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this week we continue looking back at Jesus’ ministry before he left. Jesus talks about a vine, and how a vine needs pruning. In fact all vines need pruning. Grape vines, even watermelon vines. The idea is that in winter, all the vine is pruned back so that come spring, there is massive new growth. And as the new vine grows, the auxiliaries are pruned off so the growth goes where you want it. It keeps the fruit sweet. And Jesus is saying something similar to us. We all go through seasons. And when we are in a winter season, things need to be pruned back, so that come summer there is big new growth in us. And it is God the Father, who does the pruning.
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"Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you."
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So we remember to stay joined to Jesus through our faith, so that the nutrition of following Jesus flows through our life and our actions.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Confirmation (NEW DATE)
Sunday 14th July 2024
On Sunday 14th July 2024 Bishop Ross will be with us at 10am to preach, preside and confirm people in their faith.
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Confirmation is the opportunity to publicly say we wish to live the Christian life and follow Jesus' and his ways. It is an opportunity receive the laying on of hands from Bishop Ross and the anointing of the Holy Spirit for our life. And during confirmation preparation, it is an opportunity to ask questions and go deeper in our faith. Please consider this as an opportunity to grow and receive God's continued blessing on your life. To explore this opportunity more, please speak to Dion, dion@stmary.co.nz 0211378624
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First Aid Courses at church. 20th May
Update:-
I can confirm the date of this course will the 20th May starting at 1pm in St Mary's. If you are interested in taking part in this course please let the office know, we can still fit in 1 or 2 places.
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The course will be run by the company "FirstAid First".
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Email the office office@stmary.co.nz with FIRST AID in subject line to express your interest. Numbers will be strictly limited to ensure participant get the best out of the course.
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Community Shop.
The Community shop is open Tuesday to Saturdays 10am to 4pm. The shop took just over $9,700 in March.
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Our Community Shop in Inverness Road, now has it's Winter Stock available. Come in and update your winter wardrobe, grab that new jacket, cosy jumper and trousers. They also have duvet covers in all sizes and the occasional woolen blanket. Be quick, check out our stock regularly and buy it when you see it because you know things like this are snapped up as soon as they appear.
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If you have been holding onto winter clothing for donation now is the time to bring it into the shop.
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If you are having a clear out please consider if what you have is suitable for donation. Is it clean, complete and working? We can not take electrical items, baby safety equipment or furniture items due to space limits. Please do not leave donations outside the shop. Items left outside the shop are often damaged by vandals and the weather and become a public nuisance.
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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.
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ANZAC Day 25th April.
There will be a combined Northshore Parade and service in Browns Bay.
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Parade assembly: 8.15am cnr Anzac Rd and Beachfront Ln. Parade marches on Beachfront Ln to War Memorial.
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Service: 8.45am War Memorial, Manly Esplanade, Browns Bay
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Earth Day 22nd April
This Monday is Earth day as marked around the world. This years theme is Planet vs. Plastics. For more information visit the link below.
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Free Money Workshops
North Harbour Budgeting Services are running free workshops every Thursdays between 10am and 11am at the YES Disabilities Building Level 2 3 William Laurie Place Albany.
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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 are not sales pitch free, non- judgemental and aimed at giving everyone a safe place to learn about their money.
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Spaces are limited so please RSVP to
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info@nhbudgeting.org.nz or telephone 0800 159 158
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An update on the Food Bank
Last year the amount of support we handed out increased significantly. In 2023 the church office distributed 34 aid packs and 23 food boxes. An aid pack is when one of our full food boxes may not be appropriate, normally because the person doesn't have access to cooking facilitates due to being in emergency accommodation or homeless.
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Referrals for support come via our local schools, the community police officer, Budgeting services, the Community shop, self referral and our parishioners.
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There was a point in October when our stock of food was so low that I did fear that we would have to close but thanks to an amazing response to our call for help from local schools we have been able to remain open all year. This is a privileged position, many food banks have had to close their services at points in the last year due to low stock.
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The supplies we received from the schools are now running low and we will need, again, to closely monitor our stocks to ensure that we are able to remain a local resource. As the weather changes and the cost of living continues to bite for many families we can predict that the demand on our food bank will remain high and increase. Over the colder months the choice of food or heat becomes a stark reality for many. We are very grateful to the local schools and the parishioners that have been able to support this mission over the last year. 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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If you are able to add an item to your shopping for donation that would be gratefully received. What we need:-
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Urgent - sandwich spread, sweet and savoury ( jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread, vegimite) . Cereal bars preference for nut free versions so these can be used for school lunch boxes.375g box of weetbix, long life bread wraps/ tortilla wraps. Canned meat- corn beef, chicken, spam (not fish, we have plenty of tuna at this time)
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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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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!
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Community Garden
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Celebration
Happy Birthday to Alison Kivell for the 28th April. Many happy returns to you.
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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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The Word for Today
February to April copy is available in the church now.
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Our Daily Bread
March-May now available in church and at our shop.
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Word for Today and Our Daily Bread
Both of these can be collected from the Community Shop when paper copies are available.
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Wednesday Service and Bible Study Groups.
Midweek service
Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion at St Mary by the Sea. Restarts 7 Feb 2024.
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Wednesday Zoom Bible Study
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
21st April
Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
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Collect
Christ of the new covenant, give us the happiness to share, with full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, all that you give us. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.
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Regular Information
Worship
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
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
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
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
Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
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Priest Assistant
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
Auriel Andrews auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Connie Strong, connie1057@gmail.com
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Vestry Secretary
Susan Haslam, 09 4150073 vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
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Privacy Officer
Auriel Andrews, auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Health and Safety Officer
Mark Van der ham, v_d_ham@yahoo.co.nz
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Vestry Members
Bruce Rogers, bj_rogers@xtra.co.nz
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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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