Weekly Notices - 9th February 2025
Over the last few months, several of you have voiced your desire for a regular combined 10am service each Sunday. I have asked many of you for feedback and have really appreciated the opportunity to hear your voices and to pray over you.
This week, as we hear a Gospel text about Jesus’ calling and encouragement of His apostles, I would like to share a little of the feedback I have received. This comes from one of our Homegroups, led by Professor Chris Kissling and offers their insight
I quote: “Is growth the only way to advance wellbeing for everyone? Our pursuit of growth tends not to be driven by desire for all to share equally. Those holding power in our society look after themselves first leaving crumbs under the table for those less able to assert themselves.
Is it any wonder that Christian ethics attracts fewer and fewer adherents? But Christianity is a persistent survivor from persecution and ridicule!!!
Peace of mind and spirit is needed. That condition comes naturally to those who are generous with their time and talents helping others and not just their kinsfolk. Obsession with the pursuit of profit can be soul destroying.
What is the purpose of growth in our Church congregation? Is it so we can pay our bills and maintain the fabric? Is it to build the body with personnel and skills to tackle all the tasks our faith expects of us? Is it a last gasp desperate attempt to halt the decline in the proportion of society that believes in the Good News?”…..more to come in the weeks ahead!!!
May God always bless St Aug’s
~ Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s service (9th February)
Theme: “Called by God into Lives of Discipleship”
Sentence: ‘Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, and was buried, and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and appeared to many.’
I Corinthians 15:3-4
Collect:
Almighty and eternal God,
it is your will to bring the whole of creation
into unity in Christ;
grant that your Church may faithfully proclaim
the Good News until all people are saved
and the earth is full of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 2:22-40
Parish News
· Please note that while Paula is away and Ciru recuperating, the parish office will NOT BE manned as normal! So if you have any urgent requirements, please feel free to contact your Vicar on 020 4132 6302.
· Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, 5th March. If your Homegroup will need copies of the Diocesan Lent Study, please let the office know. $8 a copy.
· If anyone inadvertently picked up a pair of reading glasses from the church last Sunday, please let Kofe know. Jacqui Grenfell is trying to locate her pair.
· On the same lines, a pair of brownish-rimmed reading glasses was found on one of the pews after Sun services. Kofe has them.
· We are seeking help to be able to regenerate our weekly service rosters, and desperately need folks who can help with:
* Communion Assisting
* Welcoming (and Offertory collecting)
* Sacristy duties (setting up the altar each week)
* Brass cleaning
* Morning tea
* Sound desk operating
Please let the parish office know if you feel this is a ministry you could be involved in. These are vital areas which need to be filled is our Sunday services are to run smoothly.
Our People, Our Place
The new Morning Tea Roster for the 9.30am Service is now up on the inside of the cupboard in the Hannan Centre. Due to unavoidable situations, it includes VOLUNTEERS PLEASE on some Sundays.
If you are NOT on the regular roster, I would appreciate you checking it out to see if you are able to help on those occasions.
Many Thanks, Yvonne Radford.
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.
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.