Weekly Notices - 2 November
This week's offering from me is mainly for those of you who consider this church your church.
In the case of Tithing AND Freewill offerings (literally God created us with free will to do what we really want to do), it simply comes down to paying what we owe the diocese (because it is about our expenses, NOT the Diocese).
All we have to do individually is look Jesus in the face and re-realise that he saved your life AND offers you & I eternal life with him (as opposed to hell).
I know that if someone snatched you out of the way of a speeding car that would have killed you, you would be forever, so very very grateful to them. Jesus snatched you and I from death.
Giving him a simple tenth of our first fruits (our income) is the very least we can do. It is also known as putting our money where our mouth is.
Jesus commends tithing (in Matthew 23:23). So let us give as we can afford to (Sirach 35:11-12, Lets give good measure, pressed down, spilling over, and test and see that the Lord is good, good "all the time".
(I’ll never forget the Sunday a missionary’s needs were mentioned and a special parishioner took me with them that morning to an ATM machine, withdrew several hundred dollars, put it in an envelope, for me to pass on to that missionary.
Freewill from the heart. Their reward will surely be great in Heaven).
In the true story of the weeping woman (Luke 7:36-50), she was so so grateful for Jesus's love, she shamed herself by going down on her knees in front of others, weeping with gratitude.
(I will never forget the night I saw Lyttelton teenagers beside me at the altar rail doing exactly the same thing as they gave Jesus their lives, lock stock & barrel).
May the Lord bless you for what we are about to receive.
Patrick
If anyone ever wants the sermon notes, please ask and we are happy to get them to you
All Age Service Sunday 2 November. All are welcome. St Columba’s Church. 452 Main South Road
Templeton Community Games Night
Saturday 22 November: 6.30pm@St Saviours Church Hall. Kai and Fun, Outdoors games for kids if it’s not snowing! Bring your own board games if you want but we have plenty there. Enquiries Ph 0272727 919. All Welcome
Gold and Silver Camp 50 plus
Friday 13 February to Wednesday 18 February 2026. A wonderful for a refreshing holiday in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds with a chance to unwind and be encouraged as we open God's word each morning. For further details talk to Jean or Gina.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: Know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God's power in us who believe. (Ephesians 1:18-19)
Prayer of the Day: Luke 7:36-50
Readings: Romans 12:1-2 & Luke 7:36-50
Parish News
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.
