Weekly Notices - 9th August 2026
As we focus on Jesus’ lifetime miracles and the way He gathered His disciples around him, offering them teaching and comfort, I think it is prudent to mention here that we now have a working St Aug’s Pastoral Care Team.
Pastoral care involves caring for people like a shepherd cares for their flock, addressing spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs, and I have often dreamed about a team working beside me to provide this vital ministry to our people. And with absolute gratitude to those of you who have responded to God’s call, I look forward now to a time when our parishioners are cared for in a deeper level than friendship and in a way that provides inclusivity and acknowledgement as a part of this beautiful parish.
Over the coming weeks, your Pastoral Care Team will be meeting to further identify your needs, and to set up a contact list which we will keep updating as time goes on. I will be identifying our Parish Pastoral Carers in our services, and I ask your prayers over your Team as they involve themselves deeper in your lives
Remember that the Team is here to sit with you, listen to you and if possible, share your worries. Everything said to them will be held in total confidentiality by the Team and your Vicar, so please feel free to lean in to the Love of Christ in human form.
May God continue to bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (9th August)
Theme: Jesus as the mediator of God's safety; the calm after the storm.
Sentence: They cried out in fear, but Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid’. Matthew 14:26–27
Collect:
Almighty God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy.
You are the Saviour in our storms,
when the waters of the deep are broken up,
when the landmarks are washed away or drowned,
come to us across the water;
for the glory of your holy name.
Amen
Readings: Romans 10: 9 – 15 & Matthew 14: 22 – 33
AI & Humanity Conference
Cashmere Presbyterian Church — August 2026, 6pm on Fri, 28 Aug to 4pm on Sat, 29 Aug at Cashmere Presbyterian Church, 2 MacMillan Avenue.
The AI & Humanity Conference 2026 is a one-and-a-half-day public gathering designed to inform, equip and inspire a general audience about Artificial Intelligence-its rapid developments, its practical applications, and its deeper implications for our lives, communities and humanity itself. The conference is hosted by Cashmere Presbyterian Church and explicitly welcomes all people, regardless of faith background.
The event aims to:
Demystify AI for everyday people—what it is, how it works, where it is headed
Provide practical tools and skills to engage AI confidently in personal and professional life
Explore the ethical, social, and human dimensions of AI—including perspectives from both faith and non-faith traditions
Create a safe, curious, and collegial space for honest conversation about threats and opportunities
Connect Christchurch/Canterbury people with leading New Zealand voices on AI
Guest speakers are Dr Stephen Garner (Laidlaw College, Auckland), and Dr Matthew Galloway (Victoria University of Wellington—Te Herenga Waka).
Helpful info
Giving
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.
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.