From the Bridge
Issue 1/09
Have you seen this bridge? Its at the bottom of Onewa Road.
Its not a traditional bridge shape,
then again the sky tower in the background it not a traditional shape either.
During the holiday’s I read that the 3 biggest blockages to church growth were. …
Number 3, Church size, it seems the bigger you get the harder it is to grow.
Number 2, Traditionalism.
and Number 1, (the biggest hindrance to Church growth) Liberal Theology.
Now the author of the book did not go on to explain these, except his point was that smaller churches have the largest potential for growth. It seems to me that we have huge potential for growth, both at St Philips and St Andrews. It seems to me also that people as wanting traditions less and less, and to rigidly adhere to traditions is actually hindering our growth potential.
What are the traditions, you would like to see retained? What would you like to see changed?
Have your say … Write a comment in the Future of the Church category of the our blog site.
Welcome back, for those who have been away, I trust your holiday was refreshing and relaxing.
Last Sunday – Ray Galvin spoke and challenged us all the tell our faith story.
He said “We’re not all called to be apostles but we do have a faith story to tell. People need to hear our faith story. Your friends may need to hear your story. Even people who are hostile to religion in general might be curious about your faith, if they know you and like you.”
And “This is a challenge for each one of us – to explain our faith to our friends in their language. We don’t need religious jargon, it just gets in the way. We don’t need to explain why our pastor or former pastor has faith in Christ, they don’t know him or her. It’s you they know, it’s you they like. Will your friends get to hear what your faith in Christ means to you on an everyday basis?”
To read his full sermon, click here. http://www.sasp.church.org.nz/sermon.html
Evangelism Explosion for Generation X has picked up on Ray’s theme. And offers a course in how to explain your faith in everyday language.
“We live in a world where many of our friends don’t understand the incredible worth of a relationship with God. They are struggling to find purpose in life, and yet, we hold the key to having what they feel they are lacking. God’s word (I Peter 3:15) tells us to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us. XEE aims to help you do just that. Have a look around, and pray about how you can get involved with XEE, we’d love to have you onboard!”
From http://www.xee.info Check it out.
Holidays.
Anna and I, as well as Donna, Heather and Aaron had a wonderful time at the beach.
We swam in the sea most days, walked the bush walks, visited the Driving Creek railway http://www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz/Introduction.cfm and had a great time of rest and relaxation. The weather was perfect. Life is good. I trust you all had a wonderful time.
Aaron spent most of his holidays with his arm in a cast, but this did not slow him down. Together we (Aaron and Roy) dammed a creek, and changed the course of the water.
Roy learnt to spear fish, and read many, many books.
Visit our Blog site http://standrews.blogtown.co.nz and tell us all your holiday stories. I have one there about fishing and an octopus.
This week. Normal services resume.
9am at St Andrew’s 11am at St Philip’s
Communion Services at both venues
The readings are:
Matthew 16:13-20 and John 21:1-17
If you don’t have a Bible handy, there is one on-line at http://www.biblegateway.com
Come and join us.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
Office Hours
Open most days about 8-00am or 10-00am, Occasionally as early as 5-00am,
but sometimes as late as 12-00 or 1-00pm
We close about 5-30 or 6-00pm, Occasionally about 4-00pm or 5-00pm,
but sometimes as late as 11-00 or 12-00pm
Some days or afternoons we are not here at all, but lately we have been here just about all the time.
except when we are some place else, but then we should be here then, too.
If you don’t find us here … TRY AGAIN DURING OFFICE HOURS!!
Just to remind you all, Roy tries to be in the office Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 12:00noon.
(This is not always possible, due to other commitments, but about 90% of the time he is there.)
Situations Vacant
We are still looking for a parish administrator, if you know anyone who would like to work about 9 hours a week, then please let me know. This is a paid position
Youth volunteers, we could do with some people to work with our youth group. Anyone keen to help out? Please let Roy know.
Birkenhead Presbyterian
Incorporating the churches of St Andrew’s and St Philip’s
Parish Office 09 480 5745
Web site: www.sasp.church.org.nz
Blog site: www.standrews.blogtown.co.nz
Minister: Roy Pearson
Phone 09 419 6267
Email: [email protected]
TXT: 021 0275 0333
Session Clerk: Pauline Fish
Phone 09 418 1312
Services
9:00am Sundays @ St Andrews
11am Sundays @ St Philips
