Just thinking…
The Academy awards are nearly upon us, and at the end of the glitzy proceedings around 25 statues will have been given out to those whom others think are deserving. These gold-plated little fellas will probably sit on the living-room shelves of their new owners and be a constant reminder of the night when all their dreams came true. The Greek and Romans did their award ceremonies differently, of course. They would give the winners a wreath made out of the Bay Laurel tree, and being a plant, the laurel wreath would soon shrivel and fade away. So, on the one hand we have a gold-plated, permanent reminder of past glory; on the other, a contemporary token which soon diminishes. Which is better? For me, the laurel wreath … hands down. So often we can be tempted to live in yesterday’s glories - those moments in our lives when we showed great sacrifice, enormous faithfulness to Jesus and steadfast perseverance, as if they prove that we are still sacrificial, still faithful and still full of perseverance today. But each new day holds new calls to faithfulness. Hear Christ’s ‘Well done!’ for victories won in his service, but along with Paul, let’s forget what is behind and press on to what it ahead. Resting on one’s laurels soon becomes a dry and dusty pastime.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday 24 February…
All That We Almost Left Behind - Hebrews is a sermon more than it is a letter, and it is a message written to those who were losing their nerve and about to give it all away. Let's see how the Preacher begins to speak into this (Hebrews 1:1-2:4).
Kids Programs This Sunday
Spark is our program for preschool kids, led by Margaret Stewart.
Blaze is for kids in years 0-4, led by Kelly Jenkins.
Ignite is for young people in years 6-10, led by Olwyn Dickson.
The World Day of Prayer
The World Day of Prayer 2019 service will be held on Friday, March 1, at 10am at St Lukes Presbyterian Church, Remuera Road. The theme is "Come - Everything is Ready", based on Luke 14:15:24 (The Wedding Banquet). The service was prepared by the woman of Slovenia, one of the smallest countries in Central Europe, which gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
mainly music
mainly music for young children is every Tuesday at 10am in the church lounge.
Night Of Prayer
CHANGE OF DATE! 7:30-9:30pm, Sunday 10 February in the church auditorium
Next Sunday, we are setting aside some time to seek Jesus as his church for the year ahead. Please come along!
Office Hours
Please note that the office will be open on Tuesday 8am-1pm and Wednesday 8am-1pm next week.
Film Group
On Tuesday 19 February we will meet at the Lido Theatre, Manukau Rd, at 5.30pm for the 5.45pm screening of “Colette”. Contact the office for more information.
Leisure for Pleasure
Next Tuesday at 1pm in the church lounge. There is friendly company, card and board games, quizzes, music or bring your own handcrafts. With afternoon tea to follow. All are welcome!
GROW CAMP is coming!
Reserve March 9-10 for this special time together.
We need volunteers to run various seminars and workshops during the weekend. If you have something to share that could help others grow in God, or grow their abilities or skills in any way, then please contact the church office.
Home Groups
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Each week we share in supper, do a bible study and pray for each other. Will begin on Wednesday 13 February. Contact the office for more information.
Wednesday Morning Home Group
Home Group at the home of Joy Galt on the third Wednesday of the month at 10am. After morning tea we do a bible study and pray together. Contact the office for more information.
Sunday Afternoon Home Group
Home Group run by David and Heather Reid every second Sunday after the service at the Reid's home. We have a shared lunch which is then followed by a time of prayer and doing a bible study. Contact the office for more information.
Young Adults Home Group
Every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. Please email the church to be added to the Facebook page, and check Facebook for updates of what we have going on. We'd love for you to join us!
