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Hi [subscriber:firstname],
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We enjoyed celebratingelcome to St Mary by the Sea news for this week. We look forward to having you join us at 8am and 10am this Sunday.
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Lent begins this coming Wednesday. Would you be interested in a lent study group; find out more information below. Would you like daily encouragement over lent? We will be running a daily thought and reflection, see below. And of course lent, means Shrove Tuesday (16 Feb) and Ash Wednesday (17 Feb); there are three opportunities to start the transformation that the Gospel brings as we journey towards Easter and the resurrection for the year. Please take the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of lent with is.
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This week we conclude the teaching mini-series on the Miracles of Jesus.
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Daily Lent Engagement
We have a daily reflection available.
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Would you like something in depth? Then pick up the Lent Devotion Booklet from the Welcome Desk.
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Would you like something brief? Pick up a series of 47 Devotion Cards.
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Would you prefer a digital offering? Then click the link below to go to our Website and sign up for a daily reflection on:
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- email
- WhatsApp
- TXT
- Messenger
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Pancakes and Ashes
Tuesday 16th Feb, 5:30pm
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Come and join in the Intergenerational fun of pancakes and Ash Wednesday combined. We start at 5:30 with Pancakes, and at 6pm move to a brief services of ashes and reflection
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Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 17th Feb
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At 10am we have a traditional Ash Wednesday service, with communion and the imposition of ashes.
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At 7:30pm we join with Albany and St John's for a combined Ash Wednesday service.
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Lent Study Groups
Visio Divina
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During Lent there will be an opportunity to delve into the scriptures deeper through a process called Visio Divina. Study groups are Wednesday 10am
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at St Mary by the Sea, and Wednesday 12:30pm on Zoom. If you cannot make either of those times, you may wish to run your own group. Full resources and instructions are available for this creative way of engaging the scriptures. Studies begin Wednesday 24th February.
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Visio Divina, latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Visio Divina extends the 6th century Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina by the use of visual imagery. Traditionally, Visio Divina was accompanied by Benedictine iconography and illuminations, however, different faith traditions have adapted the process over time, utilizing both secular and nonsecular images. Use this lesson plan to blend visual meditation with group discussion and bible study.
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Intergenerational Study Group
Sunday 3pm - St Mary's Lounge
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21st Feb to 28th March, in the Lounge, 3pm at St Mary by the Sea. Please join us as we combine Scripture and movies and explore more about our transforming God. We'll have popcorn and conclude with pizza, Suitable for all ages and stages, 0 - 100.
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Miracles - a mini series
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Over three Sundays we look at miracles. Join us on Sunday 31st Jan, 7 Feb and 14 Feb.
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Following from the end of a challenging year and facing a lot of unknown, how often do we stop and see the miracles in our daily lives? Much of Jesus ministry was centred around the miracles he performed. The miracles have several layers to them. Firstly, they demonstrated Jesus divinity, that he really was the Son of God. Secondly, they changed a persons life at an individual level and finally, they changed lives at a societal level. The impact of the miracles reconnected a person with their family and community and would be an ongoing example of God’s work in that person’s life which would have brought hope to others.
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Mainly Music - Able bodied helpers required
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Mainly Music is back for 2021. It runs school term time only on Fridays starting at 9:30am. We need volunteers to move all the chairs to the side of the church so we have an activity space for the families. If you are able to help move chairs on a Thursday, to set up, or on a Friday at about 10:30am, after the session, please call Meg Norton 473 8444.
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Gratitude Journal
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Pickup your gratitude journal at the Welcome Desk
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Wednesday 10am Services.
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Wednesday Services have restarted. We look forward to seeing you then.
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Community Garden
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Are you interested in being part of the St Mary by the Sea community garden? For more information, see the information on the Welcome Desk, or talk to Clayton Christie at the 8am service, or Nannette Randall at the 10am service. There is an expression of interest form here, and a brochure here. and on our website here: www.stmary.co.nz/garden
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Resourcing Monday's Ministries
April 9th - 11th April - Vaughn Park
A weekend retreat at Vaughan Park for lay people of all churches to helping us become more intentional, resourced and effective disciples. Hosted by Bishop Bruce April 9th -11th. Friday 6pm - Sunday 1pm
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Bishop Bruce has a life-long interest and involvement in “Living by Faith on Monday”. He has a background in science and theology, and worked in parishes, education and industry as a priest, and as Anglican Bishop of Auckland 1985 – 1994.
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- The various contexts of our lives Monday to Saturday, in which we aim to be effective disciples of Jesus our Lord and brother
- Focussing in whom and on what our lives are anchored
- Locating resources for our task – so we are better equipped
- Clues and hints on fruitfully engaging the various contexts we move in, especially the workplace
- Consideration of case studies, and preparation for Sunday worship.
- Commissioning and planning re-entry aims, and a review of the weekend.
Each person will receive a work book, and the weekend will be punctuated with spaces, dialogue and prayer. More info: brucepat@xtra.co.nz and 078648727.
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Cost: $310 (includes catering, two nights stay, seminar and work book).
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Neighbours Day 20th March.
Bring your family along to a Neighbour's Day Aotearoa event at Takapuna Methodist 38 Hurstmere Rd Takapuna. 11am-2pm.
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Online YouTube Worship
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Sunday 14th February
Theme: Miracles give create thanksgiving
SCRIPTURES:
Collect
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Exalted God, you care for all who suffer, remind us of our shared humanity, move us with your compassion to the outcast and lost. May we never turn away from those in need, but share with generosity and joy the love we have received. For you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
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Next week's readings
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Gen 9:8-17, 1 Pet 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15
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'Two Prayers For Today' Books for Sale
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We have received another small number of these books which you are able to purchase via the church office for $20 each. If you are purchasing on Sunday, when the office is closed, payment can be made via EFTPOS with the word BOOK written on your receipt. Sorry, this will not count towards your tax receipt.
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Zoom Bible Study
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Community Shop
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The Community shop is now open 10am- 4pm Monday- Saturday.
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The Community Shop took $8,258 in sales in January. (Expenses have to be taken out of this). This is a great result considering all the public holidays in the month. Thank you to everyone who helps out with running the shop, especially over this summer holiday period.
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Celebrations
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Happy Birthday to Annalia Blundell who will be 11 on the 19th February. Many happy returns to you.
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If there is a celebration you would like added to our list or a one off event that you would like celebrated please let the office know. Email newsletter@stmary.co.nz
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Church Donations
With the effects of Covid, many parishioners have switched to online giving. This has been a great help to the parish. Not only does this mean that donations come in regularly, helping us to manage our accounts, it also removes all of the risks that are apparent with the handling of cash and envelopes through numerous hands. If you would like information on setting up an online donation please talk to Dion or contact the church office for account details.
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Donations made in church via the EFTPOS machine have also seen an increase. If you are unsure how to work this please do not hesitate to ask for help. Remember to leave your till receipt on the donation clip with your giving number or name written on it, this will be added to your tax receipt like normal. Your second receipt can either be kept by you or placed in the DONATION BASKET to go up to the altar.
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For those who want to make a cash or cheque donation in church, (either with-in or outside of a donation envelop) you need to leave this in the DONATION BASKET in the reception area. Due to health and Safety a collection is no longer passed among the congregation during a service.
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If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact the church office. Thank you for your continued financial support of this parish, we really appreciate it.
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Regular Information
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
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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Feedback
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Have some feedback? Feel free to email dion@stmary.co.nz
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Subscribing
Contacts
Office
Vicar
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Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
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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
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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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