Issue 13 | Jun - Dec 2015

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04 Feature Article Room to Grow

08 Leadership Spotlight MeetDaveandMerilynGriffiths

10 Community Groups ArohaCommunityGroup

12 Outreach -What’sHappeningThisChristmas? -CommunityProjectatHowickIntermediate -GlobalOutreach:ProjectThailand/Fiji

18 A Place to Shine Update Checkinforthelatestnews!

20 Children’s Ministry -WhyYOUwanttoserveinBotanyKids! -Wewillmissyou! -WillowParkKidsCamp

26 Youth Ministry ALTR

28 Who’s That? Gettoknowsomeofourfellowmembersinthechurch

32 Reviews Grabacomfyseat,turnthevolumeup,rustlethefamily togetherandgrabsomepopcorn

34 Marriage and Parenting ChristmasGiftsbyNikkiBray

35 What’s On at BotanyLife? Getyourpensoutandmarkthesedatesonyourcalendar

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Contents

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BOTANYLIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

{STAFF}LEAD PASTOR/ELDER - BRAD (AND ROCHELLE) CARR

COMMUNITY PASTOR - MARK (AND STEPH) VAN WIJK CHILDREN’S PASTOR - MEL (AND DREW) PALMER

WORSHIP AND GROUPS PASTOR - ROBIN (AND SONIA) BYRNE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR - MEL (AND JULIAN) THORBURN

SUNDAY ADMINISTRATOR - MANDY FRANCIS

{ELDERS}TODD (AND SHEREE) HUGHES

KK (AND SUSAN) LEONG ANDRE (AND CHRISTL) KIRSTEIN

STUART (AND IANTHE) JONES

O n Sunday 18th October, we devoted our church service to sharing an incredibly important decision the elders had recently made, that

we have called Room to Grow. For a variety of reasons outlined below, and after a great deal of prayer and discussion, we have decided to plant a new church service for BotanyLife on Sunday mornings.

StartinginFebruary2016,wewillbemovingourcurrent10amserviceto9am,andplantingabrandnewserviceat11am.Thetwoserviceswillbeexactlythesame,withthesamesermon,worshipleaderandworshipband,andthesameBotanyKidsandXchangeprogramsrunningduringbothservices.Wewillhavearoundhalfanhourbetweentheservicesforpeopletoenjoyfellowshipovercoffeeandteawithpeoplefrombothservicesminglingtogether.

THE REASONS SinceweplantedBotanyLifealmost12yearsago,Godhasbroughtincreasingnumbersofpeoplealong,andwehaveenjoyedconsistentgrowthinourattendance.That

numericalgrowthhascontinuedafterthemovetoBotanyCollegein2012,andinthefirstsixmonthsofthisyearwefeltconsiderablepressureatcertainservicesforroomasmoreandmorevisitorswerecheckingoutourchurch.Oursenseaschurchleadersisthatwecouldpotentiallyrunoutofroomin2016ifGodcontinuestobringsimilarnumbersalong.Inlightofthat,theeldershavemadethestrategicdecisiontoplantanewchurchserviceforBotanyLifeonSundaymornings.

Asweshared,thisdecisionwassomethingthattheeldershavebeenprayingaboutanddiscussingforanumberofmonths.Itisworthnotingthatthisisnotsimplyaboutbecomingabiggerchurch.Asaleadership,wehaveneverbeendrivenbynumbers,anddonotbelievethatnumericalgrowthin-and-ofitselfisanaccurateindicatorofeitherministrysuccessortheLord’sblessing.Wearenotsimplyinterestedinbeingabiggerchurch.Atthesametime,however,wedon’twanttorestrictgrowthiftheLordwantstocontinuetobringmorepeopletoBotanyLife.

TextbyBrad Carr.

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Astheeldersthoughtandprayedaboutthecontinuedgrowth,wediscussedavarietyofotheroptionsintermsofmakingroomtogrow.Forexample,wehaveconsideredandrejectedavarietyofotherscenarios:

• DOING NOTHING.Wedon’tbelievethatdoingnothingisanacceptableoption.IftheLordwantstogrowourchurchnumerically,byrefusingtofindroomforthemwewouldbasicallybesayingwedon’twanttowelcomeanymorepeopletoourchurch.

• SERVICES ON SUNDAY EVENING. We areopentotheideaofrunninganightserviceatthecommunitycentresometimeinthefuture(onceit’scompleted).However,wewouldn’twanttodothatwithoutapaidyouthpastoronstaff,andwedon’tthinkthatwouldalleviatethespaceissueswecurrentlyhaveonSundaymornings.

• LIVE SERVICE + SATELLITE SERVICE AT THE SAME TIME. Some churchesareofferingservicesindifferentroomsatthesametimewiththesermonbeingstreamedliveintothesecondroom,butthatisdifficulttodowellwhenwearerentingfacilitiesratherthaninourownbuilding.

• ONE COMBINED SERVICE IN THE GYM.Onefinaloptionthatwehaveconsideredismovingourservicespermanentlyintotheschoolgymnasium.Thebigadvantageofthisisthatitwouldkeepourchurchfamilytogetherforchurchservices.However,thegymisaproblematicbuildingforachurchservicewithbadacoustics,hopelesslighting,freezingtemperaturesinwinter,andissimplynotacreativespace-andcreativityisveryimportantasoneofourkeyvalues.

Ontheotherhand,thereareanumberofpositivereasonswhywebelievegoingtotwoservicesisthebestoptionforusmovingforward:

• PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE.ThePACisamuchmoreconducivespaceforchurchservicesthan

thegym,duetobetteracoustics,manageabletemperatures,theabilitytochangethe

lighting,andisamuchmorecreativespace.TheopportunitytostayinthePACisveryimportanttous.

• BOTANYKIDS VOLUNTEERS. MovingtotwomorningserviceswillgiveourhugegroupofBotanyKidsvolunteerstheopportunitytoservethechildrenatBotanyKidsduringoneservice,andthenattendtheothermainserviceiftheywish.Thiswouldmeanservinginkidsministrywouldn’thaveto

meanalwaysmissingthechurchservice.

• EXPLORE.OverthelastyearandahalfwehaveofferedtheExplorecourseduringtheSundaymorningservices,whichhasbeenarealsuccess.MovingtotwomorningserviceswouldallowustorunExploreduringoneservice,and

giveSteveandRobynYoungandotherswhowishtoparticipateinExploretheopportunitytoalsoattendachurchserviceiftheywish.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. SomeofthechurchesthatwehavetalkedwithwhohavetwomorningserviceshavealsostartedusingSundaymorningsforsomekeyvolunteertraining,whichprotectspeople’svaluabletimeduringthe

restoftheweek.

CHOICE.Finally,alloftheotherchurchesweknowwhohavemadethemovetotwoservicestellusthatpeopleseemtoliketheoptionsoftwodifferentservices,eventhoughtheymaybothbeonSundaymornings.

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THE LOGISTICS

Sohowexactlywillthenewserviceswork,andwhatwillbetheimpactonthevariousservingrolesonSundaymornings?Belowisabreakdownofhowwethinkitwillhappen,althoughwestillneedtoconsultwithsomekeyvolunteerteamsoverthecomingfewweeks:

• Thepreacherwillteachthesamesermonatbothmorningservices.IhavehadtheopportunitytopreachatmultipleservicesanumberoftimesinchurchesintheStatesandNewZealand,andreallyenjoyedit.Webelievethattherestofourteachingteamwillhandleitwell.

• Theworship leader and worship band wouldbethesameinbothservices.Thesevolunteersareprobablytheoneswhowillcarrythelargestincreaseinworkloadtomakethishappen.However,inchattingwithsomeworshipvolunteersinotherchurcheswhohavetwoservices,theysaytheyenjoygettingtoleadworshipasecondtimeandgettinggreaterpaybackforthetimetheyhaveputintopractice.

• Thesound technician willprobablybethesameforbothservices.Currentlythesoundguysoftenhangaroundandhelppackdown,butwewouldbesuggestingthattheyheadhomeassoonasthesecondserviceisfinished.

• Thevideo mixer and camera personwouldoperateinthefirstservice(whenwewouldberecordingthesermon),withadifferentpersonrunningjustPowerpointinthesecondservice.

• Setup and packdownwouldbecometwoseparateteams,withahandoverbytherespectiveleadersbetweenservices.Thesetupcrewwouldattendthefirstserviceandthenheadhome,whilethepackdowncrewwouldattendthesecondserviceandthenpackeverythingaway.Wewillneedtoalmostdoublethe

numberofvolunteersinthisarea,butsincethisisasmallerloadthanwhattheteamscurrentlydo,wearehopefulofrecruitingmorevolunteersfortheseteams.

• Morning teawouldonlybeservedbetweentheservicesfrom10:30to11:00am,andwewouldencouragepeoplefrombothservicestostaylateorcomeearly.Therefore,onlyonemorningteacrewwouldbeneeded.Thismeanstherewouldbenocoffeeandteaservedbeforethefirstserviceorafterthesecondservice.

• Wewouldhavethesamegreetersforbothservices,andencouragethemtoattendthefirstserviceandthengohomeaftergreetingforthesecondservice.Wewouldneeddifferentushersforeachservice.Weimaginethewelcometeamleaderswouldstayforbothservicestoensurecontinuity,whilesomeoftheotherwelcome team memberscouldserveatjusttheservicetheyareplanningtoattend.

• InBotanyKids,mostvolunteerswouldserveinoneservice,meaningtheywerefreetoattendtheotherchurchserviceiftheywished.Wewouldaskkidsvolunteerstoserveinthesameserviceeachtimethey’reontobuildcontinuity.Somelargegroupleadersmaychoosetoleadduringbothservicesinlightofthepreparationtheyhavedone.

• WewillalsoofferXchangeduringbothservices,whichprobablymeansthatwewillneedtorecruitmorevolunteersforthisimportantarea.

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THE NEEDS

Astheabovebreakdownofrolesmakesclear,someservingopportunitieswithinthechurchwillnotchangetoomuchwiththemovetotwoservices.Otherroleswillchangesignificantly,however,andrequireanumberofadditionalvolunteerstomakethoseministrieswork.

Ourroughestimateatthispointisthatwewillneedapproximately50additionalpeopletostepforwardtooffertoservesomewheretohelpmakethismoveasuccess.Someofthekeyareasofneedwillbethenewset-up and pack-down teams,wherewewillneedtodoublethenumberofpeopleaswesplitintotwoseparateteams;BotanyKids volunteers,especiallyinourpreschoolministriesintheGreenhouse,theGardenandtheOrchard;ushers,aswewillrequiredifferentushersineachservice;and Xchange teachers forourIntermediatekids.

WeareaskingeveryoneatBotanyLifetoconsiderhowtheyarecurrentlyservingatthechurchandhowtheycouldgetmoreinvolvedonSundaymorningstohelpusmakethistransitionworksuccessfully.OneofthekeyelementsinthefirstyearortwowhenBotanyLifewasfirstplantedwasthewillingnessofthesmallcoregrouptogetstuckinandserveinmultiplewaystomakethenewchurchhappen.Wehadanumberofpeoplewhowouldserveforafewweeksinarow,orwouldhavetwooreventhreedifferentservingrolesinthefirstfewmonths.

Asweplantthisnewservice,wewouldlovetogetbacktothatsameservant-heartedattitude.Forthefirstnumberofmonths,wemayneedpeopletoservemorethantheyarenow,ortostepupandshoulderanextraloaduntilsomenewpeoplecomeandjoinus.WewillcertainlyneedthosewhodonothaveaservingroleonSundaymornings,toprayerfullyconsiderhowtheymightgetinvolvedandhelpmaketheseplanshappen.Oneofourvaluesasachurchis“We’reallinthegame,”andwewouldloveeverysinglepersonwhoconsidersBotanyLifetobetheirchurchhometogetinvolvedaswemakethismovetotwoservices.

CONCLUSION

Inconclusion,weareexcitedasachurchleadershipaboutmakingthismoveforward,andwearedelightedwiththepositiveandencouragingresponsethatwehavereceivedsincetheRoom to Growserviceinmid-October.Wewouldaskyoutobeprayingfortheeldersandstaff,andkeyministryleadersandvolunteers,aswefinaliseourplansoverthenextcoupleofmonths.WewouldalsoaskyoutoprayabouthowyouarecurrentlyinvolvedatBotanyLife,andwhetheryoumightbeabletogetmoreinvolvedinmakingtwoserviceshappen.

WewillbedoingashortonlinesurveysometimeinNovember,totryandgetanindicationfromasmanypeopleaspossibleaboutwhichservicetheyarelikelytoattendmostofthetime.ThiswillbeespeciallyimportantforfamilieswithchildrenineitherBotanyKidsorXchange,asitwillhelpusgaugehowweneedtoorganisesmallgroupsandvolunteers.

Wewillcontinuerunningwithour10amservicethrough toChristmas,andoverthesummerseriesinJanuary. Ourfinal10amservicewillbeonSunday7thFebruary,whichwillbealongweekendduetoWaitangiDay. Wewillthenbeginourtwomorningservicesat9amand11amonVisionSunday,whichnextyearwillbeonSunday14thFebruary.

Inthemeantime,ifyouhaveanyquestions,concerns orcomments,pleasefeelfreetophoneoremailBrador anyoftheelders-allofourcontactdetailsareinthe churchdirectory.

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ow! Where do I start? What do I cull? Dave and Merilyn have

had an amazing life (so far) serving God in all different directions, and they’re so open to what he has in store for them.

SittingdownwithDaveandMerilynwithacupofteaandapieceofcake,MerilynimmediatelystartstellingastoryaboutmymotherGaelFongandhowshewasthe“consistentencourager”-Davesaidmorelike“apaininmyneck”-togetthemalongtothehomegroupatHowickBaptistChurch.Ittookabitof“encouraging”butwhenDavefinallygavein,hewassurprisedtofindthatthepeopleintheirhomegroupwerenotstiffandstarchyChristiansbutwereasmadashewas.Theycreatedgreatfriendshipsthroughfellowshiptogether,havingalaugh,andencouragingandsupportingeachother.Hesaiditwasthebestthingthatcould’vehappenedtohiminhisearlyChristianlife.Thisseemedtobetherunningthemeofourconversation-joinaCommunityGroup!

Togobackalittlebit,letmeintroduceyoutoDaveandMerilynGriffithswhoarecurrentlypartofourwiderchurchleadershipservingintheBotanyCareteam...moreonthatlater.

DaveandMerilynmetwhentheywereteenagersattheirafter-schooljoboverthetillinWoolworths,246QueenStreet,inthehardwareandtoysdepartments.DavelivedinHerneBayatthetimeandMerilyninPtChevalier.MerilynhadbeenbroughtupatPtChevalierBaptistChurchandDave’sfamilyoccasionallyvisitedaMethodistchurch.DavewasnotaChristianatthetime,soMerilynsettoworkverycalmlyandquietly,encouragingDavetomakeacommitmentandthat’swhereit allbegan.

Aftergettingmarried,theylivedinGreenBayandcontinuedattendingPtChevBaptistwheretheybothwerebusy,DaveastheSundaySchoolSuperintendent,andMerilynastheorganist.Shehadstartedplayingtheorganatchurchat13yearsofageandfortunatelywasgoodatsightreadingmusic,asPtChevBaptisthad“favourites”evenings,whereanybodycouldcallouttheirfavouritehymnandMerilynwouldbeexpectedtoplayit.

SixweeksbeforeMerilynwasduetohavetheirsecondbaby,theymovedtoMaughamDrive,BucklandsBeach,andstartedattendingHowickBaptistChurch,whereagaintheybecameveryinvolvedinleadershipandmusic.Itwas

herethattheirfamilygrewfromNicola,toScott,thenPhilipandfinallyMichelle.

In1980,followingEasterCamp,Davebeganpuppeteering.Hewasliterallythrowninatthedeependwithathickmanualtoread,ascriptandabrandnewpuppetwithaweektofigureoutwhathewassupposedtodowithitforashowonSunday.Hediscoveredhewasgreatwithvoices-thankstohismumwhowasadramaticactress(shehadbeenPeterthePilotovertheradiobeforeWWII).Davewasamazedwiththereactionsfromthechildrenandhowpowerfulatoolpuppeteeringwas.Thisbecameaministrytheywereinvolvedinforthenext25years.

PuppetsbegantakingupmoreandmoreofDave’stime,witheverysecondweekendministeringatdifferentchurcheswithhispuppetteam.Thesubtlemessagesusedinthescriptsoftheshowsweredirectedtowardsboththeparentsandchildren.

By1984Davegaveuphismanagerialjobandwentintothepuppetministryfull-time.Havingobtainedmanufacturingrights,DavewenttotheUSAwherehispuppetsweremanufactured,andlearnthowpuppetsweremade.HeandMerilynstarted

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makingtheirownpuppetshere.MerilynwasonthesewingmachinewhileDaveassembledthepuppetsandthentheysoldthemallovertheworld.MoreopportunitiescamealongforDaveandhisnowfamouspuppets,includingTVwork,ridinginaPolicehelicoptertoschoolsworkingwiththePoliceprogrammeandBibleinSchools.

Priortopuppeteering,Davehadappeasedhismother’srequestforhimtobecomeadoctorbybecomingadoctorofcars.Hewentintotheautomotiveengineeringandelectricalfield.WhileteachingautomotiveatUNITEChestartedteachingEnglishtoo,asmostofthestudentswereinneedofhelpwiththeirlanguageskills.

Formanyyears,hehastaughtalargevarietyofimmigrants,includingMiddleEasterners,Africans,EuropeansandRussians(includinganuclearphysicistfromChernobyl).HetaughtthemEnglish,FirstAidandtradeskillsandhelpedthemgetemployment.Thiswasaveryrewardingjob,especiallywhensomebodyhe’dtaughtcamebackandaskedDavetovisithisworkshopthathehasnowsetup.Daveeventuallybecamethelongestservingstaff-memberofUNITEC,andwhilehischildrenwereatMacleansPrimaryhealsoservedthereasChairmanoftheBoardofTrustees.

MerilyninthistimetaughtpianoandaftercaringforDave’smumwhogotdementia,shockedherdaughterbydecidingtoworkattheHowickBaptistHomeandDaycarefor9years.ShethenmovedtoAmbridgeRoseManorinPakurangafor4½yearswheresherantheactivitiesfor104residents.Shethenofficiallyretiredlastyear,buthasbeenworkingatAmbridgeRoseVillaonedayaweekforthepastyear.Shecontinuedheraged-carestudiesandgraduatedinAugustasaqualifiedandregisteredDiversionalTherapist,runningpurposefulactivitiesfortheelderly.

WhenDavebroughthomeanumberofreferencefoldersandoldlessonmaterialsusedatUNITEC,MerilynsuggestedgettingherelderlypeopleatAmbridgeRoseVillatohelpseparatethepaperwork,indices,staples,foldersetcforrecycling.Thepeoplethereloveitandenjoyworkingandfeelinguseful,despitesomehavingdementia.DaveandMerilynwerefeaturedontheTV

Oneprogramme“GoodSorts”,havingbeennominatedbyUNITECfortheirinvolvementtosaveourplanetbyreusingorrecycling(emailtheGriffithsifyouwouldlikethelinktothevideoontheTVNZwebsite).

Intheirsparetimetheyenjoyfishing,boatingandlookingaftertheirsixgrandchildren.OverthepastthreeyearstheyhavealsoenjoyedanannualtriptoRarotongatoenjoyacoupleofweeksofislandlife.TheyenjoypickingcoconutsandpawpawsfromthetreesandscooteringaroundRarotongawithbags,boxesandgroceries,allthewhilebalancedprecariouslytogetherononemotorscooter!ItisnotallholidaythoughasDavehasbeenaskedforadviceatthelocalTertiaryTechnicalInstitute.Merilynalsotendstomeetpeoplewhoneedafriend,someadviceorhelpandbecomesamother-figuretoothertourists.

DaveandMerilyn’schildrenarenowgrownup.NicolaandherhusbandCurtishelpedplantBotanyLifeChurchandcontinuetoattendandserveaspartofthewiderleadership.ScottandhiswifeBelindaliveinPapakuraandattendAucklandBibleChurch.PhilipisanofficerintheAirForceandiscurrentlyawaitingavisafortheUSAtogojoinhiswifeKristinthere,whileMichelleandherhusbandZaneliveinMaukuwheresheteachesatPukekoheEastSchool.

TheGriffithshavebeenatBotanyLifesincethefirstserviceandlovethecreativeBible-basedpreaching.WiththeirroleintheBotanyCareteam,theygetreferralsthroughIantheJoneswhoistheCareDirectorforBotanyCare.Theyvisitandchatwiththoseinneed,offeringpracticalhelpandconnectingpeoplewithotherteamssuchasourprayerministry,BotanyChefsandcommunitygroups.OverthepastyeartherehavebeensomeintensiveneedsthattheBotanyCareteamhavebeen abletosupport,andthistakesaload offthepastors.

DaveandMerilynalsoseemto havesteppedintoanhonorarygrandparent’sroleforsomeoftheyouthwithinthechurch,encouragingandsupportingthem(andtheirparents)asandwhenneeded.

Whenaskedwhatwouldbetheirword-of-wisdomornugget-of-goldthatthey’velearntontheirspiritualpath,Davecommented,“lookingbackitwouldbetomixwiththepeoplewithintheChurch(nottotheexclusionofothers)thatarecaring,sharingandloving-thiscanbefoundwithinaCommunityGroup.Youcanthencareforothers,knowingyouhavethesupportofyourCommunityGroup.”

Merilyn,likeDave,feels“fellowshipisimportant.Aswellasthat,yourChristianwalkneedstobeindividual.Tonotbea‘spiritualgrandchild’,takingChristianityasahereditarythingbeingpasseddownfromgrandparenttoparent,buttomakethedecisionyourselftowalkasaChristianandmakeityourownrelationshipwithGod.”

Merilynsaysherbiggestimpactor factorinherlifeistheimportanceoffamilywithGodatthehead.Shesawthisinherownfamilywhenherdadchangedhisjobtoreducethehoursatworktofocusmoreonthefamily.Dave’sbiggestimpactinhislifehasbeenmeetinghislovelywifewhohasbeenthebestsupport,influenceandstabilisingforceinhislife,asidefrom hisheavenlyFather.

DaveandMerilyn’spartingwordofinspiration...lifeisaboutfamily,faith andfriends.Thankyoutoyoubothforyourtimeandforyouramazingandinspirationalstory...sofar!

PleaserememberthattheBotanyCareteamaretheretohelpbutcanonlyhelpwhentheyareawareofneeds.Ifthereisaneedthatarisesthatyouhearof,pleasedirectthatneedtoIantheJones(2672409orcare@botanylife.org.nz)toco-ordinatesomeonewhocanhelpmeettheirneed.

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definition of the word “Aroha” is “to love, feel pity, feel concern for, feel compassion or

empathise with.”

OurbrotherHaratakiexplainsthat“ArohaisanoperationalprincipleforMaoriandforourcommunitygroup.InoursocialinteractionasArohacommunitygroup,itseeksthebestineachother,otherpeopleandthechurch,andiscommittedtothe‘oneanother’s’whilebeingtransparentandrealwitheachother”.

“Aroha,inourcommunitygroupmeetingseeksunity,opendiscussion,variety,experienceofeachother’sneedsand prayerconcerns.”

AsoneofournewercommunitygroupshereatBotanyLife,Arohaisco-ledbyRowland&ElaineFormanandHarataki&ShonaManihera.TheirgroupmeetseverysecondweekimmediatelyafterthechurchserviceineithertheForman’sorManihera’shomes.

Afteralightlunch,theytalkandwrestleoverthatday’ssermon.Rowlandcommentedthat“God’swordbeing sofreshintheirmindspromotessomelivelyand productivediscussion!”

Whatisreallyneatthough,isthatafterchattingtobothRowlandandHarataki,yougetthisrealsensethatthisgroupisreallyallaboutcommunity!Thereisthisdeepdesiretohaveagroupwheretheygenuinelyloveandcare

foreachother.Rowlandsaysthatthegroupmakesan efforttointeractviatext,phoneorsomeact-of-serviceinbetweenmeetings.

Theyliketocatchupsociallytoo.Recently,asagroup,theywenttoseethemovieTheWarRoom,whichRowlandsaid“touchedusalldeeply.Prayerisabigpartofourmeetingsandwenowallprayalotmoreintentionally,likewearedoingbattle!”

BothHaratakiandRowlandwilltellyouthough,thatthehighlightoftheyearwasheadingdowntotheManihera’shomeMaraeinHastingsandhelpingoutataDayTogetherseminarrunbyAndyandNikkiBrayfromFamilyLife. Thegroupgotstuckinandservedmealsandrefreshmentsto50orsopeoplefortheday,whileAndyandNikki (alsofromtheArohagroup)sharedtheirwisdomon healthyrelationships.

“ServingpeopleandGodtogetherasagroupwassuchafantasticwayofgettingtoknoweachother.Wewereallimpactedgreatlyasweservedothers.”(Rowland).

AnyoneiswelcomeatAroha.Berestassured,youwillfindthisisacommunitygroupwhereyoureallywill‘dolifetogether’.IfyouwanttocheckoutorbeapartofAroha,pleasedon’thesitatetohaveachattoeitherRowland,Elaine,HaratakiorShona.OrcontactRobinByrne(robin@botanylife.org.nz)tochataboutanyofourcommunitygroups-hewouldlovetohelpfindthegroupforyou!

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Carolsat Botany

TOWN SQUARE, BOTANY TOWN CENTRE, THU 3 DEC, 7PM

Join us for a morning of party games, music, food,

and a whole lot of fun!

Sunday 13 December10am at Botany CollegeIt’s Jesus’ Birthday,

and you’re invited to the Party!

If you’ve been dreaming of a White Christmas, then here’s your chance to cool off, support a great charity, and celebrate all that’s great about Christmas.

Sunday 20 December, 6pm at Paradice BotanyTickets available soon from botanylife.org.nz

hristmas is a fantastic time to interact with unchurched friends and family about the true meaning of the season and talk about the person

of Jesus. Once again this Christmas we will have the opportunity to invite people along to a range of wonderful events where they can hear the good news of Christ while having a great time. Can I encourage you this Christmas season to prayerfully think about who the Lord would like you to reach out to, and then go ahead and courageously invite them to some of these events? Flyers and on-line advertising will be happening for all these events closer to the time.

CAROLS AT BOTANY / BOTANY TOWN CENTRE THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER 7PM

OverthelastfewyearswehavehadthisamazingopportunitytoleadwhatisessentiallyacarolsservicerightintheheartofBotanyTownCentre.WeareveryexcitedthatthemanagementofBotanyareincrediblywarmtowardsthisevent,andonceagainareenthusiasticaboutinvitingusback.ThisisawonderfulopportunitytowardsthebeginningoftheChristmasseasontoinviteourlocalcommunitytoslowdown,singsomecarols,andconsiderthetruemeaningofChristmas.OnceagainwewouldlovetohaveahugecrowdfromBotanyLife,sopleasemarkthisThursdayeveninginyourdiariesandinviteotherstojoinusthere.

JESUS’ BIRTHDAY PARTY / BOTANY COLLEGE SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 10AM

Thiswonderfulkids-focusedeventhasnowbecomeamuch-lovedtraditionatBotanyLife!ForthelastfewyearswehaveputonahugebirthdaypartyforJesus,withpopularpartygames,bouncycastles,partyfood,aspecialphotobooth,andmuchmore.Ifyouhavepreschoolorprimaryschoolchildren,wewouldencourageyoutobringyourkidsalongandenjoythedaywiththem,andinvitesomeoftheirfriendsaswell.Andifyoudon’thavekids, ortheyareteenagersorolder,we’dloveyourhelponthedayinmakingthisatremendousoutreachtothechildren ofourcommunity.

A “WHAT IF?” CHRISTMAS - CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICE / BOTANY COLLEGE SUNDAY 20TH DECEMBER 10AM

TheweekafterJesus’BirthdayPartywewillbehavingaspecialChristmasFamilyServiceforchildrenandadultsthatwilllookforwardtoChristmasDay,justafewdayslater.Thisyear,weareaskingaseriesof“whatif”questionsabouttheChristmasstory.WhatifthestoryofthebirthofJesushadn’thappenedthewayitdid?Whatifsomeofthecharactersinvolved-Mary,Joseph,theshepherds-hadn’tobeyedGod?Whatdifferencewouldthatmake?Thiswill beanotherwonderfulopportunitytoinvitefriendsandfamilymemberstocomealongandconsiderthetruemeaningofChristmas.

CHRISTMAS ON ICE / PARADICE ICE SKATING SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 6PM

LastyearweaddedthisnewConnecteventinpartnershipwithChrisandSarahBlong,andtheteamatParadiceIceSkating.Thisisauniqueopportunityatthestartofakiwisummertoenjoysomecoldtemperatures,andice-skatetosomeliveChristmasmusic.LastyearallprofitsfromthiseventweredonatedtoTotaraHospice,andthisyeartheproceedswillonceagaingotoaworthycharitydoinggreatthingsinourlocalcommunity.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE / BOTANY COLLEGE THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 7PM

Finally,wealsohaveourtraditionalcarolservicebycandlelightontheeveningofChristmasEve.IpersonallylovethistraditionalchurchservicethatwehavedoneeveryyearsinceBotanyLifebegan,aswegatherasachurchfamilyandalargenumberofgueststocelebratethebirthofJesustogether.Fromcarolstoreadings,multimediatoabriefmessage,theentireservicedrawsourattentionbacktotheSaviourwhowasborninBethlehemforus.Thisisawonderfulservicetonotonlyattendasafamilyorgroupoffriends,butalsotoinviteunchurchedfriendsalongto.Iftheyaregoingtocomealongtoonechurchserviceintheyear,itmaywellbethisone,soinvitethemalong!

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he annual Community Project, this year at Howick Intermediate, links to the second half of our church mission statement which is

“...to purposefully love others.” This is something that I, as a parent, want my children to learn, understand and grow up doing. Without realising it, they had taken this on board by contributing to the community project. Let me explain...

Twoyearsago,weattendedourfirstCommunityProject,atWakaarangaPrimarySchool.Wesignedupwithtrepidationforjustonesession(withthreekidsintow)notsurewhattoexpect.Weendedupstayingthewholeday,thekidslovingit,myhusbandandIactuallyhangingoutforawholedaytogether,workingtogetherandseeingthefruitsofourworkattheend.Thiswasanunexpected,fantastic,butharddayout,meetingnewfriendsandfeelingthatwehadcontributedtosomethingthatwouldhaveapositiveeffectonaschoolcommunity.

ThefollowingyearwewereawayatCommunityProjecttime,sowhenthisyearrolledround,husbandandson#1volunteeredforSaturdaymorning(asIhadpreviouscommitmentswithchildren2and3).Husbandandsonwereliterallygonefrom9am-6pmonSaturday;theycamehometiredandsorebuthadhadagreatday.WhenSundayrolledaround,wehadapriorcommitmentinthemorningandthenasweheadedhomewedrovepastHowickIntermediate.Immediatelychildren1and2startshouting“there’stheCommunityProject,canwego?”Honestly, Istartedtogivethereasonswhynot...“child3willbe tired,youarealltired,Ihaven’tmadedinneranditwillbehardwork...”

Theargumentsgotlouder,“butMum,wewanttogo,weloveit,wewillbehelpingthechildren,IwanttofinishwhatIstartedyesterday...”Ipulledoverandthought,“theyareright,”andturnedroundandsignedupfortheafternoonshift-withtheagreementfromthekidsthatwewouldnotstayforthepartyasIwouldhavetogethomeandgetdinner.Theyagreed,whichImustsayIwassurprisedabout!Theirheartswerecertainlyintherightplace.

So,HowickIntermediate,thebiggestchallengeyet!

Becauseofthesizeofthesite,theirwishlistwaslongandduetosomeunexpectedchallenges(likewhatwasactuallyunderthehallstage)noteverythinggotdoneontheday!

Underthestage-WOW!Whoknewsomuchrubbishcouldcomefromoneplace!Thistookahugeamountoftime;fromclearingitallout,toremovingallthemetal,andthenstackingrubbishneartheskipforremovalfromthesite.ButIthinkthisgavetheCaretaker(atleast)anenormousamountofreliefandpleasure.

Iheadedtothemulchpile,whichIsweargetsbiggereveryyear!Itwas,tobehonest,quiterelaxingtospendacoupleofhoursdoingamonotonoustask,fillingthewheelbarrow,emptyingthewheelbarrow,wheelingitback,tostartagain.Forsomeonewhospendsmuchofherlifeorganisingandansweringquestions,tojust‘do’andnothavetothinkwasanenjoyabletaskinitself!

ItwasgreattoseetheHowickIntermediatecommunitysupportingtheirschool-theschoolboysonthemulchpileworkedhardgettingtheirhandsdirty,asdidaladyIdidn’trecognizeasaBotanyLifer,butonresearchingthisarticlediscovereditwasYolande(thePrincipalofHowickIntermediate),whowasalongsupportingtheproject.

Fromsewingtopainting,waterblastingtogarden digging,plantingtoplaygroundandbenchcreation-alotdidgetdone.

Myoverallmemoryfromthisisseeingtheamount offamilies/generationsworkingtogether;itisnotjust forthehandymen/womentogetinvolved.Iloved watchingboysworkingalongsidetheirdads,mumsanddaughterspaintingtogether,familiesdoingsomethingpositivetogether.

Yes,weachievealot.Wemetaneedforfreeforaschool andcommunity,butIalsothinkmyneeds-ofwanting mychildrentolearntoloveothers-wasmetinessence, forfree.

AND DID WE STAY FOR THE AFTER PARTY? OF COURSE WE DID! AND AFTER THAT - NO DINNER WAS NEEDED!

TextbyAbby Smith.

Community Project at Howick Intermediate

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Global Outreach: Project Thailand TextbyOwen Jennings.

n a trip to rural India we loaded up some big bags with used, soft toys. The airline agreed to allow us a super over-weight allowance on their dime. We

told our mission partner to pick a suitable occasion to dish them out. The moment arrived. A quick look around and we guessed we were well covered. There were 150 or so kids, and we had at least 250 goodies.

Our“feelgood”barometerwasoffthescale.Thekids’eyeswereasbigasdinnerplatesandtheexcitementlevelrosesharply.Thekidswereawestruck.Theyhadneverbeengivenatoy–ever!Somehadneverseenoneorbeengivenanythingoftheirown.Wewereburstingwithjoyandprideatbringingsuchhappiness.

Suddenly,the150kidshadblownouttodoublethatnumber.Weweresoengrossedinournewfound“Christiangivingbuzz”wehadn’tseenthebush-telegraphworking,andtheappearanceofkidsfromallroundthevillagehithertooutofsight.Thebagsemptied.Dozensofwaitingkidslookeddejected,andthenangry.Theylaunchedintotheirmates,grabbingatoyfromthesmalleronesandclimbingovereachotherinamadfrenzy.Ourbuzztookadive.Howcouldsuchsweetlittledarlingsgosoberserk?Agreatideadieda horribledeath.Thenetoutcomewasnegative,evenfor sharingthegospel.

Connectingwiththeworld’sverypooris,actually,noteasy.Whenwetakeourvalues,customsandideasofhelpandhappinesstothepoorwecaneasilygetitverywrong.Itwouldhavebeeneasytoblamethekidsforjealousyandunrulybehaviour,butreflectiontoldusweweretheonesthatgotitwrong.Weweremoreconcernedwithourneedforaffirmationandrespectthanweweretherealneedsofthosechildren.

Jesusgaveusagoodexample.He“ownedthecattleonathousandhills”andcouldhavewhistledupaheapofsofttoys,butHefocusedonrealneeds.InMatthew19whenthechildrencametoHim,Heblessedthemandquietlymovedon.Hisblessingofthesickandneedywaspractical,focusingontheiralimentandthestateoftheirsoul.

AtBotanyLifewehaveworkedthroughthebasicsofconnectingtotheverypoorestinthethirdworld.Wewanttodevelopanoperatingmodethatissensitiveandeffective,Christhonouringandthatbuildsthemupbeforeus.Wewanttorespectthepeoplewereach,treatthemwithdignity,earntherighttoshareChristandHissavinggracebyworkingalongsidethemservingtheirneeds.

Theyalmostalwaysknowwhattheyneedtosolvetheirpracticalproblems,howtoimprovetheirlotandthatoftheirfamily.Thereisrarelyalackofpositive,practicalideasevenamongthepoorestofthepoorandthosemostvulnerable.Toooftenwethinktheyhaven’taclueandweknowwhatisbestforthem.Wewanttoapplyourexperience,ourstyle,ourideaofprogressandsuccess.

Itcanbecostly.Thestoriesofshorttermmissionssentoutbywesternchurches,especiallytoCentralandSouthAmerica,arelegendaryforcreatingmoreproblemsthantheysolve.Wholebookshavebeenwrittenabouthowbadlytheyhavegonewrong.Thecentralthemeisaboutwrongmotivationandaboutwhoisbeingserved.

AtBotanyLifeweareawareofhoweasilywecangettherecipewrong.Wehavecarefullychosenpartnerswhowecanworkwithandwhoaresensitivetotheseissues.Theyareinformingusaboutwhatworksforthemandweareseekingtoresourcethemaccordingly.

AwaywecanallpraymoreeffectivelyforouroutreachistoasktheLordforguidanceonhowtoconnectwithandrespondtotheneedsofourpartnersinasensitive,caringbuteffectiveway.TheprimaryaimisalwaystosharethesavinggraceofJesus,butevenwiththatweneedtounderstandtimingandwhatworksbestinaparticularcultureandcircumstance.Afterall,itisthegospeloflivingLordJesusthatchangeslivesandcultures.

Thekeyingredientinallofthisispassion.Ifweare passionateabouttheneedsofothers,thatpassionwilllead toanunderstandingofwhatisneededandhowbesttoresourcethoseneeds.Itispassionthatleadstosensitivity andrespect.ItispassionthatdrivessacrificeanddisciplinetogiveofourselvesandoursubstancetoChristwhocanusethatsomightily.

JohnWesley,asheexhortedhispastors,urged,"Letusallbeofonebusiness.Weliveonlyforthis,tosavethesoulsofthosewhohearus.GivemeonehundredpreacherswhofearnothingbutsinanddesirenothingbutGod,andIcarenotastrawwhethertheybeclergymenorlaymen,suchalonewillshakethegatesofhellandsetupthekingdomofheavenonearth."SuchpassionbroughtthousandstoChrist.

JesuslookedoverthelostinJerusalemandwept.Oh,tohavethatpassionforthelost.

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Global Outreach: Word of Life Goes to Fiji

Going to Fiji was more than I

could’ve hoped for. When people said it would change my life, I didn’t really believe them.

But wow - was I wrong. The smiling faces and strong scents that lined our journey opened my eyes to the source

of true happiness, “God’s love shown through his creation, us”. Growing closer to God, surrounded by a team of people who love him,

was such an amazing experience. It’s so comforting to know that you have brothers and sisters in Christ all over New Zealand and in Fiji.

Duringthethreeweeksweweretherewevisitedschoolsanddidprogrammeswhichconsistedofpuppetshows,dramas,songs,thebiblemessageandatthehighschools,testimonies(ourstories).ThenightIsharedmytestimonywasoneofthemostimpactfulandemotionalmomentsonthetripforme.Godopenedmyeyestowhathehadbeen

doinginmylife.CaseyandIgottheprivilegeoftellingourstoriestoayouthgroupforthehearingimpaired.Thenightwasfulloftryingtocommunicatewiththemanditwasso

awesometoseethejoyontheirfacesastheytaughtushowtosign.

Duringthesethreeweekswealsogotthechancetodosomestreetwitnessingandreachouttothoselivinginthelessfortunateareas.SeeingGodworkthroughourwholeteam,givingusthewordstosay,andthecouragetodoso,reallymade

merealisethatGodstillperformsmiraclestoday.

Overall,thistripreallywasalifechangingexperienceandmywalkwithGodhasgrownstrongeralongtheway.Thankyousomuchtoeveryonewhosupportedus,bothfinancially

andinprayer.

TextbyEmma Sproul.

Emma and I had the amazing

opportunity of being part of the Word of Life team that went to Fiji in June earlier this

year.

Duringthetrip,Iwasreallychallengedaboutwhatitmeanttobepracticallylivingoutmyfaith.Leadingsomeonetobecomingapartof

God’sfamilywassomethingthatIhadneverdonebefore.Iwassoprivilegedtohavethisopportunitywithtwogirls,Nanise(15)andKiti(8),whoseloveand

joyforJesuswassoinspiring.Godshowedmetheimportanceofsharingthegospelandhowheenablesustobewitnessesforhim,evenwhenwedon’tthinkwecan.

Ihavealsolearntaboutgrowingalongsideothers.Therewastheinitialworryofgoingoverseaswithagroupofstrangers,butbytheendofthetripIhadgainedanextendedfamilyofbrothersandsistersinChrist.Wehadallbeentakenoutofourcomfortzones,butthroughprayingandworshippingtogether,learningthroughdifferentseminars,andsharingwhatGodhadbeenteachingusfromourdailyBiblereadings,webecameveryclose.WealsobecamegreatfriendswiththeFijianpeople.Atayouthcampwegottosharemeals,playsportsandswimintherivertogether,andtheFijiangirlstaughtusatraditionaldance(ahighlightofmytrip)whichwelaterperformed

withthemforeveryone.

ThisexperiencehasgrownandstrengthenedmyfaithmorethanIthoughtpossible-ithasreallyshownmewhatitlooksliketorelyonGod’sgraceandpower.Thankyousomuchtoeveryone

atBotanyLifeforallthesupportyouhavegivenus.

TextbyCasey Roux.

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few weeks ago we gave a substantial update during the church service about where we are up to in terms of renovating the community

centre on Ti Rakau Drive (check out the sermon video online if you missed it; it’s at the beginning of the Room to Grow message from Sunday 18th October). Earlier in the year we pretty much completed the extra upstairs offices and meeting rooms, and since then have been focused on completing the foyer, kitchen and bathroom area downstairs.

Asweshared,mostoftheworkoverthepastfewmonthshasbeenonsortingouttheneededutilities.Wehavebeenplanningthemajorelectricalandplumbingworkneededforthecommunitycentre,andputtingthoserolesouttoatenderprocess.Wehavealsohadtoorganisemorepowertocomeintothebuilding,whichmeantgettingVectortoaddanextraboxoutneartheroadandgetthatbroughtintothebuildingunderground.Allofthatworkontheinternalsystemshastakenmoretimethanwehadoriginallythought,aswellasaddedsomesignificantincreasestotheoverallcostoftherenovation.

However,asIwritethisarticle,theinstallationofmostoftheutilitiesisnearingcompletion.Thenewpowersupplyhasbeenbroughtintothebuilding,andanewelectricalboardisbeingaddedunderthestairs.Thismeansbythetimeyoureadthisarticlewewouldhaveswitchedovertoournewelectricalsystems.Mostoftheelectricalwiringforthekitchenandbathroomshasalsobeeninstalledreadyforthewallstobegibbed.Andwenowhavedrainsinstalledintheconcretefloorforwastewater,thankstomembersoftheKirsteincommunitygroupwhocameanddonatedawholeSaturdaytocuttingconcreteanddiggingouttrenches,aswellassomeadditionalhelpfromPeterKarlsen.

Allofthatmeanswearenowreadytomakeamajorpushtotryandcompletethefoyer,kitchenandbathrooms.WehaveorganisedthreeworkingbeesforNovemberandearlyDecember,twoofwhichwillbecompletedbythetimeyoureadthisarticle.WearehopingthatbythetimePortalgoestoprint,wewouldhaveaddedreinforcingtothedrainagechannelsreadyforconcreting,installedpinkbattstotheframing,completedtheconcreting,andputupgibboardontheceilingsandwalls.Thismeanswewillbeabletoget

A PLACE TO SHINE

TextbyBrad Carr.

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theceilingsandwallsplastered,readyforthefinalworkingbeeonSaturday5thDecemberwhenwehopetomakesomesignificantheadwayonthepainting.AllofthisshouldallowustogetthekitcheninstalledsometimeoverDecemberorJanuary,aswellastheshowerandtoilets.

Thiswillmeanthatasweheadinto2016,theonlykeyspacestillneedingmajorrenovationswillbethemainauditorium.

DuringourupdateinlateOctoberwealsotalkedaboutthefitoutfinances.AfterourA Place to ShineservicebackinMay2013,wereceivedpledgesofalmost$310,000.AsIwritethis,wehavereceived$260,000ofthat(totheendofSeptember2015).Whilethatmeanswearestillaround$50,000shortofwhatwaspledged,theeldersandtrusteesarethrilledbythatlevelofgenerosity.Tohavereceivedoveraquarterofmilliondollarsoverthepasttwoandahalfyears–inadditiontomorethan$300,000earlierinourhistorytowardsthepurchaseofabuilding–isanincrediblygenerousactfromourchurchfamily.Andwhenyouconsiderthatthatgenerousgivingisoverandaboveournormalgivingtothechurch,itjustblowsusaway.Asaleadership,wewouldliketoonceagainsayahugethankstoeveryonewhohasgivensogenerouslyoverthistime.

Aswealsoshared,however,thecostsforthisprojecthaveescalatedoverthatperiodoftime.Whenwepurchased thebuilding,ourroughestimatefortherenovationwasaround$300,000.Thatestimatewasbasedonsoundreasoningandappropriatecostings,buttherewerecertainthingsthatwedidn’tknowaboutthebuildingandwhatitwouldcostus.Thefactthatwewouldneedtobringmoreelectricityintothebuilding,asmentionedabove,isoneexampleofextracoststhathaveendedupaddingsignificantlytothebottomlineoftheproject.Andtherehavebeenafewothersaswell.Allthishasmeantthatourlatestestimatesuggeststhatthefinalfitoutcostsmaywellendupbeingaroundthe$420,000mark.

Thatmeansatthetimeofwritingthisarticle,wehavereceivedaround$330,000–madeupof$260,000from

donationsfromthechurch,plusagrantfromtheLotteriesCommissionforaround$70,000.Thatmeansthatatthispoint,weareabout$90,000shortintermsoffundstocompletetherenovation.Whilethatisaprettysubstantialshortfall,thefactisthatmostofthatmoneyrepresentsthecostsoftheairconditioningthatweareplanningtoputintothebuilding.Byholdingoffontheair-conuntilwecanaffordit,weareclosetohavingenoughmoneytocompletetherestofthefitoutoverthecomingmonths.

Allofthismeansthatwhileweareincrediblygratefulforthemoneyreceivedtodate,wereallywouldliketogetclosetothefullamountthatwaspledgedbackin2013ifwecan.Thismeansthatwewouldliketoencouragethosewhomadeapledgebackin2013tolookagainatwhattheypledgedandwhattheyhavegivensofar.Aswesharedwewillnotbefollowingupanyoneabouthowmuchtheyhavegiveninrelationtotheirpledge.However,ifyoumadeapledgebutarenowunsureaboutwhereyouareuptointermsoffulfillingthatpledge,youcanemailourtreasurerJanineMartellwhohasallthedetailsaboutthat.

WewouldalsolovetoinvitethosewhohavejoinedourchurchfamilysinceA Place to Shinetoconsidergetting onboardandcontributingfinanciallytothisimportantproject.Onceitiscompleted,ourcommunitycentrewillhostalmostofourministriesandeventsthatarecurrentlyscatteredacrossanumberofrentedfacilities,andwillalsoallowustobeginsomenewinitiativesintothefuture.Wearealsohopingitwillbecomeaplacewheremanygroupsandpeoplefromourwidercommunitywillbeableto makeuseof,aswecontinuetohaveapositiveimpactin ourcommunity.

Asweheadtowardstheendof2015,then,thanksagaintoeveryonewhohascontributedoverthepasttwoandahalfyearstothecommunitycentre.Wehopeandpraythatyourfinancialgenerosity,aswellasthehoursofhardworkinvestedintothebuilding,willreapasignificantrewardaswemoveforwardtogetherinthefuture.

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WHY YOU WANT TO SERVE IN

BOTANYKIDS!TextbyMel Palmer.

have two questions for you. First, do you love Jesus? Second, do you want to see the next generation love

Jesus too? If you answered YES to these - and I hope that you did - then have I got an offer for you!

Wearelookingforatleast30morepeopletostepupandjoinourBotanyKidsteamsfor2016.Yep,thatisaLOT!Tomake“RoomtoGrow”(seethefeaturearticleearlier)weneedtoensurewehaveabigenoughteamwithourkidstoensurenewfamiliesarewelcomedintoourchurch.Soifyouarenotcurrentlyservingwithkids-wehaveroomforyouandwe’dloveyoutojoinus!

SO, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SERVE WITH KIDS YOU ASK? WELL - WHY WOULDN’T YOU?

BeforeIgivesomegreatreasons,Iwantyoutobeaware:BotanyKidsministryisNOTbabysitting!Iknow

sometimesitmightlooklikethat,andsometimeswhenyouareinvolveditmayevenfeellikeit,butaspartoftheBotanyKidsteamyouaresomuchmorethanaSundaymorningbabysitter!Yes,beingpartoftheteamallowsforparentstoenjoybeingintheadultserviceandrelaxknowingtheirkidsaresafe,butthatreallyisn’ttheprimaryreasonwehaveBotanyKids.Wehaveakids’ministrybecausewewantkidstoknowJesus!AspartoftheBotanyKidsteamyougettoshineyourloveofJesusintothenextgeneration.Weareinvolvedinoutreacheveryweek!Isn’tthatcool?Wegettheopportunitytoplantseedsofthegospelintheheartsandmindsofthekidsinourchurchandintheirfriendswhovisit.Wegettobepartofgrowingthefaithofthechurch’sfutureleaders.Wegettobementors,tosupport,toencourageandtobefriends...ANDwegettohavefun!

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IfIhaven’tquitesoldyouhereareacouplemorereasonswhyyoushouldgetinvolvedwithourkidsteams.

• CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD. ThereisnoquestionaboutGod’sattitudetowardchildren.TheBibletellsusthatkidsareablessingfromtheLord.WhileJesuswasonearth,hemadeapointtowelcomechildrenandtoaffirmtheirvalue.WevaluethematBotanyLifeandwewanttobeabletoprovideafun,safelearningenvironmentforthem.Todothisweneedyou!

• SERVING IN BOTANYKIDS WILL IMPACT THE FUTURE OF OUR CHURCH. Therearefewministryopportunitiesthatallowyoutoimpactthefutureissuchadirectway.Whenyouloveandteachkidsyouarealsoinfluencinggenerationstocome.Thesechildrenwillonedaybecomeparents andchurchleadersthemselves.Ifyouwantto changetheworldlong-term,thenyoushouldserve inBotanyKids!

• KIDS ACCEPT GOD EASIER THAN ADULTS. Studieshaveshownthatinsocietieslikeours,mostpeoplewhowillcometoChristdosowhentheyareyoung.ThechildhoodyearsaretheyearsofgreatestopportunityfortheGospel.WewanttoensurethatthekidsinourcommunityarehearingaboutGod’sloveforthemandabouthisgreatrescueplanthat canchangetheirlife.Youcanbepartofensuringthattheyhear.

Andifthatisnotenough,therearesomepersonalbenefitstoo!• SERVING CHILDREN WILL BUILD

HUMILITY INTO YOUR CHARACTER. Kidsareknowntoberatherblunt!Theynoticethingsandsometimeshavenoshameinbringingyoudownanotchortwo.Ontheflipside,theyaresuperlovingandacceptingandencouraging.Beingwithkidscangiveyouaboostthatisoftenarealblessing!

• SERVING KIDS WILL MAKE YOU A MORE PATIENT PERSON. Children’sMinistryisunpredictableandeventhebestplanscanbetorpedoedbyadisruptivechildorjustonewho wantstotellyouabouttheirnewshoes,orabout howMummy’sgreencarbrokedown.Thisisanotherblessingindisguise;workingwithkidswillteach youpatience.

Wearen’tlookingforanyparticularskillset.Thenumberonequalificationislove.YoujustneedtolovetheselittlepeoplethatJesuslovesandusetheopportunitiesweprovidetoshowthem,andtellthemhowmuchtheyareloved.We’dloveyoutojointheteam!Let’slovethesekidsthatGodisbringingtoourchurch,andlet’stellthemabouthimwholovesthemso!

WELCOME TEAMThe welcome team serves before, and for the first 15 minutes of the session greeting the kids as they arrive and

welcoming new children.

PRESCHOOL LEADEROur preschool leaders are the ones

responsible for teaching and leading the session.

PRESCHOOL HELPERThis is a no-prep role where you can

have fun with kids and help the leader to run the session.

PRIMARY LARGE GROUP LEADER

This is an up-front role teaching the Bible story and leading games/discussion with the whole group in

the Forest or Jungle.

PRIMARY SMALL GROUP LEADER

Small groups are like community groups for kids. The leaders of these

lead activities which help connect the kids to each other, to the Bible

stories, and to God.

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We will miss you!

TextbyMel Palmer.

JORDYN - My favourite memories are Jesus’

birthday parties. I enjoy Curtis because he is a lot

of fun.

This time of the year comes around all too

quickly and again it is time to farewell some fabulous kids from

the Jungle. We will miss you all lots!Here are some of our 2015 “graduates.”

I asked them to share two things - a favourite memory of their time in

BotanyKids and/or to tell me about one of their great leaders and

why they have enjoyed them...

DANIEL O - My favourite has been the

Lego family service. Jeremy is a cool leader because he turns boring stuff into fun

stuff.

DYLAN H - I enjoy playing with the other boys and I love Jesus’

birthday party. Curtis is great because he puts lots

of time into us.

SHAE - I liked the water fun day we had at

the start of the year. Jeremy is fun because he always plays soccer with us and

gives us lollies.

ETHAN VW - My favourite thing was going to the fireworks. The fireworks

were loud! And I liked having Curtis because he was one of the nicest leaders. He easily

controlled the group.

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KAYLA - I loved any drawing. And I liked

Larissa because she’s good at talking to us and she

stays on everyone’s level.

LILIANA - My favourite thing at

BotanyKids was the socials - mainly because I

loved hanging out with my church friends and leaders

(and also the movie and food!)

LILLIE - I have really enjoyed the memory

verse challenge. I love all my small group leaders

(Melissa, Larissa and Dianne) because they

make church fun!

SUE-JYNN - I like all the family services because it

is cool how you use different themes and link

it to God. It has been great to have Larissa lead my group. She has been my

leader since I was in year 1!

EDIE RAE - I loved fireworks at Mel’s and then at Brads house and Jesus’

birthday party.

SOPHIA - My favourite memory

is the video’s that had the bible verses in it &

“Minute to Win It” game! Cathy is my favourite teacher because she is fun, crazy and always

dresses up!

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To all of you who feature on this page - we will miss you!

We hope you love your time in Xchange. Have fun, learn lots and we pray that you continue get to know our awesome God

more and more and that you trust Him with your future. You never know, this might not be the end of BotanyKids for you - one day you might be back as

a leader!

We will also miss the following kids:

Thomas B, Emily O, Alysha R and Eilish B.

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very school holidays, Willow Park Christian Camp runs a 4-night camp for kids. Some of our BotanyLife family have been involved at Willow Park for years. I have been

involved for the past year, in a variety of roles at different camps, and I have loved every single one. It has been cool to see an increasing number of BotanyLifers enjoy kids camp and it has been super cool to see some of the unchurched kids from camp starting to connect in at BotanyLife.

AtthislastcampinOctober(countryandwesternthemed)therewereovertwentyofus!Itwasgreatbeingabletohangoutwitheachotherthroughtheweek.Ialwaysfeelsuperproudofthe

leadersandkidsthatcomefromourchurch.Theygetinvolvedandhavefun!

Iaskedtwopeopletogivetheirperspectiveonkidscamp–AdamYoungwhocomestocampasaleaderandAshleighvanGemst,whoattendedcamp(asacamper)inOctoberfortheveryfirsttime.Theylovedcamp;I’llletthemtellyouwhy.

Thenextcampisthe50thkidscampthey’vehadatWillowPark.Thisisagreatreasontocelebrate–soitisgoingtorunwithaGOLDthemeinJanuary.Maybeyouknowsomeonewho’dliketoattend.Thedetailsareintheadonthefacingpage.Letthemknow.I’llbethere!Itisgoingtobeawesome.

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Willow Park Kids Camp

TextbyMel Palmer.

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The moment I stepped inside the camp grounds, excitement bubbled up inside me. I knew it would be an awesome camp, and I was right.

The activities were really cool, especially the team challenges. There was team building of green machines, go carts and basketball, a craft where we modelled fondant icing, a walk

on the beach to the tyre swing and courses with our team including rope maze, spider web and ordering people into size height.

Twice daily we had “sesh”, a kind of session when we sung worship songs and Pastor Paul preached to us. Every morning we could choose to do the PC challenge. The PC challenges were fun challenges you did with your cabins, like going down to the beach or playing a game.

There was also a big bonfire one night where we roasted marshmallows and a really cool themed dinner in the rec hall, when we played games to earn tokens as well as doing fun line dancing with Aaron. Throughout the camp we earned camp money (by our behaviour and awesomeness) for a

food auction at the end of camp.

The main highlight of the camp for me was the mystery bus tour, when we were taken to an unknown location by bus. First we went to Ambury farm, fed some of the animals and then played some exciting games and some of them included WATER BALLOONS!!! Our next stop on the tour was Pigeon Mountain. The leaders had cut out boxes that we could slide down Pigeon Mountain with, and when we reached the bottom we were treated to ice blocks.

But the best thing about camp was the awesome leaders and the cool kids that I got to meet and make friends with.

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In the school holidays I go to a camp that quickly becomes one of the highlights of my year. I really look forward to it every school term, so I can go to another one. The camp I’m talking about is the Kids Camp held every school holidays at Willow Park Christian Convention Centre right next to Eastern Beach.

It’s is a really great and safe place to have heaps of fun, learn about God and make new friends. It’s got heaps of really fun and cool activities that kids and leaders alike can really get involved in. It’s also a great place for teens to go to build their leadership skills, as well as having a great time. Kids in years 5 to 8 can go as campers, while teens year 9 and above can go as leaders. For year 9’s and 10’s they also have a really cool LIT (Leaders in Training) programme that is a great tool for turning teens into leaders.

I first went there in year 9, knowing only a few people, but it wasn’t long before there were heaps of friendly faces I’d got to know. I felt very welcomed and had a real sense of

belonging. I came home after it with a huge smile on my face and heaps of awesome memories.

Every camp I go to there is something new and fun to enjoy – so it never gets repetitive. Every camp is special. Every camp also has a theme, with a themed dinner, so you can bring a costume and be really creative with it. What’s more, there are more and more BotanyLife kids going too, so if you are there for the first time you can be sure of at least a few friendly faces to enjoy your time there with.

Overall it’s a great experience that I would really encourage kids and other teens to go to. Get off the couch and get into camp!

A Campers

PerspectiveTextbyAshleigh

van Gemst.

A Leader’s PerspectiveTextbyAdam Young.

TextbyRobin Byrne.

LTR is our thriving high school ministry here at BotanyLife. Around 40 energetic young people get together every Friday night to study God’s word and

do some pretty cool socials!

BothNickandTraceyHanne(ourALTRleaders)feelit’sarealprivilegetobeworkingalongsideouryoungpeople.Nicksays“seeingthelevelofcommitmentthatalotofouryouthhavefortheirfaithisincredible!I’msoexcitedthatIcanbeapartofencouragingthemintheirwalkwithChrist”.Traceylovesbeingapartofthefunouryoungpeoplehaveandfeelsprivilegedthatshecanplayapartinsupportingtheyouththroughtheirteenageyears.

Runningagroupthislargehasbeenmadeeasierbythe12orsovolunteerleadersthathelpprepareandplaneachweek.Nicksays“we’veenjoyedhavingsomanyleadersgetstuckin.Theyaremostlyuniversityage,althoughwe’vehadafewfromyear13whoarereallygrowingintotheirroleswhichisreallyexciting.Theyareadedicatedgroupwhoreallycareabouttheyouth.”

SO, WHAT HAPPENS ON ALTR NIGHTS?

Fridaynightsaregenerallytwostudiesinarow,thenasocial.ThisyeartheyhavebeengoingthroughGalatians-justlikeatchurch.Theyhavebeendiscussinghowitisthroughgracealone,andnotbyworksthatwearesaved.TheyoungpeoplehavebeenchallengedtoviewlifeasnotaboutwhattheydotopleaseGod,butwhatGoddoesintransformingthemandworkingthroughthem.

Theyalsodidashortseriesonthehistoricalevidencefortheresurrection,andwhybeingconfidentoftherealityofthiscentraleventinthebiblehelpsusinstandingfirminourfaith.

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Asforsocials,ALTRneverseemsshortonfunandcrazyevents!Laserstrike,the“BotanyManhunt,”carrallies,the“BeachBash”andthelegendary“SofaShuffle,”justtonameafew!!Alsocamps,suchasEastercamp,SwitchonandWordofLife,arealwaysonthecalendar.

AnothercoolthingALTRdoesistosupportMaureen,anursingstudentinthePhilippines.ThisisdonebyagoldcoindonationeachFridaynight,whichgoestotheCappuccinoClubwhosupportstudentsinthePhilippines.Whatagreatwaytoteachouryouthaboutthejoyofgiving!

I’llleaveyouwithsomewordsfromNickandTracey…“certainlythereisastrongdesirethatweasleadershavetomakesurethattheyoungpeoplewhoattendeachweekarecaredfor,havefunlearnmoreaboutGodandgrowintheirunderstandingofwhatChristiancommunitylookslike.WewouldappreciateyourprayersthatthesethingscanbealwaysattheforefrontofourmindsasateamservingtheALTRyouthhereatBotanyLife.”

AndasaparentofateenagerwhoattendsandlovesALTR,IcanappreciatehowmucheffortNick,Traceyandalltheleadersputin!Ifyouarehighschoolage,andnotconnected,makesuretocontactNickorTracey(altr@botanylife.org.nz).

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TextbyMel Thorburn.

M eet Neil and Michelle Cheyne. In their daytime roles, Neil can be found managing a team as

the General Manager of Electronics and Compliance for Fisher & Paykel appliances, whilst Michelle works in the Wild Wheat factory as the Customer Service Manager (or whatever title she likes her boss has told her!), where she is also in charge of their food safety programme. They graciously agreed to give up their lunchtimes to meet me at the church office to divulge some details about their lives for you all to get to know them better.

SO HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE YOUR SURNAME!? (WHAT DOES IT RHYME WITH?)Bean,mean,Cheyne.ThesurnameisofScottishoriginandisactuallypronounced“chain”likeonabike,butafter Neil’sfatherwasteasedasakidwiththeoldchestnut “pullingthetoiletchain”,thefamilyadoptedthebean,mean,Cheynesoundinstead.

TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES & YOUR FAMILY?Theyhavetwochildren-Matt(24)whoisacivilengineerwithFletchers.HeattendsLifechurchandisaverygooddrummer(andhealsoplaysbass).Charlotteis21,worksasthe‘AlmondManager’atWildWheatandsheattendsBotanyLife.Bothofthemstillliveathome.Mattjustgot

engagedacoupleofweeksago(tothelovelyJustinewhoisbesidehiminthefamilyshot),sowillbemovingoutinAprilnextyear.Charlotte,however,saysshewillgoflattingwhensheis27(unlessshemarriesbeforethen)-whichisapparentlythenormthesedays?!

ThissuitsNeilandMichellejustfinethough-theyareveryselflessintheirparentinginthesensethattheyhavemadetheirhomeaplacewheretheirkids’friendsarewelcomeandthey’vealwayshadeveryonecometotheirhouse.

NeilisanAucklanderborn-and-bred.Hisfatherhasnowpassedaway,buthismumcontinuestopastorthePentecostalAblazechurchinWarkworth.Asakid,heattendedAucklandChristianFellowship,andWarkworthChristianFellowship(nowrenamedAblaze)wasachurchplantoutofthis.HisfamilybegancommutingtoWarkworthwhenNeilwas14sohisparentscouldleadthischurchandratherthanmakehimleaveschool,hemovedoutofhomeandwentflattingwhenhewas16yearsofage!Notthattheyadvocatethisasamovetheirownkidsshouldmake.

MichellewasborninBlenheim,whereherfatherwasintheairforce.TheymovedtoWellingtonandthenAuckland.Fromhere,Michellejoinedtheairforceherselfandworkedatvariousbasesaroundthecountryfor9years.Herone

Neil & Michelle Cheyne

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claim-to-fame(anditwasnotasafighter-pilotasNeilwouldhaveyoubelieve!)wasthatshewasthefirstfemaletogointoamaleroleasanaeronauticaldraughtsperson.Whenshejoinedtheairforce(priortoequalrights),itwasverygendersegregatedwithaseparatemen’sandwomen’sroyalairforcewheretheygotpaidseparatelyfordoingtheexactsamejobs,withwomenbeingpaidmuchlessthanthemen.

HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET?

MichellelefttheairforceandjoinedAirNZasaflightattendantinAuckland,whereherparentswereattendingtheAssemblyofGod(AOG)inBeaumontStreet.Andtheybelieveitwasquitedivinethattheydiscoveredeachotherhere–giventhesizeofthechurch!Theyhavenowbeenmarriedfor27years(asof5thofNovember-GuyFawkes,adatethatNeildoesn’tforget!).

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMING TO BOTANYLIFE?

WheneverittookoverfromLife!ApproximatelythreeweeksafterBotanyLifemovedintothePACatBotanyCollege!TheywerepartofthecasualtiesfromLifeEastmovingtoMangere.Whenthinkingabouthowtheyheardaboutus,Neilseemstorecallthattheynoticedtheflagsoutontheroadside,butMichellethoughtitwasthroughAlRonbergthattheycametoBotanyLife.AndoncetheyheardBradpreaching,therestishistory!TheteachinghasreallydrawnthemtoBotanyLife.TheirsonMattisstillveryinvolvedinLifeSouthasoneoftheirleadmusicians,whilsttheirdaughterCharlottealsoattendsBotanyLife.Itwasatoughcallmovingfromachurchtheywerewellensconcedin,buttheywantedtokeepfamilytogether.

YOU BOTH SERVE IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES AT CHURCH - CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS?

Michelleanswersthisbysayingsheis“justontheevent’steam”,whichIveryquicklyrebukeherabout!Sheisamany-talentedlady-withcatering,interiordesignandeventorganisationskills.ShehasbeenontheConnectEventsteamsinceitformedearlierthisyearandgottoapplysomeoftheseskillshelpingNicolaMountfortandKarenBuchananwiththesupperandstylingatthe80squiznight.Michellesayssheenjoyssupportingtheteaminanywayshecanandlovestolearnnewthingsandgetideasfromworkingwithtalentedandcreativepeople.Sheisanavidbelieverinkeepingthingssimpleandattributesthisskill-settohertimewiththeairforcewheretheydidalotofmanagementstuff.

NeilservesintwocapacitiesatBotanyLife.HecanoftenbeseenupfrontonSundaysplayingelectricguitarintheworshipteamandhealsoapplieshistrainingasanelectricalengineerinbeingourcommunitycentrego-toelectrician!

WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR FUN/RELAXATION? OR WHAT WOULD THE PERFECT DAY LOOK LIKE FOR EACH OF YOU?

Michelle’sperfectdaywouldbeeating-shelovesfood!Sheisalsointofitness(sheactuallywalkedtotheoffice

fromhometogetherfit-bitrateup!),butenjoyshercoffeeandgoodfood.Otherhobbiesincludecakedecoratingandinteriordesign(andshedoesabitofhouse-stagingforfriendsontheside!).

Neilhastwomainhobbies.Thefirstonebeingrunning-whichheexplainsiswhyheisoftenlatetochurchonSundays!HeandCharlottegetupat5amandrun21-28kmoveracoupleofhourseachSundaymorningbeforecomingtochurch.Theyalsorunhalfmarathonstogetherandtheoccasionalmarathonwhentheyarefeelingabitcrazy.HisotherbigthingisputtingtogethertheChristmaslightsoutsideEastgateChristianCentre-andno,thisisnotjustanend-of-yearone-offjob!HemeetswithateameachweekonTuesdayeveningstoworkonandevolvethedisplaythatthattheyputonforthecommunityintheleaduptoChristmas.Anddon’tweallappreciatethat!

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL/VISIT?

WithMichellehavingworkedasaninternationalflightattendant–sheandNeilhavedoneseveraltripsoverseastogetherandalsoacoupleofbigworldtripswiththekids.TheyrecallvisitingFlorencenotlongafterbeingmarriedwhentheycouldwalkstraightuptoMichelangelo’sDavidandtotheTowerofPisawhereitwasjustthetown,butlatterlydoingthesamethingtheyhavehadtoqueueforhourswithallthemassesofpeoplewhereeverythingisjustsobusy.Butbothagreedthatiftheynevertravelledoverseasagain,theywouldnotbeupsetatall,astheyfeelthatNewZealandhassomuchtooffer.Thereisnoplacelikehome.TheywouldreallylovetospendtimeinacampervantravellingaroundNewZealand.

FAVOURITE DESSERT?

Michelleisaself-confessedM&Maddict,butwhenitcomestodessertherpickwouldbevanillabeanice-creamwithchocolatechards…YUM!IpushedhertosharewhomakesthisdivinesoundingtreatandapparentlyMövenpick,KohuRoadandalsoOOB(forthoseotherfoodiesoutthere).

Neilhasarealsweettoothtoo–butbothheandMichellearetryingtobemorehealthconsciousthesedays.Hedidsayhecouldn’tpassuppavlovathoughifthatwasonoffer!

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE BIBLE CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE?

Aftersomeinitialummingandahhhing,MichellethoughtthatDeborahwouldbeaninterestingwomantomeet.Beingafemaleandajudgebackinthosedays,Michellefeltshewouldbeastrongandstroppywomanwhowouldbefascinatingtotalkto.VerybizarretohaveawomaninsuchahighrankingroleinOldTestamenttimes.

Neilfeltthereweresomanyoptions,butwouldlovetomeetJobassomeonewhohaddonesophenomenallywellandthenlostitall-butstillmanagedtokeepperspectiveandkeepitalltogether.Itwouldbefascinatingtoseewhatsortofpersonhewas.

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Gideon & Seph Faofua TextbyDebbie du Toit.

he Holy Spirit softened my heart...” These words from Gideon Faofua, as he recalls the day he became a Christian, are

words which may resonate with many of us, in light of our own conversion story. So, as I talk to Gideon, Seph and their 3 children for the first time I’m really meeting some other members of my Christian family.

GideonwasborninSamoaintoaChristianfamily.HecametoNewZealandasa14-yearold,who,evenatthatageshowedgreatpromiseasarugbyplayer.HehasrepresentedbothWellingtonandAuckland(Otahuhu)inhighlevelrugbytournaments.Herecallshowsportcamefirst,untilaninjury,andsubsequentsurgery,changedeverything.HehadalwaysknownaboutGod,butdesiredapersonalrelationshipwithHim.

Gideon’syoungercousintoldhimaboutsomeyoungmenwhointendedtocausehimharm,andhefeltlikeheneededto“talk”tothem.Thisledtohisvisittoalocalchurchyouthgroup,whereGideonfirstsatthroughthegospelmessage.HefelttheHolySpirit’spromptingandbecameaChristianthatsameday.HethanksGodforHisgreatmercy,whichwasshowntowardshimonthatday,andwhichhecontinuestosharewithothers.

Seph(Sefulu-whichmeansthenumber10inSamoan),istheoldestoffivechildrenandwasborninNewZealand.SheattendedatraditionalSamoanchurchwithherfamily.

Sherecallshowshealwaystriedtobeagoodperson,butfeltthattherewasmoretoknowingGod.Afteracaraccident,Sephwasfacedwithquestionsofeternity.Herbrotherinvitedhertoattendaservicein1997.SheacceptedJesusChristasherSaviourwhentherewasanaltarcall,andhaswalkedthiswalk-of-faitheversince.Sephlovesworkingwithchildrenandhasacreativestreak,whichbringshermuchjoy.

SephandGideonmetattheBaptistBibleChurchinEastTamaki,andhavenowbeenmarriedfor14years.Theyhavethreechildren.Theeldest,alsocalledGideon,describeshimselfasthe“shy”one.MyresponsetothisisthatwearealldifferentandthatGodusesourdifferencesforHisglory.Helooksatmefromacrossthetableandnodsinagreement...smartyoungman.

Hissister,10yearoldLanya,saysthatsheenjoyslearningaboutGodandtheBibleattheSundaychildren’sprograms.Theyoungest,2yearoldHannah,ishappytojustgivemeasmileandacuddle.

SephandGideonbothdesiretogrowintheWordofGod,whichleadthemtosearchthewebsiteforchurchesintheareawheresoundBibleteachingwasoffered.TheycameacrossBotanyLife’swebsiteandlistenedtosomerecordedsermons.Theydecidedtovisit,andfeltthewarmthofwelcomedisplayedbyeveryonetheymethere.Bothhavepeacewiththeirdecisiontomakethistheirchurchfamily.

“T

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Imagine you’re a poor hill-tribe farmer in the rugged mountains north of Chiang Mai in Thailand. You have no access to fresh water, food is scarce and you are heavily in debt to loan sharks. They have lent you money at 10% interest a month in order to grow crops on a small piece of land and it's unlikely you'll ever be out of debt. Life is grim and, as you don't have official Thai citizenship, government help is inaccessible.

Or Imagine you're a young woman working in one of Bangkok's notorious red light districts. You have been sold into prostitution by your family to pay off a debt and now you are trapped in a brutal and degrading life with little hope of escape. You have to sell yourself every day, with just one day off a month. Everyone around you exploits you and sees you merely as a mechanism for earning money.

It is these people that the sale of La Mai coffee supports. It is our passion and commitment to give hope to the poor and exploited in Thailand that drives us. Through La Mai coffee we are doing something to help these people, and when you drink La Mai coffee, so are you.

La Mai coffee is very high quality arabica coffee from the highlands of Thailand, and is custom-roasted in small batches by expert coffee roasters Coffee Worx, based in Christchurch. Head to www.lamai.co.nz to place your order today, and experience The world’s best tasting act of kindness.

The world's best tasting act of kindness.

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grabacomfyseat,turnthevolumeup,pullthefamilytogether,grabsomepopcorn,it’s...

Review TimeMovie | HOGFATHER Reviewed by Isabel Hand

Length: 189 minutes | Age: 10+ | Release: 2008 | My Rating: 9/10

DrawnfromTerryPratchett’swork,youcanexpectastrongsenseofwitandhumourthroughoutthismovie.SetinDiscworld;aflatlandheldaloftbyfourmightyelephantsastrideagiantturtlefloatingthroughspace,thisstoryisafantastical,festivefairytalewithsomethingforbothadultsandchildren.Ifyou’renotaPratchettfan(whichIamnot...),buthaveenjoyedDoctorWhoorTheHitchhiker’sGuidetotheGalaxy,youshouldlikeHogfather.

“TisthenightbeforeHogswatch...”andallisnotwell.

TheHogfather(Discworld’sequivalentofSanta)hasgonemissingandtheintriguinglyderangedassassin,MrTeatime(pronouncedTee-ah-ta-meh),andhiscrewaresettodestroychildren’sbeliefinhim.Theonly“being”abletofillinfortheHogfather,andstandagainsttheassassin,istheanthropomorphicpersonificationofDeath-“Deathgetsworseandworse.Heseemstolikehumans.Howillogical!”-andhishalf-humangranddaughter,Susan(akick-assgovernesswhoismorethansheappears).

Overall,aclevermixofmagic,monsters,fantasy,ingenuityandhumour.

Note: Contains some violence

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DISCLAIMER:ThesereviewscontainpersonalopinionsofthereviewersanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsofBotanyLifeCommunityChurch.Formorespecificinformationonmoviesandmusic,checkoutwww.pluggedin.com.

Movie | THE SECRET OF MOONACRE Reviewed by Isabel Hand | Length: 103 minutes | Age: PG Release: 2010 | My Rating: 7.5/10

TheSecretofMoonacreisunsurprisinglymoonthemed;Moonacre,MoonPrincess,MoonBlessing,MoonPearls,MoonCurse,MoonCrashingIntoTheEarthToDestroyTheCity...

MariaMerryweatherissuddenlyorphaned,forcedtoleavehercomfortablelifeinLondontolivewithherreclusiveUncleinthecountryside-”howcanIpossiblygotoliveinthecountry?It’sfullof...thecountryside!”

MariaexploresthecrumblingcityofMoonacre,whichwascursedintoruinsasaresultofanancientfeudbetweenherfamily,theMerryweathersandthesinisterNeNoirfamily,whohauntthewoods.AsthelastMoonPrincess,sheistaskedwithunearthingthesecretsofthepasttobringthefamiliestogetherbeforetherisingofthe5000thmoon.

TheSecretofMoonacreisanadventurousandtraditionalfairytalewithpositivemessagesandmorals,dealingwithpride,hate,corruptionandlove.Althoughthemovieisonebigclichéandalittleslow-pacedattimes,itiscute,

light-heartedandfullofquirkycharacters,animals,artisticsceneryandcreativecostuming.

Book | ODD THOMAS Reviewed by Isabel Hand

Age: 17+ | Release: 2003 | My Rating: 10/10

Thisparanormalthrilleriswritteninaunique,thoughtfulstyle.Theprotagonistisalikeable,easy-goingfrycook,whoispulledintodeadlysituationsbyhissupernaturalmagnetismtowardsdangerandhisabilitytocommunicatewiththedead.

Amysteriousmancomestotown,houndedbystrangeshadowcreatures,omensofimpendingdoom.Togetherwithhissoulmate,StormyLlewellyn,theKingofRockandRollandhispoliceofficerfriend,Oddinvestigatesthemanfollowingominouscluesthathinttowardsadevastatingfutureeventthatmustbestopped.

Thefirstbookisbrilliant,self-contained,easytoreadandphilosophical.Thefollowingbooksintheseriesarejustasgoodanddefinitelyworthreading.

Thebookwasalsomadeintoamoviein2013,whichIhaven’tyetgottenaroundtowatching.Imayupdateyouonthisnexttime...

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hen we think of Christmas we often think of gifts - buying and receiving gifts. And while

many of us may dislike the commercial aspect of Christmas, the theme of Christmas is actually spot on. Christmas is all about the ultimate gift - remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s son, His gift to the entire world. That gift was given with such sacrificial love, it was all about the recipients, and God held nothing back.

SoaswegivegiftsthisChristmas,canIencourageyoutogivegiftsfromtheheart?Givegiftsthatspeakofloveandsacrifice,givegiftsthathavetherecipientinmind,givegiftsthatwillcostyousomething(andI’mnottalkingmonetary).

Herearesomeideasthatmayhelpyoutogetyourcreativejuicesflowing.Someoftheseideaswehavedoneourselves,otherideasarefromotherpeopleatFamilyLife.

1. Givethegiftofatributetoyourparents,eitherindependentlyortogether.Atributeisaformal writtendocumentthatdetailsallthethingsyourparentsdidrightwhileraisingyou;itcanincorporatespecialmemories,lessonslearnt,obstaclesovercomeandexpressionsofgratitude.WhenAndyandIdid thisweframeditandthengaveittoeachofourparents,ittrulywasoneofthebestpresentstheyhaveeverreceived.

2. Oneyearafriend’ssistertypeduphergrandmother’shandwrittenrecipesforallhersiblings.Sheputthemintoanotebookwithacopyofoneoftheirgrandmother’sfinalletters.Itwassuchagreatgiftandmeantalottothem.

3. Mystep-nanagavemearingthatbelongedtomyrealgrandmother,whomIhadnevermetasshehaddiedbeforeIwasborn.Givingoldfamilyitemscanhavelotsofsentimentalvaluewithoutthehighpricetag.

4. AcolleagueinFlorida,USAwrites“Oneyear,mypreciousgrandmother(inher90s),gaveeachofher

16grandchildrenaphotoalbumthatshehadworkedmonthstoorganizeandputtogether.Eachgrandchild’salbumwasfilledwithpicturesfromhercollectionofthatparticulargrandchild-fromthetimetheywereaninfantintotheiradultyears.Istillcherishmyalbum!”

5. Andlastly,anideamaybeforyourchildren.YoumaydecidetostartthisnextyearandgiveitasagiftthefollowingChristmas.Keepaprayerjournalandrecordallyourprayersandbibleversesforyourchild.AndparticularlyanyansweredprayersthattheLordhasgivenyou.

MaryMayLarmoyeuxsaidMotherTeresa,whodevotedherselftocaringforthesickandpoor,leftuswithagoodstatementwhichis“Lovebeginsathome,anditisnothowmuchwedo…buthowmuchloveweputintothataction.”

ThisChristmas,let’sputmorethanthingsintoourpackages.Let’saddourloveandgivegiftsfromtheheart.

TextbyNikki Bray.

Christmas GiftsW

AndyandNikkiBrayarefoundationmembersofBotanyLife,beingpartoftheoriginalleadershipteamthatstarted

thechurchin2004.TogethertheBray’sleadFamilylife,aministrywhichisdedicatedtoshowingcouplesGod’splanformarriageandfamily.Throughonedayseminarsandinspiringweekendconferences,Familylifepresentsbiblical,provenprinciplestohelppeoplestayhappilycommittedandcontinuallygrowingforalifetimeofoneness.

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Sunday 10th January

Summer series begins

Thursday 3rd December

Carols at Botany

Sunday 6th December

BotanyKids Christmas/Memory

Verse Parties

Saturday 5th December

Working bee at the community centre

Sunday 20th December

Christmas on Ice

Sunday 13th December

Jesus’ Birthday Party

Sunday 20th December

Christmas Family Service

Thursday 24th December

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday 27th December &

Sunday 3rd January

No church services

Friday 25th December

Christmas Day

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E

What’s on at Botany...

Sunday 21st February

New series begins

Sunday 14th February

Vision Sunday 2016 & two

services begin

COMMUNITYPROJECT2015@HOWICKINTERMEDIATE