Inside Life Magazine

Magazineinside life

AUGUST 2012

www.thelifechurch.co.nz

PENROSE OTARASunday Service: 9:30AM

60 Rockfield RoadPenrose, Auckland

Sunday Service: 10:30AM201 Preston RoadOtara, Auckland

PASTOR’S MESSAGEStay in FaithBetween the place of promise and the performance of that promise is the journey of perseverance – to stay connected to our confidence for the answer to come! I am persuaded that we are to learn to love this journey. Our natural tendency is to resist this, to wish that we didn’t have to keep believing, to look for an easier way but all of the great adventures are when we push through and stay believing.

We receive prayer for a need and want the answer immediately so that we can stop believing, a Prophet comes and we want his ‘Word’ to us to tell us everything about our future so that we don’t have to exercise faith to hear from God ourselves and have confidence that the ‘Word’ within us will be confirmed and affirmed by any ‘Word’ that we receive.

Why is that we humans recoil away from this journey of faith? It is a mystery.

A man came to Jesus with a request that he accompany him to his house and pray for his sick child. On the way news is brought that the child has died - clearly the issue has become altogether more serious. Jesus’ words to the man are profound, “ONLY BELIEVE”! In other words ‘stay in faith’! Stay believing! Jesus knew that He could raise the child back to life but he needed the man’s faith to stay in agreement with Him.

As you look for a job, as you hope for a promotion, expect a pay increase…as you pray for a home for your family, ‘STAY IN FAITH’! Don’t let the circumstances talk you out of believing but talk to the circumstances and tell them you believe!!Let nothing be spoken to you, nothing you see with your natural eyes cause you to swerve in your resolve! Let no thought settle in your mind that God doesn’t know your plight, that He doesn’t care about your situation or that He can’t change it for the better and plan to move on your behalf! Stay in faith. I say it again, ‘STAY IN FAITH’!

Wonderful friends, know this one thing. That the best miracles, the best answers to prayer, the best testimonies are still in the future and not very far ahead. God doesn’t plan to answer more prayers in Africa or Asia or South America than He does here. Wherever faith is these will be!! STAY IN FAITH!

God Bless,

Pastors Bruce and Maude McDonald

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Greg and Kelly Hay have been church planting in Central Asia for the past few years. They have devoted their lives to church planting amongst unreached peoples and are passionate about our generation and the call to make Jesus’ last command our first priority.

Jonny and Priscilla Sanders have a heart for cross cultural ministry. They have travelled to a number of countries on outreach and church planting missions, including Thailand, Malaysia and Central Asia.

Presented by:

feature event

17th - 18th AugustThe Life Church, Penrose

The mission field in our city and in the nations awaits the transformation that love, hope and faith can bring. Join us as we explore what mission means for us in today’s world.

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST 6:45pm Registrations 7:00pm Session 1 - Mosiac of Nations9:30pm Supper

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST 9:30am Session 2 - The Biblical Mosiac10:30am Break11:00am Session 3 - Discipleship - Following Jesus12:00pm Lunch 1:00pm Session 4 - The Cultural Mosiac3:30pm Break 4:00pm Session 5 - Mosaic of Nations - The Power of Prayer and Worship5:30pm Finish

PROGRAMME

Registration forms are available at the information desk

Inside Life03WELCOME TO THE LIFE CHURCH

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 9 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 monthAs it is our annual missions month we have a special edition dedicated to highlighting the amazing work God is doing through The Life Church in both local and international mission. There are updates from our overseas missionaries and highlights from our youth who have just returned from a missions trip to Vanuatu. Also showcased are ways you can partner with us in the work of missions through The Life Church.

We also profile a range of events happening within the church so get your diary out and plan to do life together!

AFTER CHURCH

After 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.

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Otara

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LIFEGROUPSWe invite you to join a small group. We believe that your life as a Christian will be strengthened and encouraged as you join with others.

If you are new to Church or Christianity then a small group is a great way to get to know people and learn more. You don’t even have to be a Christian to go along. Groups are a relaxed time of connection and sharing of a Bible message. Many groups also share a meal and have music and singing.

HILLSBOROUGH - Young AdultsThursdays 7:30pm (fortnightly)CONTACT: Lisa Cleland (021) 421 998

MT WELLINGTON - All Ages“Love in any Language”Date and venue changes (weekly)CONTACT: May Sanchez (021) 068 0180

HILLSBOROUGH / MT ROSKILL - All AgesSundays 5:00pm (fortnightly)CONTACT: Guy and Pushpa Steward (021) 819 330

EPSOM - Ladies“Word of Mouth” First and third Tuesday of each monthCONTACT: Adair Smith (021) 770 522

Heal ing Rooms

This visitor came to the ‘The Living Room’ early one Saturday morning midway through 2011. He wanted prayer for a hernia that was affecting him and was hindering him to perform his normal duties. As some of the team prayed for him he felt God touch him, but the sensation was in a different part of his body to where the hernia was. After prayer he left and as he drove home, the Holy Spirit continued to touch his body. The move of the Holy Spirit was so powerful that he had to stop the car. The week after the prayer he kept an appointment with the doctor that had been made prior to the time of prayer. As the doctor examined him he could find no sign of the hernia. God had totally healed him from the hernia.

Tes t imony

The 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 Auditorium

CONTACT: Chris Starrenburg (021) 277 5091 or [email protected]

Working BeeOn the second Saturday of every month we hold a working bee to maintain and develop the properties of The Life Church. This is a great way to meet people and provide practical support to keep the place functioning well. All skill levels needed and lunch is provided.

CONTACT: Merv Jones (021) 711724

SATURDAY 11th –9:00am - 3:00pm P

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 [email protected]

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AlphaThe Alpha Course provides the opportunity to explore the questions of life in a non-pressurised environment. It is for new Christians, people new to the church and people interested in finding what Christianity is all about.We need people to train as Small Group Leaders and Helpers and people to help with the practical side of the course; catering, serving and cleaning up.Commitment: 1 night as per the roster (Mondays)

The Marriage CourseA seven session course set in a fantastic atmosphere. Guests are served a romantic candlelit dinner and dessert with tea and coffee at a table for two while listening to practical talks on DVD that are informative and fun. We need people to go on a roster to prepare, serve and clean up after the meal.Commitment: 1 night as per the roster (Mondays)

The Parenting CoursesFamily life is under great pressure today and parents face bewildering choices about how to parent effectively. Discovering we are not alone in the challenges we face and picking up ideas from other parents can make a huge difference. These are 5 week Parenting Courses designed for children and teenagers.We need people to go on a roster to prepare, serve and clean up after the meal.Commitment: 1 night as per the roster (Mondays)

Mainly MusicMainly music is a fun music group for parents or primary care givers to enjoy together with their young child. Throughout the morning, children develop gross and fine motor skills, language, imagination, mathematical and pre-reading skills as well as socialising with others. We need people who can relate and connect with the families and help with set up and pack down.Commitment: 1 morning per week (Fridays during school term)

Healing RoomsWe believe that Jesus Christ continues to heal people today. Healing Rooms are one of the ways he is using to see people healed. At Healing Rooms you can receive prayer, encouragement and love for physical and emotional healing. No charge and no appointment needed. If you want to be involved, enrol for the next Training CourseCommitment: Saturday mornings

Fresh PerspectiveEverybody needs a little help at some time in their lives. This is especially true for parents and caregivers raising children. Fresh Perspective is there to help with trained mentors who meet with parents to talk about managing challenging family situations, providing boundaries, feeding the family on a tight budget or connecting with others in the community. Two days of mentor training is required.Commitment: a few hours each week in daytime

Food BankWe collect food from Pak ‘n’ Save and other donors distributing it to those in need.Volunteers are needed to pick-up donated food, make up food parcels and deliver them.Commitment: Few hours per week in daytime

Servant Evangelism - City LightsWe have a desire to see God transform our communities with practical acts of love and service. We plan to join City Lights in loving neighbours and stepping outside of the confines of our churches and personal lives to touch our community with God’s heart of love for people. We need a team of people to serve the community together.Commitment: Sign up for a Saturday’s work

InternationalNew migrants and international students want to make friends with kiwis, practice their English and learn about kiwi-culture. At international, we do just that.We need people who can relate with people from different cultures and who want to broaden their minds by learning new ways of looking at life.Commitment: Every second Friday evening and the occasional Saturday

GET INVLOVEDSharing your faith is not an option for Christians, the question that needs to be answered is “how?”At The Life Church there are many ways YOU can be involved:

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Debbie Hill - Team LeaderIt feels like after spending months planning and fundraising, our trip was

over so quickly. It is not easy to put into words the life changing experience we all had. One of the team commented, we have seen the real Vanuatu, not the Vanuatu people often see from holiday resorts. We found ourselves in many different ministry and life situations as we spoke to children at the local Freshwater Primary School and some of the inmates at the corrections centre.

We were able to spend a lot of time praying for people. Ministering to the sick and injured at Port Vila hospital and believing for a move of God in the many church meetings we were privileged to be part of. On the crazy side, we experienced life as true Nevans (people of Vanuatu), touring the island of Efate in an 11 seater van with 15 people inside! One night ‘riding home’ from dinner with the leadership team of The Fathers House, all 15 of us were sitting on the side of a flat bed truck, holding on for dear life and praying for safety!

For me the most memorable part of our eleven days was watching the team grow in faith; believing for miracles and hearing clearly from God and having the courage to speak it out. The team carried God’s love to children, men and women of this awesome nation and gave of themselves even when they, at times, felt like there was nothing left to give. In watching these fabulous ladies I felt God assure me that the future of the church would be in great hands.

My prayer for all seven of us is that these experiences continue in our lives whether we find ourselves overseas or at home in New Zealand. The best is yet to come.

Vanuatu Missions Trip UpdateIn July we sent a team of 7 to Vanuatu to encourage and support the work of Pastors Obed and Rokin Sandi. The following are their thoughts and experiences.

Bronwyn ParsonsOne of the most amazing things I noticed from our trip was the level of

expectation in the team. We believed God would work through us, and at every opportunity we prayed and believed for God to show up, and show up He did. Not one of us has come back unchanged, and our journey of faith have taken a giant leap forward. I hope and believe I will go back to Vanuatu, but I am glad to be home and focus on what is next.

Danette MarisMeeting the ladies of Vanuatu was truly a blessing, getting to know

them, listening to their dreams, hopes and aspirations. Going to Freshwater school was a bit daunting at first, I wasn’t sure what to expect and didn’t really know what to do when you have a bunch of kids swarming around you. But as I sat down a few stuck around and I got a chance to get to know them. They taught me a few phrases in Bishlama and the songs they sing at school, it was a fun experience.

As we ministered in various services I got to hear members of the team share the word of God so powerfully through messages and testimonies. Debbie shared briefly about a hope for the future church in Vanuatu and I agree seeing for myself how God moved. There is a tangible hope and future for this generation.

As we prayed together, sang, and drew closer to God we experienced Him in the midst of us. I feel this was the cornerstone of my experience in Vanuatu. Lastly having the privilege to visit the hospital and prison was awesome! We were able to look past the grim outward appearances of those we met, praying and ministering to those amazing people was one of those life changing moments that touched my heart.

Betsy SubritzkyMy favourite part of our trip, I would have to say, would be the prison

visit, where we performed dramas and spoke to the inmates about God. After we had finished our items, some of the prisoners sang a worship song for us in Bishlama; they were great I really enjoyed it.

Ly TrinhI love how people in Vanuatu are so friendly and warm hearted, once you

get to know them, as their beautiful hearts are hidden behind shyness at first. My highlights were going to Freshwater school and visiting a local prison. Stuck in my memory right now are the shining eyes of those children starring at me when I was sharing my story. They are the promising next generation of passionate warriors rising up for Christ.

Regarding the visit to the prison, never have I felt such a strong presence of God’s love and forgiveness as we sang, acted dramas and prayed for the inmates. I believe God is moving in this amazing land and I cannot wait to see what God is going to do in Vanuatu. I thank God who made this life changing experience possible.

Lizzy OgleWow, Vanuatu is such an amazing country. As a Christian country, it was

so different having people so openly willing to talk about God and let you pray for them. My favourite part of the trip would be the people I met and how eager they were to get to know you. Whether visiting the low risk prison, the hospital, the primary school or the two churches (The Fathers House & Equip), there was always a hug or a smile from everyone you met and talked too. There is a saying in Vanuatu: “you don’t make friends, you make family” and that is exactly what happened for us. We have made a new family in Vanuatu. The Bible says we are one in Christ, and the people of Vanuatu enact this on such a deeper level, it is a challenge for us coming back to NZ!

Lilla DittrichIt was so exciting meeting members of The Fathers House, especially

all of the ladies. It was a privilege to fellowship with them, encouraging them and becoming part of their family. They are all so lovely, wise and passionate about God. I also enjoyed visiting the prison and being able to tell them that God still loves them.

Youth programmes run weekly. Come along for great nights of fun, connection and encouragement. Tuesdays are at Penrose and Fridays are at Otara. All nights run from 7:00-9:00pm unless otherwise listed. Check out the dates below so you know where to be and contact leaders for more information.

03 Friday

07 Tuesday10 Friday

14 Tuesday17 Friday

21 Tuesday24 Friday

31 Converge 7:00pm - 9:30pm TLC Sports Centre

Inside Life09YOUTH

Ages: 13-18 Sam & Krysta Ardern - Youth Leaders [email protected] (021) 077 6009 David & Carol de Thiery - Senior Youth Leaders [email protected] (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

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PProgramms 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 6 - 12 years

SPARKS 3 - 5 years

SUNBEAMS 6 months - 2 years

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

KIDS-R-US 5 - 12 years

PATHWAYS JOURNEYS TO MAXIMISED LIFE

The other day I was online searching for songs that talked about money. There are so many, I am sure right now one has popped into your head! As I was reading through the list of songs, I was suddenly bombarded by adverts– Bad Credit? Loan Declined? Personal Loan tapply now! “Buy now, pay later.” It can seem that everywhere we look there is the temptation to get into debt.

Statistics show that for every $1 earned in NZ, we spend $1.06; 1 in 6 people struggle with their money. However that is not what God wants for us. 3 John 2, says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

So how do we prosper? How do we change the statistics? We do this by getting serious about how we handle our money. At The Life Church we run a three week course call CAP Money.

Debbie HillPathways Director

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@ THE LIFE CHURCH

The Alpha Course is for anyone wanting to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.

PRICE: Free, includes dinnerCOURSE DATES AND TIME: Currently runningVENUE: Penrose Campus

The Marriage Course is for couples wanting to invest in their marriage. Each night of the course is conducted in a romantic ‘date night’ setting.

PRICE: Cost is $95 per couple which includes a two course meal each night of the course and all course materials.COURSE DATES AND TIME: Currently runningVENUE: Penrose Campus

You can sign up for any of our course at the Information desk, [email protected] or www.thelifechurch.co.nz

Manage your money, live your life

Learn how to get on top of your finances, draw up your own budget and learn a money management system that is easy to stick to.

“Since attending the course, my credit card has become redundant. I will be starting the new decade with no money owing on my credit cards and I could not be in a better position. I owe it all to the simple but very effective CAP Money Course”

This FREE course is running twice in August

8th - 22nd August Wednesday evenings7:00pm - 9:00pm

30th August - 13th SeptemberThursday mornings10:30am - 12:30pm

Register at the Information desk on Sunday’s or go to www.thelifechurch.co.nz/pathways/pathways-rego

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WHATS ON01 Prayer Service 7:00pm TLC Auditorium Penrose

03 Mainly Music 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

05 Sunday Services06 Marriage Course 7:00pm - 9:00pm 16th July - 13th September

Alpha Course 7:00pm - 9:00pm 16th July - 18th September

08 CAP Money 7:00pm - 9:00pm 8th - 22nd August


11 Working Bee 9:00am



15 Prayer Meeting 7:00pm TLC Offices Penrose

CAP Money 7:00pm - 9:00pm 8th - 22nd August

17-18 GO GLOBAL Friday 6:45pm - 9:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm



22 CAP Money 7:00pm - 9:00pm 8th - 22nd August


24-26 Alpha Weekend 10:00am TLC Sports Centre

25 Man Power Breakfast 7:30am TLC Sports Centre



30 CAP Money 10:30am - 12:30pm 30th August - 13th September


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Manage your money, live your life

Penrose9:30AM60 Rockfield RoadPenrose, Auckland

Otara10:30AM201 Preston RoadOtara, Auckland

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Men’s Breakfast

Saturday 25th August - 7:30amCost: Donation (suggestion $8)

Enjoy a big breakfast and have a great morning of connection and input. 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

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www.thelifechurch.co.nz

PostalPO Box 24377Royal OakAuckland 1345NZ

P: (09) 918 1699F: (09) 579 5150E: [email protected]

Penrose60 Rockfield RdPenroseAuckland 1061NZ

Otara201 Preston RoadOtaraAuckland 2023NZ

WHOSWHO

Pastors Bruce & Maude McDonaldSENIOR MINISTERS

Dan & Pam OgleELDERS

Merv & Gay JonesELDERS

Murray & Raewyn StewartELDERS

John and Lijiana DeanPASTORAL CARE OTARA

James BeaumontCELEBRATION DIRETOR

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

Inside Life Magazine

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