Newsletter 10-August-2014
In this passage, we are introduced to Joseph, the oldest son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel. We learn “Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children.” One sign of favouritism was the gift of a “long robe with sleeves” (v. 3), a style that suggests royalty and meant that Joseph would not have to work. The story of Joseph, his dreams, and robe is a familiar one for many of us. What is perhaps so striking about this story is that, in some way, we can all relate to it in our own lives and families. The family dynamics and brokenness of relationships are illustrated through this narrative. The layers of detail contained in this reading provide more than enough for a meaningful worship experience that explores themes of rivalry, prophecy, bullying, being on the outside, and vulnerability
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 17 August 2014
Theme: “Offering Forgiveness”
Focus Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15
Other Readings: Matthew 15:21-28; Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a,-29-32
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.
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Congregational Meeting Notice:-A congregational meeting has been cancelled. I apologise that I have not followed up on names suggested to me for bringing to the congregation. We will not have any elected members of the current Leadership Team retiring at this Annual General Meeting. LT Exec agree that we will bring names to the AGM for the Nominating Team.
We do have one significant position to fill for the Leadership of the parish – Peter Hancock has stepped down as our Financial Team Co-ordinator. He has held this position since 2010. He has done a wonderful job for us; his meticulous care and ability and attention to detail have been fantastic gifts for us in the financial field. Peter, we are in your debt and pray for easier days ahead – without the responsibilities you have shouldered on our behalf ☺.
As our Financial Team Coordinator, Peter was a co-opted member on the Leadership Team. We need your prayers for this position to be filled. It is a responsible and necessary role in the daily life of our parish. Blessings Lorraine
ALPHA:- is this for you? We begin with the first video after Church this morning. You can still bring someone and walk with them through the course. It begins after worship at about 11:45 with lunch. Please pray for those attending and the leaders.
End of year AGM:- With this fast approaching can all Team Leaders please forward their reports to the office as soon as possible for preparation of the AGM document. Thank you.
AGM:- Hi everyone we are currently in the process of putting together the AGM document and would like anyone who has photos of any events within the church to please forward them to the office via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or drop in the original and I will scan and return to you. Thank you Jeannine
Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (10th August) John Cowan's guest will be Cliff Curtis. He was born in Rotorua and is of Maori descent (Ngati Hauiti, Te Arawa).
Inspirational/Anglican TV:-“We are a unique creation. From our own free we make the break for what it is we believe in. Trust in your imagination for good. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net: Mike Chunn, imagination; Here I am and; Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walks on water. All the best for a great week."
Tuesday 12 August, Electoral Forum St Mary’s in Holy Trinity Cathedral 7:30pm. Hear from all the political parties.
TEN DIRECTIVES
Someone has written these beautiful words. They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all of the time!
- Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout the journey.
- So why is a Car's WINDSHIELD so large & the Rear View Mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.
- Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write.
- All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.
- Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!
- Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!
- When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
- A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"
- When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
- WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.
