Seabrook Avenue
Church of the Nazarene

March
Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Jim Grant in Reader's Digest told about someone else who faced temptation.

An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing the way he drove to work to avoid his favourite bakery.  One morning, however, he showed up at work with a gigantic coffee cake.  Everyone in the office scolded him, but his smile remained nonetheless.  "This is a special coffee cake," he explained.  

 "I accidentally drove past the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies.  I felt it was no accident, so I prayed, 'Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let there be a parking spot right in front.'  and sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!"

All of us know what it is to enter the wilderness of temptation.  Temptation is part and parcel of the human condition.

But the question is "Do we place ourselves unnecessarily in the way of it?"

Lee Griess, Taking The Risk Out Of Dying

This Month on the Avenue

With the pastor away on annual leave there will be great variety on Sundays.

   March 7th:   Dr Neville Bartle
   March 14th: Middle Eastern Christian Organisation
   March 21st: Rev Graham Holliday from Tauranga
   March 28th: Rev Gesan Naidoo from Rotorua

All of these speakers will appreciate your welcome and support.

Kids Club  7 pm - 8:30 am
The new time slot is working well.  We are off to a good start with a lively bunch of children and a good team of workers.

40 Hour Famine....
We have seen good support of this cause every year.  This year we are yet to find a Famine Organiser who will co-ordinate the participants and collect the money.  If you feel you have the time available to do this one-off project please see Nelson Paul for the Famine registration.

Work & Witness Project Tonga
Paul Thomson has accepted the challenge to join the project team which departs June 2004 for The Kingdom of Tonga.  The church has undertaken the challenge to raise $2000 towards his travel and accommodation costs.  The project involves the completion of a ministry centre that specifically works with the disabled in Tonga.  The team will be comprised of N.Z'ers and Aussies working with that famous Anzac spirit to see a job well done.

Over the next few months we will be launching creative ways to raise the $2000 needed to send Paul and bring him home again.  He is a busy man with a wife and 3 growing children and we want to lift the financial burden completely.  Meanwhile don't wait for a special invitation to give.  Mark any special giving  as "Tonga" and it will be held for this project. Neither is it too late to join the team. People are needed primarily with building skills but as in all team projects helpers of all kinds are just as useful.

News from Bangladesh...
Lewis and Susie Varley are busy with life as workers in Dhaka. Please take home their latest newsletter available on the information table.

The Alpha Course....
There are a lot of new people around the church that have never been given the opportunity of attending the Alpha Course.

Alpha is a very popular course used in many countries having been launched in the past three years.  Here in New Lynn we have run the course six times for various groups.

    So what's it all about?
Alpha is not a deeply intensive Bible study, it is a refreshingly new approach to finding some of the answers to life toughest questions in the Bible.
    Why do good people suffer?
    Why should I read the Bible?
    What happens when I pray?
It is a course that people of all ages and backgrounds really enjoy.

    Will it answer all of my questions?
Probably not.

    Will it help understand the Christian life and message in the year 2004?
Yes it will.

    How do I join?
First take a registration form and complete it. Return it to the pastor who will co-ordinate the course.

 The Alpha Course (cont)...

    When is it?
We time the course to suit those wishing to take it.  Ideally we like to meet over dinner on a Wednesday evening and then screen the video which is followed by some discussion and a few final comments.

Please consider taking this course if you never have.  Think about asking a friend or neighbour or work colleague to come with you.  Never be discouraged by attending alone.  The course is a lot of fun and very relaxed.

    Will it cost me much?
All courses have course materials.  A donation is requested, a total one off payment of $15 is suggested.

    When is this?
Depending on how soon you get registered.  We would like to commence in the last week of April.

Finally, you'll be so pleased you joined the course.

Easter Services....
We have never had an Easter that didn't leave us challenged, moved and blessed. This year we are taking a different approach....

Good Friday....9th April... 10am
The Passover.  This is a re-enactment of the Hebrew Passover.  The church will be converted to this setting.

Location map of Mt AtkinsonSunrise Service...
Mt Atkinson  6:45 am Gather in the cool mists of Titirangi and be with us to honour the Risen Saviour

Breakfast: Bagels and Bacon...
7:40 am at the church.
Cost $3 per adult, $2 per child.

Sunday Morning Service:
10.30 am.  A chance to praise!

Sunday Night at the Movies...
a special Easter Big Screen Presentation and a special offering towards sending Paul Thomson to Tonga

For the children... Ben Hurr (animated)
All others: TIME CHANGE
    6 pm, $2 per person

Help Wanted...
We have a really great bunch of young people but need a youth co-ordinator. The job simply involves heading a balanced events calendar for the youth. Can you help?   Contact the pastor who is standing by to take your call!

Youth Explosion!
Young people  make plans not to spend all of your money.  You'll need some ready cash if you plan on being at this year's Youth Explosion held just south of Auckland over the Queen's Birthday Weekend

Food Parcels...
It is good to see the food parcel ministry growing again. Drop of non perishables at the church to help this ministry to people in need.

Location Location Location
We have moved... and we want you to know about it.... Vanessa, Bianca and Aaron have moved to executive style upmarket very trendy accommodation at Titirangi Rd,  New Lynn... keeping the same telephone number.

Khan Family update
We are delighted to report that Mayura is out of hospital and is recovering gradually!

Prayer Groups...
These are really going well....  don't miss the chance to pray with and for the family of God.  This Monday at 7:30 pm at the Khan's.  Venue announced weekly for remainder of  March.