Newsletter 31-August-2014

Today's Theme:“Here I Am”
Focus Scripture:Exodus 3:1:15
Other Readings:Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45

Exodus 3:1-15 (NIV): Moses and the Burning Bush
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law ….and he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, `The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, `What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: `I AM has sent me to you.'"

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 7 September 2014
Theme: “Christian Living”
Focus Scripture: Romans 13:8-4
Other Readings: Matthew 18:15-18, Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: Ron Ashton with his cancer diagnosis, those with winter illnesses, Shelia Simmons for back pain and Alan Busfield whose health is deteriorating. The kindergarten has a number of children going off to school so they need prayers for their role to increase again. Also both the Little Cubz Kindy and Home based care have their ERO reviews in the coming weeks and the teachers and owner Anne need prayers of support through this quite stressful process. Dick and Judy McDonald and safe travels home with Dick unwell.

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

NOTICE OF AGM:- The AGM will be held on Sunday 14 September 2014 immediately after the Sunday service.

 

ALPHA:- Please pray for those attending and the leaders

 

FRIENDLY VISITORS:- We have had a number of ants decide they like our kitchen in the main foyer area of the church. Can we please be extra careful with leaving food or drinks around on the floor or benches. Thank you Jeannine (AKA Exterminator)

 

News from the McDonalds:- There is a post card from Judy and Dick McDonald in Santdiago de Compostela on the notice board on the pillar in the foyer.

 

HEATING UPDATE:- Our first full month heating account with all of the new heating in place has arrived and it is $51.00 cheaper than the same time last year. So It appears with the new heating we are now able to save a small amount of money for a much better heating output. A huge round of applause for all of us as a family who made this happen. Thank you .

 

Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (31st August) John Cowan's guest will be Corin Dann, political editor, One News.

 

Inspirational/Anglican TV:-“Can you spare three minutes? Take the time to enjoy our three minute retreat in daily life. Let the simple story of ducks on water transform your day. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net: three minute retreat, John Anderson on achieving something and Matthew 16:21-27 Jesus speaks about his suffering and death. All the best for a great week."

 

St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Manurewa would like to invite anyone interested, to a seminar “Making Disciples”. The speaker will be Rev Peter Cheyne, former Moderator of the PCANZ. It begins on Thursday 4th September with an evening session on “A Leader interacting with Leaders”, then on Friday 5th September an evening on “A Leader interacting with Young People” and a morning programme on Saturday 6th September. For more information call St Paul’s.

 

Migration, Cultural Diversity, & the Church in Aotearoa NZ – a conference co-hosted by Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership and Carey Baptist College. Tuesday 9^th & Wednesday 10^th September. This conference brings together practitioners, academics and researchers to seek fuller understanding of these realities and consider what authentic Christian Community and practice might look like in our new context.

 

Hymn Festival on Saturday 13^th September at St Columba at Botany, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany. Cost $20 adult or $10 youth, door sales only. The church’s magnificent Rodgers Infinity Organ and grand piano will be used to accompany the hymns. Past events under the name of “Soul Music” demonstrated the power of massed singing while individual & group items added to the spirit of praise & adoration. Reflective numbers performed by the quartet ANIMA VOCE and individual singers will add to your overall uplifting experience.

 

The City of Auckland Singers will be preforming at St Andrew’s Centre, 85 Queen St, Waiuku on Sunday 14^th September at 2pm. Entry is $5 which includes afternoon tea.

 

Safe and Sound:- a local Community Constable, who will bring their knowledge and expertise, to provide information and answer your questions to help you keep safe in your home and community. It will be held on Thursday 11th September, from 10am – 12 noon at East City Wesleyan Church, 219 Burswood Drive, Botany. Morning tea is included. No entry charge, but donations towards costs always gratefully received. For further information and to book, (essential for catering purposes), please ring the Age Concern office on 09 279 4331 Ext 800 or register by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

“Navigating the Health System” continues this month with Where from Here, Part 1, on Tuesday September 16th, downstairs in the Café at Howick Presbyterian Church, 11 Vincent St, Howick from 10am – 12.30pm. Our guest speakers from Senior Line and Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service and will do a short presentation on their services, (including Health Passports) with plenty of time for questions and answers. Morning tea included. No cost but donations always welcome. (Coming up in October is the Independent Living Service.) 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..