Tenei te mihi atu kia Koutou irunga i te ingoa o Ihu Karaiti.
The Sentence: Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for whoever loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
Collect of the Day: Creator God, you have made us not in one mould, but in many: so, deepen our unity in Christ that we may rejoice in our diversity. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
First Reading: Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20
Spring is a season of renewal, inviting fresh experiences into our lives. God’s work within us is like an ongoing spring, bringing something new and life-giving each day as we let God’s Spirit guide us.
Spring can bring four seasons in a single day: summer’s warmth and sunshine, autumn’s shedding of the old, winter’s quiet space for new growth, and spring’s first signs of new life. The following are some offerings that I have been reflecting on. New ways for people to experience God’s love and presence in our church. I shared several ideas with the Management Committee about showing our care for the diverse world we live in to help people connect with God in ways that are meaningful to them.
The first of these, is a midweek service for our older members, past and present, who find it difficult to attend on Sundays. A short Communion service, followed by a cup of tea and time to reconnect in the lounge. I have not yet settled on a catchy slogan, though I am considering “Navigating the Golden Years with God” — or something similar. I will be there to welcome everyone who can join us for our first of these gathering on Thursday 17th September 2026 at 1.30pm. Please invite a friend along.
The second was to move our current Sunday 9.30am Communion service to 10.30am or not. This suggestion arose from considering the needs of our older members and whether a later service time would be more suitable. Please respond as soon as possible. Please reply YES or NO by email or text, to me using the number and email below. No reply by our next meeting 24th September, yours is a YES?
The third discussion was around a weekly Praise and Worship Service. This service will include singing, open prayer, the lectionary reading for the day, a message to end. Communion will be offered on the first service of each month. Designed for families and young people. You may be aware of younger families or friends who would like to come and see what this is all about; they would be most welcome.
May your God be with you on the journey at all times, in 2026, may the wind be forever at your backs, and may the warmth of the sun by day, and the soft glow of the moon by night, brighten the path before you. Ma te Atua Koe, e manaaki, e tiaki i nga wa katoa
Rev. Maku Potae stthomaschaplain@gmail.com
Ph: 027 4548197 NEXT SERVICE: Sunday September 13th 2026 9.30am
FUTURE DATES TO DIARY: Sunday, 4 October: St Francis Day, which will also be our Pet Service Day. Sunday, 20 December: The first Advent service. Thursday, 24 December, 7.30 pm: Carol Service on the lawn. Friday, 25 December, 9.30 am: Christmas Day service.