We trust that you are enjoying spring and are reaching out in friendship to others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

This month is the 28^thbirthday of CFF in New Zealand and  the 22^nd year that we have been co-ordinating CFF(NZ).  We met through CFF after being members for several months.  Over 1000 couples have met and married through CFF over those years and many more have formed long term friendships.

CFF CONNECTIONS

We are keen to hear from CFF members who are willing to be involved – just a little – at a one-off event.  People are needed in all areas who are willing to be the meeting point at a public place for others to meet up for drinks and nibbles. Your efforts would be appreciated.  Nothing more is required than for you to be there on the day.  We encourage this non threatening way to meet with other Christian singles in your region in a small group situation.

It is natural to feel shy and uncertain at first about becoming involved, however we do encourage you to give it a go.  You are sure to receive some positive encouragement for your efforts.

Auckland

In early August a  group went to a 'Cheap Tuesday Movie' and met up again afterwards for a drink at a cafe.  There was an interest from some members to meet up again.

As from November we are thankful that we now have a new member who is organising monthly social events for CFF members.

Coming up:

Sunday 13 November - Mission Bay Pot luck picnic.

December - Auckland Botanic Gardens Sculpture walk followed by a meal at McDonalds.

January - Auckland Zoo.  Children welcome.

February - Fish n chips at Eastern Beach.

March - Mini golf at Albany.

Wellington

Last month Wellington (and nearby region) members were invited to join others for coffee and a walk along Oriental Parade. Another cafe and walk get together is planned for 12 November.

Christchurch

Canterbury members joined with Norma and David for a Sunday lunch and brief walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens last month.

SUBSCRIPTIONS OVERDUE

Special thanks to the members who have paid their subscriptions.  A number are now very overdue.  It is impossible to operate a satisfactory service without financial input from the members, who are hoping to benefit from the service.  It is noted that those who put more into their membership in actively seeking friends are those who have paid to do so.  CFF(NZ) continues to incur ongoing operational costs.  Several hundred non- paying members have been removed from the site and hence lost the opportunity to connect with others. Your support allows us to continue to provide a service, for now.  

It is possible to pay by cheque, Paypal or direct debit.

EMAIL

“I am enjoying the site very much and making good connections, thank you”

“Some good church friends established their relationship through CFF.  It encouraged me to join this site.  I'm really hoping I can meet new friends who share my faith and interests.”

“What’s (with) so many (profiles) without  photos? ........ without photos and with the lack of detail it makes everyone........ seem the same.”

“I probably need to take more initiative and contact people rather than waiting for them to contact me first.”

SCAMMER CAUTION

We continue to encourage members to be wise in their contact with other members.  Always, always err on the side of caution.

FAQ

When is the next (or when is there going to be a) group function in my city, town or region?  Up to you folks!!

Please note we are two people working many hours a week without income from CFF.  Until we have the resources, which comes from paid membership only, we are not able to organise functions (whether local group meetings or long weekends).

We are very willing to do this for the benefit of others, however the support of current members is needed before this can begin.

In June 2006 we cancelled a CFF weekend requesting that  “others take some responsibility for such weekend happenings.  It can be done either as part of CFF(NZ) or independently.  Do please think and pray about it……..”  That still applies five years later!

 If you have any queries or ideas on how we can grow as a Christian friendship group, do contact us.

THE WORD FOR TODAY

Published by Rhema Broadcasting Group.

'Live, as God Intended' Written by Bob and Debby Gass (Thursday 20 October 2011)

The Bible says, 'His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness... For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities...they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive...' (2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV).

Here are ten Scriptural principles to help live as God intended:
(1) Guard your tongue. Always say less than you think and others will respect you.
(2) Make promises sparingly, keep them faithfully, and people will trust you.
(3) Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind word, and some day you will look back with joy and not regret.
(4) Be genuinely interested in others; show it by listening attentively and expressing your appreciation.
(5) Be cheerful. Don't dwell on your aches and pains; everybody has trouble.  There are people in the nearest hospital who would gladly swap places with you.
(6) Keep an open mind and try to get all the facts.  Discuss, but don't argue.  Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.  Give other people the benefit of the doubt.
(7) Discourage gossip; it's destructive.
(8) Be sensitive to the feelings of others. If you do, people will consider you to be wise.
(9) Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you.  Live so that nobody will believe them.
(10) Don't worry about getting the credit, just keep giving your best and be patient.  God records and God rewards!

(A free copy of The Word for Today devotional may be obtained from RBG NZ)

How is CFF(NZ) working for you?

A number of members place their profile with very minimal (or no) information and then do nothing.  Probably that is exactly what you will get in return.  Nothing!

How to make CFF(NZ) work for you!

CFF(NZ) first and foremost is a friendship group, think about how you need to go about making friends.

It is not possible to form close friendships with others without spending time together so we encourage you to be proactive in contacting others and meeting up.

Be open to meeting people outside your town or city and consider contacting friends of the same gender with similar interests to you. 

Hints on editing your profile

Tell about yourself - likes/dislikes, areas of interest.  Expectations.  What you are seeking in a friend and what you are offering.  More is better.  No detail or nothing at all generally produces the same.  If you are not interested in sharing anything, people generally are not willing to share with you either.

If possible include a recent photo.  No need to bare your soul, however it is important to be honest.  If you want help with editing your profile, please do contact us.

From the Archives

Snippets from a previous CFF(NZ) camp speaker - Gloria Mitchell

Her three “A” tips for living the single life

Adapt (set new goals and interests)

Appreciate (what you learn and who you meet)

Accept (new opportunities/challenges).

Her other tips were: to meet others by getting out there, resist inward-looking, try and do something to help others, draw on Bible verses (Proverbs 3: 5-6, Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:4), improve appearance and do a check on character weaknesses.  She encouraged those who had lost an intimate relationship to not only lean on God, but to find a trustworthy friend of the same sex.

“Above all else, trust in the slow work of God”  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. 1881-1955  (Jesuit priest and philosopher)

God bless you,

Norma & David Laing

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NB:  We no longer have a PO Box number, so if you would like to contact us please email us.