Weekly Notices - 27th April 2025
On Easter Sunday we Christians condensed our confession into three words: "Christ is risen!" One way or another, those three words are a game changer.
Without the resurrection, Jesus is just another mere moralizer. But with it, believers confess that God in Christ has defeated death and reconciled the cosmos to himself.
How wonderfully strange that on the first Sunday after Easter, John's gospel turns from faith to doubt — in particular, to Thomas's disbelief in the resurrection. Except for the times when he is grocery-listed with the other disciples, there are only three references to Thomas. They're all in John's gospel, and they all suggest Thomas's sceptical bent.
Not all those who saw the risen Christ believed. And conversely, not all those who believed actually saw the resurrected Jesus. Thomas was an exception, said Jesus: "Because you have seen me you believe? Blessed are those who did not see and believed."
A week after touching the wounds of Jesus, Thomas confessed, "My Lord and my God!"
In the end, the famous doubter became a passionate witness. The Acts of Thomas from the early third century says that Thomas took the gospel to India by 52 AD. Today, the St. Thomas Christians trace their origins to this disciple of doubt.
May God bless St Aug’s in our moments of disbelief
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (27th April)
Theme: “Jesus present in our midst”
Sentence: Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ John 20:27
Collect:
Almighty God,
by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
you have broken the power of death
and brought life and immortality to light;
grant that we who have been raised with him
may triumph over all temptation
and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: Acts 5: 27 – 32 & John 20: 19 – 31
Parish News
Please note that our Vestry Team remains the same as last year. After no new nominations at our AGM last week, the Team was ratified and will continue in service for the next year. Thank you Vestry! Our Vicar’s Warden remains as Mrs Jo Ashton-Martyn to whom I am indebted.
-> 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
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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.