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Harry Stevenson
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2 ---- Pastor s Comment --- Kia Ora Church This is not just another season; this is THE season; a time of increase and enlargement for ALC. Pastor Alex Larsen went onto say (13 th November) When we know the season, AND know the purpose of the season we are in, we see from heaven s perspective. This in turn releases grace to step out and do God inspired things that seem impossible to us. With our recent Bible Survey Graduation, and the prophetic words spoken over the graduates, we are reminded that, looking back we all have a life story, and looking forward a future we are walking into. This is THE season to expect and step though God-given doors of opportunity! Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2 Work on Is54 the Centre is continuing, with the strapping and framing of walls and painting. The tiles for the front steps have been ordered. A big thankyou to ones who have volunteered their time to help over the past month. If you have any time through December-January, to help with cleaning, painting please ring David Chapman to check out what needs doing. (mobile ) The Christmas season is a wonderful time of celebrating God s gift to the world. His love expressed to us through the birth of His Son Jesus. It is a time when many get together with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy our beautiful Tauranga weather. Take every opportunity to share this good news with others. For many it is a time of tremendous blessing, but for some it can be a very lonely time. Let us be aware of ones around us living on their own, those who are sick, neighbours, friends, church family members We have been blessed to share the blessing of Christmas with all we meet as Jesus with skin on! This year with Christmas Day on a Sunday, there will be no service at ALC that day, enabling us all to spend the time with family or friends. If you want to attend a Christmas service check out the local papers. May each and every one of you have a safe, relaxed December January, enjoying our wonderful NZ summer. Keep in touch with your Life Group and others, alert to Holy Spirit inspired opportunities, being quick to testify to the goodness of our God. Arohanui Lorraine

3 A special welcome to our visitors today! We trust that you feel at home with us as we worship God together. It is a pleasure to have you join with us! Today 9:00am Prayer Meeting 10:00am MIKE CULLEN 10:45am Kidz Rock 2:00pm MegaLife This Week Tuesday mainly music Thursday 1 Dec SAYGo Meetings in December 4 th Femi Oni MegaLife 11 th Janne Cullen Children s Presentation Love our neighbours (With Christmas mince pies) MegaLife 18 th Tim Jensen MegaLife 25 th NO SERVICE No MegaLife Coming Up 1 st Dec Thursday weekly SAYGo 2:00pm A falls prevention exercise programme for men & women aged th Dec Monday Trustees MTeam EOY 6:30pm 6 th Dec Tuesday weekly mainly music 10:00am For 6months to 5 years 8 th Dec Thursday 65+ Club 10:00am For those 65 years & over. A morning of board games, cuppas, entertainment & a light lunch. No charges, local transport available, phone ALC office or Sue for more info. Thursday Creative Ministries EOY 6:30pm 9 th Dec Friday Facilitators EOY 6:30pm 16 th Dec Friday Melrose 5:45pm 17 th Dec Saturday Youth EOY Movie 18 th Dec Sunday LOTO 1:00pm Ladies On Their Own Eveline s 22 nd Dec Thursday Office Closes for Holidays 25 th Dec Sunday Christmas NO SERVICE 1 st Jan Sunday New Year Service 10:00am No MegaLife 15 th Jan Sunday Church Picnic 3:30pm

MISSIONS GIVING Received Outgoings Marine Reach - Hosking $00 $500 YWAM - Cole $00 $500 Africa Joshua Foundation $1450 $1450 Peru Arevalo $20 $500 Dec Nasik - Sunil $20 $500 Dec Philippines - Hands

Please specify mission on the tithe envelope or reference for online banking (mission and tithe number - e.g. Nasik 1206 ) Account: Abundant Life Church 06 0491 0011061 02 Please pay mission IOU s into the 02 account.

Dec Rangi Gear & Andrew Gear 18 Dec Margaret Cowey-Rodger & Lorraine Donald 25 Dec No Service ROSTERS KIDZ ROCK 4 Dec JOHN Sam & Megan As a church we believe wholeheartedly in the biblical principle

4 MISSIONS GIVING Received Outgoings Marine Reach - Hosking $00 $500 YWAM - Cole $00 $500 Africa Joshua Foundation $1450 $1450 Peru Arevalo $20 $500 Dec Nasik - Sunil $20 $500 Dec Philippines - Hands of Hope $10 $500 Dec We encourage targeted financial giving for these missions. Presently, most missions support is sent from our general giving. Please specify mission on the tithe envelope or reference for online banking (mission and tithe number - e.g. Nasik 1206 ) Account: Abundant Life Church Please pay mission IOU s into the 02 account. Give generously Sow into the Kingdom Reap a Harvest FACILITATORS 4 Dec Ross & Niki Nicol 11 Dec Ian & Julie Kelly 18 Dec Terry & Karen Wills 25 Dec No Service KITCHEN 4 Dec Robert & Roberta Watson 11 Dec Rangi Gear & Andrew Gear 18 Dec Margaret Cowey-Rodger & Lorraine Donald 25 Dec No Service ROSTERS KIDZ ROCK 4 Dec JOHN Sam & Megan As a church we believe wholeheartedly in the biblical principle of tithing. We have a box for Tithes and Offerings situated on the wall by the crèche room. Remember to write your tithe number on the envelope provided. Tithe and AP forms are also available. Our bank details: Tauranga Abundant Life Church Tithes, course fees etc Missions, mission IOU s IS54 Building Fund IS54 giving for November $ Dec Everyone Children s Presentation 18 Dec Everyone Christmas Party 25 Dec No Service KORU Rowie Wilson

Social Concern Robert W: What an interesting year worldwide. Big changes for UK about to exit the EU. USA has chosen a President who seems quite different from what we ve seen in the past.

Choose carefully and prayerfully. Heard it said recently that the voter is the most powerful person in politics.

Some 2016 World events will be remembered with great joy while others will remind us that we live in an environment that is constantly changing.

The UK voting to exit the European Union was probably the more notable to us. Donald Trump has been elected the new President of USA, to the delight of some and to the horror of others.

5 Social Concern Robert W: What an interesting year worldwide. Big changes for UK about to exit the EU. USA has chosen a President who seems quite different from what we ve seen in the past. We wait with interest to see what changes that will happen there, and here. God is not surprised by any of this, and can turn it for good for all of us. Our own elections are next year. Choose carefully and prayerfully. Heard it said recently that the voter is the most powerful person in politics. Arohanui Barbie: The end of 2016 is upon us and it is a good time to reflect on some issues that made world headlines. Some 2016 World events will be remembered with great joy while others will remind us that we live in an environment that is constantly changing. We have seen an increase in crimes against humanity where because of war and unrest innocent lives have been tragically lost. World Governments have had their moments. The UK voting to exit the European Union was probably the more notable to us. Donald Trump has been elected the new President of USA, to the delight of some and to the horror of others. He will have much to learn in his new job. Remember that God is the Highest authority in any land. America needs to declare again their trust in God. To Him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb be honour and power and glory for ever and ever. Here in NZ we experienced political battles over issues such as roading and housing shortages, and saw an increase in violent murders. A 7.8 earthquake caused major damage in Kaikoura and Wellington with the shake also felt here. The damage is huge and like Christchurch it will take years and billions of dollars to put right the damage. The All Blacks lost to Ireland ending their 18-straight winning streak. Well it doesn t hurt to lose once! Thanks to Robert and Ian for your wonderful thought provoking contributions through the year. Your comments have informed and blessed us all. We trust your Christmas season will be a time of reflection and gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy your break, have fun. Barbie A big THANK YOU to all who have served on the Kitchen & Office Cleaning rosters over the last year, you have done a wonderful job. As you have blessed the church family, may the Lord bless you and your families especially over this Christmas / New Year season. May He reveal His greatness to you in new ways and refresh you for the coming year.

If you have any urgent concerns while the office is closed contact your Life Group leader. If they are unavailable Lorraine maybe able to help.

6 A big thank-you to our Life Group Leaders & Pastoral Care Team for 2016! Please continue to pray for and show appreciation to this dedicated team who devote many hours to serving us. If you have any urgent concerns while the office is closed contact your Life Group leader. If they are unavailable Lorraine maybe able to help. May God bless you abundantly and keep you and your family safe over the next two months when many of you will have holidays. Enjoy the summer! Lorraine Tim & Sue PRAYER MEETINGS Morning Prayer 6:30am - 7:30am Intercessors 10am - 12noon These Prayer Meetings will continue through until 21 st December 2016 and restart on 17 th January 2017

7 Bible Discipleship Training Course Starts: Tuesday 31 st January :30 pm At ALC youth centre Brochures and registration forms available from ALC office or by church notice board

@ Rotary Park Maungatapu Sunday 15th Jan 4:00 pm Sausages,

Fun Game suggestions: Ring toss, Pass the water, Three

8 @ Rotary Park Maungatapu Sunday 15th Jan 4:00 pm Sausages, bread & sauce supplied B.Y.O. Sunscreen, hat, chairs/blanket, salad, dessert, cutlery, plates ect. Fun Game suggestions: Ring toss, Pass the water, Three legged races, Kangaroo hop, Tug of War, Water balloon wooden spoon races What can you come up with? Come have some fun and fellowship in the sun!

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---- Pastor s Comment --- Kia Ora Church Last Sunday Colleen Doyle warned us: The enemy has a plan to take you out. Disappointments will come, but we choose whether they make us bitter or better. When