Weekly Notices - 24 November - Stir Up Sunday
I’m not sure which is harder, ‘stepping into the unknown’ when one comes to a parish or ‘laying it aside’ and handing the work on to another. The first service is about hopes and dreams for the time ahead. While the final service has an emphasis on praying for the future. Many feel anxious at times of change and I’m no exception. But for all of us there is a need to trust in the God we serve.
Who can sum it up better than the writer of Ecclesiastes allowing God to speak through them. ‘There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven’ (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Since announcing my leaving, I have done a great deal of grieving, who said going is easy.
As a parish in the past nine years we have, I believe journeyed well together. I am not the same person I was when I arrived, and I hope it has been the same for you. Hornby, Templeton, West Melton, will always be in my prayers. It has been a privilege to have been part of this part of God’s vineyard.
May God bless and keep you always.
Les
Today’s service
Sentence: But as for me, I keep watch for the Lord; I wait in hope for God my Saviour; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7 adapted)
Prayer of the Day: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people that, richly bearing the fruit of good works, they may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: Revelation 1:4b-8 & John 18:33-37
Parish News
Craft Group: 1oam-3pm on Saturday November 30 at St Columba’s Hall
Bring along your activity or just come for a natter. Tea and coffee provided BYO lunch.
Gold coin donation to cover costs.
Parish Monthly Prayer Meeting at St Saviour's Church - 9:15am on Tuesday November 26
This is the last prayer meeting for 2024
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.