Weekly Notices - 17 August 2025
From the minister
When I asked you "what is your testimony?" (in the newsletter recently) I was of course, even with a grin, actually being serious.
If you were to try writing it down it will not only take you back to when you realised that Jesus is real, it may remind you of the enormous grace that he has shown you and indeed entrusted in you to share with others? I think most of us know it is not easy to raise Jesus's name with others, and even more so with family? Peter in his first letter, rightly urges, yes urges us, to be at least prepared to give an account of why we say we believe. Many people have glib copycat one liners to ward off any too close for comfort personal questions. Yet, asking them a question about what they believe, will help us (and them?) to clarify what it is that they actually believe.
Hearing what they are saying will help us to hear their feelings as well as their words. Noticing their body language, thanking and admiring them for their honesty, will help us offer a gentle response. It also allows us an opportunity to admit to a part of our journey that may just touch upon what they have just said, and may invite them to consider more deeply what they feel and think. Indeed, we may be surprised by their answer to our gentle but direct question.
So.. I too urge you to...
Ask a direct question, Admire their honest and or blunt response. Admit something of your relationship with Jesus that may give them cause and food for thought.
Above all, love them genuinely and sincerely, respect their freedom to sling off at what you hold dear, stand your ground with gentleness and then with the help of the Holy Spirit again gently come back at them some other time and like tending a vineyard, nurture them with love and some of the living water you have been drawing on in your life; Jesus! (The Gospel of John, Chapter 4 Jesus and the troubled soul at the well, one who had had 5 spouses!).
For homework I would like you to think of at least 3 acquaintances for whom you can ask the Holy Spirit to give you the opportunity to ask a direct question. It's all about relationships isn't it. You have one with Jesus, they don't appear to. You can introduce them to Jesus's invitation and of course his challenges :)
Yours In Christ, Patrick
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1b-2a).
Prayer of the Day: O God, you have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, and which surpass our understanding; pour into our hearts such longing for you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7, 2 Peter 3:14-18 and Luke 12:49-56
Parish News
Time For You
Tuesday 19th August at 1.30pm at St Columba's Church. Guest speaker Willie McArthur sharing on his recent adventure in Vietnam.
Afternoon tea provided gold coin donation would be appreciated. All welcome. Contact Gina on 027 766 5073 for more information
Mission Stall
At the combined service at St Columba’s on Sunday, August 31. Donations for the stall would be appreciated please give them to Jean. Mission stall money is to go to the City Mission.
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.
