Weekly Notices - 2 August 2026
"Oh Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8
Dear Everyone,
When David wrote this Psalm he was recalling one of the darkest moments of his life. He was on the run from King Saul and his army who were trying to kill him. David and his small band of men had run out of places to hide. In desperation he fled across the border to the land of the Philistines and asked Achish the king of Gath for protection. (1 Samuel 21:10-5) Achish (also known as Abimelech) agreed. However the servants of Achish were alarmed because it was well known that David was a mighty warrior and had fought against the Philistines many times. David feared that Achish would hold him prisoner and have him murdered. In order to escape, he pretended to be mad. "So he changed his behaviour before them, pretended madness, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard." (1Samuel 21:13) Achish kicked him out of the city and David escaped. David wrote this Psalm to praise the Lord for his escape from death. "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." David used his wits to help him escape but he knew that it was the Lord who heard his prayer for help and caused Achish to throw him out rather than kill him.
When we feel trapped by the circumstances around us and think there is no way through we should follow David's example. Pray. Ask the Lord to help you get out the situation. Then do what you can knowing that it is the Lord who will guide you and change the hearts of those around you.
"I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears." (v.4)
Read this Psalm slowly. Remember what David was going through. Then pray to the Lord to help you, or someone in trouble, in the same way. Use this Psalm as your own prayer.
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.
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.
Parish Roll
To prepare for the Special General Meeting later this year we need to
make sure that the parish roll is accurate and up to date.
A copy of the current roll has been sent to each church.
Please check your entry and make any corrections that are needed.
If you see the name of some one who is no longer attending regularly
please put a question mark against the name.
If your name does not appear on the roll and you have been attending
services regularly for the at least the last three months, please write
your full name, and address on the blank sheet of paper that is with the
printed roll so that your name can be added to the official roll.
If your name is not on the roll you will not be able to vote at the Special
General Meeting
Please note: The information on the roll will not be published.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, You hear us when we cry out to You. You sent Your only beloved Son Jesus to save us by dying upon the cross for our sins. Help us to live our lives to bring glory to Your name through the guidance and work of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Readings: : Psalm 34:1-8 and Matthew 14:13-21
Theme: The Lord is Good
Parish News
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.
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.
