Newsletter 07-December-2014

Today's Theme: “Theme follows the traditional Lessons and Carols Service”
Focus Scripture:Bible Story in 8 Lessons

Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 (NIV)
²The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ⁶For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 14 December 2014
Focus Scripture: John 1:6–8, 19–28
Other Readings: Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 need someone to drive you out.

 

TODAYS FAMILY BARBECUE:- The Leadership Team is holding a "Family Barbecue" today. The "Family" we have invited 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 this afternoon, Sunday the 7^th of December at 4pm.

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

 

Carol singing:- Tuesday 16 December - meet in car park at 6pm. Bring a plate for supper. Any questions please contact Judy McDonald.

 

Thank you from Christine Lewis and family for your kind thoughts, prayers and expressions of sympathy over the loss of her father.

 

Girls' Brigade has finished for this year. We will recommence early February 2015.

 

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.

 

The Reverend James Clark has been appointed as Associate Priest in the Parish of All Saints, Howick. James was ordained in Wellington Diocese and served as a school chaplain before returning to the UK for a time. He came back to New Zealand earlier this year and has been assisting at St Luke’s, Mt Albert.

 

Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (7 December) John's guest will be the leader of the Labour Party, Andrew Little.

 

Inspirational TV:- Enjoy the gentle breeze of Christmas. A gentle breeze that hearlds the birth of a new way of thinking, a way of peace. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net  

 

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 6^th December 12-6pm. Where: Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura. More details: www.transpose.org.nz