Mick Duncan writes…
Let’s Get Physical!!
There was a time when Elijah experienced tension, exhaustion and suicidal tendencies. What was the first thing God did with Elijah? John Claypool, picks up the story:
He [God] did not condemn him for being a hypocrite or make him ashamed of having all those negative feelings. Rather, God proceeded to follow a very practical program of depression management. He began at the simplest level of r Elijah's needs - the physical. Part of Elijah's spirit problem was undoubtedly due to the fact that he had been through a lot of stress and had been running in terror for a long distance. Thus, his body was depleted; it needed replenishment. So Yahweh provided rest and food. And things began to look very different to Elijah after a long night's sleep and a good square meal and time enough for "his soul to catch up with his body". Having met Elijah's physical needs, the Lord then began to reorient Elijah's mind to reality, to show him that things were not nearly as bad as his fear and self-pity had led him to think. 1
Physicality before spirituality! That seems to be the way of the Creator. Jesus on seeing Peter for the first time after he had betrayed him did not sit down and lead him into a time of confession, repentance and renewal. Rather, Jesus made breakfast for the guy. He put on an early morning beach bar-b-que! Some time later they had their talk. But note the sequence: getting physical and practical came first.
So people if you’re feeling down, listless, tired or sad; give yourself permission to get physical. And if you know of someone else who is under the weather these days, then get all physical with them?! What might this mean for you or them: going to a movie, cooking scallops and drinking wine, smelling the roses or sending flowers? Whatever strikes your fancy! It’s October and we’re all a bit frayed at the edges, so I reckon why wait till Christmas to party. Let the party begin now. People, let’s get physical with ourselves and each other?!
1 John Claypool, Glad Reunion: Meeting Ourselves in the Lives of Biblical Men and Women (New Orleans, Louisiana; Insight Press, 2000), p. 119.
TUESDAY 20th
Community Worship
11:15am-12pm
Spirit Then & Now
Romans 8:1-17
George Wieland
Facilitated by Laura Giddey & Shaun Hutson
After Dinner Mints
Adrienne Cleland
Adrienne is Director of Systems Development at Auckland University. She has an extensive background in senior management and governance roles at places such as Massey University, the Bank of NZ and most recently with Kiwi Bank where she was since its inception. Adrienne is also a member of Remuera Baptist Church.
WEDNESDAY 21st
Carey Prayer in the Chapel
12:40-1:00pm
Praying for the college, community, country and people.
FROM PAUL WINDSOR....
“Because next Tuesday follows the Labour Day holiday and so can catch us a bit by surprise... Even if you do not usually come into Carey on a Tuesday why not consider joining the community for Worship, Lunch and After Dinner Mints on that day (11:15-1:00pm)?
Worship will feature our final communion together. Lunch will feature Cheryl Baxter making one final Tuesday lunch for us! And at Dinner Mints we have Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft flying up from Wellington especially be with us. Andrew is one of the leading Christians in the public world here in NZ. I am loving putting my questions together for him!”
It is going to be so worthwhile. I don't want anyone to feel like they've missed out."
2009 COURSE OPTIONS & ENROLMENT
Continuing student enrolment forms are also available from reception and can be completed at any stage from now on. Be encouraged to complete these early. NB: you are able to change course enrolments at any stage up until classes begin on 2 March without penalty.
Returning student enrolment closes
Tuesday 16 December
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Mission of the week for the Centre for Intercultural Studies this week will be OMF International with displays and information. Make sure you take a look some time this week.
!!CAREY BREAKFAST!!
An end of year get-together, courtesy of the
Student Association.
Wednesday 29 October at 8am
$2 each or $5 for a family
Tickets on sale Tuesday & Wednesday lunches
OR from reception
@ THE LIBRARY
The Library is the place to be and be seen, make sure you're there!! Get those assignments finished!!
1) Late nights until 9pm have started!!
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st October
Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th
2) The Library will be open on Saturday 25th October and closed on Monday 27th (Labour Day).
CONSIDERING POSTGRADUATE STUDY IN 2009?
If so – we would like to buy you lunch and chat!
Thursday 30th October, 12.30pm
For all those interested in studying with Laidlaw-Carey Graduate School next year (MTh’s and PhD’s), Martin Sutherland, Phil Church and Myk Habets will be on hand, with a few current postgraduate students to answer your questions. Please RSVP your interest to Myk Habets ASAP myk.habets@carey.ac.nz
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Ronald McDonald house is participating in the “Kids In Show Seats” programme with a special production of “Santa’s Christmas Adventures” being staged at the Logan Campbell Theatre on 29th November 2008.
They are seeking sponsorship for the kids to attend this show. To sponsor one disadvantaged or special needs child would be $30. If you are willing to give:
Please make cheques payable to:
RMH Auckland Benefit
PO Box 8635 Auckland 1150Ph: 09 361 4519 Fax: 09 361 4520
Email rmha@southernstars.org.nz
EXPERIENCING THAILAND
Tim Bulkeley (and Barbara & Sarah) were so impressed by their contact with Karen refugees in March that they plan to return and take other people with them.
If YOU are interested in sharing a visit to a Karen village church on the border in Thailand, they're planning to spend ten days in a village doing something useful (possibly an English language intensive in a school or Bible school), though a big part of the reason for going is simply to meet people. At the end there would be a few days for either a trek or shopping (in BKK or Chiang Mai). That plan would take up the school holiday in July 2009 (which is also a Carey and University holiday period). Contact Tim if you're interested (tim@carey.ac.nz or 09 526 0344)
CAN YOU HELP?
“Hi! I am an energetic 18-yr old Carey student who has been living with a young family for the past few months and helping out by keeping their house tidy and being a playmate for their happy and lively 1-year old (in return I’m not required to pay board or living expenses!). Unfortunately, at the end of this semester, I am moving on to other study opportunities, and need to be replaced! If you are positive, flexible and responsible, either studying at Carey or working in the area (we are 2km from campus & Sylvia Park), then this position may be for you. For further information, please contact me, Chelsea Hamilton, at i_am_your_llama@ihug.co.nz or the family direct sarahgordon1066@hotmail.com.