Weekly Notices - 6 September 2026
How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)?
Christians have often turned to the principles of Matthew 18 for guidance in handling disputes. There Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (verses 15–17). From these verses, several guidelines can be found for resolving conflicts between Christians.
Christians are called to handle disputes in love, with a goal of restoration. Conflict should be handled according to the steps listed in Matthew 18. This style of conflict resolution is based on a desire for holy living and love for the person who has committed wrong.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-disputes.html
This week an Information Pack, 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.
Notice of Intent: 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
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 September 27, 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.
You are valued members of our Parish and your input into this decision-making process is essential.
Please note: 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: How good and pleasant a thing it is when God's people live together in unity (Psalm 133:1)
Prayer of the Day: Creator God, you have made us not in one mould, but in many: so deepen our unity in Christ that we may rejoice in our diversity. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen
Readings: St P & St C Romans 13:8-14, St S Exodus 12:1-14 and Matthew 18:15-20
Theme:
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.
Calling all Christian women in the Diocese of Christchurch.
You are invited to a Festival Service to be held by the Association of Anglican Women at the Transitional Cathedral on Sunday 13th September at 2 pm
More details on the website ~ https://nzaaw.org.nz/events/ also you can watch on line as we are live streamed.
Afternoon Tea will be served after the service which will be presided by The Reverends Jan Brodie and Anne Shave, Choral assistance by the Cathedral Girls’ Choir
Special General Meeting
27 September at 11.30am at St Columba’s Church, Hornby
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.
