With January almost behind us, with good  memories of a great Christmas Day servcice and four excellent barbecues ... at the top of Minden, Pahoia (x2) and on the waterfront on the peninsula, we are now looking forward to a new year.

Small group Bible studies are now starting .... Wednesday morning and afternoon .. and soon, Thursday night.  Because these are sometimes weekly and sometimes fortnightly, and some at different venues, give us a call if you want to know more.

Gerard continues the series on the Sermon on the Mount begun last year (!) resuming at Matthew 6:19 on 5th February.  These are very practical.  And while you may think you know the gospels well, you will likely be surprised at some of what you hear.  Bible scholars continue to dig around the ancient manuscripts, learn more about the original languages and come up with some surprising new insights. 

* For instance did you know that Jesus was probably not born in a stable but n a home?

*...and were you aware that our forgiveness is conditional on certain decisions that we make?

*...and do you know that it's ok to pray for daily food even though NZ is one of the most efficient growers of food in the world?

Well you would, if you join us on Sunday mornings at 10am!

What else?

* socially we are planning a church picnic on Sunday 12th

* and we are continuing to take your gifts of food for the Food Bank .. so bring along non perishables each Sunday, if you can, and they will go to needy families.