Although CFF(NZ) is into its 27^th year, we have had online CFF membership for just four months and the membership is steadily growing.  We trust you are making the most of the opportunity to widen your circle of Christian friends.

GROUP NEWS

If you would like to meet up with others in your region - either at a social group event or to attend a special function, let us know and we will try to help with this - sometimes it is just a simple matter of meeting over a coffee or going for a walk.  We have found that those who benefit the most from CFF(NZ) are those who get involved in some way.  Members are encouraged to be proactive. 

Let us know what may be happening in your area that may be of interest to other single Christians and we can let others know.  We are very keen to network in this way.

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch members have still been meeting this year.  There have been a number of walks with cafe visits.  A group met for lunch and a stroll through the Botanic gardens.  Meeting up with others in a small group situation is a great way to widen your network of single Christian friends.

In June there was a walk to the birdhide and around Lake Ellesmere Reserve, followed by a visit to a cafe in Leeston.

COMING UP:

Sat July 24^th  a DVD and Dessert evening

Sat Aug 28^th  A walk around the new Pegasus township followed by a cafe visit.

September - a pot luck meal.

It is good news that after a break of a year we now have a group co-ordinator for the Canterbury region. 

EMAIL

“Nice new site.  Well done!” 

“I am currently enjoying a friendship with someone from CFF, so will not renew my membership.   Many Thanks!”

“We got engaged a week ago.  You’ve been central to our getting together!  Thanks for all of your love and support.”

Thank You

“Thank you very much for the service you have faithfully provided for me and others for many years.  It has been a great help to me.  I have made friends, I have developed and maintained my confidence in meeting and getting to know new people and had many enjoyable events to look forward to and to remember.
(re online site):  I hope you’re not introducing age restrictions as I found that having different aged people helped create an atmosphere that took off the tension from social interactions and made for a more relaxed social atmosphere, as well as opening up the opportunities for more people.  Having said that I have always been impressed with the balanced and wise attitude that you have brought to this ministry.  I’m very grateful and will be interested in seeing the direction CFF will go in the future. (former CFF member)

SUGGESTIONS FOR MEETING ONLINE

If you have not updated your profile please do so.  Add your interests/hobbies, personality (e.g. warm, caring, tend to be shy, good listener, good friend etc), what you are looking for in a new friend and what region you are keen to have friends from.

Keep it simple. It is really an offer of friendship. It is not wise to spill your heart on a first contact.  Do remember that what you put into your CFF friendships is what you will get out

Be cautious in all your initial dealings with other members

All information is accepted in good faith as being true, but it is not possible to guarantee personal integrity.  So step cautiously, always ensuring that your prospective friends are all they claim to be.  Make sure too that you are worthy of their friendship.  Balance trust with discretion until gradually you come to know one another really well.

1. In the event of any undesirable behaviour please report to us immediately.  Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  If you feel uncomfortable with approaches from another member or wish to make a complaint (or accolade) please email us and supply us with as much information as you can about the incident.
   If you have any problem with any aspect of CFF please let us know - not everyone else!   Please be specific if you have any complaints.

Do not be discouraged if your hopes are unfulfilled.
Persevere and reach out in another direction. Be realistic in your expectations.  Be prepared to be a friend to someone. (We were members for some time before we even made contact).  Be patient, keep contacting members and pray that God’s will may be done in your life.  Perseverance often pays off in the end.

If you do not want further contact, we would suggest that you just let the other person know e.g. “Thanks for your interest, but I prefer no further contact.  Hope you meet some good friends through CFF.  God bless” etc

1. Take your time. Give yourself all the chance you need to become acquainted as you connect online.  Each and every situation is different.  Make your own judgements of any situation and follow your gut instincts.  Always use common sense.  If you err, let it be on the side of caution.
2. Do engage in telephone conversations.  Verbal communication in these situations can unwittingly reveal quite a bit about a person.
3. Meet only if you are satisfied with the feelings you get from this person.  This meeting should always be on neutral ground and in a public place, preferably somewhere you have agreed to meet.. 

FRIENDSHIP is the cornerstone of CFF(NZ)

QUALITIES OF A FRIEND

Keeps confidences;  Is loyal;  Is warm and affectionate;

Is supportive;  Is frank and honest; Has a sense of humour

We need People.  We need Friendship.

We need to discover that happiness invariably involves other people

….BUT TO HAVE A FRIEND, YOU NEED TO BE A FRIEND.

HOW TO BE A FRIEND

Don’t walk in front of me,  I may not follow.

Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.

Walk beside me and just be my friend.  (Albert Camus)

SNIPPETS

from recommended book ‘Fit To Be Tied’ by Bill and Lynne Hybels  (Pub. Zondervan)

The Hybels write of the myth “that too many men and women believe that marriage is the cure-all for human loneliness.”

“God offers His joy, peace and satisfaction to anyone - married or unmarried - who has a relationship with Him.  Plumb the depths of your relationship with Him before you plunge into a human relationship from a position of fullness rather than emptiness, from a state of satisfaction rather than desperation.

Marriage does not produce life or character changes.  Such changes are produced by the inner work of the Holy Spirit, which is not dependent on one’s marital status.”

If you have read any good books lately that you would like to recommend to other CFF members, do let us know.

“What Happens If Prince Charming (or Miss Right) never shows up?”

Teresa Batey Carlson, (USA Christian Single mag.)

· Plan your life as though you will always be single.

· Trust that God has a plan for your life.

· Refuse to lower your standards and do lead a sensible and cautious life-style.

· Pray God will help you with your singleness.

· Pray, also that if God does have a spouse planned for your future, He will keep that person in a close, growing relationship with Him, preparing you both for a marriage relationship.

· Spend time with and show a genuine interest in all types of people - not just other single adults.

· Stay busy/active.  Make an effort to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

· Get a pet, if loneliness threatens to overwhelm you.

· Keep your sense of humour.........”

CFF(NZ) membership

We have a number of paid members who are not online but get printed lists of off line members.  If you would like to be included in the printed lists to allow them to be in touch with you and for you to see their profile, please contact us.

“Take care of yourself this winter, cherish its beauty, wait patiently for its passing and wrap yourself in God’s bountiful love for you.  Spring is most certainly on its way.” (copied)

'Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to move your Feet'

Please remember that we are available to reply to any suggestions, queries or concerns by phone or email.

Go well and God bless you.

Norma and David

CFF(NZ) Co-ordinators