Greetings, friends, members, and supporters of our church in Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point, Conifer Grove, Takanini, and the southern part of Auckland—and beyond.

The Peace of Christ be with you!

God of wonder,

we give thanks today for the gift of curiosity:

For our capacity to learn and grow,

and to change and deepen our understanding of you and the world you have created.

We give thanks for our teachers and guides,

and for your Word, which brings comfort, but also challenges.

Strengthen us we pray, as we strive to seek first your Kingdom.

In Christ’s name.

AMEN

I have been doing quite a lot of walking over the last few months. I am told that walking in itself is a good thing to do, but I am also trying to do some preparation for our 1200 km trek around the island of Shikoku which we start in about 3 weeks.

Walking up to the top of Auckland’s various volcanic cones always provides a good workout and some wonderful views of Auckland and the Gulf.

From the top of Mt Eden - Maungawhau

And from One Tree Hill - Maungakiekie

    

The visibility from the mountain tops constantly changes.

I always look to see which land and islands are visible on any particular day.  You can almost always see Rangitoto and Motutapu, often Tiritiri Matangi and usually Te Hauturu-o-Toi – or Little Barrier Island – and usually too a good portion of the Coromandel Peninsula.   On particularly clear days, you can just make out Great Barrier Island – Aotea.    

I think it is important to remain mindful that we sometimes do not have the ‘full picture’ - and that there might be another point of view. 

It can be difficult to reflect critically on our outlook and how we see things.

Scripture reminds us of how our perspective and vision can change.

There is a moment when the familiar is transformed as we come to recognise Jesus in our midst: Luke 24 contains one of a number of accounts:

 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

And Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13 that:

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 Let Us Pray

Jesus, we pray today for all those whose vision has been damaged by war, fear or grief.

We pray for those whose experiences have left them despairing and without hope.

And for all of us who have become closed to the beauty and love that is around us.

Guide our work as we seek to see you in those who suffer and are afraid,

and help us to praise you as we behold the glory of the heavens and in the work your hands have made.

In the name of our Creator, we pray.

AMEN

Giving to support of our church. The life and work of our church relies on your generous support. As a registered charity we can provide giving receipts – normally at the end of the financial year. The receipt allows you to claim a 33% rebate as a charitable donation.  We provide these receipts on a confidential basis allocated to your giving number which you write on your giving envelope or include in the details of your bank transfers or auto payments. If you would like to receive a giving number which will enable you to receive a receipt then please contact Tony in confidence. tony@clevedonresy.co.nz 0272757235

Foodbank Parcels are heading out regularly, thank you for supporting this mission. This month we need: Tinned beetroot, Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid, muesli bars, biscuits, rice, marmite, peanut butter, ricies, weet-bix, chicken tonight sauce, pasta sauce, milo/drinking chocolate, coffee & black tea bags.

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 morning service at 10 am.

Prayer before the Service. Join us at 9:15 am every Sunday in Martin's office to pray for the church and community.

The Reading for this Sunday comes from Luke 9:51-62

St Aidan’s Takanini (23 Walter Stevens Drive, Conifer Grove,)

Sunday morning service at 10 am

Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am All

Men’s group. Thursdays at 7 pm in the St Aidan’s Church lounge. A time of sharing, fellowship, prayer and study together.

Services at Kawakawa Bay begin again this Sunday at 9.30am. Prayer time before the service is at 9.00 am