Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 5 May 2024

Kia ora St John’s whānau,

This weekend we meet together as usual on Sunday to worship at 10am.

If you want to read the Bible readings before Sunday, they are:
1 John 5:1-6
Acts 10:44-48
John:15:9-12

St J's Kids will be happening again this Sunday, going out partway through the service.  The Youth will remain in the service.

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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…

CULTS, CHRISTIANITY, AND CONVERSATIONS

You may be aware that the Shincheonji Cult is actively trying to recruit church leaders, congregants, and also targeting University students. This is a dangerous cult which isolates people from community, and twists Scripture to suit its purposes. Laidlaw Bible College has a workshop on Friday 3 May, 7pm at Wellington Central Baptist Church which will be informative and supportive. You can find out more or register here.

LAIDLAW THEOLOGY TASTER

On Saturday 4th May, 10:00-12:30, a team from the Laidlaw Bible College Theology faculty are hosting a morning of mini workshops at Ramsey House, to give a taste of what study at Laidlaw is like. They will be doing an intro to the Hebrew language, a peek into the Old Testament world through the Laws of Eshunna and the Law of Moses, a glimpse into Pasifika theology, and a session on Missions. Whilst the campuses are in Christchurch and Auckland, they have a multitude of courses available by distance learning. The workshops will be followed by a light lunch and time to chat.  You can find out more or register here.

A COVENANT OF RECONCILIATION - DR ALISTAIR REESE

At this special event, historian and public theologian Dr Alistair Reese will help us to understand how the Treaty is he tatau pounamu—a covenant pathway of reconciliation. He will consider the history and context of this foundational document, including the role of the Church in its shape and interpretation. And he will weigh, with us, how best to respond—how best to honour the Treaty now.
Tuesday 14th May, 7pm-9pm at St John’s in the City. Register here: 

FESTIVAL SINGERS CONCERT

The Festival Singers’ have two upcoming concerts, which celebrate all things sea-related, from sea shanties to some of the best music of the English choral tradition, including works by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Herbert Sumsion.
 
Come hear a glorious half-hour’s selection of the programme at 12:45pm on Friday 10 May 2024 in the superb acoustic of the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Molesworth Street. Entry by koha – thank you.
 
Or come to our exquisite full-length evening concert right by the sea, St. Christopher’s Church, corner of Ventnor and Forres Streets, Seatoun at 7:00pm on Saturday 11 May 2024.
 
Tickets are $25 for one person or $20 each for two or more people. Children 18 years and under enter free with an accompanying adult.
 
You can book for our Saturday night concert on Eventbrite here: 
Cash door sales will also be available. (Sorry no EFTPOS)
Get ready to be swept away – we can’t wait to see you there!

DCM FOODBANK APPEAL

DCM have a Food bank appeal on Saturday 25th May.  We want to help by having volunteers from St John's.
To join in, please contact Carolyn Goudswaard.

SOUPER SUNDAYS

These lunches are back by popular demand! You are warmly invited to share in a bowl of hot soup after church on any of the following dates. 
 
May 26
June 30
July 28
August 25
 
You are welcome to bring a small plate of something sweet to share with our tea or coffee.  Come and share in the warm fellowship, we’d love to see you.

YOUTH FRIDAY AFTERNOON CHILL SPACE

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.