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! Let us pray: Dear God, We give thanks today for the good things that are part of who we are: The relationships that are so important to us, the memories that we cherish, and the experiences that have taught us about the most important things. We give thanks for your life-giving Spirit, in us and around us, bringing hope and strength and courage. In Christ’s name. AMEN Clinging I have always been a fan of Pohutakawa Trees. Brilliant in their spectacular December flowering – but also so resilient. Clinging to cliff faces, and growing in places that would challenge many other trees.    During our Saturday walk, we came across this remarkable example. It was growing out of a wall on a quiet street in Epsom. I wondered how it got there – and did it grow as a seedling after the wall was built – or did the builders somehow construct the wall around it? The things that cling Through scripture, the word ‘cling’ is used to describe things that are closest to us. In Genesis 2:24 we hear about ‘clinging’ in terms of human closeness and intimacy: “Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh” At times we read about moments of despair – our souls ‘clinging to the dust:’ Psalm 119 Your decrees are my delight, they are my counsellors. 25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word. 26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes. And from the Book of the Hebrews, we find perhaps the most quoted verses about sin and clinging – and the encouragement to persevere despite the challenges we face: 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.   Let us pray: We pray today, dearest Lord, for the times when we find our souls ‘clinging to the dust.’ We pray for all those who are brought low, by the experiences of grief or pain or loneliness. And for all who cry out from places of despair or loss. You, God, are a God who brings freedom. Strengthen the work of all those who seek justice, healing, hope and peace. In Christ’s name, we pray. AMEN Our Notices  Community Lunch. Join us after 12 on Thursday, November the 7th, at the Clevedon Church lounge for a shared lunch a time of fellowship and a catch-up on the latest church news. (As this will be our final lunch before Christmas, you might want to wear something that reflects the coming season)   Parenting Workshop We are very fortunate to have the wonderful Dr Kirsten Davis to present a Parenting Workshop based on a value-led approach to growing emotional resilience in our little ones. This is a free seminar Tuesday 12th November 7.15 pm arrival for 7.30 pm start. This has proved very popular in the past so bookings are essential. Contact Lynette for more information. (lynette@clevedonpresy.co.nz)  (See poster attached)   Angel Tree Gifts 2024 This year as part of our "loving others" theme we are providing meat vouchers ($25) for families in need from our wider community via Painga Project. Either, choose a name from the tree in the Church & follow the instructions on the envelope. Or we have a virtual Angel Tree, if you are interested in supporting this, please deposit your $25 donation to the church bank account: 12-3031-0057396-00 Clevedon Presbyterian Ref: Angel Tree, Code: Your phone number & Email Annemarie office@clevedonpresy.co.nz, who will send you a child’s name to remember in your prayers. The appeal will conclude at the end of November. Christmas Carol Service Choir Practice—if you haven't been “shoulder tapped” by Gina yet, this is your time to join a joyous choir. Practices will commence weekly from 6th November at 7.30 pm, all music is supplied. (You can contact Gina at gina.sanders@xtra.co.nz)    Foodbank—Thanks to those who have so generously given, it is appreciated. Our pantry would benefit from: long-life milk (1L boxes) weetbix, biscuits, muesli bars, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dishwashing liquid, Alternatively, we also like to include a Supermarket voucher in the parcels to allow people to purchase fresh items like cheese, butter, and meat. Tuesday Morning Home Group. Meeting in Ardmore. Please contact Bev Sutton 0273 107 421 for directions. 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  Men’s Group meets Wednesday 7.30 pm in Clevedon Church Lounge Come along for fellowship, discussion and prayer.  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. Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am. All welcome Women's friendship and study 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 Men’s group. Thursdays at 7 pm in the St Aidan’s Church lounge. A time of sharing, fellowship, prayer and study together.  Kawakawa Bay Sunday Morning Church Service is in the Kawakawa Bay Hall at 9.30 am.  Playgroup each Wednesday from 8 am in the Community Hall   After last Sunday's service at Kawakawa Bay, the church joined at Snake Gully to celebrate the baptism of Melanie Moss from Orere Point: (Photo by Annemarie - on Brenda's phone!)

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