Weekly Notices - 8 September 2024
How do you memorise things? Do you memorise things?
I remember at school learning some points of history with rhymes to help me to remember them. Some will remember learning this at school, “Columbus sailed the ocean blue… discovered America in 1592. How amazing what a discovery it was for the discoverer but perhaps not so much for those who were discovered.
Columbus’ discovery of the Americas was of little significance compared to that of the apostle Paul in Acts 16:6-10 (among the readings for this week). Paul planned to retrace the memorable steps of his first missionary journey from Antioch to the island of Cyprus then onward to Asia Minor and into Galatia.
You may also know that “the best laid plans of mice and men” are not necessarily God’s plans and Paul found himself taking an unexpected leap across the Dardanelle Straits from Asia to Europe in obedience to God’s call. How would Paul’s ministry have been if he hadn’t been obedient that this change of direction, this redirecting from God. Would we have the New Testament?
Have you experienced some redirecting from God in your life…how open were you to this when it happened?
There is no neat formula when God is at work in fact when there is I wonder if I’m hearing from God. Is it the same for you?
May this week be one where our ears are open to hearing from God.
Les.
Today’s service
Sentence: You do well if you really fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." (James 2:8)
Prayer of the day: God, the strength of all who believe in you, increase our faith and trust, in your Son Jesus Christ, that in him we may live victoriously, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Readings: Acts 16:6-10, Philippians 1:12-20 & Matthew 28:16-20
Parish News
Living Faith Conference - 9:30–5pm on Saturday October 26
Venue: Christchurch Boys High School Auditorium
Register online: https://bit.ly/LivingFaithConference
Cost: $40 Adults | Students & Children are free
More info: West Melton - ask Ross or Les, Templeton - ask Justine, Hornby - ask Gina or Les
Let’s get a couple of car loads together and be refreshed and inspired for a new beginning, and have fun as we intentionally seek God’s will for our parish. Let Justine know once you have registered so we can organise transport.
St Columba’s Church Service Data Team
We need two people to learn how to use the data projector and sound system. You would need to have some computer skills and be able to set up the schedule on your weeks on. Please talk with Margi about becoming a member of the team, as training will be required.
Thank you
Many thanks to all who contributed to the stall at Templeton. The baking went down a treat and the helpers did a magnificent job.
For your prayers
Please pray for the Christmas event at Templeton in December. We give thanks for the schools willingness to participate, and for parishioners who are happy to lend a hand. Watch this space.
Time 4 U - 1:30 pm-3 pm on Tuesday 17th September
Kaye will be sharing her experience about her trip to Antarctica. Afternoon tea, all welcome. Click here for more info.
Parish Monthly Prayer Meeting at St Saviour's Church - 9:15am on Tues Sept 24
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
Batteries and used light bulbs can go into the battery box in your church. These are taken to Mitre 10 for recycling.
Soft, dry clean plastics can be recycled at the Warehouse or New World, in a bin inside the door and get made into fence posts. You can find more participating store locations here. 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.