In early March we headed of to the Waipara Adventure Centre and spent the weekend together. Church Camp is always a great time to deepen relationships and spend quality time together. This year our focus was Inter-generational Church and we had Andrew from Scripture Union come and share his wisdom and experiences with us. It was an awesome time and Saturday night was a blast – so much line dancing and laughter!
The Lords Prayer
The words of Jesus in Matthew chapter six have been foundational to the Christian faith since they were first uttered to the disciples 2000 years ago.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10
Over the summer period we have been using the Alpha Prayer material as a church, which is structured around the Lords Prayer. It has been a chance to learn about prayer, talk about prayer (around tables) and actually put what we are learning into action.
Several weeks ago a member of the congregation handed me an innocent looking piece of paper, a comment on the Lord’s Prayer that had appeared in the church newsletter many years ago. It was called: “The Lords Prayer is Dangerous” Check it out below….
The Lord’s Prayer is Dangerous
I cannot say OUR, if I live in a watertight spiritual compartment…
I cannot say FATHER, if I do not demonstrate the relationship in my daily life…
I cannot say WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, if I am so occupied with the earth that I am laying up treasure there…
I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME, if I, who am called by His name, am not seeking His help to be holy…
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE, if I am resentful of, or disobedient to, His Will for me…
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD, if I am so engrossed with the business of this world forget the Great Giver, or others hunger…
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US, if I harbor a grudge against anyone…
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, if I deliberately place myself, or remain, in a position where I am likely to be tempted…
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL, if I am not prepared to fight it in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer…
I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not accord the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject…
I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY, if I am seeking the glory for myself…
I cannot say FOR EVER AND EVER, if my horizon is bounded by the things of time…
I cannot say AMEN, if I do not also add, ‘Cost what it may’, For to say this prayer honestly will cost everything!
New YOUTH Programme Launch
On Friday August 31st we are launching a new Youth Programme here at KBC. It is for Year 6-8 students and will run every second week during term time.
ACTIV8 (activate) is a place where young people can come and have fun in a safe environment and make positive life choices. It could be a night where we end up making banana splits but also try and fit one back into its skin!! Or it could be that we are racing up and down the auditorium trying to carry as many balloons as possible, or maybe even trying to shave one! ACTIV8 is a chance for young people to enjoy themselves and also start to grapple with the challenges of growing up as a young person today. We also look at topics as diverse as friendship, self-esteem and social justice. Continue reading New YOUTH Programme Launch
He Auaha Hou – Made New
He Auaha Hōu – Made New
Our theme for 2018 is Made New. This draws from the Thai New Year festival known as ‘Songkran’ and is a time of renewal, cleansing and honouring. It’s also a traditional festival that has been contextualised by the Church, symbolising forgiveness and renewal through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. So we focus along these lines specifically concentrated on ‘A New Spirit’, ‘ A New Perspective’ and ‘A New Generation’.
Matariki Dinner
What better way to spend a cold winters night than with the church family! We had great food. great conversations and even let off a few fireworks to celebrate Matiriki. The night was all about getting to know one another better, learning about some of our history and having fun. Continue reading Matariki Dinner
Womens Retreat 2018
It is a good thing to make time. To set apart time to meet with one another and to meet with God. This weekend the women of our church are gathering together to deepen their relationships with one another and God. To weave their lives, their stories and their faith journeys together into a beautiful tapestry. “Threads of Grace.” Continue reading Womens Retreat 2018
New Preaching Series
This week we will be beginning a six week series looking at Ephesians. We’re calling it a walk through, in essence we are just touching on some key points within the epistle.
Unlike many of Paul’s other Epistles, the letter to Ephesus is not written to confront a particular issue or heresy. It explains the nature and purpose of the church, the Body of Christ.
Come and join us over the next few weeks, as we take a walk through Ephesians.
Easter Service Times
Celebrating Baptism
Jesus commissioned us to go into all the world and make disciples and to baptize them (Matthew 28:19). So on an awesome summer’s afternoon a little while ago, an intrepid group headed for Ashley Gorge to do just that. Just like the early church we even ate together!! The water was warm and a suitably deep spot was found.
Getting into the Great Outdoors
Back in November, a keen group of adventurers headed off on a four-wheel drive adventure. The day was great, the company fantastic and the joy of going out into our magnificent back country made for lots of fun.