|
|
Today's gospel reading talks about Jesus being the bread of life, and it is an encouragement to look at the overall picture. Sometimes if we look at words too closely we can hear the message but miss the meaning.
|
We might say today’s Gospel reading (John 6:22-34) is a “Lesson in missing the point.” Because that is what was happening with the crowd, and to a limited extent the disciples. They were missing the point. Unfortunately there is no expression in how the Gospel writers record Jesus’ words. But I can imagine Jesus sighing, and then saying: “You want bread? You only think of your tummies, and I can give you eternal life!” The challenge for the crowd is to think beyond their tummy. And for someone that is hungry, that can be difficult, so we might ask, was Jesus being a bit harsh on them? Maybe he was? Maybe he wasn’t?
|
In John’s Gospel, miracles, like the feeding of the 5000 are always signs. Signs pointing to the fact that Jesus is God, that he isn’t any ordinary prophet. This isn’t someone speaking for God, this is God. And (I think) Jesus’ hope for the crowd is that when they realise this, that he isn’t any ordinary prophet, that they might ask a more meaningful question than: “Can we have some more bread please.”
|
What question do you bring to God today?
|
|
Journeying with you, Dion
|
|
The Consolidated Financial Reports for Diocese of Auckland.
The Consolidated Reports for the Auckland Dioceses to the year ending 31 December 2023 have now been audited and filed with Charities Services. You can review it on the Charities Services website or here.
We are not required as a parish to adopt these statements and they are not distributed but a Q&A paper has been included here to explain the purpose of the reports and help answer any questions.
The general purpose financial report and the annual report have been submitted to Charities Services on behalf of the Diocese of Auckland Group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Commission on Abuse in Care
Archbishops Statement
The Archbishops and Primates of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
24 July 2024
|
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care has released its report, which highlights abuse that occurred in Anglican communities in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950-1999.
|
Please hold the survivors of abuse in your hearts and prayers – some of whom participated in the Inquiry, courageously sharing traumatic experiences for justice and change.
|
Our Archbishops Don Tamihere, Justin Duckworth and Sione Ulu’ilakepa have asked that we share this statement from them within each of our churches across Aotearoa New Zealand.
|
|
|
We acknowledge and take full responsibility for our failures to provide the safe, caring and nurturing environment those who have been in our care had a right to expect and to receive.
Our apology at the Royal Commission to survivors of abuse was heartfelt and genuine and we can only stand in awe of their courage and endurance. We owe it to survivors to ensure that this Report is a catalyst for great change.
It is crucial that the whole Church takes direction and advice on this. We know that we still have a long way to go.
We call on all who identify as Anglican; whether churches, schools or agencies to study this Report’s recommendations and to commit themselves to the principles and practices that ensure the highest standards of care.
|
|
Anyone who is a survivor of historic abuse in the Anglican Church who wish to engage with the Church about that abuse are encouraged to email: contact@anglicanredress.nz
|
A prayer
Merciful God, we come to you in sorrow.
We would not hear, we did not believe,
Our silence condemned the innocent and the powerless.
Lord, strengthen and empower the survivors now,
and align our hearts with your justice.
God, hear our prayer.
Amen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
August is Cancer Society Daffodil Month
|
St Mary by the Sea is proud to support the Cancer Society annual daffodil appeal.
|
|
We have sent a fund raising target of $200. We have a donation page set up which is linked below. Donations made via this page will go directly to the Auckland Cancer Society and if you put your email address in they will send you your tax receipt back by return email.
|
|
If you wish to donate in person via a bank
|
|
Make a bank transfer or visit an ANZ Branch
|
Here are the account details for your local Cancer Society:
Name: Cancer Society Auckland Northland
Account number: 06-0193-0148529-00
Code: DDCom
Reference: St Mary by the Sea
|
|
|
|
Community Shop.
|
Now is a great time to go and update your winter wardrobe. How about some school holiday Op shopping with the children or grand children?
|
|
As part of the Community Shops commitment to supporting the local community each year they provide funds for the purchase of supermarket vouchers which are donated to Longbay, Browns Bay, Torbay, Glamorgan and Sherwood Primary Schools, Northcross Intermediate School, Long Bay and Rangitoto College. These vouchers enable the school to support students within their communities.
|
|
We thank everyone for their continues support of this mission.
|
|
|
ATWC Winter Readiness Campaign
|
As winter approaches, the AWTC starts another Hōtoke Whakaritea - Winter Readiness Campaign and they need your support.
|
|
This season, the reality is stark: 1 in 8 children will face the biting cold without the warmth they desperately need. We see the impacts of this extending beyond physical discomfort; it deeply affects their education and overall well-being. This is why initiatives like our Winter Readiness Campaign are necessary to make a real difference!
|
|
The aim is to raise funds to create winter packs tailored to families' needs – this could mean contributions towards kai, clothing, and support for necessities.
|
|
Support our mission of keeping children warm this winter by donating now on our website.
|
|
|
|
Space :- Parenting Space group
|
Starting Feb 12th at St Mary by the Sea. This group is for parents / carers of babies born September 2023 - Feb 2024. To register and for more details see the link below.
|
|
Free Money Workshops
|
North Harbour Budgeting Services are running free workshops on budgeting. Please phone or email them for details.
|
|
If you would like some free advice on your budget, income or would like some advise on a finance matter please pop along for a chat. These meeting non- judgemental and aimed at giving everyone a safe place to learn about their money.
|
|
Spaces are limited so please RSVP to
|
|
info@nhbudgeting.org.nz or telephone 0800 159 158
|
|
Grapevine Magazine
|
Issue 2 of the grapevine magazine is available in church and at the Community Shop. This is a family based magazine and well worth a look.
|
|
Anglican Magazine Now On-line
|
As part of the continued commitment to improve sustainability across the diocese the Anglican Magazine has moved to on-line only. You can access and read this magazine by the link below. Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
|
Food Bank
|
Thank you for the amazing support to this mission.
|
I am aware that the current economic climate makes finances more challenging for many. Please be mindful of your own budgeting needs, but if you are able to make a donation to this mission please consider doing so.
|
Update:-
Thanks to the donations of porridge sachets and canned casseroles I have been able to provide 3 hot meals to persons who walked into the church in need of food support. This week we have also provided food box support to a local family. Your donations of food to our food bank are still very much in need and appreciated.
|
We received a grant from the Food Insecurity Network from Woolworths NZ for the intention of allowing us to access the Good Works Trust Supermarket for families. Whilst these funds were for a limited time the Food Insecurity Network have generously agreed that we can extend our trial so we remain able to access this resource. To give everyone a sense of how important this is, over the last 4 weeks we have been able to feed 7 families which equates to over 12 adults and 11 children.
|
This week we are looking for donations of Canned casserole meals , chocolate biscuits or a small size cooking oil and general purpose surface cleaner
|
|
If you or someone you know is in need of a little extra support at this time via a food parcel please let Dion or the church office know. We can, by arrangement deliver the box if needed. All referrals are confidential. Referrals for food support can be made to the church office via email or telephone message at any time. These messages are checked regularly and a reply can be expected within 48 hours. If you know someone who is struggling to provide themself or their family with food at this time of year please reach out to them to discuss a referral to our food bank. The simple question of 'Can I help?' to start the conversation is often all that is needed.
|
|
Community Garden
|
Scripture Union Youth Summer Camps
|
The registration for these has just opened. There will be 16 camps available around the country Make sure you have a look and register early to secure your place
|
|
|
|
Celebration
If you have a celebration that you would like to share with the congregation via the newsletter please email the church office on the email below. Please let the office know before 9am on the Tuesday before.
|
|
August is the Cancer Society Daffodil Month.
|
|
Our Daily Bread
|
June-Aug now available in church and at our shop.
|
|
Word for Today and Our Daily Bread
|
Both of these can be collected from the Community Shop when paper copies are available.
|
|
Wednesday Service
|
Wednesday Service is canceled due to external commitments. Bible study online will still go ahead.
|
|
Wednesday Service and Bible Study Groups.
Midweek service
|
Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion at St Mary by the Sea. Restarts 7 Feb 2024.
|
Wednesday Zoom Bible Study
|
Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895
|
|
To phone in, call 09 884 6780 and when prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895. You will then be asked for the passcode which is: 488974
|
|
|
|
Online Worship - Sunday 10am
|
|
|
Scripture
4th August
2 Sam 11:26-12:13a
Eph 4:1-16
|
Collect
|
Heavenly Father, you see how your children hunger for food, and fellowship and faith. Help us to meet one another’s needs of body mind and spirit, in the love of Christ our Saviour. Amen.
|
|
Regular Information
Worship
|
Sunday - 8am - worship from NZ Prayer Book
|
|
Sunday - 10am - Intergenerational worship
|
|
Sunday - 10am - Online YouTube worship
|
|
Wednesday - 10am - informal worship from NZ Prayer Book.
|
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
St Mary by the Sea is a safe space
|
Abuse and Harassment are NEVER okay. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse or any inappropriate behavior, the RIPPLES PROJECT can help you. 0800 627 021. The Ripples service is available 9am-5pm and is free and confidential.
|
Contacts
Office
Debbie Rhodes, 09 4738180 office@stmary.co.nz
Church office open Tue to Thur 10am-2pm.
|
Vicar
|
Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
|
Priest Assistant
|
Rev’d Jay Smith, 021 1045914 jay@stmary.co.nz
|
Wardens
Connie Strong, 027 350 0548, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
|
Synod Representatives
|
Auriel Andrews auriel@kinect.co.nz
|
|
Connie Strong, connie1057@gmail.com
|
Vestry Secretary
|
Susan Haslam, 09 4150073 vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
|
Privacy Officer
|
Auriel Andrews, auriel@kinect.co.nz
|
Health and Safety Officer
|
Mark Van der ham, v_d_ham@yahoo.co.nz
|
Vestry Members
|
Bruce Rogers, bj_rogers@xtra.co.nz
|
|
Chris Waddingham, waddinghamchris@gmail.com
|
|
Emmanuel Mosiane, trupzala@gmail.com
|
|
Jenny Cheer, jmcheer@xtra.co.nz
|
|
Kerry Jonas, kerryandrobinj@gmail.com
|
|
Steve Dale, drumstick3000@gmail.com
|
|
Susan Haslam, ejhaslam@xtra.co.nz
|
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
|
|
|
|
     
|
