I trust that during this cold winter season, you are all keeping warm and well in the love of God, surrounded by the love of family and church. This morning, I was blessed to receive a thoughtful and uplifting email from a sister in Christ – a timely reminder of the importance of Christian encouragement. I am grateful for this ministry of encouragement within our church. As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Pentecost and the Haere Mai Project
On June 8th, we celebrated a wonderful day of joy and gratitude as we marked Pentecost and the successful completion of the Haere Mai Project. It was inspiring to see members from different services coming together for a joint service and shared luncheon. In my sermon, I emphasised that Pentecost isn’t just about a spiritual high – it’s about going, proclaiming, gathering, and growing. The Holy Spirit’s work in our midst through Haere Mai exemplifies this mission. We heard uplifting testimonies from some of those involved in Haere Mai – from Mathilda (whose testimony was read by Sheryll due to her illness that day), Belinda, Ellen Anderson, Madgeline and Kate. I want to thank each of you for sharing your stories and for your participation.
Over seven weeks, an average of 34 people participated weekly in five Haere Mai Small Groups – bringing together newcomers and seasoned believers to share life and faith. This is the Holy Spirit at work! Even as we close this chapter, His work continues. The Filipino Group, which was born from this initiative, now meets weekly for Bible study and fellowship, led by myself (for the time being). We meet in the parish lounge on Saturday evenings. Additionally, a new Young Adults Group will commence on July 3rd, led by Ellen Anderson.
Acknowledgments and Next Steps
I am deeply grateful to all who helped make Haere Mai a success – especially the leadership team: Steve Scaife, Keith Buck, Alan Nicholson, Garth and Francy Mushet, and Valerie Nicholson – and the hosts and facilitators who prayerfully and generously opened their homes and hearts for seven weeks: Rev Kevin and Sheryll Gwynne, Jackie Hall, Garry and Lynette Stanley, Guan Vistar, Madgeline Pelvin and Judith Jariel. Your dedication and service were vital. A detailed summary report will be presented to Vestry next Thursday and I will email that report to you shortly afterward.
Other Recent Highlights
Our fundraising for the Christian Blind Mission raised $2,500 – an incredible reflection of our church’s generous and missional heart. Bruce Morris from CBM expressed his thanks, noting that your support helps bring the miracle of sight to many in Papua New Guinea.
The Chinese congregation’s monthly service on June 8th was well attended, with 22 adults and 18 children. Please uphold Guan and her team in prayer as they continue to disciple and reach out to the community.
Last Sunday, we held our winter Messy Church themed “I am the Light of the World,” with around 70 attendees – including new families. Thanks to Enny and all volunteers for your dedication. Our next Messy Church will be in spring, on September 7th.
Ron Warnes went home to be with the Lord on June 11th, and his service on June 14th was a fitting tribute to his faithful life. Please continue to pray for Margaret and the Warnes family.
A training session on Communion Set-up and Pack-down was recently held, resulting in new volunteers for the 10:30am service. Many thanks to Pat Bembridge who took the training and those who attended it.
The change of our second service time from 11am to 10:30am last Sunday went smoothly. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Saturday, June 21st: Prayer Morning Tea in the Parish Hall at 10am. Rev Kevin Gwynne will speak on “The Power of Healing Prayer.” All are welcome – no RSVP needed. This is a free event.
Sunday, June 23rd: Continue in our series on the Book of Acts, focusing on Peter’s first gospel sermon (Acts 2:14–41). Attend at 9am and 10:30am, with fellowship and morning tea between services at 10am.
Sunday, June 29th: Mission Sunday featuring Rev Richard Drury from Barnabas Aid. We will hold a fundraising luncheon ($10 donation per person) to support their work with persecuted churches worldwide. Please RSVP by this Sunday – either by email to Tineke or on the clipboard at the back of the church. The service at 10:30am will be a combined service with Richard’s preaching and a talk about Barnabas Aid during the luncheon.
Finally, as we enter the long Matariki weekend, you might find this reflection – which explores how Christians can understand and observe Matariki – helpful: Christians, Matariki and the First Commandment. Beyond our own country, let us continue praying for peace in our troubled world. Alongside our ongoing prayers for Ukraine and Russia (and other places where there’s violent conflict), we now bring before the Lord the people and leaders of Israel and Iran, and especially all who have suffered as a result of the ongoing hostilities. As followers of Jesus, let us observe the instruction in Psalm 122:6, which says that we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Thank you for your ongoing prayer, support, and participation. Let’s continue to seek God’s guidance as we serve Him together.
