Weekly Notices - 6th April 2025
There was a man who had nothing. Then God gave him ten apples. God gave him the first apple so that he would have something to show his gratitude for the other nine. God gave him three apples to eat, three more to trade for shelter, three more to trade for clothing. Then the man looked at the first fruit he had received. He knew why God gave him that first apple - to give it back to God in thanks - but the apple looked bigger and juicier than all the rest. And the man reasoned that God still had all the other apples in the world; God didn’t really need his. So the man ate the first apple and gave God the apple core.
We have a great God, the maker of heaven and earth, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us all we have. When we give back to God we do not cut corners - we give back the apple and not just the apple core. Think of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe, their stained glass windows, organs, rich tapestries and vestments. Humble peasants built these buildings and outfitted them to the glory of God. We should do likewise.
This Sunday, after being laid out flat on my back for the last 2 weeks with influenza, I am baptising 2 young children into the family of God. In a way, we will be giving back to God His Gift of Creation. And in doing this we follow His Direction in celebrating His wonderful Gift of Children.
May God always bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (6th April)
Theme: “Faith in God - following a new path”
Sentence: ‘Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.’ Psalm 126:6
Collect:
Loving Jesus,
receive our love and worship.
Show us how to give you what we have,
for nothing is too big or too small
for us to offer, or for you to use;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever. Amen.
Readings: Philippians 3: 4b -14 and John 12: 1 – 8
Parish News
· A.G.M! Our 2025 A.G.M is on NEXT Saturday April 12th @ 10am. So if you head up an area/ministry - now is the time to submit 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.
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
-> Followed by:
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.