21 August 2025

Dear Friends

Last week I read a poignant note from Christianity Today (published in the Northern Hemisphere – hence the reference to summer winding down):

As summer winds down, the headlines haven’t –
Politics continue to divide.
Wars rage on.
Natural disasters bring heartbreaking loss.
Technology advances faster than we can wisely adapt.
And love for our neighbours remains as urgent as ever.

That rings true. The constant stream of bad news can make it seem as though the world is uniquely troubled. When I’m tempted to think that way, I remember that Scripture tells us this is a fallen world – and, that, part of our struggle is simply having more access to news than our souls can healthily digest.

I especially love that closing line: “love for our neighbours remains as urgent as ever.”

So, how might you love your neighbours this week? Think of one simple, practical act you can do. Small acts done in Christ’s name make the world a more beautiful place.

Corporate Prayer – This Saturday (23 August)

This Saturday we’ll have a shared opportunity to love our town through prayer. Please join us from 3.00–4.00pm at St Christopher’s for our monthly Corporate Prayer as we pray for Local Government, Law Enforcement, and First Responders. You can preview the programme here. If you can’t attend, you’re warmly encouraged to use the programme in your personal prayer time.

With Thanks

I was unwell last week and am deeply grateful to those who stepped in so our services and ministries could continue:

  • Rev Kevin Gwynne (led Holy Communion at 9am on August 10th and conducted the funeral service for Gloria Lewis on August 11th),

  • Alan Nicholson (preaching at 9am), and

  • Our Wardens, Steve Scaife and Mary Griffiths, for making the needed arrangements.
    Gloria’s service was a moving and fitting farewell for a woman of God who loved and served the Lord faithfully. We continue to uphold John and the Lewis family in our prayers.

Foundation Sunday – A Joyful Celebration

What a joy to celebrate our 116th Foundation Sunday last Sunday! We give thanks for a Spirit-filled service with Rev Joshua (“Spanky”) Moore preaching on “One Body, Many Parts – Celebrating God’s Faithfulness Through the Generations.” We also give thanks for the excellent turnout at both the service and luncheon.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the programme and hospitality, including:

  • Teweia – sang “Iesu bon au kaben” (Kiribati: “Jesus Is My Strength”),

  • Chinese Girls Dance Group – danced to 青玉案 (“Green Jade Table”),

  • Roger – sang “Santo para Sempre” (“Holy Forever”) in Portuguese,

  • Filipino Group – lyrical dance to “Tribes” (performed live),

  • Kiwi Men’s Group – “Six Months in a Leaky Boat” (1982),

  • Chinese Ladies Dance Group – 快乐的跳吧 (“Happy Dance”), a Xinjiang Uyghur song,

  • Indian Group - sang the National Anthem of India जन गण मन (Jana Gana Mana) (“Thou Art the Ruler of All Minds”),

  • Dot Bishell – tap dance to “The Light of the Silvery Moon,”

  • Amos – sang “Messiah” in Shona (Zimbabwean language), and

  • 10.30am Worship Team – sang “The Blessing” in multiple languages.

    Warm thanks as well to our wonderful MCs Jonathan Tweeddale and Emma Males, our hardworking kitchen team, and to Guan and the Filipino Group for the help with setting up the hall, tables and chairs.

We currently count 13 nationalities in our church family – remarkable for a town like Blenheim. Even more remarkable was the unity of heart and faith on display. I’d love to see more cultural groups and gifted individuals share at our next major celebration.

Travel & Pastoral Notes

Next week Nathan and I will travel to the Philippines to spend time with my mother, who turns 80 at month’s end. I’ll be back on deck 11 September. Please also pray for those travelling: Steve & Pat Quarles (Australia), Steve & Lindy Scaife (Europe), Philip & Jackie Gibbison (Europe), Josh Gwynne (Thailand), and Megan Berlin (Hawaii, meeting family from the US mainland).

Please continue to pray for those who are unwell: Beth Funnell, Shona Iuli, Junitha Samuel, Jenni Bowers, and others.

We rejoice with Samantha and Jonathan Swafford on the safe arrival of baby Theodore (Teddy) on August 12th. Congratulations and blessings to their family!

Ongoing Prayer Points

  1. Matt & Ani in mission work in France

  2. Preparations for Market Morning

  3. Children’s Choir (Rising Voices) as they grow in faith and joy through music

Dates to Note & Pray For

  • Diocesan Synod – 18–20 September, Nelson (I’ll attend with our Synod reps Mary Griffiths, Alan & Valerie Nicholson)

  • Service of Healing & Wholeness (with the Order of St Luke) – Saturday 20 September: afternoon tea in the Hall at 3.30pm, service in the church at 4.00pm. Guest Speaker: Rev Robin Kingston | Theme: Healing of Past Memories and Forgiveness. All welcome!

This Sunday

I’ll be preaching from Acts 6:1–7 on the theme “Preaching Christ and Serving Tables.” Let’s pray for a Spirit-filled service and rich fellowship among God’s people.

God bless you all!

Deo

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