Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a Church 7 November 2021
Kia ora St John’s whānau,
John Donne famously wrote:
“No man is an island.”
(What about the Isle of Man?)
God has come into creation to show us what life is like in connection with God and with one another.
One of the strongest themes in Jesus’ teaching is Forgiveness.
Maybe he taught about it so often because he knows it can be one of the hardest things we have to do.
This Sunday we will hear about some personal experiences of how to practice forgiveness.
We know that the maximum numbers for gatherings under Alert Level 2 is 100. So, as well as worshipping at St John’s in the City this Sunday, we also offer a live stream option. Here are the details for joining in worship via Zoom…
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
“ST J’S KIDS AND YOUTH GROUP START IN THE CENTRE
We are trying a new format for the young people’s peer group times on Sundays…
Young people will start with their peer group time in the St John's Centre from 10:00am. Around 10.45am, their leaders will bring them across to join with the rest of the congregation in worship (like the way we do it on Communion Sundays)
This Sunday (for the first time in a while) after the service, you are invited to stay for tea and coffee.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CHILDREN & FAMILIES MINISTRY WORKER
We are passionate about ministry with young people, and seeking passionate leadership for coordinating this in our midst. Our VISION STATEMENT for ministry with young people is “Enjoying faith formation with young people in an intergenerational community, equipping them for a lifetime of discipleship and encouraging them to worship, grow, live, and share as children of God.”
This part-time permanent position is for 20 hours per week with flexibility when the hours are worked. This role includes our gathered time as a Church community on Sunday mornings. Those interested in up to full-time equivalent work may also consider a harmonious position working with young people in a part-time Assistant Chaplain role currently advertised by Scots College. https://www.scotscollege.school.nz/scots-college-assistant-chaplain/
Perhaps you know someone you could you pass this information on to…?
For the position description or any questions please contact: enquiries@stjohnsinthecity.org.nz Ph:04 385 1546
Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd December 2021
CHURCH CAMP TRAMP
Sadly, there is no Church Camp this weekend. To salvage a community event we have morphed ‘camp’ into a ‘tramp’… This Saturday (tomorrow) we are meeting at 2pm to go for a 2hr loop walk through Trelissick Park.
Our tramp will be followed by a dinner in the St John’s Centre with some fun activities.
We’d love if you could join in. You’re welcome to come to both the walk and dinner, or just one part. Thanks for those of you who have already RSVP'd for the walk and/or dinner. If you haven't and intend to come please click on this link and fill in the form. Any updates will be sent via email (we must all pray for good-ish weather.)
https://forms.gle/Ax48fXKTVXnrMyFZ9
Walk: 2pm Trelissick Park loop walk. Meet near the railway overbridge at the intersection of Waikowhai St and Churchill Drive (under the street sign) Parking: in the Crofton Downs train station carpark or on the street (try Thatcher Crescent)
Dinner: We'll head into the St John’s Centre straight after we've finished the walk - we expect to arrive by 5pm. Cash Koha/Donation to contribute to cost of the food.
NEW SESSION CLERK
The Session Clerk is a vial role in our Church; they are the leader of the leaders. For the last two years we have been served faithfully by Mary Gibbs. And at the St John’s AGM last week the new Session Clerk was announced: Rob Anderson.
Rob is known to many and will bring his experiences and gifts into this role. We thank God for Mary, Rob and all who respond to God’s call to serve.
ALL AGE WORSHIP
We look forward to All Age Worship on Sunday 14th November. This is intergenerational worship as we grow together in faith. We will be together for one hour from 10am, exploring the question Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?”
MENTORING PROGRAMME
We give thanks to God for the first-ever 12 month Mentoring Programme which recently concluded. Next year, we are running our second St John's Mentoring Programme.
As part of our St John's inter-generational faith formation, this Mentoring Programme expresses our Mission Statement very well.
Will you be involved as a Mentor? Will you be involved as a Mentee?
As the start of this Mentoring Programme will be at the beginning of 2022, we encourage you to register your interest early.
THE VOICE - ST JOHN’S CHOIR
This is an open invitation to anyone who would like to sing in the choir for our special services over Advent and Christmas.
The choir practices at 9am on a Sunday morning and some Thursday nights as follows; November 25th 7.30pm at St Mary of the Angels, December 9th &16th 7.30pm at St John's.
We will sing at St Mary of the Angels for the combined Advent Carol Service on November 28th at 7.30pm.
Please contact Eleanor Carter for music and further information if you are interested in doing this.
EXPLORING SCIENCE AND CHRISTIAN FAITH
Earlier this year St John’s hosted Winter Lectures about the intersection of contemporary science and faith.
New Zealand Christians in Science are currently running a series ‘Conversation is science and faith’ and you can hear recordings of recent lectures here.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield is giving a lecture ‘Faith and Anxiety in an Age of Pandemic‘ by Zoom on 10th November. You can register for this event here.