Seabrook Avenue
Church of the Nazarene

May
Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk

Good on facts but short on function...

That's the most common criticism made of professing Christians. We have the facts and love to talk about them but when it comes to functioning in an authentic consistent and convincing manner we're often found lacking.

I found this list recently and at first I dismissed it as trivial and shallow but then I began to think harder...
read it and see what difference it makes in your situation as a believer.

 So here are fifty suggestions (I have included just 10, I'll release the next 10 next month).  Many of these are things being done by people here. None of them is being done by everyone.  But these things or things like them are the kind of service you need to offer...

1.   Empty the dishwasher.
2.   Volunteer at the food bank.
3.   Clean the sink.
4.   Offer to refill everyone's glass when you fill your own.
5.  Wait patiently for someone to finish.
6.   Prepare an entire meal.
7.  Come home on time and help prepare dinner.
8.   Give someone a rose.
9.  Take someone to lunch.
10. Return someone's shopping trolley for them.

This Month on the Avenue

Prayer has never meant so much.... join us Mondays 7.30pm at the church

Missions....  what a challenge this is.  Join us as we raise $2000 to send Paul Thomson on the special mission trip to Tonga.  This construction team will help complete a ministry centre for disabled children.  You can make a special donation at anytime.  Please mark it "MISSION."

Alpha Class.... Sundays at 6.00pm commencing May 9th... if you haven't registered quickly do so. We will launch session one of Alpha which covers the topic...  Christianity...  boring untrue and irrelevant?"

Alpha is a great way to find answers to all those nagging questions of guilt, suffering and how to understand the Christian faith. 
This is not a Bible study but it will help you know your Bible.
This is not a prayer group but it will help you pray.
This is not a discipleship course but it will help you follow the Lord. 
I would urge you if you have not been to Alpha, boldly make the time to attend. Registration forms are available from the information desk.

Kids Club....  its fun, fast and for the young people.  
Fridays at 7.00 pm

Youth Event.... Takanini Church of the Nazarene May 30th.  See the notice Board for details.

Youth Explosion.... start saving now!  This camp is for the eagerest of youth.  Total cost $95.00
Venue is Chosen Valley Christian Camp.
June 4 - 7.  Registrations available at the information desk.

Food Parcel Ministry... food items can be left at the church any time to assist this ministry.

 

Tax receipts... did you get yours?
they are available from our treasurer Wayne Wessel.

Special prayer...  as most of you are aware Michael Foley has been on life support since April 22nd in the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
After contracting a very serious infection he went into a coma in just a matter of hours.  The family appreciate the love, concern and prayer flowing into their lives at this time.

Quick Facts About the Church of the Nazarene

Current Membership Worldwide

1,435,780
Number of organized churches

13,259
Number of districts

425

Ordained elders

13,541
NYI (Nazarene Youth International) membership

330,701
Total giving for all purposes

US$791,833,577

Our denomination is now involved in reaching out to persons around the globe through the power of technology.  Satellite, Internet, and radio broadcasts in 43 languages are produced regularly to educate people about the gospel of Jesus Christ and to inform constituents and interested parties about people, programs, news, and events of interest in the life of the church.

The worldwide network of Nazarene churches makes it possible for the denomination to serve as a conduit of assistance to hurting nations.  Nazarenes provide money for food, medical supplies, clothing, and other items to persons in a number of countries where there are pressing needs.  In addition, the denomination's missionary infrastructure is often used by World Relief and similar agencies when they need assistance in getting supplies to people of countries in remote or troubled areas.

A People of Hope
The theme of the denomination until our next General Assembly in June 2005,  is "Jesus the Hope."
This theme expresses the pressing desire of the denomination to share the good news that Jesus Christ is the source of hope for our lives.