Weekly Notices - 13 September 2026
Dear Everyone,
I got back from Asia earlier this week. Quite a change in temperature: most days we had 34 degrees and high humidity and coming back to southerlies and frost is refreshing to say the least!
The country we visited is experiencing a very difficult time economically because of the on going situation in the Middle East. In New Zealand we complain about fuel prices and other increasing costs which is causing hardship to some. But in many poor nations this is causing severe hardship. Where we were, 60% of the electricity is generated by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) gas-fired power stations. The country is suffering a severe shortage of imported gas causing the clothing factories, which are the mainstay of employment and the economy, to shut down or reduce hours causing the workers and their families great hardship. We experienced many power cuts during the conferences. No power meant no air con or fans during the heat of the day!
Despite all this the two Marriage and Family conferences were very successful. A total of 64 couples attended. For many wives this was the first time they had ever attended a conference or seminar with their husbands.
We covered many topics including Forgiveness, Biblical foundations for marriage, the Holy Spirit, Surrendering your burdens to Jesus at the Cross. Many were healed of physical sickness and pain. All were encouraged and refreshed.
Here's just one of many testimonies:
“I’m a very hot temper person and through this seminar, I’ve learnt to be a humble, caring and loving wife. I’ve never attended any seminar like this before and I’m very blessed. We realized the power of husband and wife praising God together and praying together in facing problems. Just like a bird with two wings, husband and wife should support each other and do ministry together. I’ve learnt so much and I now know how a Christian family should be. Even though we have no money and our children are sick, I still want to come to join this seminar. Praise God for His miraculous provision of 2,000 Taka (NZ$20) from my father to come here and thanks to God that we don’t have to pay anything for joining this seminar.” (Churches in Hong Kong paid for all the participant's accommodation and meals.)
A big thank you to those of you who prayed for this ministry.
Blessings,
Peter
Last week an Information Pack, was distributed to all those on the Parish Roll. If you have not received the pack can you please let the Wardens know. It contained information about the proposal to sell the entire Hornby site and do a kind of re-set of how ministry is to be conducted in the Hornby area. There will be opportunities to discuss the proposal and ask questions after all three church services today, 13 September.
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 September 27, 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.’
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 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.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: For as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, Through Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, You forgave all our debt of sin against You. So move in our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we may truly forgive those who have caused us pain and heartache in our lives. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 14:19-31 and Matthew 18:21-35
Theme: Missions
Parish News
What is happening at St Saviour’s
St Saviour’s is back to Summer Times (5pm start)
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.
Calling all Christian women in the Diocese of Christchurch.
You are invited to a Festival Service to be held by the Association of Anglican Women at the Transitional Cathedral on Sunday 13th September at 2 pm
More details on the website ~ https://nzaaw.org.nz/events/ also you can watch on line as we are live streamed.
Afternoon Tea will be served after the service which will be presided by The Reverends Jan Brodie and Anne Shave, Choral assistance by the Cathedral Girls’ Choir
Special General Meeting
27 September at 11.30am at St Columba’s Church, Hornby
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
Calling all Christian women in the Diocese of Christchurch.
You are invited to a Festival Service to be held by the Association of Anglican Women at the Transitional Cathedral on Sunday 13th September at 2 pm.
More details on the website ~ https://nzaaw.org.nz/events/ also you can watch online as we are live streamed. Afternoon Tea will be served after the service which will be presided by The Reverends Jan Brodie and Anne Shave, Choral assistance by the Cathedral Girls’ Choir.
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.
