Weekly Notices - 6th September 2026
Remember the story of David Livingstone? As a young man belonging to a small local church in Scotland, David responded to God’s call on his life by training as a doctor and going to Africa. There he faced the challenge of a particular tribe that refused to accept any contact.
Instead, one day he got a message warning him that this tribe was intent on attacking David’s camp that night. Nothing happened. Later, contact was made with the tribe, who eventually became Christians. When the chief was asked why the killing wasn’t carried out, he told David that there were 39 giants surrounding the compound, so he and his men backed off.
Sometime later, when David was back in Scotland at his little home church, he talked to the church secretary about this incident. Looking up the church records, they found a prayer meeting had been held on the same day at the same time, when people had gathered to pray, and particularly for David. There were 39 people present.
These were ordinary church people, meeting to pray – yet in God’s purposes they were ‘giants.’ As we pray for our church, God can use us in ways far beyond what we could imagine. Our prayers matter!
Don’t give up praying for the topics we’ve focused on in past months. It’s not clear when and how Alpha will shape up. Remember too our parish outreach: Mainly Music and Messy Church, and what comes next, and the monthly Repair Cafe.
Please also focus prayer on the wider mission of the church, (September is Mission Month – more details elsewhere) and on mission amongst Maori. (More later.)
May our God lead you, as you pray,
Liz Hay
PS In a month’s time, we’ll have our 24 hour Day of Prayer.
Diary 2 nd /3 rd October now.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (6th September)
Theme: Relationships; Reconciliation; Love; Being faithful to God's word
Sentence: Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for whoever loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
Collect:
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: Romans 13: 8 – 14 & Matthew 18: 15 – 20
During Mission Month – ‘Mitch’ is coming!
On Sunday 27 th September Graeme Mitchell, (‘Mitch’) who is the interim National Director for the NZ Church Missionary Society, will be coming to speak. Over a number of years, he has developed a Golden Oldies programme, where retired people go on a visit to Fiji, and spend time assisting the local people in a number of ways. (Away from the tourist resorts, Fiji has lots of poor areas. Just ask Kofe.) Graeme will tell us how this programme developed, so be prepared to be enthused and encouraged by what is a very practical and heart- warming ministry. We’re all able to help Graeme and the team, by helping donate $ for items that they take in their personal luggage and by praying. Or, maybe one or two could join him!
Liz Hay
From the Prayer Working Group
Less than 4 weeks until our 24-Hour-Prayer Day!!
Sign up today for the Praying-At-Home Prayer Roster! Choose your slot to pray for our parish between Friday 2 October 5pm and Saturday 3 October 5pm.
Look out for Christine with the sign up sheet at the end of the Service on Sunday!
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.