Newsletter 04-January-2015
This week’s texts contrast a world ruled by powers that “divide and conquer,” with one in which the power and justice of God overcome all divisions and restore right relationship among all peoples. What role might our faith community play in creating such unity?
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment-- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 1 January 2015
Focus Scripture: Mark 1:4-11
Other Readings: Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7
Prayer Points:- Please pray for: The Dimock family in their grief for Ron’s death; Margaret Morrison’s successful radiotherapy treatment; Ron Ashton, Cory Melville (Jeannine’s Son) with the continued recovery for his leg wound. Dick and Judy’s Grandson Joel with a fall and stitches in his chin
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Today - BBQ BYO lunch at Eastern Beach after churchchurch, instead of our usual lunch upstairs. Please join our Mandarin brothers and sisters and come along to share lunch. We are usually to be found in the fenced playground (with the toilets) on the corner of Hostel Access Road and The Esplanade.
Monday – CAR PARK request:- We would like to repaint the parking lines in the car park on Monday. Help is needed to first sweep the gravel away and then paint the lines. So outdoor brooms and wheelbarrows would be very helpful. This is weather dependent! We have to have dry ground.
Tuesday at 1:30 pm at All Saints in Howick is Ron Dimock’s funeral. The family believe they needed a larger church to accommodate all who will come. All Saints and their vicar, Andrew Coyle are our gracious hosts but I would like a team of St Johns folk to help move chairs from the downstairs Hasler Hall to the Sanctuary should more than 300 people attend. Alan Vickers will coordinate this team for us as I am leading the funeral service. Thank you Lorraine
Christmas Offerings:- It is very pleasing to report that offerings over the Christmas services for the work of the City Mission totalled $609. This amount plus our "tithe" of 1/10 of the Thanksgiving offering will be forwarded to the Mission. Bob Williamson - Finance convenor.
Holiday Programme 2015:- As part of January’s Holiday Programme we are going to Auckland Zoo. To save costs we would like to take the children by car. Are you able to assist us in providing transport please? Contact Jeannine: 534 2305.
Mobility Carparks:- Anyone needing a mobility carpark is welcome to drop in and park in the courtyard outside the main church doors. Please ask if you would like someone to drive you out.
Air Conditioning in the Worship Room:- As the summer months are upon us (finally) the Worship room heat pumps are now on the cooling programme. Just be aware that in certain parts of the seating there may be a draft from the air flow so please feel free to move around to find a more suitable spot for yourself if your current spot is in a draft. Thank you Alan and Jeannine
