Newsletter 02-September-2018
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created. Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Next Sunday: 9 September 2018
Next Weeks Theme: ‘Mission’
Prayer Points for: George Morrison, Brenda Ryan and Mary Hall for good health. The Nominating Team and process of discerning members for the Leadership Team.
Opportunities to be of service
The following opportunities are available to serve at our Sunday Services.Morning Tea
There are spaces on the second Sunday of the month for a regular helper to be on our Morning Tea team.
More Ushers Needed
If you are interested, please contact Alison at the ofice 534 2305 OUR HOUSE - 9:30am, Monday 3rd September
All welcome to spend an hour sprucing up a part of our church building or grounds.
Newsletter Information Note for the Parish from the Leadership Team
I want to bring several matters from the Leadership Team to your attention for the Annual General Meeting and ask for your prayerful consideration.
1. The Leadership and Finance Teams are supporting an addition to our administrative staff in this year’s budget. We have budgeted for 5 hours a week paid Mandarin ministry support. It is an extension of the administrative support given to the congregation by Alison Stanton. While most of Alison’s work supports St Johns Parish as a whole, she does work to specifically support the English speaking fellowship. We believe by extending the administrative support specifically for our Mandarin Fellowship we are seeking to redress this imbalance. We will be presenting a motion to the AGM asking for congregational support for this.
2. We will be bringing an update of the Leadership Team’s working on the 5 year strategic plan.
3. We will be bringing a motion that we change what has been a choice made year by year of a Charity recipient for our Thanksgiving and Christmas Special donations to being fixed to our chosen charity for 5 years. We are asking for suggestions / nominations for that Charity from you, and that these be given to the Leadership Team for the November 6th 2018 meeting.
Blessings Lorraine
Annual General Meeting
St Johns AGM Sunday 9 September following our Sunday Service
Real Life with John Cowan 7.30pm Sunday nights on Newstalk ZB. John Cowan’s guest this Sunday night 2 September will be Greg Fleming, the CEO of Parenting Place.
COFFEE and CHAT
Come and join us in our new monthly drop-in venture – COFFEE and CHAT. Spend time with other members of our church family – and bring a friend.
Our next get together is on Tuesday 11 September in the church foyer from 10am - 11.30am. If you need a ride please phone Alison in the office (534 2305).
A gold coin donation would be appreciated.
Want to try something new?
Know some-one who would like to try something different?
AFRICAN DRUM
and
DANCE WORKSHOP
@ St. Johns
15 September 2018
10 am - 3 pm
See details opposite
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
30 September 2018
If you do not have a Thanksgiving envelope there will be some available on the table in the foyer. Please write your giving number on the front of the envelope. If you offer your thanksgiving via direct credit please ensure you reference ‘thanksgiving’ when making the payment.
