From the Heart October

A WARM WELCOMING LIGHT
As I write this newsletter I’m looking out of my window at another exceptional spring day. Yesterday the temperature hit a balmy 25 degrees. As I walked round the neighbourhood I saw lots of people opening up their houses to the elements letting the warm air and sunshine do its stuff of warming and drying. I saw mats and carpets and mattresses out on decks benefiting from the penetrating rays of sunshine. It made me think of the way sunlight disinfects and the way that bringing things out into the light is usually the best way to get to the truth, to disinfect and to bring healing.

With the exception perhaps of mushrooms, not much healthy grows in the dark. Black mould grows behind the dresser in the damp unventilated bedroom and its deadly spores contaminate the air bringing on asthma and respiratory complaints. In a similar way even more potent disease festers away in the dark, resentment, lies, abuse, shame and guilt (to name a few). Jesus has been called the light of the world for a good reason. It is a wonderful thing to walk out of one’s own personal darkness into the warm brilliant light of God and discover that the light which exposes is also the light which cleanses, heals and makes whole.

At NEV Baptist we are not perfect but we have experienced a perfect love; a warm welcoming light. On these glorious spring days I’m reminded again of God’s great goodness in shining the light of love upon us.


Decision 08: Meet the Candidates

What issues are really important to you and your family? Which political party has the best policies and people to give a lead to our country, especially in light of the many international crises that are affecting us? We are faced with an historic international financial crisis, a potentially catastrophic environmental crisis, a crisis in terms of energy and the ever present threat of international conflict over natural resources and religious difference. Who leads our country does make a difference and your vote counts. Come along and meet the candidates, be informed and vote for your future. The Forum will be held on Saturday 18th October, 7pm at NEV Baptist Church. There will be the opportunity to ask candidates questions. Refreshments provided - no charge.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING CLASSES IN NORTH EAST VALLEY
This interactive eight-week course will assist you to
1. Learn and share practical tips that make a difference and can save you money
2. Meet others in your community who are interested in living more sustainably
3. Gain support for introducing lifestyle changes you want to make
Facilitated by Dr Maureen Howard,
c/o Water and Waste Services, Dunedin City Council.
NEV - Evening Course (8 Weeks)
Start Date: Tuesday 14 October
Each Tuesday: 7-9pm
NEV - Daytime Course (8 Weeks)
Start Date: Wed 15 October
Each Wednesday: 10am-noon

Venue: Both at NEV Baptist Church Hall, 270 North Road
ENROLMENT AND COSTS
All courses are free but a Koha/Donation is requested ($25-35 recommended)
Courses are restricted to a maximum of 14 people REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL
Registration or enquiries to Maureen, Phone 4739967, Email mhoward@slingshot.co.nz
The Sustainable Living Programme is brought to you locally by the Dunedin City Council

We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect
- Aldo Leopold U.S. Ecologist

Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently,
nourish the life of the world in our care:
gift of great wonder, ours to surrender,
trust for the children tomorrow will bear.

Shirley Murray NZ Hymn Writer