Weekly Notices - 30th March 2025
We are now at the 4th Sunday of our Lenten journey where we are charged with welcoming sinners into our midst and caring for them in God’s family.
If we look deeply at ourselves, we discover that each of us are sinners in one way or another! Let us not be blinded by self-righteousness and hypocrisy because it is easy to forget that Jesus attracted the kind of people the religious leaders wanted nothing to do with.
People on the fringes of society, people known for their mistakes and shortcomings—flocked to Jesus. And instead of keeping his distance, Jesus welcomed them. He ate with them, conversed with them, and treated them with dignity and love.
We know that today, many people outside the church see religious institutions as places of judgment and exclusion, not as places of love and acceptance.
The challenge for us is to reflect on how we’re perceived. Are we more like the Pharisees, concerned with keeping “sinners” at arm’s length? Or are we more like Jesus, welcoming those who don’t fit the mould or might not have it all together?
Our Gospel passage shows us that no one is too far gone for Jesus. He sees value in everyone and is willing to meet them where they are. Jesus calls us to follow His example. He isn’t asking us to condone sin, but He is asking us to love people—to sit at the table with them, listen, and engage.
We should ask ourselves: Are we making room at our table for the people Jesus would have welcomed?
God bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s ‘Combined 10am Service’ (30th March)
Theme: “Welcoming sinners - reconciliation through Christ”
Sentence: ‘God has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and given us the ministry of reconciliation.’ 2 Corinthians 5:18
Collect:
We praise you God,
that the light of Christ shines in our darkness
and is never overcome;
show us the way we must go to eternal day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings:2 Corinthians 5: 16 -21 and 15: 1 – 3, 11b – 32
Parish News
Our restored church items which were badly damaged in the recent burglary will be returned to us to be blessed for THIS Sun 30th March at a Combined 10am Service.
· A.G.M! Our 2025 A.G.M is on Saturday April 12th @ 10am. So if you head up an area/ministry - now is the time to start gathering your thoughts together regarding compiling your report for the A.G.M.
· Holy Week this year begins on Monday 14th April and again this year, we will be working with our Cashmere Presbyterian brothers and sisters as mark Maundy Thursday together in their beautiful church. The Good Friday Walk of the Cross will again start at the Presbyterian Church and end in our carpark with morning tea in the Hannan Centre, followed by our Good Friday Service at 10am here at St Aug’s. More details will
follow soon, together with a request for Readers for Thurs evening and Friday morning.· Please note there will not be a 10am midweek service next Wednesday, due to unforeseen circumstances. Our apologies for this.
Messy Church at St Augs!!
We are hoping very much to get ‘Messy Church’ up and running sometime in the next (school) term. Initially we aim to run a messy church session twice/year.
What is ‘Messy Church’? Messy Church is a church for everyone who may not feel comfortable attending a ‘normal’ church service and who don’t yet belong to a church. It typically includes a meal, hands-on activities such as arts, crafts, meeting God in the outdoors, science activities and more, which are suitable for all ages. Check out the NZ ‘Messy Church’ website! www.messychurch.nz
If this sounds like something you would like to know more about, please contact Rowena Pottinger: rowbillpotty@gmail.com
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… Ever living God, through your Spirit you constantly renew the whole creation; bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch, grant us courage 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.