Newsletter 09-November-2014

Today's Theme: “Keeping Faith”
Focus Scripture:Matthew 25:1-13
Other Readings:Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Matthew 25:1-13 (New International Version) The Parable of the Ten Virgins
¹ "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. ⁶ "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' ⁷ "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' ⁹ " 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' ¹⁰ "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. ¹¹ "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' ¹² "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' ¹³ "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 16 November 2014
Theme: “Forgiveness” Sermon: “as we forgive them”
Focus Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21 Matthew 18:21-35
Other Readings: Psalm 90:14

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Margaret Morrison’s ‘recovery and successful surgery and a good outcome’; Ron Ashton, and Christine Lewis’ family on the death of their dad.

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

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

 

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

 

FAMILY BARBEQUE
The Leadership Team has decided to hold a "Family Barbeque" 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.

The date and time is the afternoon of the first Sunday in December, Sunday the 7^th of December at 4pm. Put it in your diary and pray for a fine day.

We need people to help:-
• Barbecue cooks (and the loan of barbecues)
• Salad and soft drink servers
• Tea and coffee servers
• People to supervise and play with children.
• Cleaner-uppers.
• Donations - sausages(pre-cooked), salad, soft drink

If you have any ideas or can help please talk to me or any of the Men's Home Group members. Thanks: Bob Williamson.

 

Assembly Week Volunteers:- A thank you to all of our church helpers that assisted with Assembly week. On the column in the foyer is a letter of thanks from the organisers.

 

Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (9th November) John's guest will be live from Russia, entrepreneur and bungy pioneer, AJ Hackett.

 

Trade Aid Stall:- Thanks to all those who purchased items from the stall last week. Total sales were $141, the second highest amount ever!

 

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

 

Inspirational TV:- This week on www.inspirationaltv.net  As we approach the end of our year we can look back at the choices we have made. Were they wise or precipitous? What does life and God's word say to us about our processes?

 

MECOSS is pleased to invite you to the last Howick and Pakuranga Community and Safety Network meeting for the year. Join us to share information about your organisation and meet up with other like-minded people in the community. Thursday 13^th November 10am – 12pm Howick Children and Youth Theatre, 29 Granger Road, Howick For more details please see the flyer on the column in the foyer.

 

“Navigating the Health System” continues this month with Where from Here, Part 2, on Tuesday November 18^th, downstairs in the Café at Howick Presbyterian Church, (St Andrews Church Centre) 11 Vincent St, Howick from 10am – 12.30pm. Our guest speakers will cover Enduring Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Planning, with plenty of time for questions and answers. Morning tea included. No cost but donations always welcome. (Coming up on December 2nd is Preparing for Bereavement.) Bookings essential – to secure your place, ring the Age Concern office on 279 4331 ext 800 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..