Weekly Notices - 11th May 2025
This week, we are reminded that Jesus Himself is our Good Shepherd, herding us through the ups and downs of life and offering us guidance through those tricky knots we often find ourselves in.
All of us have felt uncertainty. I feel it right now as I wonder what God wants me to do in our upcoming Clergy Conference next week and then in my travel to Wellington for Tikanga Pakeha Council at the end of the week.
And in moments like these, I need to constantly remind myself that Jesus knows us just like a shepherd knows everything about his sheep. Jesus knows us personally and intimately. He knows more about ME than I even know about myself. Jesus is the Good Shepherd because what He offers us all will crush uncertainty.
I find that God speaks to me through my thoughts during prayer. When I sit at a blank computer screen before writing a sermon, I pray, "God, tell me what to write." Then thoughts flow into my mind like all the rain-caused flooding around us last week!
As we Walk through this joyous Season of Easter, looking ahead to our Week of “Thy Kingdom Come” Prayer, may we all hold onto that beautiful hope that Jesus gives us as He shepherds us in Love.
God Bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (11th May)
Theme: “Recognising Jesus as our Lord”
Sentence: The Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to the springs of the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17
Collect:
God of peace,
by the blood of the eternal covenant
you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep;
make us perfect in every good work,
and work in us that which is pleasing and good;
through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings: Acts 9: 36 – 43 & John 10 : 22 – 30
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!
Building Discipleship 'conference' 5th - 6th June (Thursday & Friday)
North City Church premises on Sawyers Arms Rd (Christchurch).
Last year some of us attended this very successful conference so we are again inviting anyone interested to join us at this excellent time of nourishment & rejuvenation!
Going by what it offered last year, it will be a great place of encouragement.
As our own parish continues to look at regeneration and growth, this will be a perfect opportunity to network and gather fresh ideas.
Contact Paula if this is something you would be keen on - we DO need a strong team please!
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.
Be careful out there!
(And here are a couple of shots of the team in the skyline on Tuesday morning.)
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.