Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a Church 28 November 2021

Kia ora St John’s whānau,

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent!

Young people will start in the service at 10:00am for 15-20 minutes of worship all together, before peer group time.

Our Guest Preacher on Sunday is Dr Andrew Shepherd, Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues for Otago University – based in Wellington.

We know that while we remain under Alert Level 2 the maximum numbers for gatherings 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

This Sunday after the service, you are invited to stay for tea and coffee and the Congregational Forum on the new Covid Traffic Light system:

The new Traffic Light Protection Framework is coming into effect this week. While the media has highlighted the conflict around this, the St John’s Session are wanting to find a way to manage this that bears witness to our faith.

Before Session makes necessary decisions, there is the opportunity for anyone to join a discussion to better understand the relevant issues for us as a Church.

Please come ready to share and listen together, so we can recognise the range of perspectives and maintain unity.  (Ephesians 4:3)

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

ADVENT FAITH EXPERIENCES

Mary and Joseph walked 145k from Nazareth to Bethlehem, before Mary gave birth to Jesus. This advent many people in our congregation are going to either walk or run 145 km's, and you are very welcome to join the challenge.

It may surprise you to know that walking is considered an ancient spiritual practice for many people, in fact walking is mentioned 247 times in the bible. In proverbs 14:15 it tells us that “the prudent give thought to their steps”
We have created a booklet in which people can record their daily km traveled. If you would like a copy please let us know, and we will get one to you.

Another way to prepare your heart for the birth of Christ this Advent, is to listen to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Music or from our Podcast Website.

22 members of our congregation, of all ages, have recorded these daily devotions, so listen each day to hear very familiar voices. 

Each devotion is focused on a different scripture, and includes a reflection and prayer. The devotions have been written by Advent Conspiracy.

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 18.75 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   

Phone: 04 385 1546
Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd December 2021

FELLOWSHIP GROUP

This year the Fellowship Group Advent Meeting actually falls into Advent – on Tuesday 30 November 2021.  Starting in the Church at 11am for worship, moving to the St John’s Centre afterwards for a finger food lunch (which is provided), complete with ice cream and strawberries!  Please bring a koha for Christian World Service.

CHRISTMAS STAR BOXES

At St John’s we have empty Christmas Star Boxes from Wellington City Mission – for us to fill them with gifts! Filling these boxes is a way to spread love as we celebrate Christmas, and will make a joyous difference for people in need.  Gifts are to be unwrapped, and here are some ideas: Vouchers (e.g. Movies/Zoo/Pool/Supermarket), construction toys (e.g. Lego/Meccano/Blocks) books, puzzles & board games, sports gear.  The last Sunday before the Christmas Star Boxes are collected is 5th December – so we have just a few weeks to make our donations!

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.