Weekly Notices - 30 August 2026
Dear Everyone,
Have you ever seen the optical illusion of the old woman and the young girl? What did you see first? Was it easy to see the other image? Do you remember the shift in focus needed to see the other image? Do you remember almost blanking out the first image in order to make space for the second to emerge?
In today’s gospel reading Peter shows that he just hasn’t understood Jesus at all. He saw Jesus in a certain way but just couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ true identity and mission. When Jesus predicted his suffering and death, Peter replied “Lord this must never happen to you!” But this drew Jesus’ sternest rebuke. “Get behind me Satan. You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Both of these experiences – the optical illusion and the account of Peter and Jesus – illustrate the need for conversion. Conversion is a deep change in perception, allegiance and direction. It happens when we come to Christ for the first time, but it also involves a lifetime of being converted to the purposes and ways of God.
Next week an Information Pack, prepared by Vestry, will be distributed to all those on the Parish Roll. It will contain information about the proposal to sell the entire Hornby site and do a kind of re-set of how ministry is to be conducted in the Hornby area. Once the Information Packs have been distributed there will be opportunities to discuss the proposal and ask questions. My plea is that we look at this proposal in prayer, with an open mind, and ask ourselves, “What new vision is God asking me to grasp hold of and act upon?” While we may experience the pain of loss, we must also believe in the bright future God has for us.
The Special General Meeting to consider the proposal will take place at 11.30am on Sunday 27 September, 2026 following a combined service at St Columba’s. Please make a note in your diary and plan to be present if you can.
Blessings in Christ,
Rev Mark Chamberlain
Please note: Please note: there will be a service on Sunday 30 August, today, at St Columba’s. Mark Chamberlain will be preaching at all three services/churches. Next Week Sunday 6 September Rev Susan Maclean will be a St Paul’s and St Columba’s, St Saviours are having a Sharing Service.
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
St Saviour’s goes back to Summer Time (5pm start) on 6th September
Sunday 6th September: Sharing service at St Saviour's
In this special service we will have space for anyone who wants to share a short (no more than 5 minutes) input for the church. If you would like to share something you are encouraged to do so. Examples of things to share include:
- A poem
- A bible verse/reading
- A piece of writing that means something to you
- An artwork
- A short testimony
- A song (there will be a speaker so we can play something on YouTube)
There will be time to reflect and respond to what has been shared.
Remember to come at 5pm as we change back to summer time this Sunday.
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: If anyone desires to come Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24
Prayer of the Day: Lord Jesus, You have taught that any who want to be like You must crucify the selfish desires of the heart. May Your Holy Spirit so fill our hearts with Your love that Your joy will be our joy, to the glory of our heavenly Father. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 3:1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28
Theme: Take up your cross and follow Me
Parish News
What is happening at St Saviour’s
St Saviour’s goes back to Summer Time (5pm start) on 6th September
Sunday 6th September: Sharing service 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.
Craft Group - Saturday 29 August
Saturday 29 August, 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. For further information contact Gina 0277665073 All welcome.
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.
