|
we continue to pause our in-person worship until hospital numbers start to decline.
|
We are excited to continue our Lent journey with you. Our theme this week is Full to the Brim - Under God's Wing. Psalm 27 and Luke 13:31-35 which we read today testify to God's care for us. In Luke Jesus laments the treatment he has received in Jerusalem, and says, look I've been treated bad, but I long to show you a better way and to gather you in, in safety, like a hen gathers her chicks. We hear in our readings today that we are loved, wanted and cherished by God. No matter how much we try to separate ourselves from God, God will run to protect us. Whether that is Jesus the mother hen, or Jesus the Good Shepherd going after the one lost sheep. God’s love for us is fuller than we can imagine.
|
|
Journeying with you, Dion
|
|
Online Worship - Sunday 10am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ukranian Emergency Appeal - Tearfund
My name is Andrew Robinson and I have the privilege of leading Tearfund's disaster and conflict activities. I absolutely believe the Church has a vital role to play in times of crisis and that we are called to be generous in our prayers and our giving.
|
By now you’ve likely seen the gut-wrenching images of the war between Ukraine and Russia. As a father, watching on in horror as the situation continues to escalate by the hour, my thoughts and prayers are with every child and family facing imminent danger — cold, shocked and terrified. Your church can send help.
|
Did you know that more than 70% of Ukrainians identify as Christians? We know that hundreds of thousands of families have already fled in search of safety. We also know that Ukraine is experiencing a harsh winter, exacerbating the struggle for families without access to power, food and water because of damage to key infrastructure.
|
|
Our European partners are mobilising as we speak—preparing to help refugees as they arrive in neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, inside Ukraine, work is underway to supply vitally needed medicines to struggling health providers. Now is the time to act. Your church’s donation today will help us deliver urgent medical supplies and support vulnerable Ukrainian children and families. I have made a quick video to sum up the situation.
|
|
|
|
|
Please pray with me for the people of Ukraine, asking for peace and an end to this brutal war. The Bible says, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9. We cling to that verse today.
|
In response to this crisis, we invite you to join us for a one-hour Zoom call as we share the latest information from our partners and lift this situation and the people of Ukraine to God in prayer. Click here to secure your spot here on Monday, March 7 at 7.30 pm.
|
Thank you for trusting us with your donation.
|
Andrew Robinson
Disasters and Conflict Lead at Tearfund New Zealand
|
|
In person worship paused
|
Now that the severity and significance of this out break is understood Vestry met on Wednesday 3 March, and have decided to continue to pause in person worship until case numbers start to decline. This means only online worship will be offered for Sunday 6th & 13th March. Vestry will review this, on Wednesday 16th March.
|
Emergency Medicine and Community Care numbers across the Auckland region continue to experience a surge in Covid cases. There is a serious shortage of staff due to the outbreak. The number of Covid patients continues to increase in Hospital and HDU/ICU.
|
Given that any risk of spreading Covid at worship can only be mitigated by not having worship on Sunday this week in person, we believe that the safer option is to opt for an online service.
|
|
Lent Resources
We have a range of resources below, these can be emailed to you, dropped off or posted. Be in touch if you would like some of them. - Dion
|
|
|
|
Devotional Books
|
suitable for teens and adults.
|
|
|
Devotional Cards
|
suitable for all ages as a conversational prompt or personal reflection.
|
|
|
Wellness Wheel
|
This is a spiritual practice to help us head through Lent with intent.
|
|
|
|
|
Gratitude Vessel
|
We a practicing Gratitude over Lent, through daily filling in a Gratitude Vessel, download it here.
|
|
|
|
|
Lent-in-a-bag
|
A resource for household bubbles - it contains a weekly reflective activity based around the Sunday scripture and is suitable for all ages. You'll get all the special objects you will need plus all of the above.
|
|
|
Social Media
|
Watch our social media accounts for a daily prompt for reflection and prayer.
|
|
Wednesday 16th March
|
10am Communion @ St Mary by the Sea is paused.
|
|
|
|
Buddy Families
|
|
|
Can we at St Mary by the Sea be a buddy family to you?
|
- Call and check on you
- Pick up your prescription
- Pick up your click & collect grocery shopping from Countdown Browns Bay
|
Please be in contact with Debbie at the office, office@stmary.co.nz or 09-473-8180 so we can arrange support for you
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stay in the loop
|
Scripture
13th March 2022
|
Gen 15:1-12,17-18 - Ps 27 - Phil 3:17–4:1 - Luke 13:31-35
|
Collect
|
God, steadfast in love and purpose, your Son was not diverted from Jerusalem and the cross. Amid all business and distraction keep us focussed on your purpose. In times of uncertainty or anxiety, steady us. Through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AmenAmen
|
|
Word for Today and Our Daily Bread
|
|
|
Community Shop
Now open Tuesday - Saturday inclusive 10am to 4pm.
|
|
Thank you to everyone who shops at the Community store, without you all this hard work would be to no avail. Your purchases not only help support St Marys Church but also go to providing financial support via food vouchers to local schools and to those in need in the local community. In February we took just over $8,700. Expenses have to be taken from this.
|
|
Community Garden
|
|
|
March/April 2022 Magazine and Prayer Diary
|
|
Free bi-monthly magazine Barnabas Aid includes news and features on the persecuted Church, along with updates on projects that we are supporting. It also contains a daily Prayer Diary that you can use to guide you in your prayers for our suffering brothers and sisters.
|
|
Please contact your national Barnabas Fund office if you would like to receive Barnabas Aid magazine with Prayer Diary by post.
|
|
|
|
Celebrations
|
Happy birthday to Margaret Rocard and Trevor McCracken, Ngaire Bailey and Nanette Randall. Carter Newman celebrated his birthday last week and Fitu Tima turned 5 on Friday. Happy Birthday Fitu and we hope that your first days at school go well.
|
|
Regular Information
Worship for March 2022
|
Sunday - 8am - worship from NZ Prayer Book (paused)
|
|
Sunday - 10am - Intergenerational worship (paused)
|
Sunday - 10am - Online YouTube worship
|
|
Wednesday - 10am - Communion @ St Mary by the Sea (paused)
|
Praying for Others
|
Please send names for the Sunday Prayer-List by Sunday evening to Tony Nettleton, 027 278 1450 or prayer@stmary.co.nz Names can be sent at other times as required.
|
Donations
Online
Vestry would like to encourage you to give to support our ministry. Giving and donations can be made to:
St Mary by the Sea
BNZ Browns Bay 02-0120-0047903-003
Please reference your donation with your surname or giving number.
|
EFTPOS
The EFTPOS machine prints 2 receipts, the first is your copy, the second is printed by selecting MERCHANTS COPY on the screen. This second copy should always be left on the appropriate clip on the notice board. With out the second receipt it is not possible to know what the money was intended for. For Church Giving, you can either keep the first receipt or place it in the DONATION BASKET to go up to the altar for the blessing. Please write your giving number or full name on the second receipt if you want the donation added to your tax receipt. If you do not require your donation added to your tax receipt please write "NO TAX" on the receipt.
|
Feedback
|
Have some feedback? Feel free to email dion@stmary.co.nz
|
Subscribing
Contacts
Office
Debbie Rhodes, 09 4738180 office@stmary.co.nz
Office hours, Mon to Thr 10am-2pm. Working from home whilst at Level Red.
|
Vicar
|
Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
|
Priest Assistant
Wardens
Synod Representatives
Vestry Secretary
Vestry Members
St Mary by the Sea
PO Box 89-082, Torbay, Auckland, 0742
168 Deep Creek Rd, Torbay, Auckland, 0630
|
|
Thanks for reading. See you soon!
|
|
The St Mary by the Sea Team
|
|
     
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
