Newsletter 30-November-2014
This scripture arises out of a context of loss, disorientation, and disillusionment of a people returning from exile in Babylon. This place of holy memory seems devoid of God. The theological map of the scriptures, which had once sustained them, no longer consoles or guides. The sense of grief, longing and despair, a place where something is not right is palpable. Facing an upside-down world, the people wait in hope for the realm of God to break through into their lives decisively and dramatically.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 7 December 2014
Theme follows the traditional Lessons and Carols Service
Focus Scripture: The Bible story in 8 lessons
Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Margaret Morrison’s ‘recovery and successful surgery and a good outcome’; Ron Ashton, Christine Lewis’ family on the death of their dad, the Stanton family with the death of Alison’s dad and Nessie and Andrew Crawford with the death of Andrew’s sister.
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Advent - dancing into the Promise:- This year St John’s Worship Committee has chosen to replace the 48-hours of prayer that we traditionally hold towards the end of November with a time of directed meditation and prayer that you can undertake in your home. You are invited as a St John’s church member to participate in this activity between December 8 and December 14, the second week of Advent. Each day during this week you are invited to set aside approximately 20-30 minutes at a time that suits you to sit quietly to contemplate the messages of Christmas, to consider the material we have provided as a stimulus for meditation and to respond to the prayer focus for the day. Resource material will be available on Sundays November 30 and December 7.
Children’s and Youth Leader:- Leadership Team believes we need to share with everyone the possibility of an application for this part-time position. We will let everyone know if it moves beyond an expression of interest. As a reminder to us all, the decision was taken to offer this position on a financial faith basis. The Thanksgiving Offering of about $ 3000.00 means we have a start of funding, and we have a regular giver tithing a proportion to the faith offering. I think our supporting this starts with our prayers for the Leadership Team in their decision making. Blessings Lorraine
Christmas Fellowship Lunch:- 12 noon Ara Tai Café, Half Moon Bay, Frid. 5 Dec. Please put your name/s on the list in the Foyer. PLEASE ALSO BRING A PRESENT COSTING NO MORE THAN $2.00 (unwrapped). So put your thinking caps on. We will put them in the All Saints Food Basket. Doesn't have to be food though. Loas Toung
St Andrews Big Band:- Swinging and Jingling a celebration of a popular swing and classical hits along with a few jazzed-up festive favourites. 2 Performances: Sat 13 December 3pm and 7.30pm St Andrews Church Centre, 11 Vincent Street Howick, ph 5354403 Tickets $10.
Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (30 November) John's guest will be natural alternatives commentator, Wendyl Nissen. 
Inspirational TV:- There is a lot to be said for making choices slowly and on reflection. Try it and you might find you make different choices www.inspirationaltv.net
A message of thanks is on the column in the foyer from Brian and Janetta Mandeno.
FAMILY BARBECUE:- The Leadership Team has decided to hold a "Family Barbecue" before Christmas. The "Family" we have in mind is the community who use our buildings through the year - Kindergarten, Mainly Music, our Korean friends etc. etc. and all their families. We want to make a time to meet them, get to know them, thank them for the rent they pay us and in an informal setting be the Gospel. No preaching - just invite them to our Christmas services. To make this work it is vital that you, the congregations of St Johns, are there to be the hosts. Bring your own family. The date and time is the afternoon of the first Sunday in December, Sunday the 7thof December at 4pm. Put it in your diary and pray for a fine day.
- Helpers needed - set-up from 3pm
- Servers - salads and soft drinks
- Supervisors for children's play
- Hand-out flyers for our Christmas services
- Clean-up
- Also donations, salads, sausages will reduce costs
Talk to Bob W. Thank you
- Fri 5th 12 noon : Fellowship Lunch @ Ara Tai
- Fri 5th 7:00 pm : Last Youth Group meeting for 2014
- Sun 7th 9:30 am : Carols & Lessons shared with our Mandarin Fellowship
- Sun 7th 4:00 pm : Family BBQ – all of us coming
- Thurs 11th : 4:00 pm - Church Decorating – all help appreciated
- Sun 14th 9:30 am : Children’s Church Nativity Service
- Tues 16th 6:00 pm : Carol Singing, a delightful and fun evening, bring a supper plate
- Sun 21st 9:30 am : Worship
7:00 pm : Blue Service - Weds 24th 7:00 pm : Family Christmas Eve Service
10:30 pm : Carol Singing
11:00 pm : Worship on Christmas Eve - Thurs 25th : 9:30 am Worship on Christmas Day
- Sun 28th 9:30 am : Worship
Pilgrim Productions is pleased to tell you they are presenting the much loved Christmas Operetta, Amahl and the Night Visitors, for two nights only in December. More details on the flyer . This short (just one hour) musical story is suitable for the whole family and they offer it for the Christmas season as we get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth. They warmly invite you to bring this production to the attention of your parishes.
Transpose - the colour games:- When: Saturday 6th December 12-6pm. Where: Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura. More details: www.transpose.org.nz
