Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 3 April 2022

Kia ora St John’s whānau,

This weekend Daylight Saving ends, and we put our clocks back one hour (if you don’t, you’ll be at Church early!)

This Sunday is the fifth in the season of Lent as we journey toward Easter). We are meeting Jesus in the book of Luke, and this week we hear that we don’t get what we deserve.

St J’s Kids and Youth Group will go out for their peer group time halfway through the worship service. We have a Retiring Offering to support the work of A&J (see details below).
 
The latest public health rules allow us to have up to 200 people at Church, and we resume using the Offering bags during the service and Morning Tea after the service.  We retain the requirement for masks.
 
We are doing this together, and so please let someone know if you want support. We can help practically, spiritually and pastorally.
 
 
If you want to join the Sunday 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.
 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/370260759?pwd=b2ZkajZ5d28rTy9EN1VKZDJUM3N4dz09

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

This is the link to the printable Service Sheet
https://www.dropbox.com/s/710itz1ptj3uegz/3rd%20April%202022%20Order%20of%20Service.pdf?dl=0

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

BEING A CONNECTED COMMUNITY DURING COVID-IN-THE-COMMUNITY

Some of us are having to isolate because we or someone in our household tests positive for COVID-19. If you are in this situation and find you need help (e.g. food or supplies dropped off), please let us know through the St John’s in the City Office. We are able to help one another.

Even if we have to physically isolate, we want to stay connected as a faith community. To help us, we have Online Devotions every Thursday at 11am.
Please join with others for fifteen minutes of spiritual reflection together.

The link to join via Zoom is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/150457018?pwd=OU55OXhDY2YvZFlIWmNNZkxVaVN2UT09
If using your phone, dial 04 886 0026 (Meeting ID: 150 457 018, Passcode: 333)

LENT REFLECTIONS

Thursdays at 7:30pm during Lent (the season before Easter)
These reflections will be on current issues and Easter themes, and this Thursday we will be reflecting on the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross by examining models of atonement.
To join in this open time of reflection and discussion, please use this Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83521205867?pwd=MEdKQmhSOHNvM2pHSm1tSnZZcDJ6dz09
Meeting ID: 835 2120 5867
Passcode: lent

ANNUAL COLLECTION FOR A&J SUNDAY 3RD APRIL

We are preparing for our annual collection for the St Johns Missioners, A & J.
Who are they? Many of you will know A &J. But for the few who don’t, they are a couple from St Johns who have felt God’s call to spread the gospel. They are visiting us on the 27th March.
Where are they? They are working in the Middle East, where their mission is primarily to the many migrant labourers who often work in very poor conditions for low pay. Our multi-lingual missioners speak many of their native languages.
Why do we have a retiring collection? They are not paid a salary but rather have to raise most of the money they need to live. St Johns is their home church so we provide a significant part of their support. The Outreach committee provides $4,000 a year and matches other St Johns donations $-for-$ up to $2,500. Donations are raised by this annual retiring collection and through regular giving from many St Johns members
How can I hear more about this mission? To protect them, we are sparing in what we put in print, so you won’t see much in the bulletin or elsewhere. But you can join an email newsletter that periodically is sent to supporters by emailing kiaora1000@gmail.com Margaret Galt coordinates this and you can contact her through this email.

DIXON STREET FLATS CAFE

We are delighted that Kainga Ora have agreed to recommencing the weekly café from this coming Thursday after a covid-induced break since last year.
You are encouraged to pray for all those who find friendship and support in the community of the café. If you’re interested to volunteer as part of this mission, please let the St John’s Office know.

FELLOWSHIP GROUP

Good Friday falls on the 15th April this year and the Fellowship Group will have a special Easter Service on Tuesday 12th April at 11am, in the Church.

EASTER DATES

Sunday 10th April: Palm Sunday Service, 10 am
Tuesday 12th April: Fellowship Group Easter Service, 11 am
Friday 15th April: Good Friday Service, 10 am (followed by Hot Cross buns)
Sunday 17th April: Easter Sunday Service, 10 am (followed by an Intergenerational Easter Egg Hunt led by the Youth Group)

CHILDREN & FAMILIES MINISTRY WORKER

We currently have a vacancy for the role of the Children & Families Ministry Worker, and have been trying to find someone to serve in this important position. We are grateful to those who have stepped up their commitment to serve during this vacancy and will continue to pursue a successful appointment to have someone fulfilling the responsibilities we need dedicated leadership for. If you, or someone you know, might consider this halftime role, please contact the St John’s Office for a Position Description (Ph: 385 1546).