Weekly Notices - 3 August 2025
From the minister
On a number of occasions Jesus was misunderstood (John 3 and Nicodemus thinking Jesus was saying something about being born again is just one. Even where Jesus was born was not clear to the leaders).
Recently many in a congregation in the parish laughed as I meant them to, when I said, "for those of us who are fairly obviously appearing to be a bit like Martha, I am happy to re-baptise them (with their new name was the inference).
Rest assured that of course there is no such thing as re-baptising in the Anglican Church. Like Jesus I was making a point with a friendly poke. Let the ones who do say (admit) they are too busy; hear what the Spirit is saying... :)
Further to that, in the church we can easily bruise people and not know that we did.
Sometimes these bumps and bruises are still sensitive years later. Innocent remarks can slip through our skin and poke us where we are vulnerable. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 18, where speaking within his Jewish culture he is his usual in your face with his straight talk.
Within Māori culture, if you are on a marae, and can get the translation, those of us who are pakeha, would be somewhat shocked at their pointed remarks, even about groups of their people or of the visitor’s ancestors!
If I have said something that might have bruised you accidently, please forgive me and please do as Jesus says, approach. If you are worried that I might not listen, tell me that too, so that like you, I too can be given an opportunity to grow more like him and be less like I am.
As John the Baptist said, "He must increase, I (especially) must decrease" (Johns Gospel Chapter 3 verse 30)
Yours In Christ, Patrick
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it. (Psalm 49:7)
Prayer of the Day: O God, may your ceaseless mercy cleanse and defend your church, and, since it cannot stand firm without you, guide and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ, who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings: Act 6:8-10, Acts 7:54-60 and Matthew 10:17-22
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.
