His strength, for His glory,

On behalf of the Missions Team.

Youth Pastor Update

2010-08-26T15:00:00.001-07:00

Well it’s been almost 7 months since I started and the amount of support has been awesome. As a leadership team we just really want to thank the people who have put effort into helping the GBC youth get up and running.

So over the last 7 months you may be asking what has been happening?
Well because of your support we have been able to take the young people over to major events such as HM rage at Totara Springs and our latest trip to Ruapehu snowfield and enjoy many other local activities. All of these events have really helped the youth ‘gel’ together and during these times is when we see the greatest amount of growth both in maturity and spiritually.

We would also like to mention the girls who went over to Fiji on a short term mission with Word of Life. Without your support this trip would not have happened. I don’t know about their home life but we have seen big changes in the girls who went and it’s because of the church coming together.
As you know we have been running a Friday night study, which has recently changed to a Friday night youth service. A place where friends can be brought along and not feel uncomfortable. We are also starting alternate Tuesday night Life groups where we will follow what the other Life groups of the church are doing.

As I stated before, we have been really stoked with the support that we have received this year. Thank You.

Youth Pastor - on behalf of the GBC Youth Leadership Team

GONKs

2010-08-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

Wot's a GONK? I hear you ask. GONK is an acronym for Getting Older No Kids, and we are a group of couples and singles who are predominantly but not exclusively of what is commonly called the "Empty Nester" age group. We have been referred to as GBC's senior youth group because many of the activities we enjoy are the things we used to do in our teens and twenties. We meet one Saturday night every second month and most of our activities seem to include eating at some stage, either dinner or supper. Over the last four and a half years, we have enjoyed a harbour cruise, a train ride, car rally, progressive dinner, dinners in restaurants, BBQ's, picnics, games evenings ,mini golf, films and the like. . Most of us are very good at the food based activities but some are less skilful at some of the other things we do. Most nights there are about thirty of us but we have had as many as sixty on one occasion. The main object of our group is to provide a social activity for an age group that forms a large part of the GBC family to get to know each other better and also to create an environment where non GBC friends can be included in a non threatening situation.

On behalf of the GONKs team.

Urgent Prayer Chain

2010-08-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had an ‘Urgent’ or ‘Emergency’ situation when you have immediately petitioned our Lord God Almighty, and also felt that you would like quick prayer support from others?

Here at Greerton Bible Church, we passionately believe in PRAYER.

Out of scores of verses on ‘Prayer’, these two are Commands:-

James 5:13 (NIV) “Is any of you in trouble ? He should pray.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) “Pray continually.”

We also believe in upholding before God’s Throne of Grace, those of our brothers and sisters in the Lord who, in a time of urgent need, seek immediate prayer support from others in our Church family.

On behalf of the Urgent Prayer Chain Team.

Faith in Axion Update: Zambia

2010-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Lonard and Rosemary Daka from our Faith in Axion presentations? This report is just in from Kevin Honore from Bright Hope. “They have been pretty busy lately getting children organised for their new school year. They have 50+ to organise at Chifundo and another 42 in other churches.

It is also harvest time from March to May so that was a big focus during that time. Lonard came to Maplehurst Farm in March to attend a course. Maplehurst Farm is the Bright Hope World base in Zambia, about 800 from Mchacha village. He bought Norman Tonga with him. Norman is a key emerging leader in the work there.

The course is designed to address mindsets that keep people in poverty and uses farming techniques to identify the underlying issues. A few of the main points learnt by Lonard and Norman were:

· It is possible to grow good yields of maize in Zambia, instead of 6 bags they can have yields of up to 50 bags in the same area.

· God created Adam to work in the Garden of Eden and to "look after it" as stewards

· The need to be on time with our farming – that going off to funerals and other culturally expected activities is a contributor to poverty

· no burning of the land

· continue weeding all year, not just once

· use of mulch to protect the soil and add organic matter

They both intend to use this knowledge to farm a different way this coming rainy season, from November. Once they have proved to themselves that the methods work, they want to train others in the community to farm the same way. There will then be loans available to the ones they train to assist their new methods.

Jerry Field, the Zambia Director says that Lonard is still the same as ever in terms of positivity and hard work. The churches continue to develop well and grow, although the follow up of the students is more intense as there are more secondary students now and they have bigger issues to deal with as they get older.”

Isn’t it awesome that we can support Lonard and Rosemary in this important work. I hope that you are already seeing God at work providing your faith promise or mustard seed idea. If you’d like to know more about any of our partners, check out the notice board and mission folders in the Activities Centre.

Blessings,

On behalf of the Mission Team