Parish Newsletter 24 December 2017
The Combined Anglican and Presbyterian Churches of Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Sunday 24th December – 9.30 am – Trinity – Advent Carol Service
5.00 pm – Little Akaloa
7.00 pm – Le Bons
11 pm Midnight Service – St Peter’s
A warm welcome to parishioners and visitors alike. Please join us for morning tea and fellowship in Trinity Hall following our service this morning.
THE COLLECT
Lord God of the universe, your prophets of old
foretold that you would one day
send your Messiah into the world.
You fulfilled this promise in Jesus Christ.
Prepare us this Christmas, to greet him
as Emmanuel, God with us, with joyful hearts;
who is one with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen
MIKE’S MESSAGE
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
While the festival of Christmas is celebrated yearly, the truth of Jesus’ birth is something that is real every day. In Jesus Christ, God became human – one of us. The meaning of Christmas is that God is with us, and that in Christ, God is reconciling the universe to himself. There is a saying, “Who we are is God’s gift to us; what we become, is our gift to God.” It takes a whole lifetime to unwrap the gifts of God’s grace, especially courage, honesty, peace, faith, hope, and love. Let us accept these gifts more deeply into ourselves – and be changed. A blessed and happy Christmas to you all! Mike
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Christmas Day
9.30 am Family Service – Trinity
Leader: Mike Organist: Rachel
Prayers: Wendy Sidesperson: Clive
Welcomer: Pip Projection: Gerald
Readers: Rachel & Pip
Readings: Titus 3: v4-7 Luke 2: v1-20
10.30 am Carol Service – Pigeon Bay
11.00 am Holy Communion – Duvauchelle
11.00 am Carol Service – Wainui Hall
New Year’s Eve
9.30 am Informal Service – Trinity
Leader: Mike
Organist: Ann K
Prayers: Allison
Sidesperson: Ken
Welcomers: Graeme & Maryn
Projection: Gerald
Readers: Jeannette & Mary McN
Morning Tea: Jeannette & Maryn
Readings: Galatians 4: 4-7 Luke 2: 22-40
11.30 am Outdoor Service – Okains Bay
COMMUNITY CAROLS REPORT
Community carols were sung last Sunday evening with the accompaniment of the Akaroa Silver Band, with Ann and Terry Krugel assisting. There were about 50 people on the grass in front of Ma Maison, and about 20 more on the veranda of the restaurant. There was a friendly atmosphere following Heartland’s Christmas in the Park, and the ominous rain clouds held off until it finished. Thanks to all who assisted. Mike
UNICEF CHRISTMAS APPEAL
A big thank you to all those who gave up time this week, several of you more than once, to collect for this year’s Combined Churches’ Christmas Appeal for UNICEF’s work of saving the lives of children in Yemen. By the end of Thursday, with Friday and Saturday still to go, we had raised a fantastic $1370. This will be forwarded to UNICEF as soon as possible after Christmas. Thank you all.
HOME GROUPS FOR 2018
There will be two church home groups meeting in 2018, a morning group and an evening group. Please consider attending one of these. They provide good company, lots of laughs, mutual support and spiritual growth.
The morning group will meet (as in the past) on Tuesdays 10 am – 12.00 at Ken and Fiona Paulin’s, starting on Tuesday 23rd January. Each week we will study and discuss one of Mike’s sermons. We feel they are full of such excellent and challenging material, and will always repay closer study.
The evening group will meet at Chrissy Smith’s home 7pm – 9 pm starting on Wednesday 24th January. We will follow a study series called “The Jesus Lifestyle” with video talks by Nicky Gumbel followed by discussion. Topics include: Happiness, How to change the world around you, How to handle conflict, How to live and act with integrity, How to stop worrying and start living, etc.
Choose your group and put the dates in your diary. More information from Simon or Rachel Tipping 304 8920
FREEZER MINISTRY
We are delighted that many of our frozen meals have been delivered to those in need. Please remember that Christmas can be a very difficult time for some, so keep those donations of meals rolling in. If you know of anyone who is unwell or under stress who would appreciate a cooked meal please contact Rachel on 304 8920.
POMPALLIER VILLA FOR SALE
Pompallier Village Trust has a villa available now for sale. Interested, or know someone who may be? Phone Kate Clare 304
PRAYER GROUPS
Akaroa Prayer Group and Communion will resume on Wednesday 7th February.
Duvauchelle Prayer Group will continue over the holiday period.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.” Frank McKibben
CONTACTS
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 424 3592 or chrissyakaroa@gmail.com
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Webpage – www.akaroachurches.co.nz
