Angelic Prayer
Dear Everyone,
I want to share with you a remarkable and uplifting testimony which was published by Susan Howarth vicar of Havelock in 2018.
Dave Farrant tells me he is a changed man. A modest man, not at all one to put himself in the forefront, hence his decision to share his story with me. Locals tell me he is very much loved by the community because of his quiet and consistent acts of service. He has the knack of seeing a need and getting on with it. As he talks I realize it has taken him a year and-a-half to find the courage to share what happened as the thought of it leaves him quite undone and emotional, a feeling he is not so comfortable with being his age and gender.
On February 2nd, 2017, he returned from Auckland and commented he had sore legs. Within a day he had deteriorated significantly with extreme thirst, he was unable to get out of bed and his legs were swollen and covered in scabs from the knees to the ankles. To his shock he ended up in ICU and the next morning he was advised that it would pay for him to get his affairs in order as his kidneys were failing. He was informed that if he did survive he would need to be on dialysis for the rest of his life.
It was several days later that a woman came in and offered Dave prayer. He assumed it was a hospital chaplain. To use David's words "a funny feeling came over me as she prayed;' just how that felt is hard to describe, and as I explained before, the very mention of that moment brings a deep awe and presence which humbles Dave and was tangible to me as I listened.
Later that night when the nurse checked him there was a shocked comment. "Dave... I think your kidneys might be working, you are passing a small amount of urine!" X-rays and a transfer to Nelson hospital for tests and treatments ensued but after four or five times on dialysis he was informed that his blood tests were good and they didn't want to see him again.
He is adamant that he experienced a miracle and he feels very grateful to be living with freedom to move about each day. He finds himself with a deep compassion as he sees people in the street with sticks, walkers or wheelchairs. He is so conscious it could be him.
Both Dave and I have tried to find the woman who prayed. He said she was dressed in white like the robes a priest wears, she was tall, elderly but we have not been able to find someone who fits the description he gave, and besides, the chaplains don't wear white robes.
Blessings,
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.
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 in West Melton
Protecting and Shaping Your Legacy - Canterbury Community Foundation (Kura Tāwhiti) are hosting a free seminar all about wills, EPOA, leaving a gift in will to charities you care about and generally what happens to you, your stuff and your legacy when you pass.
Thursday 19 November, 5pm - 7pm, at Pearce Lounge - West Melton Community and Recreation Centre
Light refreshments provided, Free to attend
Registration is essential. To register visit https://events.humanitix.com/protecting-and-shaping-your-legacy-west-melton
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me (Psalm 42:8, NKJV)
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God our heavenly Father, the power of Your Holy Spirit, flowed through Your Son Jesus Christ and healed many, bringing glory to Your Name. May your love also flow though us to touch the lives of those who need Your help, and so bring glory to Your Name. Amen.
Readings: Philippians 1:3-11 and Mark 1:29-39
Theme: Angelic Prayer
Parish News
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 Petra 022 509 5781 or Adam on 027 293 0582 if you are interested in being part of a Young Adults Group. Contact Adam if you are interested in joining the Men’s Group.
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. Contact Petra 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.
