Weekly Notices - 24th Nov 2024
Next Sunday takes us into the Holy Season of Advent when we begin our preparations of renewal and reflection for the birth of our Saviour.
This week, the wider global Church marks The Feast of Christ the King as its theme and directive - a feast day that celebrates the full authority of Christ as King and Lord of the universe. There are countless passages throughout the New Testament where Jesus is referring to as “King.” (Matthew 27:11, 1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 19:6 to name a few)
We know from Scripture that Jesus is the way and as a spiritual King, He provides direction to His Kingdom on earth and in heaven. Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. While we celebrate Jesus and the ways He has been a light in our lives life, on this day we should also recognize that there are many people who are lost in a world of darkness. So in this way, we here in New Zealand celebrate today as Aotearoa Sunday, marking for us a beginning of Christ’s kingship in this land and His guidance in creating and flourishing the Anglican Church on these shores we call home.
May God always bless St Aug’s ~ Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe
This is rather late notice, but we are desperately seeking helpers to put up our church Christmas tree please!!! With Advent rapidly closing in on us, we need our church decorated for our Christmas celebrations ASAP.
If you are keen to help beautify our spiritual space for the commemoration of the most wondrous birth in history, please let the office or the Vicar know.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s service (24th Nov)
Theme: ‘Aotearoa Sunday: God’s work through His people in this land.’
Sentence: ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good tidings, who publish salvation.’ Isaiah 52:7
Collect:
Almighty God,
we thank you for all you have called to preach the gospel
to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Raise up in this and every land
heralds and evangelists of your kingdom,
that your Church may make known
the immeasurable riches of our Saviour Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen
Readings: Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 and Mark 4: 26 – 34
Parish News
Annual Day of Giving, your Vestry would like to ask that you please prayerfully consider a contribution, over and above what you regularly give.
Please spend a few moments reading and digesting our Treasurer’s write-up. We desperately need our roof repairs done, and are in dire need of funds to carry this out.
Our People, Our Place
Do keep those wonderful “Our People, Our Place” profiles rolling in!
Loki and Friends Play Verdi
Our organist Loki and friends (on trumpets) play a short snippet of the Grand March from the opera Aida by Verdi on 18 August 2024
Diocesan Prayer Community - Reminder
The Diocesan Prayer Community has been operating since March this year. This Community identifies the issues which challenge our Diocese (and parish!) and join each other in praying for those issues.
Do consider signing up to pray with others from other parishes. You will receive regular updates and forms of encouragement from our Archdeacon of Regeneration & Mission, and it only takes a few minutes of our time each day or week.
Please let the Vicar know if you’re interested.
St Aug’s & Beyond…
Handel’s MESSIAH Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm Christchurch Town Hall with the CSO
Dr John Linker Music Director
Sarah Jane Rennie Soprano
Margot Button Mezzo Soprano
Patrick Power ONZM Tenor
Samuel McKeever Bass
Helpful info
Giving
Groups
It’s easy to connect and get involved with some great social and faith-focused groups that meet regularly across the parish. You can find out about all our regular groups on our Groups page. If you have any questions, just click the contact button to connect with the group’s organiser.
Need prayer?
We’d love to pray for you. See the ‘Prayer Support’ section on the Help & Support page for more information on how we can help with your prayer needs. There are confidential and anonymous options available.