Weekly Notices - 27 September 2026
"If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?" Psalm 11:3
Dear Everyone,
This Sunday we will be looking at the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17)
The importance of the Ten Commandments can not be overestimated. These 10 laws define right and wrong. They provide a moral foundation for society. The commandments provide an objective standard which defines what is right and what is evil. Without this foundation we have only rules of behaviour which can be changed by parliament or pressure groups. A society that abandons God's laws descends into moral chaos and misery. "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) Read the description of moral depravity in Judges 19 &20
The first four commandments tell us what our relationship with God should be. True these four state the relationship through what we should not do. Jesus restated them in a positive command, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 23:37)
The fifth commandment sets out a basic law for family life. "Honour your father and your mother." Interestingly this is the only commandment that contains a promise of blessing. "That your days may be long." i.e long life.
The remaining five laws deal with interpersonal relationships; laws to ensure a fair and just society. Life is sacred i.e. God given. Marriage is sacred not a human institution which can be defined any way a society chooses. Lying and stealing destroy trust and relationships as does envy which is forbidden in the tenth. If we put this law in the positive it would be something like, "Be content with what the Lord has given you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Imagine what our society and nation would be like if these ten simple laws were obeyed from the heart. It would be something close to heaven.
Do you best to live by these commandments not just in outward behaviour but from the heart.
Blessings,
Peter
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know that our parish needs a new beginning. You know that our Hornby congregation needs a new place to call home, a new place to worship and grow in. We humbly ask to provide what is needed at the right time and help us to reach out to our three communities with Your Good News. In Jesus precious name. Amen.
NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL PARISH GENERAL MEETING 2026
Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of the Parish of Hornby, Templeton and West Melton will be held on Sunday October 18, 2026, following a combined Parish Service at St Columba’s, Hornby.
The purpose of this meeting is to:
‘Decide on the future of the St Columba site, and the future direction of Anglican Worship in Hornby.’
And “The Parish recommends to the Bishop, Archdeacon, Wardens and Vestry, that the first priority for the future ministry in Hornby following the decision to sell St. Columba’s is to secure a permanent new venue for worship services and as a base for mission.” Subject to the first motion being passed.
You are valued members of our Parish and your input into this decision-making process is essential.
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.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. More to be desired are they than gold, Yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:8 &10 NKJV)
Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, You are just and holy and love us with an everlasting love. You have given us good laws to live by. May your Holy Spirit help us to keep your laws and if we stray, forgive us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Your only Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 20:1-17 and Matthew 21:33-46
Theme: The Ten Commandments
Parish News
Time for You and the monthly Craft Group/Day have been cancelled this month/September.
Special General Meeting
18 October at 11.30am at St Columba’s Church, Hornby
What is happening at St Saviour’s
St Saviour’s is back to Summer Times (5pm start)
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.
