Newsletter 1-April-2018
Mark 16:1-8 Jesus Has Risen
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 55 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
NEXT WEEK: Sunday 8th April 2018
Next Weeks Theme: 'Love is a Response to Grace'
Focus Scripture:John 20:19-31
Other Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2
Prayer Points: Brenda Ryan for good health; Dorothy Peiris who has fallen and hurt her back; someone to pick up the ministry of looking after our IT system; Someone to be our Financial Coordinator for our St Johns Finance Team, more students for the English Language classes held at St Johns (we need a minimum of 12 students) please.
Thank You to Bob Williamson who will be standing down as our Financial Coordinator at the AGM. He has faithfully served St Johns in this capacity for 4 + years.
He has led the Finance Team well, worked out the annual budgets, managed the annual audit requirements, given reports to the congregation when necessary, answered hundreds of finance related email questions, struggled with our Bank to achieve our goals... learnt about Xero, supported our office staff with all their financial work... He’s been just great and yes it is a unusual to be saying all this now – and yes it will be repeated at the AGM – but for us to pray for someone to pick up this role, you now know at least some the tasks that we’re praying another person will do for us.
GIVING RECEIPTS
Giving Receipts for the tax year ending 31 March 2018 will be processed during the third and fourth week of April.
Sunday 29 April ADVANCE NOTICE for women :) A mothers and daughters High Tea event at Waipuna. Celebrate Mothers Day together costs and timing to follow. Amie (Mandarin Congregation) is organising it.
English Language Classes run by English Language Partners are free for NZ citizens. Currently (Term 1) they have stopped for Term 1. They need a minimum of 12 students to get full government sponsorship. They currently only have 7, hence the prayer call for more students. The teacher is fully trained and really good. These classes are friendly, very practical and focus on helping students integrate into NZ society. We (St John’s) gain a little financially as they pay a rental for the hours on site, but by far the greatest gain is to have the friendly chatter, lots of people learning to know St Johns and people coming to church.
Easter Message from the Rt Rev Richard Dawson, Moderator Presbyterian Church NZ on the foyer news column.
Gallipoli to the Somme Holy Trinity Cathedral Saturday 14 April, 7.30pm Auckland Choral presents NZ composer Anthony Ritchie's moving work 'Gallipoli to the Somme'. Jenny Wollerman (soprano), Jarvis Dams (baritone). Pipers Sinfonia conducted by Uwe Grodd. Holy Trinity's resident organist Philip Smith will also play two solo works by Leonce de Saint-Martin and Jeanne Demessieux.Anthony Ritchie's secular cantata Gallipoli to the Somme had a rapturous world premiere last October in Dunedin, and has so far been broadcast twice on RNZ. Against the backdrop of a horrific war, Ritchie celebrates the experiences of ordinary people from their songs, diary entries, letters, and poems, all brought into irresistible musical life. The Otago Daily Times reviewer was ecstatic. "After the final chord" she said "complete silence held the audience before prolonged applause and a standing ovation rewarded this brilliant new work". Tickets $56, concession available | eventfinda.co.nz |
Main Street Singers: an American Chamber Choir in Concert St Mary's-in-Holy-Trinity Tuesday 17 April, 7pm Under the direction of Mark Andrew Shaull, the Main Street Singers are inspired by a commitment to excellence, performing choral literature ranging from Renaissance to Contemporary in over a hundred concerts annually. Having been compared to top university level choirs, this Los Altos California (USA) high school ensemble has found success in artistic expression through their strong sense of devotion to group goals and continual search for personal and ensemble growth. Programme includes works by Philips, Weelkes, Morley, Monteverdi, Brahms, Peters, Bernstein, Walker and more. Entry free of charge.
Organ Recital Series: Recital 7 - Olivier Latry Holy Trinity Cathedral Saturday 21 April, 7.30pm Do not miss this opportunity to hear a truly world-class musician. The final recital in the series, Recital 7 is an exciting performance by Olivier Latry, organist at Notre-Dame in Paris and a leading worldwide ambassador for his instrument. Olivier has performed in the world's most prestigious venues, been the guest of leading orchestras under renowned conductors, recorded for major labels, and premiered an impressive number of works.
Olivier Latry teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris and is a recipient of numerous international distinctions and awards. Programme includes music by Mozart, Brahms, Franck, and Duruflé. Tickets on sale through iTICKET. General Admission $50, Concession $40 plus booking and transaction fees.
Real Life with John Cowan 7.30pm Sunday nights on Newstalk ZB.John Cowan’s guest this Sunday night (1 April) will be Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, Victoria Matthews. Bishop Matthews is a Canadian Anglican bishop. Since 2008, she had served as Bishop of Christchurch in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Victoria became the first woman ordained bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada in 1994 when she was made a suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Toronto, where she served as the Bishop of Edmonton. Victoria was the recipient of the North American Theological Fellowship from 1976 to 1979, and completed a Master of Divinity degree at Yale Divinity School and Berkeley Divinity School. She also holds a Master of Theology degree from Trinity College, Toronto. Victoria announced her resignation last week, and will step down as diocesan bishop on May 1.
