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    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 18 May 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This weekend we meet together as usual on Sunday to worship at 10am. Students, staff and families from Glasgow House at Scots College will join us for worship. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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 Sheets: Printable Service Sheet Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… DCM PANTRY RAID - THIS SATURDAY 17 MAY REGISTER HERE SOUPER SUNDAY - THIS SUNDAY We would love to see you for a bowl of delicious soup after morning tea. Food, friendship and fellowship. May 18 June 22 July 27 August 31 A small contribution of something sweet to share with tea/coffee would be appreciated. FREE PUBLIC LECTURE How the Reformation Era (Indirectly) Led Us into Our Global Environmental Predicament Brad S. Gregory Thursday 22nd May, 6:30pm St John’s in the City, Corner of Dixon & Willis Streets How can events that happened four or five centuries ago still be influencing us today? How did a religious tradition in which avarice is a deadly sin give rise to the most acquisitive societies in the history of the world? Brad S. Gregory is Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Stanford University, was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. He also has two degrees in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Live Stream link Facebook Event Eventfinda Event SPECIAL ST JOHN’S CHOIR If you like to sing, please come and join our special choir for Pentecost and Trinity Sundays. Rehearsals are as follows: May 18th, 25th, June 1st 11.20am in St John's Chapel. Thursday June 5th 7pm at St Peter's. Sunday June 8th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Sunday June 8th 5.30pm for 7pm service at St Peter's. Sunday June 15th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Repertoire will include Rutter / will sing with the spirit, Mews A sound came from heaven and Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in C. Please contact Eleanor Carter if you would like further information and music. DUTY ROSTER We are starting to organise the duty rosters for July - October. More helpers are always needed for this. In particular, we need a couple more people trained to run the sound system. More helpers with collecting the offering, greeting and bell ringing are also welcome. Contact Linda Van Milligan if you can help. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 11 May 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This weekend we meet together as usual on Sunday to worship at 10am. If you would like to read the Bible readings before Sunday, they are: Acts 9: 36-43 and Micah 6: 6-8 If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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 Sheets: Printable Service Sheet Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… WHANAU NIGHT - THIS SUNDAY The next Whanau Night is THIS Sunday 11 May 5:00 – 6:45pm. Music has been part of Christian life for 2000 years. Why do we sing? Why do we sing as a community? What makes for a good worship song? Where do the different styles of music fit into the church? How does music provide hope in an increasingly uncertain world? Come explore these questions, get some answers, and SING! DCM PANTRY RAID - SATURDAY 17 MAY REGISTER HERE THERESA WEBSTER It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Theresa Webster. A Funeral Service celebrating Theresa's life, will be held at St John’s in the City on Tuesday 13th May 2025, at 11am. SPECIAL ST JOHN’S CHOIR If you like to sing, please come and join our special choir for Pentecost and Trinity Sundays. Rehearsals are as follows: May 11th, 18th, 25th, June 1st 11.20am in St John's Chapel. Thursday June 5th 7pm at St Peter's. Sunday June 8th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Sunday June 8th 5.30pm for 7pm service at St Peter's. Sunday June 15th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Repertoire will include Rutter / will sing with the spirit, Mews A sound came from heaven and Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in C. Please contact Eleanor Carter if you would like further information and music. SOUPER SUNDAYS 2025 These are the dates for this year: May 18, June 22, July 27, August 31 Would love to see you for a bowl of delicious soup after morning tea. Food, friendship and fellowship. A small contribution of something sweet to share with tea/coffee would be appreciated. FREE PUBLIC LECTURE How the Reformation Era (Indirectly) Led Us into Our Global Environmental Predicament Brad S. Gregory Thursday 22nd May, 6:30pm St John’s in the City, Corner of Dixon & Willis Streets How can events that happened four or five centuries ago still be influencing us today? How did a religious tradition in which avarice is a deadly sin give rise to the most acquisitive societies in the history of the world? Brad S. Gregory is Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Stanford University, was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. He also has two degrees in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Live Stream link Facebook Event Eventfinda Event E-RECYCLING COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER Karori Lions have an E-Recycling fundraiser on Saturday, 10 May, at the Karori Community Centre, from 9am to 1pm. All proceeds go back into the community. Charges as follows – most items $5, printers $10, large/oversized items $10, flat screen TVs $20. (NB: No CRT TVs/monitors, car batteries, whiteware or speakers) The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 4 May 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we worship the God who brings us Resurrection life, so we can live in freedom. The school term has started, and so this Sunday our children and young people go out with their leaders part-way through the service to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre. Morning tea is available for everyone in the St John’s Centre after the service. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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 Sheets: Printable Service Sheet Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… EVERTON HALL THANKSGIVING This Sunday we are giving thanks for the contribution of Everton Hall to our city of Wellington. Everton Hall was founded by members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches with the aim of providing students with secure, affordable accommodation within a supportive community offering the independence and freedom of flat life. Formally opened in 1976, it was the first hall of residence in New Zealand to be built as self-catering, student flats. As the governance of Everton Hall passes into the care of Victoria University, we will give thanks for the enduring legacy of Everton Hall in the service. VIETNAMESE SONG RECITAL: LOVE & HOPE A collection of Vietnamese folk songs, chamber music, and modern music (45 minutes) IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHARLIE JACKSON It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Charlie Jackson, beloved teenage son of David and Lydia, who died last Sunday. We thank God, our Creator, for the gift of Charlie—for the joy he brought and the love he gave and received. Having his happy smile among family and friends last month at Hannah and Josh’s wedding, remains a special memory. Please remember in your prayers David, Lydia, Noah, and Joel as they grieve. We stand with them in love and faith. Charlie’s funeral is on Saturday 3rd May at 10am, at St Christopher’s Church in Tawa. WHANAU NIGHT Next Whanau Night Sunday 11 May 5:00 – 6:45pm. Music has been part of Christian life for 2000 years. Why do we sing? Why do we sing as a community? What makes for a good worship song? Where do the different styles of music fit into the church? How does music provide hope in an increasingly uncertain world? Come explore these questions, get some answers, and SING! DCM PANTRY RAID - SATURDAY 17 MAY On Saturday 17 May 2025, we're organising a big “Pantry Raid” around Wellington. Several cars of children (and adults driving!) will go around Wellington collecting non-perishable food and other items from households. We'd love lots of our St John's whānau taking part - feel free to encourage your friends and neighbours also. To participate, please sign up using the form below - you can sign up to be a donor household contributing items, or join a collection team that picks up donations around Wellington on 17 May. Or even better, do both! Registration is required for all participants (more details about the event can be found in the sign up form): REGISTER FOR PANTRY RAID SPECIAL ST JOHN’S CHOIR If you like to sing, please come and join our special choir for Pentecost and Trinity Sundays. Rehearsals are as follows: May 11th, 18th, 25th, June 1st 11.20am in St John's Chapel. Thursday June 5th 7pm at St Peter's. Sunday June 8th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Sunday June 8th 5.30pm for 7pm service at St Peter's. Sunday June 15th 8.45am for 10am service at St John's. Repertoire will include Rutter / will sing with the spirit, Mews A sound came from heaven and Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in C. Please contact Eleanor Carter if you would like further information and music. SOUPER SUNDAYS 2025 These are the dates for this year: May 18, June 22, July 27, August 31 Would love to see you for a bowl of delicious soup after morning tea. Food, friendship and fellowship. A small contribution of something sweet to share with tea/coffee would be appreciated. FREE PUBLIC LECTURE How the Reformation Era (Indirectly) Led Us into Our Global Environmental Predicament Brad S. Gregory Thursday 22nd May, 6:30pm St John’s in the City, Corner of Dixon & Willis Streets How can events that happened four or five centuries ago still be influencing us today? How did a religious tradition in which avarice is a deadly sin give rise to the most acquisitive societies in the history of the world? Brad S. Gregory is Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Stanford University, was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. He also has two degrees in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Live Stream link Facebook Event Eventfinda Event E-RECYCLING COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER Karori Lions have an E-Recycling fundraiser on Saturday, 10 May, at the Karori Community Centre, from 9am to 1pm. All proceeds go back into the community. Charges as follows – most items $5, printers $10, large/oversized items $10, flat screen TVs $20. (NB: No CRT TVs/monitors, car batteries, whiteware or speakers) PRAYER CHAIN An important commitment to our regular life of prayer as a Church is our regular Prayer Chain. You are invited to be part of this by receiving the list of prayer requests each month, to include in your personal prayer time. Occasionally there will also be an urgent prayer request sent. Please contact our Prayer Chain coordinator, Gail Higgs-West for any questions, and the St John’s Office to be added to the recipients of the Prayer Chain. HEALTH & SAFETY Please be aware we have had a member of our church whanau injured from a slip on the wet red brick path alongside the back Willis Street driveway. We are working to have the surface improved, but please exercise (Presbyterian) pedestrian caution if using that brick path. MINISTER AWAY The Presbyterian Church values ongoing learning and personal development for leaders as integral to authentically engaging in Christ’s mission of sharing love and grace in vibrant community. This year, our Minister, Rev Allister Lane, will be taking Study Leave in two parts. The first block of Study Leave, Allister will be away from May 6th to June 27th, and then a second block of Study Leave later in the year. Allister anticipates this study leave will provide an opportunity to focus on spiritual practice and theological reflection in order to deepen his understanding of authentic ministry practice and further equip him with spiritual insights and relevant tools. Arrangements are in place to cover the Minister’s duties, with many capable people stepping up to lead in various capacities. The Peace of the Risen Christ be with you Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 27 April 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we not only hear the story of Resurrection, we find how we are included in this story of Resurrection. During this time of School holidays, our young people have a Holiday Programme in the St John’s Centre next to the Church – which they will go out to part-way through the 10am service. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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 Sheets: Printable Service Sheet Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… MISSIONERS VISIT HOME Please take these opportunities to hear from A&J. In April This Sunday 27 April – They will share some of the highlights of their work straight after the morning service in the Church. And then for anyone who wants to hear more, there will be more discussion over coffee in the St John’s Centre next door. Monday 28 April 7:30- 9 pm – Talk and Q & A at the Monday night housegroup, Karori In May Tuesday 27 May at 11 am - Talk and Q & A at the Fellowship group ANZAC DAY CONCERT 'The Spirit of ANZAC' is at St Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington on Friday April 25th at 2.00 pm and entry is free. EVERTON HALL THANKSGIVING Everton Hall was founded by members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches with the aim of providing students with secure, affordable accommodation within a supportive community offering the independence and freedom of flat life. Formally opened in 1976, it was the first hall of residence in New Zealand to be built as self-catering, student flats. As the governance of Everton Hall passes into the care of Victoria University, we will give thanks for the enduring legacy of Everton Hall in the service on Sunday 4th May. We are inviting past and present residents, Board members, friends, and supporters to come together in thanksgiving and fellowship. Please pass on the invitation to others who may be interested. WHANAU NIGHT Next Whanau Night Sunday 11 May 5:00 – 6:45pm. Music has been part of Christian life for 2000 years. Why do we sing? Why do we sing as a community? What makes for a good worship song? Where do the different styles of music fit into the church? How does music provide hope in an increasingly uncertain world? Come explore these questions, get some answers, and SING! DCM PANTRY RAID - SATURDAY 17 MAY On Saturday 17 May 2025, we're organising a big “Pantry Raid” around Wellington. Several cars of children (and adults driving!) will go around Wellington collecting non-perishable food and other items from households. We'd love lots of our St John's whānau taking part - feel free to encourage your friends and neighbours also. To participate, please sign up using the form below - you can sign up to be a donor household contributing items, or join a collection team that picks up donations around Wellington on 17 May. Or even better, do both! Registration is required for all participants (more details about the event can be found in the sign up form): REGISTER FOR PANTRY RAID FREE PUBLIC LECTURE How the Reformation Era (Indirectly) Led Us into Our Global Environmental Predicament Brad S. Gregory Thursday 22nd May, 6:30pm St John’s in the City, Corner of Dixon & Willis Streets How can events that happened four or five centuries ago still be influencing us today? How did a religious tradition in which avarice is a deadly sin give rise to the most acquisitive societies in the history of the world? Brad S. Gregory is Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Stanford University, was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. He also has two degrees in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Live Stream link Facebook Event Eventfinda Event PRAYER CHAIN An important commitment to our regular life of prayer as a Church is our regular Prayer Chain. You are invited to be part of this by receiving the list of prayer requests each month, to include in your personal prayer time. Occasionally there will also be an urgent prayer request sent. Please contact our Prayer Chain coordinator, Gail Higgs-West for any questions, and the St John’s Office to be added to the recipients of the Prayer Chain. MINISTER AWAY The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) values ongoing learning and personal development for leaders as integral to authentically engaging in Christ’s mission of sharing love and grace in vibrant community. This year, our Minister, Rev Allister Lane, will be taking Study Leave in two parts. The first block of Study Leave, Allister will be away from May 6th to June 27th, and then a second block of Study Leave later in the year. Allister anticipates this study leave will provide an opportunity to focus on spiritual practice and theological reflection in order to deepen his understanding of authentic ministry practice and further equip him with spiritual insights and relevant tools. Arrangements are in place to cover the Minister’s duties, with many capable people stepping up to lead in various capacities. The Peace of the Risen Christ be with you Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - Easter 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This weekend we find ourselves in the most special part of God’s story, as we again enter the experience of God’s love in Jesus Christ interrupting evil, hatred …and even death. Good Friday Service at 10am After our worship we share Hot Cross buns in the St John’s Centre. Easter Sunday Service at 10am There is a special Easter Breakfast before the service at 8:30am. And after our worship we have Morning Tea in the St John’s Centre. Many of our young people will be away at Easter Camp this weekend. Therefore, there will be no peer groups on Good Friday, and there WILL be a peer group time for children on Easter Sunday – with great Easter-themed fun! If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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 Sheets: Good Friday Service Easter Sunday Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… YOUTH EASTER CAMP We pray for all our young people at the Easter Camp this weekend. May they encounter God and come to a fresh understanding of the love given for them, hearing the call to follow Jesus. SONRISE SERVICE Mt Victoria Lookout on Easter Sunday 20 April 6.45 - 7.15am. This year, the service will be led by leaders from Abundant Life Centre on behalf of the Council of Wellington Churches. PRAYER CHAIN An important commitment to our regular life of prayer as a Church is our regular Prayer Chain. You are invited to be part of this by receiving the list of prayer requests each month, to include in your personal prayer time. Occasionally there will also be an urgent prayer request sent. Please contact our Prayer Chain coordinator, Gail Higgs-West for any questions, and the St John’s Office to be added to the recipients of the Prayer Chain. MISSIONERS VISIT HOME Please take these opportunities to hear from A&J. In April Sunday 27 April – After the morning service and over coffee Monday 28 April 7:30- 9 pm – Talk and Q & A at the Monday night housegroup, 11 Lewer St, Karori In May Tuesday 27 May at 11 am - Talk and Q & A at the Fellowship group ANZAC DAY CONCERT 'The Spirit of ANZAC' is at St Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington on Friday April 25th at 2.00 pm and entry is free. EVERTON HALL THANKSGIVING Everton Hall was founded by members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches with the aim of providing students with secure, affordable accommodation within a supportive community offering the independence and freedom of flat life. Formally opened in 1976, it was the first hall of residence in New Zealand to be built as self-catering, student flats. As the governance of Everton Hall passes into the care of Victoria University, we will give thanks for the enduring legacy of Everton Hall in the service on Sunday 4th May. We are inviting past and present residents, Board members, friends, and supporters to come together in thanksgiving and fellowship. Please pass on the invitation to others who may be interested. DCM PANTRY RAID - SATURDAY 17 MAY On Saturday 17 May 2025, we're organising a big “Pantry Raid” around Wellington. Several cars of children (and adults driving!) will go around Wellington collecting non-perishable food and other items from households. We'd love lots of our St John's whānau taking part - feel free to encourage your friends and neighbours also. To participate, please sign up using the form below - you can sign up to be a donor household contributing items, or join a collection team that picks up donations around Wellington on 17 May. Or even better, do both! Registration is required for all participants (more details about the event can be found in the sign up form): REGISTER FOR PANTRY RAID FREE PUBLIC LECTURE How the Reformation Era (Indirectly) Led Us into Our Global Environmental Predicament Brad S. Gregory Thursday 22nd May, 6:30pm St John’s in the City, Corner of Dixon & Willis Streets How can events that happened four or five centuries ago still be influencing us today? How did a religious tradition in which avarice is a deadly sin give rise to the most acquisitive societies in the history of the world? Brad S. Gregory is Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Stanford University, was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. He also has two degrees in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Live Stream link Facebook Event PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky Rose Luxford, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, encourages us to connect with the deep meaning of Easter… That Christ rose from the dead opens up the world for those who follow him. Through his death on the cross, Jesus brings us into deeper relationship with the living God. A relationship that is covenantal in its nature, that has an expansiveness about it that takes us into eternity. The empty cross speaks to us of resurrection life. It talks to us of the outstretched arms of Jesus who gathers us to himself through his sacrificial love. The cross also speaks back to the perceived power and status of the world. The structures and posturing of those who believe they are in control, that they call the shots. Against unimaginable odds, faith wins out. And as followers of Christ, we can live with the posture of hope, love, goodness, for we believe in the power of the Risen Christ, that all things are possible in Christ. I pray in whatever circumstance you find yourself, that Easter will be a time of renewal and nurture for you, and also a time that re-energises us all in the Church. A time we proclaim with conviction, “Christ is risen – he is risen indeed!”. Right Rev Rose Luxford The Peace of the Risen Christ be with you Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 13 April 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday is PALM SUNDAY, celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus into the city. Although this sets the stage for his enemies to condemn him to death, Jesus’ entry in glory anticipates his triumph over death, when he emerges from the tomb less than a week later. We are celebrating Communion this Sunday, so our children and young people can go straight to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre at 10am. And around 10:40am will join everyone in the Church for Communion. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… PRAYER WORKSHOP As part of practicing what it means to PRAY, there is the opportunity to be part of a workshop on Prayers for Others. This is open to ALL THIS SUNDAY (13th April), after morning tea. We’ll gather in the Chapel. Come if you’re curious, there is no obligation to pray in public. BAPTISM This Sunday (13th April) we celebrate the Baptism of Remy Anderson, son of Jono and Anna, grandson of Rob and Dayle. You are all welcome to come and be part of this special celebration of faith, 4pm in the Chapel. EASTER SERVICES Fellowship Easter Service, 15th April 11am (If the church doors are closed, please enter through the Chapel). Good Friday, 18th April 10am Easter Sunday, 20th April 10am GOOD FRIDAY HOT CROSS BUNS Continuing the legacy of Betty Robertson, we have a collaboration between Vicky Wood and Tony Hastings to provide Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday for morning tea after the service. Our thanks to them and their helpers for this generous initiative. EASTER BREAKFAST You are warmly invited to come and start this day of celebration with Easter Breakfast. Sunday, 20th April at 8.30am in the church Centre. Suggested koha $5 Love to see you! Please contact Marg Gilkison by 13th April, for catering purposes. EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. SONRISE SERVICE Mt Victoria Lookout on Easter Sunday 20 April 6.45 - 7.15am. This year, the service will be led by leaders from Abundant Life Centre on behalf of the Council of Wellington Churches. PRAYER CHAIN An important commitment to our regular life of prayer as a Church is our regular Prayer Chain. You are invited to be part of this by receiving the list of prayer requests each month, to include in your personal prayer time. Occasionally there will also be an urgent prayer request sent. Please contact our Prayer Chain coordinator, Gail Higgs-West for any questions, and the St John’s Office to be added to the recipients of the Prayer Chain. TAXATION AND THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR The Inland Revenue Department has sought public views on matters relating to the charities and not-for-profit sector. In response, a team from the St John’s Council have recently made a submission. This submission on behalf of St John’s in the City is available to read here: Submission The IRD’s consultation document: Taxation and the not-for-profit sector Recently this Opinion piece was published by the Waikato Times by (self-professed atheist) Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts on churches' social value: Waikato Times MISSIONERS VISIT HOME Please take these opportunities to hear from A&J. In April Sunday 27 April – After the morning service and over coffee Monday 28 April 7:30- 9 pm – Talk and Q & A at the Monday night housegroup, 11 Lewer St, Karori In May Tuesday 27 May at 11 am - Talk and Q & A at the Fellowship group PUBLIC LECTURE ‘Hope without hiding: Sustaining optimism and courage into the harsh realities of climate change’. Join Professor James Renwick and counsellor Silvia Purdie for a hope-full conversation. Tuesday 29 April, 5.00-6.30pm. St Peters on Willis, Wellington. Koha entry. Registration link CONCERT Serenades across cultures - songs by Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Bessa, Fanja Andriamanantena and more, with Lala Simpson (vocals), Dayle Anderson (piano) and, Jonathan Berkahn (accordion). Details and Tickets EVERTON HALL THANKSGIVING Everton Hall was founded by members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches with the aim of providing students with secure, affordable accommodation within a supportive community offering the independence and freedom of flat life. Formally opened in 1976, it was the first hall of residence in New Zealand to be built as self-catering, student flats. As the governance of Everton Hall passes into the care of Victoria University, we will give thanks for the enduring legacy of Everton Hall in the service on Sunday 4th May. We are inviting past and present residents, Board members, friends, and supporters to come together in thanksgiving and fellowship. Please pass on the invitation to others who may be interested. DCM PANTRY RAID - SATURDAY 17 MAY On Saturday 17 May 2025, we're organising a big “Pantry Raid” around Wellington. Several cars of children (and adults driving!) will go around Wellington collecting non-perishable food and other items from households. We'd love lots of our St John's whānau taking part - feel free to encourage your friends and neighbours also. To participate, please sign up using the form below - you can sign up to be a donor household contributing items, or join a collection team that picks up donations around Wellington on 17 May. Or even better, do both! Registration is required for all participants (more details about the event can be found in the sign up form). REGISTER FOR PANTRY RAID PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 6 April 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday is an ALL AGE service, as we conclude our series on the faith practice PRAY. Together we’ll be learning more how to pray the Lord’s Prayer. Our children and young people will remain in the whole service as we worship all together. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together next door. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… PRAYER WORKSHOP As part of practicing what it means to PRAY, there is the opportunity to be part of a workshop on Prayers for Others. This is open to ALL on Sunday 13th April, after morning tea. We’ll gather in the Chapel. Come if you’re curious, there is no obligation to pray in public. EASTER SERVICES Fellowship Easter Service, 15th April 11am Good Friday, 18th April 10am Easter Sunday, 20th April 10am EASTER BREAKFAST You are warmly invited to come and start this day of celebration with Easter Breakfast. Sunday, 20th April at 8.30am in the church Centre. Suggested koha $5 Love to see you! Please contact Marg Gilkison by 13th April, for catering purposes. EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. SONRISE SERVICE Mt Victoria Lookout on Easter Sunday 20 April 6.45 - 7.15am. This year, the service will be led by leaders from Abundant Life Centre on behalf of the Council of Wellington Churches. TAXATION AND THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR The Inland Revenue Department has sought public views on matters relating to the charities and not-for-profit sector. In response, a team from the St John’s Council have recently made a submission. This submission on behalf of St John’s in the City is available to read here: Submission The IRD’s consultation document: Taxation and the not-for-profit sector Recently this Opinion piece was published by the Waikato Times by (self-professed atheist) Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts on churches' social value: Waikato Times RECITAL ON SUNDAY An afternoon recital with Jonathan Abernethy: Schubert's Die schöne Müllerin - The Maid of the Mill Sunday 6th April at 4pm at St Andrews on the Terrace. Tickets are available via this link: Tickets There will be some cash sales at the door as well. CONCERT (AFTER EASTER) Serenades across cultures - songs by Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Bessa, Fanja Andriamanantena and more, with Lala Simpson (vocals), Dayle Anderson (piano) and, Jonathan Berkahn (accordion). Details and Tickets PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 30 March 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have a VERY special service incorporating a Wedding, as we celebrate the Christian Marriage of our Youth & Families Pastor Hannah North to Josh Dunne. Our children and young people will remain in the whole service as we celebrate this special occasion all together. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together, and you are invited to bring some food to share. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… SCAVANGER HUNT You are invited to do a Scavenger Hunt as part of Hannah & Josh’s Wedding celebrations on Sunday afternoon. (NB: This is not an official St John’s event, and anyone participating is expected to take full responsibility for themselves.) BETTY ROBERTSON We remember with love the late Betty Robertson. She was loved – and we remember her for the way she loved everyone! She showed us how to be a Christian. We will host a memorial Funeral Service at St John’s in the City on Tuesday 1st April 2025, 2pm. Betty’s Tributes page, and the livestream link A&J ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MISSION The St John’s Outreach Committee encourages everyone to be part of the spiritual and practical support for A&J (a St John’s couple working overseas), by praying regularly and contributing financially to their work with poor migrant workers. A&J are not paid a salary for bringing hope to these people . Instead, they raise most of the money that they need to live themselves. Recently we had a Retiring Offering (making a donation in the foyer after the service), and if you didn’t get the chance to make a personal gift, you can still use internet banking, The normal St John’s bank account number 02 0500 0021908 00 Put ‘AandJ’ in the reference and your name (or donor number) in the particulars. EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. EASTER BREAKFAST You are warmly invited to come and start this day of celebration with Easter Breakfast. Sunday, 20th April at 8.30am in the church Centre. Suggested koha $5 Love to see you! Please contact Marg Gilkison by 13th April, for catering purposes. PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 23 March 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue our series on the faith practice PRAY, as we journey through the season of Lent. When we pray we open ourselves up to a much more fulfilling spiritual life. Prayer can help us deepen our relationship with God and each other, centring us so we can live more closely aligned with Christ's calling for us. Our children and young people will start with their peer groups at 10am in the St John’s Centre, and join us part-way through in the service. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… BETTY ROBERTSON We remember with love the late Betty Robertson. She was loved – and we remember her for the way she loved everyone! She showed us how to be a Christian. We will host a memorial Funeral Service at St John’s in the City on Tuesday 1st April 2025, 2pm. Betty’s Tributes page, and the livestream link A&J ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MISSION The St John’s Outreach Committee encourages everyone to be part of the spiritual and practical support for A&J (a St John’s couple working overseas), by praying regularly and contributing financially to their work with poor migrant workers. A&J are not paid a salary for bringing hope to these people . Instead, they raise most of the money that they need to live themselves. Last Sunday we had a Retiring Offering (making a donation in the foyer after the service), and if you didn’t get the chance to make a personal gift, you can still use internet banking, The normal St John’s bank account number 02 0500 0021908 00 Put ‘AandJ’ in the reference and your name (or donor number) in the particulars. CONCERT THIS SUNDAY Entry by Koha. FELLOWSHIP GROUP Swinging the world in harmony, locally, nationally, and internationally! Lala Simpson will be sharing about her work as a community song leader and why singing each other’s songs matters. This will be at the next meeting on Tuesday 25th March at 11am, in the St John’s Centre Hall. DCM NEIGHBOURS Our friends at DCM have invited us all to their 3rd Annual Chess Day, held in Te Aro Park on the 26th March, to celebrate Neighbours Aotearoa Month! Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) are the leading social service working with people who are experiencing homelessness in Wellington – in particular, those who are rough sleeping or without shelter. DCM have a Food Bank service and as St John's in the City is a member of DCM we make offerings of food as part of our worship each Sunday service to support this. As well as your generous gifts of food items, remember all ages are in need, from baby formula and feminine hygiene products to that tin of baked beans. For more information please contact Carolyn Goudswaard. WEDDING Our Youth & Families Pastor, Hannah North is marrying Josh Dunne on Sunday 30th March! Their wedding will be part of our 10am Sunday service, and so all are able to be part of this celebration. Please save the date, and consider dressing up for this special occasion! EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. EASTER BREAKFAST You are warmly invited to come and start this day of celebration with Easter Breakfast. Sunday, 20th April at 8.30am in the church Centre. Suggested koha $5 Love to see you! Please contact Marg Gilkison by 13th April, for catering purposes. PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 16 March 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue our series on the faith practice PRAY, as we journey through the season of Lent. When we pray we open ourselves up to a much more fulfilling spiritual life. Prayer can help us deepen our relationship with God and each other, centring us so we can live more closely aligned with Christ's calling for us. Our children and young people will go out with their leaders part-way through the service to their peer group times. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… A&J ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MISSION SUNDAY 16TH MARCH The St John’s Outreach Committee encourages everyone to be part of the spiritual and practical support for A&J (a St John’s couple working overseas), by praying regularly and contributing financially to their work with poor migrant workers. A&J speak eight languages between them, so can talk to these migrant workers often in their own language. A&J are not paid a salary for bringing hope to these people . Instead, they raise most of the money that they need to live themselves. THIS SUNDAY 16th March there will be a Retiring Offering (making a donation in the foyer after the service). The Outreach Committee is committed to give $4,000 each year and matches dollar for dollar all additional donations up to $2,500 per year. We hope to generate additional giving of $6,000 through this annual appeal. If you would rather use internet banking, then use the normal bank account number 02 0500 0021908 00 and put ‘AandJ’ in the reference and your name or donor number in the particulars. WHANAU NIGHT HOPE continues as we take an international focus at Whānau Night THIS SUNDAY - 5:00-6:45pm @ St John's Centre. Ian McInnes, CEO of Tearfund New Zealand, will be joining us and sharing his experience bringing HOPE to some of the world’s toughest humanitarian situations. Ian is an engaging storyteller who loves connecting and sharing how God is working in many nations and through faith filled people like you. We’ll be thinking about his message of HOPE and considering how we can apply this to Our City, Ourselves and Our Church Community. Some follow-up actions you could try are: Pick an item and pray about that HOPE Ask God to Guide our HOPE focus as a church for Our City, Ourselves and Our community, and Our World. Take some action about that HOPE. You can be Gods Hands!! As usual we’ll eat kai together at 5pm and kick off with activities from 5.30pm. Everyone is part of our St John’s Whānau – so come check it out! Ian McInnes, MBA MSc CEO, Tearfund New Zealand Ian McInnes is the CEO at Tearfund New Zealand, the second largest international NGO in New Zealand. He has spent the last two decades in international aid and development work, including many years in disaster response work and follow-on recovery operations. Ian has served in some of the world’s toughest humanitarian emergencies - starting in 2004 with the Indian Ocean tsunami in Sri Lanka which was followed by a civil war, then in Myanmar, Haiti, Pakistan, East Africa and within various Pacific Island disaster responses. Ian holds a number of governance roles in the charity sector: the Emergency Alliance – a consortia of NZ humanitarian agencies; at Fairtrade Australia New Zealand; Crave and KIND Cafés Auckland; and various Baptist Church bodies - Chair of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle Governance Elders Board, Deputy Chair of the Tab Trust, trustee at the Northern Baptist Association and trustee of Iosis Social Services. Ian is married to doctor and author Himali McInnes and they have served alongside each other in a number of humanitarian contexts. CONCERT Entry by Koha FELLOWSHIP GROUP Swinging the world in harmony, locally, nationally, and internationally! Lala Simpson will be sharing about her work as a community song leader and why singing each other’s songs matters. This will be at the next meeting on Tuesday 25th March at 11am, in the St John’s Centre Hall. DCM NEIGHBOURS Our friends at DCM have invited us all to their 3rd Annual Chess Day, held in Te Aro Park on the 26th March, to celebrate Neighbours Aotearoa Month! Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) are the leading social service working with people who are experiencing homelessness in Wellington – in particular, those who are rough sleeping or without shelter. DCM have a Food Bank service and as St John's in the City is a member of DCM we make offerings of food as part of our worship each Sunday service to support this. As well as your generous gifts of food items, remember all ages are in need, from baby formula and feminine hygiene products to that tin of baked beans. For more information please contact Carolyn Goudswaard. WEDDING Our Youth & Families Pastor, Hannah North is marrying Josh Dunne on Sunday 30th March! Their wedding will be part of our 10am Sunday service, and so all are able to be part of this celebration. Please save the date, and consider dressing up for this special occasion! EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. PARTICIPATING TOGETHER – CAN YOU HELP? PHOTOS: We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. FLOWERS: Do you enjoy flowers in church? The flowers are currently done by a team of 2 - Vicky Wood and Judi Ferguson. We would like to welcome anyone else who has any interest in flowers in the church to join us. Arrangements do not have to be complicated, and can be supplemented by a huge variety of lovely artificial flowers. If you have flowers in your garden you are willing to share, or if you would like to contribute to us buying flowers (necessary in winter), please contact Judi or Vicky Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 9 March 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday is the first Sunday in the season of Lent, as we journey toward Easter. Also starting this Sunday is our Follow Me series on the faith practice PRAY. To pray is to assume God cares for us and hears us. When we pray we open ourselves up to a much more fulfilling spiritual life. Prayer can help us deepen our relationship with God and each other, centring us so we can live more closely aligned with Christ's calling for us. We are celebrating Communion this Sunday, so our children and young people can go straight to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre at 10am. And we will all join together in the Church later for Communion. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together – as well as a BBQ in the courtyard! If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… SHROVE TUESDAY Here are some photos from the fun Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast at Church, and the Pancake Lunch at Scots College! PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship, and grow together. Everyone from churches in the region is welcome to join in for a meaningful and engaging day on Saturday 15th March. The Keynote speaker is our own Prof. Neil Dodgson! His topic is “Living in an Age of Disruptive Technologies: AI and What It Means to Be Human” exploring the ethical, theological, and practical implications of artificial intelligence. How does AI challenge our understanding of humanity? What does it mean for the future of the Church? His insights will guide us as we reflect on faith in a world increasingly shaped by technology. Our world is rapidly changing, and technology is reshaping how we connect, communicate, and engage with faith. At this Gathering, we will explore how the Church can navigate and respond to these changes while remaining grounded in our mission. This Gathering will take place at St Albans Church in Palmerston North. Ministers have fellowship and learning on Friday, and everyone in invited to be part of the full-day program on Saturday. All the details and Registration A&J ANNUAL APPEAL FOR MISSION SUNDAY 16TH MARCH The St John’s Outreach Committee encourages everyone to be part of the spiritual and practical support for A&J (a St John’s couple working overseas), by praying regularly and contributing financially to their work with poor migrant workers. A&J speak eight languages between them, so can talk to these migrant workers often in their own language. A&J are not paid a salary for bringing hope to these people . Instead, they raise most of the money that they need to live themselves. On Sunday 16th March there will be a Retiring Offering (making a donation in the foyer after the service). The Outreach Committee is committed to give $4,000 each year and matches dollar for dollar all additional donations up to $2,500 per year. We hope to generate additional giving of $6,000 through this annual appeal. If you would rather use internet banking, then use the normal bank account number 02 0500 0021908 00 and put ‘AandJ’ in the reference and your name or donor number in the particulars. WHANAU NIGHT HOPE continues as we take an international focus in our next whānau night on March 16th! Ian McInnes, CEO of Tearfund New Zealand, will be joining us and sharing his experience bringing HOPE to some of the world’s toughest humanitarian situations. Ian is an engaging storyteller who loves connecting and sharing how God is working in many nations and through faith filled people like you. We’ll be thinking about his message of HOPE and considering how we can apply this to Our City, Ourselves and Our Church Community. We came up with some awesome “Mission Possible’ Hopes during February’s whānau night. Some follow-up actions you could try are: Pick an item and pray about that HOPE Ask God to Guide our HOPE focus as a church for Our City, Ourselves and Our community, and Our World. Take some action about that HOPE. You can be Gods Hands!! The Details Shared Kai: 5:00pm Activity: from 5.30pm Finish: By 6.45pm @ St John's Centre – next to the church This is an all ages event – so everyone is welcome. Ian McInnes, MBA MSc CEO, Tearfund New Zealand Ian McInnes is the CEO at Tearfund New Zealand, the second largest international NGO in New Zealand. He has spent the last two decades in international aid and development work, including many years in disaster response work and follow-on recovery operations. Ian has served in some of the world’s toughest humanitarian emergencies - starting in 2004 with the Indian Ocean tsunami in Sri Lanka which was followed by a civil war, then in Myanmar, Haiti, Pakistan, East Africa and within various Pacific Island disaster responses. Ian holds a number of governance roles in the charity sector: the Emergency Alliance – a consortia of NZ humanitarian agencies; at Fairtrade Australia New Zealand; Crave and KIND Cafés Auckland; and various Baptist Church bodies - Chair of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle Governance Elders Board, Deputy Chair of the Tab Trust, trustee at the Northern Baptist Association and trustee of Iosis Social Services. Ian is married to doctor and author Himali McInnes and they have served alongside each other in a number of humanitarian contexts. WEDDING Our Youth & Families Pastor, Hannah North is marrying Josh Dunne on Sunday 30th March! Their wedding will be part of our 10am Sunday service, and so all are able to be part of this celebration. Please save the date, and consider dressing up for this special occasion! EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. MICRO-VOLUNTEER JOB – CAN YOU HELP? We want more photos of all we do together as a Church, for use online and in print. Could you help coordinate a collection of photos? Part of what needs to be organised is permissions for sharing from anyone who is identifiable in the image, and an on-line folder for receiving digital images. If you’re interested in this opportunity please let Allister or an elder know. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 2 March 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we will be looking at Mountain Top moments, are we like Peter who wanted to stay with Jesus up a mountain? Hannah North, our Youth & Families Pastor is leading the service this Sunday. Our children and young people will stay in the for the whole service. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHURCH PICNIC LAST WEEK Last Sunday the weather was sunny (just in time) for our Church Picnic at Central Park. There was lots of fun with food, games and small groups exploring God’s creation with curiosity, wonder and praise! SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Next week the season of Lent begins, and we will have our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast. 4th March, 7:30-8:30am in the St John’s Centre (with the maple syrup) Koha is appreciated to support DCM. ASH WEDNESDAY On Wednesday 5th March at 5pm we have a combined Ash Wednesday service with the Imposition of Ashes, at St Mary of the Angels on Boulcott Street. PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship, and grow together. Everyone from churches in the region is welcome to join in for a meaningful and engaging day on Saturday 15th March. The Keynote speaker is our own Prof. Neil Dodgson! His topic is “Living in an Age of Disruptive Technologies: AI and What It Means to Be Human” exploring the ethical, theological, and practical implications of artificial intelligence. How does AI challenge our understanding of humanity? What does it mean for the future of the Church? His insights will guide us as we reflect on faith in a world increasingly shaped by technology. Our world is rapidly changing, and technology is reshaping how we connect, communicate, and engage with faith. At this Gathering, we will explore how the Church can navigate and respond to these changes while remaining grounded in our mission. This Gathering will take place at St Albans Church in Palmerston North. Ministers have fellowship and learning on Friday, and everyone in invited to be part of the full-day program on Saturday. All the details and Registration WHANAU NIGHT HOPE continues as we take an international focus in our next whānau night on March 16th! Ian McInnes, CEO of Tearfund New Zealand, will be joining us and sharing his experience bringing HOPE to some of the world’s toughest humanitarian situations. Ian is an engaging storyteller who loves connecting and sharing how God is working in many nations and through faith filled people like you. We’ll be thinking about his message of HOPE and considering how we can apply this to Our City, Ourselves and Our Church Community. We came up with some awesome “Mission Possible’ Hopes during February’s whānau night. Check our HOPES for Our City, Ourselves and Our Church here: Mission Possible Hopes Some follow-up actions you could try are: Pick an item and pray about that HOPE Ask God to Guide our HOPE focus as a church for Our City, Ourselves and Our community, and Our World. Take some action about that HOPE. You can be Gods Hands!! Diary March 16th so you don’t miss this engaging event, 5:00-6:45pm @ St John's Centre. All are welcome - invite your friends, neighbours, and family. As usual we’ll eat kai together at 5pm and kick off with activities from 5.30pm onwards. Ian McInnes, MBA MSc CEO, Tearfund New Zealand Ian McInnes is the CEO at Tearfund New Zealand, the second largest international NGO in New Zealand. He has spent the last two decades in international aid and development work, including many years in disaster response work and follow-on recovery operations. Ian has served in some of the world’s toughest humanitarian emergencies - starting in 2004 with the Indian Ocean tsunami in Sri Lanka which was followed by a civil war, then in Myanmar, Haiti, Pakistan, East Africa and within various Pacific Island disaster responses. Ian holds a number of governance roles in the charity sector: the Emergency Alliance – a consortia of NZ humanitarian agencies; at Fairtrade Australia New Zealand; Crave and KIND Cafés Auckland; and various Baptist Church bodies - Chair of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle Governance Elders Board, Deputy Chair of the Tab Trust, trustee at the Northern Baptist Association and trustee of Iosis Social Services. Ian is married to doctor and author Himali McInnes and they have served alongside each other in a number of humanitarian contexts. EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 23 February 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we acknowledge suffering as part of our human experience, and listen to God’s Word for where we can encounter love. Our children and young people will go out with their leaders part-way through the service to their peer group times. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together – before heading up to Central Park for our Church Picnic! (see below). If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHURCH PICNIC You are invited to our Church Picnic this Sunday 23rd February. And, praise God, the weather forecast looks fine!!! After the usual 10am service, we will head up Willis Street to Central Park. We will gather for a BYO picnic and then roam around Central Park in small groups for an informal explore of God’s creation encouraging curiosity/wonder/praise. We can put into practice what we learned last year about appreciating God’s creation. There are multiple access points to Central Park without any steps. We will assemble on the grass at the playground – which has a flying fox, and toilets there too. Dependent children need to be accompanied by a parent or care-giver. FELLOWSHIP GROUP Welcome back to the first Fellowship Group meeting on Tuesday 25th February 2025. The format is an outing to Palmers Garden Centre in Miramar, with lunch at the Chocolate Frog Café. Everyone will be free to wander round the garden centre after lunch. Travel, and the timing, will be arranged in carpooling; Contact: Diane Davie RSVP: by Friday 21 February 2025 (at the latest). SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Next month the season of Lent begins, and we will have our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast. 4th March, 7:30-8:30am in the St John’s Centre (with the maple syrup) Koha is appreciated to support DCM. ASH WEDNESDAY On Wednesday 5th March at 5pm we have a combined Ash Wednesday service with the Imposition of Ashes, at St Mary of the Angels on Boulcott Street. PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship, and grow together. Everyone from churches in the region is welcome to join in for a meaningful and engaging day on Saturday 15th March. The Keynote speaker is our own Prof. Neil Dodgson! His topic is “Living in an Age of Disruptive Technologies: AI and What It Means to Be Human” exploring the ethical, theological, and practical implications of artificial intelligence. How does AI challenge our understanding of humanity? What does it mean for the future of the Church? His insights will guide us as we reflect on faith in a world increasingly shaped by technology. Our world is rapidly changing, and technology is reshaping how we connect, communicate, and engage with faith. At this Gathering, we will explore how the Church can navigate and respond to these changes while remaining grounded in our mission. This Gathering will take place at St Albans Church in Palmerston North. Ministers have fellowship and learning on Friday, and everyone in invited to be part of the full-day program on Saturday. All the details and Registration EASTER CAMP Our youth are preparing for the Easter Camp at Forest Lakes, so this is an opportunity for us to pray for them to encounter the risen Jesus in a new way at this special time with other youth. Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life, all who believe in me, though they die yet shall they live.” Choose this day whom you will serve. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 16 February 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we reckon with the problems of our world – and there are many worrying situations, right? Is this what we should expect in God’s creation? Is God in charge, or what? Our children and young people will go out with their leaders part-way through the service to their peer group times. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together – and a BBQ – in the courtyard! If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS STAR BOXES THANKS Wellington City Mission have thanked us for the Christmas Star boxes we gave at the end of last year. They numbered among a total of 1,004 boxes – a new record! Total families supported: 425 families. 1,025 children and 85 teenagers. A video of thanks from the City Missioner CHURCH PICNIC You are invited to our Church Picnic on Sunday 23rd February. After the usual 10am service, we will head up Willis Street to Central Park. We will gather for a BYO picnic and then roam around Central Park in small groups for an informal explore of God’s creation encouraging curiosity/wonder/praise. We can put into practice what we learned last year about appreciating God’s creation. There are multiple access points to Central Park without any steps. We will assemble on the grass at the playground – which has a flying fox, and toilets there too. FELLOWSHIP GROUP Welcome back to the first Fellowship Group meeting on Tuesday 25th February 2025. The format is an outing to Palmers Garden Centre in Miramar, with lunch at the Chocolate Frog Café. Everyone will be free to wander round the garden centre after lunch. Travel, and the timing, will be arranged in carpooling; Contact Diane Davie RSVP: by Friday 21 February 2025 (at the latest) SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Next month the season of Lent begins, and we will have our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast. 4th March, 7:30-8:30am in the St John’s Centre (with the maple syrup) Koha is appreciated to support DCM. PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship, and grow together. Everyone from churches in the region is welcome to join in for a meaningful and engaging day on Saturday 15th March. The Keynote speaker is our own Prof. Neil Dodgson! His topic is “Living in an Age of Disruptive Technologies: AI and What It Means to Be Human” exploring the ethical, theological, and practical implications of artificial intelligence. How does AI challenge our understanding of humanity? What does it mean for the future of the Church? His insights will guide us as we reflect on faith in a world increasingly shaped by technology. Our world is rapidly changing, and technology is reshaping how we connect, communicate, and engage with faith. At this Gathering, we will explore how the Church can navigate and respond to these changes while remaining grounded in our mission. This Gathering will take place at St Albans Church in Palmerston North. Ministers have fellowship and learning on Friday, and everyone in invited to be part of the full-day program on Saturday. All the details and Registration TSCF JOB VACANCIES Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship is looking to fill 2 Wellington based positions. They are looking for people to join a growing team in our mission to reach students for Christ and change students for life. If you're an admin superstar, or a finance whizz, they want to hear from you! Visit https://www.tscf.org.nz/get-involved/vacancies for more details. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 9 February 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have a baptism at the beach at around midday (details below), and so in our worship together in the city beforehand we’ll have some teaching about what baptism means for us as The Body of Christ. We are also celebrating Communion (both sacraments in one day!), so our children and young people can go straight to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre at 10am. And we will all join together in the Church later for Communion. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together in the St John’s Centre. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON WAITANGI DAY? This weekly email is coming out a day earlier than normal, because we celebrate Waitangi Day as a public holiday. Here in our city there is a Kotahitanga and solidarity hikoi starting 10am from Pukeahu, followed by festivities at Waitangi park. It is about a more peaceful, fair and just way for Aotearoa to exist. You can also pray… For a God's Spirit of love and reconciliation to be present at Waitangi and everywhere there are commemorations. For the folks at Te Tii Marae and all who hīkoi to Waitangi. For iwi Māori and all organising Waitangi commemorations, hīkoi and events. For our political leaders, that they would listen well to the kōrero and wero laid down by Māori leadership. For the hearts of those in our communities and churches to be softened to the message and calls from tangata whenua to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. …Lord hear our prayer. These prayer points are provided by Common Grace Aotearoa along with other resources to learn more about Waitangi. Resources for Tangata Tiriti BAPTISM AT THE BEACH We will be baptising David Leiberman this Sunday (9th February) in the sea off Princess Beach, Houghton Bay at the South Coast. All are welcome to this special event, at 12:30pm. CHURCH PICNIC Save the date (and pray for fine weather) Sunday 23rd February @ Central Park. After the morning service we’ll go up the road for a BYO picnic and explore God’s creation with curiosity/wonder/praise. DUTY ROSTERS – SERVING OTHERS The next duty rosters for the months of March through June are being compiled. We can always do with more helpers to spread the load. Please contact Linda if you would be able to help. Current helpers, can you please respond by 17 February about your availability. FESTIVAL SINGERS – 2025 VOCAL ENERGY WORKSHOP 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday, 15 February 2025 at St Hilda’s Island Bay Anglican Church. Promising a day filled with music, laughter, and vocal exploration! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting out, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to boost their vocal energy and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Bring your own lunch & swimming gear. Morning & Afternoon tea provided. Book at: https://festivalsingersnz.org/ TSCF JOB VACANCIES Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship is looking to fill 2 Wellington based positions. They are looking for people to join a growing team in our mission to reach students for Christ and change students for life. If you're an admin superstar, or a finance whizz, they want to hear from you! Visit https://www.tscf.org.nz/get-involved/vacancies for more details. “I’ve finally figured something out – I’m an introvert around extroverts, and an extrovert around introverts.” Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 2 February 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we explore themes of mystery – of God, and of being Gods community. As well as listening to scripture, we will consider the movie currently showing in cinemas Conclave (so, if you haven’t seen it, you might consider doing so before Sunday!) For our young people we have the first peer group time for the year – the young people will go out of the service part-way. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together, plus ice creams to celebrate the start of peer groups for the year! If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… WHANAU NIGHT Our theme for the multiple Whanau Nights this year is HOPE. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, we've got seven inspiring Whānau events planned across the year to bring our church community together (see 2025 dates below). Our first Whanau night of the year is THIS Sunday 2 February 5:00-6:45pm @ St John's Centre. We're kicking off the year with a "Mission Possible" theme for the night. Hope is an action not just a wish. All are welcome - invite your friends, neighbours, and family. It'll be a fun evening of connection and inspiration. We'll start with food at 5pm and kick off with 'mission possible' activities from 5.30pm onwards. CHURCH PICNIC Save the date (and pray for fine weather) Sunday 23rd February @ Central Park. After the morning service we’ll go up the road for a picnic and explore God’s creation with curiosity/wonder/praise. CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL On Christmas Day our collective offerings were given for the Christian World Service (CWS) Christmas Appeal. These totalled $1,296. Together we are part of supporting millions of people through conflict and disaster, helping improve lives and livelihoods. Our donations have funded our local partners to strengthen communities in their efforts to end violence and promote human rights and peace. “I’m often mistaken for an adult because of my age.” Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 26 January 2025
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This is the first weekly email for 2025, and so Happy New Year to everyone! This Sunday we hold together the span between Jesus’ birth and the start of his ministry as an adult. We recognise him born the Light of the World (the story we hear at Christmas), and hear him teach with a proclamation of God’s priorities (this Sunday’s Gospel Lectionary reading). For our young people we have a Combined Holiday Programme – the young people will go out of the service part-way. When School starts for the year we will have Peer Group times on Sundays (starting next week). At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR FAITH? As we start the year, we have an opportunity to be reminded of what matters most for faith. The Presbyterian Church has a confession of faith called the Kupu Whakapono and this expresses the main points of the Chrisitan faith. We will have a conversation about this confession of faith, where curiosity is encouraged, and no ‘prior reading’ is required! If this sounds interesting to you, you are welcome to come and join me (Rev Allister) and others this Sunday after our Morning Tea (in the Chapel). WHANAU NIGHT Our theme for the multiple Whanau Nights this year is HOPE. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, we've got seven inspiring Whānau events planned across the year to bring our church community together (see 2025 dates below). Save the date for our first Whanau night of the year: Sunday 2 February 5:00-6:45pm @ St John's Centre. We're kicking off the year with a "Mission Possible" theme for the night. Hope is an action not just a wish. All are welcome - invite your friends, neighbours, and family. It'll be a fun evening of connection and inspiration. We'll start with food at 5pm and kick off with 'mission possible' activities from 5.30pm onwards. CHURCH PICNIC Save the date (and pray for fine weather) Sunday 23rd February @ Central Park. After the morning service we’ll go up the road for a picnic and explore God’s creation with curiosity/wonder/praise. CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL On Christmas Day our collective offerings were given for the Christian World Service (CWS) Christmas Appeal. These totalled $1,296. Together we are part of supporting millions of people through conflict and disaster, helping improve lives and livelihoods. Our donations have funded our local partners to strengthen communities in their efforts to end violence and promote human rights and peace. OFFICE OPEN After the Summer break, the St John’s Office is open again Monday through Friday with the usual hours 9:00am to 4:30pm. The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. - George Burns Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying Connected as a Church - Sunday 22nd December and CHRISTMAS DAY 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, Christmas is less than a week away – and we have a special Carol Service this Sunday! This Sunday we will sing lots of carols, led by the large Christmas Choir. We will all worship together, so children and young people stay in the full service. As part of the Advent Koru Candle Lighting, please bring a flower to add to the koru in remembrance of our loved ones who have died. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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#) These are the links to the printable Service Sheets – Sunday 22nd December, 10am Christmas Day 25th December, 10am Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS CRAWL We are part of a new initiative this year to spread the joy of the Christmas story in the days leading up to the excitement of Christmas Day. Along with neighbouring churches in the city (St Peter’s Anglican, Central Baptist Church, and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) we are creating an interactive space (in our Chapel) for people of all ages to visit and hear more about what Christmas is really about. Each church will be open on Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 11am – 3pm. And the public are invited to visit all the churches, collecting stamps along the way on a special ‘Christmas Crawl’ map. Thank you to our team of volunteers who will supervise the space on those days. Please come and invite others to experience the story of Christmas! For more details, and sharing the invitation… Christmas Crawl Facebook Link CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE A kids-friendly celebration for everyone …and inviting others along. Starts at 6:00pm and will be finished by 6:30pm. CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL Our Christmas Day Service is at the usual time of 10am. We are dedicating our offering of money on Christmas Day (once again) to Christian World Service (CWS) whose annual appeal is working to Share Climate Hope This Christmas. The CWS Christmas Appeal has been a tradition in New Zealand churches since 1945 when the first Christmas Bowl appeal was launched to raise funds for post-war reconstruction in Greece. Together we have supported millions of people through conflict and disaster. We have helped them improve their lives and livelihoods. Our donations have funded our local partners to strengthen communities in their efforts to end violence and promote human rights and peace. There will be special envelopes provided at the Christmas Day service to make a donation; you can put your details on the envelope to receive a receipt from CWS. OFFICE CLOSURE The St John’s Office will close over the holidays starting midday Friday 20th December 2024 and reopening the morning of Tuesday 21st January 2025. During this time there will not be weekly emails, so for any current updates/alerts please check the St John’s Facebook page: St John's Facebook page The usual Zoom link for joining the services online will continue. CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Thanks to everyone who contributed to Christmas in the Courtyard 2024. It was a real team effort. Thanks for the delicious baking that was supplied. Thanks to the many who helped out on the day. As a result of everyone's efforts $1600 has been donated to the DCM. The DCM has thanked us for the 'epic result.' Thanks again, 'Team St John's.' NEW YEAR LUNCH Come and celebrate the start of a new year on Sunday 12th January 2025. After the morning service, we would love you to join us for a special New Year Lunch. Everyone welcome. Delicious food, fellowship and an icecream in a cone! Koha appreciated. May God's greatest gift remind you of His endless love this Christmas. Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 15 December 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This week we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Tomorrow (Friday 13th Dec) is Christmas in the Courtyard from 5:00-8:00pm. Come along and enjoy this event and invite your friends and family to also come along. Money raised will be going to DCM. CHRISTMAS STAR BOXES This is our last Sunday to fill the Christmas Star Boxes with presents for Wellington City Mission. These are located under the Christmas tree at the front of the church. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children (and adults) and put them in a box. Any queries please talk to Lesley Shaw. CHRISTMAS CRAWL We are part of a new initiative this year to spread the joy of the Christmas story in the days leading up to the excitement of Christmas Day. Along with neighbouring churches in the city (St Peter’s Anglican, Central Baptist Church, and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) we are creating an interactive space (in our Chapel) for people of all ages to visit and hear more about what Christmas is really about. Each church will be open on Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 11am – 3pm. And the public are invited to visit all the churches, collecting stamps along the way on a special ‘Christmas Crawl’ map. We are looking for volunteers to passively supervise the space on those days. NEW YEAR LUNCH Come and celebrate the start of a new year on Sunday 12th January 2025. After the morning service, we would love you to join us for a special New Year Lunch. Everyone welcome. Delicious food, fellowship and an icecream in a cone! Koha appreciated. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 8 December 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This week we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. We will celebrate the holy meal of Communion this Sunday. Peer groups for our young people and their leaders will start in the Centre at 10:00am, and they will then join in for Communion in the second part of the service. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Come along and enjoy this event and invite your friends and family to also come along. Money raised will be going to DCM. CHRISTMAS STAR BOXES Once again we have Star Boxes from City Mission to fill with presents. These are located under the Christmas tree at the front of the church. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children (and adults perhaps) and put them in a box. Any queries please talk to Lesley Shaw. CHRISTMAS CRAWL We are part of a new initiative this year to spread the joy of the Christmas story in the days leading up to the excitement of Christmas Day. Along with neighbouring churches in the city (St Peter’s Anglican, Central Baptist Church, and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) we are creating an interactive space (in our Chapel) for people of all ages to visit and hear more about what Christmas is really about. Each church will be open on Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 11am – 3pm. And the public are invited to visit all the churches, collecting stamps along the way on a special ‘Christmas Crawl’ map. We are looking for volunteers to passively supervise the space on those days. NEW YEAR LUNCH Come and celebrate the start of a new year on Sunday 12th January 2025. After the morning service, we would love you to join us for a special New Year Lunch. Everyone welcome. Delicious food, fellowship and an icecream in a cone! Koha appreciated. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 1 December 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This weekend we meet together as usual on Sunday to worship at 10am. If you want to read the Bible readings before Sunday, they are: Psalm 25 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD This year we are having Christmas in the Courtyard on Friday 13 December between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We already have one brass band and two choirs booked in for this event. We will be running a cafe, barbeque and food and craft stalls. If you want to run a stall or want to volunteer to assist on the day please see Robert Anderson. Above all we want you to come along and enjoy this event and to invite friends and family to also come along . Money raised will be going to the DCM. COMBINED CHURCHES ADVENT SERVICE One of our local traditions is to celebrate our unity at the start of Advent by joining together for combined worship. St Peter’s on Willis Anglican Church is hosting our annual Combined Advent Service on Sunday 1st Dec 7:00pm. Come and join the other two congregations and choirs as we anticipate the coming Prince of Peace. CHRISTMAS STAR BOXES Once again we have Star Boxes from City Mission to fill with presents. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children (and adults perhaps) and put them in a box. We have three Sundays in which we can do this. Any queries please talk to Lesley Shaw. CHRISTMAS CRAWL We are part of a new initiative this year to spread the joy of the Christmas story in the days leading up to the excitement of Christmas Day. Along with neighbouring churches in the city (St Peter’s Anglican, Central Baptist Church, and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) we are creating an interactive space (in our Chapel) for people of all ages to visit and hear more about what Christmas is really about. Each church will be open on Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 11am – 3pm. And the public are invited to visit all the churches, collecting stamps along the way on a special ‘Christmas Crawl’ map. We are looking for volunteers to passively supervise the space on those days. CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB You can now bring ALL TYPES of lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Lids can’t go in with the curb-side recycling but can be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. We are now collecting ANY plastic and metal lids, making it much easier - no sorting of plastics required. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 24 November 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we hear about Jesus going on his own Hikoi. The vision given in God’s Word is the light of God coming in Jesus Christ, as he moves himself from one place to another. What does this mean for us today? Darkness is transformed into glorious light; we are turned to Jesus Christ in our human diversity of cultures and languages – all are seen and heard and celebrated. God’s vision is not assimilation, but a richness of expression in the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our young people will hikoi out of the service part-way to their peer groups. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD This year we are having Christmas in the Courtyard on Friday 13 December between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We already have one brass band and two choirs booked in for this event. We will be running a cafe, barbeque and food and craft stalls. If you want to run a stall or want to volunteer to assist on the day please see Robert Anderson. Above all we want you to come along and enjoy this event and to invite friends and family to also come along . Money raised will be going to the DCM. SCOTS COLLEGE CHRISTMAS SERVICE At St John’s in the City on Sunday 24th Nov 4:00pm. We are pleased to welcome the Scots College community to join us in worship at this special time of year. Please come early to enjoy the pipe band! FELLOWSHIP GROUP The next get-together is for the Advent service in the Church on Tuesday 26th November 2024 @ 11am. Rev Allister Lane will lead the service. The Fellowship Group committee will have prepared the food for lunch afterwards in the Centre. No need to bring a plate. A koha is invited towards the Christmas appeal for A&J. COMBINED CHURCHES ADVENT SERVICE One of our local traditions is to celebrate our unity at the start of Advent by joining together for combined worship. St Peter’s on Willis Anglican Church is hosting our annual Combined Advent Service on Sunday 1st Dec 7:00pm. Come and join the other two congregations and choirs as we anticipate the coming Prince of Peace. CHRISTMAS CRAWL We are part of a new initiative this year to spread the joy of the Christmas story in the days leading up to the excitement of Christmas Day. Along with neighbouring churches in the city (St Peter’s Anglican, Central Baptist Church, and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) we are creating an interactive space (in our Chapel) for people of all ages to visit and hear more about what Christmas is really about. Each church will be open on Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 11am – 3pm. And the public are invited to visit all the churches, collecting stamps along the way on a special ‘Christmas Crawl’ map. We are looking for volunteers to passively supervise the space on those days. CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB You can now bring ALL TYPES of lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Lids can’t go in with the curb-side recycling but can be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. We are now collecting ANY plastic and metal lids, making it much easier - no sorting of plastics required. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 17 November 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have Ron Fountain preaching, encouraging inter-generational discipleship in mission. This message is themed for our service which includes us ordaining and inducting our four new elders-elect, AND celebrating our graduating Year 13s. Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… MOVIE FUNDRAISER Rating: PG, Run time: 103 minutes Get your tickets Below: (The 66 tickets available are selling fast). Movie Tickets Trailer for movie CHRISTMAS CHOIR Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join our special choir for Advent and Christmas services. Rehearsals are after the morning services until 12.30pm each Sunday. They will be held in the Chapel. For more information please see our Music Director, Eleanor Carter. CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD This year we are having Christmas in the Courtyard on Friday 13 December between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We already have one brass band and two choirs booked in for this event. We will be running a cafe, barbeque and food and craft stalls. If you want to run a stall or want to volunteer to assist on the day please see Robert Anderson. Above all we want you to come along and enjoy this event and to invite friends and family to also come along . Money raised will be going to the DCM. SCOTS COLLEGE CHRISTMAS SERVICE At St John’s in the City on Sunday 24th Nov 4:00pm. We are pleased to welcome the Scots College community to join us in worship at this special time of year. Please come early to enjoy the pipe band! COMBINED CHURCHES ADVENT SERVICE One of our local traditions is to celebrate our unity at the start of Advent by joining together for combined worship. St Peter’s on Willis Anglican Church is hosting our annual Combined Advent Service on Sunday 1st Dec 7:00pm. Come and join the other two congregations and choirs as we anticipate the coming Prince of Peace. FELLOWSHIP GROUP The next get-together is for the Advent service in the Church on Tuesday 26th November 2024 @ 11am. Rev Allister Lane will lead the service. The Fellowship Group committee will have prepared the food for lunch afterwards in the Centre. No need to bring a plate. A koha is invited towards the Christmas appeal for A&J. CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB You can now bring ALL TYPES of lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Lids can’t go in with the curb-side recycling but can be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. We are now collecting ANY plastic and metal lids, making it much easier - no sorting of plastics required. "Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 10 November 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday our Bible reading is about Jesus is sniffing out hypocrisy. Can we imagine together what the opposite of hypocrisy looks like? Our children and young people can go straight to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre at 10am, and we will all join together in the Church later for Communion. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together, along with an Indonesian Food Stall fundraiser. Please bring cash to buy a delicious lunch! If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… JANIE PACK We are saddened by the sudden death of Janie, a loved inspirational elder of our church whanau. We continue to pray for her husband John and son Samuel, that God will bring them comfort in their grief. We give thanks for Janie’s strong faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour. She lived her faith for all to see, giving inspiring witness to her priorities in serving others. Her funeral is at St John’s in the City on Friday 8th November at 10am. FAITH THINKING To register for this event click HERE: Faith Thinking Event MOVIE FUNDRAISER Rating: PG, Run time: 103 minutes Get your tickets Below: (The 66 tickets available are selling fast). Movie Tickets Trailer for movie FELLOWSHIP GROUP The next get-together is for the Advent service in the Church on Tuesday 26th November 2024 @ 11am. Rev Allister Lane will lead the service. The Fellowship Group committee will have prepared the food for lunch afterwards in the Centre. No need to bring a plate. A koha is invited towards the Christmas appeal for A&J. CHRISTMAS CHOIR Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join our special choir for Advent and Christmas services. Rehearsals will begin on November 10th after the morning service until 12.30pm each Sunday. They will be held in the Chapel. For more information please see our Music Director, Eleanor Carter. CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD This year we are having Christmas in the Courtyard on Friday 13 December between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We already have one brass band and two choirs booked in for this event. We will be running a cafe, barbeque and food and craft stalls. If you want to run a stall or want to volunteer to assist on the day please see Robert Anderson. Above all we want you to come along and enjoy this event and to invite friends and family to also come along . Money raised will be going to the DCM. WHANAU NIGHT SURVEY Help shape Whanau Nights for 2025! Please complete our Whanau Night Survey below: Whanau Nights "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well" (Julian of Norwich) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 3 November 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have a guest Minister, Rev Mo Morgan. She is the Regional Eco Church Coordinator for A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. We will all gather for worship in the Church at 10am. Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together, along with a Silent Auction and BBQ fundraiser (see below). If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… JANIE PACK We have been shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Janie, a loved inspirational elder of our church whanau. This is devastating for her husband John and son Samuel, and we continuously pray for God’s comfort in their grief. We give thanks for Janie’s strong faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour. Her faith was easy to see, as her life bore witness to her priorities and passion in serving. Her funeral will be at St John’s in the City on Friday 8th November at 10am. ST JOHN’S CAFÉ Every month previous residents of the Dixon Street Flats and other friends of our St John’s whānau enjoy being together for the Café time. This will be held in the Hall at the St John’s Centre, and the next Café is Thursday 7th November, from 11am to 1pm. For several years, Janie has been the leader of her mighty team of volunteers. We pray for the loss they are feeling and for the legacy of Janie’s amazing leadership and hospitality in Jesus’ name. BBQ AND SILENT AUCTION The team travelling to Indonesia for the Cross Cultural Encounter at the end of November want all of you to participate in the effort to share blessings with others during this mission trip. There are a number of fundraising events in the coming weeks. On Sunday 3rd November there is a BBQ in the courtyard, and a Silent Auction. To place a bid you can either use the below online form (before 9pm Saturday), or you can bid in person on Sunday at church. Silent Auction Then, on Sunday 10th November, we will have an Indonesian Food Stall after Church. Please bring your cash to buy a delicious lunch that Sunday! WHANAU NIGHT 3rd NOV Join us for a fun-filled Whanau Night: Games Edition! Sunday, 3 November, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the St John’s Centre. Gather your family and friends for an evening of board games and intergenerational bonding. We'll have tables set up and a variety of games to enjoy together. It's the perfect opportunity to connect together, invite your friends in a relaxed, playful atmosphere. Food will be provided, but we need your help! If you're willing and able to volunteer to cook for this event, please contact Antonia. FAITH THINKING To register for this event click HERE: Faith Thinking Event MOVIE FUNDRAISER Rating: PG, Run time: 103 minutes Get your tickets Below: (The 66 tickets available are selling fast). Movie Tickets Trailer for movie CHRISTMAS CHOIR Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join our special choir for Advent and Christmas services. Rehearsals will begin on November 10th after the morning service until 12.30pm each Sunday. They will be held in the Chapel. For more information please see our Music Director, Eleanor Carter. CREATION CARE TIP Keep a plastic bag on your bench and place all soft plastics in it (chippies, biscuits etc), then take all your soft plastics to a Supermarket. All New World and Woolworth supermarkets throughout Wellington and The Warehouse in Lyall Bay have bins for soft plastic recycling. Reuse your plastic bags for Fruit and Vegetables when you buy them at the Supermarket or Fruit and Vege Markets. ‘I know that my redeemer lives’ (Job 19) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 27 October 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we ask the question “Where is Jesus…?’ Our Scripture reading is Hebrews 7:23-28 We will all gather for worship in the Church at 10am. Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. At the conclusion of the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… WELLINGTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL As part of the Wellington Heritage Festival our church building will be open for visitors to come and visit. The open days are: Saturday 26 October Sunday   27 October Monday 28 October (Labour Day) Saturday 2 November The church will be open on these days from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm We require people to host during the times that the church is open. The 'shifts' will be from 11:00 until 1:30 and 1:30 until 4:00. If you can assist at any time, it will be greatly appreciated. Please see Robert Anderson if you can help out. BBQ AND SILENT AUCTION The team travelling to Indonesia for the Cross Cultural Encounter at the end of November want all of you to participate in the effort to share blessings with others during this mission trip. There are a number of fundraising events in the coming weeks. On Sunday 3rd November there is a BBQ in the courtyard, and a Silent Auction. Then, on Sunday 10th November, we will have an Indonesian Food Stall after Church. Please bring your cash to buy a delicious lunch that Sunday! WHANAU NIGHT 3rd NOV Sunday, 3 November, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the St John’s Centre. Gather your family and friends for an evening of board games and intergenerational bonding. We'll have tables set up and a variety of games to enjoy together. It's the perfect opportunity to connect together, invite your friends in a relaxed, playful atmosphere. Food will be provided, but we need your help! If you're willing and able to volunteer to cook for this event, please contact Antonia. FAITH THINKING To register for this event click HERE: Faith Thinking Event MOVIE FUNDRAISER Rating: PG, Run time: 103 minutes Get your tickets HERE: Movie Tickets Trailer for movie FOODBANK The end-of-year Foodbank Appeal for our friends at DCM is on Saturday 16th November. We are asked to help as the volunteers collecting at Chaffers New World, two people serving together for an hour, between 9:30am-1:30pm. Please see Carolyn Goudswaard PCANZ RESPONSE This week our national Church published a response to the findings of the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care report, and this is available HERE: PCANZ response There is also a link to a New Zealand Sign Language version HERE: Sign Language version This response includes an apology to those harmed by our actions and inaction. This apology is in addition to the public acknowledgement for historic abuse to survivors, their whanau and support networks that our Moderator of the General Assembly, Right Rev Rose Luxford, will make in mid-November. CHRISTMAS CHOIR Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join our special choir for Advent and Christmas services. Rehearsals will begin on November 10th after the morning service until 12.30pm each Sunday. They will be held in the Chapel. For more information please see our Music Director, Eleanor Carter. ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.’ (Psalm 34:8) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 20 October 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we hear Jesus explain how we can be truly great. Our scripture reading is Mark 10:35-45 We will all gather for worship in the Church at 10am. Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. At the conclusion of the service we have our AGM (see details below), and then we will all share Morning Tea together afterward. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: 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: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The St John’s in the City AGM is after the morning service this Sunday (20th Oct) in the church. The Annual Report is available to read below. Annual Report And is also on the St John’s website. In preparation of the AGM, please read the Agenda, Minutes from last year and the budget for the coming year, available below. Agenda, Minutes, Budget No one is excluded from the AGM, but we realise it may not be very engaging for younger people! So, young people will stay on in their peer groups during the AGM. However, the older youth who have been Confirmed (and are therefore Members of the church) are encouraged to join the AGM. And if parents wish to have their children join them for the AGM, they have the option of going to collect their children from their peer group in the Centre. NEW ELDERS Eldership in the Presbyterian Church is a recognised role whereby a person commits themselves to spiritual leadership and care within a congregation, in the strength of the Holy Spirit. The nature of leadership is what the church understands as ‘servant leadership’ and it always seeks peace and unity. It is a consultative and collaborative style of leadership that pursues the welfare of the church into the future. Elders also undertake pastoral care by fostering relationships as part of our shared ‘priesthood of all believers’ and to help them discern God’s will in their leadership responsibilities. The St John’s Session is pleased to recommend four names for prayerful consideration by St John’s members for ordination and induction to eldership. And notice is hereby given for the recommendation by Session to elect Hannah North, Neil Dodgson, Ross Perrin and Samuel Allen as elders at the Annual General Meeting after the morning service this Sunday (20th Oct). Here are brief biographical summaries on each person… Hannah North moved to Wellington a year and a half ago and jumped into ministry and the life of St John’s with two feet to be fully engaged. She is the Youth and Families Pastor at St John’s and works hard to create intergenerational connections. She has a passion to share the love of Christ with young people and a passion for the wider church to work well as a body with different gifts. Hannah has also spent time this year as the Assistant Chaplain at Scots College and is studying theology. Neil Dodgson has been worshipping regularly at St John’s since 2016, when he moved back from the UK with Catherine and Rebekah. His connection with the church goes back further, as his mother-in-law, Mary, has been here for many years and Rebekah was dedicated at St John’s in 2004. Neil is an ordained elder in the United Reformed Church in the UK (a church formed from the merger, in 1972, of Congregational and Presbyterian churches of England and Wales). Neil plays in the worship band, helps lead the Young Adults group, is a member of the Thursday evening house group, and has occasionally led worship. He works at Victoria University where he is both Dean of Graduate Research and a professor in the Faculty of Engineering. Ross Perrin is from the UK where he brought up under the Church of England. He originally moved to New Zealand for a short stint in 2011/12 with his wife Kirsty, and was part of the St John's community at the time. Then in 2021, they moved here permanently with their three kids - Jack, Ena and Seth. Ross has a finance background, working for the government at the Environmental Protection Authority. Samuel Allen has been worshipping at St John's with his family since he was a baby. Samuel has grown up in St John's and is involved with the Youth Group as a volunteer leader, and is expanding his involvement in the life of the church via Council and the Property Committee. Samuel has a background and enthusiasm for the sciences, currently working at Scots College as their full-time Science Technician. STUDENT STUDY SPACE With University exams happening we have offered students space to study at St John’s – as an alternative to the packed library and other crowded spaces. Two rooms in the St John’s Centre have been available this week 1 – 6pm, and will also be available Monday 21st October. Thank you to all who have been committed to offer this to our students in the neighbourhood. Help spread the word by sharing the Facebook event: Study Space CHILD PROTECTION AND ETHICAL PRACTICE As a Church community we are committed to keeping young people safe. This commitment includes supporting all our leaders with up-to-date training to work together and follow safe practices. The Safety WOF training is conducted regularly for all those who serve our ministry with young people. This Sunday (20th Oct, after the St John’s Annual General Meeting) Hannah North will run this training from 1pm to 6pm. If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact Hannah North. WELLINGTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL As part of the Wellington Heritage Festival our church building will be open for visitors to come and visit. The open days are: Saturday 26 October Sunday   27 October Monday 28 October (Labour Day) Saturday 2 November The church will be open on these days from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm We require people to host during the times that the church is open. The 'shifts' will be from 11:00 until 1:30 and 1:30 until 4:00. If you can assist at any time, it will be greatly appreciated. Please see Robert Anderson if you can help out. We have three free tickets available for Sacred Spaces of Wellington walking tours. The upcoming Wellington Heritage Week includes three guided walks through Wellington's spiritual history. One of the walks will visit St John's on Saturday 2 November. In recognition of St John's participation, the organisers have provided us with three free tickets for the walking tours. These are for any of the three walks on Friday 1 November and Saturday 2 November. For more details about the walking tours: Sacred Space Walking Tours Those who are interested in receiving a free ticket should contact Pamela Cohen by 5pm Sunday, 20 October, indicating which walk you prefer. We will draw names out of a hat if more than three tickets are requested. WHANAU NIGHT 3rd NOV Join us for a fun-filled Whanau Night: Games Edition! Sunday, 3 November, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the St John’s Centre. Gather your family and friends for an evening of board games and intergenerational bonding. We'll have tables set up and a variety of games to enjoy together. It's the perfect opportunity to connect together, invite your friends in a relaxed, playful atmosphere. Food will be provided, but we need your help! If you're willing and able to volunteer to cook for this event, please contact Antonia. FAITH THINKING To register for this event click HERE: Faith Thinking Event MOVIE FUNDRAISER Rating: PG, Run time: 103 minutes Get your tickets HERE: Movie Tickets Trailer for movie CHRISTMAS CHOIR Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join our special choir for Advent and Christmas services. Rehearsals will begin on November 10th after the morning service until 12.30pm each Sunday. They will be held in the Chapel. For more information please see our Music Director, Eleanor Carter. CREATION CARE TIP Many supermarkets are collection points for soft plastics to be recycled. Check out your nearest collection point below: Soft Plastics Recycling ‘O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.’ (Psalm 104:24) Mā te wā Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 13 October 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we hear the invitation to come to a banquet. Our children and young people can go straight to a combined holiday programme in the St John’s Centre at 10am, and we will all join together in the Church later for Communion. After the service we will all share Morning Tea together. If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here are the details to access the live-stream: Zoom Meeting ID: 370 260 759 Passcode: worship The link to join the Zoom worship service is below. If using your phone: dial 04 886 0026 (Meeting ID: 370 260 759#, Passcode: 1560107#) Link to Zoom Service We hope a link to the printable Service Sheet will be available on the St John’s Facebook page soon. Facebook link OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT… STUDENT STUDY SPACE With University exams coming up we want to offer students space to study at St John’s – as an alternative to the packed library and other crowded spaces. Two rooms in the St John’s Centre will be available 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st October, 1 – 6pm. We have the facilities available, and we are asking if you will give some of your time to (passively) supervise the study space and be the ‘friendly face’ of us as a Church. You can sign up this Sunday, or contact the St John’s Office any time. We did this last semester and this is some of the feedback we received: Staff were very lovely, a great environment to study and we appreciate the snacks Thank you so much for a lovely space — the cookies were delicious! Amazing tea and bikkies - THANK you!! Lovely welcoming environment and yummy snacks Help spread the word by sharing the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/k88b1ev1vkax1sBS/ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The St John’s in the City AGM is after the Sunday morning service on the 20th October 2024 in the church. The Annual Report is available to read below: Annual Report And on the St John’s website (NB: it has been updated this week to include the Financial Performance Report). A limited number of printed copies will be available this Sunday. In preparation of the AGM, the Agenda, Minutes from last year and the budget for the coming year are available below: Agenda, Minutes, Budget NEW ELDERS Eldership in the Presbyterian Church is a recognised role whereby a person commits themselves to spiritual leadership and care within a congregation, in the strength of the Holy Spirit. The nature of leadership is what the church understands as ‘servant leadership’ and it always seeks peace and unity. It is a consultative and collaborative style of leadership that pursues the welfare of the church into the future. Elders also undertake pastoral care by fostering relationships as part of our shared ‘priesthood of all believers’ and to help them discern God’s will in their leadership responsibilities. The St John’s Session is pleased to recommend four names for prayerful consideration by St John’s members for ordination and induction to eldership. And notice is hereby given for the recommendation by Session to elect Hannah North, Neil Dodgson, Ross Perrin and Samuel Allen as elders at the Annual General Meeting after the morning service on Sunday 20th October 2024. Here are brief biographical summaries on each person… Hannah North moved to Wellington a year and a half ago and jumped into ministry and the life of St John’s with two feet to be fully engaged. She is the Youth and Families Pastor at St John’s and works hard to create intergenerational connections. She has a passion to share the love of Christ with young people and a passion for the wider church to work well as a body with different gifts. Hannah has also spent time this year as the Assistant Chaplain at Scots College and is studying theology. Neil Dodgson has been worshipping regularly at St John’s since 2016, when he moved back from the UK with Catherine and Rebekah. His connection with the church goes back further, as his mother-in-law, Mary, has been here for many years and Rebekah was dedicated at St John’s in 2004. Neil is an ordained elder in the United Reformed Church in the UK (a church formed from the merger, in 1972, of Congregational and Presbyterian churches of England and Wales). Neil plays in the worship band, helps lead the Young Adults group, is a member of the Thursday evening house group, and has occasionally led worship. He works at Victoria University where he is both Dean of Graduate Research and a professor in the Faculty of Engineering. Ross Perrin is from the UK where he brought up under the Church of England. He originally moved to New Zealand for a short stint in 2011/12 with his wife Kirsty, and was part of the St John's community at the time. Then in 2021, they moved here permanently with their three kids - Jack, Ena and Seth. Ross has a finance background, working for the government at the Environmental Protection Authority. Samuel Allen has been worshipping at St John's with his family since he was a baby. Samuel has grown up in St John's and is involved with the Youth Group as a volunteer leader, and is expanding his involvement in the life of the church via Council and the Property Committee. Samuel has a background and enthusiasm for the sciences, currently working at Scots College as their full-time Science Technician. CHILD PROTECTION AND ETHICAL PRACTICE As a Church community we are committed to keeping young people safe. This commitment includes supporting all our leaders with up-to-date training to work together and follow safe practices. The Safety WOF training is conducted regularly for all those who serve our ministry with young people. On the 20th of October (after the St John’s Annual General Meeting) Hannah North will run this training from 1pm to 6pm. If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact Hannah North. WELLINGTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL As part of the Wellington Heritage Festival our church building will be open for visitors to come and visit. The open days are: Saturday 26 October Sunday   27 October Monday 28 October (Labour Day) Saturday 2 November The church will be open on these days from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm We require people to host during the times that the church is open. The 'shifts' will be from 11:00 until 1:30 and 1:30 until 4:00. If you can assist at any time, it will be greatly appreciated. Please see Robert Anderson if you would like to help out. DUTY ROSTERS – SERVING OTHERS We are getting the next church duty rosters ready for November - February. We particularly need more Bell Ringers to help ring the bell just before the service (what a way to declare your love of God to the world!) Also, a number of regular helpers are away in January 2025, so extra help with collecting the Offering and Greeting would be welcome. Linda van Milligan would love to hear from you if you or your family can help with this. FAITH THINKING To register for this event click HERE: https://corpapp.otago.ac.nz/training/ce/course/29714/course/0/ ‘I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you.’ (1 Corinthians 1:4-6) Ka kite ano Allister

    • Student Study Space
      • Student study space We’re offering an alternative to the packed library and other crowded spaces in the leadup to uni exams. St John’s in the City has a study space set up from 1 pm to 6 pm on: Wednesday 16 October Thursday 17 October Friday 18 October Monday 21 October Free wifi and light snacks/drinks available, along with loads of power points in case you need to plug in your charger! We did this last semester and received some great feedback (see below), so expect more of the same. Staff were very lovely, a great environment to study and we appreciate the snacks Thank you so much for a lovely space — the cookies were delicious! Amazing tea and bikkies - THANK you!! Lovely welcoming environment and yummy snacks Everyone is welcome, so invite your friends and come along for an hour or two.

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