Weekly Notices - 21 September 2025
Life and Death
People die when they have no further reason for living.
Not being needed is a life-threatening disease.
Having a reason to live keeps people alive.
Being needed heals and energizes.
Churches die when they have no reason to live.
When a congregation feels they have nothing unique and important to offer to their community then the life of that church is in danger.
Neither beautiful buildings nor a rich heritage are enough to sustain the life of a congregation which has lost the reason to live.
Congregations which find and own an important reason to live will grow stronger and grow younger.
A congregation which have become forcibly aware that God wants to use them in a special way in their community has found their mission.
Mission produces energy. People engaged in mission are attractive—especially to the young.
A Church does not have a mission.
A Church is MISSION.
Otherwise it is nothing more that a club with an unusual clubhouse.
Patrick
Healing Service
“Special Invite from Him to come
To St Colomba’s @7pm Friday 26th September”
The future of St Columba’s Church—Discussion
There will be a meeting at 9.30am ( before the service at St Columba’s Church ) on Sunday 21st September, for the congregation to discuss ideas about what we would like to propose for the future of St Columba’s Church.
Launchpad.kiwi - (Bibles in Schools) https://launchpad.kiwi
We submitted a Launchpad package to Templeton Primary school last month, requesting us to do presentations to the children. We are now waiting for the School Board to approve it. Once it is approved, we will be able to do presentations in Templeton Primary School. If you, or you know someone who may be interested in being a presenter (with online training), please contact Tru, 022 69 20113 for further information.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: You cannot serve God and wealth (Luke 16:13).
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, fount of all wisdom, crown of all knowledge; give us eyes to see and minds to understand your marvellous works, that we may know you through your handiwork and use your creations to your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Readings: Sirach 38:1-14, Psalm 145:18 and Acts 1:1-5
Parish News
Craft Group/Day
Saturday 7 October, 10 am-3 pm at St Columba’s Church Hall. Please note the change of date.
Bring along your activity or just come for a natter. Tea and coffee provided BYO lunch. Gold coin donation to cover costs. All welcome. Contact Gina on 027 766 5073 for more information.
All Ages Service, at St Columba’s on the Main South Rd, Hornby, 11am Sunday 5 October, Family Service with puppet show.
Templeton Community Games Night!
Hosted by St Saviour’s Anglican Church, Saturday 11th October
Come along to play some fun board games and meet your neighbours. There will be a range of classic and modern board and card games such as Monopoly Deal, Ticket to Ride, Rummikub and more. Snacks and hot drinks will be provided. Doors open at 6:30pm in the hall right next to the historic church (50 Kirk Rd). Bring your neighbours! For more information, contact office@hornbyanglican.org.nz
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.
