Weekly Notices - 5 July 2026
Dear Everyone,
I hope by now you have read the letter about the "Three Ways Forward" and have been praying. (If you didn't receive one last Sunday please email Sharon in the office to get a copy.)
When you pray, ask the Lord to speak to you then wait quietly and expect Him to speak to you. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit "will take of what is mine and declare it to you." (John 16:14)
Jesus is the Lord and head of the Church. He knows the situation that we face and He has a plan for the future. He is passionately concerned for the people who live in our communities who have not yet heard the good news that He loves them. He will show us the way He wants us to reach out.
The Holy Spirit has many ways of communicating the counsel of God to us. "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28) Verses of scripture, words and ideas that form in the mind, pictures, and even dreams. Write down what you think the Lord has given you then come back to it a day or two later and see if it still resonates with your spirit. Then share it. You may not think it relevant or even make sense but when all these words and pictures are put together usually a pattern emerges which does make sense.
You may never have prayed like this before but give it a go.
Blessings,
Peter
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 to Henk Buunk no later than Sunday 26th July so that he can collate what you receive from the Lord along with the findings of the vision group and publish in the Handy Sheet.
Lectio 365
A Prayer for the Future of our Parish: 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. 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/Mark Chamberlain on 0274327474 and we can form a discipleship group and prepare for confirmation together.
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 Lord upholds all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down." Psalm 145:14
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, You are gracious and full of compassion. Have mercy upon us when we feel bowed down by the pressures and sins of this world. Lift us up to behold Your glory. Strengthen us by the power of Your Holy Spirit and fill us with Your joy, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives and reigns with You forever and ever. Amen.
Readings: Psalm 145:8-19 & Matthew 11:2-15
Theme: The Promises of the Lord
Parish News
Time For You
Tuesday 21 July, 1.30pm at St Columba's Church Hall. Details to come. All welcome. Further inquiries to Gina 027 766 5073
What is happening 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
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.
