“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6, NKJV)
Prayer
Dear Everyone,
This Sunday we are starting a sermon series on prayer. Did you know that God is interested in answering your prayers for little things as well as for the "big" things?
Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch evangelist who was sent to a concentration camp along with her sister Betsie for three years for helping Jews escape from Nazi occupied Holland. One bitterly cold winter, Corrie had a bad cold and a running nose and no handkerchief.
Betsie told Corrie she should pray and ask God for a handkerchief. Corrie smiled. How could God get her a handkerchief in a concentration camp? Betsie however simply prayed, “Father, Corrie’s got a bad cold and she hasn’t got a handkerchief, please give her one in Jesus Name. Amen.” Corrie could not help laughing. Just after Betsie finished her simple prayer, Corrie heard her name being called by someone at a nearby window. She went to the window and it was her friend who worked in the prison hospital laundry. The woman quickly handed Corrie a little package. Corrie quickly took the package and hid it. Later she unwrapped it. Inside was a handkerchief.
When she had a chance she asked her friend, “Why in the world did you give me a handkerchief? Did you know I had a cold?” The woman replied, “No, but as I was folding handkerchiefs in the hospital a voice in my heart said to me, “give one to Corrie Ten Boom.”
As Corrie wrote in a book after the war, “Can you imagine what that handkerchief meant to me at that moment? It told me that in heaven there is a loving Father who hears when one of His children on this very small planet asks for an impossible thing – a handkerchief in a concentration camp.” [Not Good If Detached Corrie Ten Boom, Christian Literature Crusade; 1957]
Why don't you pray for a "small thing" that is important to you. A simple prayer: a simple request to your loving heavenly Father, and see what happens.
Blessings,
Peter
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know that our parish needs a new beginning. You know that our Hornby congregation needs a new place to call home, a new place to worship and grow in. We humbly ask to provide what is needed at the right time and help us to reach out to our three communities with Your Good News. In Jesus precious name. Amen.
How to Pray
Come: In prayer to our heavenly Father. Present Him with the three ways forward. Tell Him how you feel about each option.
Listen: Write down any Bible verses or words that come into your mind as you wait on the Lord. Record any pictures or feelings that come to you as you pray.
Share: Email what you believe you have received from the Lord.
What is Happening at St St Columba’s
God shared the following scripture with Sandra.
· Isaiah 43: 19
Never lose hope. Just when you think it's over, God will make a way for you
· 1 Peter 5: 6
God says "Humble yourself under My hand, and I will lift you up in due time. Trust Me, your time is coming".
· Isaiah 61: 7
God says "Don't be afraid off loss. I will give you back seven times what you lost".
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2, NKJV)
Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us to pray to You, and that You will hear our prayers. Increase in us the desire to know You better, and to hear Your voice through the Holy Spirit, whom You have placed in our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Readings: Romans 12:9-18 and Matthew 5:5-15
Theme: Prayer
Parish News
What is happening at St Saviour’s
Young Adults group at St Saviour’s - seeking new members
We have a small young adults group (ages 18-35) who would love to get to know new members. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining, please contact Petra 022 509 5781 or Adam on 027 293 0582 if you are interested in being part of a Young Adults Group. Contact Adam if you are interested in joining the Men’s Group.
Bible Study Group
We’d love to welcome a few more ladies into our weekly Bible study group. We meet once a week on Riwai Street for friendship, encouragement, and time in the Word together. It’s relaxed, supportive, and a lovely way to connect with other women. If you’re interested or want to know more, message or call Nicola on 0273267647
Visiting
A couple of us have been visiting the sick and elderly! It is a joy to visit our church family when they can’t always come to the service. If you have a spare hour or so, we recommend paying a visit to someone who might not get so many visitors or can’t get out much at the moment. Contact Petra to find out more.
Next Prayer Meetings
Templeton will be held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings of the month -
9:15am: at Jean’s place.
Hornby will be held on Wednesdays mornings -
Wednesday 10.30am, prayer gathering at Bolton's place
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.
