Parish Newsletter 12 March 2017
The Combined Anglican and Presbyterian Churches of Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Sunday 12th March 2017
9.30am Trinity
11.30am Duvauchelle
A warm welcome to parishioners and visitors alike. Please join us for refreshments and fellowship in Trinity Hall following our service.
MIKE’S MESSAGE
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ
In today’s Old Testament reading (Genesis 12:1-4) God commands Abraham to leave his country and his father’s house, in order to be led to an unknown land and an uncertain future. Following God is often unsettling. God calls Abraham to shift his identity from his country, family and household, to being one who ultimately trusts God and walks out in faith. Thinking of life as a journey, is helpful in describing a life of faith. God’s call is not about a religious or ‘special’ vocation for some, it is about God’s hold on our lives and our total response to God. As we follow Christ there will be times when we are asked to leave what is familiar behind; to relinquish our comforts and securities, and to depart on an exciting journey without a map. There will be ups and downs, and many joys and sorrows. But our journey of faith will be filled with many promises – the most important one being that God is always with us – come what may – and he will show us the way.
There are some important things happening in the weeks ahead. Please join us for our parish picnic and outdoor service on Sunday 26th March. It is the only service of the day – and it’s an opportunity to relax as one congregation in a beautiful garden with a wonderful sea view. Also, note that the following Sunday (April 2nd) will be Harvest Thanksgiving followed by the Anglican AGM. Please consider any items for general business.
God Bless! Mike
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Monday 13th March
10am Mainly Music – Trinity Hall
Tuesday 14th March
9am – 5pm Alpha Course – Day Retreat Wainui Community Centre
Wednesday 15th March
11am St Peter’s Lounge – Holy Communion
1.30pm Pompallier House – Holy Communion
Thursday 16th March
5pm Vestry Meeting – St Peter’s Lounge
Next Sunday 19th March
9.30 am St Peter’s – Holy Communion
Celebrant: Mike Lay Reader: Allison
Welcomers: Kath & Rose
Sidesperson: Anne P Projection: Simon
Prayers: Wendy Organist: Rachel
Readers: Clive & Tamzin
Morning Tea: Sarah & Rose
11.30am Wainui
COMING UP SOON
Monday 20th – Friday 24th March
‘Beating the Boundaries’ – Mike’s pilgrimage around Banks Peninsula
Sunday 26th March 11 am Outdoor Service and Picnic in Ken and Fiona Paulin’s garden
Friday 31st March Community Lunch – Trinity Hall at 12 noon
Sunday 2nd April Harvest Festival and St Peter’s AGM
Thursday 6th April Outreach Group meeting – St Peter’s at 5 pm
Wednesday 12 April CPC meeting – St Peter’s at 5 pm
Thursday 13 April Seder Meal – Trinity at 5.30 pm
Good Friday 9.30 am – Trinity 3 pm – St Patrick’s
Easter Day 9.30 am – St Peter’s
11.30 am – Wainui. This will be the final service held at Wainui, before its deconsecration at Labour Weekend. You are all encouraged to attend, and to join in a shared lunch after the service. Times for services in the outer bays will be posted next week.
BEATING THE BOUNDARIES
From Monday 20 March to Saturday 25th March, Mike will be walking from church to church around the bays. His itinerary is as follows:
Monday 7am leave Akaroa, (via Old Le Bons track) 5pm arrive Le Bons; Tuesday 7am leave Le Bons (via main roads) 5pm arrive Okains; Wednesday 7am leave Okains (via Charlton Rd) arrive 5pm Little Akaloa; Thursday 7am leave Decanter Bay (via Menzies Bay Rd) 5pm arrive Pigeon Bay; Friday 7am leave Pigeon Bay (via main roads) 5pm arrive Wainui. (On Friday the Vicar is planning to walk and cycle, as it is the longest stretch.) Saturday 7am leave Wainui and arrive 12noon at Duvauchelle. At each of the local churches there will be a short service of prayer at the time of arrival.
Rachel is co-ordinating transport for those who would like to join Mike at any stage of his walk. Please phone her (304 8920) if you can act as a driver, or if you would like a lift!
OUTDOOR SERVICE AND PICNIC
Sunday 26th March at 11 am. Please bring a shared ‘picnic lunch’ plate and a chair. If you have spare chairs that would be wonderful for the folk who are unable to bring one.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
Our next Community Lunch will be held in Trinity Hall on Friday March 31st from 11.30 am. Please think about people you could invite to come. We will again be needing helpers in the kitchen and to provide a sweet slice. Please speak to Wendy (304 7151) or Rachel (304 8920) if you can help.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Harvest Festival is on Sunday 2nd April at St Peter’s. Please bring your produce – fruit and vegetables and tinned goods – to St Peter’s by midday Saturday 1st April. Anne Paterson and her team will be decorating the church and all the produce will be donated to Heartlands and Pompallier after the service.
AGM – GENERAL BUSINESS
The St Peter’s AGM will be held after the Harvest Festival Service. Please ensure that any items you would like included in General Business are with Mary McNutt by the previous week.
PARISH VISITING
If you are aware of anyone who would appreciate a visit from our vicar, Mike, or if you would like him to call on you, please don’t hesitate to phone him on 304 7051, or email him at padre_mike@hotmail.com
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Don’t stay in the boat when God’s calling you to step out on the water.
Anon
Vicar – Rev Michael Baker – phone 304 7051 or padre_mike@hotmail.com
Presbyterian Contact – Ken Paulin – phone 304 7012 or paulinakaroa@xtra.co.nz
Newsletter – Chrissy Smith – phone (03) 325 6244 or kimsmith@ihug.co.nz
Webpage – www.akaroachurches.co
