Newsletter 29-March-2015

Today's Theme:Palm Sunday
Focus Scripture:Mark 11:1-11
Other Readings:Philippians 2:5-11

Mark 11:1-11 (NIV)Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” ¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” ¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 5 April 2015
Theme: Easter Sunday
Focus Scripture: John 20:1-18
Other Readings: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Mainly Music for an increase in numbers attending; Youth Band for more band members please; Ron Ashton and Margaret Morrison. Wendy Sullivan Girls Brigade Leader. Safe travels for our Church members travelling at this time.

 

Leprosy Mission Boxes:- These are due for collection, please return to Joan Jones Thank you.

 

Special Easter Services:-
Maundy Thursday: 2nd April at 7pm
Good Friday : 3rd April at 9.30 am

 

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR:- This Sunday 29 March is the final Sunday for donations via the envelope system to be included in your receipt for your end of year tax rebate. Anyone who wants information on eligibility for tax rebates or joining the envelope system/direct credit system please see Bob Williamson or Brannie Ma.

 

Cyclone Pam Emergency Appeals:- The Anglican and Presbyterian Churches have launched appeals in response to the devastation across Vanuatu caused by Cyclone Pam. Donations to Pacific Vision: Vanuatu can be made directly to Presbyterian Church by making a deposit into this bank account: BNZ Willis Street: 02 0500 0086963 000 (please add a reference “Pacific Vision: Vanuatu” and advise Katrina Graham if a receipt is required) . Cheques can be posted to the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, “”Pacific Vision Fund”, Box 9049, Te Aro, Wellington.

 

Coffee at the Bamboo Garden:- For the time being we will no longer be meeting on Wednesdays at the Bamboo Garden, Highland Park. We will keep you posted when/if this changes. Loas and Liz

 

Study Leave:- Lorraine has been given permission by both the Leadership Team and the Northern Presbytery to use 60 days of the Study Leave she has accumulated in the past few years. When her annual holidays are included it means in the months of July, August, September and October she will not be around very much. Parish cover has been arranged with the support of our own members, Rev’s Grahame Drummond and Dianne Miller-Keely. More details will be share in the coming months as the Study Leave plans are finalised.

 

Real Life:- This Sunday night (29^th March) John Cowan's guest will be Lesley Elliott. Lesley is the mother of Sophie Elliott, who died at the age of 22, having been stabbed 216 times by her former boyfriend, Clayton Weatherston.

 

Classical Music Lovers:- There is a box of free classical music CD’s on the table next to the pigeon holes. They have been donated by Eddie Simmons. Please help yourselves and enjoy!

 

Handel's Saul will be performed by the Handel Consort & Quire directed by Robert Howell on Saturday 18th April, 7pm at Pitt St Methodist Church and on Sunday 19th April, 3pm at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Pukekohe. Saul recounts the biblical story of King Saul, his daughters Merab and Michal, his son Jonathan, and David. The oratorio contains powerful, dramatic, thrilling choruses with trumpets, trombones, kettle drums, oboes and strings and full choir as well as exquisite airs for leading soloists Joel Amosa, Gina Sanders, Iain Tetley, Carolyn Medland and Elizabeth Mandeno. Save $10 off the door sale price by purchasing your tickets now through eventfinder

 

FINANCE REPORT TO CONGREGATION

1. OFFERINGS IN February just above budget and income from rents etc just below.
2. Expenses were high as the bills for the maintenance done to the grounds of the manse started to arrive. There are more to come including electrical and plumbing work which we did not expect but which has to be done. We will also have the costs of the church buildings annual warrant of fitness to pay. Looking ahead we can expect that our expenses will begin to run over budget.
3. So far we are managing to avoid drawing on our reserve funds.
4. OVERALL TIGHT BUT MANAGEABLE. THANKYOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SUPPORT AND PRAISE THE LORD!

	February2015		Year to Date (8 months)
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
INCOME
OFFERINGS	7989	7735	67167	66862
SPECIAL GIVING	-	208	9230	1664
OTHER INCOME	5764	5940	54854	48810
TOTAL INCOME	13753	13883	131250	117336
EXPENSES
REGULAR/NORMAL	16475	14936	118518	117223
SPECIAL PROJECTS	-	-	6425	-
SURPLUS(DEFICIT)	(2772)	(1053)	6307	113