Weekly Notices - 11 October 2026
Weddings
Dear Everyone,
There are around 12 weddings or marriages referred to in the New Testament. For example the marriage of Mary and Joseph, the wedding at Cana which Jesus and His disciples attended (John 2:1-11). Then there is the parable of the marriage feast in Matthew 22:1-14). The parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is based on the marriage ceremony.
The problem for us is that the actual ceremonies and customs associated with marriage in biblical times is never described. Why? Because everyone knew what happened. We don't and it is a mistake to read these passages and have in mind our own western marriage customs. E.g. When Jesus changed the water into wine at Cana He provided around 800 litres of good wine! Why so much?
So here is a brief description of the process of getting married that Jesus and His listeners would have been familiar with.
First, a marriage contract was agreed upon by the family of the bride and the family of the groom and would include a "bride price". At this point the bride and groom were betrothed to each other but they continued to live in their respective family homes.
At the betrothal an invitation was sent out to relatives and friends but the actual date of the marriage ceremony had not been fixed. This was because the groom had to build or buy a house for his bride and this could take up to a year or more. When the house was ready, the call went out to those who had been invited to come to the wedding feast.
When all was ready the groom and his friends went to the bride’s house at night. His bride was then presented to him. Then the two of them together with all the family and bridesmaids processed to the groom’s new house where the marriage ceremony and celebrations took place. The wedding celebrations often went on for anything up to a week and included not just the invited guests but the whole local community.
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.
NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL PARISH GENERAL MEETING 2026
Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of the Parish of Hornby, Templeton and West Melton will be held on Sunday October 18, 2026, following a combined Parish Service at St Columba’s, Hornby.
The purpose of this meeting is to:
‘Decide on the future of the St Columba site, and the future direction of Anglican Worship in Hornby.’
And “The Parish recommends to the Bishop, Archdeacon, Wardens and Vestry, that the first priority for the future ministry in Hornby following the decision to sell St. Columba’s is to secure a permanent new venue for worship services and as a base for mission.” Subject to the first motion being passed.
You are valued members of our Parish and your input into this decision-making process is essential.
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 Paul’s
Finding Answers from the Bible About Our Struggles: A new, three‑week Bible study began on Thursday, 8 October, exploring the real struggles many of us face in the Christian life — and the hope Scripture offers. Each week we’ll look at what the Bible says, draw on our Anglican tradition, share from our own experience, and pray for grace to grow as faithful disciples. The topics are:
Confusion about Christian Identity
Anxiety, Doubt and Guilt in the Inner Life
Distraction and Spiritual Drift
The topics may sound a little serious, but honest reflection is how we grow — and there’s plenty of joy and light on the other side! Each evening includes creative elements, supper, and the warm hospitality of Ross and Alice Jones!
If you’d like to join us, phone Mark on 0274327474
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: “Remember me, O LORD, with the favour You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation,” (Psalm 106:4, NKJV)
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father you have invited all to enter into your heavenly kingdom and You have provided a garment of righteousness to all who love Your Son Jesus Christ. May we be counted worthy in Him and through the power of the Holy Spirit to live with You forever. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 32:1-19 and Matthew 22:1-14
Theme: The Garment of Righteousness
Parish News
Special General Meeting
18 October at 11.30am at St Columba’s Church, Hornby
What is Happening at St Paul’s
Finding Answers from the Bible About Our Struggles:
A new, three‑week Bible study began on Thursday, 8 October, exploring the real struggles many of us face in the Christian life — and the hope Scripture offers. Each week we’ll look at what the Bible says, draw on our Anglican tradition, share from our own experience, and pray for grace to grow as faithful disciples. The topics are:
Confusion about Christian Identity
Anxiety, Doubt and Guilt in the Inner Life
Distraction and Spiritual Drift
The topics may sound a little serious, but honest reflection is how we grow — and there’s plenty of joy and light on the other side! Each evening includes creative elements, supper, and the warm hospitality of Ross and Alice Jones!
If you’d like to join us, phone Mark on 0274327474
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 Sarah on 021 0267 6170 or Adam on 027 293 0582. If you are in being part of a Men’s group also ring Adam..
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. There are also people in the church who would be happy to provide a car ride to and from the service. Talk to Sarah 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.
