Notices

Welcome to Northpoint we are glad you have joined us today. If you are new to Northpoint and have any questions please ask our friendly team at the office after the service.

During these summer services all ages will remain together in the auditorium. It is a great opportunity to share in music, prayer and worship with the rest of our church whanau, to model what being part of a church community looks like. We can all help this be a positive experience for everyone. Remember others are watching to see how we engage with God and with each other as we gather.

To help each other get the most of what God has for us as we gather together, we'll have various activities available that all ages can engage with during each service. Caregivers are also welcome to bring a snackbox and book. The nursery & the Pods room are available for your use during the school holidays. Whanau will need to supervise their children in these spaces.

While many of Northpoints programs take a break over the holidays we would appreciate your prayers for the coming year. We need God’s guidance as we plan our teaching, organise teams, set up systems, refresh environments, train leaders, and invite others to join teams. There are multiple areas where you can participate here at Northpoint so we encourage you to prayerfully consider where God is calling you to serve in 2018.

·

Notices

Welcome to Northpoint we are glad you have joined us today. If you are new to Northpoint and have any questions please ask our friendly team at the office after the service.

During these summer services all ages will remain together in the auditorium. It is a great opportunity to share in music, prayer and worship with the rest of our church whanau, to model what being part of a church community looks like. We can all help this be a positive experience for everyone. Remember others are watching to see how we engage with God and with each other as we gather.

To help each other get the most of what God has for us as we gather together, we'll have various activities available that all ages can engage with during each service. Caregivers are also welcome to bring a snackbox and book. The nursery & the Pods room are available for your use during the school holidays. Whanau will need to supervise their children in these spaces.

While many of Northpoints programs take a break over the holidays we would appreciate your prayers for the coming year. We need God’s guidance as we plan our teaching, organise teams, set up systems, refresh environments, train leaders, and invite others to join teams. There are multiple areas where you can participate here at Northpoint so we encourage you to prayerfully consider where God is calling you to serve in 2018.

·

Pastors Pen -

What brings you joy?

This is a question that I have been asking people in the Bell Block community for a video that will play in our the service this week.

Is this something which you pause to consider often?

If so what comes to mind?

During this frantic season, it is good for each of us to pause, and take a moment to consider what this season of Advent is all about.

As I asked people if they would be happy to go on video, it was interesting to hear several people respond saying they didn’t feel particularly joyful at the moment because their day wasn’t going well.

This reflects a perspective where joy, peace and Hope are often considered to be circumstantial. However the good news! In this season od Advent, we celebrate that these things don’t need to be based on our circumstances.

Why? Because God’s Kingdom is eternal, it arrived in and through Jesus, but will not be fully present till he returns. Yet the transformation has begun, and when we choose to invest in Jesus, when we invite the work of the Holy Spirit it is the opportunity for us to experience Joy, Peace and Hope in a way that transforms.

There is something that happens when we choose to surrender to god and invite Christ to transform our lives.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV84)

Where does your Joy come from and what does it look like?

Have a great week!

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Living Word Library - will be closed from the 24th December and will reopen on Sunday the 7th January. Thank you.

· Christmas Hampers - It’s that time of year again when we deliver 40 hampers to the New Plymouth community, as a way of blessing those who have had a difficult year. We need monetary donations to cover the cost of this. If you would like to contribute you can pay by internet banking into the church account 15-3956-0073646-00– please use the reference hampers. Otherwise please see the church office. Thank you

· Food Together - Volunteers wanted to staff the handing out of the Food Together hampers on Thursday afternoons from 3-5:30pm. You would only need to be on once a month at most. Please see the office if you can help.

· Baptist Magazine - The latest issue of Baptist Magazine is here and available from the office for just $2.

· Right Now Media - Is a customisable video Bible study library that Northpoint has offered to you as a free resource. If you don’t have access already then please send the office an email and we will send out the link. Thank you.

· Christmas flyers - There are flyers to be put into letterboxes around Bell Block for our Christmas service times. If you have some spare time then please grab a pile from the foyer to deliver. Thank you.

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Pastors Pen -

The biblical model of ‘pause’ reminds us how God’s people intentionally took a break for the specific purpose of remembering what He had done in their lives. The community would come together, share specific ‘praise reports’ and offer joyful worship to Him in celebration. They would reflect on what God had done for them in the past, and remind each other of his characteristics of faithfulness, provision and rescue.

Our Northpoint Kids teams have also been nurturing this rhythm of pausing and remembering each term. In a culture where everything can become so fast paced, we see the value of times where we pause to reflect on God and share small testimonies together.

Today is this term’s ‘Remember and Celebrate’ Sunday. Our aim is to look back on what we have been learning about God, to create spaces for children and leaders to tell of what he has done in our lives recently, and to identify something they can thank God for. There’s a danger at times like this that we might feel a pressure to have the ‘right answer’ or to produce a ‘God in my week’ story. What if we haven’t identified something to celebrate or been able to spot what God is doing? Sometimes it’s hard for adults as well as kids!

My hope is that whether we can identify a story of our own or not, together we can hear testimonies of God’s faithfulness, provision and rescue. As we pause, remember and celebrate we engage in a story that is bigger than ourselves. We dare to wonder if the God who provided courage for someone else might do the same for us in our situation. We wonder if the God who answered a prayer for a desperate child might do it again for another heart breaking situation. We wonder if the God who offers forgiveness to the whole world might in fact include us in that gift of grace.

In this season of Christmas with all the end of year events, the food, the tinsel and the marketing, my prayer for each of us is that we will sense God’s calling for us to pause. That we will make space to remember and share stories of what he has done, and that we will truly celebrate that he sent his son Jesus to earth to make a way for each of us to the Father.

What might it look like for you to remember and celebrate this Christmas?

Arohanui

Melanie

Notices

· Northpoint Budget Vote - This will be done after the service today. If you haven't grabbed your copy of the 2018 Budget then please grab one from the office.

· Christmas Hampers - It’s that time of year again when we deliver 40 hampers to the New Plymouth community, as a way of blessing those who have had a difficult year. We need monetary donations to cover the cost of this. If you would like to contribute you can pay by internet banking into the church account 15-3956-0073646-00– please use the reference hampers. Otherwise please see the church office. Thank you

· Food Together - Volunteers wanted to staff the handing out of the Food Together hampers on Thursday afternoons from 3-5:30pm. You would only need to be on once a month at most. Please see the office if you can help.

· Baptist Magazine - The latest issue of Baptist Magazine is here and available from the office for just $2.

· Right Now Media - Is a customisable video Bible study library that Northpoint has offered to you as a free resource. If you don’t have access already then please send the office an email and we will send out the link. Thank you.

· Christmas flyers - There are flyers to be put into letterboxes around Bell Block for our Christmas service times. If you have some spare time then please grab a pile from the foyer to deliver. Thank you.

·

Pastors Pen -

God Did Foot Washing

In John 13 Jesus modelled servant leadership by taking a bowl and towel and doing the job the household servant was expected to do. God did foot washing. He did this not so much as an example of service in general, but as an example of how the mission team he trained should serve each other. He knew doing mission in teams was crucially important. He also knew that many Christians would fail to do mission together because of pride, jealousy, competitiveness, forgiveness, and insecurity. His answer was to model taking what was considered the lowest dirtiest job in the team.

One of our churches new mission teams is trying to reach people in the gaming community. They want to reach "Gamers and Geeks" with the gospel. Gaming (which includes computer, console, and fantasy card games) is a bigger industry than both the movie industry and the music industry. Northpoint has an opportunity to encourage, pray for, resource, and send out some of our members into this relatively unreached group of 18 - 30-year old's.

The biggest need for this team right now is for a roster of people willing to care for 3 children so that their parents can both be involved in meeting with a group of gamers. Last week Mel challenged us to see children as just as important as adults in God’s Kingdom purposes. If you could care for 3 children, once a month in their home, you could free up one of the key adult leaders (4:30 –10:30pm Friday nights once a month). Caring for little people is a way we can serve this mission team, but it’s also an important mission in itself. So would you be able to commit one Friday evening a month to helping our Gamers and Geeks & Children’s mission? If you can please contact Guy: guy@northpoint.org.nz or Chris: oldclarkie@gmail.com or Deborah: clarkiette@gmail.com

Guy Pilkinton (local mission leader)

Notices

· This year’s ‘Christmas @ Home’ focus is a 3D pop-a-slot Advent Tree. It’s designed for families to add a decoration to for 24 days leading up to Christmas, read a scripture, do an activity, and discuss the whole Christmas story. Please come and get one! They're an easy resource to help your whanau look towards the story of Jesus' birth . There's one FREE for each household.

· Northpoint Budget Vote - This will be done after the service on the 10th December. If you haven't grabbed your copy of the 2018 Budget then please grab one from the office.

· Christmas Hampers - It’s that time of year again when we deliver 40 hampers to the New Plymouth community, as a way of blessing those who have had a difficult year. We need monetary donations to cover the cost of this. If you would like to contribute you can pay by internet banking into the church account 15-3956-0073646-00– please use the reference hampers. Otherwise please see the church office. Thank you

· Sponsor a Youth - It's the end of year youth celebration dinner and this year we are asking if anyone would like to sponsor a youth group member to go. There are some community youth who do not have the means to pay and we would love to be able to make sure everyone can go. The tickets are $8 each. Please pay at the office. Thank you.

· Puketapu School and Kindergarten Morning Tea - Each year we do an end of year morning tea for the staff at Puketapu school and kindy. This year it will be on Thursday the 7th of December. We would appreciate some volunteers to make either sweet or savoury morning tea and someone to come in and help with the preparation on the day. If you are able to help then please contact the office. Thank you.

· mainly music - The mainly music team are short on kitchen help on a Tuesday morning. They need people to go on a roster to help prepare and serve the morning teas every third week, (term time only) from approximately 9.15am to 11.15am. We are also looking for new members to join our committee! Meetings are once or twice a term and the same timings as the kitchen help. Volunteers can choose from the following jobs: cuddling babies; welcoming people as they come in; chatting to parents during coffee time; setting up, packing away; computer desk during the session. Refreshments provided. If you are interested please contact Caro on 022 676 9016 or contact the office. Thank you.

· Food Together - Volunteers wanted to staff the handing out of the Food Together hampers on Thursday afternoons from 3-5:30pm. You would only need to be on once a month at most. Please see the office if you can help.

· Baptist Magazine - The latest issue of Baptist Magazine is here and available from the office for just $2.

·

Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

Over the last few weeks, we have been working our way through a series called "How Shall We Live?" The concept of this series is to provide an opportunity to ask questions about some challenging subjects in life. Giving us the chance to explore some of the issues raised and how we should respond as followers of Jesus.

I have had numerous people tell me how they have really appreciated the series thus far, particularly the way we have involved lots of people. My hope; this series would introduce some complex topics so that they could then be processed and discussed in life groups, but also within the wider church community. A small disclaimer at this stage, we were never going to be able to cover every aspect of 7 major topics in 7 weeks. Hopefully, you have been getting some practical tips and tools to engage with these topics. However, I hope that you have also been able to continue these conversations beyond Sunday on these important topics.

There have also been a few of you who have said what about this? Or that? You didn't mention that, well, in short, we can't cover everything in one message. But if you have questions or things you wish to discuss as a result of this series then a life group is a great place to do that. Or talk to some of the people who have been involved in the services as I am sure they would be happy to talk through some of the things it may have raised for you.

As I said the other week, some of these topics are actually uncomfortable to talk about, some of them challenge our way of life. Is that ok? I believe it is. I often find Jesus very challenging, even confronting on a wide range of issues. When we chose to follow Jesus we were never given any assurance this choice would make things easy, in fact, we were told the opposite. I think we need to continually revisit these sort of topics because we have a responsibility to be different to the world, to be salt and light and to point people to Jesus the one that we have chosen to follow.

If you have any questions I would be more than happy to talk with you just get in touch.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Newcomers Lunch - Today after the service. If you are new to Northpoint and would like to know more about us please feel free to come along. We would love to meet you. Food provided.

· Puketapu School and Kindergarten Morning Tea - Each year we do an end of year morning tea for the staff at Puketapu school and kindy. This year it will be on Thursday the 7th of December. We would appreciate some volunteers to make either sweet or savoury morning tea and someone to come in and help with the preparation on the day. If you are able to help then please contact the office. Thank you.

· Evergreens - Friday 1st December. Christmas Luncheon at Cobb & Co at 11:45 am. 2 Course meal for $22.50. Numbers to be confirmed by end of November. Please contact Noeline or Diane

· mainly music - The mainly music team are short on kitchen help on a Tuesday morning. They need people to go on a roster to help prepare and serve the morning teas every third week, (term time only) from approximately 9.15am to 11.15am. We are also looking for new members to join our committee! Meetings are once or twice a term and the same timings as the kitchen help. Volunteers can choose from the following jobs: cuddling babies; welcoming people as they come in; chatting to parents during coffee time; setting up, packing away; computer desk during the session. Refreshments provided. If you are interested please contact Caro or the office. Thank you.

· Bell Block Christmas Parade - Saturday 2 December: This year the Northpoint float has a 'celebration' theme. We're after children or adults who would like to be joyful angels around our nativity scene, people to help during the day as we construct and decorate the truck, and friendly people who will walk alongside and hand out goodies to the crowd. If you'd like to be part of this fun community event please put your name down at the office or email the church. The parade begins at 5pm.

· This year’s ‘Christmas @ Home’ focus is a 3D pop-a-slot Advent Tree. It’s designed for families to add a decoration to for 24 days leading up to Christmas, read a scripture, do an activity, and discuss the whole Christmas story. These are available from the office free as our gift to you. One per household please.

· Food Together - Volunteers wanted to staff the handing out of the Food Together hampers on Thursday afternoons from 3-5:30pm. You would only need to be on once a month at most. Please see the office if you can help.

·

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora mai e te whanau - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special welcome to visitors with us here today!

What a full-on, exhausting, inspiring and amazing last few weeks we have had as a church community!! The weather came right just in time too! From the buzz of the Light Party, to welcoming and hosting 500 delegates for our Baptist Hui – it has been a massive few weeks for many of us.

Ka Tuu, Ka Rongo, Ki te Whakapono: Stand and Listen with Conviction.

That was the theme for Hui this year, and it was a very proud moment when young people from our youth ministry and Puketapu School led the powhiri to welcome delegates on to Owae Marae. We watched the deeply powerful movie Children of Parihaka before travelling to Parihaka to hear first-hand the story of Crown betrayal, brutal incarceration, and the journey to reconciliation and healing. Former mayor Andrew Judd shared his testimony of racism, of learning and understanding, and his own personal journey towards healing and reconciliation – which cost him his mayoralty and lead to many personal attacks on him and his family.

Heather Ameye-Bevers also lead a time of talking about women in leadership, and the challenges faced in reaching equality and unity in this area of our denomination.

Despite the heavy topics brought to Baptist Hui this year, the atmosphere and the “spirit” of our time together was remarkably light. A sense of God’s grace and peace permeated the entire conference, and many people remarked on this too. A personal highlight for me was leading the worship at Hui, hearing hearts sing out to God and sensing his Spirit at work in many lives there – it is an experience I will hold in my heart for a long time. I look forward to where we go from here…

Romans 12:5 “…so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki; may God bless and care for you all.

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Dedication - Today we celebrate the dedication of Joshua Grigg. We warmly welcome friends and family who are visiting with us today.

· Puketapu School and Kindergarten Morning Tea - Each year we do an end of year morning tea for the staff at Puketapu school and kindy. This year it will be on Thursday the 7th of December. We would appreciate some volunteers to make either sweet or savoury morning tea and someone to come in and help with the preparation on the day. If you are able to help then please contact the office. Thank you.

· Bell Block Community Christmas Parade - Is being held on the 2nd of December and we are wanting to put a float in. If you are interested in being a part of our float then please put your name down at the office.

· Evergreens - Friday 1st December. Christmas Luncheon at Cobb & Co at 11:45 am. 2 Course meal for $22.50. Numbers to be confirmed by end of November. Please contact Noeline 929 3136 or Diane 755 0639.

·

Pastors Pen -

Light Party 2017

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make the Light Party such a wonderful community event on Tuesday. The feedback has been so positive from the community with happy faces as evidence everywhere on the night. A massive thank you needs to go to the Light Party committee (Michelle Pigneguy, Kodie Baldwin, Jo Daken and Helen Radcliffe) who have put in many, many hours of work along with their key area leaders.

What this years light party has shown as the sign says “many hands make Light Party work” and many hands came out. So whether you cooked, crafted, cut, popped corn, spun candy floss, handed out sausages, staffed a station, welcomed, painted faces, made coffee, put everything up & then put it all away. Whatever it is you did thank you for serving the community this year and being a Light in our community.

Notices

· Dedication - Today we celebrate the dedication of Briar and Darcy Walthew. We warmly welcome friends and family who are visiting with us today.

· Baptist Hui– This week is the Baptist Hui and we will have up to 500 delegates from all over New Zealand coming to town. Thank you to all the people who are going to be volunteering to help out this week we really appreciate the support.

· Fundraiser– After church today why don’t you go down and support the Rolstons home group who are down at Mitre 10 fundraising for their Fuel Cambodia student. This home group are sponsoring a student in Cambodia to attend university. For $400 USD, you can support a student through university for one year. This opportunity for education is a way out of poverty.

· Crock Pots—Please check the foyer table to see if any of the crock pots or other plates etc left from Light Party are yours. If you can check as soon as possible as we have Baptist Hui here this week.

· Jesus Storybook Bible - We use this resource in some of our Northpoint Kids spaces on Sunday mornings, especially with our primary aged children in The Forest. We'd love all families to share God's story together and know many households already have a copy of the JSB at home. Academics, whanau and pastors speak very highly of this well written bible-storybook. We'd love to encourage you to buy one of these for your home. They are available from the church office for a discounted price of $20.

· Calling all life group leaders - We will have a vision night for 2018 on Monday 13th of November in the Northpoint lounge for all life group leaders and assistants. Come and share your ideas for 2018, as well as to discuss some ideas to be presented. Contact John Oliver or the office.

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Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

Well it is all go around this place just in case you hadn't noticed. Someone said to me that we should host the Hui every year, just look how much work we have had completed around the place in the last few weeks. So firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who have worked hard on things getting ready for the Light Party and our National Baptist Hui. So it is just a couple of days to the light party and from what I understand things are looking pretty good. We could still do with some volunteers to help out with the Hui if you are keen and free. Also if you are interested in what is happening for the Hui you can have a look at the program here;

http://www.baptist.org.nz/baptist-hui-2017-programme/

There are some interesting things happening during the Hui, there are 500 delegates registered so it will be a packed house. But if you would like to come along to listen to a session we are arranging for there to be an overflow in the hall with a live video feed. If you do want to come you are welcome but please use the hall as we want to leave seats in the auditorium for those delegates that have paid and registered to be there.

Also our very own Melanie Keith is being recognised as a fully registered Baptist Pastor on the Saturday night so if you want to come along and give her a cheer of support it would be great to have you there.

Anyway thanks again for all that you do and join with me in praying that the Light Party and Hui will both be really successful and fruitful for the kingdom.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Jesus Storybook Bible - We use this resource in some of our Northpoint Kids spaces on Sunday mornings, especially with our primary aged children in The Forest. We'd love all families to share God's story together and know many households already have a copy of the JSB at home. Academics, whanau and pastors speak very highly of this well written bible-storybook. We'd love to encourage you to buy one of these for your home. They are available from the church office for a discounted price of $20.

· Church Directory - Please note this is the last Sunday the photos are being taken so if you haven't had yours done yet then please make sure you do that before or after the service. We will also be checking and updating details so please be prepared to do this so we can have the new directory out to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

· Toddler Area - We've had some fantastic feedback on our holiday Toddler Area at the back of the auditorium. Because of this we have decided to continue with it during term time also. Parents and caregivers of little ones, we hope this will help create another space that works for you during our time together.

· Evergreens - Friday November 3rd. Speaker Karen Davies will share personal testimony and discuss God’s will and purpose for Israel. 10am morning tea in the church lounge. Bring a small plate or $2. Thank you.

· Garden Tidy - a big thank you to the 2 home groups that came in on Thursday night and did a massive tidy of the Gardens. They are looking amazing.

· Calling all life group leaders - We will have a vision night for 2018 on Monday 13th of November in the Northpoint lounge for all life group leaders and assistants. Come and share your ideas for 2018, as well as to discuss some ideas to be presented. Contact John on 027 477 8407 or the office.

We are doing pre-sales for food tickets ($1 per ticket) if you want to get your food tickets early and just walk through the door and buy your food, these pre-sales are before and after church and on Monday 9am-3pm. We are also pre selling Hangi tickets $10. There are limited numbers of these so get in quick so you don’t miss out.

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Pastors Pen -

Kia ora koutou whanau,

The countdown is on for our Light Party, just over a week to go. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing team of people who have been working very hard to make it all come together. We are very blessed to have a committee who are so passionate about seeing our community transformed. The Light Party provides such a fantastic chance for us to connect with our community, If you haven't already signed up to help there are still gaps to fill and jobs to be completed, this event really requires all of us to pull together and be the Body Of Christ to make it run successfully.

Next Sunday straight after church we will begin the process of packing away chairs and beginning to set up equipment for The Light Party. People will be staying on for a briefing and to start decorating. So it would be awesome if any of you would be happy to provide some food to contribute towards a lunch to feed the workers. If you are happy to bring something for the lunch can you please let the office know and what you will bring, thanks. Regarding the other vacancies, there are for The Light Party check our facebook page or check with the office and sign up. If The Light Party itself is not for you there is always plenty of helpers required for the setup crew, and also for the pack down, which starts at 7:30pm Tuesday 31st October.

Anyway thank you again to all who are involved in making this great event happen it is a privilege to work together to see our community transformed.

Blessings,

Mike

Notices

· Jesus Storybook Bible - We use this resource in some of our Northpoint Kids spaces on Sunday mornings, especially with our primary aged children in The Forest. We'd love all families to share God's story together and know many households already have a copy of the JSB at home. Academics, whanau and pastors speak very highly of this well written bible-storybook. We'd love to encourage you to buy one of these for your home. They are available from the church office for a discounted price of $20.

· Church Directory - Photographs will be taken before and after the service for the new church phone directory. We will also be checking and updating details so please be prepared to do this so we can have the new directory out to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

· Caravans Needed -Do you or anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November? We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help.

· Heavens Declare' Art Challenge - Thanks to everyone who has participated in our art challenge over the last 4 weeks. We trust you've enjoyed worshiping in this way. We love the variety, ideas and creativity that is shown on our art wall, and hope everyone will enjoy having a good look at what's been shared

· Toddler Area - We've had some fantastic feedback on our holiday Toddler Area at the back of the auditorium. Because of this we have decided to continue with it during term time also. Parents and caregivers of little ones, we hope this will help create another space that works for you during our time together.

Light Party -We are doing pre-sales for food tickets ($1 per ticket) if you want to get your food tickets early and just walk through the door and buy your food, these pre-sales are from Tuesday 24th October-Friday 27th October from 8:30am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm at the church office. We are also still looking for Volunteers to fill some roles on the night, to make this important event a great success we need many hands to help out. Let us know if you can help. Thanks heaps to all who have already signed up.

·

Pastors Pen -

This morning is our third intergenerational service focusing on the topic of prayer. It has been great to hear feedback from many of our faith community who have been encouraged in a new aspect of prayer, participated either individually or with others, or been challenged to step up their personal prayer life.

Jesus disciples watched him put time aside to talk to his Father in prayer. He went off to lonely places in order to pray, and even (and this is a challenge for me) ‘got up while it was still dark’ to pray. I wonder what God might be saying to you today about his hopes for your conversations with him: more often, more honesty, more thankfulness, more listening…

Today we will be reflecting on The Lord’s Prayer, and during the service we will be reading an extended version that has been sourced from alpha.org. You might like to use this in your personal prayer time also:

Our Father in heaven

Creator, You ask us to call You Father. You know us personally.

Hallowed be Your name

Your name is set apart from any other. We honour You, respect You.

Your kingdom come

May Your rule and reign be realized in our lives, in our community, in New Zealand.

Your will be done

We surrender our lives to Your plans, Your timing. Help us to carry out Your will.

On earth as it is in Heaven

May we embrace kingdom values as we carry out Your will on earth.

Give us this day our daily bread

Please provide for our needs each day. Thank You for caring.

And forgive us our debts

We repent of thoughts, words, and actions that separate us from You or our loved ones.

As we forgive our debtors

We release resentment, offenses, and hurts. Your mercy is our example.

And do not lead us into temptation

Show us our weaknesses. Give us strength to make right choices.

But deliver us from the evil one

Protect us from the tempter. Saturate our minds with Your truth.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever

We belong to you. Help us live as obedient servants of the sovereign King, bearing Your image in a fallen world, relying on Your strength, and living for Your glory.

Amen

So be it! These words can be trusted. The End.

Arohanui Melanie

Notices

· Working Bee - A big thank you to those of you who helped out with the working bee yesterday. We really appreciate all the time and effort that went in.

· Church Directory - Photographs will be taken before and after the service for the new church phone directory. We will also be checking and updating details so please be prepared to do this so we can have the new directory out to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

· Caravans Needed -Do you or anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November? We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help.

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes –The cut-off time for this is Thursday the 19th October and they will need to be dropped off to Central Baptist Church. Their office hours are Mon-Wed 9am-12pm. Thank you.

· Holiday Art Challenge - For all ages. Create a picture of the sky declaring how awesome God is. Choose any style eg. Draw/paint/photo/collage etc. Include the verse Psalm 19:1 somewhere in your art. Prizes for everyone who enters. Due back to church by the 22nd October. See the noticeboard or office for more details.

We are doing pre-sales for food tickets ($1 per ticket) if you want to get your food tickets early and just walk through the door and buy your food, these pre-sales are from Tuesday 24th October-Friday 27th October from 8:30am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm at the church office. We are also still looking for Volunteers to fill some roles on the night, to make this important event a great success we need many hands to help out. Let us know if you can help. Thanks heaps to all who have already signed up.

·

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora mai e te whanau - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special welcome to visitors with us here today!

As we join together over these school holiday Sundays, we celebrate the diverse range of ages, personalities and journeys that makes up our church community. Let’s be thankful for how we can each contribute, encounter Christ as part of His Body, and see him at work also in those around us!

I spent last weekend at a noho marae (marae stay) up at Mōkau–Awakino, as part of my Te Reo language course, with about 100 others from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. What humoured me was how much it felt like a youth camp (for adults); what struck me deeply is how much we are all searching for community, belonging and purpose.

On the course were men and women of all ages, many born in New Zealand but some from as far away as Germany, the U.K., Indonesia, Venezuela, the United States and South Africa. There were as many reasons for being there as there were nationalities, and a diverse range of places of employment too. Among the class members were teachers from Inglewood Primary School, whose loss of a young student that week set a sombre and deeply authentic tone for the weekend.

As we each stood up to introduce ourselves, the process of pepeha revealed our background, family history and for many, loss of loved ones. For most people, public speaking can be terrifying; needing to be this vulnerable and to share a song after you speak takes it even more beyond our comfort zone! What I witnessed as each person shared was the overcoming of personal fear, the chance to say “this is me”, and in return the honest approval and validation from the audience. There was laughter and tears; there were awkward silences; it was drawn out and it was messy; it was empowering and it was community-building. It was deeply spiritual.

Someone remarked over the weekend, “this must be just like church, Jeff. You’d be used to this.” If only… sure, there are flaws in each cultural system, and given another day or two our peaceful utopia would have begun to crack… But to be honest, sometimes “churches” represent more a concert than a community, or ekklesia... Yet we are created for community, called to serve and to humble ourselves to each other. It doesn’t have to be slick and polished; it is far better authentic and awkward. We each need a place where we can step out and contribute, to be built up and to belong, to have a voice, to fail at times, to feel secure and valued by those we share the journey with. It doesn’t matter where we come from – it is where we are called to and with whom we are going there with that makes the difference.

Romans 12:5 “…so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki; may God bless and care for you all.

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Church Directory - For the next few weeks photographs will be taken before and after the service for the new church phone directory. We will also be checking and updating details so please be prepared to do this so we can have the new directory out to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

· Caravans Needed -Do you or anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November? We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help.

· Long Story Short - This course is starting on the 12th October at 7:30pm in Strandon. L.S.S. is a quality New Zealand produced video series which gives a big over-view of the message of the Bible, from creation and ending with the saving work of Jesus on the cross. The series runs for 7 weeks. If you are interested in joining this group, please call John Oliver on 027 477 8407.

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes -these are ready to be collected for filling from the foyer. We are not a drop off point this year so boxes can be dropped of to Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet Street, New Plymouth by Thursday the 19th October.

· Working Bee - Saturday the 14th October. From 9am –12pm. Come along and lend a helping hand. There are lots of different jobs to do for all ages both inside and outside. Yummy morning tea provided.

· Holiday Art Challenge - For all ages. Create a picture of the sky declaring how awesome God is. Choose any style eg. Draw/paint/photo/collage etc. Include the verse Psalm 19:1 somewhere in your art. Prizes for everyone who enters. Due back to church by the 22nd October. See the noticeboard or office for more details.

· Refuel - The next Refuel leaders night is Sunday the 15th October from 7-8:30pm. We hope you will be able to make it again for a time of fellowship, teachings, prayer and upskilling as a leader.

Light Party is coming up quickly and the team are in need of some volunteers. If you are a face painter or would love to learn to face paint—we need you. We also need people to staff the over 5 activities so please either put your name down on the volunteers list in the foyer or see one of the Light Party Team. Jo Daken, Helen Radcliffe, Michelle Pigneguy or Kodie Baldwin. Thank you.

·

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora and welcome to shared worship. It’s good to gather together as God’s people to celebrate who He is, what He has done for us. We are glad you are here today.

Today is our first ‘Intergenerational Service’ for these school holidays, which means our whole faith community have an opportunity to learn, worship, pray and grow in faith together for the whole morning. We are on a journey learning how to be a faith community which embraces people of all backgrounds, abilities and disabilities, preferences, ethnicities, and ages.

For those of you who are new to this idea, intergenerational services are a chance for us, the church to intentionally welcome children -just as Jesus did, and to pay attention to those Jesus picked out (Matthew 18:5). It’s also a space where children, youth and adults can all hear from each other and contribute their unique awareness of God in a way that enriches, encourages and challenges us all.

Choosing to put our own priorities aside and embrace faith together above our personal preferences is counter cultural. It goes against the consumer driven ways of the world which tell us we should go where our needs are met rather than ‘sit through’ a few minutes of something we don’t like, or accommodate others who might express faith differently to ourselves. Our hope is that within the variety of expressions and experiences we share this morning there will be things that resonate with each of us personally, and things that require us to show generosity as together we make space for others.

Prayer is our overarching theme for these 3 intergenerational services, with a focus on Ephesians 6, Psalm 23, and The Lord’s Prayer.

Our goals for the 3 weeks are to:

· provide opportunities for all ages to grow in faith together

· open scripture & pray together

· share ideas, and hear from a variety of voices

· connect with others and strengthen a sense of community

· worship together in various styles

· create spaces to respond to and engage with God

I wonder what God might be stirring in your heart about this, and how his Spirit might prompt you to engage in this faith community this morning or in the weeks ahead.

Arohanui

Melanie

Notices

· Church Directory - For the next few weeks photographs will be taken before and after the service for the new church phone directory. We will also be checking and updating details so please be prepared to do this so we can have the new directory out to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

· Caravans Needed -Do you or anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November? We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help.

· Long Story Short - This course is starting on the 12th October at 7:30pm in Strandon. L.S.S. is a quality New Zealand produced video series which gives a big over-view of the message of the Bible, starting from creation and ending with the saving work of Jesus on the cross. The series runs for 7 weeks. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact John Oliver .

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes -these are ready to be collected for filling from the foyer. We are not a drop off point this year so boxes can be dropped of to Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet Street, New Plymouth by Thursday the 19th October.

· Evergreens - Friday 6th October. Speaker Paul of GODRONE will speak and demonstrate Drones indoors. He will have drones for sale $65.00 for ages 8+ great for early Christmas presents. 10am morning tea in the church lounge. Bring a small plate or $2.

· Working Bee - Saturday the 14th October. From 9am –12pm. Come along and lend a helping hand. There are lots of different jobs to do for all ages both inside and outside. Yummy morning tea provided.

· Holiday Art Challenge - For all ages. Create a picture of the sky declaring how awesome God is. Choose any style eg. Draw/paint/photo/collage etc. Include the verse Psalm 19:1 somewhere in your art. Prizes for everyone who enters. Due back to church by the 22nd October. See the noticeboard or office for more details.

· Light Party - Light Party is coming up on Tuesday the 31st Oct. Please make sure you take a look at the light Party display in the foyer and see where you can be involved or sign up online at: http://www.volunteersignup.org/9C3WX

· Refuel - The next Refuel leaders night is Sunday the 15th October from 7-8:30pm. We hope you will be able to make it again for a time of fellowship, teachings, prayer and upskilling as a leader.

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora mai e te whanau o te Atua - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special welcome to visitors with us here today!

Well by the time you are reading this we should know, or have an idea at least, the latest election results and who is likely to be leading our country for the next 3 years. Don’t you just love election time?! It turns us all into experts and critics, and gives us permission to be passionate and vocal about the issues we face and the values we feel are under threat. It makes for an interesting time in many households and friendships!

At the same time Australia has been debating the same-sex marriage issue, and it has been interesting (saddening, even) to read online some of the arguments otherwise civil human beings level at each other in defense of their personal values.

It makes you wonder; Where would Jesus be in all this? Would he vote? What would he post online? How would he respond to others, and what issues would he be most passionate about? Would he be determined to get the last word in and push his opinion?

This past week at Northpoint Youth we talked about the power of words and the tongue. What we say – and what we post online – has immense power over others and over our own lives too;

Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue can bring life and death; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”

Proverbs 26:20 “Fire goes out without wood, quarrels disappear when gossip stops.”

1 Peter 3:10 “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. “

Lastly, from Ephesians 4:29 “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful…an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Let’s believe the best and speak the best over our country and our leaders.

Let’s speak life and grace to each other, even when we differ in our values and our political or theological differences.

Let’s demonstrate the love and the truth that a dying world is in desperate need of.

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki; may God bless and care for you all.

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Bell Block Beach Clean - Thank you to everyone who helped out with the beach clean last Sunday. It was a huge success. The team from Taranaki Conservationist also send their thanks to those that helped and also to the great team on the BBQ.

· Caravans Needed -Do you or anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November? We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help

· Long Story Short - This course is starting on the 12th October at 7:30pm in Strandon. L.S.S. is a quality New Zealand produced video series which gives a big over-view of the message of the Bible, starting from creation and ending with the saving work of Jesus on the cross. The series runs for 7 weeks. If you are interested in joining this group, please call John Oliver on 027 477 8407.

· Prayer & Self Denial - A big thank you from Tranzsend for your generous donations towards Prayer & Self Denial this year. Your donations are used to enable Tranzsends overseas workers to continue to be part of serving their communities, reaching, redeeming and restoring them through the gospel.

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes -these are ready to be collected for filling from the foyer. We are not a drop off point this year so boxes can be dropped of to Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet Street, New Plymouth by Thursday the 19th October.

Pastors Pen -

I've been visiting lots of people trying to understand what's already happening at Northpoint and where there might be potential for new local mission in our region. As a result of this visiting I've got a list of some real local mission needs and possibilities. But more importantly I've met some people who God has given a sense of calling to do local mission.

One couple I've been meeting with want to reach people in the gaming community. They want to reach "Gamers and Geeks" with the gospel. Gaming (which includes computer, console and fantasy card games) is a bigger industry than both the movie industry and the music industry. The gamer community is a people group all of its own and people are spending millions of dollars and 1000's of hours to be involved in this world.

Northpoint has an opportunity to encourage, pray for, resource, train and send out some of our members into this relatively unreached group of 18 - 30-year old's.

There may be a place for you on the Gamers and Geeks team:

· If you relate well to people who enjoy playing fantasy card, console & computer games and want to spend time with them and a team of Christians learning to do mission with this group.

· If you have babysitting skills that you can use to free up one of the key adult leaders (4:30 –10:30pm Friday nights)

· If you want to go on an email list of people who are willing to pray for the mission

· If you can give money to this mission even $10 a week to help pay for:

-A baby sitter (4:30–10:30pm each Friday)

-Blessing the gamers and geeks in a way that makes them ask questions about God's Kingdom

-Other costs of doing mission among this new people group. Leaders are already putting in significant money themselves

Contact guy@northpoint.org.nz if you are interested in joining the team in any of these ways.

Guy Pilkinton (local mission leader)

Notices

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes—these are ready to be collected for filling from the foyer. We are not a drop off point this year so boxes can be dropped of to Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet Street, New Plymouth by Thursday the 19th October.

· Bell Block Beach Clean —Today after the service. This is a worthwhile community project run by Taranaki Conservationist and it would be great if we can join with them as a church. Meet down at Bell Block Beach at 12pm

· Caravans Needed—Do you or does anyone you know, have a caravan we can borrow for the Baptist Hui 8th –12th November. We are going to need two of them and they will be onsite here at Northpoint for the Carey students who are coming down to help. Please contact the office if you can help

· Long Story Short - L.S.S. is a quality New Zealand produced video series which gives a big over-view of the message of the Bible, starting from creation and ending with the saving work of Jesus on the cross. The series runs for 7 weeks. A new group is starting soon on Thursday evenings in Strandon. If you are interested in joining this group, please call John Oliver on 027 477 8407.

New Zealand Elections

As you will know we have our government election happening next Saturday and I would like to encourage you to vote. It is important for us to participate in this process and embrace our democratic right. I would encourage you to get informed on which party to vote for. There are several good websites and tools to help you with this, here are a few.

https://votecompass.tvnz.co.nz/

http://www.onthefence.co.nz/

http://valueyourvote.org.nz/

https://policy.thespinoff.co.nz/

http://www.interest.co.nz/news/86954/election-2017-party-philosophieskaupapa

Can I also encourage you that we have a responsibility to pray for those who lead our country as well, so pray for wisdom in voting and pray for those who will be elected that they are given the wisdom to lead our nation.

Mike

Pastors Pen -

This week I had a conversation with someone who recently has come back to faith in a dramatic way. He got really sick and in the process encountered God in a very real and tangible way experiencing the miraculous healing power of the Holy Spirit. As we talked it struck me how through this traumatic experience, he had gained a powerful insight about God, he could now see the God who he thought was distant from him had in fact been present with him all along. He was now able to see in the midst of some difficulties and trials he had over the last few years that God had not abandoned him but was instead always present and in fact pouring his love on him. This revelation has transformed his life. The truth, which had been revealed opened his eyes to a new reality, as a result he is going forward in leaps and bounds. He has fresh hunger and thirst to learn more about God, this accompanied by a desire to serve him in all areas of his life.

This got me thinking.... How passionately do we seek God's input in our lives? How much do we invite him to reveal the things he is already doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us. How often do we ask him to show us the ways he wants us to engage with his Kingdom? In what ways we are to participate in seeing lives transformed. Because our theology, our belief is that God dwells in each of us as believers doesn't he? He empowers us through the work of the Holy Spirit. So what are we seeing as a result? And if we aren't seeing stuff are we asking God to reveal more to us? Are we inviting him to work through us and bring about transformation in our community? Often we get too easily discouraged and don't think big enough when it comes to faith because the reality is that He is at work all around us and it’s exciting and transforming when we see and hear about what he is doing. We need to remember;

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, NLT)

Have a great week! Blessings Mike

Notices

· Stories Wanted—On 17 September the Forest will be sharing the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and how God made a way for them. We would love to have some modern-day stories to share about how God does this now too. We are looking for some guests (could be you!) to join a small group and talk for 2-3 minutes about when God has made a way for you. It doesn’t matter if you have a big story or little story, we just want about 10 willing people to share how good God is. Can you help? Please let Melanie know or leave your name at the office. Thanks!

· Samaritans Purse shoeboxes—these are able to be collected for filling from the foyer. We are not a drop off point this year so boxes can be dropped of to Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet Street, New Plymouth by Thursday the 19th October.

Pastors Pen -

Morena and welcome to Northpoint today. We are glad you’ve joined us.

This week I was reading a book by Dr Michael Ungar, titled ‘The We Generation’. It’s introductory chapter is both fascinating and disturbing as he reflects on our post-modern society and the needs of children and teens. The Canadian author is among the best known writers and researchers on the topic of resilience in the world, and his perspective is worth listening to. The following quote sums up what many of us are already too aware of…

‘At this time of great social change and technological innovation, it’s easy for parents to overlook what kids really want: connections. Not electronic, virtual, real-time chatter, but one-on-one attention and touch. All our computer-driven mass communication is creating a generation that can gossip at lightening speed, research anything about anyone with a few keystrokes, and morph into uncontrolled communities in cyberspace. This generation is more connected than any other before it, but the connections are superficial. Beneath the whirling cacophony of the information revolution are children pleading for someone to notice them.’

I wonder if that resonates with you as you think of the children and youth you interact with. It certainly does for me. Children, teens and adults too I believe, are all craving places where they are heard and belong. Unger tells us that this needs to happen with parents and important caregivers, and as followers in the way of Jesus we know this needs to be a mark of His community also.

A few days ago I was at Supervalue with my children and we saw an older lady from our Northpoint family. After our initial greetings this dear woman initiated a conversation with one of my children, making observations about my child and asking a few intriguing questions. Although on the outside the responses from said offspring seemed subdued, the interaction had sparked curiosity and created a point of connection. There have been a number of comments about this at home since, and I anticipate more chats with our new friend in the future. For my child a moment of being noticed has created a stronger sense of belonging and connection, and as a parent I’m grateful.

This coming week I’ll be away at Carey Baptist College in Auckland attending a ‘Family in NZ Society’ block course. I anticipate this won’t be an easy week as we grapple with tough topics and the heartbreaking realities such as those described above. I would appreciate your prayers as we continue to listen to what God might be saying to us about our children, families and community.

PS - If you’d like to read the introduction chapter of Dr Michael Unger’s book, there are copies at the information desk, or you can email the church and we can send you a PDF version. It includes practical suggestions and ideas for us all!

Arohanui Melanie

Notices

· Volunteers Needed—Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? We have a great opportunity to help with greeting people, making them feel welcome and then helping them with their Food Together orders here on a Thursday afternoon from 3-5:30pm. If you are interested please put your name down at the office. Thank you.

· Stories Wanted—On 17 September the Forest will be sharing the story of the Israelites escape from Egypt and how God made a way for them. We would love to have some modern-day stories to share about how God does this now too. We are looking for some guests (could be you!) to join a small group and talk for 2-3 minutes about when God has made a way for you. It doesn’t matter if you have a big story or little story, we just want about 10 willing people to share how good God is. Can you help? Please let Melanie know or leave your name at the office. Thanks!

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora mai e te whanau o te Atua - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special welcome to visitors with us here today!

It has been interesting watching the past few weeks as different news stories break and dominate media coverage; the upcoming election, with leadership changes and various polls and predictions; the Barcelona terror attack affecting citizens from every corner of the globe; the alleged cover-up of Kiwi soldiers deaths in Afghanistan… and the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, with interviews of royal family members, bodyguards, former nannies, lovers and “insiders”…

It is also 20 years since the passing of another significant female figure in recent history. One also known for her compassion, her humanitarianism, her resolve. Yet we haven’t heard much, if any, mention of Mother Teresa of Calcutta – the Albanian nun who spent 68 years serving the poor in India - in the media on the eve of the anniversary of her death.

This past week at Northpoint Youth we discussed the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ story of an unfortunate traveller who came to be beaten, robbed, and left naked on the roadside, only to be ignored by those we expect would have offered help. Then came the “despised” Samaritan who showed not only compassion, but personal cost in helping to see that the traveller was rescued and restored to full health. That, says Jesus, is showing love for our neighbor. Not wearing our religious robes or outward appearances, but showing mercy – “go and do likewise” he instructed. Go and do likewise to those we call friends and neighbors, and to those who are entirely nothing like us. To those we love, and to those we may even despise.

Mother Teresa is quoted as saying the following; "By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus."

As Christ’s followers, by his calling, we too “belong to the world” – to our neighbours everywhere, not limited by ethnicity or geography or spirituality – and we belong entirely “to the Heart of Jesus” because of the Cross, the ultimate act of love. This week may we see the world through his eyes, hear the world with his ears, and love the world with his heart.

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki; may God bless and care for you all.

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Volunteers Needed—Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? We have a great opportunity to help with greeting people, making them feel welcome and then helping them with their Food Together orders here on a Thursday afternoon from 3-5:30pm. If you are interested please put your name down at the office. Thank you.

· Are you 18yrs-30 something? There is a Young Adults camp coming up Sept 1-3 at Foxton Beach called Imagine - with a great line up of speakers. Head to https://bym.org.nz/register to find out more.

· Evergreens—Friday the 1st Sept. Speaker Megan from NZ Customs 10am morning tea—bring a small plate or $2. Thank you

· Marriage course desserts—We need some wonderful people to help us by making some dessert for the marriage course over the next couple of weeks. If you are interested please see the office after the service to find out what desserts need to be made, or call the office on 755 2374 during the week. Thank you

Ministry Moments -

Greetings,

Well it's official - registrations are now open for our National Baptist Hui this year, and Northpoint is listed as the host. Last year our National Leader asked if we would be willing to host the Hui for 2017 as they wanted to be in Taranaki to visit Parihaka. As we prayed and talked about it as a staff team and elders, we felt it was right to say yes!

It has been approximately 20 years since our national gathering has been here in New Plymouth so it will look quite different to what it did back then. We are expecting over 500 delegates to attend, which will push our facilities and resources to their limits. Obviously, we are needing to hire additional equipment and marquees to cope with the extra numbers. There has already been quite a bit planning and logistical work completed for this event, but there is still a lot to be done.

The various events for this year's Hui are on from Wed 8th - Saturday 11th November. We are going to need lots of volunteers who are willing to help so if any of you have some flexibility around work, or are open to taking some leave we would love to have you on board. We will need teams for welcoming, car-parking, billeting, hospitality, cleaning, and logistics. We will also be asking all of the other Baptist churches in Taranaki for help as well. Please watch your emails and newsletters in the coming weeks for specific requests for help. If you're happy to help anywhere then let us know your availability and we can assign you to a team.

It is our goal to do the best job we can, welcoming and hosting church delegates from all over the country. Lonely Planet named Taranaki as the second best place to visit in the world for 2017, so we have a lot to live up to. Thank you in advance for your willingness to be involved - together we can do amazing things for God's Kingdom!

Blessings,

Mike (on behalf of the team)

Notices

· Prayer & Self Denial — If you are still wanting to make a donation towards this then you can still do this through the office. Thank you

· Freezer Meals—we are running a little low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a little extra of your favourite dish, we have some containers available at the office.

· Are you 18yrs-30 something? There is a Young Adults camp coming up Sept 1-3 at Foxton Beach called Imagine - with a great line up of speakers. Head to https://bym.org.nz/register to find out more.

· Beach Clean—Check out the noticeboard for details of a beach clean at Bell Block Beach today at 12:30pm.

Ministry Moments -

A week from now our family will be boarding a plane for South Asia. The journey that's led us to this point has been a long one, since the dream of a business that works for freedom first captured our hearts 4 years ago.

As we face this major transition, start our language study and learn to live in a culture and an environment very different to New Zealand, we know the challenges will be great. However, as we've walked through times of discouragement and uncertainty over the last few years, we have known the peace of a God who walks with us and prepares the way ahead of us. We're propelled forward by our hope and desire to see freedom, belonging, healing and redemption in this place of hopelessness.

We are humbled to know we are just one thread in God's vast kingdom tapestry, held in place by the threads that make up our church family here at Northpoint. We hugely appreciate your ongoing support that is making it possible for us to embark on this work.

We also know that for anything we have to offer to The Loyal Workshop and the community we'll be immersed in over the next two years, we'll have far more to learn about joy and suffering, about ourselves and about the God we follow.

Lou and Andy Gane

Notices

· Prayer & Self Denial — There will be a time set aside in the service today for you to bring your Prayer & Self Denial Offering. This is the last week we will be collecting during the service, however if you still need to bring your offering in you can pay through the office.

· Freezer Meals—we are running a little low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a little extra of your favourite dish, we have some containers available at the office.

· Refuel—Where leaders get Encouraged, Empowered & Equipped 20th August 7-8:30pm at Northpoint.

· Newcomers Lunch—Sunday 27th August 12pm after the service. If you are new to Northpoint and want to find out more and meet the staff and elders come along and share lunch together. Register at the office

· CWCI ladies meeting tomorrow, August 14 at Inglewood United Church. Speaker, Sherry Boyd. This will be a life story talk which will be good for inviting anyone who does not yet know the Lord. Any questions, contact Rosemary Oliver. 756 7775

· Marriage Course—Put your name down today for this wonderful course. It starts tonight and runs over 7 consecutive Sunday nights. Come along and spend time with your spouse in a relaxing, safe and supportive environment.

· The Fort “Take it Home” Event– TODAY during the service. The Fort team are looking forward to hosting all of you who are parents/grandparents/caregivers of Fort aged children in The Fort this Sunday. It will be a fantastic morning! This is an awesome space to share ideas to help nurture faith in our fantastic young people. We have some delicious food lined up for you too.

Pastors Pen -

Tena koutou and welcome. We trust you’re encouraged, challenged and blessed as we meet together this morning.

So the school holidays are over and our Northpoint Kids programmes begin again this morning. Our wonderful teams of volunteers are all set for a new term of bible stories, application, prayer, songs, creativity, conversation, and growing with our children. What a blessing it is to lead this team of people passionate to see children grow in their love for Jesus.

Over the last few Sundays things have looked different. In term time we have segregated children’s programmes. During the holidays we intentionally create opportunities for all generations to share faith together. We know that God created family and community to be places where we help each other learn and grow in His ways, so we want to make space for this to happen in a variety of ways when we meet on Sundays.

It saddens me to hear that some of our faith community choose to stay away on these days. It makes me feel like in some way I have missed the mark in casting the vision for these Intergenerational Sundays. Maybe we haven’t clearly shared WHY we believe it’s worth creating environments where young, old and everyone in between can learn together as a faith community for the whole morning. If that’s the case for you, I’m sorry.

If you’ve been at these services you’ll know we do our best to plan worship opportunities, teaching, interaction, sharing, prayer and creativity so that there will be something for everyone. We try to juggle ‘adult needs’ and to follow the way of Christ who delighted in all ages, made space for children, and established new ways of being a faith community.

As a parent of four busy kids, I know what it’s like to cringe inwardly when I realise That Noise just came from my child, and to worry what everyone else might be thinking, but I also know why we sometimes do church this way. As a follower of Jesus my heart is to see a community of people of all ages celebrate who God is and what he has done for us TOGETHER, and that’s why I choose to push through and trust that somewhere in among the noise and the randomness that children bring to our environment His Spirit is teaching us, and together we can grow in faith.

How are we doing? Feel free to email me on melanie@northpoint.org.nz

Arohanui—Melanie

Do you know that there are now very few contexts in society where people of all ages and background can interact on a regular basis?

Notices

· Prayer & Self Denial — There will be a time set aside in the service today and over the next few weeks for you to bring your Prayer & Self Denial Offering. Or see the office after the service.

· Freezer Meals—we are running a little low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a little extra of your favourite dish, we have some containers available at the office. Foodbank— We are getting low on our foodbank supplies –please look at the list by the red food bank box to see what we need—Also any 500g meat packs would be great too. Thank you

· Refuel—Where leaders get Encouraged, Empowered & Equipped

20th August 7-8:30pm at Northpoint.

· Newcomers Lunch—Sunday 27th August 12pm after the service. If you are new to Northpoint and want to find out more and meet the staff and elders come along and share lunch together. Register at the office

· If you’re new to Northpoint and have children up to the end of school year 8, please look for a volunteer in a blue ‘Northpoint Kids’ t-shirt who can help you find out which space your children will be in when they leave the auditorium after the first part of our time together. We also have a brochure on the 'Northpoint Kids' stand which gives you an overview of Sunday mornings here. Also pick up a ‘Northpoint Kids’ newsletter from the foyer table.

· Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoeboxes—we have an exciting opportunity for someone or a group to take on the Co-Ordinators role for Operation Christmas Child this year. If you want to know more see the office. Thank you.

· Marriage Course—Put your name down today for this wonderful course. It starts on Sunday 13th August and runs over 7 consecutive Sunday nights. Come along and spend time with your spouse in a relaxing, safe and supportive environment.

· The Fort Take it Home Event- Sunday 13th August during the service. This is an awesome space to share ideas to help nurture faith in our fantastic young people.

Pastors Pen -

Bula Bula!! Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & visitors!

A group of 10 from Northpoint Youth have just returned from 2 weeks short-term mission in Fiji, and while it’s great to be back home in Taranaki – it is a lot colder!! We are looking forward to sharing our stories and songs this morning, and some of the ways we were challenged, encouraged and inspired over there.

A passage I reflected on personally and with the group before we left was from Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, chapter 4.

Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul covers topics in this chapter such as conflict resolution, contentment in all circumstances, the power of Christ working in us and the power of prayer and God’s peace – all pretty important stuff to anyone engaging in the mission of Jesus Christ, whether at home or abroad!

It was only short-term, and the investment – financially and personally – was high for each team member, but there were many “life-changing” moments and experiences and people they won’t easily forget.

For me these trips are special for a number of reasons; watching our young people grow and be changed by the experience; seeing prayers answered, challenges faced and fears overcome; learning to rely on each other and God, and experiencing a different type of community and the hospitality of God’s people; and asking bigger questions of the world in which they are growing up and how they can make a real difference too.

So this morning we hope that you are encouraged by our stories and by the Holy Spirit at work, calling us all to trust in Him and to follow Him into mission – wherever that may be! May those of you who helped us get to Fiji be blessed and may we all be reminded of the importance of standing and serving together as one Body.

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Prayer & Self Denial — There will be a time set aside in the service today and over the next few weeks for you to bring your Prayer & Self Denial Offering. Or see the office after the service.

· Freezer Meals—we are running a little low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a little extra of your favourite dish, we have some containers available at the office.

· Evergreens— Friday 4th August. Speaker Jan Bright from Seed Savers—prepare for spring. Bring seeds to swap or buy others for $2 per packet.10am morning tea in Church Lounge. Please bring a small plate or $2.

· Refuel—Where leaders get Encouraged, Empowered & Equipped 20th August 7-8:30pm at Northpoint.

· Newcomers Lunch—Sunday 27th August 12pm after the service. If you are new to Northpoint, want to find out more and meet the staff and elders come along and share lunch together. Register at the office

Ministry Moments -

As Northpoint’s ‘Local Missions Leader’ I’ve begun investigating new missions possibilities for us as a Church. I’ve started by talking to current staff, elders, lifegroup, & ministry leaders. I’ve been talking to these leaders about our current mission and what they see as potential areas of local mission.

In one discussion, the area of involvement with Pacific Hotel Management School (PIHMS) surfaced. As a result I went and spoke to the PIHMS Student Support Coordinator who seemed very open to Northpoint supporting students in various ways (e.g. driving lessons). She also wanted me to produce a poster for PIHMS notice boards inviting students to come to church and meet local people.

We have produced the poster and now need some hospitable Northpoint people ready to bring one or two students to church and then invite them home, or out, for a meal afterwards. The student intake at mid-year is mostly overseas students and some of these students struggle with homesickness and fitting into a very new situation. Some of these students would love to have a kiwi family or friends to relate to during their studies. Others may be open to new experiences of faith as they enter a new culture.

Maryanne Wells shared in God in my Week recently about how she was picked up for church each week by a Northpoint family. Maryanne said this simple service was very significant in her journey toward following Jesus.

If you would be willing to go on a list of people who I can contact to pick up 1 or 2 PIHMS students and take them home or out for a lunch, then please contact me. I have no idea how many people we will require for this, but I want to be ready if people call me.

Guy Pilkinton

Text or Ph 0211494306

guy@northpoint.org.nz

Notices

· Baptism—Today we celebrate the Baptism of Elijah Keith, Letitia Meharry and Samuel White. We warmly welcome friends and family who are visiting with us today.

· Prayer & Self Denial — if you don’t have your kete receptacle or booklet then please grab yours from the display at the front of church or there will be some in the foyer on the way out. Prayer and Self Denial is an annual appeal to raise support for NZBMZ, our denominations overseas mission organisation.

· Fiji DO Team — The Team arrive back in the country today so please pray for continued safety as they travel back to New Plymouth—The Do Team will be taking the service next week and they will be filling us in on all their experiences and how God has been working in their lives.

· Evergreens— Friday 4th August. Speaker Jan Bright from Seed Savers—prepare for spring. Bring seeds to swap or buy others for $2 per packet.10am morning tea in Church Lounge. Please bring a small plate or $2.

Pastors Pen -

The focus for Prayer and Self-Denial this week is 'People Are Treasure' and it reminds us the value of all people. It can be too easy to lose sight of this fact when a lot of the things we see portrayed in the media are results of the negative choices people make.

However it is also important to remember the truth, despite some of the terrible choices people make in life, they are still loved and treasured by God, each and everyone of us is created in the image of God. In our service last week we reflected on the fact Jesus came to pay the price for all the wrong choices each of us have made in life, and this gift as we saw last week is a treasure worthy of celebration. Despite some of the horrible choices people make in life, Jesus has still given each of us the opportunity to respond to his offer of grace.

All people are treasure in God's eyes, the evil we see reflected in the world is a result of sin and the way that it has marred creation not because people are created that way. You see when sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden through Adam & Eve's choice to disobey God's command the flow on effects have been enormous. Evil has distorted and polluted God's perfect creation. But that was never the way that God intended it to be. Sadly because of sins ongoing influence there are so many people in our world today who have been hurt, oppressed, abused and cast out. But as The Body Of Christ we are called to be conveyors of hope, to be hands and feet that walk alongside and care for those who are broken, helping them to see the love of The Father expressed through Jesus the Son and empowered through the work of The Holy Spirit.

We have the privilege of participating in the process of transformation, of seeing people find hope, purpose, grace, faith and love as they encounter God's Kingdom. Each of us has a part to play in this amazing journey, part of that is here in our own context here in New Plymouth and part of it is through supporting the work of organisations like Tranzsend who work overseas in some really dark and difficult places. So I invite you to join me in spending time praying for those who work overseas on our behalf that they would be encouraged and equipped with the resources they need for their work. But also pray that Holy Spirit will reveal the opportunities which already exist where he is at work in the community around us.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Bible Study & Discussion—Types and Shadows In Esther. TONIGHT at 7pm. Held at Northpoint. Hosted by Eddie Smith for more information or enquiries call Eddie on 027 4149 870.

· Prayer & Self Denial — if you don’t have your kete receptacle or booklet then please grab yours from the display at the front of church or there will be some in the foyer on the way out. Prayer and self Denial is an annual appeal to raise support for NZBMZ, our denominations overseas mission organisation.

· Fiji DO Team —Please remember to pray for the team of youth that are currently in Fiji — there is a prayer card at the office that you can take home that has prayer needs for the team on it. You can pop it on your fridge or somewhere else as a reminder to pray.

· Freezer Meals & Containers/Dishes — we are running low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a dish we have some containers available at the office. Also, if you have left a container or dish at church recently, please check the table outside the kitchen, thanks.

Pastors Pen -

Good Morning Whanau,

On Thursday we watched the much awaited America’s Cup Parade in Auckland. Despite the rain thousands of kiwis young and old lined the viaduct to celebrate New Zealand’s international yachting success together. We saw the trophy, the team, ticker tape, and the tears of joy as the parade progressed. As we’re all aware our success in the America’s Cup has been a long time coming, and of course that makes our celebrations that much sweeter.

At times of celebration like this it’s great to be a Kiwi. We love to celebrate our sporting successes, whether on the water, the field or the courts. It’s something that defines us as New Zealanders and makes us feel good about belonging to this little island nation. It’s been that way for many years, long before I was born that’s for sure.

I have childhood memories of watching Kiwi sportsmen and women compete internationally, and remember the excitement and exhilaration of participating with them as they fought for their prize. Whether it was Susan Devoy, Mark Todd, Annelise Coberger or the All Blacks it certainly seemed to me that all of New Zealand was in fact cheering our sportspeople on & celebrating in those moments of victory.

These examples remind me of how I believe God’s people, the church, can be for each other. As we journey our lives of faith what does it look like for us to participate with each other, to cheer each other on towards victory? Are we so invested in each other’s quest for the eternal prize that we sit on the edge of our seats and will them towards that finish line glory? Do we believe that we are part of the team and our support will make a difference to the outcome for others?

It’s a privilege to do life together as followers of Jesus. It’s a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously. In recent weeks and months I’ve been journeying with quite a few people trying to do my bit to ‘cheer them along’. As they seek to be faithful to what God is doing in their lives, each victory is cause of great celebration for those involved. I’ve also been on the other end, receiving encouragement from those who are watching, praying and cheering me on in my own faith journey.

I’m pretty sure God celebrates with us as we celebrate with others who are running a good race. Who will you cheer on today?

Arohanui

Melanie

Notices

· Freezer Meals—we are running low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a dish we have some containers available at the office.

· Bible Study & Discussion—Types and Shadows In Esther. Sunday 16th July, 7pm. Held at Northpoint. Hosted by Eddie Smith for more information or enquiries call Eddie on 027 4149 870

· Prayer & Self Denial starts Today. If you don’t have your Kete Receptacle or booklet then please grab yours from the display at the front of church or there will be some in the foyer on the way out. Prayer and self Denial is an annual appeal to raise support for NZBMZ, our denominations overseas mission organisation

· Fiji DO Team —Please remember to pray for the team of youth that are leaving the country today to go to Fiji —There is a prayer card at the office that you can take home that has prayer needs for the team on it. You can pop it on your fridge or somewhere else as a reminder to pray.

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa – Bula Bula!! Good morning Northpoint church family & a special warm welcome to visitors with us today!

We have just finished Northpoint Youth for Term Two – halfway through the year and what a year it has been so far, unpredictable; full of challenging moments, triumphs, a few tears and lots of laughter each Wednesday. We've seen lots of new faces and we are truly blessed by a caring leadership team and supportive church family!!.

This time next week we will be preparing to check in for our flights to Fiji – a team from Northpoint Youth of 7 senior youth and 3 leaders. Over there we will meet 6 other teams from around New Zealand, before spending 12 days in Tabalei village, the place we stayed in 2015 with our first DO Team (Discipleship Overseas).

While we are all excited – this will be the first trip of its kind for almost all the team – there are also many things that will be challenging, difficult and even scary! We appreciate your prayers while the team stays in Tabalei – for safety and wellbeing, for open hearts and minds both in us and in those who are hosting us, for friendships to be made and strengthened, for a new awareness of God and his call on each of the team members lives. Pray that we would also be a blessing and not a burden to the people of Fiji who open their homes and lives to us.

A few passages that have spoken to our us over the past month comes from Matt 10:

““Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff... I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. ”

Matthew 10: 9, 10 & 16

As God calls us each out to serve him – both here in New Zealand, and overseas – he doesn't call us to go blindly, naively or unprepared, rather relying on his provision, his protection and his Spirit to go before us preparing the way. (While some of the team would happily go with just the clothes on their back, we also do not wish to be a burden on those we stay with, or the rest of the team!!)

We also are not going for a holiday or a trip filled with the comforts of home – the challenge is to live as the locals do, to learn to communicate, to be a guest and to share faith in another culture. We are also to be “wise as serpents, harmless as doves”; that is, to listen, to watch, to pray, to practice discernment and to cause no offense, while returning peace for peace and bringing the hope of the Gospel wherever we are.

We can't wait to return and share our stories and photos with you!!

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Office Hours—The office will be closed from 1pm onwards on Monday for — The rest of the week hours are as normal.

· Evergreens— Friday 7th July—Games & Fish & Chips. Games with the Bible Chapel members in the auditorium 10am Morning Tea in lounge & 12pm Fish & Chip Lunch bring $7 per person

· Freezer Meals—we are running low on freezer meals for pastoral use when needs arise in the community. If you are able to make a dish we have some containers available at the office.

· Prayer & Self Denial starts next week. It’s a good time to talk about how you as a household might like to participate. We have had households come up with some neat ways in the past like no dessert for three weeks and the money spent on dessert to go to Prayer & Self Denial. Spend some time in prayer as a household and ask the Spirit what you can do.

· COMING UP IN TERM 3! The Marriage Course by Alpha. Join the thousands of people worldwide who have benefited from this highly recommended course. Presented here at Northpoint by trained live speakers, and covering a variety of relevant topics. Starting August 13. $50 per couple with supper and workbooks included. Look out for promotion over the coming weeks.

· Food Bank—-We need meat packs 500g, pasta sauce, 4 pack toilet paper, cans of tuna, cans of vegies. Thank you

Pastors Pen -

Kia Ora Church,

It has been an interesting week, as we got closer to 'Light In The Darkness' on Friday evening, the weather was unpredictable. We had some beautiful days earlier in the week, then it was wet on Friday morning (as I write this). But we made a decision to go ahead despite the weather even if it meant we would be inside. Why? You may be asking? Well in short we made this decision because the concept of Light in the Darkness was to provide a place for people to gather together in the darkest and coldest part of the year. A time when we often stay at home and keep to ourselves. We decided it was an important for us to provide an opportunity for people from our community to spend some time with others. Because after all we have been created for community, for relationship and it is important that we can celebrate with others. That even in the midst of the dark, cold and damp that there is light, that there is hope, and there is life. Sometimes at this time of the year it is easy to forget these things. But as followers of Jesus it is our responsibility to live in a way that reminds others that despite what the weather is doing or how overwhelming things seem, there is always, hope, life and light available when we direct them to Christ.

Blessing

Mike

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (The Words of Jesus from John 8:12)

Notices

· Thank you to everyone who contributed towards making Light In The Darkness happen this year. We really appreciate everyone getting behind this community event and helping to bring some light into our winter darkness.

· Office Hours—The office will be closed from 1pm onwards on a Monday for the next few weeks— The rest of the week hours are as normal.

· The Fort Fun Night—Saturday the 1st July. 6-8pm in the auditorium Please provide your child/children with a plate (Sausage rolls, hot chips, pizzas etc) or a desert to share :) drinks will be provided.

· Evergreens— Friday 7th July—Games & Fish & Chips. Games with the Bible Chapel members in the auditorium 10am Morning Tea in lounge & 12pm Fish & Chip Lunch bring $7 per person

Pastors Pen -

Kia ora whanau -it’s great to gather together this morning.

We hope you’ve got 23 June saved on your calendar, because this coming Friday night we are hosting our Light in the Darkness event. Our aim has always been pretty simple: to create a space where people of all ages from the church and wider community can enjoy a positive evening together. We are looking forward to an evening round the bonfire with friends and family, cooking sausages, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying each other’s company. We know winter can be a difficult season for many, with sickness, less sunlight, difficult weather etc, and we believe a pick-me-up like this is helpful for all of us.

Last year I remember watching a Dad who was sitting by a brazier next to a guy he’d just met from the community. They were roasting marshmallows with their kids and relaxed conversation was happening as they watched the flames. To me it looked like a pretty nice way to get to know someone new by just sitting and being.

I also remember helping a crew of dedicated adults and teens set up the field for Light in the Darkness including marquee, signs, sausage station, coffee machine, generators, lights and sound. There was semi-panic as the generator that was hooked up to the lights and coffee machine kept overloading and cutting out. Our sparkies & fix-it types rallied, there were hurried phone calls, power cables were re-routed, and the problem was solved just on start time.

I remember the excitement and activity as people of many ages arrived to help on the safety team, serve as medics, light glow-jars and join the briefing beforehand. A couple of teens served by enthusiastically welcoming cars with long traffic torches (aka lightsabres) and helped them to spaces in the car park. I figured if the first impression someone gets is a welcoming smile and flourish from a lightsabre it’s a pretty positive start.

Did you also know though, that as well as a mid-winter pick-me-up there’s another goal for Light in the Darkness? As much as it’s a nice idea to create a positive evening for whoever would like to join us, our greater hope is that we will shine as people who carry God’s light. Our Sunday night prayer team were praying about exactly this last week. Jesus said ‘YOU are the light of the world’ (Matt 5:14). If His Spirit lives in us we don’t need to do anything special for people to notice that we carry something appealing. God can work in us and through us as we love others, show generosity, and shine our little lights together.

We’re excited to be running this event again, and hope you’ll catch the vision and choose to serve or come along, and be part of what God is doing in our communities. Remember to invite your friends too!!!

Arohanui

Melanie

Notices

· Office Hours—The office will be closed from 1pm onwards on a Monday for the next few weeks— The rest of the week hours are as normal.

· Soup Lunch—Thank you to all those who helped out with the soup lunch whether by providing food or helping on the day. It was a so nice to be able to eat together and have a time of fellowship.

Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

This week marked a very significant milestone in our countries history, on Friday the government officially apologised recognising their part in the invasion and sacking of a Maori pacifist community and then the imprisonment of their leaders without trial. I am talking about a story which happened right here in our own region in Taranaki in 1881 at Parihaka.

As I have already stated this is a significant milestone because it marks the opportunity for a new beginning,. Up to this point the government hadn't officially recognised they had done anything wrong, and if you have heard the story you will know the pain and anguish, but also the suffering this community went through for years. I strongly encourage you to have a read of this article by Kennedy Warne on the New Zealand Geographic website, it give some great background and history of this story. (See link below)

It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to stand with those who face injustice, there is significant injustice that has taken place in our community over the years. Sadly many of us Pakeha just say "enough is enough that is in the past, they just need to get over it and move on." Often without even knowing what the injustices were. When you know the story it is hard to believe this happened in our own country. But we must acknowledge the past to heal the hurts, so that a new foundation can be established moving forward. Parihaka was founded on peace and Christian values, it is my hope that this apology may lead to a new beginning for this community one that would again point people towards Christ and seeing His Kingdom established as Te Whiti O Rongomai did. Join with me in praying for wisdom and grace for the leaders of this community for what comes next and the opportunities they have to speak into others lives.

Blessings

Mike

You can read the article I mentioned here (https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/parihaka/)

Notices

· Office Hours—The office will be closed from 1pm onwards on a Monday for the next few weeks— The rest of the week hours are as normal.

· Soup Lunch—Today after the service is our soup lunch all welcome. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship

· Exploring Romans- is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint till 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· The Baptist Magazine—The latest issue of The Baptist Magazine is out now if you would like to subscribe then please come to the office its $7.50 per year or get one issue for $2.

· Local Missions Leader—If you didn’t get a letter last week about this new role that has been created in the church then please see the office for a copy of the letter and role description.

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & visitors!

I’ve been thinking about this series in Esther that we have been moving through on Sundays here at Northpoint. What a strange book it is – historical rather than theological – and the previous series in Luke could be considered far more applicable to personal faith. Yet still it speaks to us and reminds of God’s purpose and His love for humanity.

In particular I thought about the message Mel brought last Sunday, and how powerful it was when she broke down while reading through Esther 4 where the edict is passed sentencing the Jews – men, women, elderly and children – to death. How easily we gloss over such Scriptures, consigning them to “part of ancient history”, and with the benefit of hindsight too we know the outcome – yet the suffering in Syria, and in Manchester, remind us that broken humanity is still capable of unfathomable evil.

How refreshing it was also that our Families Pastor would be so moved with compassion, and the awareness of what this edict would have meant for Jewish families, the young and the vulnerable…

The words of Brooke Fraser, paraphrasing James, came to mind…

“Now that I have seen, I am responsible, faith without deeds is dead.”

As did the words of songwriter Luke Thomson, quoting William Wilberforce…

“You can look the other way… but you can never say you didn’t know.”

We live in a beautiful and blessed country, a far cry from ancient Persia or the troubles in many parts of the world today. But we don’t have to dig very deep before we hear stories of heartbreak, of suffering, of loss and injustice. Stories of abuse, of addiction, of abandonment and of despair – but perhaps for many of us the Spirit of God is stirring, breaking our hearts, preparing us for “a time such as this” where we can be part of restoring, healing and setting free those lives.

When I read the words of Esther “I will go…and if I die, I die” I hear the words of Jesus too… “Those who lose their lives for my sake will find it…”

May we never look away and pretend we didn’t know.

May we be willing to have our hearts broken again and again.

May our ears be open to hear the voices of the vulnerable and the broken.

May we be willing to lose our lives – our comfort – for the sake of living for Christ.

May we go wherever He calls us.

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Office Hours—The Office will be closed on Monday for Queens Birthday weekend and the following four weeks the office will be closed from 1pm onwards on a Monday. The rest of the week hours as usual. Thank you.

· EXCEL—School of Preforming Arts will be taking our church service on Sunday 11th June. So mark the date in your calendar as they are a wonderful group of talented young people.

· Soup Lunch—We will be having a soup lunch on the 11th of June on the Sunday that Excel are visiting us. So please see the sign up board in the foyer and make sure you add your name to the list to bring something to share. It’s always a great time together.

· Exploring Romans- is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint till 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· The Baptist Magazine—The latest issue of The Baptist Magazine is out now if you would like to subscribe then please come to the office its $7.50 per year or get one issue for $2.

Ministry Moments -

Join The Team – Joy In Service

Being the office administrator here at Northpoint, I have a pretty good glimpse into serving in the church. I make up rosters for serving and I see where different leaders struggle to recruit team members in the various ministries around Northpoint. But why would you want to serve here? Why ‘Join the Team’? What purpose does it serve?

To be honest, I am not a shining light in serving happily at all times. I have found myself being bitter or grumpy when vacuuming the auditorium or dare I say, making up rosters convinced there are better uses for my many wonderful skills. Times like these there is little joy in my service and I have to catch myself and ask for forgiveness, because the reality is if our hearts are set towards acclaim or being good enough or paying God back, then we will never find the joy that comes from serving Christ.

In an article written by Trevan Wax (a pastor and author) called ‘How to Serve Christ and Keep your Joy’ he writes ‘Jesus did not come for you to serve Him. He came to serve you. He came to make you his friend, part of His bride, a son of the Father. It’s only as we grasp this that we find ourselves able to serve but now in freedom and with joy.’

He goes on to give an analogy where he asks the reader to imagine the day after the Prodigal Son has come home. The Father asks both sons to work in the field with him. The younger son springs up with joy happy to help his Father who so readily accepted him back. ‘This’ he says ‘is Christian service – It makes you smile’. The older son he surmises may also go to work but instead of joy there is bitterness and anger.

If our focus is on Christ alone and what he has done and is doing in our lives we can find our way to serving in true joy.

Today in the foyer you will find a “Join the Team” board. Perhaps as you look over the different opportunities there are to serve here you could pray and ask for God’s leading as to if and where you can join our team. I pray that in doing so you will find the joy and freedom in serving in Christ. Not because he needs us to help him, but because it is our joy.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45.

Blessings

Rebecca Roberts

Notices

· EXCEL—School of Preforming Arts will be taking our church service on Sunday 11th June. So mark the date in your calendar as they are a wonderful group of talented young people.

· Soup Lunch—We will be having a soup lunch on the 11th of June on the Sunday that Excel are visiting us. So please see the sign up board in the foyer and make sure you add your name to the list to bring something to share. It’s always a great time together.

· Light In the Darkness—Coming up on Friday the 23rd of June—see the handout enclosed with this newsletter to see how you can be a part of this fun community event.

· Evergreens—Friday 2nd June. Speaker Megan from NZ Customs Service Border Control in New Plymouth. 10am Morning tea in the lounge bring a small plate or $2. Thank you

· Exploring Romans- is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint till 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

Pastors Pen -

Morena whanau.

It is good to have you with us today. Welcome to this space of worship and focus on our loving Father God, saviour Jesus, and Spirit our comforter. May you encounter the living God today.

This week I had a text conversation with an out-of-town friend about how life is for her. It’s the typical story of a busy family juggling full time work, illness, kids extra-curricula activities, her church eldership commitments, serving in a variety of contexts, and normal responsibilities and pleasures of being wife and Mum.

I asked her what I called a ‘dumb question’, but wanted to know if she is managing to get any down time. It’s an important question, with an obvious ‘right’ answer which is harder to put into practice. We both acknowledged that this is something we know should be a priority, but we struggle to ensure it is part of our regular rhythm -whether the season of life we are in is normal or one with additional pressures such as illness or crisis.

Helen Brereton from Whangarei Central Baptist recently wrote about the biblical principle of Sabbath and made some helpful points:

God instructed people to take a day of rest, the first time relating sabbath keeping to creation (Exodus 20:8-11), and the second time relating it to their rescue from captivity (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)

Our world tries to tell us we are only worthwhile if we are productive. Keeping sabbath is a powerful way to refute these lies.

Through sabbath, we acknowledge our dependence on God and we show our trust that God will provide for us. Our regular resting shows the world that we genuinely believe that our God is always trustworthy, faithful, generous, caring - and that our God is always at work rescuing and saving us from bondage.

One of the key motifs of sabbath is ‘delight’ so sabbath is not about stopping everything, it is about stopping those things we do under obligation, or the things which drain us.

May I encourage each of us to take time to pause, pray and listen to what action (or inaction!) the Spirit might be prompting us to take this week, then be bold enough to put aside a day so we can nurture and protect our sabbath.

Arohanui, Melanie

Notices

· Congratulations to Howard and Lauren Grigg on the birth of their little boy Joshua on the 16th of May.

· EXCEL—School of Performing arts are coming to New Plymouth 5th-12th June performing in many high schools in Taranaki, they will be joining us here at Northpoint for the Sunday service on the 11th. Billeting hosts are required for the team so if you are able to provide a bed, breakfast dinners and some fixings for them to make their own lunch then please see the office and put your name on the list. Transport is arranged by the team.

· Take Them a Meal—The take them a meal team make meals for families in our church whanau who have been ill, had a baby or need some support and also help out with baking or desserts for some courses we run here. If you would like to be a part of the team then please let the office know.

· Soup Lunch—We will be having a soup lunch on the 11th of June on the Sunday that Excel are visiting us. So please see the sign up board in the foyer and make sure you add your name to the list to bring something to share. It’s always a great time together.

· Light In The Darkness—Save the date this is coming up on Friday the 23rd June at 7pm.

Pastors Pen -

Greetings Church,

I thought I would take this opportunity to bring you up to date on a few things, last week we held our AGM and it was a great night. A big THANK YOU to all of those who contributed to the evening including everyone who made the effort to be there. I am pleased to say that we elected our Eldership team, Malcolm Pearce, Darrel Martin, Mark Hooper, Andrew Birchler, and Steve Oldfield. Plus we made the necessary wording change to the constitution to reflect our practice with the independent reviewing of our financial accounts. We also reflected on 2016 and some highs and lows, some challenges but also the overwhelming provision of our God to supply our needs as a church enabling us to participate in the mission of establishing his Kingdom, this included reporting back on the land development, sales, expenditure and profits which put us in a healthy position moving forward.

There were also a couple of other things discussed at the AGM the first of these is something we as an eldership believe the Holy Spirit has been prompting us on to step out in faith and do something different as a church. In short in 2016 at the end of the year we approved a budget for this year and this included money for appointing an Associate Pastor half time to oversee aspects of church life where we currently have gaps. However as an eldership we have been on a journey where we believe God is calling us to do something different, which would mean rather than appointing someone to this role, that we would instead look at creating a new position which is focused outside of the church. A position that is about local mission, not about doing it on our behalf, but rather about, equipping, resourcing and encouraging us as a church to do this.

Many of you will know Guy and Tessa Pilkinton who have been with us at Northpoint since 2014. When they joined us at Northpoint Guy was in the middle of working towards a Doctorate in Missional Church. Since that time we have journeyed together and supported Guy to complete his research project which formed the basis of his thesis, with Northpoint and our missional prospects as the focus. After Guy completed his thesis we sat down to discern what was next for Guy & Tessa and we really felt a strong sense that the Spirit was pointing to something new for both us as a church and also for Guy. So to make a long story short at our meeting we asked the members present if we could use the funds which had been budgeted for an Associate Pastor to fund a new position called a Local Missions Leader, which will be between 20-25 hours per week, and will be focused on resourcing us a church to engage in local mission. And I am very pleased to say that there was an overwhelming endorsement of this idea. We still have some logistics to work out regarding the position but I look forward to very soon getting underway with this. If you have any questions around this please make a time to catch up with me or one of the elders.

Finally Doug Keith presented a concept of a Container Cafe for to be setup on the land to help provide a place for engagement with people in the community. This was an initiative lead by Doug and others and as an eldership we are really excited about the concept and believe that this will be the first of many opportunities that will come from our church family to reach out in different ways to our community. Again if you wish to know more talk to myself, one of the elders or Doug.

Exciting times ahead as we step out in faith!

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Congratulations to Matthew and Lucia Vale on the birth of their little boy Lukas Kieran Vale on the 1st of May weighing in at 7lbs 3ozs.

· EXCEL—School of Performing arts are coming to New Plymouth 5th-12th June performing in many high schools in Taranaki, they will be joining us here at Northpoint for the Sunday service on the 11th. Billeting hosts are required for the team so if you are able to provide a bed, breakfast dinners and some fixings for them to make their own lunch then please see the office and put your name on the list. Transport is arranged by the team.

· Dessert Auction—Thank you to those of you who made desserts and to those of you who participated in the Dessert Auction last night. The Do team really appreciate the support. Thank you.

· Exploring Romans- is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint running now till the 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & visitors!

11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

After the full-on weekend that was Easter Camp, Anna & I spent a week away at Taupo to refresh and get ready for this upcoming Term. While away I was reflecting on the weekend, and over the past year of our lives – a year where we have asked many times, “Where are you God?!” and have been asked by God in return that same question he put to Elijah… “What are you doing here?”

Elijah experienced fire from heaven, and a mighty rainstorm in response to the prophets of Baal – yet on this occasion God was found not in the magnificent but in the “gentle whisper”. In our experiences of church & large gatherings, we can often forget that God still speaks to us in the small and the still moments – not often the profound or produced. (Although God still works when and where He wants!)

Often what draws us to Christ initially can be the dramatic and life-changing moments – a conversion, a healing, a worship experience – and weekends such as Easter Camp can tempt us to be drawn to moments or events like this, and to forget that the Holy Spirit works in the profound and the mundane. As we grow and mature in faith, the most important lessons we learn is to recognise the “gentle whisper” of God, the promptings of his Spirit and the call to discipleship.

Over this past year, reflecting on moments of pain, confusion, elation and hope, the lesson I have learned is how God still works and ministers in the stillness and small things. In the midst of our deepest confusion, longing and brokenness, he is unchanging. From a book I read over the past week; “God is revealed in those moments when human action encounters impossibility. God’s mission is born out of the Good News coming near & using our weakness, taking what is dead in us and bringing life.”

May you see God in the profound and the mundane.

May you experience the fellowship of his suffering and the power of the resurrection.

May you encounter his grace and power in those places where human wisdom and action is insufficient.

May life rise out of the dead places in us and may we know the hope of all Creation, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· EXCEL—School of Performing arts are coming to New Plymouth 5th-12th June performing in many high schools in Taranaki, they will be joining us here at Northpoint for the Sunday service on the 11th. Billeting hosts are required for the team so if you are able to provide a bed, breakfast dinners and some fixings for them to make their own lunch then please see the office and put your name on the list. Transport is arranged by the team.

· HELP! Ladies, we have an opportunity for ministry with a lovely bunch of girls aged 8-12 on a Tuesday evening from 6 pm—7.30 pm (minimal amount of time outside this). Would you like to join the Blaze team of leaders? Please see Meegan, Anthea or Charlotte Forsyth today or call the church office.

· Word for Today available from the table in the foyer for a gold coin donation at the office or see Diane Martin.

· Desserts Wanted: We are looking for homemade desserts that will feed 8-10 people to be auctioned off at our Dessert Auction next Saturday! Please sign up at the office TODAY!

· Mainly Music—have an exciting opportunity for someone who wants somewhere to volunteer. This is for a kitchen helper and would require only 2 Tuesdays per term and working with a wonderful group of dedicated ladies. Please either see the office or contact Angela Martin on 755 1507. Thank you

Pastors Pen -

Kai ora whanau, and welcome to worship this morning.

As a parent of 4 children we are constantly juggling priorities and demands on how to spend our time and money. I’m sure that is the case for pretty much all of us, whatever our household looks like. There’s sport subs and activity fees, growing feet, bigger dressing gowns needed, sponsor children and multiple causes we want to support. We’re trying to balance family time, home jobs, meetings, study, house renos and occasionally a quiet evening catching up on dishes. Our time and our money are precious (and sometimes there doesn’t seem enough of either) but it’s important that we are wise caretakers of what we have been given.

Jesus had a lot to say about this, and one of the things that has stuck with me is part of a well known message gave to his followers on a mountainside.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

This afternoon we have an opportunity to ‘store our treasures in heaven’ by investing both time and money in the faith of our children and youth. International speaker, storyteller, and church leader Mark Griffiths is here with New Wine Ministries to help us learn together about how we can enable families to pass on faith to our children. I hope you’ll come along to this ‘Passing It On’ event at 4pm. Bring some food to share for dinner part way through, and you’ll be out of here by 7.30 pm in time to bless the kids & pop them in bed.

I think it’s worth investing $20 and a bit of time in this kind of treasure.

Hope to see you there,

Arohanui, Melanie

Notices

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM is being held on this coming Tuesday 2nd May at 7 pm. Come along, there will be supper and espresso coffee.

· Thank you so much to those who came to our Quiz Night last Monday, we really appreciate your support!

· HELP! Ladies, we have an opportunity for ministry with a lovely bunch of girls aged 8-12 on a Tuesday evening from 6 pm—7.30 pm (minimal amount of time outside this). Would you like to join the Blaze team of leaders? Please see Meegan, Anthea or Charlotte Forsyth today or call the church office.

· Foodbank— Urgently needed — long life milk, pasta sauce & pasta, cans of fruit like peaches, spreads like jams and marmite, school lunch items like muesli bars etc, small 4 packs of toilet paper, meat in 500g packs like mince or chicken, cans of tuna or chicken, small tins of milo. Please drop items in the red bin outside the library, near the pigeon holes. Thank you!

· Evergreens—Friday 5th May, Speaker Claudia Matthews from T.D.H.B will speak on Advanced Care Planning. 10am morning tea. Please bring a small plate or $2. Thank you.

· Word for Today available from the table in the foyer for a gold coin donation at the office or see Diane Martin.

Ministry Moments -

Last Friday morning The Fort headed off for E-camp. The weather had been gracious to us, the roads were clear, and we had our bags packed with plenty of sugary snacks & home-baking to keep us super-energized for the epic activities the weekend had in store for us :) This was my first ever time at e-camp, (I had been to Easter Camps before and got in trouble with my wife, Chrissie on numerous occasions for ruining my best clothes mud-wrestling lol) . The Fort had built up my excitement with stories of all of the amazing activities I had to look forward to, I couldn't wait to jump on the ski biscuits and rockets, compete on the famous animal survival ,burn all my energy on sling shot paint ball and compete in the legendary soccer tournament. But above all of this the thing I was most looking forward to was finding out what God wanted to share with these 900 youngsters over the course of the weekend. This year E-camp had organised for a legendary guy named Dave Firth to be the speaker. He runs Capenwray Bible College, and he was absolutely fantastic. He had an incredible sense of humour, shared captivating stories and the kids loved him! The thing that impressed me the most though was his obvious love for God and for every single one of the kids at camp. He shared about many of Gods mighty men & women in the bible and what we can learn from them, he also unpacked the life of Jesus and showed us how he represents the character and nature of the Father. Then on Sunday night he encouraged those who had never given their life to Christ to make the best decision they will ever make. He had some amazing stories to share, and some of the testimonies that he brought to us had such an impact on everyone in the group. After each morning session, we all went into small groups to reflect on what we had just learnt, and to pray together. These were such special times and our group of leaders were so proud of everyone of our kids for their honesty, the way they encouraged each-other and for their boldness to ask the deep questions about God. On Sunday night a good number of the group decided to respond to Dave's invitation to those who wanted to go deeper with God. It was so awesome to see the genuine hunger for more of Christ! The weekend brought out some awesome deep questions from within the group about challenging passages in the bible, questions about pain and suffering in the world and about what it means to follow Christ in every day situations, so it is going to be so great to unpack some of these as a group in The Fort this upcoming term. Over the course of the weekend, one scripture kept standing out time and time again where Jesus says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled". (Matthew 5:6). This was definitely on display at e-camp and that is my prayer for The Fort in the days, weeks and months ahead that as we continue to seek after more of God in our day to day lives that our hunger for more of him will only continue to grow. Thanks a million to our amazing leaders, Angie Benn, Matthew Fawkner, Steve Elliot and Mel Keith, you guys are the bomb!! Also thank you so much to all of you who so generously donated at our car-wash fundraiser, without you the weekend wouldn't have been possible! Bless you guys, Luke

Notices

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM is being held on Tuesday 2nd May 7:00pm. Come along there will be supper and espresso coffee.

· Would you like to further investigate what life and Christianity are really all about? If so, then you are invited to join the 7 week DVD series called Christianity. This course will be held at the home of Mark and Merryn Hooper, 144 Elsham Rd, Lepperton. It will start on Thursday, 27th April at 7.30 p.m, and will run weekly. For further enquiries, please contact Mark.

· Foodbank— Urgently needed for the foodbank Long life milk, pasta sauce & Pasta, Cans of fruit like peaches, spreads like Jams and marmite, school lunch items like muesli bars etc, small 4 packs of toilet paper, meat in 500g packs like mince or chicken. Cans of tuna or chicken. Small tins of milo.

· Evergreens—Friday 5th May, Speaker Claudia Mattews from T.D.H.B will speak on Advanced Care Planning. 10am morning tea. Please bring a small plate or $2. Thank you.

· Quiz Night Fundraiser—Northpoint youth Fiji DO Team have a fundraising Quiz night on Monday the 24th April at The Good Home. Make a team of 6 and come along for a fun night and support the youth who are going away to Fiji this year. Registration forms are at the office.

· Mark Griffith Seminar—April 30th—May 1st, this seminar is being held here at Northpoint. Mark Griffiths is a guru on all things children's and youth ministry related, and church leadership related. For more information on these events check out the New Wine website newwine.org.nz or see the office

Pastors Pen -

Welcome,

If you are visiting with us today we are really glad you're here at our Easter Sunday service. It is interesting that many people believe church and faith are becoming irrelevant and Easter is purely about a couple of days off and Easter Eggs. But when you read the stories leading up to Easter in the news, you can easily see why we get this message, there are several retailers taking the opportunity to open on Easter Sunday for the first time. Mostly the news only reports one side of the story however, because I am also encouraged by the record numbers of registrations for our Baptist run Easter Camps with approximately 15,000 in attendance throughout the country. Despite what the news says, and others imply.

The Easter story is still as relevant today as it has always been. Why? Because each and everyone of us is in need of grace, none of us is perfect. And without the cross death is the final chapter. Good Friday and the cross are only one part of the Easter story. Because today we celebrate that Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave, but more than that, through his resurrection he created a way for us to experience eternal life as well. This is what Easter is all about, don't get me wrong Easter Eggs and time with your family are great, but what is really worthy of our celebration is that Grace is on offer to all of us who are willing to respond to his offer to follow him and make Him Lord of all. But we don't have to wait to experience this life in and through Christ, because it is available today and through the work of the Holy Spirit it is transformational, bringing purpose, hope and freedom like nothing else. If you would like to know more about how to receive the real gift of Easter through Christ then we would love to talk and pray with you come and see me today.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM will now be held on Tuesday 2nd May 7:30pm. As the Accounts are still being reviewed and were not going to be completed for previous date.

· Would you like to further investigate what life and Christianity are really all about? If so, then you are invited to join the 7 week DVD series called Christianity. This course will be held at the home of Mark and Merryn Hooper, 144 Elsham Rd, Lepperton. It will start on Thursday, 27th April at 7.30 p.m, and will run weekly. For further enquiries, please contact Mark Hooper or John Oliver.

· Baptist Magazine Subscriptions—$20 per year for 6 issues each year which includes free delivery to your home or you can have delivered to your pigeon hole through church for $7.50 per year. There are really good articles and information in them. If you would like to have a look to see what they are like there are some in the office now.

· mainly music would love someone to join us to help prepare the morning teas for our wonderful mainly music kids and parents/caregivers on Tuesday mornings. You would be part of a wonderful team and on a rostered basis. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for a way to serve in the church and community. If you are interested then please contact Angela Martin or let the office know. Thank you

· Quiz Night Fundraiser—Northpoint youth Fiji DO Team have a fundraising Quiz night on Monday the 24th April at The Good Home. Make a team of 6 and come along for a fun night and support the youth who are going away to Fiji this year. Registration forms are at the office.

· Mark Griffith Seminar—April 30th—May 1st, this seminar is being held here at Northpoint . Mark Griffiths is a guru on all things children's and youth ministry related, and church leadership related. For more information on these events check out the New Wine website newwine.org.nz or see the office

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special warm welcome to visitors with us today!

We have just finished Northpoint Youth for Term One – crazy how fast it has flown by! There have been some challenging moments, some inspiring moments, lots of new faces and we continue to be blessed by our senior youth taking on leadership roles and stepping out to serve.

This week we will be preparing to take a group of 90+ youth and leaders to Manfield Park for Easter Camp, and another group will be heading off to Finlay Park for intermediate E-Camp. We really want to use this column today to thank you all for the encouragement we have had this Term, those who have sponsored young people to attend camp or helped out with transport costs, those who have offered fundraising jobs to youth and those who have been faithfully praying for us over this time. We appreciate you all!!

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:1-3

The central focus of Easter is the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus, who endured the Cross and overcame the grave for all mankind. Through Him we have new life, new hope, and a new relationship with God the Father. We no longer spend our time focusing on the things of earth, but on the things of heaven – of his Kingdom and his work on earth.

This Easter may you be reminded of that finished work on the Cross, the power of the Resurrection and the realities of heaven. May that hope and that new life rise up in you again – and please remember to pray for all our young people attending Easter Camps, that they may also encounter the love and the life found in our Risen King and returned to their homes, schools & youth groups truly changed!

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Easter@Home—We have this years Easter@Home activity book available from the office now. This is a great family time resource designed to stimulate discussion, create fun times and read Gods word together. There is one per household so get yours soon.

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM will now be held on Tuesday 2nd May 7:30pm. As the Accounts are still being reviewed and were not going to be completed for previous date.

· Would you like to further investigate what life and Christianity are really all about? If so, then you are invited to join the 7 week DVD series called Christianity. This course will be held at the home of Mark and Merryn Hooper, 144 Elsham Rd, Lepperton. It will start on Thursday, 27th April at 7.30 p.m, and will run weekly. For further inquiries, please contact Mark Hooper or John Oliver .

· ON TONIGHT! Exploring Romans Course- Please talk to John Oliver, , for more details.

· Baptist Magazine Subscriptions—$20 per year for 6 issues each year which includes free delivery to your home. There are really good articles and information in them. If you would like to have a look to see what they are like there are some in the office now.

· mainly music would love someone to join us to help prepare the morning teas for our wonderful mainly music kids and parents/caregivers on Tuesday mornings. You would be part of a wonderful team and on a rostered basis. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for a way to serve in the church and community. If you are interested then please contact Angela Martin on 755 1507 or let the office know. Thank you

A massive thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising car wash last Sunday. It raised over $300 and we were blown away by your incredible generosity! Thanks a million from all at The Fort :)

Pastors Pen -

Ministry Moments—Living Word Library

Between The Covers

According to Google, the Bible is not the most famous book, but it is number one on the Best Seller List. 100 million copies are sold or given away each year. The Bible is also number one on the Most Read List and the Most Shoplifted/Stolen List!

What is a book? Definition, noun: A written or printed work, consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. Anything from which one mat learn, gain knowledge or understanding. A work of fiction or non-fiction. An e-book or other electronic resource structured like a book. Now that’s another story!

What is a story? Definition, noun: An account of imaginary or real people and events.

There are 5 elements to a story: Characters, Setting, Plot, Conflict and Resolution. These elements come together by the author to take us places we might never go. A story can make us laugh and make us cry. It can fuel our imagination. It can teach and inspire and heal.

Books are packed with knowledge, insights, life lessons, love, fear, prayer and helpful advice.

A comment once made to me when someone returned a novel to the Living Word Library. “That was better then any counselling session!” So here was a work of fiction, not a teaching book, not the Bible, but a story that had an impact on someone’s life.

Come and be inspired and blessed by the many books in the Living Word Library. There are small books and big books and hardbacks and softbacks. Fiction and non-fiction. Something for the smallest person to the wisest person and everyone in between.

If you are looking for hope or healing or just relaxation. You might well find it. Between the covers. Of a Book!

Joy

PS. April 23rd is World Book Day. A celebration of authors, illustrators, books and most importantly reading!

Notices

· Evergreens—Friday 7th April—Guest speakers Frances & John Hermann who have just returned from 2 years with VSA in Kiribati. 10am morning tea. Please bring a small plate or $2. Thank you

· The Fort Fundraiser—If you didn’t want your car washed this morning but would still like to donate to help the Fort kids raise money for E-camp transport costs, then please see the office after the service. Thank you.

· Easter@Home—We have this years Easter@Home activity book available from the office now. This is a great family time resource designed to stimulate discussion, create fun times and read Gods word together. There is one per household so get yours soon.

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM will now be held on Tuesday 2nd May 7:30pm. As the Accounts are still being reviewed and were not going to be completed for previous date.

· Calling all Northpoint Life Group Leaders! All life group leaders and assistant leaders and spouses are invited to a gathering in the Northpoint lounge on Monday 3rd April at 7.30p.m. for a time of sharing, encouragement and prayer – and some nice food! John Oliver

· Would you like to further investigate what life and Christianity are really all about? If so, then you are invited to join the 7 week DVD series called Christianity. This course will be held at the home of Mark and Merryn Hooper, 144 Elsham Rd, Lepperton. It will start on Thursday, 27th April at 7.30 p.m, and will run weekly. For further enquiries, please contact Mark or John

· ON TONIGHT! Exploring Romans Course- is an interactive Bible study series that is held at Northpoint. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, for more details.

· Baptist Magazine Subscriptions—$20 per year for 6 issues each year which includes free delivery to your home. There are really good articles and information in them. If you would like to have a look to see what they are like there are some in the office now.

Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

On Friday morning at 6:00am I was out at our local Marae, Muru Raupatu with Puketapu School. I was there to help get the Hangi ready for feeding the school at lunch time. The fire was lit at 5:45am, the hole had been dug the night before, the meat and the vegetables were prepared in the afternoon and evening. Then at about 7:30am we had to get the hot rocks from the fire and load them into the bottom of the hole and place the baskets of meat and vegetables in on top and cover them with wet sacks and a tarp, followed by dirt to seal in the heat. Then at about 12:00pm it will have been pulled from the ground to then feed all the children and adults.

So much preparation, yet there will be many whose only experience of the hangi will be to receive their plate of food and sit down and consume it. Some will have no idea of all the preparation that has gone into providing them the food on their plate.

But this would be the same with many things often we only see the end result don't we? I have been told that a hangi always tastes better when you have contributed to the meal in some way. You have something invested in it.

A few weeks back I spoke in one of my sermons about how we have become very good consumers at church. We are good at evaluating this or that, Was the sermon good enough? did they sing the right songs? Was it too loud? Did the service go too long? Was the kids ministry entertaining for our kids? Was the coffee any good?.....

At Northpoint we have so many volunteers and staff who work incredibly hard to prepare for and run our programs at church and they do an amazing job. But Sunday's is only part of the picture because there is also 6 other days in the week where we need to be nurturing spiritual growth in our own lives and in the lives of others around us. This requires all of us to be involved to support and encourage each other, but also to fill gaps where help is required.

Just like a hangi tastes better when you have invested in the preparation. Church is also better and more fulfilling and empowering for our faith development and growth if we invest together and become the Body Of Christ which we have been called to be. We are in no way perfect as individuals and as a church, but we are a much better church with your participation.

If you aren't currently involved in some way and you don't know where to start then come and talk to me I would love to help you find a place for you to serve.

We always have a need for volunteers in so many areas.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Membership—If anyone is interested in becoming a member here at Northpoint then please give your name to Meegan or add your name to the list at the office TODAY. Thank you.

· Baking Needed- We are helping the Easter Alive production this year with suppling food for the cast and crew on Wednesday 5th April. We need people to make sandwiches approx. 2-3 loaves and baking—eg. Scones, muffins, loaves etc. Nothing that needs heating. Some gluten free options would be good also. If you are able to help with this then please call into the office and put your name on the list. Thank you

· Northpoint Baptist Church and Community Trust AGM will now be held on Tuesday 2nd May 7:30pm. As the Accounts are still being reviewed and were not going to be completed for previous date.

· Calling all Northpoint Life Group Leaders! All life group leaders and assistant leaders and spouses are invited to a gathering in the Northpoint lounge on Monday 3rd April at 7.30p.m. for a time of sharing, encouragement and prayer – and some nice food! John Oliver 756 7775

· Would you like to further investigate what life and Christianity are really all about? If so, then you are invited to join the 7 week DVD series called Christianity. This course will be held at the home of Mark and Merryn Hooper, 144 Elsham Rd, Lepperton. It will start on Thursday, 27th April at 7.30 p.m., and will run weekly. For further enquiries, please contact Mark on 752 0132 or 021 430 558 or John on 027 477 8407.

· ON TONIGHT! Exploring Romans Course- is an interactive Bible study series that is held at Northpoint. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

Pastors Pen -

Recently I’ve been thinking about blessing. It’s been a reoccurring theme around me in a number of contexts, and it’s been quite surprising to notice some of the many forms blessing can take.

We’ve all probably heard people say ‘bless you’ after someone sneezes. You may already know that one origin of this expression is centuries old. Apparently during the plague of AD 590 Pope Gregory I ordered that anyone who sneezed be blessed by those around them, since sneezing was often the first sign that someone was falling ill with the plague. Eventually it became habit to say "God bless you" as a response to one sneezing, and many of us still say this today.

It’s interesting that something which began as a plea that God would save a life has become something that now sounds like a throw away comment, yet blessing someone -really blessing someone is a weighty, life-impacting privilege. Proverbs 18:21 says ‘the tongue can bring death or life’!

Blessing can come from our words, but also from our actions and attitude as we interact each day with those God has put around us. If you were to pause right now and think about this I wonder how many forms of blessing you might be able to come up with. Some that come to mind for me include:

Blessing as an action: to do something kind for someone Blessing as words: to speak positively and affirm someone Blessing as a gift: to give something to another person Blessing as a prayer: to speak God’s favour, peace and love into someone’s life BLESSING FROM GOD: receiving His grace and undeserved favour

The church I grew up in adopted the phrase ‘blessed to be a blessing’ which has become a theme I have attempted by God’s grace to carry over into my own life. Sometimes I manage to do this, and sometimes I fail miserably. Despite this we all have the privilege of blessing family, neighbours, school and workmates, friends & ‘enemies’ even. There are people at the supermarket, library, playground, swimming club who’s lives we can positively impact if we live knowing we carry the potential to bless. May God give us eyes to see these moments, and hearts that are willing to bless in the coming week.

PS -Next Sunday 26 March, our preschool key leaders and myself will be facilitating a ‘Take it Home’ event for whanau of preschoolers all around the theme of blessing. The purpose is to encourage, equip and empower all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers and family to pray blessings over our young ones. We hope you’ll join us.

Arohanui Melanie

Notices

 Membership—If anyone is interested in becoming a member here at Northpoint then please give your name to Meegan or add your name to the list at the office.

 Northpoint Women’s Ministry Team – we are looking for a few more wonderful women to join our team to help organise events for Northpoint women. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact either Merryn or Shona to chat further.

 Preschool Take it Home Event—Our next Take it Home event is on Sunday 26th March during the service in the lounge—We will be looking at ‘Blessing your Child’. For parents, grandparents & caregivers of Pods and Sprouts pre-schoolers.

 Easter Camp Update –The earlybird registrations close TONIGHT so make sure you have registered! If you are wanting to sponsor a youth then please see the office. Thank you

 Easter Alive- a dramatic presentation of the Easter story, will take place the first week of April at St James church.

 We need: 1) Helpers to transport and set up props, and to black out the church on

April 1 2) Actors especially young men to play role of Jesus and disciples 3) Prayer for schools to release children to attend.

Contact Rosemary Oliver 027 477 8043 or Louise James 021 450 580

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & a special warm welcome to visitors with us today!

This week comedian Mike King has been visiting New Plymouth schools speaking to young people, raising awareness of and bringing a message of hope for those with mental illness, depression and at risk of suicide. Anna, Luke and I were privileged to be gifted tickets (thanks Rotary!!) to hear Mike speak on Thursday night at the Plymouth Hotel at a charity dinner/auction.

Depression and suicide are major health issues in our country, and not just for the young. Even with such public campaigns as those led by John Kirwan and Mike King, it is still a very misunderstood, miscommunicated and under-funded area of our health sector and statistics are sobering. As many as 9 in 10 people will face some form of mild depression throughout their lives, while somewhere between 20-40% of our population will battle more extreme forms; as many of 80% of these people will consider suicide. Young people – especially males – are those most at risk due to their inability to process feelings, although the fastest growing risk group is aged 45-65 years. This year IN NEW ZEALAND the suicides of 3 children, aged 9, 10 & 12 were recorded – the youngest ever in our country being just 7 years old in 2016.

I don't know about you, but this is heart breaking stuff, and as we were challenged – the responsibility for change lies not with the health system, not with the unwell – but with us. It starts with us gaining awareness of the situation, and understanding towards those facing mental illness. There are many reasons why people develop mental health issues, but it remains up to us to learn empathy and to simply care. Even in Christian circles, depression is often little understood, or wrongly labelled.

But there is hope!! Firstly, we know that many people God used mightily in the Bible – Jonah, Job, Elijah & David – faced battles with discouragement, loneliness and depression. Secondly – Jesus Christ identified with ALL our brokenness at the Cross, and we have a God who promises “never to leave or forsake” us. And in our churches alone we have a large and a diverse community, full of wonderful people with many different life experiences and gifts. We have the tools to gain knowledge and educate; we have the opportunity to talk to those closest to us, to demonstrate love without judgment, and to walk with them through whatever they face.

Let's turn the tide.

“ I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. ” Romans 15:13

Mā te Atua e manaaki hei tiaki,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Membership—If anyone is interested in becoming a member here at Northpoint then please give your name to Meegan or add your name to the list at the office.

· Northpoint Women’s Ministry Team – we are looking for a few more wonderful women to join our team to help organise events for Northpoint women. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact either Merryn or Shona to chat further.

· No More Milk Bottles Please—Thank you to those of you who gave milk bottles over the last couple weeks they were greatly appreciated by our ICONZ group who made rafts with them last week.

· Preschool Take it Home Event—Our next Take it Home event is on Sunday 26th March during the service in the lounge—We will be looking at ‘Blessing your Child’. For parents, grandparents & caregivers of Pods and Sprouts pre-schoolers.

· Easter Camp Support Update -1 week to go until registrations close! Thank you for your support of our youth heading to Easter Camps. Just a reminder that you can support us in different ways - through our hire a youth project (see the board in the foyer), and through donations and partial sponsorship of camp fees. We have many community young people who are committing to pay half a fee, and need some assistance for the other half. Please see the office or speak to Anna or Meegan if this is something you can help us with!

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series on Sunday nights. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Easter Alive- a dramatic presentation of the Easter story, will take place

The first week of April at St James church. We need:

1) Helpers to transport and set up props, and to black out the church on April 1

2) Actors especially young men to play role of Jesus and disciples

3) Prayer for schools to release children to attend.

Contact Rosemary Oliver 027 477 8043 or Louise James 021 450 580

Pastors Pen -

Ministry Moment - 24/7 Youth Work & The Fort

Kia Ora Church Family

This is my Ministry Moment debut, and I just wanted to start by saying thanks a million for the incredibly warm welcome that you have given to Chrissie, Liam and I, we are so stoked to be here!

I started my first week at Bell Block school this week, and with all honesty I can say that I loved every minute of it! This week was an opportunity to get to know the staff and the students before we plan what my timetable is going to look like each week. I had so much fun .... played lots of games, sports, ate great food, and all in all had an absolute blast ... I had many thoughts of 'I have the best job in the world lol!!'

A couple of things stood out to me reflecting on my first few days at the school;

1) The phenomenal level of care and love that the teachers (and teacher-aids/support staff) show each of their students! I have so much respect for the incredible job that they do. They have large classes of kids, who each have very unique individual needs, and day-by-day they patiently and lovingly invest in these youngsters lives!

This was very evident this week, as I watched them deliver fun lessons. I was introduced to the coolest Maths games this week (I wish they had those games when I was at school lol ;) !! They spent their intervals and lunches joining in with their games and sports and other activities .... but the one things that stood out to me the most was how much they genuinely cared about each child in their class. This was so obvious in the conversations that they had with them that symbolized how well they knew them as people and not just students. The level of trust and respect that the kids so obviously had for them was so awesome to see!

2) The second thing that really stood out to me was how much of a 'community feel' the school has. The sense of belonging that each of the kids had was so evident and the level of pride they had in that belonging was so cool to see. I got to hang out with kids from all kinds of different backgrounds and ethnicity's, and each of them said exactly the same thing, which was just how much they loved their school!

I think this is so important in a youngsters life, that they know their place of belonging and that they can grow in a safe, healthy and uplifting environment.

I have noticed exactly the same culture here at Northpoint in the few weeks that I have been here, which really excites me.

As I write this a few scriptures have come to mind;

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

(Matthew 19:14)

I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to alternate my working week between a school and a church that believes so heavily in the importance of investing in their youngsters.

Chrissie, Liam and I are so grateful to have been able to join this community and we are so looking forward to what the Lord has in store in the weeks, months and years ahead!

Bless you guys!

Luke

Notices

· Newcomers Lunch Today Our newcomers lunch is on toady—If you are new to Northpoint and would like to find out more about the church then you are welcome to come along. It is in the Church Hall at 12:30pm. We would love to see you there.

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series on Sunday nights. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Northpoint Women’s Ministry Team – we are looking for a few more wonderful women to join our team to help organise events for Northpoint women. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact either Merryn or Shona to chat further.

· Easter Alive- a dramatic presentation of the Easter story, will take place

The first week of April at St James church. We need:

1) Helpers to transport and set up props, and to black out the church on April 1

2) Actors especially young men to play role of Jesus and disciples

3) Prayer for schools to release children to attend.

Contact Rosemary Oliver 027 477 8043 or Louise James 021 450 580

· Refuel - the first installment of Refuel for 2017 is on the 19th March 7pm - 8:30pm

Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

Last weekend I was privileged enough to spend the weekend with a group of guys from Northpoint and our wider community at Man Camp. The weather forecast wasn't pretty but we headed off anyway. It rained on Friday night but we woke to a gorgeous day on Saturday. There were many different activities on offer over the course of the weekend, including, fishing, claybird shooting, hiking, a cafe trip, Mountain biking, swimming, fireball soccer, volleyball just to name a few. But there were two real highlights from the weekend for me, the first was the shared curry dinner on Saturday night. Doug Keith put many hours of hard work into preparing about 8 different curries, and we then made some Kolkata Egg Rolls to accompany the curry. It was an impressive feed. It was great watching people eating together, discussing what they had done during the day and at the same time getting to know some new people.

The second highlight was Blue Bradley our speaker for the weekend. He shared some deep thoughts with us along with some pretty impressive stories. Blue used these stories to address some pretty challenging and relevant topics. He spoke of the pitfalls of living in a society which promises many amazing and attractive things through the art of deception, how our experience in life is often different, and how we live with unmet expectations. He invited us to talk and explore how we deal with this issue as followers of Jesus. Next Blue invited us to reflect on what it means to be a man? This was a really interesting discussion where he then challenged us to think about how we can help young men find their identity in this confusing age we live in. In Blues' final message he spoke about a time where he got lost in the bush and what he learned about God in the process. He shared how he felt like God had abandoned him but that through his experience he realised that God is always present in whatever we face in life.

In the coming weeks there will be an invitation for us to get together again and discuss where to from here with some of these things we spoke of over the weekend, so that we can support and encourage each other in our roles as Fathers, Grandfathers, Husbands, Brothers, Sons, Uncles and Mates.

If you didn't make it to Man Camp but would like to be invited along to this evening then email me mike@northpoint.org.nz to let me know you’re keen. Finally I just want to say a huge thank you to Ian Walthew, Pete Wright, Nev Wells, and Doug Keith and anyone else who worked behind the scenes to make Man Camp happen for this year.

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Newcomers Lunch—Our next newcomers lunch is on the 5th of March—If you are new to Northpoint and would like to find out more about the church then please register your name at the office. We would love to see you there.

· Evergreens—Friday 3rd March, Guest speaker Celia Jensen will talk about her trip to India & Nepal. 10am Morning tea in the Church Hall bring a small plate or $2.

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series on Sunday nights. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Easter Alive- a dramatic presentation of the Easter story, will take place

The first week of April at St James church. We need:

1) Helpers to transport and set up props, and to black out the church on April 1

2) Actors especially young men to play role of Jesus and disciples

3) Prayer for schools to release children to attend.

Contact Rosemary Oliver 027 477 8043 or Louise James 021 450 580

· Photo permission - we've been asked by Rachel Roche to provide some intergenerational service photos to Carey Baptist College for use in a brochure promoting their Children and Family Leadership Certificate. If you are not happy for your picture to be in any published material please let us know by Sunday 26 February, or contact the office directly. Thanks

· Thank you—A huge thank you to the Northpoint community for your support of our Easter Camp Fundraiser a few weeks back, we made a great start on our fundraising. Please let us know if you can help us out in any way: by sponsoring a camp fee, making a donation or if you have any fundraising work. And most importantly, please continue to cover Northpoint Youth + camp preparations in PRAYER !

· Just Like Home—we have noticed that some of our spaces are being left untidy after use. We would appreciate it if you could pitch in and tidy up after you have used the facilities so that a mess is not left for whoever is using the rooms next to clean up.

· HIRE A YOUTH—We have a lot of young people very keen to earn some money towards their Easter Camp fee. Please take a look at our Hire a Youth board in the foyer for more info. Thanks so much for your support.

Pastors Pen -

This week I had the privilege of being invited to meet with a couple who have recently moved to Bell Block. This couple are going through a hard time. They’re struggling with a number of significant life things that are going on, and they had asked for someone from the church to come and pray with them.

I love praying with people and watching what God does to bring breakthrough in our lives, so I was happy to tag in. There was just one factor that I wasn’t too sure how to navigate… what does it look like to pray to the God of the Bible with people who are Hindi?

The conversation we had together was quite fascinating and has left a lasting impression on me. It went something like this:

M - So you are Hindi, and you have asked me, a Christian to pray with you. Can you help me understand why you would do that?

H - It is not a problem. We know your prayers are powerful.

M - What do you mean our ‘prayers are powerful’? Do you mean prayers from people of all religions are powerful?

H - No the Christian prayers are powerful. Ever since we were young we have been taught that the prayers of the Christians are powerful, so that’s why we have called you to pray.

Wow!!! Here I was in the living room of people of another faith, listening to them tell me that my prayers are powerful. They believe that the God I worship, the God I love, the God I pray to listens to and responds to the prayers of His people.

And so I prayed. I prayed a simple prayer thanking Jesus for these dear people that He loved, and asking Him to show His love to them, and to help them with the things that they are going through. That was it. No fireworks, no drama, but a simple request to our God from people who believe there is power in the prayers of a Christian.

Jesus had a lot to say about faith-filled people. A couple of Sundays ago we read in Luke 7 about the faith of an outsider, the Roman centurion and Jesus’ remark ‘I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!’ (Luke 7:9)

I went away that evening excited and challenged to pray more and expect more. If you are keen to meet with others to pray, one option is to join the faith-filled group that meets at the church 7pm each Sunday evening. Everyone is welcome. Let’s encourage each other that our God is powerful and that he hears our prayers. What an awesome God we serve.

Arohanui Melanie

Notices

· Newcomers Lunch—Our next newcomers lunch is on the 5th of March—If you are new to Northpoint and would like to find out more about the church then please register your name at the office. We would love to see you there.

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series that is held at Northpoint on Sunday evenings, from 12th February to 12th November 2017. The series looks at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. For the best outcomes, participants will need to do some homework preparation. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Plastic Milk Bottles Needed—We are collecting empty clean milk bottles not squashed, with lids. If you could please save your bottles from home and bring them in we would be grateful. Thank you.

· Photo permission - we've been asked by Rachel Roche to provide some intergenerational service photos to Carey Baptist College for use in a brochure promoting their Children and Family Leadership Certificate. If you are not happy for your picture to be in any published material please let us know by Sunday 26 February, or contact the office directly. Thanks

· Summer Sundays - Today is a DIY Summer Sunday so invite someone along for an easy meal and fellowship.

Pastors Pen -

Tena Koutou Katoa - Good morning Northpoint church family & visitors!

On Wednesday night Northpoint Youth started back for 2017 and this column is a good chance to share some of the vision for the year. We have much to be excited about – Easter Camp in April and a mission trip to Fiji in July being two of the bigger events for us in 2017.

Our theme for the year is HOLD THE COURSE – a phrase that came to both Anna & I last year as we spent time away on our sabbatical. In the middle of a challenging season, God reminded us to keep looking up to Him, and keep looking ahead to what we are called to be and do. I had a picture of a ship in full sail, battling the elements but pressing on to where it was going. “Hold the Course” is more than a catchy saying such as “Be strong” or “life’s a journey”… more than a case of surviving - it is a reminder of who we are, where we are going and who goes with us. God is faithful to us, and we are to keep our trust in Him.

Practically, HOLD THE COURSE reminds us that every life has value and purpose, and we are a voice of difference in a world that can leave many feeling hopeless and without purpose. Every young person is created in the image of God – we are a place that helps young people know their identity in Christ, and how they are gifted to make a difference in the world and for the Kingdom.

We are all created equally, but our differences culturally make us unique, and we celebrate and share the differences that make us who we are –every young person can be proud of the skin they are in, free to share & explore their God-given identity.

Lastly, we know that storms will come in life. God just doesn’t always seem to be there or to care. For those young people wrestling with hurt, or with doubt or questions, or needing a place to shelter – we want to offer that hope and to find a way forward together.

Along with our theme goes a proverb in Maori – a whakatauki:

Kia anga o kanohi ki paerangi – Keep your gaze/your eyes fixed on the horizon.

This sentence links to a couple of passages of Scripture (Proverbs 4:23-27 and Philippians 3:12-14), and paints a beautiful image of pressing on, moving forward, following the call on our lives and focussing on the destination ahead.

I will leave you with the words of Paul from the passage in Philippians:

One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead; I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…”

Have a fantastic week,

Jeff Jones

Notices

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint on 24 Sunday evenings, from 12th February to 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. For the best outcomes, participants will need to do some homework preparation. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Plastic Milk Bottles Needed—We are collecting empty clean milk bottles not squashed, with lids. If you could please save your bottles from home and bring them in we would be grateful. Thank you.

· Baking Needed—Fiji Team 2017 are having a Cake Stall on Sunday 19th, at the Kids Market at Highlands Intermediate School. Wanted cakes, slices, loaves etc for the Cake Stall to be delivered to church Friday next week please, or to Meegan 11 Hua Street, Saturday, or ring Meegan to arrange a pick up.

Northpoint Kids - Our Pods, Sprouts, Forest and Fort teams are looking forward to an exciting term together helping kids and their families grow in their knowledge of and love for God. We hope and pray that you'll join us in this crucial time of faith formation through:

· prayer and support for our children and families

· engaging in bible reading and faith conversations at home

· supporting our Sunday morning programmes

· joining a team of volunteers who are involved some Sunday mornings.

· Look out for our new-look Homefront cards to equip whanau to grow faith at home

Pastors Pen -

Tēnā koutou

Can you believe it? My summer here is almost done—to be honest, I’m still kind of waiting for summer to arrive. They say time flies when you’re having fun - and I have to say it’s been a lot of fun being with you at Northpoint over the last twelve weeks. I leave Taranaki with fond memories of massive water slides with the ICONZ and BLAZE kids, copious amounts of food at youth group and life group end of year dinners, Christmas parade floats, cricket games. There were many invitations to coffees, meals and life groups, house moves, and a very memorable clean up job—not so fond.

I want to thank all of you for the hospitality you have shown me. From the moment I walked in the door on my first Sunday back on the 13th of November I was welcomed in with open arms by everyone….except by Jeff Jones, whose words I believe were; “So who are you?”.

What struck me about the culture of this church family was the strength of friendship among you, the depth of faith you have in God, and the open hearts you have for your local community. These are huge strengths that are sadly lacking in many churches today.

As I leave I want to encourage each of you to continue to press forward in your journey of following Jesus both individually and collectively. Ask yourself the question, “What is the next step I need to take?” “To who, what and where is Christ calling me next?”. As a congregation this Sunday we will be celebrating the baptism of Bethany Wilson. Bethany has asked these same questions and decided that her next step is to make a public commitment to following Jesus with her life. I trust that her decision will challenge all of us not to stay stagnant in our faith journey but to boldly keep moving forward with Jesus each and every day. I was excited by a conversation I had with one of our elders, Darrel Martin, about what he thought was the next step for this church might be - “God’s people in this place living out their faith 24/7 in their homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods.” What an inspiring vision for seeing lives and communities transformed!

May God provide an abundance of wisdom, courage and grace as you journey together in His mission bringing good news of release to the poor and outsiders of this community.

E noho rā - Andrew

Andrew

Notices

· Exploring Romans - is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint on 24 Sunday evenings, from 12th February to 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. For the best outcomes, participants will need to do some homework preparation. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· Baptism—Today we celebrate the Baptism of Bethany Wilson. We warmly welcome friends and family who are visiting.

· Plastic Milk Bottles Needed—We are collecting empty clean milk bottles not squashed, with lids. If you could please save your bottles from home and bring them in we would be grateful. Thank you.

· Man Camp—This is on Friday 17th -Sun 19th Feb. Please register at the office.

· Summer Sundays - After Church 12:30pm this week at Onaero Bay Holiday Park

Pastors Pen -

No Pastors Pen this week.

Notices

· Evergreens—Picnic at Ngamotu Beach Friday 3rd February from 11.30 am. Cancelled if wet. For any queries, please contact Diane on 755 0639.

· Man Camp—This is on Friday 17th -Sun 19th Feb. Please register your interest with Ian Walthew or at the office.

· Summer Sundays - After Church 12:30pm this week at Puketapu School

Pastors Pen -

Greetings,

Thursday night of last week Fiona and were invited to the year 8 graduation dinner at Puketapu School it was a great evening. For several of the students their journey at Puketapu started as 5 year olds, and so they were quite emotional as they gave their speech acknowledging and thanking those who had journeyed with them, teachers, parents, but also their fellow students. They are a tight bunch and are very supportive of one another which was great to see, but it made me think about the importance of having a good community around you as your journey through life. As followers of Jesus we are not called to take this journey alone, yet often we can get caught up in the busyness of life, work, family, sport and other commitments and miss the chance to build relationships with other followers of Jesus to do this journey called life together.

At Northpoint we really encourage people to be in a life group, and a good portion of you are, but there are still many of you who aren't. We want you to have a group of people that you do life with. A group of people you can grow in spiritual maturity with, but also a group that together you can engage with the mission of 'Transforming Communities. However we don't want you to be in a group so that you can spend all of your time just relating to other Christians were it becomes a holy huddle, we all need the love and support of others for our spiritual journey, but a big part of the journey should be engaging in mission.

As we come to the end of another year, can I encourage you to do 1 of 2 things if you are already part of a life group then take the time to thank God for those people, but also take time to seek the Holy Spirit and how He might be calling you as a group to engage in the mission of 'Transforming Communities' for 2017, so that together you will see more of God's Kingdom established here on earth. Or if you are not currently in a life group can I recommend that you look at joining or even forming a new life group in the new year, so that you have a group of people a community to do life with as a follower of Jesus. Let us know if you need any help to explore either of these two suggestions.

Have a great week!

Blessings

Mike

Notices

· Living Word Library—This will be closed on Sunday 25th December and Sunday 1st January. Otherwise the library will be open as normal. Thank you.

· The office will be closed from Monday the 26th December until Wednesday the 4th of January 2017.

· Exploring Romans- is an interactive Bible study series that will be held at Northpoint on 24 Sunday evenings, from 12th February to 12th November 2017. The series will look at each chapter of Romans and at many of the important doctrines of the Christian faith. Participants will be able to join and or leave the course at any point. For the best outcomes, participants will need to do some homework preparation. Everyone is welcome. Please talk to John Oliver, phone 756 7775, for more details.

· School Garden Watering—A group of aspiring young leaders Jo Weise has worked with at Puketapu School have developed their school garden to provide for the school and those in need. They don’t have a watering system. If anyone locally in Bell Block would mind watering it over the next two months, it would be greatly appreciated. They can’t keep a hose or a watering can at the garden due to things constantly getting stolen, so it would be great if people could take their watering cans with them when they go. It is the garden that is fenced off from the field and right by room 9 on the seaward side. If you could let the office know if you can help that would be great.

Pastors Pen -

I wonder if you’ve ever spent much time thinking about the ways you connect with God. Have you noticed that we’ve all been created differently and are wired in unique ways? Are you aware of your own spiritual styles? Do you recognise differences in the ways others around you express their faith or grow in their love for God? Have you connected with him in ways that have surprised you or been not your ‘normal’ mode of operation?

As part of my study at Carey Baptist College this semester, I’ve been reflecting on how places, objects, situations and people affect our experiences with God. We have discussed how faith is constantly formed and re-formed in both intentional and unintentional ways. Faith is formed from birth as we learn to trust, as we discover what the world is like, as we hear stories of God at work, as we experience love/forgiveness/joy/pain/shame, as we overhear a conversation or comment, as we climb the mountain, as we feel the warmth of the sun on our skin, as we read scripture, as we have a sense of belonging to the faith community, as we participate in sacred moments, as we join with God and participate in his mission in the world…

Researchers have grouped these ways of growing in our relationship with God in a variety of ways. Researcher and academic David Csinos describes these ways of knowing God as ‘spiritual styles’, and we often refer to them as ‘spiritual pathways’. He has identified ‘four legitimate, powerful ways through which human beings transcend the here and now, connect with God, and understand our surroundings.’ His four pathways are: word, emotion, symbol, and action.

You’re probably already aware of ways you prefer to connect with God, but I know of many people who have testimonies of how spending time on a lesser travelled pathway has had a profound impact on their relationship with God. Are we a community that ensures there’s a place for all people to connect with God along a variety of pathways?

On the back of today’s newsletter you’ll see a list of ways you might like to choose to respond to God during today’s service. I trust that you’ll make the most of these opportunities, and maybe try out some other spiritual pathways. My prayer is that each one of us will have a greater understanding of how God has created us to relate to Him, and that we’d also be willing to grow and try out new approaches both today and in the next few weeks.

Arohanui

Melanie

PS - Last week at The Forest (our programme for primary aged children) we gave children an opportunity to think about ways they especially connect with God through a little questionnaire. There are extra copies available at the office if you’d like one too.

Notices

· Living Word Library—This will be closed on Sunday 25th December and Sunday 1st January. Otherwise the library will be open as normal. Thank you.

· The office will be closed from Monday the 26th December until Wednesday the 4th of January 2017.

· Christmas Hampers—Thank you to those of you who have already contributed to the 40 hampers that go out today to the New Plymouth Community. If you would still like to contribute to help cover the costs, you can pay by internet banking into the church account 15-3956-0073646-00 and use the reference hampers. Otherwise please see the office.

Thank you.