Christianity Explored Christianity Explored is a short course, which investigates the claims of Jesus from Mark’s account of his life. A great introduction to Christianity, or a fresh reminder of the gospel. No prior knowledge is assumed. Is this something you or a friend who would be interested in? If English is your (your friend’s) second language, there’s support available.

Starting: Thursday Sept 22nd, 6.30pm
Runs over six Thursday nights
Please RSVP and/or direct questions to Agnetha Korevaar

Good News Week is a chance to engage with the best news ever told.

This year we’ve invited Ian Powell to speak at a range of events at Campus Church.

Details here

We’re looking forward to sharing the weekend of 13-15th May together.

For all the details, and to register, click here

As many of you will be aware, we held a modified service the Sunday following the earthquake. This meant we took a break from the teaching series in Luke’s gospel. But we’re back into it! See below for the updated plan, and be reading ahead in your Bible if you can.

Shifting gears

There will be something of a shift in the coming days as we move from urgent tasks to thinking about the longer term.  With this shift is the recognition of the need to rest ourselves for the times ahead.  Fatigue will be an issue and it is important that we rest ourselves as well as recognise the signs of fatigue around us.  Be generous to others around as we all respond differently!

As well as fatigue, we need to help people around process some of the events of the last week.  It is important we create space for people to share what they experienced with others.  Some of our members were right in the centre of the events last week and have seen awful things.  Please pray for one another in this.  You may also consider creating extra space at the dinner table each night to show hospitality to others who would appreciate that at this time.

We also need to be people who have a hope that is not controlled by the events of the coming months.  We need to be people who can live for others now, because of a confidence we have of what is to come.  Our possessions may be damaged or destroyed, but that is not the final word for us.

Then I saw  a new heaven and a new earth, for  the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  2 And I saw  the holy city,  new Jerusalem,  coming down out of heaven from God,  prepared  as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold,  the dwelling place  of God is with man. He will  dwell with them, and they will be his people,  and God himself will be with them as their God.   4  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and  death shall be no more,  neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)

Yours In His Service,

Nick Duke

The scale of the destruction is only beginning to emerge, but already it is enormous.  Building damage is immense, but the human toll is unprecedented.  Please pray for the city over the coming days and for how we can show care for our neighbours in the weeks and months ahead.  I was reminded of Romans 12 today –

“Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  10 Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honour.  11 Do not be slothful in zeal,  be fervent in spirit,   serve the Lord.  12 Rejoice in hope,  be patient in tribulation,  be constant in prayer.  13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and  seek to show hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13

Here’s an update on where things are at:

We have been in contact with nearly all of our regulars and we’re confident they are all accounted for.  We are in prayer for families we know who are unable to contact loved ones still missing.

Most regulars are fine and houses are ok but are getting used to not having flushing toilets or clean water from their taps.  Do remember to boil water for a full 3 minutes before use.  Be very aware of hygiene with outdoor toilets – dig deep holes if using open latrines and wash hands well with disinfectant.

If we needed any convincing that church is about the people not the buildings, then this week’s events are proof. Church buildings throughout the city have been badly damaged.  Initial inspections of the Ilam Primary Hall we meet in have not indicated any serious damage.  At this stage we are still working to meet on Sunday night, although that will be under review in the coming days.  You will have seen the damage to the cathedral.  We are aware of damage to the buildings at St Saviour’s, Sydenham – this has not yet been assessed but there appears to be significant structural issues.  St Stephen’s Shirley is also seriously damaged, and is waiting for assessment – initial feel is that it will need to come down.  The vicarage next door is also damaged and has been vacated while waiting assessment.  Please pray for each of those churches as they work out how to care for their people and run gatherings.

If you need help in any way:

Please let us know.  A lot of students are fine and are looking for ways to help practically.

Do get in contact –

admin@campuschurch.org.nz

(03) 357 2222 (I think this was typed incorrectly yesterday)

Drop in Centres Opening

I can announce that we’re opening drop-in centres at two Campus Church homes.  A lot of people would be helped by gathering together for encouragement, news and support.  We’re looking at organising shared meals, having a place to download and pray together.  It will be a good way to recover from the shock of the earthquake and a place to hear of ways that we can help others.

Both locations have access to coffee, internet, television, running water, power and phones.  The two locations are:

• The Duttons – 14 Rountree Street, Ilam
• The Palace – 237 Waimairi Road, Ilam

Come around if you are able!

Ways to offer help:

Bottled Water – it seems that water quality issues will be significant in the coming days.  The council has done a great job of deploying water tankers to locations throughout the city.  However, people might appreciate bottled water being made available to them, especially those who find it hard to get out.  We’re looking to collect boiled water for distribution in the eastern side of the city as need arises.  If you can provide sealed containers filled with boiled water we will collect them at drop in centres above or at the unlocked garage at the church office at 193 Waimairi Road.

Accommodation offers – if your flat or house can provide temporary accommodation then email earthquakehelp@msd.govt.nz with details.  They will be looking for location, contact details, number of people you can host and the duration it is available.  If you would prefer you can go directly to the Burnside welfare centre and register there (Aurora Centre, cnr Greers and Memorial Avenue).

Baking is not required at the welfare centres, charities are looking for cash donations at this time.

Student Volunteer Army is out today at Ferrymead, having been bussed to location from UCSA at 9am.  Keep an eye on their Facebook page (see below).

Staying informed

Official sources of information:

http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/ – the council / Environment Canterbury

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ – the uni will update regularly

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

Facebook groups:

The Campus Church facebook group will have information in coming days on how to best help out.

The Student Volunteer Army, organised by Sam Johnson for UC students will be up and running in the coming days to get involved.  A great way of responding quickly and practically to need.

Twitter:

campus_church   will be useful to follow for Campus Church specific updates.

#eqnz is the tag most people will be using.

Growth Groups

We’re committed as a church to growing Christians.  We believe that growth happens best in communities that make time to hear God’s Word.  Our small groups are commencing this week and we’d love everyone to be part of a group.  Groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights and many share a meal together every week.  Please RSVP on your contact card at church or get in touch with the church office so we can be in contact.

Tuesday groups from 6:30pm @ 193 Waimairi Road

Thursday groups from 6:15pm @ 3 Rountree Street

Term 1 Series

Radical Discipleship: On The Road With Jesus

20 Feb 2011                   Luke 9:51-62                   Radical allegiance
27 Feb 2011                    Luke 10:1-24                    Radical mission
6 Mar 2011                    Luke 10:25-28                   Radical demands
13 Mar 2011                    Luke 10:29-37                    The disciple as a neighbour
20 Mar 2011                    Luke 10:38-42                    The disciple as a listener
27 Mar 2011                    Luke 11:1-13                    The disciple as a child
3 Apr 2011                    Luke 11:14-36                    A clash of kingdoms

Where are we heading this year?

What opportunities has God given us as a church?

How can I pray for and partner with other Campus Church’ers this year?

These are the kinds of question we’ll be addressing at our launch night. Nick Duke has recently returned from sabbatical in Australia and the UK and will include some reflections on how church planting and student work in those contexts can influence our planning for the coming years.

We’d like to make it a time to formally introduce and pray for team leaders, Bible study leaders, missionary partners and the staff team for 2011.

While this may be short notice for some of you, and some of you may still be out of Christchurch at the time, we would love it if everyone could make a real effort to be there!

Campus Church will have it’s last service for 2010 on Sunday 12th December.

The next service will be held on Sunday 2nd January 2011.

All urgent inquiries can be made to the office.

– May God be glorified as we celebrate the birth of Christ! –