Newsletter 28-September-2014
The Israelites found themselves without water and they complained to Moses, their leader. They quarrelled with Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” They were angry at Moses and blamed him for taking them from Egypt where they had what they needed. What is it you thirst for? Perhaps you thirst for happiness, good health, peace or a miracle. Moses turned to God and asked for help. Most of the time we ask God to solve our problems or fill our needs. However, by asking God to help us we have to yield to God’s solution, which may not be the one we want.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 5 October 2014
Theme: “Words of Life”
Focus Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Other Readings: Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46
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; Holiday Programme for the week of 29 September – 3 October; Presbyterian General Assembly 4-6 October; Someone to lead the Children’s Church for the Christmas (4th) School Term.
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
HOLIDAY PROGRAMME: 29 September – 3 October:- Where has this term gone? Once again we welcome the congregation’s support for the Holiday Programme, by praying for us and the team and for your practical assistance with the provision of home baking. Thank you for your continued support.
Leprosy mission boxes are due in please hand to Joan Jones. Thank you
ALPHA:- Today is the final day of the series. Please pray for those who have attended.
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.
General Assembly volunteers needed please. We are responsible for providing a Team to assist with the Sunday night Dinner at St Kentigern College, Pakuranga Road. We need 8 people from 5pm till 730pm to help with setting the tables, assisting with dinner service, and to assist with clearing tables. Can you please let Jeannine / Lorraine know and we can help with rides. Thank you. Lorraine
4eva@6: 28th September:- On this Sunday night at 6 pm we are hosting a prayer and healing service. This is our regular 4eva@6 service time but with representatives from the Northern Presbytery to lead us. The Moderator Rev Roy Christian and Rev Sandra Warner lead the Presbytery Team who have offered this ministry to churches within the Northern Presbytery bounds.
We have been asked for to lend support with a prayer team – please see Lorraine if you could help – thanks. We also would invite you to come along, to pray for it, and to share in this ministry opportunity with those who you believe God is calling to come and be present. Thank you, Lorraine.
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.
Sunday 5 October is a service of Confirmation into the Church– with Bishop Ross Bay (Anglican), Rev Marilyn Welch (Methodist) and Rev Roy Christian (Presbyterian) attending. It is a St Johns tradition to offer an opportunity for people to re-affirm their conformational promises at this time, or to be baptised. If you feel this is something you would like to do –please talk to Lorraine as soon as you can.
Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (28th September) Sam & Jax will be filling in for John and their guest will be NZ entertainer, Frankie Stevens
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 will be in the foyer. Loas
