Weekly Notices - 15th June 2025
The foundation of our Christian faith is found in the doctrine of a Triune God. Basically, this means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Many theologians over the years and even today, struggle to provide a simple, relatable explanation of this concept and people have tended to interpret this as “the Father became the Son, who then became the Holy Spirit.” Contrary to this, the passages we have seen imply that God always was and always will be three Persons.
There was never a time when one of the Persons of the Godhead did not exist. They are all eternal. The Trinity does not divide God into three parts. The Bible is clear that all three Persons are each one hundred percent God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all fully God.
This is deep, and as we come to fully understand our God as Three-in-One, we still need to grapple with the things we face daily. Over recent weeks, we have seen work progressing on our leaking roof; work that has brought to light a huge problem of asbestos in one of our walls. Vestry has scrambled to have this problem sorted and our space made safe, and we just ask you all to bear with us as we walk the ‘asbestos removal’ walk. More details will follow in the days ahead, provided by our Parish Treasurer, Mr. Russell Stedman. Meanwhile, your deep-seated prayers are requested over the future of our buildings.
May God continue to bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (15th June)
Theme: “The Trinity - God as creator, wisdom and guide.”
Sentence: ‘God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father!’ Romans 5: 1 – 5
Collect:
Trinity of Love,
maker of man and woman in your image
help us to accept ourselves as we are,
and to know our need for each other.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.
Readings: Romans 5: 1 – 5 & John 16: 12 – 15
Film Screening, THIS THURSDAY (June 19th) - in the Hannan Centre
Kiwi-made film The Doctor's Wife:
https://whitioraproductions.com/the-doctors-wife
This film reflects on the 20-year engagement NZ paediatric cardiac surgeon,
Dr Alan Kerr, and his wife Hazel had with Palestine.
Gather at 6.30pm, the film will start at 7pm
Tea & Coffee will be available after the film
The New Zealand Palestine Solidarity Network https://www.psna.nz/ will also be providing information pamphlets. Plus gathering signatures to petition
Dr Vanessa Weenink to support Chloë Swarbrick's bill to impose stronger sanctions on Israel to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
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
On Sunday 29th June, the Sumner Silver Brass Band will be joining us again and leading our music (for a ‘Combined 10am Service’).
We have all thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful group of musicians in the past, and I am excited that they are willing to join us again!
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.)
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.