Weekly Notices - 8th June 2025
The Book of Acts is the story of the early Church and how it evolved. It’s an amazingly exciting adventure and in it, we get a very intriguing picture of a group of people - folks just like you and me - who are continually being changed and formed and transformed in their understanding of God.
The Church is a work of God, always under construction - all the way to today when we celebrate the Church’s birthday, and we continue to look ahead – to how we can grow God’s kingdom here on the Hill.
We have just come through our ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ journey, and what a great place to be at, in our work towards that great vision of church growth.
Rev Christine de Senna and her team have done a fantastic job in opening up our church and inviting us all in to pray as a community. But like I said a few weeks ago, Christine cannot do it on her own; Liz Hay cannot do it on her own; Jenny Marshall and the few others who stepped in to help, cannot do it on their own!
We need to step us as members of St Aug’s and of God’s church, and let our voices – in unison! – be carried to God.
When we do stand together – closely – we can then experience the presence of the Holy Spirit and hear its voice. Are we able to take up this challenge?
Or do we just sit back and miss out?
May God always bless St Aug’s through the Holy Spirit
Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe.
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s Service (8th June)
Theme: “The Day of Pentecost – being empowered by the Holy Spirit”
Sentence: ‘God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.’ Romans 5:5
Collect:
Living God,
eternal Holy Spirit,
let your bright intoxicating energy
which fired those first disciples
fall on us
to turn the world again.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.
Readings: Acts 2: 1 – 21 & John 14: 8 – 17
Parish News
‘Thy Kingdom Come 2025’ 29th May - 8th June
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. This year, our parish Prayer Leaders are encouraging us all to be a part of this praying community: every person, household and church is invited to pray during the 11 days in their own way. This is your invitation to be a part of this God-blessed and exciting Prayer Movement between Ascension Day (Thursday 29 May) and Pentecost Sunday (8 June). You won’t regret joining the thousands around the world praying for people to come to know Jesus and for lives to be transformed!
Every parishioner will receive a Prayer Journal with a place to write the names of 5 people whom God is leading you to pray for, especially during the ten days between Ascension Day and Pentecost. Along with this, the Journal contains ten daily readings to accompany you on this journey of focused prayer
Let’s all get behind this initiative and come together as God’s people of prayer!
Building Discipleship 'conference' 5th - 6th June (Thursday & Friday)
The two day intensives offer a tailored environment that enables deeper exploration of concepts, application to your team's context, cross-team learning, strategic planning and time for waiting on God.
Complimentary morning tea will be available. Please provide your own lunch.
When: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June 2025, 9.00am - 3.30pm
Location: Northcity Church, 95a Sawyer Arms Road, Papanui.
Please let Paula know if you can join us! Registrations are needed!
See you at the Intensive!!
On Sunday 29th June, the Sumner Silver Brass Band will be joining us again and leading our music (for a ‘Combined 10am Service’).
We have all thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful group of musicians in the past, and I am excited that they are willing to join us again!
Please be warned that with the commencement of our roof repairs we have LOTS of scaffolding around the place to be aware of. In particular this affects parking near the Hannan Centre ramp.
Be careful out there!
(And here are a couple of shots of the team in the skyline recently.)
Messy Church at St Augs!!
On Saturday 28th June 2025 we are planning a special ‘Messy Church’ activity day for Pre school and Primary aged children in the Hall at St Augustine’s
This will run from 3pm to 5:30pm
We require helpers to plan, set up and manage this important church event.
We need people to help with the encouraging and bringing along young families, advertising, ideas, administration, welcomers, preparation for art activities and music.
We also require helpers to set up trestles and activities, a team of cooks for meal preparation and serving, and for afterwards tidying up at the end of the activities.
If you can help in any way please can you join us THIS Thursday evening (22nd May) at 7pm in the Hannan centre for a planning meeting.
Please come with ideas and ways to support us. RSVP to Rowena Pottinger: 021343884, or rowbillpotty@gmail.com
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
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.