Weekly Notices - 22 December 2024
My wife Pip travelled to Nelson last weekend for a family wedding. I was left at home and rather enjoyed doing my own thing for a few days! However, as I left for the Anglican Centre on Monday twin thoughts went through my mind, “I have very much missed her, but you know what, by the time I get home tonight, she will already have returned from Nelson. I better leave the place tidy!
And that, it seems to me, summarises the two main themes of Advent – looking forward to the coming of the Lord, as well as being alert and ready for his appearing. This is not about ‘Look busy the boss is coming’ but it rather reflects a desire to see God’s kingdom come, and the motivation to be fully engaged with God’s programme of love and service to the world.
Consider your own heart and motivations this Advent as we come to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world at Christmas. Do we long to see the return of Jesus Christ, the consummation of God's kingdom and the beatific vision? Do you deeply desire to see the regeneration of our Diocese and the transformation of our society? And do these twin longings put steel into your prayers and your ministry?
Let this Advent and Christmas represent a new season of inspiration and encouragement for us all.
Rev Mark Chamberlain - St Paul’s, West Melton.
Today’s service
Sentence: You heavens above rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up. Isaiah 45:8
Prayer of the Day: Praise and honour to you living God; your coming will be like a thief in the night, like lightning flashing across the sky. Grant that we may be ready, and our hearts answer, Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Readings: St Columba: Isaiah 11:1-9 & Luke 1:39-56; St Saviour’s: Isaiah 11:1-9 & Luke 1:39-56; St Paul’s: Hebrews 10:5-10 & Luke 1:39-45
Parish News
Parish Picnics and gatherings: Combined services throughout 29 December - 26 January 2025
29 December: 10.30am, St Paul’s West Melton service followed by a bring and share picnic.
5 January: 5pm, St Saviour’s Templeton service followed by a shared meal.
12 January: 10.30am, St Columba’s Hornby service followed by a shared lunch.
19 January: 10.30am, St Paul’s West Melton. Anne McCormick speaking on missions and sharing her experiences. Followed by a bring and share picnic.
26 January: 5pm, St Saviour’s Templeton service followed by a bring and share meal.
Community Fun Event: Saturday 15 February at St Columba’s Church, 452 Main South Road.
Come and join in the fun of a garden party and bbq with a bouncy castle and other games. 11am-3.30pm
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 Leading Your Church into Growth
God of mission, who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, joy to our worship, and power to our witness. Help our parish churches to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.