Weekly Notices - 9th November 2025
Note from the Treasurer:
Looking back over the annual accounts for the last 10 years, our income from Regular Offertories and Day Of Giving peaked in 2016, at $296K. As we all know, our numbers have dropped significantly since then.
Despite this, average giving per parishioner has increased by at least 25% over the last 10 years, with an especially steep increase since 2019. So I want to acknowledge the faithful generosity of our parishioners.
Day Of Giving was held last Sunday 2 Nov, and receipts have already exceeded our budget of $24K . We had an exceptional receipt last year of $52K, which allowed us to go ahead with roof repairs which are nearing completion.
As mentioned in last week’s pew sheet, this year so far has not gone to plan, with regular offertories running below budget and below last year, and the asbestos remediation which we funded from reserves (savings). Volunteers, especially Kristine McKey’s husband Mick, have done much to help us keep repair costs down. We have addressed significant repairs this year and still have more to address.
But there are decisions we are not in any position to face - the deteriorating slate roof, and the very leaky bell tower. With depleted reserves, and diminished income, we do not know when we will address those decisions - or if we ever will.
As Treasurer, it’s a bit worrying. But with 24-Hour Prayer Day coming up, here’s a verse for me: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Philippians 4:6 The Message)
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (9thNovember)
Theme: Eternal life - our belief in the future that Christ promised.
Sentence: I am the resurrection and the life,’ says the Lord. ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’ John 11:25–26
Collect:
Almighty God,
you have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts and set us free from the bondage of sin;
give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that we and all your people may be brought
to the glorious liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: 2 Thessalonians 2: 1 – 5, 13 – 17 & Luke 20: 27 – 38
Come and join us on Sunday in our Lay-led 11am service.
There will be a 5-10 minutes open sharing/testimony time, so bring your stories and let’s share them in our God Space!
THIS WEEKEND: 24-HOUR PRAYER DAY!!!
Friday 7 November 5pm - Saturday 7 November 5pm
Contact Christine de Senna for details: cdesenna@gmail.com
Sunday 30th November:
Please note that this particular Sunday will be the 5th Sun of the month; hence a 10am Combined Service.
It will also be the 1st Sun of Advent, our time of preparation before Christmas, and it is delightful that our Sumner Silver Brass Band will be leading our music selection. We are grateful for our warm connection with SSBB, established through Loki Kristiansen, and always look forward to having them in our midst.
Please diary Sun 30th November as a 10am Combined Service, and plan ahead to bring a plate for Morning tea.
Messy Church
We are aiming to run one sometime in Term 1 next year.
See the photos below to see what our previous ‘Messy Church’ session looked like!
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
The church is currently being opened to the public each Thursday afternoon between 1 - 3pm.
This is a great opportunity for you or others you may know to walk through our beautiful doors and sit in the quiet holiness of our space.
Everyone is welcome, and we thank Kristine & Mick McKey for this ministry.
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)
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.