Weekly Notices - 9th March 2025
On Wednesday evening, just over 20 of us gathered here at St Aug’s for our Ash Wednesday service. It was a beautiful occasion led by the Rev John de Senna, with many poignant moments especially through the Imposition of Ashes. We are now in the holy season of Lent, going through to Easter.
Many of us have heard of ‘Lent,’ but do all know what it means? Is it really just a time of giving up chocolate or social media?
The purpose of the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - to consider his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.
During the six weeks of self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically commit to fast, or to give up something - a habit, like smoking, watching TV, swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate, or coffee. However, there are also those who choose to take on a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible and spending more time in prayer to draw nearer to God.
This holy season allows us to use these spiritual disciplines to strengthen our faith and in doing so, develop a closer relationship with God. It should not simply be about what we give up, but about how we journey - with God and with one another. It is a time of spiritual conversion, where we are called to leave behind what holds us back and step forward in faith, trusting in the hope that Christ offers us.
May God bless St Aug’s over Lent
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s service (9th March)
Theme: “Trust in the Lord, find refuge in God!”
Sentence: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him .’ Luke 4: 8
Collect:
God of the desert,
Jesus was led by the Spirit
to fast forty days in the wilderness
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin;
give us grace to observe the disciplines of Lent;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer,
who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.
Readings: Deuteronomy 26: 1 – 11 and Luke 4: 1 - 13
Parish News
Our restored church items which were badly damaged in the recent burglary will be returned to us to be blessed for use on Sun 30th March at a Combined 10am Service.
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.
Please remember to use our Diocesan Prayer for Regeneration: As the kotuku gently rests upon the tree, come and rest upon us Holy Spirit as we pray for the regeneration of our Diocese… Everliving God, through your Spirit you constantly renew the whole crea tion; bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch, grant us cour age to grow disciples of Jesus, give us vision to reach young people and their families, and strengthen us to create vibrant communities of faith. All this we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
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.