AWA December 2011

““Our church is a mission centre not a parish. The parish model, (which many of us were trained for,) only works in societies where Christendom prevails. A mission centre prioritises the needs of the “non-churched” while honouring and meeting the needs of the existing congregation.” ”

Rev Mark Chapman, minister of Clevedon Presbyterian Church
quoted in Hands On in an article entitled “Missional Hearts”

God has a plan

What an incredible privilege it has been over the past month to share the Christmas story, as we find it in the Bible, at five schools and the Starship Hospital children's church. “God has a plan” was the theme. I began by asking where they thought Christmas began, giving them three places to choose from. Most chose Bethlehem, a few didn't know, a few chose Heaven and no one chose Your Place. I wanted children to see that God's plan started way before Jesus being born in Bethlehem and that it continues today in peoples homes and lives. Then we looked at how God used angels and a star to communicate this wonderful news with the world. I then reminded children, and some of the adults, why we have a star or an angel at the top of our Christmas tree. God's plan is for everyone, everywhere and the star and angel remind us of that.

In this issue...

God has a plan

Is it true?

WAY2GO 2012

January Holiday

Prayer

Events
NOT TO BE MISSED

Home

Assembly

Sleepover

Finished

Technology

SU NZ links

PDF version

Matthew 2:2

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Luke 2:10-11

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Is it true?

   I ended my assemblies by saying that there are some people who think that Christmas is just a made up story, but that I knew it was true. How did I know this ? Well every time I write my birthdate or the date on a letter it reminds that out time is divided between before Christmas and after Christmas. A day after my last assembly I received this email from a SUPAkidz club leader who was at the assembly.
    “One small girl caught up with me later and asked "Was it true? Was the story the man [me] told actually true?" and I was able to assure her that the wonderful Christmas story was completely true.”
    The Living God who created us and the whole universe really is amazing!!!!!

WAY2GO 2012

Wellington 10 March

Auckland 24 March

Dunedin 31 March

I am busy trying to complete the writing of three workshops that I will be running in Auckland and Dunedin. I am also busy recruiting volunteers to help in Auckland and people to run the workshops.
Please pray for inspiration for me and that people I approach will will warm to being a part of this event.

January Holiday

4th and 5th drive to Wellington with family
6th to 13th Gill and boys to Blenheim for holiday
14th Drive back to Auckland
15th to 21st family holiday at Matarangi

Give Thanks and Praise

- For individuals and churches that give towards our camp sponsorship fund.
- For leaders who give a week of their time to serve on a SUPAkidz Camp.

Please Pray For

- Recruiting of volunteers and trainers for the Auckland WAY2GO training event on 24 March 2012
- Our two new cooks for SUPAkidz camps as they prepare for camp. Jennifer (Auckland) and Penelope (Wellington).
- More campers for both Auckland and Wellington SUPAkidz camps. Also more male leaders for Auckland

Going Bananas Wellington Camp Information

Leaders' training and preparation 6 to 9 January
Going bananas Camp 9 to 13 January
Team Leader Andrew Ramsbottom
Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt
Please pray for lives to be transformed | safety | good weather when we need it | wisdom | energy

Leaders' training and preparation 13 to 16 January
Going bananas Camp 16 to 20 January
Team Leader Paul Dadd
Houghton's Bush, Auckland's West Coast
Please pray for more male leaders and senoir leaders.
Please pray for lives to be transformed | safety | good weather when we need it | wisdom | energy

17 February, Summer Thanksgiving Barbecue at Greyfriars, 6:30-9:00 pm

WAY2GO 2012 - see above

Home

The Christmas tree is up despite us being busier than we have ever been at this time of the year. What with end of year functions, birthday celebrations, four sports events in less than 24 hours and numerous other things happening, we are really looking forward to a holiday!!!!

family_chritmas_2011

Assembly

I was in two assemblies in two weeks. The first was my school year assembly in which we sang, danced and dressed as Pacific Islanders. The second was our Bible in Schools assembly in which we dressed as stars.

Thomas 6

Sleepover

Our neighbours are returning to Korea this weekend. So I am sleeping over there for a few days as I will really miss them when they are gone.

Chris 9

Finished

I have finished primary school! I'm thinking that high school may not be as much fun as primary school was. Well, for the first week at least.

James 12