Greetings, friends, members and supporters of our church at Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point, Conifer Grove, Takanini, and in the southern part of Auckland – and beyond.
The Peace of Christ be with you!
Let us Pray
Lord, we come today, with our prayers of thanksgiving,
for those who give, and have given, so much,
to assure our safety, security and protection.
For those too, today who give of themselves, to care, support and help,
those who are in danger, afraid or vulnerable.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ you teach us,
and so today we pray for all those committed to the ways of peace.
In Christ’s name
AMEN
Alfred
In 1917 my grandfather joined the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was just 18 and World War 1 had another year to run. At one of the final conflicts of the war, on November 4,1918, the Brigade took the small German-held town of Le Quesnoy in Northern France.
(Capture of the walls of Le Quesnoy by George Edmund Butler, 1920.)
The people in the town have never forgotten the bravery shown by the New Zealanders – there are statues and streets which identify this close association.
At Le Quesnoy, there are 12 WW1 graves - 11 New Zealanders who died just a week before the end of the war, and 1 German who was also killed. On Anzac, day town officials use to read out the names of the 11 New Zealanders and put a poppy on their crosses. In recent times they decided to read out the names of all 12 young men - 11 New Zealanders and 1 German. All are now remembered, all now get poppies on their graves.
Jesus and our scars
One of the most profound stories of Jesus’ resurrection is when one of his doubting disciples, Thomas, recognises him by touching one of his scars.
The story reminds us of how we may all be recognised by our scars – and in a deep way, affirms again that Jesus knows what it is like to suffer and be afraid. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrote from his prison cell, “Only the suffering God can help.”
John 20:26-28
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ 28 Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Let us Pray
We pray today, God, for all those who are afraid, for those who are injured,
and for all who carry scars on their hearts or bodies.
Jesus, you are the one who brings healing and hope,
and so, we ask for the healing of those hurt or in pain.
We pray that the promise for the ‘healing of the nations’ might be fulfilled.
Help us to follow you, and witness to our faith,
as we bring words of comfort and reassurance to those in need.
In the name of the crucified and risen Saviour.
AMEN
Our Notices
ANZAC Biscuits are needed. If there is anyone who can bake biscuits for our ANZAC day commemorations, it would be most appreciated. Please let Elaine know: elaine.balemi@gmail.com. or phone 0220717201
ANZAC Day: On Thursday 25 April, at 9.30 am – starting at the Clevedon memorial and proceeding to the community hall. A 2-part service, with singers and musicians, sought for the ceremony in the hall and general volunteers. Please contact Gina if you can help. gina.sanders@xtra.co.nz
ANZAC Day at Orere Point will be celebrated at 10 am at the hall. If you can help with the set up please come at 9 am
Men’s Breakfast @ Papakura East Presbyterian Church. You are invited to join our friends at Papakura East 8 am to 9:30 am on the 27th of April. Trevor Sai Louie will be sharing about his love of acting. Please RSVP to office@pepc.org.nz (87 Settlement Road.)
The Clevedon Men’s Group will meet again after the school holidays – dinner at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, May 1, at the Papakura Food Court. All are welcome. https://www.broadwayfoodco.nz/
Community Lunch. Our next lunch will be held on Thursday May the 2nd at the Clevedon Church lounge. 12 noon. A shared lunch. All welcome. A good time to catch up.
Tuesday Morning Home Group. Ardmore 10 am. All are welcome to join with this very friendly and welcoming group for prayer, discussion and Bible readings. Please contact Bev Sutton for details: 027 3107 421
Tuesday Evening Ladies Bible Study meets during the school term in locations in Ardmore and Conifer Grove. 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. If you would like to find out more, please give Geraldine Oosterbeek a call on 027-2704-904
Prayer Circle Requests. For anyone who is seeking prayer for any concern or situation: prayercircle.clevedonpresy@gmail.com or text: Cath at 021 349 417, Elaine 022 071 7201, or Nikki 021 973 799
AA - every Thursday at 7.30 pm at the Clevedon Church lounge. Friendly and supportive. For anyone with alcohol or drug problems. https://aa.org.nz/
Sunday Services and activities:
Clevedon Church
Sunday morning service at 10 am. Join us in person or watch the live stream on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxBzxjBb3xU8ra2NHwvD_9A
(The service can also be viewed at any time afterwards.)
Prayer before the Service. Join us at 9:15 am every Sunday in Martin's office to pray for the church and community.
St Aidan’s Takanini (23 Walter Stevens Drive, Conifer Grove,)
Sunday morning service at 10 am
Playgroup - Every Monday and Tuesday morning in the school term. Contact Brenda at 021 657 178.
Men’s group. Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Church lounge. A time of sharing, fellowship, prayer and study together.
Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am. All welcome
Women's friendship and study group. Evening group, Wednesday, 7 pm. Day group, Friday 10 am. Contact Lorraine Richmond at 027 476 1169
Know your Bible Women’s study group. Thursday 12.30-2.30 pm. Contact Susanna Ph. 027 450 1926 (note the change from Friday)
Kawakawa Bay
The service is held in the Community Hall each Sunday at 9.30 am.
Thank you for your prayers and generous support of our church and its mission.
Martin
Mailing Address
3 Papakura Clevedon Road, Clevedon, Auckland
2408.5342
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