MISSIONS & OUTREACH FOCUS This week we encourage you to pray for New Zealand. Quick facts on New Zealand: Geography Area: 267,515 sq km Population: 4,303,457 Annual Growth: 0.92% Challenges for Prayer The increasing presence of other religious and spiritual options presents a challenge for Christians. The influx of immigrants from other faith backgrounds is an opportunity for Kiwis to share the gospel cross-culturally. More pressing, though, is the permeation of society with New Age spirituality. Its individualistic, non-structural, nature-attuned character appeals to many who are disillusioned with Chr istianity. Pray for ways for the gospel to be shared in an engaging and relevant manner; Jesus is still attractive to many who are turned off by organized religion. Pray that Christians will spread the Good News to the immigrants. a) Radio Rhema has wide coverage and listenership throughout the country (10% of the population tune in at least weekly). Programmes are also produced for young people (Life FM). Besides Rhema’s three radio networks across the country, they also broadcast nonstop as a Christian cable TV station. Pray for the Christian media industry.
Knowing Jesus More and Making Him Known
Weekly Bulletin
Sunday 1st May 2016
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b) Alpha Courses grew phenomenally across the country with over 1,000 churches involved. Courses such as Alpha and Christianity Explored are proving fruitful. c) Prison ministries are active in many prisons. Many prisoners have been converted. Pray for them in the difficulties they face following their release.
VERSE FOR THE WEEK “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Communion: (11) Abri
Greeters: (9) Miyuki (11) Melissa/Lesley Sunday School Little Lambs: Kids for Christ: Bible Explorers:
9 am & 11 am
“Living free from fear” Preacher: Dr. Abri Brancken Reading: Isaiah 41:10
Today’s Servers Worship: Ian
Worship Service
Holiday Programme (2) Joji & Chihiro Kami
Translators: David R/Hiromi Readers: (9) Rosemary (11) Sarah Holiday Programme (2) Joji & Chihiro Kami
Pre-Service Prayer at 8:30 am in lounge – all welcome Prayer Meeting every 2nd & 4th Sunday at 7 pm 49 Maxwelton Drive, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland 0630 Ph 09 478-6314, Website: www.mairangichurch.org.nz, Email:
[email protected]
WELCOME TO MAIRANGI BAY COMMUNITY CHURCH (MBCC) If this is your first time worshipping with us, please go to the Welcome Corner after the service. We have a small gift for you & will gladly answer your questions about our church. MBCC is an intentionally multi-cultural church and welcomes and celebrates all languages & cultures. 我们是一个多元文化的教会，欢迎中国朋友参加. どの国の方も大歓迎します。
If you would like to hear a Chinese or Japanese translation, please ask for a headset.
A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR As followers of the Lord we cannot allow ourselves to be taken captive by a spirit of fear. Fear is one of the major factors contributing towards Christians disobeying the Lord. We are called to fear the Lord, not live in fear of the enemy. One of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses to defeat believers is fear, for fear paralyses its victim. It leaves us unable to obey our Master's commands and fulfil His purposes because fear attacks faith. With God in control we need not fear anything, including the unknown, nor do we need to fear the outcome of decisions we make in obedience to God. Be brave and continue to walk in His love. Remember that the love of God casts out all fear - 1 John 4. The Psalmist also wrote that “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Psalm 23. Remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind! The Lord bless you.
MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE
GIVE THANKS FOR
We will be having a very special mothers day service on 8 May 2016. Please invite friends and family along.
• Emily HUANG, Eddie FENG and Helen SUN who gave their lives to Jesus. • The wonderful opportunity for the Chinese Group to gather at Long Bay yesterday. • The various teams serving each week at MBCC. • The faithful work of each of the missionaries.
FOLDING DOORS DOWNSTAIRS The folding doors in the downstairs hall need to be handled with care as they break easily. We have provided instructions with sketches for those who need to handle them. The instructions are on the wall close to the folding doors downstairs.
CHURCH DONATION TAX RECEIPTS The 2015 / 16 Tax Receipts are ready. Please collect your tax receipt from Jacky or Ivy and ensure you write your name (as required by IRD) on your receipt. Please note that most receipts cannot be replaced.
FLAG PROJECT Thanks to everyone who contributed towards our flag project. These flags will serve as a reminder to us to pray for the nations. We will be hanging the flags in the entrance of our building very soon.
PRAY FOR • Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the search for His choice of a Chinese Associate Pastor. • MBCC member’s hearts to be stirred to volunteer to serve in Children’s and other ministries. • Those needing God’s healing touch, & others needing visas, a job, or housing. • All our university students – in Auckland or elsewhere in NZ & even overseas. • Those families travelling to China, Japan or elsewhere during the school holidays. • KO & Stella serving in Japan. • Ps Timothy & Julia Rinopisa, who we support through KiwiLink, serving in rural Zimbabwe.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Abri Brancken SUNDAY SCHOOL TRAINING
EQUIPING THE SAINTS – TRAINING IN CHINESE Alpha Parenting Course 6 week course for parents of 0-10 year olds. Where: Church Dates: Mondays 2nd May - 13th June Time: 6:00 to 7:30 pm Contact: Bill and Helen Liu 410 6645
Discipleship Training For Growing Christians For New Christians Where: Church Where: Church Dates: Mondays from 2nd Dates: Wednesdays May from 4th May Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Time: 7:30 - 9:00 pm Contact: Wendy 021 0265 4800
We will have a special Sunday School Volunteers Training Session coming up soon. Don’t miss it.
Date: 15 May 2016 (Sunday) Time: 13:00 – 15:00 Venue: Church facilities
Church Office: 09 478-6314 Pastor Abri Brancken: 027 2104730,
[email protected] Church Administrator, Jacky Sun: 021 675669,
[email protected] Children’s Ministry Director, Joji & Chihiro Kami: 027 3104841 Chinese Pastoral Worker, Wendy Liu: 021 02654800
[email protected]
We will provide pizza and drinks.
Service Roster for next Sunday 8st May 2016 Worship
Musicians
Sound
Communion
Reader
Greeters
Offering Count
Translators
Flowers
Tea
Fran
Rose/Colin
LD/Darren
Michael (9)
Joy/Colin
Ping; Michael/Emily
Ivy/Julie
Alex/Warren
Annie Z
Sakura/Helena S; Ding Qing/Florence S
