Newsletter 18-May-2014

Today's Theme:“Courageous Faith”
Focus Scripture:Acts 7:55-60
Other Readings:John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, 1 Peter 2:2-10

Acts 7:55-60 (NIV) Courageous Faith
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 25 May 2014
Theme: “Never Abandoned”
Focus Scripture:John 14:15-21
Other Readings: Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66: 8-20, 1 Peter 3:13-22

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Ray Chisholm with his illness; Jeannine’s uncle with cancer treatment continuing but with very positive signs so far.

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

Entertainment Books:- Hi everyone the entertainment books are here in the office again for $65 if anyone would like to purchase one please contact me or leave a note on my desk on Sunday. For each book sold we raise $13 to help towards our budget shortfalls so your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you Jeannine

 

School Holiday Programme 7-11 July 14:- For the next holiday programme we will be needing plastic milk bottles newspapers and cardboard boxes so please can you start collecting and if you can put them in the main office for Jeannine. Thank you very much.

 

Leprosy Mission Boxes are due in please, bring them in for Joan Jones.

 

40 Hour Famine:- Yep that time again. We have at least 3 young people looking for sponsorship: Amanda and Maria are doing the no electronics and food option while Daniel is doing the no food and no talking! option. Talk to Lorraine if you are looking for sponsorship or who to offer sponsorship. Thanks L

 

Bible in Schools:- They are in need of teachers for this year. If you are interested there is a print out of the details on the column in the foyer.

 

What do New Zealanders need to know about Islam? ‘Sea of Faith’ in Auckland is running an evening session on Sunday 18^th May from 7pm (tea and coffee with address from Dr Zain Ali at 7:30 pm) at St Lukes Community Centre, 130 Remuera Road, gold coin donation. If you would like to know more the flyer is on the column in the foyer or speak to Lorraine (who is probably able to offer car seats).

 

Anglican and Methodist Thanksgiving for the covenant (2009) service being held today, Sunday, 18^th May Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell. More details on the column in the foyer.

 

Sunday May 18^th is our turn to enable patients at Middlemore Hospital to attend the weekly Chapel service. If you are able to help with this ministry please let Lorraine know, we need a few extra’s as we can usually count on a couple of Youth Band members helping but they are our musicians @ St Johns this Sunday.

 

Real Life:- This Sunday night (18^th May) John Cowan's guest will be social development and local government minister, Hon Paula Bennett.

 

Anglican Bishops letters:- A message from the Bishops of Aotearoa, The senior Bishop of the New Zealand Dioceses and the Bishop of Polynesia on same sex marriage is on the column in the foyer.