Weekly Notices - 3 May 2026
A Message from Vestry: Those who were at our recent parish AGM will recall the discussion that took place regarding Standing Committee’s recommendation to sell the St Columba’s property so that the parish can afford to appoint a full time ‘missional priest’ who can led us in Christian ministry and mission to the Hornby area and the whole parish. We also discussed a letter from Bishop Peter who underscored the reasons for this recommendation. By way of a reminder the recommendation is as follows: “That Standing Committee approve, in principle, the sale of the entire Hornby site, with the proceeds to be retained to ensure a continuing and viable missional presence in the Hornby area and request a plan to be developed by the Archdeacon and Vestry urgently to make good such presence.”
Following a robust discussion I was asked by Vestry to reply to the Bishop’s letter. The main points are as follows:
1. Vestry passed the following motion – “That this Vestry, made up as it is of representatives of the three congregations of the parish, pledge our prayerful support for the St Columba’s congregation as together and in good faith, we work through the issues relating to the future of the parish.”
2. We acknowledged the importance of the pastoral care of all members of the parish at this time of change.
3. In preparation for a Special General Meeting of parishioners, we agreed to undertake further research into the recommendation and into alternative proposals. We acknowledged the need to be fully prepared for an SGM.
4. Vestry designated the month of May to be a month of prayer and discernment. This would involve intentional times of prayer, where we pray for the future of our parish and seek God’s guidance. Any impressions, thoughts or other forms of discernment would be given to the Wardens and submitted to Vestry.
5. Vestry recognised the need to continue carrying forward our mission to the community and not being diverted from our vocation to be salt and light to the community.
You are Invited to Pray: How will you respond to Vestry’s call to prayer and discernment? Please find some ideas below – but please pray in whatever way you feel led!
Pray in your own private prayer times for the future of our parish.
As a group pray for 15 minutes before church on Sundays in our respective congregations.
Pray at the regular parish prayer meetings in the homes of Jean Salisbury and Gina Bolton.
Later in the month we will organize a 24 hour Prayer Vigil.
A Suggested Prayer: God of all hope, you have inspired your people in times past with visions of a good future and given them energy and resolve to achieve great things for your kingdom; endow us with wisdom at this time of change in our parish, unite us in love, give us your guidance, and help us to follow where you lead. In the name of Jesus Christ, the pioneer of our faith, Amen.
Strengthen Faith Through Confirmation:
A public declaration of faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ can be a significant step in our discipleship and a way of strengthening faith. Jesus spoke about the importance of ‘owning’ our faith publicly (Matt 10:32) and the book of Acts records the courageous and costly public witness of the first disciples (Acts 5:17-18; 8:1). Confirmation is a way of bearing witness to our faith before the church community and is especially appropriate for those who have been baptized as infants or those who have recently ‘rediscovered’ their faith in God. Recently, a St Paul’s parishioner expressed a desire to be confirmed and the Bishop has agreed to come and lead this special service on Sunday 26 July. If anyone else in the parish would like to be confirmed please contact me on 0274327474 and we can form a discipleship group and prepare for confirmation together.
This Sunday at Sue MacLean will be at all three churches. Reminder St Saviour’s congregation have changed to the winter times from this week, 3 May, to start at 4pm as the nights are getting colder and darker.
24 May 2026 at 10.30am. All Age Service with shared lunch to follow at St Columba’s, Hornby.
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: Jesus said, ‘If you dwell within the revelation I have brought, you are indeed my disciples; you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’. (John 8:31-32)
Prayer of the Day: Eternal God, your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life for all creation; grant us grace to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings: Readings: Acts 7:55-60, and John 14:1-14
Parish News
CRAFT GROUP
Saturday 2 May, 10 am-3 pm, 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
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.
