Welcome to 2012!

A New Year has dawned and with it the opportunity to look back into 2011 with gratitude at all God has done and look forward into 2012 with anticipation at what God can and will do.  2011 was an amazing year full of ‘only God’ moments in the life of our community.  Will you pray with me that we will experience many more through 2012, all for God’s glory?

The Land Between

This week at our Robina morning services (8.30am and 10.15am) I will be kicking off a new series based on Jeff Manion’s book, The Land Between.  Life is full of transitions, often difficult ones.  Transitions can be unsettling and disorientating as we leave behind the certainty of the past and embrace the uncertainty of the future.  In the story of Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt we will explore lessons and resources we can draw from during these ‘in between’ times.

Conquering Conformity

At 12two (6pm) we will begin a new series called Conquering Conformity.  For a couple of months we will dive into the amazing life story of Moses – one of the great patriarchs of our faith.  His story will inspire, challenge and encourage us

Pac Pines Launches Into 2012

Last week we celebrated combined worship between our Robina and Pacific Pines communities.  This week Pac Pines will hold their first worship celebration for 2012 (9.30am), with Orrell preaching.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations

What amazing Christmas and New Year worship celebrations we held over the last couple of weeks.  Thank you to ALL of you who volunteered to make sure the hope of the Christmas story was held by almost 2000 people on Christmas Eve and Day.  You can listen to my Christmas Day and Melissa’s New Year’s Day messages here: www.stucameron.typepad.com/

Funstuff Holiday Club

We will be holding our hugely popular Funstuff Holiday program again these summer holidays.  Funstuff will happen at Robina on Wednesday January 18.  A special program for children aged from kindergarten to grade 2 will run from 10am to 12noon.  Another program for grade 3 to grade 7 children will run from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.  The cost is $10 per child.  You can ring the office to register (5578 9322) or contact Viv for more information at viv.batt@newlife.unitingchurch.org.au.

Op Shop Makeover

Through December and early January our Op Shop has been experiencing a radical makeover.  Under the leadership of our new Op Shop manager, Sande Bamford, and with the capable workmanship of Tony and Caryn Ward and Earl Reeves and others, the Op shop has been given a much needed complete internal refit.  It looks fantastic!  The Op Shop re-opens for business this Monday, January 9. 

Now we need your help.  We have an urgent need for more volunteers to staff the Op Shop through the week through four hour morning or afternoon shifts.  We currently have about half the number of volunteers we require.  For many people the Op Shop is their first and perhaps only experience of Newlife and so we need keen and friendly people who can serve Op Shop customers as part of the vital ministry of our church.  If you would like to volunteer, or find out more, please contact Sande through the Newlife Care Office on 5593 3262.

Summer School – New Dates

Summer School with Lew and Betty Born that was scheduled for January has been postponed until February, commencing on Saturday February 4, to allow for more people to participate.  Please be watching the newsletter this week and E-News in coming weeks for more details.

Prayer Point

Every week we want to provide you with some prayer points to help guide you as we partner together in bringing our thanks, praise, adoration and requests to God.

• We thank God for the opportunity we have had to present the gospel through our Christmas celebrations.  We pray that the seeds that have planted will bear fruit in season.
• We thank God for the many answered prayers that have enabled the Isle of Capri Learning Centre to open on time and with a full staff team.  We pray for Renay, Barry and Con as they continue to lead through this time of transition.
• We pray for the Thailand Mission Team led by Melissa.  We pray for their safety, the effectiveness of their service and for many opportunities to grow and develop their faith.
• We pray for our Pacific Pines community as they hold their first celebration for 2012.  We pray that this year will be one of growth!