Food for LIFE
He Auaha Hōu – Made New
What better way to spend a cold winters night than with the church family! We had great food. great conversations and even let off a few fireworks to celebrate Matiriki. The night was all about getting to know one another better, learning about some of our history and having fun. Continue reading Matariki Dinner
It is a good thing to make time. To set apart time to meet with one another and to meet with God. This weekend the women of our church are gathering together to deepen their relationships with one another and God. To weave their lives, their stories and their faith journeys together into a beautiful tapestry. “Threads of Grace.” Continue reading Womens Retreat 2018
This week we will be beginning a six week series looking at Ephesians. We’re calling it a walk through, in essence we are just touching on some key points within the epistle.
Unlike many of Paul’s other Epistles, the letter to Ephesus is not written to confront a particular issue or heresy. It explains the nature and purpose of the church, the Body of Christ.
Come and join us over the next few weeks, as we take a walk through Ephesians.
Late last year the New Zealand Parliament voted to send the End of Life Choices Bill to Select Committee. Submissions from individuals and groups close on February 20th 2018. I believe that it is important that we, as Christians, are involved in this process; our voice needs to be heard. Continue reading End of Life Choices Bill
Starting: Next Week 25th February
Jesus, the man with many names.
As we approach Easter we will be
looking at some of the names that
highlight aspects of Jesus’ life and
character.
Come and discover more about
Jesus Christ; the central character of
human history.
Jesus commissioned us to go into all the world and make disciples and to baptize them (Matthew 28:19). So on an awesome summer’s afternoon a little while ago, an intrepid group headed for Ashley Gorge to do just that. Just like the early church we even ate together!! The water was warm and a suitably deep spot was found.
Back in November, a keen group of adventurers headed off on a four-wheel drive adventure. The day was great, the company fantastic and the joy of going out into our magnificent back country made for lots of fun.
Every year, as the year draws to a close, it seems that we race head long
towards Christmas and we get caught up in the tinsel, the lights, and how many people are coming for dinner.
Yet, in the midst of all that, there is a simple message that calls us back to the true meaning of Christmas. Emmanuel, the humble birth of a baby 2000 years ago calls us, comforts us, and challenges us.
So we come to celebrate and contemplate the coming of Jesus Christ as a baby all those years ago. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
The birth of Jesus calls us back into a relationship with God himself. The birth of Jesus shows us that it was God’s initiative, not ours, that restored our relationship to God the Father. It is the same today; God still calls us to him through Jesus Christ.
The birth of Jesus comforts us with the sure knowledge that God, in his love, sent his Son to dwell among us. That in Jesus, his birth, life, and resurrection, we see the wildly extravagant love of God poured out for us!
The birth of Jesus challenges us to look beyond the things of this world. To see more than what is seen. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are empowered to love this world, just as God loves it. To live lives that declare the goodness that God has poured out upon us, and exhort others to join us in this journey of following Jesus Christ – Emmanuel.
May you know the peace and joy of God’s presence as you celebrate Christmas with family and friends this year.
