Weekly Notices - 4th May 2025
Our Gospel text for this week shows us in a very powerful way, that the resurrection is not just about an empty tomb – it is about a risen Jesus. A risen Jesus who surprises us, and appears to us, in many and various ways, when we have the eyes of faith to see him. This is the third time that the Lord appeared to His disciples after resurrection and in itself, offers profound insights into Jesus’ resurrection, His relationship with His disciples, and the essence of following Him.
One interesting reminder in this passage is the fact that ‘Jesus Meets Us Where We Are’: Even in their moment of doubt and return to old habits, Jesus meets the disciples at the shore. He doesn’t wait for them to come to Him; He goes to where they are.
Another stark reminder for us is the fact that the disciples’ efforts were fruitless until they followed Jesus’ instructions. This highlights the importance of listening to His guidance. When you align your actions with His word, there’s a promise of abundance and success.
Our Gospel text this week isn’t just a historical account; it’s a guide for our journey of faith. It is an encouragement for each of us, post-Easter to continue to:
Trust in Jesus’ Guidance
Embrace Restoration
Serve Others
Stay Focused on our Path of Faith
May God continue to Guide St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (4th May)
Theme: “Recognising Jesus as our Lord”
Sentence: To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13
Collect:
Living host, call us together,
call us to eat and drink with you.
Grant that by your body and your blood
we may be drawn to each other
and to you.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: Acts 9: 1 – 6 & John 21: 1 – 19
Parish News
‘Thy Kingdom Come 2025’ 29th May - 8th June
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more
people to come to know Jesus.
This year, our parish Prayer Leaders are encouraging us all to be a part of this praying community: every person, household and church is invited to pray
during the 11 days in their own way.
Please take part & join in. After each service over the next few weeks, there will be video clips with more information for you to work with.
Let’s all get behind this initiative and come together as God’s people of prayer!
Please be warned that with the commencement of our roof repairs we have LOTS of scaffolding around the place to be aware of. In particular this affects parking near the Hannan Centre ramp (and access in and out of the back door downstairs - where you will need to brush up on your ‘limbo’ skills!).
Be careful out there!
Repair Café -
In the Hannan Centre, Thursday 1st May, 5 to 7pm
Let’s REPAIR rather than throw away.
FREE event! Share far and wide!
We will help fix your stuff and to teach you how to do it yourself; Bring torn or holey clothes, stuck zippers, furniture, headphones and cables, sunglasses, ceramics and pottery, toys, shoes, jewellery, blunt knives (to sharpen) broken plastic objects etc.
We can also help you with some technology advice, such as how to install WhatsApp to talk to your relations overseas, or why is your phone doing something weird today, or how do I put it on ‘do not disturb’ … etc
Volunteers willing to help are very welcome! Please contact Lerks Stedman: 022 021 5270
Messy Church at St Augs!!
We are hoping very much to get ‘Messy Church’ up and running sometime in the next (school) term. Initially we aim to run a messy church session twice/year.
What is ‘Messy Church’? Messy Church is a church for everyone who may not feel comfortable attending a ‘normal’ church service and who don’t yet belong to a church. It typically includes a meal, hands-on activities such as arts, crafts, meeting God in the outdoors, science activities and more, which are suitable for all ages. Check out the NZ ‘Messy Church’ website! www.messychurch.nz
If this sounds like something you would like to know more about, please contact Rowena Pottinger: rowbillpotty@gmail.com
Please remember to use our Diocesan Prayer for Regeneration: As the kotuku gently rests upon the tree, come and rest upon us Holy Spirit as we pray for the regeneration of our Diocese… Ever living God, through your Spirit you constantly renew the whole creation; bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch, grant us courage to grow disciples of Jesus, give us vision to reach young people and their families, and strengthen us to create vibrant communities of faith. All this we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
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.