Seabrook Avenue
Church of the Nazarene

December
Newsletter

From the Pastors desk
Christmas gets better every year in our family.  Just as soon as the tree goes up and the Christmas CD's start playing we swing into high level code red Christmas mode. We love it.  The rush the chase and the food all make the month of December like no other.  It wasn't always this way of course.  I can think back to a time when it was all pressure and presents but these days it's all pleasure and presence. Having a Saviour who arrived as a tiny  harmless baby to a family so confused by  the push and shove of politics is a part of history so worth reliving.

And then comes New Year's Eve. A large proportion of the world can't remember where they spent New Year's Eve and even worse, who they spent it with.  But New Year's Eve is a lot like turning the page in a really special album. There are all the hopes and plans and dreams of another year just waiting to be unpacked and installed into our lives.

 Collean and I want to say how much we have enjoyed being the pastoral family for the New Lynn Church.  It is a privilege to be here and to share in all of the many events of your lives.  Your trust, humour and commitment have a huge impact on who we are.  There are times when we feel embarrassed by the goodness and kindness of the people that make up the church here on Seabrook Avenue.

We are going to try and send Christmas greetings to everyone but if by some strange twist of the calendar we miss you...  have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year saturated in the hope that comes from knowing Our God Reigns!
This Month on the Avenue

Christmas on the Avenue
December 22 and 23
We are counting down now to this very special time when we can invite friends, family and neighbours to come and enjoy a beautiful Christmas Dinner.

Thanks to those who have been hammering away at all of the details which will make these nights truly meaningful.

It is time to start inviting.  A booking system is in place so as not to over book and these details are available from the information table.

Our plan is to touch lives in a special way with a wonderful dinner and quality entertainment. This is a great way to let people know that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well on Seabrook Avenue.

Christmas Choir...
Ingrid is ready to coach a team of singers for Christmas Carolling. This is always a lot of fun.  Please let her know you're available.

Christmas Day Service...
9:30 am to 10 am
Whatever happens don't miss this wonderful time.  It is brief but beautiful.  Every Christmas Day has such a special quality... be early for a seat...

Seniors Soiree...
December 12th, 7:30 pm
Glenn & Collean are inviting those who are 60+ to a Christmas Evening at their house.  Come and enjoy some time together...seasonal calorie rich refreshments and a chance to say "Have a  great Christmas!" and feel free to bring a friend.

Outbound...
Simon, Miriam and Rachael leave for a 6 week holiday in India December 16th.  They have promised to turn down all job offers and to be back in Auckland late January.  Travel well friends and hurry home!

Inbound...
Jillian Peters and her cello arrives December 9th for summer tuition.
The Patricks from California arrive December 16th for fun in the sun.

Joyce Armitage
has a lovely new home in Glendene.  See the printed newsletter or ask a contact for the new details.

Summer Camps...
Youth and Children's Camps are being held January 13 - 18th.
It's not too late to book but you'll need to be extra fast.

Church Prayer time
6:30pm Dec 8th.

 Parachute...
Youth Event January
Free tickets are available to all those young people wishing to take their grandparents.
All details are available on the information table.

Scripture Union
are in need of camp helpers. Phone 379-9363.
There are urgent needs for... camp cooks, camp parents and leaders in the 16+ age group.  Assistants aged 14 + are also required.

Annual General Meeting...
was a great time of reporting.  Viv Greenway moved to mark the event as especially entertaining and we all felt that way...  for a small cost Bob will produce copies of the video presentation "Seabrook Ave  2002".  Copies of the treasurers reports are also available from Wayne Wessel.

Church Board of Management elected...
Wayne Wessel, Bob Gordon, Simon Noel, Lynley Gordon.

District Assembly
Dominion Road Church of the Nazarene  January 2nd to 5th
More details available next newsletter.
Delegates will receive their information by mail.

Family Night...
here's an idea to help busy families... why not set aside one night a week or a month as a family night for your family?  Each family member writes out an idea for the night and the ideas are drawn from a hat. A few rules apply...

  • one person sets the menu for the night...
  • budget is a consideration...
  • on the night no one complains about anything at all...
  • phone calls are not answered or made...
  • no Internet access...
  • no discussing outstanding family problems...

Some ideas are:
beach bbq's, bush walks, cemetery tours, backyard bonfires, games nights.  Redesign the living room furniture...  but make sure you have fun as a family.

Stardome Observatory Cornwall Park
THE CHRISTMAS STAR
4TH - 21ST DECEMBER, 8 PM
WHAT WAS THAT BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE SKY 2000 YEARS AGO?
Program is followed by telescope viewing of the night sky (weather permitting)
Adults $12,  Children $6,  Family (2a & 3c) $30.
http://www.stardome.org.nz/now.html, Ph 624-1246