Coffee Break – August 2010

Thursday, 29 July 2010 09:50

Dear Friends

This month, I am sending this Coffee Break via email as with the ever increasing postage costs, we are having to do this more and more. Please make sure that this is passed or photocopied to those who need to read this.

Over the last couple of weekends as one of my many little projects I have been constructing a green house in order to get a head start on the coming growing season. I had purchased a kitset some time ago so unpacking and laying out the components was the first thing to do and then read the instructions.

Coming from China the instructions were not quite as easy to follow as one might hope eg. The first step said to not yet tighten the 16 bolts around the base but nowhere in the later steps was the instruction given to do so. I then found after a couple of steps something would require the undoing of previous pieces in order to insert the bolts to hold the next parts. Thus a measure of frustration developed.

The time frame was also optimistic saying to allow 5 hours, but 8 hours work later and I still have at least half a day to go.

But I have enjoyed doing this as it is very different from sitting at the keyboard a good part of the day. I have been outside in the sun and wind, with boots on and creating some mud! And it is the end result that provides the motivation – a structure that will help provide nourishment for the bodies of family and friends for years to come through growing good vegetables, so long as we do the right sowing and watering! Yes we expect God to give the increase because that is the way He has ordered nature and given us the privilege of working with him towards the harvest.

I found for myself that I can be patient even amidst the frustration, and it pays to study the instructions well including looking carefully at the diagrams. And like all buildings the key is getting the foundation correct, both squared and level.

The parallels/parables for life in the natural and spiritual are obvious and it is good to ponder them and thereby do a bit of a personal stock take. The ordinary things of life are where we find lessons for our walk with Heavenly Father and their being worked out.

the Gathering / 2010 Statistics Form

Next week we are sending out a letter to church secretaries/administrators outlining matters relating to The Gathering. This will include the Gathering Registration form, so please make sure that you access this form so that you can start planning for this important event in November.

We will also be sending out the annual Statistics forms. Can I ask you to assist us by talking with the appropriate people to get these forms back to us by due date as we have a tight time frame for all the data entry requirements in order to get sensible reports for Assembly.

Pastors Conferences

Thank you to all of you who have registered for these Conferences in the 5 centres. Just to make sure you are all aware of the details, please note the following:

Auckland venue is Windsor Park

Rotorua is Rotorua Baptist

Waikanae is Waikanae Baptist

Hanmer Springs at Hanmer Hall, Cnr Amuri Ave & Cheltenham St

Dunedin at Caversham Baptist

All Conferences start at 10.30 am to 6 pm on Day One and then 9.00 am to 3.30 pm on Day Two.

Some details on our new website have been incorrect.

Art Installation for the Gathering 2010

Last year we celebrated God speaking to us in a variety of ways. One of those ways was through the wonderful collection of art on display. We invite you to contribute again.

This year’s theme is ‘INCARNATION: He entered our world’.

In what ways have you experienced this or reflected this in the ministries you engage in? Here is an example: the image of the ‘leaning cross’ from Delta Community Church Christchurch.

The art will be set up as an installation in the main auditorium of Otumoetai Baptist.

Full instructions coming shortly. Contact Lindsay Jones This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Short Term Opportunity in Bangladesh – Diesel Mechanic

The company we operate in Bangladesh, Dimensions, that hires out generators, is in need of a Diesel Mechanic for 3 to 6 months. A great opportunity for someone to use their skills and spend time in another culture and experience what God is doing. Do you have someone amongst your people to whom you can make this need known? Contact John Osborne via email for further details. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Buying Groups

I want to move out of GSB and channel all our purchasing through CSC because CSC has no membership fees and will give back to the work of the Kingdom whereas GSB costs us $3400 per annum (it was $6800) and do not share their profits. CSC, formerly Christian Supply Chain, is working in partnership with AllChurches Bureau, the group that I am part of that works on the insurance needs for all the major denominations as well as taxation and other government legislation of interest to us.

There are similar pricing arrangements with the main suppliers we commend – Beaurepaires, Carters, Bunnings, Fonterra, Quality Bakers, Corporate Express, Office Max, Ecolab, Goodman Fielder, Mastertrade, Guthrie Bowron, etc, etc. If you have accounts with any of these suppliers then please ask them to transfer the attachment to the CSC Buying Group. CSC also offers cash cards which enable you to get the discounted pricing when paying cash. The full list of suppliers will be included with the mailing to Secretaries next week.

One effect of this will be that the BP Fuel Card will be replaced with a Shell Card over coming months as we can have BP only via GSB which will terminate in June 2011. Shell is now a NZ owned company and has 226 service stations through the country. Therefore if you currently have a BP card you can swap to Shell or our other supplier Mobil. If you do not currently make use of this discounted fuel purchasing deal then now is a good time to take it up. For application papers in either instance This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dissolutions of Marriage and Convictions of Bigamy

We have had advice from The Department of Internal Affairs regarding an amendment to the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships Registration Act 1995. The Amendment Act 2010 came into force on 7 July 2010 revoking section 61 of the 1995 Act, and BDM are no longer required to give notice of dissolutions of marriages nor any convictions for bigamy. This means you will no longer be informed when marriages dissolve.

Changes of Staff at Baptist National Centre

We have had a few changes in our staff here at the National Centre. We welcome Jessica Tremain as our new receptionist. Jessica will also be responsible for all fuel card applications/cancellations and the Baptist Magazine subscriptions. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We also welcome Joannes Panotes to our Accounts team.

Other changes to Note:

Vodafone applications / changes contact Jill Hitchcock This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Insurance fund and Southern Cross contact Peter McLaren This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Accounts Receivable / Accounts Payable contact Tina Yao This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Auckland Baptist Harrier Club

(now called “Footsteps”) is celebrating 75 years on 6-7 November 2010

The planned programme is:

Saturday, 6 November 8 am – Morning muster at the Cornwall Park kiosk for a walk or jog, followed by breakfast at the kiosk at 9am 5.30 pm – Dinner at Northcote Baptist Church, speeches, cake, powerpoint etc.

Sunday, 7 November 10.15 am – Church service at Northcote Baptist Church 1.00 pm – Light lunch at Windsor Park

For more information contact Robin Guy on09 828 0028 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website

Have you noticed that we now have a new website? Have a look around the new website and let us know what you think. If you notice any glaring mistakes or can’t find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Data Projectors Wanted

Mark Pierson would like to acquire at little or no cost up to 10 overhead projectors to use in worship events. They can be any age or condition but preferably working. He is also interested in slide projectors in any condition, and 35mm slides of any sort. They will not be returned. Please contact him on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you or anyone in your congregation has any they are willing to part with.>

Many people are looking forward to Spring with new colours emerging in the gardens, hopefully some warmer days, but still plenty of water falling from above. Take some time the next time there is a full moon to spend some moments outside or gazing out the window to drink in the beauty of the natural world around you and how the “...One who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep...the Lord is your shade at your right hand: the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night”.

Pastoral Moves

Cobus Van Rooyen accepted call to Katikati Baptist church
Louis de Plessis (Akl ex Pretoria) accepted call to Kaitaia Baptist church
Fraser Campbell interim Pastor Greymouth Baptist Church
Alex Gale accepted call to North East Valley, Dunedin
Murray Nelson Senior Pastor at Crossover Church, Rawene
Jeremy Mitt Assistant Pastor at Crossover Church, Rawene
Jim Riley interim Pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church
Allan McPherson resigned Te Awamutu October 2010
Andrew Whitehead resigned Youth Consultant, Wellington January 2011
Warren Baillie resigned as Pastor Highway Baptist

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