Weekly Notices - 12 July 2026
Dear Everyone,
As we pray to the Lord together to ask Him for His plan for our church, I encourage you to read the following testimony describing how a group of pray-ers heard from the Lord just a single word. The testimony comes from Pete Grieg's book on prayer and was part of the daily devotions in Lectio 365.
"In a prayer room in Uganda, God simultaneously gave several people the same strange word: ‘Kacunga’. It turned out to be the name of an island – one of 3000 on Lake Victoria, a vast inland sea connecting Uganda with Tanzania and Kenya. Having located it among the eighty-eight Ssese Islands in the Kampala District of the lake, Paul Masindende and his troupe of valiant prayer warriors set out from their prayer room excitedly, wondering what they would find on the island God had named.
It was a long journey by land and by boat, but at last they arrived on the island God had shown them. They discovered an indigenous community of illiterate subsistence fishermen who had never heard the name of Jesus.
The islanders welcomed their unexpected visitors warmly, and were astounded to hear how God had singled them out from all the other islands on the great lake. When they heard the gospel, fifty of the Kacungans immediately believed and received Jesus. A church was planted among an unreached tribe in a single day – all because of a specific, unexpected word from the Holy Spirit in a prayer room far away."
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."
Blessings,
Peter
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 to Henk Buunk no later than Sunday 26th July so that he can collate what you receive from the Lord along with the findings of the vision group and publish in the Handy Sheet.
Lectio 365
A Prayer for the Future of our Parish: God of all hope, you have inspired your people in times past with visions of a good future and given them energy and resolve to achieve great things for your kingdom; endow us with wisdom at this time of change in our parish, unite us in love, give us your guidance, and help us to follow where you lead. In the name of Jesus Christ, the pioneer of our faith, Amen.
Strengthen Faith Through Confirmation: A public declaration of faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ can be a significant step in our discipleship and a way of strengthening faith. Recently, a St Paul’s parishioner expressed a desire to be confirmed and the Bishop has agreed to come and lead this special service on Sunday 26 July. If anyone else in the parish would like to be confirmed please contact me/Mark Chamberlain on 0274327474 and we can form a discipleship group and prepare for confirmation together.
What is Happening at St Saviour’s
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
Young Adults Group - 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.
Pastoral care 101
Training for pastoral carers, ministers, youth workers, small group leaders and anyone wanting to extend skills in this area.
Presenter: Richard Black, Saturday 25 July—9.30am to 4pm, St Timothy’s Church 46 Kendal Ave, Burnside.
BYO lunch, morning and afternoon tea catered, RSVP essential by Monday 20 July, cost $45per person.
Email office@burnside.org.nz or phone 03 358 8174
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, so is my Word that goes out from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty but will accomplish what I desire." Isaiah 55: 10-11 (Abridged)
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, in the beginning when You created the heavens and the earth, You spoke and gave life. May Your Word take root in our lives and produce much fruit to the glory and praise of Your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13 & Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Theme: The Heart of Man
Parish News
Time For You
Tuesday 21 July, 1.30pm at St Columba's Church Hall. Details to come. All welcome. Further inquiries to Gina 027 766 5073
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
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.
