Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 6 February 2022
Kia ora St John’s whānau,
This weekend is a loooong weekend, as we commemorate Waitangi Day.
On Sunday we will express in our worship together what it means to be a Christian in Aotearoa New Zealand right now – as we look at the journey of our past as well as our journey into the future. You may have heard the Māori understanding of ‘walking backwards into the future’, as we are guided by our history. This resonates powerfully with the God who is revealed in scripture and whose living Spirit lives in us.
The sermon will offer teaching about the necessary translation of the Bible message and how Te Rongopai (the Good News) came to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sunday peer group time for children and teens begin again on Sunday the 13th February, and so this Sunday young people are warmly welcomed to be part of the whole worship service, and of course the Morning Tea in the St John’s Centre.
We are currently in covid protection framework colour ‘Red’. This means we have a limit of 100 people that can gather at St John’s in the City for worship. So you might want to think if you can join via Zoom. Here are the details to access the live-streaming of the worship service 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
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tq12cax5lo1tibl/6th%20February%202022%20Order%20of%20Service.pdf?dl=0
If you gather in the city for worship, please remember to Scan, Mask, Vaccine Pass
Everyone will need to show a ‘My Vaccine Pass’ to attend. Children under the age of 12 years and 3 months, or those who have an exemption can be admitted without a ‘My Vaccine Pass’.
Please be patient and kind as you enter church on Sunday (perhaps choose to arrive early!) as we learn how to manage these entry requirements.
As well as showing your ‘My Vaccine Pass’ please also follow the usual public health guidelines:
stay home if you’re unwell
scan using the NZ Covid Tracer app (or record contact details manually)
wear face coverings
give others outside of your ‘household bubble’ physical space (move along the pews)
We are doing this together, and so please let someone know if you want support. We can help practically, spiritually and pastorally.
Soon it will be necessary for households to self-isolate when someone tests positive for COVID-19 or is a Close Contact of someone else who has tested 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 will do what we can to help one another.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT...
WHANAU NIGHT
St John's Whānau Night is back in 2022! After a year of experimenting with intergenerational faith evenings, we are excited to announce a full year schedule for '22.
Whānau Night in the Park 3-6pm, 20 February, Aotea Lagoon (Rain Day 27 Feb)
The year kicks off with an all age celebration in the Aotea Lagoon park in Porirua, just a 19 minute drive from the church. There will be games, sports, crafts, icebreakers, conversations, as well as the playground equipment and splash pad. Bring along your own picnic dinner, blankets or chairs.
MENTORING PROGRAMME
This 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. And, as we face the challenges of the year, perhaps you may feel that journeying with someone might be a tangible expression of the hope and purpose we want to be witnesses to.
We are launching this very soon, so this is the last week to join in and be part of it.
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 half-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.
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 Monday 14th February 2022.
FELLOWSHIP GROUP
The yearly cycle of Fellowship Group meetings starts up again on a remarkable date: Tuesday 22/02/2022 at 11am in the St John’s Centre. Everyone will be invited to share stories about the topic: What significant societal change impacted on your life?
ROSTER FOR SERVING
It is time to organise the rosters for March - June. Could people on the current list let Linda know any dates that they are unavailable by 14 February? New people are always welcome to help with Sunday tasks. We could particularly use additional families to help ring the bell just before the service. Additional Greeters and Hosts would also help to have more people serving in our community. For more information, please contact Linda at lindavanmilligan@gmail.com