Seabrook Avenue
Church of the Nazarene

February
Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk

Welcome to Christmas on the Avenue

With summer comes travel. We hardly go a few days between the arrival of a friend or the departure of a family member. Summer is New Zealand's most unique season. It's at this time of year that cars tow caravans, boats and trailers laden with camping equipment to our favourite places. I can't help but notice that from the smallest car to the greasiest truck there is some visible evidence attached that the road most travelled is the one to the beach. I even rode beside a truck that was loaded with bags of cement towing a concrete mixer with three surf boards jutting out of its back window.

But February is a time of coming home. Back from holidays, late nights and late morning starts to a brand new timetable, maybe a new job, school or uniform. There is something reviving about February. Last years hurdles are history a new year lies ahead with brand new challenges.

As pastor I want to welcome you all home and pledge my support in whatever way I can. I want to welcome you to a new church year. Last year was wonderful and this year awaits discovery. We'll try some new things this year. We'll revive some old ways of doing things because they work well and we'll attempt some new ways of doing things and pray they work better. Join the church this year! Don't be just an attender become a member that with sleeves rolled up and with a heart prayed up makes a difference in our community. Don't wait to be asked or invited to be involved your greatest service is to be there, be reliable, be consistent and share your witness for the Lord Jesus Christ whatever the season.

This Month on the Avenue

Junior Camp....
Waitangi Weekend, 6th Feb., Huia...
Leaving the church at 9 am sharp we have a booking for 24 people at the beautiful Karamatura Valley.

We need... children to register... tents to sleep in... helpers to... assist with setting up camp... carrying equipment over the stream... camp helpers to lead singing, supervise swimming.... lead bush walks... drive campers to and from camp.

South Pacific Youth Congress....
Queensland Australia
Reports of the youth congress have been all good. Young people from all over the South Pacific attended. They spent endless hours talking, singing, learning and laughing. Start to save now for the Youth Explosion to be held in Auckland Queens Birthday Weekend.

Thank you to all who prayed and supported the young people.

Newly Appointed District Superintendent...
The District Assembly held in Hamilton saw the appointment of a new District Superintendent. Dr and Mrs Bartle (New Lynn members and life long missionaries to Papua New Guinea and Fiji) were inducted in a memorable service. Rev and Mrs Bentham were farewelled with Kiwi tradition and many tears and have returned to their home in London. We can truly thank God for great and Godly leaders.

Prayer Groups...
Make these a must in your week. Prayer groups at 7.30 pm Monday nights are a great way to see things change. Anyone who consistently prays grows! Venues are announced each Sunday.

Children's Ministry....
The Church Board is currently meeting to finalise a new format for children's ministry. We hope to launch this the first weekend following Junior Camp.

Junior Youth...
With a new children's ministry we will have a prime time opportunity to run a new ministry to Junior Youth on Friday evenings. This is a great opportunity and if you feel prompted to be involved please let us know. We need workers.

Youth Event...
Friday, February 27th Rock Writing
.... come and discover your rock writing skills as we revive the ancient and hidden art known to a few select people such as Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble. Leaving the church at 7 pm returning at 9:30 pm

Food Parcels...
We receive calls regularly to supply food parcels to people within our community. Currently our church pantry is down to just a few items. Those donating items can leave them beneath the information table on any Sunday.

Work and Witness Team
Tonga, July 2004
A team is currently being shaped for the Tonga Project. Leaflets are available on the information table.

We've moved...
The Greenways have moved to Swanson. They report that moving was no fun at all but that they are beginning to feel good about their new home.

Doing well thanks...
Joyce Armitage is doing well after surgery. It has been a long haul for Joyce but she is well on the way to mobility and it won't surprise any of us if we see her mowing the church lawns on a Saturday morning soon.

Spring Clean...
February 28th, 11 am - 1 pm
Its time to give some special attention to the church building. We need to clean carpets, chairs, windows and whatever else we can reach. Join us for Jiff, Janola and Juice and lets polish the silver together!