Local ministry activity
Bethlehem Baptist is committed to serving the community in which we live. To be a Christian is to have a proactive concern for and participation in the well-being of our society. We view the good news of Jesus Christ as an expression of practical love for others, not just a spiritual or intellectual philosophy. These are some of the initiatives members of our church are developing and participating in which involve people in our neighbourhood.
GRIEFSHARE
It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you've lost a spouse, child, family member of friend, you've probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.
That's the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.
Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion. A GriefShare workbook assists you with note taking, journaling and grief study. The videos feature top experts on grief recovery, dramatic reenactments about living with grief and real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.
During the small group discussion time, you'll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and share your own. GriefShare is a nondemoninational group and features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Please join us for the next GriefShare session.
For more information please call the office at Bethlehem Baptist on 576 2344.
Or find out more on www.griefshare.org.nz
Hauora
For 18 months a team of all sorts of tradesmen came together to volunteer their time and services to the local Ngati Kahu Hauora to build a respite centre for the community. It finally opened on 13th September 2008.
Mission Aviation Fellowship - Frank and Ruth Carter
In 1959 Frank purchased a DOT (Devoid of Trouble) Scrambler motorcycle. This 1955 Scrambler model was shipped to Papua New Guinea where Frank, his wife Ruth and their 18-month-old Judith were heading for missionary service. They relied on this motorcycle for more than seven years. After many adventures on the bike Frank and Ruth returned to NZ in 1968 and sold the old faithful to a mission. 38 years later in 2004 Frank Carter was retired and living in Auckland. He had a keen desire to find another motorcycle a DOT 1955 Scrambler ofcourse. People told him you'll never find another one of them, only 6 ever came to NZ. Frank wouldn't give up, then after numerous calls and leads he tracked down a DOT owner in Titirangi. It was his old 1955 DOT Scambler! Frank was hit with a wave of emotions and images, and so the great ride from Cape Reinga to Invercargil was born to fundraise for MAF. The ride begins on Thursday 12th to end up in Invercargill on Thursday 26th. For more information please hit on Franks blog http://ridetofly.blogspot.com
Volunteers from our church regularly assist Prison Fellowship with their activities. For more information click here to go to their website.
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Angel Tree
Each Christmas there is oportunity to provide presents for the children of inmates.
Easter Journey,
Put on at our Church is a powerful multi-sensory walk-through display depicting the Easter story. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of Easter and each year thousands of people are hugely impacted by the presentation.
Hospital Chaplaincy (Tauranga)
Bethlehem Baptist, along with many other churches in the Tauranga area financially supports the Hospital Chaplaincy ministry in the Tauranga Hospital.
Ministry to local kids
There are many ministries that are geared towards the kids of our community. These take place both in our church and in the local schools.
To find out more about those programmes that go on in our church - Click here. To find out more about those programmes that go on in our local schools -
Omokoroa Peninsula Baptist Church
This is a church that was planted from Bethlehem Baptist. To find out more - click here to go to their website.
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School Lunches
Supporting families in our local comunity by providing children with breakfast & lunches (consisting of One Square Meal bar & a milk drink) in 23 schools. To support this ministry clothing is collected at the church then sold in an up market new & used clothing sale which is held once a term.
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