Weekly Notices - 26 July 2026
There is Always More
Dear Everyone,
The other day I was meditating on that wonderful passage in John's Gospel that describes the raising of Lazarus (John 11)
Jesus and His disciples were in a remote place on the far side of the Jordan River two days journey from Bethany. They were there because they knew the Jewish authorities wanted to kill Jesus. Then a messenger from Mary and Martha in Bethany came to him and said, 'Lord, behold he whom You love is sick."
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus yet He didn't go straight away. He waited two days. Then He said to the disciples, "Let's go to Bethany. Our friend Lazarus sleeps but I go that I may wake him." The disciples thought that Jesus was telling them that Lazarus was recovering but then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead."
Why go back to Bethany and danger now?
Thomas said to the others, "Let's also go that we may die with Him." Can you hear the dejection and sadness in what Thomas said? The disciples thought this was the end of the road. Jesus was going to be killed and they would die with Him. All their dreams and hopes would die with Him.
The disciples had no idea why Jesus wanted to go back now that Lazarus was dead. What could Jesus do apart from grieve with His friends?
They had no idea what He was going to do. They had no idea that Jesus was going to raise Lazarus back to life after four days in the tomb. Such power was beyond their understanding.
Jesus is always more than we can imagine or believe. There is always more for us to discover about His love and power.
With Jesus there is no such thing as a dead end.
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 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: Today at a special service on Sunday 26 July at St Paul’s, West Melton.
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: Direct my steps by Your word and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, is our King and our brother. Direct our steps by Your Word, that we may be Your faithful servants during this life, and receive Your gracious reward in the life to come, through the power of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Readings: For St Columba’s and St Saviour’s: Psalm 119:129-136 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50 St Paul’s: Ephesians 6:10-17 and Matthew 5:1-11
Theme: The Kingdom of God - Part 2
Parish News
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.
