Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 14 July 2024

Kia ora St John’s whānau,
 
This Sunday we continue our four week series exploring the practice ‘Care for Creation’.
 
Jesus talked about how God has created a world of abundant goodness “Look at the birds of the air… Consider the lilies of the field…” (Mark 6)

The closer we stay to Jesus, the more we are part of the new economy of abundance in the world.
 
Our children and young people can go straight to the combined Holiday Programme in the St John’s Centre at 10am, and we will all join together in the Church later for Communion.

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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...

INSURANCE

As the insurance landscape changes, the St John’s Session and Council have explored sustainable options for how we plan to mitigate any future risk. 
A significant amount of research has been done, and the recommendations brought to our Congregational Meeting last Sunday were unanimously agreed. The details are available on the St John’s website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/news

DAILY BIBLE READING

We continue to encourage one another in spiritual practices that grow our faith.  31 Days of Truth is a suggested resource for daily Bible reading from the Bible Society, which includes a reflection from Martyn Day, who recently lead the series of workshops on the Bible at St John’s.  Could this be something you try in July?

DEATH & HONEY

This contemporary theatre production was created to discuss life and loss, posing a reflective question for the viewer; Who is Death to you?
From the existential incomprehensible unknown, to arguing about mugs of hot chocolate, Honey explores her relationship with Death and what it means to live in the face of mortality.
Full details available below:

FAREWELL CONCERT

Before he departs to study music overseas, Benjamin Carter is giving a concert in appreciation of his St John’s Church family.
Come and enjoy this concert as we wish Benjamin well for this exciting phase in his life. Sunday 21st July at 1pm in the Church.

FELLOWSHIP GROUP

The Annual General Meeting of St John’s Fellowship Group will be held in the St John’s Centre on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 commencing at 11am.
The Rev Allister Lane will preside during the elections of officers. There will be a shared lunch following the meeting.

PUBLIC LECTURE

‘Portraying the Invisible God: How Early Christian Artists Depicted Christ’ by Professor Robin Jensen.
Tuesday July 23, 7.00 – 9.00pm Public Lecture, All Saints Church, 90 Hamilton Rd, Haitaitai.
In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you a conversation evening with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. The New Testament refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, but it never describes his physical appearance. Professor Robin Jensen will explore how early depictions of Jesus expressed Christian beliefs about his divine and human natures as well as his mission as healer, teacher, and saviour. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, this event offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making.

WHANAU NIGHT

Our next Whanau Night is on Sunday 28 July.
Come along to the St John’s Centre 5:00 – 6:30pm for some kai, connection and being community together.

CHURCH CAMP

We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year!
It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept.
We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.)
(FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.)

CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA

‘O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.’    Psalm 104
 
Allister