Hi Family
As I spend time around the Diocese it becomes apparent that people are embracing the reality that we are in a season of change. We are all experiencing the normal sense of anxiety as we venture into the unknown.
For me personally, this has taken the form of working hard to form a Diocesan leadership team to help us navigate in this new environment. Continue reading
Bishop Justin will be coming to St Andrew’s in the Paddock on July 7, 2013 (was to be June 9) to confirm candidates from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. If anyone else would like to be confirmed or renew their confirmation please contact Steve or Liz. Continue reading
Kia ora te whanau
I have been reflecting on giving up coffee around two years ago. I gave up when I started consuming five or more cups a day, and noticed that I was feeling ‘wired’ most of the day and also had a low level of anxiety through the day. So I was surprised last week to again feel ‘coffee wired’ and initially thought that Alayne may have been spiking my herbal tea with caffeine! She assured me that she certainly had not, and the disappointing thing was that I had had no coffee! Continue reading
A brilliant sunny day was perfect for the St Matthew’s Parish Fair, held on Saturday, 16 March, 2013, in the grounds of St Matthew’s. Continue reading
If you are new to the Parish and have not yet been asked to fill in the “Belonging Form” would you please see the Sidesperson or welcomers. They will help explain why and how providing your contact details is important for any follow up, should you wish for help in your faith journey. Continue reading
Services in Masterton Anglican churches during Holy Week and Easter.
Palm Sunday – 24 March
Monday in Holy Week – 25 March
Tuesday in Holy Week – 26 March
Wednesday in Holy Week – 27 March
Maundy Thursday – 28 March
Good Friday – 29 March
Holy Saturday – 30 March
Easter Sunday – 31 March
For more information contact the Parish office.
If you are new to the Parish and have not yet been asked to fill in the “Belonging Form” would you please see the Sidesperson(s)/welcomer(s). They will help explain why and how providing your contact details is important for any follow up, should you wish for help in your faith journey.
The Parish AGM is to be held on Sunday 24th March in the St Matthew’s Church Community (Parish) Hall starting at 12noon.
Nominations for Vestry and People’s Warden have now closed.
Annual reports will be available in due course.
Less than a week to go! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to do some home baking – please see the St Matthew’s Narthex noticeboard for ideas.
We still need lots of items for the White elephant and other stills, also need are some extra volunteers – Please contact the Parish Office if you can help or donate items.
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.
Those interested in becoming a part of the “Circle of Friends” for released inmates from Rimutaka Prison or Prison Ministry in general . Please contact Vic Gadsby 377 3271 after-hours
Bishop Justin will be coming to St Andrew’s in the Paddock on June 9 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.
Each of these studies runs 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
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, 5-6pm, Pat’s Place (hall) at St Andrew’s in the Paddock
Portraits of Jesus – Lead by Brad McLaren
Looking at the echoes of the Life of Christ through the BibleWednesday, 3-4pm, St Matthew’s Narthex
Design for Discipleship – Lead by David Cole
Thursdays, 7 pm, St Matthew’s Narthex (Church Reception Area)
Especially we pray for;
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. – 2 Corinthians 5: 17 (NKJV)
| March 16 | 11am – 4pm: Parish Fair, St Matthew’s Community Hall and grounds | |
| March 30 | Parish AGM, 12 noon, 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.
Each of these studies runs 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
Wednesday, 3-4 pm, St Matthew’s Narthex
Design for Discipleship – Led by David Cole
Thursdays, 7 pm, St Matthew’s Narthex (Church Reception Area)
If you are new to the Parish and have not yet been asked to fill in the “Belonging Form” would you please see the Sidesperson or welcomers. They will help explain why and how providing your contact details is important for any follow up, should you wish for help in your faith journey.
The Parish AGM is to be held on Sunday 24 March in the St Matthew’s Church Community (Parish) Hall starting at 12 noon.
Nominations for Vestry and People’s Warden close on 8 March. Annual reports will be available in due course.
The Parish AGM Nomination form can be found here.
Less than a fortnight to go! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to do some home baking – please see the St Matthew’s Narthex noticeboard for ideas.
We still need lots of items for the White elephant and other stalls, also need some extra volunteers. Please contact the Parish Office if you can help or donate items.
On March 9 we are selling raffle tickets in four locations around town. Can you spare a couple of hours with a friend to help us out? See contact the Parish office
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.
Acclaimed New Zealand organist Christopher Hainsworth is playing Organ Proms at St Matthew`s on Wednesday, 6 March. Details here.
Australian author and speaker on Israel in history will be speaking in Masterton on Thursday March 7 at 7:30 pm at St Matthews Church Community Hall.
Those interested in becoming a part of the “Circle of Friends” for released inmates from Rimutaka Prison or Prison Ministry in general . Please contact Vic Gadsby, 377 3271, after-hours
Bishop Justin will be coming to St Andrew’s in the Paddock on June 9 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.
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 –
Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live, I will lift up my hands in Your Name. – Psalm 63:3-4 (NKJV)
| March 6 | Chris Hainsworth Organ Concert – St Matthew’s Church | |
| March 9 | 8.30am – 10.30am, Women’s Breakfast, St Matthew’s Community Hall | |
| March 16 | 11am – 4pm: Parish Fair, St Matthew’s Community Hall and grounds | |
| March 30 | Parish AGM, 12 noon, 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
20 days to go! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to do some home baking – we are very grateful! See the narthex noticeboard for a comprehensive list of what we need!
On March 2 and 9 we have some bookings to sell raffle tickets in four locations. Can you spare a couple of hours with a friend to help us out? See Brad McLaren, Michelle Holloway or Jo Bilton.
The next instalment of A Time of Increase is up on Steve’s new blog: A time of increase – part 5
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.
Each of these studies has now begun and will 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)
The deadline for any articles or items for the next edition of the Parish Magazine has closed, the next editon of the Parish Magazine should be avabile in the next week.
If you are new to the Parish and have not yet been asked to fill in the “Belonging Form” would you please see the Sidesperson or welcomers. They will help explain why and how providing your contact details is important for any follow up, should you wish for help in your faith journey.
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.
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.
Australian author and speaker on Israel in history will be speaking in Masterton on Thursday March 7 at 7:30 pm at St Matthews Church Hall.
Those interested in becoming a part of the “Circle of Friends” for released inmates from Rimutaka Prison or Prison Ministry in general . Please contact Vic Gadsby 377 3271 after-hours
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.
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.
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.
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 –
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. – Phil 4:6 (NKJV)
| March 2 | 7.30am – 9.30am, Men’s Breakfast, St Matthew’s Community Hall | |
| March 2 | 10 am -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, 12 noon, 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
Kia ora koutou katoa
Greetings
What a stunning summer!
Our family has had a great holiday, a few of our highlights were tramping the northern circuit around Mt Ngauruhoe, resting at Omori and attending New Wine at El Rancho with hundreds of other Anglicans. However the holidays are dwindling into the background now as the Diocese moves forward into the adventures that God has for us in 2013 and beyond.
I was deeply impacted as I read the end of Psalm 77 (The message translation) in the morning office;
“Ocean saw you in action, God,
saw you and trembled with fear;
Deep Ocean was scared to death.
Clouds belched buckets of rain,
Sky exploded with thunder,
your arrows flashing this way and that.
From Whirlwind came your thundering voice,
Lightning exposed the world,
Earth reeled and rocked.
You strode right through Ocean,
walked straight through roaring Ocean,
but nobody saw you come or go.”
What resonated with me was the sense of the overwhelming chaos that threatens us, whether it’s global, national or even Diocese. We/I often feel out of control surrounded by many overwhelming obstacles. Yet God walks through unhindered! The problem is “but nobody saw you come or go”. God is active in our chaos, however, the writer of Psalm 77 does not assume that we will ever be able to recognise God’s transformative work in our world. At this time in history I have confidence that God is at work, I pray though that we/I will have eyes to recognise it. We are called always to be a courageous people of faith.
Where ever Jenny and I visit in the Diocese we constantly come away saying they are amazing people. We are so impressed by the courageous signs of hope that are happening around our Diocese despite the surrounding chaos. To mention a few;
My personal favourite Kingdom moment came when I was just about to address a public rally and felt relatively alone and anxious about my contribution. Just then a beneficiary came up to me and said
“God has said that I should come up and pray for you, as what you are doing today is difficult.”
Then this saint quietly prayed that I would have wisdom and courage, then he just disappeared again into the crowd.
I am always impacted that of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, only one returned to Jesus to say thanks. We, as a Diocese, need to start the year by saying thank you to God for our life together, it is a challenging and rich life, it is the abundant life!
Family, I would ask you to uphold a couple of matters in prayer in this next month.
Thank you, family.
Blessings
+Justin