NOTICES
Vicar Val Writes…
We are told that Tuesday this last week was the hottest day recorded in history – and hotter than the record breaking hottest day last year. Although temperatures have some variations, the trend has been increasing hottest for a long time now and a look at statistics can be quite alarming.
The Anglican Church has a fivefold Mission statement – the fifth being the care of creation. Dr Di Rayson, a speaker at Ministry School, talked about 5 unhelpful theological views that stops Christians caring for creation, Briefly they are
The above beliefs stop us caring for the earth through escapism or seen as inevitable or part of Gods plan. People are even paid to sow doubt in people’s minds that’s it’s really NOT happening.
In contrast Jesus honoured the material of the world and saw all creatures as good. We are to live in relationship – with God, teach other, and the world; working with trust and hope.
Lots to make us reflect and think about…Let’s have chats over our cuppa during the week.
Coming up:
August 3rd - Devonshire Teas and Op-Shop
We are looking for people to be side’s people in our services – give out newsletters at the beginning of the service and take the collection during the service If you are interested in helping please contact Val or Margie
If you would like to begin a financial contribution please let Diane know or simply go in line and set up a direct debit with your name as reference. Bank account is St Matthews Church 02 0368 0027228 00.
If you would like communion brought to your home please let Val know – we have a number of people willing to bring communion to people in their homes. Please don’t be shy to ask.
Our Church NO longer has a rubbish collection. If you have any Council Bags (pink or black) the church would love to have them as we have to transport all the rubbish to the dump. If you have room in your bins – please contact the Parish Office on Tuesday mornings and we would really appreciate being able to add some to your bin 😊
Vicar: Val Riches 078880878 or 0274448286, Lance 0275553286 Email [email protected]
The newsletter can be opened as a PDF from the Weekly Service Sheets page and can be requested to arrive in your email box by filling in the form in the Subscribe to Newsletter page.
Loaves and Fishes can be opened on the Loaves and Fishes page.
Vicar Val Writes…
We are told that Tuesday this last week was the hottest day recorded in history – and hotter than the record breaking hottest day last year. Although temperatures have some variations, the trend has been increasing hottest for a long time now and a look at statistics can be quite alarming.
The Anglican Church has a fivefold Mission statement – the fifth being the care of creation. Dr Di Rayson, a speaker at Ministry School, talked about 5 unhelpful theological views that stops Christians caring for creation, Briefly they are
- Dominion over species which leads humans to have entitled exploitation
- Prosperity of believers thus rewarded without regard for others – supports materialism
- God’s judgment for our sins (like Noah’s story) however the majority who are suffering and loosing communities (through rising sea levels) have not caused the global warming. This belief enables us to believe global warming is inevitable and all in God’s hands..
- Apathy that regardless of what happens to the world God will enable humans to survive/escape – such as to heaven.
The above beliefs stop us caring for the earth through escapism or seen as inevitable or part of Gods plan. People are even paid to sow doubt in people’s minds that’s it’s really NOT happening.
In contrast Jesus honoured the material of the world and saw all creatures as good. We are to live in relationship – with God, teach other, and the world; working with trust and hope.
Lots to make us reflect and think about…Let’s have chats over our cuppa during the week.
Coming up:
August 3rd - Devonshire Teas and Op-Shop
We are looking for people to be side’s people in our services – give out newsletters at the beginning of the service and take the collection during the service If you are interested in helping please contact Val or Margie
If you would like to begin a financial contribution please let Diane know or simply go in line and set up a direct debit with your name as reference. Bank account is St Matthews Church 02 0368 0027228 00.
If you would like communion brought to your home please let Val know – we have a number of people willing to bring communion to people in their homes. Please don’t be shy to ask.
Our Church NO longer has a rubbish collection. If you have any Council Bags (pink or black) the church would love to have them as we have to transport all the rubbish to the dump. If you have room in your bins – please contact the Parish Office on Tuesday mornings and we would really appreciate being able to add some to your bin 😊
Vicar: Val Riches 078880878 or 0274448286, Lance 0275553286 Email [email protected]
The newsletter can be opened as a PDF from the Weekly Service Sheets page and can be requested to arrive in your email box by filling in the form in the Subscribe to Newsletter page.
Loaves and Fishes can be opened on the Loaves and Fishes page.
The original St. Matthew's was dedicated 31st May, 1895. It was replaced by the new building in 1959.
Read more on the About us page.
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Read more on the About us page.
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July 28th, 2024
Jesus - The Bread of Life
Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1–15 Psalm 14 John 6:1–21
Sentence: Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. John 6:11
Collect: Generous God, may we see you amidst the crowds in which we travel, and respond with gladness and thanks for the miracle of goodness that your presence brings. Amen.
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Jesus - The Bread of Life
Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1–15 Psalm 14 John 6:1–21
Sentence: Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. John 6:11
Collect: Generous God, may we see you amidst the crowds in which we travel, and respond with gladness and thanks for the miracle of goodness that your presence brings. Amen.
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Preparation for Sunday.
2Samuel 11:1–15
Question: What does this story of David teach you about leadership?
Prayer: Lord who leads me, help me to know how to lead your people with compassion, love, and integrity.
Psalm 14
Question: Do you share the psalmist’s view of people? Why? Why not?
Prayer: Merciful God, have mercy on me and wash away all my iniquity. Help me to show this mercy to others.
John 6:1–21
Question: What small thing do you have in your hand that you could give to God?
Prayer: Giving Lord, take my talent and use it for your glory.
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2Samuel 11:1–15
Question: What does this story of David teach you about leadership?
Prayer: Lord who leads me, help me to know how to lead your people with compassion, love, and integrity.
Psalm 14
Question: Do you share the psalmist’s view of people? Why? Why not?
Prayer: Merciful God, have mercy on me and wash away all my iniquity. Help me to show this mercy to others.
John 6:1–21
Question: What small thing do you have in your hand that you could give to God?
Prayer: Giving Lord, take my talent and use it for your glory.
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SPECIFIC PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
PRAY FOR…
GIVE THANKS
PRAY FOR…
- all immigrants and refugees who come to New Zealand. We pray for their safety in the neighbourhoods where they settle, and for compassion and acceptance by the people around them.
- the work of welfare agencies and food banks that are finding they don’t get enough to help those in need. Help us all to generously give where we are able.
- All those who have been and are involved with the Human Rights Commission – especially the Victims and Supporters.
- for those who are sick or recovering, especially Sandy, Anne, Sharron, Olwyn, Janice, Jean R, Haki (Jack), Jill Brooks, Jacky, and others we may know.
- for all families mourning the death of a loved one.
GIVE THANKS
- For the generosity of those who regularly give their time and other things to people in need.
- For Val, our Vicar, and Lance, Elizabeth, Haki, and Sandy and Colin, and all they do for St Matthew’s.
- For people who encourage us to think and who inspire us on our Christian pilgrimage.
- For the signs of spring and new growth.
- For our schools and the beginning of a new term.
Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. —Richard Rohr
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