Almighty God, You anointed Jesus at His
baptism with the Holy Spirit,
and revealed Him as Your beloved Son;
grant that we who are baptised into His name
may give up our lives to Your service,
and be found worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Sunday, 13 January, marks the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Parish Fair needs great home bakers

Would you like to show your kitchen prowess by donating some delicious home baking to our Parish Fair?

Most fairs tend to sell out of cakes right away – so we need LOTS and LOTS of home-cooked fare! We have plenty of meat trays if you need some to put the baking on! Home baking is a great seller – so let’s make the most of it! Please see Jo Bilton.

New study group for 13-18 year olds

Kat, Gareth and the Vicar have put their heads together and come up with a new Sunday morning study for 13 to18 year olds.

Called ISORA, it will start on Sunday, 3 February and meet every Sunday, except during School Holidays.

We’ll hang with KidZ UnlimiteD for a time of praise and worship and then head off into the common room for an age appropriate study!

If you have any questions, please see Kat Sprowson or Gareth Palmer

Firewood

Thirty tonnes of pine log ends have been donated by JNL for fundraising. Cut firewood will be available from mid January by donation basis. You fill your trailer, or we deliver, and you make a donation you can afford. (Proceeds are for equipment and camping costs). Start placing your winter orders with the Parish office re-opening 16th January.

Outdoor Adventures

Who	All 10 -15 year olds interested in the first “Batch Camp”
Where	Mikimiki (Jeff and Gail Reid’s)
When	January 18-20, 2013
Cost	$5 per person (maximum $10 per family)

Please register with the Parish Office or Steve Wilson before Tuesday, 15 January.

Forms and gear list available from the back of the Church or the Parish Office

2013 Lenten Study Groups

An opportunity to gather in small groups for just 6-8 weeks to study and discuss the Bible; mostly on the Easter theme.

The eight-week study “John in Lent” is available from the office but other studies can be used.

Existing group leaders and or home group hosts please advise the Vicar of your intentions before 17th January, so participants can register. Please see the Vicar if you would like to be considered to host or lead a group.

Activity start dates

Many of our activities take a well-earned break over the holiday period.  Check the schedule  for starting dates for the new year.

For your diary

January 12	Outdoor Adventures working bee and planning meeting
January 18-21	Outdoor Adventures, Mikimiki
January 19	10.30 am – 3.30 pm – 4F’s “Summer Fun” at Black Rock Rd. Start and finish at Community Hall.
February 2	10 am-12 pm, Community Hall – Matt’s Place.
February 16	3 pm – 5.30 pm, Community Hall: 4F’s – Free Family Fun & Food.
February 23	9 am – 3 pm – KidZ WorkZ Team Retreat/Planning Day @ Black Rock Rd.
March 2	7.30 am – 9.30 am, Men’s Breakfast, Community Hall
	10 am -12 pm, Community Hall—Matt’s Place
March 9	8.30 am – 10.30 am, Women’s Breakfast, Community Hall
March 16	11 am – 4 pm: Parish Fair, St Matthew’s Community Hall and grounds

 

If you have an event you’d like added to the list, please email the Parish Office, or phone 06 370 8589.

Prayer pointers

Pray for

• the new “Outdoors Adventures” group and their first outing to Mikimiki in January;
• peace and safety in homes and on the roads this holiday season.
• for the persecuted church, those Christians who live their lives in danger for the Gospel’s sake, that they will know God’s peace and love in a powerful way, that they be strengthened and be filled with His joy.
• those on the mission field and also all those closer to home who are in sad or lonely circumstances.
• for Edwin and those who are ill as they recuperate and get well.

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Koinonia – January 13, 2013

Read this week’s issue online here.