At the moment our news is filled with devastation, grief, destruction, rejection, death and uncertainty. Whether it be the huge scale devastation from floods in Pakistan and fires in Russia that are forcing people from homes and livelihoods, death through natural disasters or at someone else’s hand, floods in our own country that cause such repeated destruction, or something more, there is so much to grieve about.
But these things are often removed from us and we are numb to it – until we ourselves are faced with a direct connection to something awful. Until that happens it is so easy for us to take things and people for granted. Having things (and lots of them) is second nature to us and we expect it. The people around us are just there and we expect their involvement in our lives. But do we really understand their impact and influence?
How do we ensure that we don’t take people around us for granted? How much do we think about the privilege it really is to have the extra ‘things’ in our lives...those that are more than needed for bare survival? Are we really focused on what matters rather than what simply makes us more comfortable?
So this week as you go about your various activities, although there may not be easy or clear answers, perhaps ask yourself this...for what am I truly grateful? Who in my life do I need to stop taking for granted? Are there different things I could/should be doing to ensure I am aware of my own situation and those of others?
TUESDAY 24th
Community Worship 11:15am-12noon
Facilitated by Samuel Schuurman and Luke McMahan
Speaker: Rodney Macann
National Leaders Baptist Churches of NZ
After Dinner Mints @ lunch
Colin Edwards: Trained initially as a medical doctor in New Zealand and then in theological education, Colin and his family spent 15 years in Bangladesh with Interserve. In 2008 they moved to the UK where Colin now teaches in Islamic studies at Redcliffe College and is also the team leader for Urban Vision, Interserve's cross cultural work within England and Wales.
WEDNESDAY 25th
Carey Prayer in the Chapel
12:40-1:00pm
Praying for the college, community, country and people. All welcome!
MID SEMESTER BREAK
This week is Week 6 and the half way point of the semester! From 30 August – 17 September, teaching and formation activities will be in recess (with the exception of rearranged classes and block courses). Teaching will restart on Monday 20 September.
BLOCK COURSES
In coming weeks the following block courses will be held onsite:
Philippians (Chinese Programme) 6-9 September
Thematic Integrative Seminar 15-17 September
Pastoral Care of Adolescents 16-17 September
Marketplace Leadership 23-24 September
NEPAL BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE (NBBC)
This week we gather the results of our fundraising for this Nepali college. As part of Community Worship on Tuesday, we will take up an offering so do remember to bring in what you have.
Distance students – post in or drop off a cheque/cash for the amount you’d like to give. Please note if you’d like money to go towards a specific need. If you would like to give via direct credit, simply connect with Neroli for the account details (ph 0800 773 776 or registrar@carey.ac.nz)
Many thanks for your giving as we partner in this small way with a Bible college in another part of the world.
TRANSIENT: WORSHIP EVENTS
Expose yourself to something different. You are invited to participate in these stations-based reflective worship spaces that are a training ground for new worship curators and old.
Monday evenings.
Baptist Tabernacle Basement (enter by way of the driveway at lower side of building. Take a parking card and get it validated for free before you leave).
7.30-8pm is a quiet gathering/ arriving space and 8-8.45 is engagement with the biblical text or theme in some interactive, stations based way.
Small group. Lots of variety.
Talk to Mark Pierson for more info or to be added to email group. mark@markpierson.org.nz
MULTI-CULTURAL CHURCHES CONVERSATION
With David Boyd, John Yao, Timothy Yoa and Max Palmer
(an initiative of Life Resources)
Great opportunities to hear from pastors who have walked the multi-cultural journey, and network with others who are beginning it.
MCC 101 – Celebrating Cultural Diversity
- introduction to multi-cultural and cross-cultural issues and topics.
Wed 22 September, Auckland (North Shore New Life, Akoranga Drive, Northcote)
Thu 23 September, Wellington (Abundant Life Centre, 71 Abel St.)
MCC 201 – A Church Without Borders
- continuing the journey, follow-on from 101.
Tue 21 September, Auckland (Life Church, 60 Rockfield Rd, Penrose)
Fri 24 September, Christchurch (Riccarton Baptist Church, Rattray St.)
Cost per day: $45 ($80 couple)
Register: sales@lr.org.nz or tel: 0800 895 172.
IF YOU MOVE IT….
…please return it to where it came from. We are finding a number of items taken to lecture rooms or other parts of the college and not returned. Please help us in keeping an eye on this.
Also a reminder that only water should be taken into the lecture rooms. No hot drinks or food unless by arrangement.
HOUSESITTER WANTED