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    • 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.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 6 October 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have a Youth-led service, based on Matthew 5. We will all gather for worship in the Church at 10am and our young people will remain in for the duration. 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#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service 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. 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. 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 and on the St John’s website. https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/publications-and-archive A limited number of printed copies will be available closer to the time of the AGM. The Financial report for the previous year will also be available soon. 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/ CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included please complete this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. ‘Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ (Colossians 3:17) Ka kite ano Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 29 September 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we ask: How do we understand work? What gives our work meaning? We will all gather for worship in the Church at 10am (remember to put your clocks forward one hour!) Our young people will go out of the service part-way to their peer groups. And 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. 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… Here are some photos from the Church Camp last weekend. Such fun! Thank you to all those who served last weekend - Rob Anderson and those leading the service in the City, as well as Naomi Lane, Hannah North and all those serving at the Church Camp. We are so blessed with capable and committed people! VISION UPDATE Thank you for all those who were part of the Sunday workshop to refresh our Vision initiatives. Our St John’s Vision is: We explore and share the gospel with our dynamic neighbourhood. We create safe spaces to be, to belong, and to navigate the tough stuff. Getting to know God is a team sport – that’s why we do this together, not alone. The kaupapa we are working with is permission-giving, experimental, welcoming of ideas, and using adaptable structures. Here’s what is coming up soon… …all of us are able to get involved! ST JOHN’S CAFÉ Every month previous residents of the Dixon Street Flats and other friends of our St John’s whānau enjoy time together at the Café run by Janie and her mighty team of volunteers. This is held in the McKenzie Room of the St John’s Centre, and the next Café is Thursday 3rd October, from 11am to 1pm. 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 will soon be available on the St John’s website, with a limited number of printed copies available closer to the time of the AGM. 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. CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included please complete this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. There is a team of 10 confirmed to travel. There will be fundraising happening in the coming weeks – not for the team travel costs but for gifting to churches in Indonesia. BIKE RACKS As part of our practice of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks – and we are halfway to covering this cost. Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike ‘Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ (Colossians 3:17) Ka kite ano Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 22 September 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have Church in two places: at St John’s in the City (as usual) and at Paekākāriki Holiday Park (Church Camp). We are thankful to all those giving their energy and time to lead this weekend - Rob Anderson and those leading the service in the City, and Naomi and Hannah and all those leading the Church Camp. We are so blessed with capable and committed people! The usual Youth Group and Chill Space on Friday is replaced by the Church Camp. The Sunday service at St John’s in the City is at 10am as usual, and young people will remain in the service. There will be craft activities set up at the front of the church in the space for young people. There will be Morning Tea 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. 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… VISION UPDATE Thank you for all those who were part of the Sunday workshop to refresh our Vision initiatives. Our St John’s Vision is: We explore and share the gospel with our dynamic neighbourhood. We create safe spaces to be, to belong, and to navigate the tough stuff. Getting to know God is a team sport – that’s why we do this together, not alone. The kaupapa we are working with is permission-giving, experimental, welcoming of ideas, and using adaptable structures. Here’s what is coming up soon… …all of us are able to get involved! FELLOWSHIP GROUP Bronwyn Wood, is the speaker this month and she is known to us as one of our Church family and keen environmentalist. She will give insight into a global Christian Conservation network going by the Portuguese name for Rock: “A Rocha” (rhymes with kosher) How can we as Christians be involved? Here’s an opportunity to have a lively debate on Tuesday 24 September 2024 at 11am in the St John’s Centre. 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. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. There is a team of 10 confirmed to travel. There will be fundraising happening in the coming weeks – not for the team travel costs but for gifting to churches in Indonesia. BIKE RACKS As part of our practice of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks – and we are halfway to covering this cost. Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike ‘God gives grace to the humble.’ (James 4:6) Ka kite ano Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 15 September 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we celebrate becoming an Eco Church, as we join this initiative to care for God’s creation. Our Bible readings are Mark 9: 30-37 and James 3: 13-18. God’s Word commends to us what is the wise way of living – in ways that are somewhat familiar: the way of the cross, of service, of learning from intergenerational community, of humility to care for others and creation. This wise way of living aligns with the beauty in the world and is an attractive reality for lives that are broken. For this Sunday’s service we will all gather in the Church at 10am and our young people will go out part-way to their peer groups. And 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. 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... QUIZ NIGHT On Friday 13th September we are having another fabulous St John’s Quiz Night from 6:30-8:30pm. This is for all ages, and is run by our Guest Quiz Master Chris Darnell – he has categories of quiz questions never heard of before, that will make everyone competitive! There will be spot prizes, and the beautiful trophy made by Roger Gyles is at stake… You are invited to bring a koha that will be gifted to churches in Indonesia in December. There is parking available in marked spaces on the St John’s site, including in the basement carpark. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. There will be a Sunday service at 10am as usual at St John’s in the City. FELLOWSHIP GROUP Bronwyn Wood, is the speaker this month and she is known to us as one of our Church family and keen environmentalist. She will give insight into a global Christian Conservation network going by the Portuguese name for Rock: “A Rocha” (rhymes with kosher) How can we as Christians be involved? Here’s an opportunity to have a lively debate on Tuesday 24 September 2024 at 11am in the St John’s Centre. VISION UPDATE Thank you for all those who were part of the Sunday workshop to refresh our Vision initiatives. Our St John’s Vision is: We explore and share the gospel with our dynamic neighbourhood. We create safe spaces to be, to belong, and to navigate the tough stuff. Getting to know God is a team sport – that’s why we do this together, not alone. The kaupapa we are working with is permission-giving, experimental, welcoming of ideas, and using adaptable structures. Here’s what is coming up soon… …all of us are able to get involved! 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. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. There is a team of 10 confirmed to travel. There will be fundraising happening in the coming weeks – not for the team travel costs but for gifting to churches in Indonesia. BIKE RACKS As part of our practice of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks – and we are halfway to covering this cost. Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike CREATION CARE TIP When you become overwhelmed with the paper bags from supermarkets, they can go in your recycling, including the handles. No need to chop the handles off, pop them straight in! Easy as! ‘God gives grace to the humble.’ (James 4:6) Ka kite ano Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 8 September 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we hear one of the difficult passages in the Gospels. Jesus says ‘No’ to a woman in desperate need. But the exchange doesn’t end there… Is this an encouragement for us to honestly and courageously express our need? Might we need to hear a message about there being no ‘second-class’ citizens in the Kingdom of God? 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. 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#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... QUIZ NIGHT On Friday 13th September we are having another fabulous St John’s Quiz Night from 6:30-8:30pm. This is for all ages, and is run by our Guest Quiz Master Chris Darnell – he has categories of quiz questions never heard of before, that will make everyone competitive! The beautiful trophy made by Roger Gyles is at stake… This is a free event, made possible by the Youth Group opening up their space and time on Friday night. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Details of the trip are available here: Trip to Indonesia Don’t delay – let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. BIKE RACKS As part of our practise of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks. They were installed without additional cost by Dave Wood. Thanks Dave! Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike SCAFFOLDING Scaffolding has been erected on the front eastern face of Troup House, as inspection work is undertaken to isolate and fix the leak that is currently allowing rainwater inside the building. This is likely to be in place for several weeks, and doesn’t restrict normal access to the Church Office or anywhere else on site. PUBLIC LECTURE The Chaplaincy at Victoria University are hosting a public lecture next week that will be of interest to anyone seeking wisdom and inspiration for Christian social and political action for the common good. In this inaugural Ramsey Library Lecture, Dr Roshan Allpress will talk on the origins, motivations and effects of Evangelical social activism. It’s a complex story, which interacted with many of the darker threads of the time: Empire, colonisation, urban poverty and social oppression. In these interactions, for good and ill, Evangelicalism left a long legacy – including in the origins of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – that continues to profoundly shape Aotearoa. Facebook event here. ‘Blessed be he by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!’ (Ruth 2:20) Ma te wa Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 1 September 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday I am Baptising the daughter of the Minister at Knox Presbyterian Church in Lower Hutt, and so thank you to Hannah North who is leading our worship at St John’s in the City. The theme of the service is: Dignity and understanding, even in the face of judgement and condemnation. Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to their peer groups 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. 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... ST JOHNS CAFÉ Every month previous residents of the Dixon Street Flats and other friends of our St John’s whanau enjoy time together at the Café run by Janie and her mighty team of volunteers. This is held in the McKenzie Room of the St John’s Centre, and the next Café is Thursday 5th September, from 11am to 1pm. QUIZ NIGHT On Friday 13th September we are having another fabulous St John’s Quiz Night from 6:30-8:30pm. This is for all ages, and is run by our Guest Quiz Master Chris Darnell – he has categories of quiz questions never heard of before, that will make everyone competitive! The beautiful trophy made by Roger Gyles is at stake… This is a free event, made possible by the Youth Group opening up their space and time on Friday night. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Details of the trip are available here: Trip to Indonesia Don’t delay – let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. BIKE RACKS As part of our practise of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks. They were installed without additional cost by Dave Wood. Thanks Dave! Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included in this please respond before 1st September by completing this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. CHOIR CONCERT The Wellington Community Choir and Te Takutai Moana Koea o Ratana warmly invite you to our combined concert “How can I keep from singing?”. This magical evening event celebrates our special friendship and the power of song. It is a rare opportunity to hear the four sensational voices of Ratana Choir – their first public concert. You’ll be treated to waiata and, songs that have held people together and strengthened them in their struggles, to songs of jubilation and victory in the face of adversity. We will journey from Aotearoa to the Muscogee tribe in the USA, taking a detour to France, South Africa, Madagascar and the Shetland Islands and back again. Saturday 14th September 5 pm and St Peter's on Willis. Tickets are $25, concession $15 and children under 14 are free. Buy them at the door or from Humanitix. CHURCH KITCHEN FOOD WASTE The Creation Care Team offer us all a gentle reminder that all food waste and landfill rubbish goes in the rubbish bins provided in the cupboards under the benches. The white recycling bin only receives clean washed recyclable plastics. Sadly, as a church we are too often making our caretakers have to go through the recycling bin removing leftover food and other yukky rubbish after church events so that the recycling is accepted by the council. Please have consideration for them and think carefully about what goes where. Thanks! SCAFFOLDING Scaffolding has been erected on the front eastern face of Troup House, as inspection work is undertaken to isolate and fix the leak that is currently allowing rainwater inside the building. This is likely to be in place for several weeks, and doesn’t restrict normal access to the Church Office or anywhere else on site. “Lord, I need You… Every hour, I need You. My one defence, my righteousness.” Ma te wa Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 25 August 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we hear Paul proclaim the strange upside-down ways of God found in what the world considers foolishness and weakness. The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise’. We encouraged each other to remain faithful to God, who demonstrates His faithfulness to us in most unusual ways. Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to their peer groups 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. 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... SOUPER SUNDAY This Sunday is the final Souper Sunday lunch for this winter. You are warmly invited to share in a bowl of hot soup after church in the St John’s Centre. You are welcome to bring a small plate of something sweet to share with our tea or coffee. Come and share in the warm fellowship, we’d love to see you. SCOTS COLLEGE FOUNDERS SERVICE This Sunday (25th August) at 4pm St John’s hosts a special Founders Service with all our friends from the Scots College community. You are welcome to come and be part of this worship, as we celebrate the vision of those who started the Church Schools and for the enduring legacy of Christian influence in our city. FELLOWSHIP GROUP The speaker for this month is Neil Dodgson, Professor of Computer Graphics, a member of our Church whanau, and trumpeter in the Music Group. His theme - “the colonisation of the colour pink: colour terms in historic and modern Māori.” Be there on Tuesday 27th August at 11am in the St John’s Centre Hall. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Details of the trip are available here: Trip to Indonesia Don’t delay – let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. BIKE RACKS As part of our practise of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks. They were installed without additional cost by Dave Wood. Thanks Dave! Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included in this please respond before 1st September by completing this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. CHURCH KITCHEN FOOD WASTE The Creation Care Team offer us all a gentle reminder that all food waste and landfill rubbish goes in the rubbish bins provided in the cupboards under the benches. The white recycling bin only receives clean washed recyclable plastics. Sadly, as a church we are too often making our caretakers have to go through the recycling bin removing leftover food and other yukky rubbish after church events so that the recycling is accepted by the council. Please have consideration for them and think carefully about what goes where. Thanks! ORPHEUS CHOIR Performs Hayden’s Creation on 24 August. Discount tickets are available from Linda Van Milligan. https://orpheuschoir.org.nz/our-concerts/ SCAFFOLDING This week scaffolding has been erected on the front eastern face of Troup House, as inspection work is undertaken to isolate and fix the leak that is currently allowing rainwater inside the building. This is likely to be in place for several weeks, and doesn’t restrict normal access to the Church Office or anywhere else on site. “I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad.” Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 18 August 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we have the final in our four-week teaching series about our St John’s Mission Statement… God gathers us to worship and grow our faith so we can live and share Christ’s hope for our world. What an opportunity we have to share Christ’s hope in our world! Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to their peer groups 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. 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... VISION REFRESHER THIS Sunday (18th August) we are having a Vision Project Teams REFRESHER over Morning Tea (provided by the St J’s Kids). So, grab a cuppa and a snack as we hear updates on the many Vision projects and then break into Project Team groups to chat about ideas. All are welcome. PRESBYTERY GATHERING You are invited to come to this all-day event this Saturday August 17th in Palmerston North. Information and registration at the Presbytery Central website: http://www.presbyterycentral.org.nz/gathering/ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Facebook Event Eventfinda Link For those who are super-keen, Prof Gaventa will offer a sit-down chat the next morning on Tuesday 20th August: What is it like to write a Bible commentary? Those who preach and teach will be interested to hear what is involved. This time will include lots of discussion. VENUE: the St John’s Centre Hall, starting with morning tea, 10.30 – 12:30pm FELLOWSHIP GROUP The speaker for this month is Neil Dodgson, Professor of Computer Graphics, a member of our Church whanau, and trumpeter in the Music Group. His theme - “the colonisation of the colour pink: colour terms in historic and modern Māori.” Be there on Tuesday 27th August at 11am in the St John’s Centre Hall. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Details of the trip are available here: Trip to Indonesia Don’t delay – let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. BIKE RACKS As part of our practise of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks. They were installed without additional cost by Dave Wood. Thanks Dave! Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included in this please respond before 1st September by completing this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB Bring your lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have set up a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Those lids that can’t go in with the curb-side recycling will be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. ✔️ Plastic hinge caps and screw caps lids (any colour) ✔️ Plastic milk bottle caps ✔️ Plastic contact lens packaging without foil ✔️ Yoghurt pot lids Only 2 & 5 please - clean and dry. ORPHEUS CHOIR Performs Hayden’s Creation on 24 August. Discount tickets are available from Linda Van Milligan. https://orpheuschoir.org.nz/our-concerts/ SHARING CHRIST’S HOPE Electricity is an essential service, necessary for health and wellbeing. Most of us rely on it to stay warm, cook dinner, do our homework and keep the lights on. But lack of action from the regulator - the Electricity Authority, who sets the rules for electricity retailers - is causing unfair hardship. Disconnection and reconnection fees are adding debt to whānau already suffering. Prepay electricity is more expensive, even though many people who use prepay are doing so because they struggle to pay their bills and have no other option. The Consumer Care Guidelines, which are meant to protect vulnerable people, remain voluntary and retailers can ignore them. The Electricity Authority needs to protect people, especially the most vulnerable, by setting better rules for retailers. You may consider signing the petition to protect families struggling with power prices. Details of the Petition 1: Ban disconnection and reconnection fees in case of unpaid bills 2: Make prepay no more expensive than a retailer’s cheapest plan, and publish prepay disconnection data. 3: Make the Consumer Care Guidelines mandatory. “speaking the truth in love” Ephesians 4:15 Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 11 August 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue a teaching series based on our St John’s Mission Statement… God gathers us to worship and grow our faith so we can live and share Christ’s hope for our world. How do we live our faith, everyday? 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. 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#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... VISION REFRESHER On Sunday 18th August we are having a Vision Project Teams REFRESHER over Morning Tea. Grab a cuppa and a muffin as we hear updates on the many Vision projects and then break into Project Team groups to chat about ideas. ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. PRESBYTERY GATHERING You are invited to come to this all-day event on August 17th 2024 in Palmerston North. Information and registration at the Presbytery Central website: http://www.presbyterycentral.org.nz/gathering/ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Facebook Event Eventfinda Link For those who are super-keen, Prof Gaventa will offer a sit-down chat the next morning on Tuesday 20th August: What is it like to write a Bible commentary? Those who preach and teach will be interested to hear what is involved. This time will include lots of discussion. VENUE: the St John’s Centre Hall, starting with morning tea, 10.30 – 12:30pm CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Details of the trip are available here: Trip to Indonesia Let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. BIKE RACKS As part of our practise of caring for creation, we have had two new bicycle racks installed in the St John’s courtyard. These are high-quality ‘sculptures’ that witness to our intention of caring for God’s creation, and you are invited to sponsor these. We are seeking contributions to the total cost of $1,564 for both bike racks. They were installed without additional cost by Dave Wood. Thanks Dave! Donations can be made to the St John’s bank account: 02 0500 0021908 00 Particulars: (Your name) Reference: Bike GLOBAL MISSION NEWSLETTER Nambawan! shares news about the recent activity in PCANZ’s Global Mission partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu. Note the newsletter refers to a vacancy for an English teacher at Talua Theological Training Institute next year; perhaps you may be aware of a suitable candidate who might be interested in this opportunity. Nambawan August 2024 This year St John’s has supported the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu with $3,000 toward the repair of cyclone damage to buildings. CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included in this please respond before 1st September by completing this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS St John’s Council invites expressions of interest from young adults in our congregation to join us for the duration of 2024. The aim is to: • build intergenerational relationships, increase Council diversity and reflect the perspectives of young adults across Council priorities and activities • share the expertise of Council members with young adults and in turn learn from them, thus enriching Council as a whole for the benefit of the church community • grow the pool of future church leaders through leadership development and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, the church, and our wider community. The Council has capacity to support 1-2 participants this year in activities such as one-to-one or small group mentoring sessions on topics such as leadership development, governance and spiritual discernment in our Presbyterian tradition. Council will tailor the activities and time commitment to the interests and availability of each participant. What this looks like and how much time participants spend is up to each individual. No prior knowledge of governance or leadership is needed. To find out more, please talk with Pamela Cohen or other Council members after church or send an email/text. There will be no obligation or pressure to proceed with an expression of interest. Pamela Cohen, Chair, St John’s Council CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB Bring your lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have set up a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Those lids that can’t go in with the curb-side recycling will be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. ✔️ Plastic hinge caps and screw caps lids (any colour) ✔️ Plastic milk bottle caps ✔️ Plastic contact lens packaging without foil ✔️ Yoghurt pot lids Only 2 & 5 please - clean and dry. ALL CREATION SING ORPHEUS CHOIR Performs Hayden’s Creation on 24 August. Discount tickets are available from Linda Van Milligan. https://orpheuschoir.org.nz/our-concerts/ “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 4 August 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue a teaching series based on our St John’s Mission Statement… God gathers us to worship and grow our faith so we can live and share Christ’s hope for our world. Is your faith growing? How can you tell…? We will explore how God grows our faith together – growing as a body. Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to their peer groups 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. 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... ST JOHN'S CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. You can REGISTER NOW using this link, and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. PRESBYTERY GATHERING You are invited to come to this all-day event on August 17th 2024 in Palmerston North. Information and registration at the Presbytery Central website: http://www.presbyterycentral.org.nz/gathering/ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Facebook Event Eventfinda Link For those who are super-keen, Prof Gaventa will offer a sit-down chat the next morning on Tuesday 20th August: What is it like to write a Bible commentary? Those who preach and teach will be interested to hear what is involved. This time will include lots of discussion. VENUE: the St John’s Centre Hall, starting with morning tea, 10.30 – 12:30pm CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. CHURCH CONTACT DIRECTORY Our St John’s Contact Directory is an important way of keeping in touch with one another as a Church whanau. To be included in this please complete this Google Form: Contact Directory 2024 The Contact Directory is available only as a printed document to those who are included in the Directory. NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS St John’s Council invites expressions of interest from young adults in our congregation to join us for the duration of 2024. The aim is to: • build intergenerational relationships, increase Council diversity and reflect the perspectives of young adults across Council priorities and activities • share the expertise of Council members with young adults and in turn learn from them, thus enriching Council as a whole for the benefit of the church community • grow the pool of future church leaders through leadership development and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, the church, and our wider community. The Council has capacity to support 1-2 participants this year in activities such as one-to-one or small group mentoring sessions on topics such as leadership development, governance and spiritual discernment in our Presbyterian tradition. Council will tailor the activities and time commitment to the interests and availability of each participant. What this looks like and how much time participants spend is up to each individual. No prior knowledge of governance or leadership is needed. To find out more, please talk with Pamela Cohen or other Council members after church or send an email/text. There will be no obligation or pressure to proceed with an expression of interest. Pamela Cohen, Chair, St John’s Council. ROYAL COMMISSION Another pastoral letter was distributed earlier this week from the Moderator Rt Rev Rose Luxford about the report from the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. Pastoral Letter CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB Bring your lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have set up a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Those lids that can’t go in with the curb-side recycling will be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. ✔️ Plastic hinge caps and screw caps lids (any colour) ✔️ Plastic milk bottle caps ✔️ Plastic contact lens packaging without foil ✔️ Yoghurt pot lids Only 2 & 5 please - clean and dry. ONLINE COURSE WITH MARTYN DAY Following the outstanding workshop series Martyn Day delivered at St John’s, he is taking registrations for his on-line course Give the Reason. This course is to help us understand the historical credibility of the Gospels and wider New Testament. This course ran last year for the first time and the feedback was positive, so it is being offered again in August. The course is run on Zoom so can be joined from anywhere. The details are available on this website, where you can also register your interest and get full course information sent to you: https://www.shv.nz/give-the-reason-course ORPHEUS CHOIR Performs Hayden’s Creation on 24 August. Discount tickets are available from Linda Van Milligan. https://orpheuschoir.org.nz/our-concerts/ “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 28 July 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we start a teaching series based on our St John’s Mission Statement… God gathers us to worship and grow our faith so we can live and share Christ’s hope for our world. If you want to get a head-start on the Scripture reading for this Sunday, it is Psalm 84 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!...” Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to their peer groups in the St John’s Centre. This week it’s Souper Sunday and Whanau Night – see details 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. 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... SOUPER SUNDAY This Sunday we have Souper Sunday lunch. You are warmly invited to share in a bowl of hot soup after the Morning Tea. You are welcome to bring a small plate of something sweet to share with our tea or coffee. Come and share in the warm fellowship, we’d love to see you. WHANAU NIGHT Join us for Whanau Night on Sunday 28 July 2024 at St Johns Centre. This family-friendly event focuses on "Restoring our Environment" (Toitu te Taio) with Heads-Hearts-Hands activities around environmental stewardship. This is an excellent opportunity for us as a church to build on our 'Care for Creation' series we've been experiencing on Sunday mornings. Please BYO picnic/food to share (who can bring the most environmentally friendly picnic?) NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS St John’s Council invites expressions of interest from young adults in our congregation to join us for the duration of 2024. The aim is to: • build intergenerational relationships, increase Council diversity and reflect the perspectives of young adults across Council priorities and activities • share the expertise of Council members with young adults and in turn learn from them, thus enriching Council as a whole for the benefit of the church community • grow the pool of future church leaders through leadership development and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, the church, and our wider community. The Council has capacity to support 1-2 participants this year in activities such as one-to-one or small group mentoring sessions on topics such as leadership development, governance and spiritual discernment in our Presbyterian tradition. Council will tailor the activities and time commitment to the interests and availability of each participant. What this looks like and how much time participants spend is up to each individual. No prior knowledge of governance or leadership is needed. To find out more, please talk with Pamela Cohen or other Council members after church or send a text/email. There will be no obligation or pressure to proceed with an expression of interest. Council members: Pamela Cohen, Chair, St John’s Council Rev Allister Lane, Communication Committee Rob Anderson, Session Clerk Ross Chesney, Treasurer David Galt, Staffing Committee Mary Gibbs, Fellowship Committee Catherine Gibbs, Christian Education Committee Kevin Jeong, Outreach Committee David Wood, Property Committee ROYAL COMMISSION A letter was distributed earlier this week from the Assembly Executive Secretary about the report from the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. Royal Commission Report CARE FOR CREATION – LID RECYCLING HUB Bring your lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have set up a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Those lids that can’t go in with the curb-side recycling will be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. ✔️ Plastic hinge caps and screw caps lids (any colour) ✔️ Plastic milk bottle caps ✔️ Plastic contact lens packaging without foil ✔️ Yoghurt pot lids Only 2 & 5 please - clean and dry. CHURCH CAMP The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. To register click on this link and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North. PRESBYTERY GATHERING August 17th 2024 in Palmerston North. Information and registration at the Presbytery Central website: http://www.presbyterycentral.org.nz/gathering/ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Facebook Event Eventfinda Link For those who are super-keen, Prof Gaventa will offer a sit-down chat the next morning on Tuesday 20th August: What is it like to write a Bible commentary? Those who preach and teach will be interested to hear what is involved. This time will include lots of discussion. VENUE: the St John’s Centre Hall, starting with morning tea, 10.30 – 12:30pm ONLINE COURSE WITH MARTYN DAY Following the outstanding workshop series Martyn Day delivered at St John’s, he is taking registrations for his on-line course Give the Reason. This course is to help us understand the historical credibility of the Gospels and wider New Testament. This course ran last year for the first time and the feedback was positive, so it is being offered again in August. The course is run on Zoom so can be joined from anywhere. The details are available on this website, where you can also register your interest and get full course information sent to you: https://www.shv.nz/give-the-reason-course ORPHEUS CHOIR Performs Hayden’s Creation on 24 August. Discount tickets are available from Linda Van Milligan. https://orpheuschoir.org.nz/our-concerts/ CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA A third trip is planned to depart 27th November this year – serving, sharing, growing. Let Ino or Allister know if you’re interested. “Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.” Psalm 84:4 Allister

    • Church Camp
      • The Church Camp will run from Fri 20th Sept (evening) to Sun 22nd Sept (late morning) at the Paekakariki Holiday Park. To register click on this link and follow the prompts: Church Camp Any questions please ask Naomi or Allister Lane, or Hannah North.

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 21 July 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, Is it possible to take social distancing too far? Who are those we keep at a distance? This Sunday we hear a story of Jesus bringing back someone who had been kept far away from everyone. Our children and young people will go out part-way during the service to a combined Holiday Programme 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. 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... CARE FOR CREATION – PRACTISING THE PRACTICE LID RECYCLING HUB Bring your lids to Church each Sunday! As part of our care for creation together we have set up a lid recycling hub at St John’s in the City. Those lids that can’t go in with the curb-side recycling will be collected at Church and taken where they will be recycled. ✔️ Plastic hinge caps and screw caps lids (any colour) ✔️ Plastic milk bottle caps ✔️ Plastic contact lens packaging without foil ✔️ Yoghurt pot lids Only 2 & 5 please - clean and dry. There are lots of fun ways to be practising the practice of Care for Creation in your household. Here is a link to an activity sheet: Activity Sheet INSURANCE With escalating insurance costs, the St John’s Session and Council have explored sustainable options. A significant amount of research has been done, and the recommendations brought to our Congregational, which were unanimously agreed to. The details are available on the St John’s website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/news FAREWELL CONCERT Before he departs to study music overseas, Benjamin Carter is giving a concert in appreciation of his St John’s Church family. Come and enjoy this concert as we wish Benjamin well for this exciting phase in his life. Sunday 21st July at 1pm in the Church. FELLOWSHIP GROUP The Annual General Meeting of St John’s Fellowship Group will be held in the St John’s Centre on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 commencing at 11am. The Rev Allister Lane will preside during the elections of officers. There will be a shared lunch following the meeting. PUBLIC LECTURE ‘Portraying the Invisible God: How Early Christian Artists Depicted Christ’ by Professor Robin Jensen. Tuesday July 23, 7.00 – 9.00pm Public Lecture, All Saints Church, 90 Hamilton Rd, Hataitai. In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you a conversation evening with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. The New Testament refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, but it never describes his physical appearance. Professor Robin Jensen will explore how early depictions of Jesus expressed Christian beliefs about his divine and human natures as well as his mission as healer, teacher, and saviour. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, this event offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making. WHANAU NIGHT Join us for Whanau Night on Sunday 28 July 2024 at St Johns Centre. This family-friendly event focuses on "Restoring our Environment" (Toitu te Taio) with Heads-Hearts-Hands activities around environmental stewardship. This is an excellent opportunity for us as a church to build on our 'Care for Creation' series we've been experiencing on Sunday mornings. Please BYO picnic/food to share (who can bring the most environmentally friendly picnic?) PRESBYTERY GATHERING August 17th 2024 in Palmerston North. Information and registration at the Presbytery Central website: http://www.presbyterycentral.org.nz/gathering/ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Facebook Event Eventfinda Link For those who are super-keen, Prof Gaventa will offer a sit-down chat the next morning on Tuesday 20th August: What is it like to write a Bible commentary? Those who preach and teach will be interested to hear what is involved. This time will include lots of discussion. VENUE: the St John’s Centre Hall, starting with morning tea, 10.30 – 12:30pm ONLINE COURSE WITH MARTYN DAY Following the outstanding workshop series Martyn Day delivered at St John’s, he is taking registrations for his on-line course Give the Reason. This course is to help us understand the historical credibility of the Gospels and wider New Testament. This course ran last year for the first time and the feedback was positive, so it is being offered again in August. The course is run on Zoom so can be joined from anywhere. The details are available on this website, where you can also register your interest and get full course information sent to you: https://www.shv.nz/give-the-reason-course CHURCH CAMP We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year! It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept. We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.) (FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.) CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA “May we see glimpses of your grace, and may we seek to be a church that gladly works to bring your new community.” From the hymn O God, You Tell Us Of A Day by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 14 July 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue our four week series exploring the practice ‘Care for Creation’. Jesus talked about how God has created a world of abundant goodness “Look at the birds of the air… Consider the lilies of the field…” (Mark 6) The closer we stay to Jesus, the more we are part of the new economy of abundance in the world. Our children and young people can go straight to the combined Holiday Programme in the St John’s Centre at 10am, and we will all join together in the Church later for Communion. 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#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... INSURANCE As the insurance landscape changes, the St John’s Session and Council have explored sustainable options for how we plan to mitigate any future risk. A significant amount of research has been done, and the recommendations brought to our Congregational Meeting last Sunday were unanimously agreed. The details are available on the St John’s website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/news DAILY BIBLE READING We continue to encourage one another in spiritual practices that grow our faith. 31 Days of Truth is a suggested resource for daily Bible reading from the Bible Society, which includes a reflection from Martyn Day, who recently lead the series of workshops on the Bible at St John’s. Could this be something you try in July? 31 Days of Truth DEATH & HONEY This contemporary theatre production was created to discuss life and loss, posing a reflective question for the viewer; Who is Death to you? From the existential incomprehensible unknown, to arguing about mugs of hot chocolate, Honey explores her relationship with Death and what it means to live in the face of mortality. Full details available below: Death & Honey FAREWELL CONCERT Before he departs to study music overseas, Benjamin Carter is giving a concert in appreciation of his St John’s Church family. Come and enjoy this concert as we wish Benjamin well for this exciting phase in his life. Sunday 21st July at 1pm in the Church. FELLOWSHIP GROUP The Annual General Meeting of St John’s Fellowship Group will be held in the St John’s Centre on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 commencing at 11am. The Rev Allister Lane will preside during the elections of officers. There will be a shared lunch following the meeting. PUBLIC LECTURE ‘Portraying the Invisible God: How Early Christian Artists Depicted Christ’ by Professor Robin Jensen. Tuesday July 23, 7.00 – 9.00pm Public Lecture, All Saints Church, 90 Hamilton Rd, Haitaitai. In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you a conversation evening with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. The New Testament refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, but it never describes his physical appearance. Professor Robin Jensen will explore how early depictions of Jesus expressed Christian beliefs about his divine and human natures as well as his mission as healer, teacher, and saviour. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, this event offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making. WHANAU NIGHT Our next Whanau Night is on Sunday 28 July. Come along to the St John’s Centre 5:00 – 6:30pm for some kai, connection and being community together. CHURCH CAMP We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year! It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept. We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.) (FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.) CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA ‘O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.’ Psalm 104 Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 7 July 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue our four week series exploring the practice ‘Care for Creation’. The book of Revelation describes ‘a new heaven and a new earth’… what does this promise about the restoration of creation? This continues our emphasis of putting our faith into practice, and will focus on our desire for knowing God more through intentional practices, relationships, and experiences. We will all gather in the Church at 10am and our young people will go out 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. 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... INSURANCE With escalating insurance costs, the St John’s Session and Council have explored sustainable options. A significant amount of research has been done and there are recommendations to bring for consideration by everyone at St John’s. Background information has been prepared in this easy to read guide: St John's Insurance Last Sunday there was a forum for consideration of the information and the opportunity discuss any questions about the recommendations. This Sunday there is a Congregational Meeting immediately following the service in the church, for all members to vote on the recommendations. LETTER FROM THE MODERATOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Moderator Right Rev Rose Luxford has published an update on The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. This can be read below: Letter from the Moderator DAILY BIBLE READING We continue to encourage one another in spiritual practices that grow our faith. 31 Days of Truth is a suggested resource for daily Bible reading from the Bible Society, which includes a reflection from Martyn Day, who recently lead the series of workshops on the Bible at St John’s. Could this be something you try in July? 31 Days of Truth DEATH & HONEY This contemporary theatre production was created to discuss life and loss, posing a reflective question for the viewer; Who is Death to you? From the existential incomprehensible unknown, to arguing about mugs of hot chocolate, Honey explores her relationship with Death and what it means to live in the face of mortality. Full details available below: Death & Honey PUBLIC LECTURE ‘Portraying the Invisible God: How Early Christian Artists Depicted Christ’ by Professor Robin Jensen. Tuesday July 23, 7.00 – 9.00pm Public Lecture, All Saints Church, 90 Hamilton Rd, Haitaitai. In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you a conversation evening with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. The New Testament refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, but it never describes his physical appearance. Professor Robin Jensen will explore how early depictions of Jesus expressed Christian beliefs about his divine and human natures as well as his mission as healer, teacher, and saviour. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, this event offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making. CHURCH CAMP We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year! It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept. We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.) (FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.) CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA ‘You are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.’ Psalm 1 Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 30 June 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we continue our four week series exploring the practice ‘Care for Creation’. Should Christians be vegetarians? This continues our emphasis of putting our faith into practice, and will focus on our desire for knowing God more through intentional practices, relationships, and experiences. We will all gather in the Church at 10am and our young people will go out 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. 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... INSURANCE With escalating insurance costs, the St John’s Session and Council are exploring sustainable options. A significant amount of research has been done and there are some recommendations to bring for consideration by everyone at St John’s. Background information has been prepared in an easy-to-read guide (available on the St John’s website). This information is made available in advance of a forum on Sunday the 30th June in the St John’s Centre following the service. There will then be a Congregational Meeting the following week Sunday 7th July held in the church following the service, for all members to vote on a preferred option. SOUPER SUNDAY This Sunday is another opportunity to share a bowl of hot soup in our series of Souper Sunday lunches over winter. You are warmly invited to lunch in the St John’s Centre, following the Morning Tea and Forum about insurance. You are welcome to bring a small plate of something sweet to share with our tea or coffee. Come and share in the warm fellowship, we’d love to see you. LETTER FROM THE MODERATOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Moderator Right Rev Rose Luxford has published an update on The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. This can be read below: Letter from the Moderator DAILY BIBLE READING We continue to encourage one another in spiritual practices that grow our faith. 31 Days of Truth is a suggested resource for daily Bible reading from the Bible Society, which includes a reflection from Martyn Day, who recently lead the series of workshops on the Bible at St John’s. Could this be something you try in July? 31 Days of Truth CHURCH CAMP We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year! It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept. We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.) (FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.) CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA E-RECYCLING FUNDRAISER BOOK FAIR KARORI ‘You are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.’ Psalm 1 Allister

    • St John’s in the City Insurance
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau This special post gives you information and invitations. With escalating insurance costs, the St John’s Session and Council are exploring sustainable options. A significant amount of research has been done and there are some recommendations to bring for consideration by everyone at St John’s. Background information has been prepared in this easy to read guide: St John’s Insurance This information is made available in advance of a forum on Sunday the 30th June in the St John’s Centre following the service. You are invited to please submit any questions in advance to enquiries@stjohnsinthecity.org.nz There will then be a Congregational Meeting the following week Sunday 7th July held in the church following the service, for all members to vote on a preferred option. Yours in Christ Allister

    • Weekly Bulletin: Staying connected as a church - 23 June 2024
      • Kia ora St John’s whānau, This Sunday we begin our four week series exploring the practice ‘Care for Creation’. How can we practice the care of creation as an act of worship? This continues our emphasis of putting our faith into practice, and will focus on our desire for knowing God more through intentional practices, relationships, and experiences. This Sunday we will worship as a community of all generations, with an intergenerational service all together in the church building. 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#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Order of Service Link to Zoom Service OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... SCOTS COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL SERVICE We have had visits from different houses of Scots College in recent weeks – but the Junior School at Scots does not have houses. So there is a special service for them and their families at 4pm this Sunday at St John’s in the City, with a Matariki theme. FELLOWSHIP GROUP Kay Webster, who was our guest Minister last October, will be the guest speaker at the next Fellowship Group meeting on Tuesday 25 June 2024 at 11.00am in the MacKenzie Room (note venue change). In her role as the Advanced Care Planning Coordinator with Age Concern, Kay has some insights for us on how to plan for our own later days to keep it simple for ourselves, our caregivers and our near and dear. INSURANCE With escalating insurance costs, the St John’s Session and Council are exploring sustainable options. A significant amount of research has been done and there are some recommendations to bring for consideration by everyone at St John’s. Background information will be made available in advance of a forum on Sunday the 30th June in the St John’s Centre following the service. Members will be invited to submit questions in advance. There will then be a Congregational Meeting the following week (7th July) held in the church following the service, for us all to vote on a preferred option. DUTY ROSTERS – SERVING OTHERS It’s time to prepare the rosters for serving in July - October. Please let Linda van Milligan know your availability for this season by 20 June. UPDATE ON CAFÉ All the residents of the Dixon Street Flats have been moved out – so what has happened to the regular Café St John’s has been part of…? Read all about the next phase of the Café here: St John's Café LETTER FROM THE MODERATOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Moderator Right Rev Rose Luxford has published an update on The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. This can be read below: Letter from the Moderator CHURCH CAMP We’re excited to let you know there's a church camp happening this year! It's at Paekakariki Holiday Park from Fri evening 20 Sept till Sunday 22 Sept. We’ll be aiming to keep costs down and you can choose to sleep in the lodge, pitch a tent or stay in an onsite cabin (more details will be available at a later stage.) (FYI - El Rancho/Forest Lakes and Kaitoke were booked for this date.) CROSS CULTURAL ENCOUNTER TRIP TO INDONESIA IN GOOD COMPANY CONCERT E-RECYCLING FUNDRAISER BOOK FAIR KARORI MESSENGER NEWSLETTER Read our latest St John’s newsletter here: Messenger ‘You are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.’ Psalm 1 Allister

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