Newsletter 26-October-2014

“Endings and Beginnings”
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17




We can draw benefit from the life of Moses, and learn from his actions that he is an example of the saying, “of those who have been given much, much shall be expected.” From Moses we can learn trust in God, the importance of regular prayer, and, most importantly, endurance and recognition of the gifts and graces that God provides.

NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 2 November 2014
Theme: “God-Revealing Life”
Focus Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12
Other Readings: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107: 1-7, 33,37; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Margaret Morrison’s prayer request for ‘successful surgery and a good outcome’, Ron Ashton

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

LETTER TO CONGREGATION: October 2014: St Johns Finances

The Leadership Team has appointed a new Finance Ministry Team at its meeting on the 7th of October 2014
Acknowledgements:-

At the start we need to acknowledge-

  • Our Lord’s blessings - "He has brought us this far by His Grace"
  • The faithful stewardship of Church Members who have supported the work in this place over many years.
  • The out-going Convenor, Peter Hancock and long-term Team members Dick and Judy McDonald, who have steered the ship through some turbulent waters.

The Finance Team has three main tasks:-

  1. To monitor and approve the church income and expenditure.
  2. With the Minister and Leadership Team to encourage regular giving, recognising that we are stewards of the blessings that God gives.
  3. To encourage and explore other non-regular sources of income.

Our Current Financial Position
As usual our finances are tight. Three months into the financial year we are running about on budget and as planned. Giving to the Annual Thanksgiving Appeal has been slow so far and we ask members to pray about this need. The thanksgiving offering this year is to be used as seed money to enable us to appoint a new Youth and Family worker.
In relation to paragraph 2 above, we ask members to consider giving through a regular bank transfer. Many now do so and Lorraine always acknowledges this form of giving in her dedication of the offering each week.
Referring to item 3 above, we should acknowledge now that a generous bequests from the Moyles some years ago gave us a reserve which gives us confidence to work through times when money is very tight. Also we are grateful for the recent gift from the Dimock Family Trust which has enabled us to replace the dilapidated chairs in the upstairs hall.
Please talk to a member of our team if you have questions or want information about joining the envelope system, the direct credit system or how you can remember St Johns in your will.
Bob Williamson (Convenor), David Hall, Shania Qiu, Christo John and Lorraine Francis: 8th October 2014

 

FOR SALE:- Chris Skinner's new CD, A NOBLE WORK. $25. Available from Loas

 

Honouring Age Celebration:- Today, Sunday 19th of October we are celebrating the annual ‘Honouring Age Service’ for senior members of our congregation which will be followed by inviting those who qualify to participate in a special morning tea. Of course our usual morning tea and social time will be available for all those who do not yet qualify to attend this celebration.

 

Thanksgiving Sunday 2014:- This year our annual Thanksgiving project is to start growing a fund that will enable us to employ a Children and Youth Leader. This has always been on our hearts and although Stephen helped out for a few months – we have not had anyone in this position since Steph finished. We have worked, advertised etc but to date we have not made an appointment.

The Leadership Team decided this year to lift this ministry out of our regular annual budget and to approach the need for funds in two ways. 1. That we dedicate this year’s Annual Thanksgiving Appeal to the establishment of a “seed fund”. 2 That we ask for specific donations to be dedicated to this ministry on a regular basis – like we did when we first employed Steph.

We are committed to investing in our Children and Youth ministry by employing someone who can be dedicated to this specific ministry and when we employ someone we will need your continued support to maintain it. Please consider giving thanks – and growing our CYL fund. Thank you, Lorraine, the Leadership and Finance Teams.

 

Shoe boxes:- Shoe boxes are needed for a coming event. Please hand in any shoe boxes you have to the office. Thanks. Lorraine.

 

Cushion Covers: Can I have a volunteer to make 2 replacement cushion covers for the cane chairs in the Gallery please. We can offer the material and the sun destroyed existing covers as a template. Thank you, ☺ Lorraine.

 

Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (26th October) John's guest will be co-leader of the Māori Party, Te Ururoa Flavell.

 

Inspirational/Anglican TV:- This week on www.inspirationaltv.net  “When we acknowledge the not so good things in our lives, we make room for God's love to shine through. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net: take our three minute retreat, a tradition of justice and the great commandment Matthew 22:34-40. All the best for a great week.”

 

Remembering Parihaka 7:30 - 9pm Monday 10 November, St Marks Church Pakuranga. All Welcome Join the Justice and Peace Group as we remember the non-violent civil resistance of Maori Christians at Parihaka to government confiscation of their tribal lands in 1880. Theirs is an important example of Christian non-violence as humanity continues to struggle today with violence and war. www.caritas.org.nz/resources/remembering-parihaka