Vicar’s Blog

The next instalment of A Time of Increase is up on Steve’s new blog:  A time of increase – part 3

You can add your thoughts to Steve’s writing by making a comment at the bottom of the web page. These comments are screened to remove internet nasties and probably won’t appear for an hour or so until the webmaster releases it.

Ash Wednesday – 13 February

The combined Anglican/Roman-Catholic Ash Wednesday Service, is being hosted by St Patrick’s Church.

Hospitality starts at 5.30pm in Moore House (behind St Patrick’s Church), with the service beginning at 6.30pm in the Church.

St Andrew’s in the Paddock holds a contemplative service for Ash Wednesday at 5.30 pm.

Ash Wednesday service details for St Matthew’s will be hold a service at midday, 12.10pm, in the Chapel.

Read more about Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent here.

Lenten Studies

Each of these studies will begin from next Sunday, 17 February, and run throughout the Season of Lent. Please contact the leader of each group or the Parish Office with any queries.

Portraits of Jesus – Led by Brad McLaren
Looking at the echoes of the Life of Christ through the Bible
Sundays, 6 pm, 75 Te Ore Ore Road

Being Disciples – Led by Robin Hercock and Barry Sims
Following on from last year’s Alpha course, this study looks at some encouraging topics straight out of God’s word.

Mondays, 7-9 pm, St Matthew’s Community Hall

What if… Led by Merv Jones

Mondays, 7 pm, 63 Pownall Street

Big Mamma – Led by Liz Greville
Looking at our connection with the divine through the trials and tribulations of modern thoughts and actions, and exploring how we connect our beliefs and understandings of Christianity in this ever evolving world.

Tuesdays, 5-6 pm, Pat’s Place (hall) at St Andrew’s in the Paddock

Portraits of Jesus – Led by Brad McLaren
Looking at the echoes of the Life of Christ through the Bible
Thursday, 3-4 pm, St Matthew’s Narthex

Design for Discipleship – Led by David Cole
Thursdays, 7 pm, St Matthew’s Narthex (Church Reception Area)

Parish Magazine deadline approaching

The deadline for any articles or items for the next edition of the Parish Magazine is Friday, 15 February. Can you please email your item directly to the editor or the Parish Office.

Parish Inventory under way

All our churches, halls and other buildings are being surveyed and an inventory is being compiled of their contents.

If, by any chance, you should happen to have any parish equipment, tea towels, prayer books, etc., would you mind returning them either to the Parish Office or their proper home.

Sponsorship

We have an opportunity to send a family on a retreat weekend in April. We need to raise $300 to cover retreat costs. If you can help please see the Parish Office.

Parish Fair needs great home bakers

Biscuits on sale at fair. 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.

Confirmation and Renewals

Bishop Justin will be coming to St Andrew’s in the Paddock on June 9th to confirm candidates from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. If anyone else would like to be confirmed or wishes to renew their confirmation vows, please contact Vicar Steve Kimberley or the Reverend Liz Greville.

World Day of Prayer

Friday 1 March, hosted by St Patrick’s Church.
If you are interested in helping with our Parish contribution to this service, please contact Bev McNeilage or the Parish Office.

Outdoor Adventure Firewood Fundraiser

The going rate for firewood is about $150 for 3 square metres (almost a cord). If you get firewood from the parish, you can make a donation of what you can afford and they’ll even deliver it for you. It’s even cheaper if you pick it up yourself.

Keep yourself warm this winter – and help our Outdoor Adventure Group – by getting your firewood from them. Contact the Parish Office if you’re interested.

Prayer pointers

As we step into a new year, let us pray for the Breath of God to be upon us, to bring fresh inspiration by the Holy Spirit, that we may be right in the centre of God’s will for us as a church family.

Especially we pray for –

• Vestry as they meet this Tuesday. Pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit
• Lenten studies, that all those taking part will be encouraged by God’s Word.
• KidZ WorkZ Team retreat on the 23rd, that God may give His thoughts and His wisdom for this year, to this important ministry.
• Isora – new study group for youth – pray God’s blessing, that our young people will be impacted by the gospel, also pray for God’s anointing upon Kat and Gareth as they lead.
• Those whose year has begun without a loved one, with ill health or unsettling changes.
• All the children transitioning from class to class or school to school
• The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Children as they settle back into their space
• The community groups which use our spaces as they establish themselves in this years programmes

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. – Psalm 138 (NKJV)

 

For your diary

February 14	St Matthew’s Seniors Lunch
March 2	7.30 am – 9.30am, Men’s Breakfast, St Matthew’s Community Hall
March 2	10am -12 pm, St Matthew’s Community Hall—Matt’s Place
March 6	Chris Hainsworth Organ Concert – St Matthew’s Church
March 9	8.30 am – 10.30 am, Women’s Breakfast, St Matthew’s Community Hall
March 16	11 am – 4 pm: Parish Fair, St Matthew’s Community Hall and grounds
March 30	Parish AGM, 1 2noon, St Matthew’s Community Hall
June 9	Confirmation and Renewals at St Andrew’s in the Paddock

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

This week’s Koinonia is available here