Weekly Notices - 20th September 2026
In an 180 degree turn from the ongoing themes of ‘Forgiveness’ over the past few weeks, this week we are heartened that with the foundation forgiveness propping each of us up, we are reminded of the beautiful fact that God remains close to us when we call on Him.
God's nearness to those who call on Him is a testament to His loving and personal nature.
As believers, we find comfort and strength in this assurance, especially in times of distress, when we call to mind the declaration made by the psalmist "The LORD is near to the broken-hearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). A promise of hope and healing, affirming that God's presence is a source of comfort and deliverance.
Jesus came to establish justice, and he wouldn’t stop until he saw it to the finish. Jesus came to bring that better world, to pour out justice like the Devils Punchbowl waterfall in spring, to put a certain end to centuries of rebellion. And yet, as he wages his holy war, he kneels down, with infinite strength, taking fire from every direction, to lift and support the weak, humble, trusting souls in his path. Toward his enemies, he’s severe, unyielding, terrifying. Toward his own, however, he’s gentle and lowly.
May God bless St Aug’s as we embrace His nearness to us
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (20th September)
Theme: God’s generosity, justice, and nearness to those who call upon Him.
Sentence: By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8–9
Collect:
Almighty God, you have given us a lodging in this world
but not an abiding city.
Help us, as a pilgrim people, to endure hardness,
knowing that at the end of our journey Christ has prepared a place for us.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen
Readings: Isaiah 55: 6 – 9 & Matthew 20: 1 -16
As we continue through 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 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
Just a reminder that this month's Parish Prayer Theme is Missions. And so we pray for our existing ministries, and for ourselves as we reach out to the unchurched in our community; Mainly Music, the Repair Cafe and our future Youth and Children's Ministry, along with our parish missionaries.
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me,
And may I humbly do my part
To lead that soul to Thee
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