The building is abuzz with activity.
Half the foyer has been transformed already
with balloons, colour, artwork from our Sunday School children.
Three men walked by carrying (polystyrene) rocks.
Photos are coming out of the printer
and staples are going into walls.
We are getting ready for our
Open Home Open Year Celebration.
Don't miss out!
Sunday 20 November
Programme here
For those who attended my stories of emergence workshop at Baptist Assembly over the last weekend, as promised, here are the following resources;
1. Multi-congregational paper;
2. Espresso journey written reflections - start here and follow the links that interest you;
3a). A sermon on evangelism-as-processing;
3b). A sermon on evangelism-as-processing;
This has been an exciting and growing year for us as a church
and we are celebrating with an
Open Home, Open Year,
Celebration
on Sunday (November 20)
As well as church services (at 10.30 and 7pm),
there will be opportunity to journey through the church
seeing displays from our various ministries and groups.
It is a good opportunity to see what happens
in and from the church throughout the week,
as well as dreaming about future possibilities.
Barbeque lunch and tea will be provided,
a bouncy castle can be enjoyed by the children
and Ian Brown will be leading a teaching seminar
relevant for Opawa people.
It is also an opportunity for us together
to thank God and each other
for a year of enabling each other to walk and grow with Jesus,
reflecting his love in our communities and beyond.
Last Sunday, I preached on the Bible as a resource for our workplace. Halfway through my sermon I thought; “Steve, it would have been really useful and practical if you had some practical tips.” But by then it was too late, so during the week I collected a few resources. Enjoy!
Books:
A theology as big as the city, Ray Bakke, ISBN 0-8308-1890-1
The Monday Connection, William Diehl, ISBN 0-06-061860-4
Where’s God on Monday, Alistair McKenzie and Wayne Kirkland, ISBN 0-473-08123-7
Websites:
http://www.sacredspace.ie/ (ways to pray at your computer)
http://arc.episcopalchurch.org/ministry/dailylife/mdl.htm (prayers for various occupations)
http://arc.episcopalchurch.org/ministry/dailylife/mdl.htm (an example of peer work mentoring)
http://www.gg2w.org.uk/WorkplaceResources.html (practical suggestions and resources)
Jason King, Lynne Taylor and Steve Taylor are away at the annual Baptist Gathering. Jason is getting to know his wider tribe. Lynne is providing statistical research to five Baptist Associations. Steve is conducting 2 seminars on the topic: Stories of emergence. The recent history of Opawa Baptist is one of the decline, transition and growth. Steve Taylor will reflect on the missional thinking that has underpinned the development of growth coaching, café church, 24/7 prayer rooms and "Take a Kid to Faith services.
Thursday Church meeting 3rd November. 45 people gathered to consider a motion that Opawa Baptist Church call Amy Hay as Team leader (Youth and worship) two days per week from February 2006, in conjunction with her study at BCNZ, for a 3 year period, reviewed annually. This was passed unanimously. Discussion included a great deal of positive affirmation of Amy’s abilities and character, excitement that we at Opawa are involved in the development of a young minister and a reminder of our need to be prayerful, encouraging and supportive to enhance staff longevity. Contract details will be worked out with Amy upon her return from holiday in Europe in January.
Evangelism-as-process, Saturday, 29th October. 20 people gathered last Saturday (29th) to brainstorm around evangelism possibilities at Opawa. Five concrete proposals emerged;
· grief workshops
· Retirement seminars
· Spiritual journaling
· Being a good neighbour resourcing
· Spirited exchanges
...with a number of people willing to continue momentum in these areas.
Comings and goings. Over Sunday lunch (12:45-2 pm) Steve is inputting into the Primal youth church leadership team in the Opawa foyer on the topic of preaching. At 3 pm, Steve is preaching at the Te Waiora Annual Thanksgiving Service, St John’s Hororata.
30 October:
A letter received from the Waltham Community Cottage on Tuesday, reads: “The Waltham Community Cottage would like to extend our gratitude to your amazing spring cleaners who graciously took away all our rubbish recently. It was wonderful to see such a meaningful and practical project being undertaken in our community which included a spiritual cleanse for those involved… this was a fantastic gift… let us know earlier next year as some of the community members may like to volunteer some time.”
Also on the current Waltham Community Cottage News Letter the first article reads: “Thank you very much to OPAWA BAPTIST CHURCH For removing all our rubbish it was a wonderful community gift.” There is also a promotion for Opawa Baptist’s Craft Group and Conversational English on their front page.
Praise God for the Spring Clean, giving us links into our community. Praise God for the relationship between Opawa Baptist and the Waltham Community Cottage, where we can be of mutual blessing to one another.
Jason King