Weekly Notices - 16th November 2025
Our Sunday Gospel this week comes near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It logically falls in two places on the liturgical calendar – during Passion Week, just before the Last Supper; and today, near the end of the Christian year.
It tells us of Jesus’ response to end times, and reminds us of His promise into eternity when He will build us up out of our fallenness and create in us, hearts that will endlessly rejoice in Him.
Remember 14yrs ago? 185 people were killed. Hundreds of homes were destroyed. No sooner than the shakes died down, the community came together like never before. People from all walks of life stepped forward to volunteer their time, materials, money – whatever was needed. In addition, relief poured in from all over.
Those who’ve experienced the hardships of life have a witness of faith to share that’s able to weather any storm.
Endurance is the key – hanging in there when your world falls apart – trusting God to give you the strength to persevere and, not only persevere, but prevail – believing with every confidence that “all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purposes.” (Rom. 8:28)
Out of the rubble springs new life. It holds true for individuals, as well.
May God continue to bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (16thNovember)
Theme: The Feast of Christ in All Creation
Sentence: May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Collect:
Almighty God,
you alone can bring order to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: 2 Thessalonians 3: 6 – 13 – 17 & Luke 21: 5 – 19
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!
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.