Weekly Notices - 13th September 2026
Over the last couple of weeks, we delved into our very special relationship with God – the most important relationship we have, and one which directs our relationships with those around us. We looked once again at the process of conflict resolution and upholding each other through respect, conversation and love.
This week we once again hold our relationship with God as we look at forgiveness through love. As Christians we too, often find ourselves in the situation where we are wronged and challenged by someone around us. As humans, we tend to immediately jump into a circle of anger and frustration – which is perceived as totally normal. However, as Christians we are challenged to forgive once, forgive twice and continue to forgive!
Forgiveness is not merely an occasional act but a constant attitude that requires ongoing effort and mental strength, both toward others and oneself (Martin Luther King Jr.), an attitude demanded of us by Jesus Christ and a powerful act that frees both the forgiver and the forgiven, fostering inner peace and emotional healing.
It does not erase the past or condone wrongdoing; rather, it transforms the way we remember and respond to hurtful experiences, creating a path toward healing and hope. So let us be encouraged to forgive each other and those around us – it can only bring us good!
May God continue to bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (13th September)
Theme: God's forgiveness of us, our need to forgive and make peace
Sentence: If you, O Lord, should note what we do wrong, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. Psalm 130:3–4
Collect:
God of infinite mercy
grant that we who know your pity
may rejoice in your forgiveness
and gladly forgive others
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen
Readings: Romans 14:1 – 12 & Matthew 18:21 – 25
As we enter our regular Mission Month, I ask that you all continue to hold those in other parts of the world who are struggling.
Graeme Mitchell will be visiting us on Sunday 27th Sept (10am Combined Service) to talk to us about the Anglican Missions Golden Oldies program (see below for more details). We thank Liz Hay for organising this for us.
Offering a unique 10-day mission experience travelling to Heartland Fiji, in partnership with the Diocese of Polynesia. Learn about life amongst the Fijian people, engage with the churches, attend schools, hospitals, villages and squatter settlements, and reside within the St Christophers orphanage campus in Suva.
The final 2-nights are at a resort, with an optional day trip to a tropical island, for some R&R before returning to NZ.
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
For Your Diaries:
Sunday 13th Sept: Your new Pastoral Care Team will be commissioned by your Vicar in the space of time between our 2 morning services. Please continue to pray for your Pastoral Carers.
Sunday 27th September: Daylight Savings Begins; turn your clocks forward an hour.
Sunday 27th September: We welcome Graeme Mitchell who will speak to us about his Golden Oldies program through Anglican Missions. 10am Combined Service. Thanks to Liz Hay for organizing this.
Monday 12th October: pre-election Meet the Candidates Evening at St Aug’s. 7pm start. Thanks to Lerks Stedman and Catherine Gibbs for organizing this.
Please also note that our 24hr Day of Prayer, scheduled for the 1st weekend in October has now been cancelled due to health issues amongst our Prayer Team, and is rescheduled for early next year.
A call for empty, clean 2L milk bottles please. This is for an exciting venture Francie & Robin Shulz are putting together. Please drop off your empty bottles to the parish office during the week, or bring them with you on Sundays.
From the Prayer Working Group
The 24-Hour-Prayer Day marked for 2-3 October has been postponed until early next year.
The Prayer Working Group remains keen to offer this to our parish before too many months have passed!
Watch this space for further details!
Helpful info
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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.