Weekly Notices - 1st June 2025
Last Sunday evening, in preparation for our ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ prayer journey, we joined with each other in our church - and other parishes throughout the diocese – to pray over “the first 3rd,” those of us in the younger age bracket of our community.
The evening was a beautiful, reflective time, organized by Jenny Marshall (11am congregant and member of the Prayer Ministry Team) where we came together to pray, and stayed on for soup n rolls!
It was disappointing however, that no more than 12 parishioners attended! I am a very firm believer in the power of community and communal prayer and I just feel that a reminder needs to be here for us all from Mathew’s Gospel 18:
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
I write this as we look ahead to 2 more prayer initiatives to which we are urged to gather: Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June. I do not want to take away from anyone the time individual prayer is lifted to God; however, there is an extra beauty and a deeper challenge when we gather as a community. I truly hope you will join the Rev Christine de Senna and her team!
May God always bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (1st June)
Theme: “Christ's ascension to his eternal glory in heaven; Hope that we will follow, living forever in the kingdom”
Sentence: ‘God has raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named.’ Ephesians 1:20–21
Collect:
Holy God,
you feed us with earthly and spiritual food.
Deathless, unalterable, you have chosen us, sinful as we are, to hear your word and to proclaim your truth.
Alleluia! Make us salt of the earth;
make us yeast in the loaf.
Praise to you our God; you answer prayer. Amen.
Readings: Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44 – 53
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. This is your invitation to be a part of this God-blessed and exciting Prayer Movement between Ascension Day (Thursday 29 May) and Pentecost Sunday (8 June). You won’t regret joining the thousands around the world praying for people to come to know Jesus and for lives to be transformed!
Every parishioner will receive a Prayer Journal with a place to write the names of 5 people whom God is leading you to pray for, especially during the ten days between Ascension Day and Pentecost. Along with this, the Journal contains ten daily readings to accompany you on this journey of focused prayer
Let’s all get behind this initiative and come together as God’s people of prayer!
Building Discipleship 'conference' 5th - 6th June (Thursday & Friday)
The two day intensives offer a tailored environment that enables deeper exploration of concepts, application to your team's context, cross-team learning, strategic planning and time for waiting on God.
Complimentary morning tea will be available. Please provide your own lunch.
When: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June 2025, 9.00am - 3.30pm
Location: Northcity Church, 95a Sawyer Arms Road, Papanui.
Please let Paula know if you can join us! Registrations are needed!
See you at the Intensive!!
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 recently.)
Messy Church at St Augs!!
On Saturday 28th June 2025 we are planning a special ‘Messy Church’ activity day for Pre school and Primary aged children in the Hall at St Augustine’s
This will run from 3pm to 5:30pm
We require helpers to plan, set up and manage this important church event.
We need people to help with the encouraging and bringing along young families, advertising, ideas, administration, welcomers, preparation for art activities and music.
We also require helpers to set up trestles and activities, a team of cooks for meal preparation and serving, and for afterwards tidying up at the end of the activities.
If you can help in any way please can you join us THIS Thursday evening (22nd May) at 7pm in the Hannan centre for a planning meeting.
Please come with ideas and ways to support us. RSVP to Rowena Pottinger: 021343884, or rowbillpotty@gmail.com
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
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.