Weekly Notices - 20th April 2025 (EASTER)
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Halleluia!!!
It is so good to be writing this after such a successful AGM last Saturday. We welcomed around 30 of you wonderful people to the meeting, and it was great to hear the discussions going on around us. My thanks go out to each of you who set aside time to attend, and for the questions raised for dialogue.
This week, as always, has been a busy few days. We commemorated our Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday and then, together with millions of others around the world, entered our Holy Week in preparation for Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Looking back, these are the things which were held in prayer and reflection throughout the week:
Jesus Clears the Temple on Monday
Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives on Tuesday
Holy Wednesday
Passover and Last Supper on Maundy Thursday
Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial on Good Friday
Saturday in the Tomb
We now look ahead to Resurrection Sunday when we reach the culmination of Holy Week. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account.
The message of Easter is for everyone. While there are a variety of beliefs on what exactly happened and what the meaning was behind the events, three things always hold true: there was a time of great suffering and sorrow, then a period of waiting, then the glory of resurrection to new life.
May the light of love and the peace of hope be with you today and as we enter Eastertide.
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (EASTER, 20th April)
Theme: “Life out of Death”
Sentence: ‘The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!’ Luke 24:34
Collect:
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
you have delivered us from sin and death.
You have brought with the dawn
a new beginning and an empty tomb;
grant us strength and humility
to enter into life.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.
Readings: Acts 10: 34 – 43 & Luke 24: 1 – 12
Parish News
· As we journey through ‘Holy Week’ we are again 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.
At our EASTER SUNDAY 10am Combined Service, 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.
-> Followed by:
Repair Café -
In the Hannan Centre, Thursday 1st May, 5 to 7pm
Let’s REPAIR rather than throw away.
FREE event! Share far and wide!
We will help fix your stuff and to teach you how to do it yourself; Bring torn or holey clothes, stuck zippers, furniture, headphones and cables, sunglasses, ceramics and pottery, toys, shoes, jewellery, blunt knives (to sharpen) broken plastic objects etc.
We can also help you with some technology advice, such as how to install Whatsapp to talk to your relations overseas, or why is your phone doing something weird today, or how do I put it on ‘do not disturb’ … etc
Volunteers willing to help are very welcome! Please contact Lerks Stedman: 022 021 5270
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.
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.