Saturday is Wellington’s most amazing, most awesome, most excellent, book related event of the year - The DCM Annual Bookfair
Take 90000+ books, add LPs, CDs, DVDs, Cassettes, Magazines, Jigsaw Puzzles & Games galore.
One rather delightful advantage of the Rugby World Cup is the arrival of the Downtown Community Ministry book fair in July, 2 months ahead of it’s normal timing.
Normally around this time our lovely Sue would be getting all rapturous about the Downtown Community Ministry's Annual Book Fair, but since she's rather busy, let me just tell you that the fair is happening again this weekend (August 21 & 22) at the TSB Arena, with doors will open from 9am to 4pm each day.
It's sale time at Vic Books again, both at the Kelburn Campus and the Pipitea store by the train station.
The sale runs from Monday May 11-Thursday May 28, and if you're clever you'll figure out a way to get to the sneak preview with wine and nibbles at the Kelburn shop, from 3pm, Thursday May 7th.
‘Tis the season of twisted umbrellas, so it's time to stock up on books which will keep
Collections for Downtown Community Ministry's annual Book Fair Fundraiser are underway. I love the book fair, because you name a book and you'll most probably find it there. Plus you get to go shopping and know that all you money is going to a good cause - like addressing homelessness in Wellington. Scattered around town are wheelie bins for people to donate their unwanted books.
We know that we've mentioned their sales in the past, but we know that you like books, and discounts, and also free wine, and that is why we must let you know that once again, Vic Books is starting its sale of awesomeness.
On a stunning day like today, what could be a better way to use your lunch hour than taking the cable car up the hill to Victoria University and checking out the sale at Vic Books? With books starting at 50 cents, this is how I keep my bookshelves overloaded.
Kia ora St John’s whānau, I hope you’re keeping warm, as we feel the brink of snow! This Sunday we unpack the next two priorities of our Vision Refresh: Priority 5 – Discipleship: A Distinctive Community that Integrates Newcomers into Meaningful Pathways of Growth Priority 6 – Tradition and Innovation: Authenticity over Trend Our St J’s Kids and youth will start at 10am in the St John’s Centre in their peer groups. And then they will come across to the church so we can all celebrate the meal of Communion together. After the service we will all share morning tea and coffee in the St John’s Centre. And we have our final Souper Sunday of the winter season (see details below). If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here is the link to access the live-stream: Link to Zoom Service If using your phone: dial 04 886 0026 (Meeting ID: 370 260 759#, Passcode: 1560107#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Printable Service Sheet OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... SOUPER SUNDAY Souper Sunday is this Sunday (9th August). This will be the last Souper Sunday for the Winter. Please join us after morning tea for delicious hot soup. No charge but we would appreciate something small to have with our tea/coffee after soup. Thank you for your contribution. CREATION CARE Come and join in this tree planting with a team from Church on the afternoon of Sunday 9th August. Tawatawa Reserve in Owhiro Bay Meet at the Tawatawa sign board and map, just up the hill from the car park on Murchison Street. Please dress warmly, bring strong footwear that can get muddy, and gardening gloves if you have them. If rained off we will postpone to the 16th of August. PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. We’re looking forward to gathering again as Presbytery Central on 15th August 2026, this time exploring what it means to be Presbyterian in today’s world. Centred on the theme Cooperation – working together, this Gathering will celebrate our shared identity, tell stories of collaboration from around the Presbytery, and consider how we can faithfully serve God’s mission together in Central New Zealand. We are honoured to welcome Right Rev Peter Dunn, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, as our keynote speaker. Peter will reflect on the strengths of our Presbyterian tradition and the opportunities before us as we seek to be churches that are connected, discerning, and hopeful. Throughout the day we’ll hear inspiring stories of cooperation between congregations, ministries, and communities, before concluding with a panel conversation featuring Peter, Rev Erin Pendreigh, and Rev Allister Lane, exploring what it means to be Presbyterian today and where God may be leading us next. Join us at St Alban’s, Palmerston North, from 10:30am on Saturday 15 August 2026, for a day of worship, encouragement, conversation, and vision as we reflect on Our Story. Our Calling. Our Future. Whether you’ve been part of the Presbyterian Church for decades or are newer to our community, this Gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another, and be inspired for the journey ahead. Details and Registration SCOTS FOUNDERS SERVICE On Sunday 23rd August, 4pm we host the annual 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. RECITAL: ROSE LIGHT & GABRIEL BAIRD Monday, 24 August at 7:30pm at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kelburn for a spectacular evening of chamber music. Rose studied violin in Wellington at the NZ School of Music prior to moving to Austria, returns for this recital alongside pianist Gabriel Baird. Time: Doors open at 7:00pm | Concert begins at 7:30pm Tickets: $35 Adult / $25 CSC & Under 24 (Cash sales may be available at the door) https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/rose-light-gabriel-baird-recital-wellington/wellington St Johns Church Camp is back! (Only happens every second year!) Join us 18–20 Sept at Forest Lakes, Ōtaki for two nights of faith, fun, connection, and relaxation. Expect: worship, Bible reflections, great chats, games, fully catered meals, awesome company, and unforgettable moments (including Dave Wood’s legendary bonfire). Take a break from the busyness of life, grow deeper in your faith, and connect with your church whānau. Don’t miss it! You can now register HERE Church Camp OFFICE HOURS St John’s Office is closed on Mondays. All functions of the office will be available the other working days of the week. Check out more of what’s happening at St John’s on the website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/upcoming-events The St John’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-In-The-City-Wellington-197057586974092/ The Facebook group created as a safe space just for our St J’s Whānau: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18qCo6CmJP/?mibextid=wwXIfr Mā te wā Allister
Above: Action from the Wellington Centurions v Whanganui match last year, with the Centurions winning 41-0 at the Hutt Rec. The two sides meet at Cooks Gardens tomorrow in the Centurions’ first game of the year and Whanganui’s last before the Heartland Championship gets underway next weekend. Photo: Kinetic Images. By Scott MacLean & Steven...
