Category: Newsletters

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to John & Jo Robertson and family on the passing of John’s mother.Mercy Basket – Our cupboards are empty of the following:  Canned fruit, tuna, peas, pasta sauce and long life milk.  Thank you for all your generous donations that are truly appreciated, Sheryl.Love and Forgiveness – Like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50), as we allow ourselves to receive more of the fullness of the forgiveness we have through Christ, we come to know at an even deeper level the love of God.  Come along to the Ellel Ministries Worship and Healing Meeting and open yourself up to more of God’s love through worship, testimony, a brief message, fellowship and brief individual healing prayer. Next Wednesday (June 28) at St John’s Church, Ferry Rd, Woolston, 7.30pm – 9.00pm.

Project Esther have a team leading the Church Service at the Woman’s Prison on Sunday July 2. Please pray for them and those attending this service, that they will know the love, comfort and grace that only comes from Jesus.

LEADERSHIP
Membership Certificates – If you were part of the group welcomed as new members and haven’t picked up your certificate, then please visit the Info Centre on Sunday to collect it.

Let’s Pray – As we conclude our ‘Hello…’ series on prayer we will be creating an open space for prayer, from 6.00pm Friday June 30 until 6.00pm Saturday July 1 at our Lyttelton Street site. There will be a variety of spaces to pray both for your personal journey and for different parts of the church and community initiatives. Join us, as you are able to over the 24 hours, as we pray for the life of our church.

Next Discovery Lunch July 23 is for those new to our church. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow or to contribute, please leave your name at the Info Centre or email Si Hart at newcomers@swbc.org.nz.

Alpha – New Alpha course starting in Term 3 – who are you going to invite? Contact alpha@swbc.org.nz for more information.

The Living Room Volunteers – We’re looking for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with tea and coffee set up, clean-up, and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email jbates@swbc.org.nz.

GENERAL
Arcoroc Mugs Required – If you have any to spare please leave these at the Info Centre on Sunday or Reception during the week – our supplies are running low.  Thanks, Sheryl.

018 MINISTRIES
Origin Sports Week (Cross Over Trust) will be held at West Spreydon School from Monday July 17 – Friday July 21, 9.00am – 3.00pm. A fun filled activity for children of all abilities 7 – 12 years. $15 per child per day or $60 for the week. To register please email Greg at gspence@swbc.org.nz or text or call 027 210 4379.

MINISTRIES
Keep Active Halswell – Wednesdays from 9.30am. Come and join us if you are new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while and are wanting to get back into some movement. Classes are circuit based so you can work at your own level. We also throw a bit of fun into the mix. Two weeks on, one week off due to the Foot Clinic. $4 per session includes cuppa and a chat after class.

Healing Rooms invites you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Monday July 3, from 7.30pm. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

Elgregoe Magic Night for Internationals Friday July 7, 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Held at  Te Hapua – Halswell Library. Entry by gold coin donation. Supper provided. For more information email crussell@swbc.org.nz.

Women’s Event – July 22 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm at our Lyttelton Street site. The Changing Room – a divine exchange – a night of worship, inspiration and conversation for women. Please bring a plate of something yummy to share.

Toolbox Parenting for Tweens & Teens Starts Tuesday August 8 for 6 weeks. 7.30pm – 9.30pm in The Living Room. Cost $75pp or $110 per couple. For more information or to register contact Lidwina on 027 274 1686 or email lclarke@swbc.org.nz.

Marriage Preparation Course for you and your fiancée, 5 Wednesday evenings from August 16 with the well-presented DVD series by Nicky & Sila Lee. Cost $120 per couple (includes “Prepare” questionnaire and manuals). For more info and registration forms contact Murray & Janine Close 338 3608 or email meclose6@gmail.com. Registration forms can also be downloaded from the church website.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Thursday July 6 – 10.30am at The Living Room. Coffee Morning  Bring & Buy “COW” Table with produce from our garden.

Monday July 17 – 12.30pm – 2.30pm at our  Balcairn Street  site. Make Your Money Go Further with Janelle Butcher. Potluck lunch bring some food to share.

GLOBAL
Our next Global Night is on July 10, 7.30pm in The Living Room. Peter & Lynley Capon will be speaking about their time and work in Thailand.

OTHER
Baptist Mission Fellowship meeting Tuesday July 4 at 1.30pm with Peter and Lynley Capon – Tranzsend workers from Thailand. The meeting will be held in the recreation centre at Archer Memorial home. This is to farewell them after 15 years working in Thailand. Please bring along used stamps to be collected for mission funds.

GLOBAL MISSION
India
The monsoon season has begun in India. The rains bring a welcome drop in temperatures, as well as providing nourishment for the farms around the country. The amount of monsoon rains has a marked effect on the quality of the harvest and the prosperity of those who live in the country.Pray for those in India who have moved away from the countryside to seek work and income in the cities. Many of them live in slum communities and struggle to find work. Pray for opportunities for good work and education.
Many girls and women in India are vulnerable both in the country and in the cities. Pray for a change in the culture so that girls are valued and women are treated with dignity and respect.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and thoughts are with Stuart & Fay Manning and family on the passing of Stuart’s mother.
We have a number of people who are facing major health issues. Please pray for a wonderful sense of God’s peace and care for them.Mercy Basket – With the cooler weather our cupboards are looking rather bare. We require jam, cans of fruit, spaghetti, baked beans, corn, pasta, weetbix, cornflakes, muesli bars and long life milk. Your donations and support are appreciated. Thanks, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP
Let’s Pray – As we conclude our ‘Hello…’ series on prayer we will be creating an open space for prayer, from 6.00pm Friday June 30 until 6.00pm Saturday July 1 at our Lyttelton Street site. Join us, as you are able to over the 24 hours, as we pray for the life of our church.

Alpha – New Alpha course starting in Term 3 – who are you going to invite? Contact alpha@swbc.org.nz for more information.

The Living Room Volunteers – We’re looking for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with tea and coffee set up, clean-up, and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email jbates@swbc.org.nz.

Baptism – If you are thinking about or would like to be baptised, email Janelle at baptism@swbc.org.nz or leave your details at the Info Centre. If you would like to know more about baptism please pick up a brochure from the Info Centre.

018 MINISTRIES
Employment: South West Baptist invite applications for the full time position of Youth Pastor in the Halswell area. If you have a sense of God’s call to youth and are passionate and committed to young people both in school and community life then we would like to hear from you. Experience essential and a youth work qualification desirable. For a job description and application form please email Ellen ecooper@swbc.org.nz. Applications close 5.00pm, June 23 2017.

SHARP Holiday Programmes are open for enrolments for the July holidays! Get in quick to get a place in one of our three age-based programmes at www.sharp.org.nz. Trips could include (depending on age) visiting Inflatable World, Mega Air and the newly opened Toy Collector! Contact Amy at asmit@swbc.org.nz or on 338 0673.

Origin Sports Week (Cross Over Trust) will be held at West Spreydon School from Monday July 17 – Friday July 21, 9.00am – 3.00pm. A fun filled activity for children of all abilities 7 – 12 years. $15 per child per day or $60 for the week. To register please email Greg at gspence@swbc.org.nz or text or call 027 210 4379.

MINISTRIES
Keep Active Halswell – Wednesdays from 9.30am. Come and join us if you are new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while and are wanting to get back into some movement. Classes are circuit based so you can work at your own level. We also throw a bit of fun into the mix. Two weeks on one week off due to the foot clinic. $4 per session includes cuppa and a chat after class. Our next class is on June 14. For more info please contact Carol Hides on 021 2347 198.

Stepping Stone Trust  is a Christian mental health service provider in Christchurch. We are looking for daytime support staff and night awake staff for our residences. Are you interested?  Please check our vacancies at www.stepstone.org.nz. or email annah@stepstone.org.nz to arrange a chat.

Healing Rooms invites you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Saturday June 24, from 10.00am – 11.00am. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

Living Apart Course – Starts June 15 6.30pm – 9.00pm in The Living Room. A 7 Week course that includes material from Divorce Care and Surviving The Holidays. (This is for anyone who has been separated or divorced either recently or a long time ago). Dinner provided at 6.30pm followed by a DVD starting at 7.00pm with support group until 9.00pm. Please contact Peter & Rachael 027 5099 920, or livingapart@live.com to register or for more details.

Books! Books! Books! Come along and enjoy a barista coffee while you browse over 1000 books (for all ages and interests) at our Book Sale on Saturday June 24 from 9.00am – 11.00am in The Living Room. 100% of the profits go back into our local communities. For more info email Ruth at Cross Over Trust ruthlouisemajor@gmail.com.

Elgregoe Magic Night for Internationals Friday July 7, 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Held at  Te Hapua – Halswell Library. Entry by gold coin donation. Supper provided. For more information email crussell@swbc.org.nz.

GLOBAL
Pick up your copy of the Global magazine this Sunday.

Prayer meeting with Chris and Phil Carr coming up on Wednesday June 14 from 7.30pm at Kay and Neil McKenzie’s home, 18 Honeysuckle Place, Northcote. For more information phone 354 8032.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Monday June 26 – 12.15pm – 2.00pm in the Cobham Hall, cost  $5. Lunch provided. Challenges of bladder & bowel control as we age with speaker Catherine from Nurse Maude.

OTHER
Practical Healing Workshop – John Fergusson Ministries. To be held at our Lyttelton Street site on Friday evening June 16 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Saturday June 17 all day. Practical, low key, and fun. Meals are included. Be inspired, encouraged and up-skilled to pray for others. Cost $50 per person. Brochures will be at the Info Centre. For more information contact Brienne Davies 03 980 8032 or email brienne@paradise.net.nz.

GLOBAL MISSION
THE MUSLIM WORLD
Currently Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan – a month of fasting that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. This year Ramadan began on May 26 and will finish on June 24.The Ramadan fast is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is is a time of spiritual reflection and increased devotion and worship, including acts of charity. Muslims will fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. During this time of focus away from the physical needs and towards spiritual needs, many Muslims have the expectation of spiritual growth. They will seek forgiveness from each other, and a closer relationship with God Almighty.

Pray for Muslims around the world and here in New Zealand. Pray that those who seek relationship with God would have dreams and visions this month that would lead them to Jesus – who opens the way to forgiveness and relationship with God.

Many Muslims cannot enjoy this special month because of war in their countries, or because they are refugees. Pray for peace to come in our world.

Pray for those few Muslims who regard Ramadan to be a time to engage in jihad. Pray that they, too, would have revelations of God during this month and that they would come to find forgiveness and peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to Warren & Marianne Lewis and family on the passing of Warren’s father.Mental Health & The Church Conference 2017 – This is a one day conference hosted by Willow Creek that looks at a range of mental health issues. The focus this year is Children and Youth mental health. Thursday June 22 at Hope Presbyterian. If you are interested in attending please talk to Warren Read or email wread@swbc.org.nz.

Project Esther have a team leading the church service at the Women’s Prison on the first Sunday of each month. Please pray for them and those attending these services, that they will know the love, comfort and grace that only comes from Jesus.

Mercy Basket – With the cooler weather our cupboards are looking rather bare. We require jam, peanut butter, cans of spaghetti, baked beans, tuna, corn, peas and creamed rice.Your donations are appreciated. Thanks, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your faithful giving so far this year. As you can see from the graph above, giving is behind budget by almost $26,000 to the end of April. Please continue to pray for our church finances.

Alpha – New Alpha course starting in Term 3 – who are you going to invite? Contact alpha@swbc.org.nz for more information.

Hospitality Volunteers – We’re looking for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with tea and coffee set up, clean-up, and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email jbates@swbc.org.nz.

Baptism – If you are thinking about or would like to be baptised, email Janelle at baptism@swbc.org.nz or leave your details at the Info Centre. If you would like to know more about baptism please pick up a brochure from the Info Centre.

Next Discovery Lunch June 11 is for those new to our church. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow or to contribute, please leave your name at the Info Centre or email Si Hart at shart@swbc.org.nz.

World Vision Fundraiser – This Sunday morning between the 9.00am and 11.00am gatherings, Izaac Wilson will be selling hot chips, scones and cold drinks in The Living Room as a fundraiser for the World Vision 40 Hour Famine. Cash only.

COMMUNITIES
Westmorland Pot Luck Lunch – June 11 from 1.00pm. We are meeting at Daniel & Maree’s 6 Ennerdale Place. All welcome.

MINISTRIES
Celebrating 30 years! Tuesday Christian Fellowship will be holding a dance on Saturday May 27, 7.00pm in the Lyttelton Street site Gymnasium. An evening of fun for the whole family! Bring a plate. Drinks will be provided.

Healing Rooms invites you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Monday June 5, from 7.30pm – 8.15pm. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

Living Apart Course – Starts June 15 6.30pm – 9.00pm in The Living Room. A 7 Week course that includes material from Divorce Care and Surviving The Holidays. (This is for anyone who has been separated or divorced either recently or a long time ago). Dinner provided at 6.30pm followed by a DVD starting at 7.00pm with support group until 9.00pm. Please contact Peter & Rachael 027 5099 920, or livingapart@live.com to register or for more details.

Books! Books! Books! Come along and enjoy a barista coffee while you browse over 1000 books (for all ages and interests) at our Book Sale on Saturday June 24 from 9.00am – 11.00am in The Living Room. 100% of the profits go back into our local communities. For more info email Ruth at Cross Over Trust ruthlouisemajor@gmail.com.

GLOBAL
Family Global Exposure – This year is a chance for families to experience another culture, to start to understand poverty, and to see how our church is involved in a global community. Running from October 5 – 12. Numbers are limited so if you are interested and want to find out more information,  email John global@swbc.org.nz.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Thursday June 1 – 10.30am in The Living Room. Coffee Morning  Bring & Buy “COW” Table with produce from our garden.

Monday June 12 – 12.15pm – 2.00pm in the Cobham Hall, cost $5. Lunch is provided.Come and be entertained by Dave’s Ramblings.

OTHER
Canterbury CEC Trust – The Churches Education Commission (CEC) that oversees Christian Religious Education (CRE) in schools is holding two prayer meetings on Thursday June 1 at St Christopher’s Church, 244 Avonhead Road, 11.00am -12.30pm and 7.30pm – 9.00pm. All are warmly invited to attend as we give thanks for this work and pray for its future. Any queries contact Aimee at canterburycectrust@gmail.com.

Practical Healing Workshop – John Fergusson Ministries. To be held at our Lyttelton Street site on Friday evening June 16 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Saturday June 17 all day. Practical, low key, and fun. Meals are included. Be inspired, encouraged and up-skilled to pray for others. Cost $50 per person. Brochures will be at the Info Centre. For more information contact Brienne Davies 03 980 8032 or email brienne@paradise.net.nz.

GLOBAL MISSION
CHINA
Christianity continues to grow quickly in China, with many churches operating in a grey area that are not permitted but not banned by the government. They face police scrutiny, but continue to grow. The current government’s focus is on stability, and so this can lead to periodic  crackdowns on churches and Christians as well as other groups involved in human rights issues or seen as having foreign influence.In the vast North and West of China, however, where the population is a mixture of diverse ethnic and religious groups, Christianity is not growing as rapidly. Increased police presence and hardline political leadership in these areas makes it difficult for people to hear the good news. There is also persecution from family and communities as people study about Jesus.

Pray that the good news would spread even to remote and unstable areas of China, and that Christians in China would catch the vision to spread the good news to their ethnic neighbours.

Pray for our SWBC people in one of these areas working in a small town and sharing the good news with neighbours and colleagues.

Pray for the church in China to grow strong despite persecution. Pray for wise leadership, for a growth in knowledge of the good news, and for the power of Christ to transform the country.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to Patrice, Graeme & Stella Crawford on the passing of Patrice’s mother. Please continue to pray for those who are unwell that God will be very present in their health challenges and treatment.Congratulations to Jordan Ritchie and Rachel Mahoney on their recent engagement.

Mercy Basket – This week we require canned fruit, peas, tomatoes, tuna, creamed rice, spaghetti, baked beans, pasta snacks, sugar, marmite and peanut butter. Thank you for continuing to support us in helping people in our community.  Blessings, Sheryl.

Wednesday Early Morning Prayer – Come and  join us in the Boardroom at 246 Lyttelton Street as we pray for the life of our church. Each Wednesday  7.00am – 8.30am. Come for as long or as little time as you  wish! You are warmly welcome!

LEADERSHIP
Mother’s Day – As a gift to the mothers of our church, we will be providing free family portraits after the morning gatherings on Mother’s Day, May 14.

End of Year Tax Receipts are now available from the Info Centre on Sunday or Reception during the week. If you would like your receipt posted to you please email reception@swbc.org.nz or phone the Church Office.

Hospitality Volunteers – We’re looking for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with tea and coffee set up, clean-up, and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

Baptism – If you are thinking about or would like to be baptised, email Janelle at baptism@swbc.org.nz or leave your details at the Info Centre. If you would like to know more about baptism please pick up a brochure from the Info Centre.

Next Discovery Lunch June 11 is for those new to our church. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow or to contribute, please leave your name at the Info Centre or email Si Hart at shart@swbc.org.nz.

GENERAL
Word for Today are now available. Pick up from the Info Centre on Sunday or at Reception during the week. $2.00 each.

Ramaden 30 days of prayer booklets are available from the Info Centre today.

COMMUNITIES
Halswell, Aidanfield and Westlake Community Lunch – The potluck community lunch for this term will be held on Sunday May 21 at our Balcairn Street site from 12.30pm. Please bring fingerfood to share. Hot drinks available from 12.30pm and we will eat at 1.00pm to give those attending the 11.00am service time to get there. Please encourage others from the local life groups and community to come and fellowship. For further information contact Janet Holder 021 1477 656.

0-18 MINISTRIES
SYC International – has now started on  Friday evenings 5.30pm – 8.00pm at our Lyttelton Street site. SYC International is a youth group for international students. We eat dinner, play games and study English together. We meet during term time on Friday nights in the Cafe. $2.00 donation. For more information contact Claire crussell@swbc.org.nz or 338 4163 ext 242.

SHARP Trust run After-School and Holiday Programmes at South West Baptist Church Lyttelton Street site and Aidanfield Christian School. Head to www.sharp.org.nz to enrol your children in low cost, quality, fun, Christian out-of-school care that aims to help young people reach their potential.

MINISTRIES
Cross Over Trust – Interested in Community Development? You are invited to an information night Monday May 22. Held in the Lyttelton Street site Cafe from 7.30pm – 9.00pm. Come along and hear stories from our school communities. Supper is provided. Trust AGM  will follow from 9.00pm – 9.30pm. For more information contact Lidwina Clarke 027 274 1686, email lclarke@swbc.org.nz or Roy Kenneally 021 889 199, email rkenneally@swbc.org.nz.

Healing Rooms invites you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Saturday May 27, from 10.00am – 11.00am. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

If you feel called to be part of the praying team for Healing Rooms we will also be holding a Training Day on May 27. For more information contact Karen – ph 338 4163; or healingrooms@swbc.org.nz

Keep Active Halswell are excited to announce a new class on Wednesdays at 9.30am. Come and join us if you are new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while and are wanting to get back into some movement. Classes are circuit based so you can work at your own level. We also throw a bit of fun into the mix. Two weeks on, one week off due to the Foot Clinic. As with all our Keep Active classes this session is $4.00. For more information please contact Carol Hides on 021 2347 198.

Celebrating 30 years! Tuesday Christian Fellowship will be holding a dance on Saturday May 27, 7.00pm in the Lyttelton Street site Gymnasium. An evening of fun for the whole family! Bring a plate. Drinks will be provided. You can also join the celebrations in our gatherings on Tuesday May 16, 7.30pm, Sunday May 21, 9.00am and 11.00am and Sunday May 28, 7.00pm.

GLOBAL
Family Global Exposure – This year is a chance for families to experience another culture, to start to understand poverty, and to see how our church is involved in a global community. Running from October 5 – 12. Numbers are limited so if you are interested and want to find out more information,  email John global@swbc.org.nz.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Monday May 15, 12.15pm – 2.00pm in the Cobham Hall. Four life stories from our people. Cost $5  – Lunch provided.

OTHER
Grace Vineyards – Single & Thriving!  Tomorrow Friday May 12 at 7:30pm at Grace Vineyard Church. Richard Black will be our speaker. He is the founder and Director of Strength to Strength, a counselling and training organization (strength2strength.co.nz). He is an ordained minister and a trained counsellor with much skill around healthy relationships. His aim is to see people thriving; breaking through and breaking free into all God has for them.

GLOBAL MISSION
INDIA
The Christian church is vibrant and growing in India, but still only comprises 2% of the population and often faces persecution. There is growing evidence of rising intolerance of Christianity.
The Guardian newspaper reported earlier this year, “There is a clear pattern of rising religious intolerance across the Indian sub-continent, which affects many millions of Christians”.A well-known Catholic activist has put it this way:  “Where two or three are gathered, the policeman is there long before Jesus is.”

Pray for protection for the growing number of house churches and cell groups throughout India, that they will be able to worship in safety. Pray for our brothers and sisters around India to be courageous in living out their faith despite the risks.
Pray for unity among all the different Christian groups in India – both historic and more recent.
Pray that people will not be afraid to explore the Christian faith.
Pray that Jesus would be the power that brings transformation to communities throughout India, and that the followers of Jesus would be identified by their love and care for the poorest in India.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to the families of Les Yetman and Betty Hannington who have both passed away in the last two weeks. Les & Betty have been faithful servants at SWBC for many years.

Mercy Basket – This week we require canned corn, peas, fruit, baked beans, spaghetti, creamed rice, peanut butter and marmite.  Thank you so much for your donations.  Blessings, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP
An evening of peacemaking: Dave Andrews and Ibrahim Abdelhalim will lead a conversation on ‘What can Muslims and Christians learn from each other about the mercy and grace of God?’ Delta Trust Cafe, 105 North Avon Rd. This Friday 28 April, 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

End of Year Tax Receipts are now available from the Info Centre on Sunday or Reception during the week. If you would like your receipt posted to you please email reception@swbc.org.nz or phone the Church Office.

Church AGM May 3 – To be held in the Lyttelton Street site Auditorium, 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Confident Christianity Conference – Run by Thinking Matters at our Lyttelton Street site from May 5-6, this conference provides training on how to sensitively and skilfully respond to the biggest objections Christians encounter today. For more information and to register, visit thinkingmatters.org.nz/conference.

Mother’s Day – As a gift to the mothers of our church, we will be providing free family portraits after the morning gatherings on Mother’s Day, May 14.

Hospitality Volunteers – We’re looking for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with tea and coffee set up, clean-up, and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

GENERAL
Word for Today have now arrived. Pick up your copy today. $2.00 each.0-18 MINISTRIES
Ricecube – Friday May 5 from 6.00pm – 8.30pm at our Balcairn Street site. Ricecube welcome people of all ethnicities. Each Friday there is dinner, time to make new friends and study English and the Bible. Classes for preschoolers, children and adults. Cost: donation.SYC International – starts Friday May 5 from 5.30pm – 8.00pm at our Lyttelton Street site. SYC International is a youth group for international students. We eat dinner, play games and study English together. We meet during term time on Friday nights in the Cafe. $2.00 donation. For more information contact Claire crussell@swbc.org.nz or 338 4163 ext 242.

SHARP Trust run After-School and Holiday Programmes at South West Baptist Church Lyttelton Street site and Aidanfield Christian School. Head to www.sharp.org.nz to enrol your children in low cost, quality, fun, Christian out-of-school care that aims to help young people reach their potential.

MINISTRIES
Healing Rooms welcome you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Monday May 1, from 7.30pm – 8.15pm. Let God’s healing power and love touch you. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

Keep Active Halswell are excited to announce a new class on Wednesdays at 9.30am. Come and join us if you are new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while and are wanting to get back into some movement. Classes are circuit based so you can work at your own level. We also throw a bit of fun into the mix. Two weeks on, one week off due to the Foot Clinic. As with all our Keep Active classes this session is $4.00. Starting May 3. For more info please contact Carol Hides on 021 2347 198. We look forward to having you join us.

SW Underground Prayer Meeting – Our next prayer meeting for Christians that are persecuted in their faith will be on May 4, 7.30pm 246 Lyttelton Street. If you’d like to receive our newsletter email Tony Kan tonykan@xtra.co.nz.

Whetu – Join us for games and activities that are made to be accessible to children with all abilities. Saturday May 6 from 2.00pm – 4.00pm at our Balcairn Street site. For more information please contact Andy Carpenter 338 4163 ext 238 or email acarpenter@swbc.org.nz.

Marriage Enrichment Course – This course runs for 7 weeks on Sunday evenings from May 7, 7.00pm at our Balcairn Street site.To register pick up a form from the Info Centre or email Darryl Taylor at darryl.taylor@trimble.co.nz or 021 0357494. Cost $65 per couple.

Celebrating 30 years! Tuesday Christian Fellowship will be holding a dance on Saturday May 27, 7.00pm in the Lyttelton Street site Gymnasium. An evening of fun for the whole family! Bring a plate. Drinks will be provided.

GLOBAL
Global Night – May 8, 7.30pm in our Lyttelton Street site Cafe. Come along as Matt and Ruth Wright talk about their plans to return overseas and join us as we pray for our people globally.

Family Global Exposure – This year is a chance for families to experience another culture, to start to understand poverty, and to see how our church is involved in a global community. Running from October 5 – 12. Numbers are limited so if you are interested and want to find out more information,  email John global@swbc.org.nz.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Thursday May 4 – 10.30am in our Lyttelton Street site Cafe. Coffee Morning. Bring & Buy “COW” Table with produce from our garden.

Monday May 8 – 11.00am – 2.00pm for a potluck lunch and board games at our Balcairn Street site. Bring some food to share.

OTHER
The Case for Christ has been dramatised for film, and will be released in cinemas on May 4. The story is one our church has previously studied, sharing the journey of an atheist journalist who seeks to disprove his wife’s Christian faith.

Laidlaw Open Night – Are you interested in studying at Laidlaw? There is an open night coming up on Thursday May 11, 7.00pm at 70 Condell Avenue, Papanui. For more info please contact 03 354 4270 or email chch@laidlaw.ac.nz.

Reading in schools – Matilda’s Readers is a new group of volunteers who listen to children do their reading practice at school. Literacy helps bring people out of poverty, whether in NZ or overseas, and those who struggle to read are over-represented in our prison population. If you have a free hour a week to help, contact Barb Harrington, 3846103, mark4barb@xtra.co.nz or 0276873787.

GLOBAL MISSION
CHAD
Please pray for Chad: at present the country is facing a little-reported crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region. Long-running violence by Boko Haram and the military counter-offensive has forced millions of civilians to flee their homes, impacted water access, caused food insecurity and malnutrition and increased child protection risks. 2.6 million people are displaced across the region and many are reliant on food aid to survive.Pray for adequate resources for big organisations like the UN and smaller groups like World Vision to feed the hungry in Chad.
Pray for world leaders to make good decisions on how to respond to the crisis in Chad, and to be generous in their help. Pray for Chad’s leaders, too – for wisdom in this tough situation.SWBC has had people working in Chad for many years. Diane has recently returned to Christchurch.Pray that the love of Jesus would be the power that transforms lives and communities throughout Chad.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to Chris & Paul Habinshuti and family on the passing of Chris’s mother. Please continue to pray for those in our church community with failing health.Mercy Basket – We appreciate your weekly donations. This week we require creamed rice, pasta snacks, canned peas / corn and long life milk.  Thank you, Sheryl.Baptisms – On April 30 at our 7.00pm gathering, Richard Watson and Callum Stewart-Ward are being baptised. Bring along a plate of food to celebrate with them afterwards.

Centering Prayer Group – Held weekly during the school term in the lounge at The Arahura Centre, 406 Barrington Street, on Tuesdays at 3.30pm. Please park on the road.

LEADERSHIP
End of Year Tax Receipts will be available from the Info Centre on Sunday or Reception during the week from April 23.  If you would like your receipt posted to you please email reception@swbc.org.nz or phone the Church Office.

Church Prayer Night – Join us for an interactive evening of prayer for the life of our church. Happening on Wednesday April 26, 7.30pm, Lyttelton Street site Auditorium.

Next Discovery Lunch April 30 is for those new to our church. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow or to contribute, please leave your name at the Info Centre or email Si Hart at shart@swbc.org.nz.

Church AGM May 3 – Mark this date on your calendar. To be held in the Lyttelton Street site Auditorium, 7.30pm.  Everyone welcome.

Confident Christianity Conference – Run by Thinking Matters at our Lyttelton Street site from May 5-6, this conference provides training on how to sensitively and skilfully respond to the biggest objections Christians encounter today. For more information and to register, visit thinkingmatters.org.nz/conference.

Hospitality Volunteers – Many of you have told us that you enjoy being able to chat to both newcomers and regulars over a cuppa after our Sunday gatherings. As such we are endeavouring to provide a space for hospitality so that we can welcome people and get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. We’re looking for volunteers to help with set up, clean-up, making coffee and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

0-18 MINISTRIES
Early Years Toolbox Parenting Course (0-6 years) – This six week course is designed to give you the skills to set appropriate boundaries for your child and develop a strong and loving bond with them, to learn how to lay the building blocks for a great future, and to enjoy these years with your child. Held on Tuesdays from 7.15pm – 9.30pm in our Lyttelton Street site Cafe, beginning on May 2. To enquire or register please contact Lidwina Clarke 027 2741 686 or email lclarke@swbc.org.nz.

SHARP Trust run After-School and Holiday Programmes at South West Baptist Church Lyttelton Street site and Aidanfield Christian School. Head to www.sharp.org.nz to enrol your children in low cost, quality, fun, Christian out-of-school care that aims to help young people reach their potential.

MINISTRIES
Healing Rooms welcome you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Saturday April 22, 10.00am – 11.00am. Let God’s healing power and love touch you. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, or email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

SW Underground Prayer Meeting – Our next prayer meeting for Christians that are persecuted in their faith will be on May 4, 7.30pm 246 Lyttelton Street. If you’d like to recieve our newsletter email Tony Kan tonykan@xtra.co.nz.

Conquer Series Men’s Group – Ten week course providing tools to strengthen sexual integrity. Starting on May 5, 7.00pm in our Lyttelton Street site Boardroom. Contact Chris at christiaan@paradise.net.nz or 021 306 112 for more information.

Marriage Enrichment Course – Time to review and revitalise your relationship?  Well-presented, DVD based series; date like atmosphere; delicious dessert; no group work. Course runs for seven Sunday evenings from 7.00pm in our Balcairn Street Hall, starting May 7. Registration forms available at Info Centre. For enquiries contact Darryl & Claire Taylor.  Email darryl.taylor@trimble.co.nz or phone 339 0494 or 021 035 7494.  Cost $65 per couple.

Worship Team – We will be holding auditions over the next couple of weeks for those wanting to join our morning music team or serve as a sound operator. Contact Annie apearce@swbc.org.nz for more information.

GLOBAL
Global Night – May 8, 7.30pm in our Lyttelton Street site Cafe. Come along as Matt and Ruth Wright talk about their plans to return overseas and join us as we pray for our people globally.

30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is happening this year from Saturday May 27 – Sunday June 25. Prayer guides are available now to order from www.marn.org.nz.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger.Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Monday April 24 – Enjoy Browsing? Morning Tea at Portstone Plant Nursery and Café, 465 Ferry Rd at 11.00am. Own cost. Please RSVP for numbers and/or transport. We will meet at our Lyttelton Street site at 10.30am for transport.

Thursday May 4 – 10.30am in our Lyttelton Street site Cafe. Coffee Morning. Bring & Buy “COW” Table with produce from our garden.

GLOBAL MISSION
A Prayer for the Persecuted ChurchHeavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, his death which opened the way for us to have peace with you, and his resurrection which brings new life and hope.This Easter we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are living in suffering and pain because of their faith in you. We particularly remember our family in Egypt who are mourning the death of so many while they cling to the hope of resurrection. Be with them by your Spirit. Bring comfort and healing. For those who are frightened, bring your peace; for those who are angry, bring your love.

There are so many around the world today who will gather in secret or in fear to celebrate the hope you bring. Protect them today. We pray for your resurrection power to be seen in our world – bringing peace, bringing courage, bringing forgiveness and reconciliation.  We pray this Easter that your new life would be experienced by many all around the world and that your power would continue to bring transformation to our world. We long for the day when all people will worship you freely, proclaiming in every language the hope they have because of Easter.

Bring your Kingdom, Lord God.

In Jesus name,
Amen.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Our love and sympathy to Judi Cross, Greg & Sue Cross,  their families and the Cleave family  on the passing of Noel Cross. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Mercy Basket – We appreciate your weekly donations. This week we require two minute noodles, canned tomatoes, toilet paper, peanut butter, vegemite and long life milk. Thank you, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP
Easter Services – This year we are holding a contemplative communion service on Good Friday at 10.00am, and then two morning services of celebration on Easter Sunday at 9.00am and 11.00am. There will be no 7.00pm service on Easter Sunday.

What Is Truth? On Friday April 7 at 7.00pm UK theology student Ben Fitzsimmonds will be leading an apologetics evening looking at ‘What Is Truth?’ Come along to hear his thoughts, and a shared question time. Happening in the café space, Lyttelton Street site.

Church Prayer Night – Join us in prayer for the life of our church as we prepare for our AGM. Happening on Wednesday April 26, 7.30pm, Lyttelton Street site.

Church AGM May 3, mark this date on your calendar to be held at the Lyttelton Street site, 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Daily Readings – Our Easter series readings are available to be picked up from the Info Centre on a Sunday, downloaded from our website or read on the church App.

Eastercamp Sponsorship – Each year SYC takes a couple of hundred teenagers to Eastercamp, however some are unable to attend because of the cost of registration. If you are able to help us support these young people, please contact Denise Gardiner dgardiner@swbc.org.nz.

Hospitality Update – Many of you have told us that you enjoy being able to chat to both newcomers and regulars over a cuppa after our Sunday gatherings. As such we are endeavouring to provide a space for hospitality so that we can welcome people and get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. To do this, we need the following:
– Sunday Coffee Coordinator to make barista coffee and organise free tea and coffee. For more information on this paid role, please pick up an application pack from the Info Centre or Reception.
– Volunteers to help with set up, clean-up, making coffee and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

0-18 MINISTRIES
Light Party Feedback – Share your thoughts on the Light Party by filling in our survey by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBJ3B6TEarly Years Toolbox Parenting Course (0-6 years) – This six week course is designed to give you the skills to set appropriate boundaries for your child and develop a strong and loving bond with them, to learn how to lay the building blocks for a great future, and to enjoy these years with your child. Held on Tuesdays from 7.15pm – 9.30pm at our Lyttelton Street site, beginning on May 2. To enquire or register please contact Lidwina Clarke 027 2741 686 or email lclarke@swbc.org.nz.

Eastercamp 2017 – If you are at high school we would love to have you come along to Eastercamp with SYC. Go to www.eastercamp.org.nz for more information and to register. Registrations are closing on Friday April 7, and cost $175. If you are keen to come along to camp but money is a barrier please contact your youth group leader or youth pastor and we will help sort it out.

MINISTRIES
Healing Rooms welcome you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Monday April 3, 7.30pm – 8.15pm. For more info contact Karen 338 4163, email healingrooms@swbc.org.nz.

Whetu – Join us for games and activities that are made for accessible to children with all abilities. April 8 from 2.00pm – 4.00pm at our Balcairn Street site. For more information please contact Andy Carpenter 338 4163 ext 238 or email acarpenter@swbc.org.nz.

Men’s BBQ – Food and Exploring Faith and Work Journeys. Saturday April 8, 5.00pm in the Cobham Street Hall. $5 per person.  Concluding with optional action movie and popcorn. To confirm, contact Reception or Info Centre on Sunday. Inquiries to Kevin Stevenson 027 5677 118.

Conquer Series Men’s Group – Ten week course providing tools to strengthen sexual integrity. Starting on May 5, 7.00pm at our Lyttelton Street site. Contact Chris at christiaan@paradise.net.nz or 021 306 112 for more information.

Marriage Enrichment Course – Time to review and revitalise your relationship?  Well-presented, DVD based series; date like atmosphere; delicious dessert; no group work. Course runs for seven Sunday evenings from 7.00pm at Balcairn Street site, starting May 7. Registration forms attached in this email. For enquiries contact Darryl & Claire Taylor.  Email darryl.taylor@trimble.co.nz or phone 339 0494 or 021 035 7494. Cost $65 per couple.

Tuesday Christian Fellowship have reached their 30th anniversary! Join the celebrations on Tuesday May 16, 7.30pm, Sunday May 21, 9.00am and 11.00am, Sunday May 28, 7.00pm and a dance on Saturday May 27, 7.00pm. If you or someone you know of has been part of the Fellowship over the past 30 years, please let Andy or Sheryl know by emailing strebilcock@swbc.org.nz.

Worship Team – We will be holding auditions over the next couple of weeks for those wanting to join our morning music team or serve as a sound operator. Contact Annie apearce@swbc.org.nz for more information.

GLOBAL
Come and pray with Chris and Phil Carr, second Wednesday of each month. 18 Honeysuckle Place April 12 – 7.30pm. For any queries, contact Evelyn 338 8598.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger. Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Thursday April 6 – Bring & Buy ‘COW’ Table with produce from our garden. 10.30am, church café space, Lyttelton Street site.

Monday April 10 – Supporting those with Memory Loss, Discussion with Rosemary 12.15pm – 2.00pm, Cobham Hall, $5 Lunch.

OTHER
The Halswell Cross – A five metre cross with a figure of Jesus will be set up in Halswell Quarry from Good Friday until Easter Monday. Come along to reflect, pray and nail your prayers to the cross.

Reading in schools – If you’d like to make a difference in the world and have a free hour a week, consider volunteering to help children learn to read at a school near you.  Matilda’s Readers (named after Roald Dahl’s Matilda who loved to read but had no help in her home), is a new group starting up, made up of retirees, university students, whoever, who listen to children do their reading practice. Education helps bring people out of poverty, whether in New Zealand or overseas, and those who struggle to read are over-represented in our prison population. Contact Barb Harrington, 3846103, mark4barb@xtra.co.nz or 0276873787

GLOBAL
BANGLADESH
Please pray for Bangladesh as the country is facing an escalation in violence – including suicide attacks and bombings throughout the country. Last year security forces in Bangladesh launched a concentrated effort to stamp out Islamic militant groups, but despite this there have recently been a number of attacks. Although Isalmic State and al-Qaeda claim responsibility for the attacks, it is possible that a local Isalmist group is actually responsible. The BBC notes: “If it is proved that Islamist extremists are behind the recent handful of suicide bombings, then it marks a new phase in Bangladesh’s fight against militancy.”The rise in violence will be a concern for our Christian brothers and sisters in Bangladesh as well as other minority groups and secular writers who have born the brunt of the jihadist violence in the past.

Pray for Vijaya as she leads the Christian Discipleship Centre. Pray for wisdom as they train Christian leaders in this environment. Pray that Christians throughout Bangladesh would be courageous to share the love of Christ despite the risk, and that God’s love would transform communities around the county. Pray that the leaders of Bangladesh would be wise and successful in standing against militancy, and that Bangladesh would remain a moderate country that accepts their diverse population.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Please pray for those in our community who are unwell. For those in hospital, for those receiving treatment and  for those who are recovering from setbacks and health challenges.Mercy Basket – We appreciate your weekly donations. This week we require two minute noodles, pasta sauce, canned fruit, baked beans, spaghetti and muesli bars. Thank you, Sheryl.

Warmest congratulations to Tim Butcher who has recently been appointed CEO of Stepping Stone Trust.

LEADERSHIP
Next Discovery Lunch March 26 is for those new to our church. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow or to contribute, please leave your name at the Info Centre or email Si Hart at shart@swbc.org.nz.

Hospitality Update – Many of you have told us that you enjoy being able to chat to both newcomers and regulars over a cuppa after our Sunday gatherings. As such we are endeavouring to provide a space for hospitality so that we can welcome people and get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. To do this, we need the following:
– Sunday Coffee Coordinator to make barista coffee and organise free tea and coffee. For more information on this paid role, please pick up an application pack from the Info Centre or Reception. Applications have now been extended until March 31.
– Volunteers to help with set up, clean-up, making coffee and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

Elder Nominations – Nominations for Eldership are closing on Monday March 20. Information about our church Elders and nomination forms are available from the Info Centre on Sunday or Reception during the week.

Eastercamp Sponsorship – Each year SYC takes a couple of hundred teenagers to Eastercamp, however some are unable to attend because of the cost of registration. If you are able to help us support these young people, please contact Denise Gardiner dgardiner@swbc.org.nz.

0-18 MINISTRIES
Early Years Toolbox Parenting Course (0-6 years) – This six week course is designed to give you the skills to set appropriate boundaries for your child and develop a strong and loving bond with them – to learn how to lay the building blocks for a great future, and to enjoy these years with your child. Held on Tuesdays from 7.15pm – 9.30pm at our Lyttelton Street site, beginning on May 2. To enquire or register please contact Lidwina Clarke 027 274 1686 or email lclarke@swbc.org.nz.

SBC Early Learning Centre – Two Employment Opportunities
1. Full time teaching position available for a qualified  ECE teacher at our Spreydon centre. Could suit a new graduate.
2. Fixed term maternity position for a qualified teacher approximately 6 months.
For more information and application forms please email Chris creid@swbc.org.nz.

Playgroup – We are looking for a facilitator to begin in Term 2.   We have a small group of mums who get together on Tuesday mornings in Cobham Street hall. This is an opportunity for someone with great relational skills and who is able to set up and pack down resources. If you think this could be you please email creid@swbc.org.nz.

Eastercamp 2017 – Eastercamp registrations are now live! If you are at high school we would love to have you come along to Eastercamp with SYC. Go to www.eastercamp.org.nz for more information and to register. Early-bird cost is $165 until Monday March 27, after that it is $175 until Friday April 7. If you are keen to come along to camp but money is a barrier please contact your youth group leader or youth pastor and we will help sort it out.

SHARP Trust run After-School and Holiday Programmes at South West Baptist Church Lyttelton Street site and Aidanfield Christian School. Head to www.sharp.org.nz to enrol your children in low cost, quality, fun, Christian out-of-school care that aims to help young people reach their potential.

SHARP Trust Help Needed – We’re looking for leaders and supervisors who would be keen to have fun with the kids and gain some awesome leadership experience. If you or your mates are interested please email Amy at asmit@swbc.org.nz – we would love to hear from you!

MINISTRIES
Healing Rooms welcome you for prayer at 248 Lyttelton Street on Saturday March 25, any time between 10.00am and 11.00am, or Monday April 3, 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

Harvest Festival is happening at Tuesday Christian Fellowship on March 28, 7.30pm. We would love you to join us as we give thanks to God for his provision, and we would also love to receive items of fruit/veges or cans of food that will be given out to people in our community. Thanks, Sheryl.

Books! Books! Books! Come along and enjoy a barista coffee while you browse over 1000 books (for all ages and interests) at our Book Sale on Saturday April 1, 10.00am – 1.00pm in the Café. 100% of the profits go back into our local communities. For more info email Ruth at Cross Over Trust ruthlouisemajor@gmail.com.

Men’s BBQ – Food and Exploring Faith and Work Journeys. Saturday April  8, 5.00pm in the Cobham Street Hall. $5 per person.  Concluding with optional action movie and popcorn. To confirm, contact Reception or Info Centre on Sunday. Inquiries to Kevin Stevenson 0275677118.

Tuesday Christian Fellowship have reached their 30th anniversary! Join the celebrations on Tuesday May 16, 7.30pm, Sunday May 21, 9.00am and 11.00am, Sunday May 28, 7.00pm and a dance on Saturday May 27, 7.00pm. If you or someone you know of has been part of the Fellowship over the past 30 years, please let Andy or Sheryl know by emailing strebilcock@swbc.org.nz.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger.Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Thursday April 6 – Bring & Buy ‘COW’ Table with produce from our garden. 10.30am, church café space, Lyttelton Street site.

GLOBAL MISSION
INDIA
India is a vast and beautiful country with a diverse population, many of whom struggle with poverty. The Indian government estimates that about 1/4 of the population live below the poverty line. One of the things that the poor become vulnerable to is slavery and bonded labour. With few options to pay debts or afford necessities of life, the poor in India are sometimes left with few choices except to enter forced labour. About 18 million people are slaves in India today: working in factories and construction, in domestic service, in forced marriages and in the sex trade.Pray that Indian communities would be transformed into places of hope and safety, where people have options for good work. Pray that they will recognise that God is concerned for them and loves them and that they would respond.

PASTORAL CARE
Prayer – Please continue to pray for the Askin family on the passing of Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth & Francis and Chrissie, Steve’s aunt, uncle and cousin. Please also pray for those in our community who are unwell. For those in hospital, for those receiving treatment and for those who are recovering from setbacks and health challenges.

Baptism Sunday March 19 – If you are thinking about or would like to be baptised, email Janelle at janelle@swbc.org.nz or leave your details at the Info Centre. If you would like to know more about baptism please pick up a brochure from the Info Centre.

Project Esther – Please pray for the Prison Team from Project Esther as they lead today’s service (March 5) at the Women’s Prison. Project Esther have lots of involvement during the week at the Prison and this year will continue to lead the Sunday Service on the first Sunday of each month.

Mercy Basket – We do appreciate the many donations of food we receive each week.  This week we require cans of baked beans,  spaghetti, jam, marmite, peanut butter, two minute noodles, pasta snacks and weetbix. Thanks, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP
Hospitality Update – Many of you have told us that you enjoy being able to chat to both newcomers and regulars over a cuppa after our Sunday gatherings. As such we are endeavouring to provide a space for hospitality so that we can welcome people and get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. To do this, we need the following:
Sunday Hospitality Coordinator to make barista coffee and organise free tea and coffee. For more information on this paid role, please pick up an application pack from the Info Centre or Reception. Applications close March 10.
Volunteers to help with set up, clean-up, making coffee and serving with a smile! To sign up, visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz.

Alpha Helpers Needed – Do you like making sweet treats? Or have Tuesday nights free? We’re after people to make desserts and help in the kitchen for one or more weeks for the Alpha course.  Please contact Kim kstrange@swbc.org.nz if you can help.

Eastercamp Sponsorship – Each year SYC takes a couple of hundred teenagers to Eastercamp, however some are unable to attend because of the cost of registration. We would never want money to prevent a young person from hearing the good news of Easter and so we welcome any sponsorship or donations to go towards their camp fees. If you are able to help us support these young people, please contact Denise Gardiner dgardiner@swbc.org.nz.

Daily Readings – Our Exodus series readings are available to be picked up from the Info Centre on a Sunday, downloaded from our website or read on the church App.

COMMUNITIES
Halswell, Wigram and Aidanfield Communities 
First combined finger food potluck lunch for this year at Halswell site on Sunday March 19 at 1.00pm. Hot drinks available from 12.30pm. We plan to have one of these lunches each term this year rather than monthly as we did last year. Further information from Janet Holder phone 021 1477 656.

0-18 MINISTRIES
At Sunday School, we have continued to follow the journey of Moses and the Israelites.  Like Dory, they have many detours along the way!  We are learning God can be trusted.
Sunday March 12 many of us will be away at Wainui Hui.  We will not be running our regular programme but instead will have a more low key morning with a DVD of the life of Moses.  We would really appreciate some volunteers to help supervise the children at both services. We would also love to hear from anyone keen to help out especially with the 11am programme.

SBC Early Learning Centre – Two Employment Opportunities
1. Full time teaching position available for a qualified  ECE teacher at our Spreydon centre. Could suit a new graduate.
2. Fixed term maternity position for a qualified teacher approximately 6 months.
For more information and application forms please email Chris creid@swbc.org.nz.

Playgroup – We are looking for a facilitator to begin in Term 2.   We have a small group of mums who get together on Tuesday mornings in Cobham Street hall. This is an opportunity for someone with great relational skills and who is able to set up and pack down resources. If you think this could be you please email creid@swbc.org.nz.

Eastercamp 2017  
Eastercamp registrations are now live! If you are at high school we would love to have you come along to Eastercamp with SYC. Go to www.eastercamp.org.nz for more information and to register. Early-bird cost is $165 until Monday March 27, after that it is $175 until Friday April 7. If you are keen to come along to camp but money is a barrier please contact your youth group leader or youth pastor and we will help sort it out.

SHARP After-School Programme
We are on the lookout for awesome people who are at least 15 years of age to be leaders, supervisors or drivers in our After-School Programmes. If that sounds like you, please email sharp@swbc.org.nz or go to our website www.sharp.org.nz for more information.

MINISTRIES
Books! Books! Books! Come along and enjoy a barista coffee while you browse over 1000 books (for all ages and interests) at our Book Sale on Saturday April 1, 10.00am – 1.00pm in the Café. 100% of the profits go back into our local communities. For more info email Ruth at Cross Over Trust ruthlouisemajor@gmail.com.

Marriage Preparation Course for you and your fiancée. This course will run for 5 Wednesday evenings from March 15, with the well-presented DVD series by Nicky & Sila Lee. Cost $120 per couple (includes “Prepare” questionnaire and manuals). For info and registration forms contact Murray & Janine Close 338 3608; email meclose6@gmail.com; or download a rego form from the church website.

GLOBAL
Latest newsletter from the India team is available from the Info Centre or if you would like to receive this newsletter by email, please email global@swbc.org.nz.

Global Prayer – We are looking for people to be part of an emergency prayer team for urgent requests from our people overseas. You need to be able to check email and pray regularly. Sign up for this at the Info Centre or by emailing global@swbc.org.nz.

Phil and Chris Carr would like to invite you to come to their regular monthly prayer time to pray for them and their work. They will be meeting on Wednesday March 8, 7.30pm, at 18 Honeysuckle Place. For more information contact Evelyn 021 0291 6084.

SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger.Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext. 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.

Monday March 13, 12.15pm – 2.00pm in Cobham Hall, $5 lunch provided.
Get Ready for an Emergency with Stephen Manson from Red Cross.

OTHER
Kingdom Resources – Accounting Administrator –  We seek someone with a broad range of experience including sound accounting knowledge, database maintenance and development, general office procedures and Reception skills. For an application pack, contact Sue on 332-1700 or opportunity@kingdomresources.org.nz.  Applications close on March 17 2017.

Kingdom Resources – Cleaner – 2-3 hours per week at our Lincoln Road office. Contact Sue on 332-1700 or opportunity@kingdomresources.org.nz.  Applications close on March 10 2017.

GLOBAL MISSION
THAILAND
Thailand’s political history is one of a succession of disputed elections and coups, leaving a country that is politically divided and currently ruled by the military. This year, a new king came to power following the death of his father last year. He has called for peace and unity in the country, but it remains to be seen if this can be achieved.Despite the conflict, Thailand’s economy continues to grow, but the inequality between the wealth in cities and the poverty of the rural areas and surrounding countries has lead to significant issues with trafficking and slavery in many industries.

Pray that Thailand would be ruled by leaders with integrity and concern for the poor, and the courage to tackle the issue of slavery in all areas of life.

Peter and Lynley Capon have been living and working in Kalasin – a rural area of North East Thailand. They are supporting local Christians, teaching English and helping to develop business opportunites. Pray for the small community of Christians in Kalasin – that they would be unified and grow in their faith. Pray for good business opportunites so that their community can flourish.

Peter and Lynley are almost at the end of their time in Thailand and will return to NZ in April.

PASTORAL CARE
Baptism – If you are thinking about or would like to know more about water baptism or would like to be baptised, email Janelle at janelle@swbc.org.nz or leave your details at the Info Centre.Wednesday Early Morning Prayer Come and  join us in the boardroom at 246 Lyttelton St as we pray for the life of our church. Each Wednesday  7.00am – 8.30am. Come for as long or as little time as you  wish! You are warmly welcome!

Mercy Basket – We do appreciate the many donations of food we receive each week.  This week we require cans of corn, baked beans & spaghetti, jam, marmite, peanut butter, two minute noodles and pasta snacks. Thanks, Sheryl.

LEADERSHIP
Welcome – If you’re new or feeling new, we love to help you connect in. You can visit the Welcome Podium in the foyer on Sunday, or email Si shart@swc.org.nz to find out how you can get involved.

Alpha Helpers Needed – Do you like making sweet treats? Or have Tuesday nights free? We’re after people to make desserts and help in the kitchen for one or more weeks for the Alpha course.  Please contact Kim kstrange@swbc.org.nz if you can help.

Hospitality Update – As we continue providing tea and coffee after our Sunday morning gatherings we’re looking for volunteers to help with set up and clean up. If you can help, please visit the Info Centre or email reception@swbc.org.nz. We’re working to create a hospitable space with a living room feel that is warm, relaxed, comfortable, and non-threatening. The first step is to focus on Sundays, and to appoint a Sunday Hospitality Coordinator. Application packs for this paid role are available from Info Centre and Reception. Applications close March 10. We will then look at midweek options, stay tuned!

Eastercamp Sponsorship – Each year SYC take a couple of hundred teenagers to Eastercamp for an awesome weekend where they get to meet new people and hear about the grace of God. Because Eastercamp is so awesome it comes with a pretty big price tag for teenagers to attend, for some this could mean they can’t attend camp. We would never want money to come between a young person hearing the good news of Easter and so we welcome any sponsorship or donations to go towards a young person’s camp fees. If you are able to help us send some young people on their way to camp we would love to hear from you and would appreciate any donations big or small. If you would like to sponsor a young person to go to Eastercamp please email Denise Gardiner for banking details dgardiner@swbc.org.nz. We have been blown away by the support of SWBC with Eastercamp sponsorship in the past, so a huge thank you to those who have supported our young people through finance and prayer at Easter and thanks in advance for those who support us this year.

Daily Readings – Our Exodus series readings are available to be picked up from the Info Centre on a Sunday, downloaded from our website or read on the church App.

0-18 MINISTRIES
Sunday School – We had a great start back – well done to the Year 5 girls who won our memory game by working together! Over the next two weeks we are continuing the story of Moses and the people of Israel as they find their way back to the place God has prepared for them and become the people He intends them to be.  We will learn that God has a plan for us and that we can follow where God leads.  We would love to have more people to help our awesome Sunday School leaders, especially at the 11.00am service.

LION Movie Fundraiser – Tuesday February 28. SWBC would like to invite you to a private screening of the movie Lion. ‘A five year old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Kolkata, thousands of kilometres from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by an Australian couple; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.’ Lion will be showing at Hoyts Riccarton at 6.00pm. Tickets are $13.50 and can be purchased from Reception, Info Desk and SYC Youth groups. Pre-purchase of tickets is essential. Fundraiser for SYC Global Exposure Team 2017. For more info contact Grant Chivers gchivers@swbc.org.nz.

Eastercamp 2017 – Eastercamp registrations are now live! If you are at high school we would love to have you come along to Eastercamp with SYC. Go to www.eastercamp.org.nz for more information and to register. Early-bird cost is $165 until Monday 7th March, after that it is $175 until Friday 7th April. If you are keen to come along to camp but money is a barrier please contact your youth group leader or youth pastor and we will help sort it out.

SHARP After-School Programme
We are on the lookout for awesome people who are at least 15 years of age to be leaders, supervisors or drivers in our After-School Programmes. If that sounds like you, please email sharp@swbc.org.nz or go to our website www.sharp.org.nz for more information.

MINISTRIES
Marriage Preparation Course for you and your fiancée. This course will run for 5 Wednesday evenings from March 15, with the well-presented DVD series by Nicky & Sila Lee. Cost $120 per couple (includes “Prepare” questionnaire and manuals). For info and registration forms contact Murray & Janine Close (338 3608); email meclose6@gmail.com; or download a rego form from the church website.

Healings Rooms – We invite you to come for prayer at Healing Rooms, 248 Lyttelton Street, anytime between 10.00am  and 11.00am, on Saturday February 25. Contact Elisabeth  ph 338 4163.

OTHER
Prayer Service Wednesday February 22 On the sixth anniversary of the earthquake, and in co-operation with the Japanese community, the churches of Christchurch are holding a Prayer Service of Scripture, Prayer and Music starting at 6.00pm at the Transitional Cathedral. Christian leaders from around the city are participating as we mark this anniversary and pray for our city and beyond.

GLOBAL MISSION
CHINA
At the end of last year, new regulations came into force throughout China that restrict many religious activities in the country. At the same time, there has been increased imprisonment of religious leaders, human rights lawyers and reporters. People aren’t seeing any hope of a loosening of control over religious and civil affairs disappear. It looks as if the Chinese Premier is trying to maintain control and power by tightening regulations and punishing dissent of all kinds.Please pray for the Christians throughout China, that they would continue to find ways of meeting together, training and growing even in the current political climate. Pray they would stay unified and courageous.

Pray for those who are fighting for human rights and freedom – pray for strength and encouragement for them.

Pray for our people in China. Pray they would find creative ways to share God’s love with those around them even when there are restrictions. Pray for good relationships at all levels of society, and for God’s Spirit to fill them and empower them.