Weekly Notices - 4 October 2026
The Fern and The Fig
Dear Everyone,
New Zealand's national symbol is the silver fern. According to Te Papa museum, it was first used as a symbol of New Zealand in the 1880's. To the Māori it stood for strength, stubborn resistance and enduring power. It was first used as a national symbol by New Zealand troops fighting in the Boer War (1898-1902) It was used as a national symbol in both world wars and has ever since been a unique trademark of New Zealand sports teams and products. I love the fact that it is a symbol of strength, stubborn resistance and enduring power.
Likewise, the fig tree was an important symbol of Israel and its spiritual condition throughout the Bible. Its fruitfulness or barrenness reflected the nation's faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God. The fig tree is used in parables and prophesy to picture judgment, repentance, and restoration. The fig tree can also represent individual spiritual health. Just as a fig tree is expected to bear fruit, believers are called to produce spiritual fruit in their lives, demonstrating their faith and obedience to God.
Matthew and Mark record the fact that Jesus, on the day after Jesus had cleansed the Temple, looked for fruit on a fig tree and finding none cursed it. (Matthew 21:18-22) When He and the disciples passed by the following day, it had completely withered and died from the roots upward. This was a powerful prophetic action. The fruitless fig tree was a picture of the spiritual state of Israel and its judgement. To us it is a warning on two levels: our lives must produce spiritual fruit for the kingdom or we have no value. A church that produces no fruit for the kingdom will wither and die.
May we with stubborn and enduring power of the Holy Spirit produce fruit for the Kingdom of God here in this part of Aotearoa.
Be fruitful,
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 Paul’s
Finding Answers from the Bible About Our Struggles: A new, three‑week Bible study begins this Thursday, 8 October, exploring the real struggles many of us face in the Christian life — and the hope Scripture offers. Each week we’ll look at what the Bible says, draw on our Anglican tradition, share from our own experience, and pray for grace to grow as faithful disciples. The topics are:
Confusion about Christian Identity
Anxiety, Doubt and Guilt in the Inner Life
Distraction and Spiritual Drift
The topics may sound a little serious, but honest reflection is how we grow — and there’s plenty of joy and light on the other side! Each evening includes creative elements, supper, and the warm hospitality of Ross and Alice Jones!
If you’d like to join us, phone Mark on 0274327474
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: God highly exalted Him that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-10
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our Heavenly Father, Your beloved Son Jesus humbled Himself even to death. Therefore, You exalted Him and gave Him all authority and power in heaven and on earth. We joyfully submit ourselves to love Him and serve Him forever, through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 17:1-7 and Matthew 21:23-32
Theme: The Fern and the Fig
Parish News
Special General Meeting
18 October at 11.30am at St Columba’s Church, Hornby
What is Happening at St Paul’s
Finding Answers from the Bible About Our Struggles:
A new, three‑week Bible study begins this Thursday, 8 October, exploring the real struggles many of us face in the Christian life — and the hope Scripture offers. Each week we’ll look at what the Bible says, draw on our Anglican tradition, share from our own experience, and pray for grace to grow as faithful disciples. The topics are:
Confusion about Christian Identity
Anxiety, Doubt and Guilt in the Inner Life
Distraction and Spiritual Drift
The topics may sound a little serious, but honest reflection is how we grow — and there’s plenty of joy and light on the other side! Each evening includes creative elements, supper, and the warm hospitality of Ross and Alice Jones!
If you’d like to join us, phone Mark on 0274327474
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.
