Weekly Notices - 13th April 2025
As we draw closer to Holy Week and all its reflections, I hope you have each had time to walk gently with our Lord through the wilderness of Lent.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week this year brings with it several challenges to clergy and administrators throughout our Anglican Diocese. While we prepare for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the week that follows, we are aware, here at St Aug’s, of the looming Parish Annual General Meeting on Saturday morning!
We are looking forward to a successful AGM where we hope our annual budget will be produced and accepted, and where planning for the year ahead will be shared with you all. I encourage us all to sit with each other on Saturday morning, and to deeply consider and embrace, the parallels between Palm Sunday and our Parish Life. Jesus enters Jerusalem, not as a renowned king in splendour, but as a lowly human on His way to Death! All His teachings, encouragements and actions come to a culmination of sacrifice which those around Him never realized…. In the same way, the work and mission of our parish this last year come together after so much hard work by Vestry, Regeneration Groups and individuals - mostly unseen by others in the daily life of our parish family..
I ask your prayers over your staff team and our supporting clergy as we walk through AGM and Holy Week towards that glorious morning of Easter.
May God always bless St Aug’s
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (13th April)
Theme: “The paradox: acclaiming Jesus as king, and one week later putting him to death”
Sentence: ‘At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ Philippians 2:10–11
Collect:
God of the journey,
you travel with us along paths both rough and smooth;
as we celebrate your Son’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, travel with us into Holy Week,
that through your Holy Spirit we may witness to the depth of your passion and be ready to rise into the fullness of Easter Day.
Through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Readings: Luke 19:28–40, Luke 23:1–25, Luke 23:1–25
Parish News
· A.G.M! Our 2025 A.G.M is THIS Saturday April 12th @ 10am. See you there!
· Holy Week this year begins on Monday 14th April and again this year, we are joining with our Cashmere Presbyterian brothers and sisters to 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.
SEE THE notice about our EASTER Services for more details.
We are also looking for Readers for; Thursday evening, Good Friday & Easter Sunday mornings. Please contact the office if you can do a reading.
Over the next 2 Sundays when we will be holding 10am Combined Services, we are invited to join our Prayer Team after each Service with prayer needs that might be sitting heavily on our hearts.
This Post-service Prayer slot is a beautiful initiative of our 11am Worship Team, and offers a safe space where special pray-ers sit with you in absolute confidence and offer you support and special time with God.
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.