Seabrook Avenue
Church of the Nazarene
A church where you are welcome

Newsletter for September

Special Newsletter:

August 26, 2004

I am very sorry to inform you that Pastor Glenn is suffering from burn out, meaning that he is emotionally exhausted.  Glenn has been a pastor for 25 years and has been at New Lynn for the past 14 years.  Pastoring takes a lot of emotional energy and burn out is an occupational hazard.   

I met with the church board this week and we have decided that Glenn needs to be on leave of absence from pastoring and all church responsibilities for the next three months in order to recuperate.

 Glenn needs space to recover. Burn out is different to other sicknesses as people suffering from burn out are not looking for visitors, but notes and cards of appreciation and encouragement are welcome.  Let us as a church family keep Glenn and Colleen in our prayers and ask God for his healing power to work in their lives.  During this time the church program will continue with as few changes as possible.

Lynley Gordon our church secretary, is organising speakers for the next three months. If you have any questions regarding the church programmes or activities, please contact Lynley.
Nelson Paul will be organising the Monday prayer meetings.

Sincerely,
Neville Bartle
District Superintendent
Bangladesh and the Varleys
Bangladesh is currently facing severe floods as you will have heard, and destruction of homes and loss of crops for months to come face this nation. Please pray for Lewis and Susie as they minister in Dhaka at this time of need. See details in their newsletter on the back table.

Ministry Education Centre
Opens in Auckland Under the leadership of Rev Graham and Sylvia Holliday, the official opening will be held on Sunday the 12th September, at 30 Riverhills Ave., Pakuranga, at 10 am.

Prayer Group
Mondays at 7.30 pm at the church,
Phone Nelson Paul on 620-1136 for any inquiries.

Dinner and Bible Study
Tuesdays 6 - 6.30 pm (Thomson residence) is arrival time for dinner. Bring a plate if you plan to eat with us. Bible Study time is 7.30 to 9 pm.

Ladies Group
Alternate Tuesdays 31st August, and 14th September, 10 am at the church. Enjoy this time of fellowship together. Any inquiries ring Debbie Wessel on 813-3440

Kids Club
Fridays at 7 pm at the church.
Nelson Paul will answer any queries.

Calling Youth
Plans are afoot for our Young People to travel to Napier and join with their folk for a fun weekend over 22nd to 25th October, (Labour Weekend). Pastor Mike Grant and his church have been warned and are prepared to take on the challenge!
If you are serious about going, talk to Lynley ASAP.

Ladies Retreat Lakeview Bible Camp Rotorua
Now planned for February 2005 not Sept.2004 as previously stated.
A great chance to meet with women from around New Zealand at the stunning Lakeview Retreat Centre. Good facilities, spectacular scenery, wonderful friends made.
Start planning to attend - it is such a great time for our women and your families appreciate you so much more on your return!

 Church speakers for September:
Sunday 10:30 am
5th: Sharon Thomson and John Grant - Special Fathers Day reflections.

12th: Nelson Paul

19th: Dr Neville Bartle

26th: Rev. Joan Ranger

October
3rd: Rev. John Bennett

Thomson's Farewell
As Paul, Sharon and children are moving to Kerikeri during September, we are having a shared meal on Sunday 19th after church.  So start planning the fantastic meal that you as a family will be contributing!  Sharon is fond of Indian cuisine and chocolate of any description, so get imaginative and we'll look forward to the spectacular array of dishes to sample.  We will be collecting photos of families and individuals so please co-operate with the photographer!

Australian Nazarenes Ministering In Athens During the Olympics
There is a team of Nazarenes in Athens for the Olmpic Games. One of our Melbourne Pastors, Steve Kasambalis is heading the group. You may remember Bob and Val Thompson who filled in for Glenn and Collean while they took six weeks holiday a couple of summers ago. Their daughter-in-law, Jo Thompson is a part of this exciting team. You can read some of the letters from the team, on our notice board. Keep an eye on this board as we will be adding to it as we get the info.
Please pray for these Nazarenes from Australia as they minister to participants of the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

 

This is a challenging time for our church family - it will be exciting as we stand together and prayerfully look afresh at our commitment to giving and service in this place.
1 corinthians 15:58