Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 12 March 2023

Kia ora St John’s whānau,
 
Typically, in our journey of faith, we all have some ‘desert experiences’ along the way when we struggle and God seems distant. We find ourselves thirsting to know God more. 

If you want to read the Bible readings before Sunday, they are: Exodus 17: 1-7 and John 4: 7-19
And if you want to hear a weekly Rev’s Ramble on the Bible readings, click here. https://www.facebook.com/KhandallahPresbyterianChurch
 
The age-specific peer groups for youth and families start this Sunday at 10:00am in the Centre, and then later we will all come together in the main Church for Communion.
 
And please bring some food to share for a special morning tea (details below).

If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream:
 
Zoom Meeting ID: 370 260 759
Passcode: worship
 
The link to join the Zoom worship service is below.

If using your phone: dial 04 886 0026 (Meeting ID: 370 260 759#, Passcode: 1560107#)

This is the link to the printable Service Sheet 

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT...

BETTY ROBERTSON

Our own dear Betty Robertson turns 100 years old this coming week! 
And, as her Church whanau, we celebrate with her. This Sunday we have a special morning tea after the service, with Birthday cake!
Please also bring some food to share for this celebration of our saintly centenarian.

WHANAU NIGHT

This Sunday we have the first Whanau Night of the year. These are special intergenerational and invitational events.
The theme is ‘Joy’.
You are invited to bring food for a potluck tea.

PRESBYTERY CENTRAL GATHERING

Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship and grow together. We welcome all members of Presbyterian churches in the Central region, along with anyone else interested, to join us for a marvellous weekend.
We gather at St Albans Church in Palmerston North on March 18th, 10:00am – 5:00pm
The keynote speaker is Dr Alistair Reese on ‘The Treaty: A Doorway to Reconciliation’, and the theme running through the weekend is around our cultural identity. We will explore our history, present and future, trying to understand our place in the New Zealand we live in today.
And there is an inspiring range of workshops to engage with all facets of church and personal life. From relationship building, to worship, to self-care, there is something for everyone.

A&J ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MISSION SUNDAY 19TH MARCH

The St John’s Outreach Committee encourages everyone to be part of the spiritual and practical support for A&J (a St John’s couple working overseas), by praying regularly and contributing financially to their work with poor migrant workers. A&J speak eight languages between them, so are able to talk to these migrant workers often in their own language. A&J are not paid a salary for bringing hope to these people. Instead they raise most of the money that they need to live themselves.
Last year they concluded their partnership with NZCMS and they work with an organisation working in their same area. This has been a very fruitful development for the work they are committed to, with a close alignment with their new partner organisation in their area.
We also have a part to play in this work. On Sunday 19th March there will be a Retiring Offering (making a donation in the foyer after the service).  The Outreach Committee is committed to give $4,000 each year, and matches dollar for dollar all additional donations up to $2,500 per year. We hope to generate additional giving of $6,000 through this annual appeal. If you would rather use internet banking then use the normal St John’s bank account number (on the website) and put AandJ in the reference.

EVANS BAY FUN DAY

We’ve waited patiently for good weather for this special event, which kicks off with a picnic together by the sea and then lots of fun options for exploring Evans Bay near Hataitai Beach.

Loads of fun activities, including Lollie Scramble, Egg and Spoon, Sandbag tossing, Giant Jenga, Basketball, Cricket, Frisbee.
 
Also we will be fishing, exploring the Evans Bay area – Treasure Island Park, Greta Point Café – and picking up rubbish to help clean-up God’s creation.
 
…And an Ice Cream Station!
 
Please plan to be there and invite family and friends to join you.

TRAINING FOR KEEPING OUR MINISTRY SAFE

As part of St. John's in the City's commitment to keeping the children and young people we connect with safe, our leaders are police checked, trained and follow safe practices.
This year, all leaders in our church who are responsible for children or young people must attend the Safety WOF training, as required by PCANZ.
Our new Youth and Families Pastor, Hannah North, will run this training
25 MARCH, 9AM - 2.30PM IN THE ST JOHN'S CENTRE
Morning tea and lunch is provided, and so please let Hannah know if you are coming by registering; https://forms.office.com/r/5BwuuP8X6Y. 
If you are unsure if you are responsible for children or young people (rather than serving in an assisting capacity), please ask Hannah.

ST JOHN’S VISION

Our fresh Vision for St John’s has generated a lot of activity, and we want to continue to be shaped by this Vision God’s given us, as we all get involved.

“We explore and share the gospel with our dynamic neighbourhood. We create safe spaces to be, to belong, and to navigate the tough stuff. Getting to know God is a team sport – that’s why we do this together, not alone.”
More detail is available on our website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/values
 
On Sunday 26th March after the service we will have a fun workshop to collaborate on our Vision initiatives.

The Peace of Christ be with you
Allister