Weekly Notices - 15 December 2024
I recently lost my dentures in the depths of the marvelous new Hornby pool.
Each time I grasped at the wafting dentures I missed it on it’s downward decline to the depths of the pool: 1.8 meters out of my reach. With no goggles I couldn’t even see the denture so I asked the life saver to get a net.
As he turned I asked. “Can you see them?” He said, “Yes”.
I blinked. When my eyes readjusted I could also see them! That gave me an idea... maybe I could get them!
At about 1.6 meters I discovered a ledge from which I could lever myself down still further with one hand, while, with the other hand I could grab the dentures… and surfaced… just as the life saver appeared with the net. I explained to him that without his view from the top looking down I wouldn’t have even tried to find the denture I could not see.
Jesus also has the view from the top for Jesus can see what we can’t. But more than that, his birth as a human being means he knows what it’s like when, embarrassingly, we loose what little dignity we thought we had.
It’s true: Jesus doesn’t just have the top - down view… but also the bottom - up view. He know what (who) is lost and needs to be found. Jesus knows exactly what THAT feels like: just ask him… and trust him.
That’s why we dare call him “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
He’s the only one of a kind: a life - saver of a very special sort.
Jesus is the kind of life - saver you really ought to know!
Rev Don Pilgrim.
PS. From now on I’ll put a bit of string to my dentures, just like I do with my glasses.
Today’s service
Sentence: Bear fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8)
Prayer of the Day: God our strength and our hope, grant us the courage of John the Baptist, constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: St Columba: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 & Luke 1:26-38; St Saviour’s: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 & Luke 1:26-38; St Paul’s: Philippians 4:4-7 & Luke 3:7-18
Parish News
Parish Fundraiser: Monday December 16 at Templeton’s RSA - Templeton School Leavers Dinner
Helpers needed on the day and evening; also needed are food donations and monetary donations. Please pray for this event. Contact Jean if you can help.
Christmas gifts for City Mission: Sunday December 15 at St Columba
At this time of year, many churches have a Christmas tree where people can place gifts for the City Mission to give to clients.
St Columba’s congregation have agreed to do so. Please bring UNWRAPPED gifts for children, teenagers, and/or adults to put around the tree by Sunday 15th December. In a paper or plastic bag would be helpful.
Time 4 U: Tuesday December 17 at St Columba at 12.30pm
Christmas get together shared lunch. Bring a main dish to share. Dessert provided. RSVP to Gina 027 766 5073
Parish Monthly Prayer Meeting at St Saviour's Church - 9:15am on last Tuesday: new year starting date to be confirmed
Anglican Parish of Hornby, Templeton and West Melton & Beyond…
Prayer for the Regeneration of Our Diocese
As the kotuku gently rests upon the tree, come Holy Spirit and rest upon us as we pray for the regeneration of our Diocese.
Silence
Everliving God, through your Spirit you constantly renew the whole creation; bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch, grant us courage to grow disciples of Jesus, give us vision to reach young people and their families, and strengthen us to create vibrant communities of faith. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
News from around the Diocese
See Anglican e-life: http://anglicanlife.org.nz/publications/e-life/
Helpful info
Groups
It’s easy to connect and get involved with some great social and faith-focused groups that meet regularly across the parish. You can find out about all our regular groups on our Groups page. If you have any questions, just click the contact button to connect with the group’s organiser.
Recycling
Used batteries can be placed in the boxes in each church or taken to Mitre 10
Soft plastics can be dropped off at participating store locations. This is any plastic you can fold up in your hand.
Pastoral Care
Need meals or other in-home pastoral support? Please contact the Parish Pastoral Care Co-ordinator.
In-Home Communion
If parishioners can't attend church but would still like to have communion, this can be brought to you at your home or rest home. Please get in touch with the Home Communion Co-ordinator to organise this.
Need prayer?
We’d love to pray for you. See the ‘Prayer Support’ section on the Help & Support page for more information on how we can help with your prayer needs. There are confidential and anonymous options available.