Weekly Notices - 19 July 2026
Biblical Meditation
Dear Everyone,
Meditating on the Scriptures is central for maturing in the Christian life. As one anonymous writer said, “The Bible is not meant merely to inform but to transform.” Throughout history, godly leaders have commended the transforming effects of meditation. Consider this beautiful description by Thomas Brooks, a seventeenth-century church leader. "Remember that it is not hasty reading but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most but he that meditates most that will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian."
Joshua was anointed to lead the people when Moses died, God commanded him to "You shall meditate on the book of the Law day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it." Joshua 1:8
Psalm 1 1-3 says, "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does he prospers."
These are wonderful promises. So how do we meditate on God's word?
There are many ways but here is one that I have found helpful.
1. Chose a short passage for the Bible or just several verses and read slowly several times.
2. Look up any words that you don't understand or words that stand out to you as you read. Look at several translations or use Strong's Bible Definitions (available free on the internet or with many bible apps)
3. Try imagining the scene described or the context of the words. Put yourself in the picture.
4. Ask yourself questions like what did this mean for the people of the day? What does it mean for me today? How can I apply it in my life?
5. Read the passage again then pray asking the Lord to show what He wants you to take from the passage.
6. Who could you tell about what you have learned?
The longer you spend with the passage the more you will get out of it. At first the meaning of the passage may seem obvious but spend time. Remember the Bible is God's letter to you and every word is important.
Happy meditation!
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.
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: "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ with rise." 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (abridged)
Prayer of the Day: Lord Jesus, with power and great glory you will return and judge this world. Thank you for Your promise that we, who long for Your return, will be gathered into the everlasting Kingdom of Your heavenly Father, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honour forever and ever. Amen.
Readings: Isaiah 44:6-8 & Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Theme: The Kingdom of God - Part 1
Parish News
Time For You
Tuesday 21 July, 1.30pm at St Columba's Church Hall. Speaker for Age Concern. All welcome. Further inquiries to Gina 027 766 5073
CRAFT GROUP
Saturday, July 25, 10am-3pm. Bring along your activity or just come for a natter. Tea and coffee provided BYO lunch. Gold coin donation to cover costs. 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
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.
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
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.
