Newsletter 12-October-2014
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the life of grace that is possible for all those who have come into God’s reign and allowed God’s reign into them is described. It is a united, gracious, expectant and focussed lifestyle based on the best qualities of life, all leading to a sense of God’s presence and peace. As we listen to parts of an Alpha Course story today may we catch a glimpse of the life qualities Paul is outlining for us to follow. In the testimonies we hear may we catch a glimpse of God’s presence among us. Thanks be to God.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 19 October 2014
Theme: “God in the Heartbeat of Life”
Focus Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23
Other Readings: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 99, Matthew 22:15-22
Prayer Points:- Please pray for: The kindergarten has a number of children going off to school so they need prayers for their role to increase again; someone to lead the Children’s Church for the Christmas (4th) School Term.
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
LETTER TO CONGREGATION: October 2014: St Johns Finances
The Leadership Team has appointed a new Finance Ministry Team at its meeting on the 7th of October 2014
Acknowledgements:-
At the start we need to acknowledge-
- Our Lord’s blessings - "He has brought us this far by His Grace"
- The faithful stewardship of Church Members who have supported the work in this place over many years.
- The out-going Convenor, Peter Hancock and long-term Team members Dick and Judy McDonald, who have steered the ship through some turbulent waters.
The Finance Team has three main tasks:-
- To monitor and approve the church income and expenditure.
- With the Minister and Leadership Team to encourage regular giving, recognising that we are stewards of the blessings that God gives.
- To encourage and explore other non-regular sources of income.
Our Current Financial Position
As usual our finances are tight. Three months into the financial year we are running about on budget and as planned. Giving to the Annual Thanksgiving Appeal has been slow so far and we ask members to pray about this need. The thanksgiving offering this year is to be used as seed money to enable us to appoint a new Youth and Family worker.
In relation to paragraph 2 above, we ask members to consider giving through a regular bank transfer. Many now do so and Lorraine always acknowledges this form of giving in her dedication of the offering each week.
Referring to item 3 above, we should acknowledge now that a generous bequests from the Moyles some years ago gave us a reserve which gives us confidence to work through times when money is very tight. Also we are grateful for the recent gift from the Dimock Family Trust which has enabled us to replace the dilapidated chairs in the upstairs hall.
Please talk to a member of our team if you have questions or want information about joining the envelope system, the direct credit system or how you can remember St Johns in your will.
Bob Williamson (Convenor), David Hall, Shania Qiu, Christo John and Lorraine Francis: 8th October 2014
Leprosy mission boxes are due in please hand to Joan Jones. Thank you
FOR SALE:- Chris Skinner's new CD, A NOBLE WORK. $25. Available from Loas
Honouring Age Celebration:- On Sunday 19th of October we will celebrate the annual ‘Honouring Age Service’ for senior members of our congregation which will be followed by inviting those who qualify to participate in a special morning tea. Of course our usual morning tea and social time will be available for all those who do not yet qualify to attend this celebration. A letter of invitation to attend this special event has been mailed to qualifying congregation members this week. Please RSVP to the office 534 2305. For further information please phone Peter Hancock at 535 5355.
Thanksgiving Sunday 2014:- This year our annual Thanksgiving project is to start growing a fund that will enable us to employ a Children and Youth Leader. This has always been on our hearts and although Stephen helped out for a few months – we have not had anyone in this position since Steph finished. We have worked, advertised etc but to date we have not made an appointment.
The Leadership Team decided this year to lift this ministry out of our regular annual budget and to approach the need for funds in two ways. 1. That we dedicate this year’s Annual Thanksgiving Appeal to the establishment of a “seed fund”. 2 That we ask for specific donations to be dedicated to this ministry on a regular basis – like we did when we first employed Steph.
We are committed to investing in our Children and Youth ministry by employing someone who can be dedicated to this specific ministry and when we employ someone we will need your continued support to maintain it. Please consider giving thanks – and growing our CYL fund. Thank you, Lorraine, the Leadership and Finance Teams.
PRINTS FOR SALE:- My brother BRENT WONG, who is a well-known artist (his paintings sell for many thousands of $) is offering a limited selection of his prints to us for $25 each, half of this amount to be donated to St Johns. If you would like to see what he is offering, I have a catalogue from which you may order if you are interested. A clip board is in the foyer. Loas
Shoe boxes:- Shoe boxes are needed for a coming event. Please hand in any shoe boxes you have to the office. Thanks. Lorraine.
Cushion Covers: Can I have a volunteer to make 2 replacement cushion covers for the cane chairs in the Gallery please. We can offer the material and the sun destroyed existing covers as a template. Thank you, ☺ Lorraine.
Inorganic Collection – October:- This is a link that will take you to where you can enter your street and see when the Inorganic Collection is for you. www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (12th October) John's guest will be All Black legend and rugby coach, Sir John Kirwan.
Inspirational/Anglican TV:- “We have been blessed with so much. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net good stewardship of what we have been given. Great for sharing with a friend.”
