Friday, November 30, 2012
See you at Norfest
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
1000's of NPO's and NGO's to be impacted by BEE changes.
The real impact of the proposed changes to the BEE codes is that as an NPO, as a project of the churches outreach, we will lose vital corporate and local business support - that means that we won't be able to do the work we do. Who loses ...... the community of Etwatwa, the people who need the help the most.
And many many other NPOs, NGOs, faith based organisations, care centres, hospices, trauma centres and places of education will be in the same position.
Why cut off one of the only incentives available to the business world?
This cannot be allowed to happen!
"... Rob published on the 2nd of November about prompt
payment, you've only got 30 days to comment on this. I suppose that Rob had to
publish this now even though he's published a document that will contribute to
the genocide of millions of destitute South Africans and cause the ultimate
demise of the only hope for any form of equitable representation in our
economy."
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Send in your comments - Link to proposed BEE changes attached
Don't
forget that we have about a month in which to submit our comments to the DTI.
Comments can be sent to xzondo@thedti.gov.za
or lcmadonsela@thedti.gov.za
and they should get there before the 26th of November, 2012.
Only ourselves to blame if we do nothing.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Say No to New BEE Changes #No2Bee
The current BEE SED and ED codes have allowed us to get great support for our work both as a community centre with its core being education and personal development in a township called Etwatwa, and in developing micro-entrepreneurs.
Isn't it ironic that Rob's proposed amendments will literally undo and reverse any progress made in terms of EDUCATION, PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, CARE FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST AND ECONOMIC KNOWLEDGE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Seems Rob will do his best to destroy real education, development and business growth.
Business investment and ultimately employment creation follows risk based incentive programs - whether those be tax incentives, capital incentives, employment incentives. Companies overseas get great tax incentives for donating into charities - and so foster good socio-economic development and corporate responsibility.
But what is Rob's master plan - not incentives but PENALTIES. How can penalties foster growth and development?
Sorry Rob - you played your trump card and its a joker! Out with Rob and his team of mis-advisors! Time for Rob to say goodbye.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Join out 1st M Learning Studio - Thursday 18 October 7pm
Are you a social entrepreneur?
Are you looking to make a difference but don't know how to get involved?
Do you want to put your Faith into action?
Join us to find out more!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Sign up for this Leaders Conference at Northfield on July 9 & 10.
The Conference aims at motivating, encouraging and equipping leaders in churches, small group leaders, pastorate leaders, Christian mentors and coaches and those involved in mission to be more effective. The programme is made up of some outstanding keynote talks and eight workshops. Each delegate will be able to attend four workshops.
Venue: Northfield Methodist Church
Dates: 8- 10 July 2012
Times: Registration at 8:00am and finishing at 17:00pm
Cost: R350 pp. includes lunches and refreshments
Register here: FaceItPages.com Facebook Page
Venue: Northfield Methodist Church
Dates: 8- 10 July 2012
Times: Registration at 8:00am and finishing at 17:00pm
Cost: R350 pp. includes lunches and refreshments
Come join me at Leading From the Heart on Northfield Methodist Church
|
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Support Madiba Day at MRR - Come have fun and help Donate 94 units of Blood
Happy Birthday Madiba!
Roll up your sleeve and donate a unit of blood in
celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday
Malherbe, Rigg & Ranwell Inc. will be celebrating
Mandela day
by collecting 94 units of blood.
Bring the kids and
stroll through our craft market,
enjoy a cold beer, admire some of Goldrand
Harley-Davidson’s
magnificent machines
and enjoy some local live entertainment
– while the little ones are let loose on our jumping castle.
Place: Malherbe Rigg and Ranwell Inc.
Beyerspark Boksburg
Date: July 21, 2012
Time: 9am to 2pm
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Spare Blackberry cell phone needed
Hi everyone, a friend of mine had his blackberry stolen. He is disabled and relies on it. He is also stuff in a contract. I would really like to help him out. Has anyone perhaps upgraded and have an old blackberry that they can let go?
Please let me know.
Thanks, Allan
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
Please let me know.
Thanks, Allan
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
God@Work - Wisdom
In making wise choices we are encouraged to seek the wisdom of God.
Wisdom has to do with becoming skillful in (Ken Costa):
Wisdom has to do with becoming skillful in (Ken Costa):
- honouring our parents and raising our children
- handling our money and conducting our sexual lives
- going to work and exercising leadership
- using words well and treating friends kindly
- eating and drinking healthily
- cultivating emotions within ourselves and attitudes towards others that make for peace.
Through reading the bible regularly and meditating on God's truth , we build up reservoirs of wisdom and form a biblical world view.
Monday, May 21, 2012
God@Work - Making Tough Decisions
Try apply this biblical framework when making decisions:
The 4 step process:
1. Scripture
2. Reason
3. Conscience
4. Consequences
Test your integrity - does the decision align with your values?
The 5 steps for making WISE decisions:
1. Listen to the question
2. Make the complex simple
3. Follow the wisdom of God
4. Consider the consequences
5. Implement the strategy
The 4 step process:
1. Scripture
2. Reason
3. Conscience
4. Consequences
Test your integrity - does the decision align with your values?
The 5 steps for making WISE decisions:
1. Listen to the question
2. Make the complex simple
3. Follow the wisdom of God
4. Consider the consequences
5. Implement the strategy
Friday, May 18, 2012
God@Work - Integrity
Integrity is when your actions match your words, when you behave consistently and are the same person at work, at church and in the workplace.
How many times has your spouse or loved ones said to you "Why can't you be with me like you are with the people at work ...... Why can't you treat me like you treat your work colleagues........... You're such a nice guy at work ....."
In times like these we lack integrity in the eyes of those most important to us.
Take time to take stock of your own integrity.
Some helpful tips on how to do this:
1. Scripture: align your life, your behaviour and your thinking with God's word.
2. Reason: talk about it with someone who knows you well and who you trust. Ask them if they see inconsistencies.
3. Conscience: "that kind of silent clamour of truth ringing inside". Become aware of the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Pray about it.
4. Consequences: Think about the effects of your integrity or lack thereof on others.
By becoming aware of and aligning these four aspects you will build greater integrity.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Some quotes from the God at Work book.
God is interested in every aspect of my life.
We cannot, and were never intended by God the creator, to take exit visas from the world to escape its pressures.
Our talents, money, time and resources are all God's gift to us and should be used well.
The hand of fruitfulness needs the glove of faithfulness in order to grasp the opportunities that we are given.
Behind the suits live vulnerable people in need of affirmation and support.
Learning to love our neighbour, surely the hallmark of the Christian faith, is tested each day in the fire of the workplace.
In John 17, Jesus outlines this inherent tension, saying that his followers are in the world but not of the world. By this, he means that although we aim to operate by the values of the kingdom of God, geographically we are located in the workplaces of the world.
The willingness to criticize the world and its inspirations at every opportunity has caused an imbalance in our attitude to the world.
Jesus wanted people to understand reality.
Our first rule of engagement with the world is therefore to try understand its aspirations and desires and to embrace its goodness.
We need a biblical world view if we are to live meaningful lives in the world.
Our understanding is improved when we become involved in discussion and dialogue with those who do not share Christian assumptions of life. By understanding where they are we can begin to help shift the basis of their world view away from fruitless search for meaning, "chasing after the wind", or the deficient solutions offered by the world.
We cannot, and were never intended by God the creator, to take exit visas from the world to escape its pressures.
Our talents, money, time and resources are all God's gift to us and should be used well.
The hand of fruitfulness needs the glove of faithfulness in order to grasp the opportunities that we are given.
Behind the suits live vulnerable people in need of affirmation and support.
Learning to love our neighbour, surely the hallmark of the Christian faith, is tested each day in the fire of the workplace.
In John 17, Jesus outlines this inherent tension, saying that his followers are in the world but not of the world. By this, he means that although we aim to operate by the values of the kingdom of God, geographically we are located in the workplaces of the world.
The willingness to criticize the world and its inspirations at every opportunity has caused an imbalance in our attitude to the world.
Jesus wanted people to understand reality.
Our first rule of engagement with the world is therefore to try understand its aspirations and desires and to embrace its goodness.
We need a biblical world view if we are to live meaningful lives in the world.
Our understanding is improved when we become involved in discussion and dialogue with those who do not share Christian assumptions of life. By understanding where they are we can begin to help shift the basis of their world view away from fruitless search for meaning, "chasing after the wind", or the deficient solutions offered by the world.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Is your work-station your worship-station?
Last night we met together to start the God At Work Course. Let's say that it promises to be a challenging, revealing and fruitful journey.
Enlightening was that the Hebrew word for 'work' (avodah) is the same word for 'worship'.
So when we meet next Thursday we will share our experience of work as worship - and in particular - how did it go at our WORSHIP STATIONS.
LETS INTENTIONALLY MAKE OUR WORK-STATIONS OUR WORSHIP-STATIONS.
The challenge for this week is to ask God to help you discern what he may be saying about your purpose in your current work situation.
A reminder of our prayer for the week ahead:
Father, we thank you for the example you set for us in our own work.
Thank you that you have a purpose for EACH OF US AT WORK.
We pray that this week, while we are at work, you would use each of us as an effective tool for the advancement of your Kingdom. We ask that you would send your Holy Spirit to guide and to inspire each one of us in what we do.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Enlightening was that the Hebrew word for 'work' (avodah) is the same word for 'worship'.
So when we meet next Thursday we will share our experience of work as worship - and in particular - how did it go at our WORSHIP STATIONS.
LETS INTENTIONALLY MAKE OUR WORK-STATIONS OUR WORSHIP-STATIONS.
The challenge for this week is to ask God to help you discern what he may be saying about your purpose in your current work situation.
A reminder of our prayer for the week ahead:
Father, we thank you for the example you set for us in our own work.
Thank you that you have a purpose for EACH OF US AT WORK.
We pray that this week, while we are at work, you would use each of us as an effective tool for the advancement of your Kingdom. We ask that you would send your Holy Spirit to guide and to inspire each one of us in what we do.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thank You Chris Hart
And thank you for all attending. Good food and good food for thought. And affirming our work in supporting small business development as the main way to provide employment, provision for families, dignity and reduction in crime.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Reminder: Financial Life Coach Seminar - Thursday 19 April 6:30pm
Financial Life Coach, Grace van Zyl, will guide us through a process to help achieve lifestyle goals and aspirations by understanding and defining how to use money in the most rewarding way.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Starting soon - GOD AT WORK - Thursday 3 May
You are invited to journey with us over 6 weeks as we explore God’s purposes for our everyday work, and to live it out effectively. All are welcome. RSVP: allan@nfmc.org.za
The course also works well for cell and life groups – you may want to consider doing this together as a cell.
God at Work is a six-session course looking at how the
Christian faith can be lived out with purpose and integrity in the workplace.
The course is aimed at:
The course is aimed at:
- Those in paid employment
- Those working in the voluntary sector
- Those who work but are not paid (eg, stay-at-home parents)
- Those who are between jobs
- Those currently not working, but who hope to work in the future
Reminder: Breakfast with Chris Hart
Blog post "Breakfast with Chief Economist,
Chris Hart" was just featured on Northfield Methodist Church.
To see your blog post featured, visit:
http://northfield.co.za/profiles/blog/list?promoted=1&xg_source=msg_feat_blogpost
Monday, April 2, 2012
Invite and Reminder: Tuesday 3 April, Coffee Shop - Trevor's Book - Get a signed copy
Invite From Trevor Hudson:
“ I am really excited to announce that Struik have brought out TOUCHED
BY HIS LOVE for Easter this year. It is a re-edition of Touched By
Resurrection Love which went out of print in 2004. In this book I offer ten
meditations based on the encounter between the risen Jesus and Mary outside the
tomb. I wrote this book for those who are sitting next to a pool of tears at
the moment. My deep prayer is that God will use the words of this book to help
many people to go on a journey beyond their tears. I hope you will come along
to the Northfield launch of the book on Tuesday 3rd April and celebrate this
new edition with me.”
Invite to: Finding Life Balance and Financial Security - Thursday 19 April - 6:30pm
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Invite to Breakfast with Chief Economist - Chris Hart - Saturday 21st April - Northfield Methodist Church
 |
| You are invited to join us for Breakfast with well known and respected Chief Economist, Chris Hart. Come here about the latest economic trends and get an update on important aspects of the local and international economy. Tickets are limited - book yours ASAP - RSVP to Marlene at the office on 011 849 7031 or allan@nfmc.org.za |
Trevor's Book Launch - Tueday 3 April - Get Your Signed Copy of Trevor's Book
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Reminder: Invitation to attend a Talk on Business, to Network, to join a Community Skills Based Network, to meet people who can help, to be one of those who can offer help.
Thursday 23 Febuary - 6:30pm, Conference Centre
Friday, February 3, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Philippians 1: 12-18
Purpose: Paul stayed on mission, even in prison
What can we learn from Paul's sense of purpose:
1. A purpose will motivate you
2. A purpose will keep your priorities straight
3. A purpose will develop your potential
4. A purpose will give you power to live in the present
5. A purpose will help you evaluate your progress
Lord, we pray for the Holy Spirit to give us a sense of purpose that is God honouring and people growing. That will help us to love God and to love others. And that will help us to live fully surrendered lives in Christ.
Amen
God bless, Al
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
Monday, January 16, 2012
God @ Work - word for the week
MONDAY MANNA
A service to the business community January 16, 2012
HOW TO HAVE A JOB YOU LOVE
By Robert J. Tamasy
Some of us are fortunate to have jobs we truly enjoy. But according to studies, the vast majority of men and women in the business and professional world dislike, even hate their jobs; at best, they tolerate what they have to do every day to earn a living. Are you among them?
Would you like to be able to say with sincerity, “I love my job!”? What do you think it would be like to begin each day with eager anticipation, looking forward to the opportunities and challenges you will encounter at your workplace – rather than with dread and anxiety? “Well, I would have to change jobs!” many people would agree. Perhaps, but recently I heard an intriguing story that seemed to indicate a new place to work might not necessarily be required for finding a job you love.
At a cancer support group meeting I attended (my wife is a cancer survivor), a woman was telling about an inspiring person she had met while going for her treatments – a valet parking attendant. “This woman was amazing,” she said. “She truly loved her job – and she loved each of us, patients at the hospital where she worked, as we would arrive each day for our appointments. She never failed to have a big smile and an uplifting word of encouragement for each of us.”
“She made the greatest impression on me,” the speaker at the meeting observed. “She would be out there every day, even in scorching heat and freezing cold, focused on greeting each patient and helping to make their day a little bit brighter.”
Being an administrator for a non-profit organization, the woman telling this story thought to herself, “This is the kind of person we need to hire as our new receptionist.” In fact, she offered the job to the parking attendant. The woman, with her customary smile, politely declined. She explained she could never leave her job – not because it paid well, but in a real sense it had become her “dream job.” She looked forward to each day and the opportunity to offer a kind word, give someone a needed smile, or shine a light of hope to someone desperately needing it. In a word, she saw her job as ministry.
What if we each took that same attitude, viewing our work as ministry – an opportunity to serve and be of help to others – rather than simply a source of a paycheck or a way to fill time between weekends? But how can we do this, especially if circumstances are far from ideal? Consider this advice from the Bible:
Focus on the positive. Undoubtedly, aspects of the parking attendant’s work are not perfect, things she might change if she could. But instead, she concentrates on others. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Remember whom you ultimately serve. In our jobs we must envision doing our part in something much bigger than ourselves. Centuries ago, someone observed a brick mason and asked if he ever grew tired of his work. “No,” he replied, “because I’m building a cathedral.” “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving ” (Colossians 3:22-24).
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.
CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. No question, every job has aspects of it that are less than ideal. Yet some people seem to truly love their jobs, regardless of negative circumstances. Do you know someone like that? What is it about that person that enables them to look to each workday with eagerness and anticipation?
2. What is the predominant attitude you have toward your own work? Whether you regard it very positively – or negatively – what is it about the job that you think makes you feel that way?
3. In your mind, what does it mean to view a job as “ministry”? Do you think it would change your approach to your own job if you viewed it in this way?
4. Do you think either of the Bible passages would be helpful for adopting a more positive, motivating attitude toward your work? Explain your answer.
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:
Proverbs 12:11, 13:9, 22:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Luke 6:27-31; Acts 20:35; James 2:14-17
A service to the business community January 16, 2012
HOW TO HAVE A JOB YOU LOVE
By Robert J. Tamasy
Some of us are fortunate to have jobs we truly enjoy. But according to studies, the vast majority of men and women in the business and professional world dislike, even hate their jobs; at best, they tolerate what they have to do every day to earn a living. Are you among them?
Would you like to be able to say with sincerity, “I love my job!”? What do you think it would be like to begin each day with eager anticipation, looking forward to the opportunities and challenges you will encounter at your workplace – rather than with dread and anxiety? “Well, I would have to change jobs!” many people would agree. Perhaps, but recently I heard an intriguing story that seemed to indicate a new place to work might not necessarily be required for finding a job you love.
At a cancer support group meeting I attended (my wife is a cancer survivor), a woman was telling about an inspiring person she had met while going for her treatments – a valet parking attendant. “This woman was amazing,” she said. “She truly loved her job – and she loved each of us, patients at the hospital where she worked, as we would arrive each day for our appointments. She never failed to have a big smile and an uplifting word of encouragement for each of us.”
“She made the greatest impression on me,” the speaker at the meeting observed. “She would be out there every day, even in scorching heat and freezing cold, focused on greeting each patient and helping to make their day a little bit brighter.”
Being an administrator for a non-profit organization, the woman telling this story thought to herself, “This is the kind of person we need to hire as our new receptionist.” In fact, she offered the job to the parking attendant. The woman, with her customary smile, politely declined. She explained she could never leave her job – not because it paid well, but in a real sense it had become her “dream job.” She looked forward to each day and the opportunity to offer a kind word, give someone a needed smile, or shine a light of hope to someone desperately needing it. In a word, she saw her job as ministry.
What if we each took that same attitude, viewing our work as ministry – an opportunity to serve and be of help to others – rather than simply a source of a paycheck or a way to fill time between weekends? But how can we do this, especially if circumstances are far from ideal? Consider this advice from the Bible:
Focus on the positive. Undoubtedly, aspects of the parking attendant’s work are not perfect, things she might change if she could. But instead, she concentrates on others. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Remember whom you ultimately serve. In our jobs we must envision doing our part in something much bigger than ourselves. Centuries ago, someone observed a brick mason and asked if he ever grew tired of his work. “No,” he replied, “because I’m building a cathedral.” “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving ” (Colossians 3:22-24).
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.
CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. No question, every job has aspects of it that are less than ideal. Yet some people seem to truly love their jobs, regardless of negative circumstances. Do you know someone like that? What is it about that person that enables them to look to each workday with eagerness and anticipation?
2. What is the predominant attitude you have toward your own work? Whether you regard it very positively – or negatively – what is it about the job that you think makes you feel that way?
3. In your mind, what does it mean to view a job as “ministry”? Do you think it would change your approach to your own job if you viewed it in this way?
4. Do you think either of the Bible passages would be helpful for adopting a more positive, motivating attitude toward your work? Explain your answer.
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:
Proverbs 12:11, 13:9, 22:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Luke 6:27-31; Acts 20:35; James 2:14-17
Give up Gossiping
"Having acquired a taste for God's truth, Jeremiah could not return to a bland diet of gossip and rumours of men" - Eugene Peterson
God's Blessings for 2012
NBI sends you best wishes for 2012. May God bless and keep you. I pray you experience a season of obedience to His word and will for your life. Prioritise time to spend in His presence. Saturate your life with prayer.
2012 promises to be an exciting year. Keep an eye out for the God at Work course starting in February.
2012 promises to be an exciting year. Keep an eye out for the God at Work course starting in February.
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