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This week we think about communion with Jesus saying he is the bread of life in John 6:58 "This is the bread that came down from heaven, (and) the one who eats this bread will live for ever."
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How does unity come about, what do we do, how do we do it? The simple answer is that we don't, that unity comes at the initiative of God, and this initiative has taken the shape of the invitation to communion. That is why we see communion as so important, because it is God/Jesus' gift to us, to draw us together. Sure we have to work hard at times to share communion; that is why we have the peace to help us get in a place where we can share communion with each other and become the body of Christ. Communion is important to us because it helps us be the body of Christ, and it the body of Christ that works with God in the world.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Urgent, Large Cardboard boxes needed.
Please help. We need large strong clean (my food box/ Hello fresh/Farmers Box) style boxes.
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The food bank has been given the most amazing offer of help from Rangitoto College.
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The College has offered to hold a food drive on the 23rd August with us being the beneficiaries. For this we need to supply the college with a large number of strong boxes they can collect the food into. If you have any of these type of boxes available please cut the tape on the bottom of the box so that the box lies flat and bring them to church with you on Sunday. By cutting the tape the boxes can be re-taped and used as needed. Please do not bring built boxes as we can not store them. Collapsed boxes can be stored in the church office or left by the cleaning cupboard if the office is closed.
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Cancer Society Daffodil day update
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I are very excited to be able to tell you that St Mary by the Sea has already reached it's initial donation target of $200 for the Cancer Society. It is no secret that this is a charity dear to my heart and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has open the link and viewed our donation page and to those that have been able to make a donation. If you would like to donate to the Cancer Society you can still do so on the link below. If you add in your email address they send you a tax receipt straight back. Every dollar makes a difference.
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August is Cancer Society Daffodil Month
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St Mary by the Sea is proud to support the Cancer Society annual daffodil appeal.
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We have sent a fund raising target of $200. And we reached it!!! So lets see what else we can do.
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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.
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If you wish to donate in person via a bank
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Make a bank transfer or visit an ANZ Branch
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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
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Community Shop.
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Now is a great time to go and update your winter wardrobe.
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Our Community shop is now open on Mondays, if you are able to help volunteer in the shop please contact Fay on weatherlyfay@gmail.com
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We thank everyone for their continues support of this mission.
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ATWC Winter Readiness Campaign
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As winter approaches, the AWTC starts another Hōtoke Whakaritea - Winter Readiness Campaign and they need your support.
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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!
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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.
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Support our mission of keeping children warm this winter by donating now on our website.
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Space :- Parenting Space group
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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.
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Grapevine Magazine
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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.
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Anglican Magazine Now On-line
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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!
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Food Bank
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Thank you for the amazing support to this mission.
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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.
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We are still in need of some more Canned casserole meals, canned tomatoes, Pasta sauces and general purpose surface cleaner
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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.
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University of Otago Open Theology Lecture Live Streamed.
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Community Garden
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Scripture Union Youth Summer Camps
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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
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Celebration
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Happy Birthday to Judy Leitch for the 20th August. Many happy returns to you.
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Happy Wedding Anniversary To Alison and Peter Kivell for the 20th August. 58 years. Many happy returns to you both.
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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.
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August is the Cancer Society Daffodil Month.
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Our Daily Bread
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June-Aug now available in church and at our shop.
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Word for Today and Our Daily Bread
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Both of these can be collected from the Community Shop when paper copies are available.
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Wednesday Service
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Wednesday Service is canceled due to external commitments. Bible study online will still go ahead.
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Wednesday Service and Bible Study Groups.
Midweek service
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion at St Mary by the Sea. Restarts 7 Feb 2024.
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Wednesday Zoom Bible Study
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Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895
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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
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Online Worship - Sunday 10am
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Scripture
18th August
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
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Collect
Living host, call us together, call us to eat and drink with you. Grant that by your body and your blood we may be drawn to each other and to
you. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Regular Information
Worship
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Sunday - 8am - worship from NZ Prayer Book
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Sunday - 10am - Intergenerational worship
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Sunday - 10am - Online YouTube worship
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Wednesday - 10am - informal worship from NZ Prayer Book.
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Praying for Others
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Feedback
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Have some feedback? Feel free to email dion@stmary.co.nz
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Subscribing
St Mary by the Sea is a safe space
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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.
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Contacts
Office
Debbie Rhodes, 09 4738180 office@stmary.co.nz
Church office open Tue to Thur 10am-2pm.
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Vicar
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Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
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Priest Assistant
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Rev’d Jay Smith, 021 1045914 jay@stmary.co.nz
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Wardens
Connie Strong, 027 350 0548, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Synod Representatives
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Auriel Andrews auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Connie Strong, connie1057@gmail.com
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Vestry Secretary
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Susan Haslam, 09 4150073 vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
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Privacy Officer
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Auriel Andrews, auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Health and Safety Officer
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Mark Van der ham, v_d_ham@yahoo.co.nz
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Vestry Members
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Chris Waddingham, waddinghamchris@gmail.com
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Emmanuel Mosiane, trupzala@gmail.com
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Jenny Cheer, jmcheer@xtra.co.nz
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Kerry Jonas, kerryandrobinj@gmail.com
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Steve Dale, drumstick3000@gmail.com
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Susan Haslam, ejhaslam@xtra.co.nz
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St Mary by the Sea
PO Box 89-082, Torbay, Auckland, 0742
168 Deep Creek Rd, Torbay, Auckland, 0630
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Thanks for reading. See you soon!
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The St Mary by the Sea Team
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