Weekly Notices - 18 May 2025
"God is Good". "All the time".
Guess what?
Part of me just wants to take each of you and shake you (gently) by the shoulders saying “if we really believe and love Jesus why aren't we attracting neighbours or anybody to him?” (Note: I'm not talking about attracting them to come to church, as if somehow the effect of going will make them want to be a Christian)
So do you think you ooze Jesus' love? Maybe that's the crucial link to the missing people?
Lets face it, people respond to love, real love. Yet they may also have a genuine problem or questions about what they think is in the bible, or what goes on in a church, or why do bad things happen to good people? etc.
Do you feel any confidence to answer them thoughtfully sincerely without sounding all defensive? Or are you feeling a bit inadequate? I think the real question is: “do you have any passion for talking to others about Jesus?” If you do have passion, what are the biggest challenges you face? If not, why not? :)
Jesus have two expectations for you and I.
One: That we will love God with every fibre of our being :D
Two: That we will love, really love our neighbours
Surely the best way to love them is to aim to draw them to Jesus by the depth and breadth and length of our love.
In the end it's all about being genuine isn't it? You and I can easily tell when someone is talking from their head and not their heart. Our neighbours can equally tell when we are not talking from our hearts. What do you think we can do together to better ooze love and draw others to Jesus?
In His grip
Patrick
From May 11th the service times are as follows:
St Paul’s: 8.45am, St Columba’s: 11am, St Saviour’s: 5pm
The following below is well worth browsing: http://jjohn.com/pages/share-my-faith. This website is easy to read and the video clip is excellent too.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: By this love you have for one another everyone will know that you are my disciples. (John 13:35)
Prayer of the Day: Tender God, cultivate the paschal mystery in us, that those who flourish by the waters of sacred baptism may be sheltered by your protection, bear much fruit, and reap the joy of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings: Acts 11:1-18 & John 13:31-35
Parish News
Time 4 u: Tuesday 20 May 2025
1.30pm with afternoon tea to follow. This month our guest speaker is from the Christchurch Charity Hospital.
Next Parish Monthly Prayer Meeting at St Saviour's Church - 9:15am: 3 June 2025
Thy Kingdom Come
A Global Day of Prayer
As a Diocese, our commitment to prayer will be from 9am to 5pm on Saturday June 7. You’re welcome to pray on your own, in a prayer group or gather your parish together.
Please consider committing to an hour (or more) of prayer during this period. We have creative resources available to guide you through this time.
Further information will follow in eLife, and a mailout to the Diocesan Prayer community or by contacting The Rev Tim Handley.
For more information about ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, please visit https://www.thykingdomcome.global/
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
Africa Day Celebration
Saturday 24 May from 11am-5pm at Phillipstown Community Hub Market, 39 Nursery Rd
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.
