Magazineinside life

NOVEMBER 2012

www.thelifechurch.co.nz

PENROSE OTARASunday Service: 9:30AM

60 Rockfield RoadPenrose, Auckland

Sunday Service: 10:30AM201 Preston RoadOtara, Auckland

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PASTOR’S MESSAGEGod loves to bless - God loves to give

Recently a young man sent me an email with a number of Spiritual and Biblical questions for me to answer. They were the evidence of some careful thinking and were exactly the kinds of questions that I love to engage in giving an answer to from what I hope is a good Biblical Perspective.

The fourth question while less ‘big picture’ in its scope than the others was insightful. It showed someone reading their Bible for all its worth! I was asked to give an opinion as to why in the story of the ‘Prodigal Son’ (Luke 15) there was the inclusion of the details about the older brother. Was not the story powerful without this and wasn’t the essential teaching of the story to show God as a loving and forgiving God, this being accomplished without any reference to the older brother? A great question and worthy of a thoughtful response. So this is what I told my correspondent.

The older brother is you and me. He was in the field, a metaphor for people in the world…in need of God (Matthew 13: 38). He was obedient and hardworking and diligent. He did I believe genuinely care about the welfare and honour of the Father. Yet in all of his life journey and close proximity to the Father (clearly a picture of Father God) he had failed to understand that his Father was a giver. “You never even gave me a kid to enjoy with my friends”, he accused.

While the father never answers with the altogether appropriate retort, “You never asked”, his response to the son is profound!!

Luke 15: 31 “And he said to him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours”. As we faithfully serve God it is possible to forget to ask Him for the things we have need

of or even that we desire. We can have a goat mentality when God (the Father) wants us to celebrate with a ‘fatted calf’! We can hold on to a mentality that God is mean in His willingness to share all that He has when in reality He wants to remind us that as verse 31 tells us, if we are with Him all He has is ours. That leaves me ‘gob smacked’. That challenges my faith to the depths, it stretches my response to life to hold the position that regardless of what circumstances prevail to in courage ask God for the things I need and the things I desire.

Friends, if you see our Father as mean, or unwilling to share, or unconcerned about your situation then today is the right day to change your thinking. Today is the day to begin to ask Him for that which you have need of and once you begin ‘ask and keep on asking’.

Talk to God and tell Him that you know that He loves to bless, that He loves to give and then stay in faith!! To do this is the beginning of a new adventure - one that I really want for you.

God Bless you as you do.

Pastors Bruce & Maude McDonald

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feature event

We are glad you have joined us today. If you are visiting for the first time, we extend to you a warm welcome. You can find information about what we are up to here, or check out the information desk after the service. If you have children we provide fun, safe and engaging programmes for various ages. Turn through to page 5 to find out more about what is available for your children today.

To find your way around each of our two campuses, check out the map below, or feel free to ask one of our friendly impact team members for assistance with any needs you may have. If you enjoyed the message this morning, or missed it and would like to hear it, then connect with us online to find this, as well as a range of other information.

this monthWe celebrate our birthday this month, and have planned a fun afternoon of games and activities on Saturday the 10th. Make sure you register and get involved in what is going to be a great weekend. As Christmas draws closer we have the first of our Christmas events as the ladies celebrate the season. There are also loads of events and opportunities to connect with other people within The Life Church so make sure you get along to as many as you can, see you there!

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OPPenrose Otara

Auditorium

Main Entrance

Toilets

Toilet

Auditorium

Nursing MothersRoom

Main Entrance

Cafe

Sparks

Sunbeams

Toilet

Toilet

AFTER CHURCHAfter the service please stay and have a drink with us. At Penrose you can purchase quality café style coffee and cakes from the team or help yourself to free tea and coffee available next to the café servery.

What missions principles could we apply to our lives here that would help us reach our friends and family in New Zealand?Johnny: It kind of flows on from what I was saying earlier in that we can be a whole lot more intentional in what we can do here. I think it can be so easy to get sucked into ordinary life and on the side of that we might occasionally talk to someone about Jesus, and it’s awesome that we do that. But what would happen if we asked God which friend, workmate or fellow students we should be praying for and that we be intentional about that and we commit time to worshiping over their lives, to praying for them, to speaking to them, to taking every opportunity to do that I think we’d see some amazing things happen if we brought the intentionality we can focus on a three week trip every four years we might go on, to our everyday lives and just keeping that momentum and focus on what are we here for, or what has Jesus put us on this earth to do.

Greg: One of my passions is discipleship, and when you are in a new culture and amongst unreached people groups we are very aware of how you share your faith, how you live your life. The principle of discipleship; you’re there, you make friends and out of your actions and out of who you are and the fragrance of God in your life people are impacted and changed, and that there is an intentionality in that. I think here in New Zealand we can think that making disciples stuff is just out there for moments in time when we are intentional where actually making disciples is the call of every follower of Jesus. It doesn’t mean we have to be experts in evangelism methods, but we need to be experts in loving people. As I shared in the Mosaic course the process of discipleship which is from someone who doesn’t know anything to someone who knows and is mature in the faith, if we can bring someone from a point of knowing nothing to seeing that God is real, they might not have accepted Jesus, but they might say yeah this stuff has merit, then that’s discipleship, that’s an important process. If we can get that in our everyday lives here in New Zealand then what a difference we could make in the world today.

What is the most important thing you want to communicate to the people of TLC after being with us this weekend?Johnny: Mission and reaching people is God’s heart and God’s heart is for every ethnic group to be worshiping in heaven when we get there. Missions whether we are doing it here in New Zealand or overseas, must come from love and we must have God’s love in our hearts and his compassion for others. I believe the great commission that Jesus gave to make disciples of all nations was given to all of us and we’ve all got a part to play. And all we need to do is be available to God and He will show us what part He’s got for us to play and then we obey. In that way together we are fulfilling God’s great commission as He directs us personally and as a church.

Greg: The many different ministries you have in the church are incredible. So often we can think of them as stuff we do as church, but there is a lot of power in it as if you consider it against the backdrop of making disciples and making friends with the community. Particularly in Auckland, I think that with the multicultural aspect of the city, there are nations in this city that are unreached, they still have no opportunity to hear, but they all turn up to something like that and we can make friends with them. We obviously need to be intentional about it, so go for it, go knock on your neighbour’s door. There is an incredible amount of diversity that’s here in the city of Auckland and I think it’s an amazing opportunity for you as The Life Church. We love your heart for people and know you’re going to do amazing things. The task to reach unreached nations is huge, but it’s such God’s heart and the most important thing is that we hear from God and do what He says and get involved where He wants us to. If each one of us can be willing and open to hear God’s voice and to move forward in what He says for us and fulfil God’s purpose for us in our generation then I think we’ll do amazing things for Him. That’s all God expects from us nothing more nothing less, that we hear His voice and obey. I think if the church all across NZ can get away from just copying what the next person does but hearing from God and moving in what He’s saying and the freshness of what He’s saying for us then we’re going to change the world, we’re going to change this nation, we’re going to change nations.

Thanks for having us; it’s such an honour to be with you all.

IF YOU’RE FEELING STUCK...

About two years ago, I completed a personal evaluation exercise in my journal. I wanted to uncover the 3 main factors that keep me from moving forward and embracing new paradigms in my life and leadership. In other words: why do I stay stuck?

From my journal to your computer screen, here’s my short list. I blogged it in 2009, but felt like it may be appropriate to share as we begin this new year…to help somebody go forward in God.

1. ComplacencyChange is hard. Positive change is just as hard as negative change. Sometimes it’s easier to stay stuck than to move forward. Often

it’s more comfortable to stick with something that’s tolerable and familiar than to embrace something that’s preferable and unknown.

2. RegretI really don’t know how to explain this, except to say that my regrets often overpower my ambitions, causing me to remain in a state

of paralysis. But I’m learning that there’s nothing productive about what I wish I would have done then, unless I use it to inform what I’m doing now.

3. DistractionIt’s hard to tell how many major adjustments I’ve avoided making because I was busy tending to insignificant side items. It’s tempting

to divert attention from the big thing that God wants me to change by obsessing over something that ultimately doesn’t matter at all.

I don’t want to stay stuck. I don’t want the storyline of my faith to be eclipsed by a shift I was unwilling to make.

If you’re feeling stuck, as I so often do, here’s a prayer to pray today…

God, help me move forward at the speed of your direction and intention, no matter how painful the transition may be.

Steven Furtick

© http://http://www.stevenfurtick.com

Part 3 of our interview with Greg and Johnny from Go Global Missions Weekend

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We have been having a real blast running the Youth programs. Since we moved our youth night to a Friday, it’s now heating up with a thousand things on-the-go. Converge is ever growing and we are always out-doing the previous month. Last month we trialed out a free BBQ before Converge started, since noticing some kids come hungry. We gave away 96 sausages! We want to always keep this free. Can’t wait for the next Youth Night and Converge!

Sam & Krysta ArdernYouth Leaders

‘Converge’ Sports nightsLast Friday of every month 7:00pm - 9:00pm Penrose Sports Centre

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Ages: 13-18 Sam & Krysta Ardern - Youth Leaders Penroseyouth@thelifechurch.co.nz (021) 077 6009 David & Carol de Thiery - Senior Youth Leaders Otaradavid.dethierry@thelifechurch.co.nz (027) 341 3213

CHILDRENAt The Life Church your children are important to us. We provide safe, fun and engaging programmes for children. Parents and caregivers are welcome to sit in on any of the lessons to see what we do.

OTARA CAMPUS

PProgrammes start at 10:00am, when a notice will display on the screens. Leaders will meet parents and children at the back of the auditorium and direct you from there.

SUPERNOVAS School Years 3 - 8

SPARKS 3 years - end of School Year 2

SUNBEAMS 0 - 2 years

OProgramme starts at 9:00am and runs before the main church service.

KIDS-R-US 5 - 13 years

PATHWAYS JOURNEYS TO MAXIMISED LIFE

I have many favourite Bible verses of which Hebrews 4:12 is one of them. It says….“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It tells me that God’s word, the Bible, is not just a book to be left on a shelf or to pick up from time to time, but it is living, it is active, it is a weapon that fights on our behalf. It can be relied upon to reveal truth, to bring comfort and to bring guidance.

Often we can find ourselves looking in different places, other than the Bible, to help us answer a question, fill a need or work out our future. Whilst it is great to ask advice of people, at the end of the day there are only two things that will remain on this earth, God and His Word. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

I personally cannot go one day without picking up the Bible, whether it be my physical bible, an App on my iPad or reading online. There are verses I read everyday to remind myself of who I am in Christ, what God has to say about a situation I am facing and what God is speaking to me about.

I encourage you today to pick up your Bible, remember that it is living, active and relevant for today. Ask God to speak to you as you read it and allow His Word to be the one thing that is constant in your life.

Keep an eye out for next months issue of the magazine as we look back at some of the feedback from our courses, and give you a taste of what you can look forward to next year.

Debbie HillPathways Director

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“The Angels

were looking

after me.”

MY STORYPETER MINTY

PETER MINTY

On the Saturday night of Easter weekend, 2010 after I had finished my work I was helping a friend to complete his paper round in Meadow Bank, Auckland City. It was late at night and because I needed to use a bathroom I quickly went toward a row of trees thinking that the ground was flat. It was not until I was in mid-air and falling that I realised my mistake and cried out to God. This was the first time that I had asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart. It happened very early on the Sunday morning. When I hit the bottom I had only landed on my knee.

Later on Sunday morning I still managed to get up for Church. The next day I went to ‘Accident and Emergency’ and luckily I had only sprained my knee ligaments. I was in a plastic cast for about five weeks and still went to work so I think that the Angels were looking after me after I asked Jesus Christ into my heart.

Jesus Christ died on Good Friday and rose Easter Sunday, early in the morning like my accident. Jesus rose on Easter Sunday morning and very early on an Easter Sunday morning when I asked him into my heart (while in mid-air) I rose also. So I reckon that I was given a second chance.

I have read my Bible ever since and I believe in Jesus.

God Bless,Peter

Working BeeThere is no working bee this month aswe celebrate the churchs birthday. Please come along to the church olympic event and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games.

PMen’s Breakfast

Saturday 24th November - 7:30amCost: Donation (suggestion $8)

Enjoy a big breakfast and have a great morning of connection and input from guest speakerPeter Davis. All men welcome.

We meet every first and third Tuesday of the month. A great place to develop meaningful relationships

and enjoy spiritual input and discussions.

Contatct: Adair Smith (021) 770 522

WHATS ON02 Community Outreach

04 Sunday Services Parenting Course 3:00pm - 5:00pm TLC Offices Penrose

07 Prayer Service 7:00pm Main Auditorium

9 - 11 Church Birthday Weekend09 Mainly Music 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

Master Chef10 TLC Olympics 3:30pm TLC Penrose

11 Sunday Services Parenting Course 3:00pm - 5:00pm TLC Offices Penrose

15 Prayer Meeting 7:00pm TLC Offices Penrose

16 Mainly Music 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

Sports Event

18 Sunday Services Parenting Course 3:00pm - 5:00pm TLC Offices Penrose

21 New Life Regional 7:00pm TLC Auditorium Penrose

23 Mainly Music 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

24 Man Power Breakfast 7:30am TLC Sports Centre

Ladies Event 7:15pm La Vida Cafe, Penrose

25 Sunday Services Special Guests Peter & Tut Davis

30 Mainly Music 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

Converge 7:00pm - 9:00pm TLC Sports Centre

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FRIDAY MORNINGS - 10:00am (During School Term Only)Penrose Sports CentrePrice: $4 per family

Our mainly music is a place where young children and their mums or caregivers can come and enjoy music, rhyme, rhythm, creative dance and so much more. If you have young children, or know of someone with young children then feel free to ask them to come and join us for a morning of fun.

CONTACT: Suzy Just (021) 670 917 Natalie Jones (021) 386 628 mainlymusic@thelifechurch.co.nz

P Heal ing RoomsThe Living Room is a place where you can receive prayer. Our teams of experienced and compassionate prayer partners are ready to pray for healing and other needs as requested. Anyone is welcome to receive prayer. You don’t have to be a regular churchgoer, there is no charge and no appointment is necessary.

SATURDAYS – 10:00am - 12:00pmPenrose Campus - Opposite the AuditoriumOtara Campus - Above the Auditorium

CONTACT: Chris Starrenburg (021) 277 5091 or chris.starrenburg@thelifechurch.co.nz

Celebrate the new season with a specialLadies Christmas Cracker Evening

Saturday 24th November7:15pm at La Vida Cafe

60 Rockfield Road, Penrose

Guest Speaker: Eleanor DavisCost: $5 which includes supper

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www.thelifechurch.co.nz

PostalPO Box 24377Royal OakAuckland 1345NZ

P: (09) 918 1699F: (09) 579 5150E: info@thelifechurch.co.nz

Penrose60 Rockfield RdPenroseAuckland 1061NZ

Otara201 Preston RoadOtaraAuckland 2023NZ

WHOSWHO

Pastors Bruce & Maude McDonaldSENIOR MINISTERS

Dan & Pam OgleELDERS

Merv & Gay JonesELDERS

Murray & Raewyn StewartELDERS

Debbie HillPATHWAYS DIRECTOR

Sam & KrystaYOUTH LEADERS

Adair SmithPASTORAL CARE DIRECTOR

Maude McDonaldCREATIVE DIRECTOR

John & Sharon EcclesMISSIONS DIRECTORS

Bruce & Dayna GrayOTARA LEADERS

David & Carol de ThieryOTARA LEADERS