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 Jesus, you teach us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” Help us, we pray, to be peacemakers: in our homes, in our communities, and in the world around us. As we hear so much of war, strengthen, we pray, the work of those committed to justice and peace. In Your name, we pray, AMEN Peacemakers Today is a special day in New Zealand.  One of our country’s inspiring and influential leaders was Te Whiti o Rongomai. Te Whiti led the passive resistance against the British troops who invaded what was then a prosperous and well-run town within the Maori community at Parihaka in Taranaki. That invasion took place on November 5th, 1881 - 143 years ago. On this day, the peaceful village of Parihaka was invaded by 1500 volunteers and members of the Armed Constabulary. The soldiers were welcomed by the 2000 people of Parihaka, allowing themselves to be arrested without protest.  Te Whiti, reflecting on the Gospel story and the teachings of Jesus, commanded that the ploughers should resist arrest and violence passively, saying: “Go, put your hands to the plough. Look not back. If any come with guns, be not afraid. If they smite you, smite not in return. If they rend you, be not discouraged. Another will take up the good work.” Guy Fawkes When I was young I loved celebrating Guy Fawkes. I did not know anything about its history and how it commemorated the 1605 capture and execution of who today we would call a "terrorist" -  trying to blow up the protestant British parliament.  But maybe it’s time to think, this day, of one of our country's great Christian leaders and how seriously he took this call to be an agent of God’s grace and peace. Peace at the beginning – and at the end. Peace is a dominant theme throughout our scriptures - and central to Jesus's teachings.  This prophecy from Zechariah in Luke 1 before Jesus was born tells us of what to expect: By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ And then, before Jesus’s betrayal in John 16: 31 Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? 32 The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’   Let us pray: Dear God, sometimes the bad news we hear can seem so overwhelming. Help us, and all who despair and feel helpless, to hear the Good News about healing, hope, love and courage, and to know your resurrection life – triumphant always, over death and darkness. Fill us, we pray, with the power of your Holy Spirit, and strengthen our work as peacemakers, and love-bringers. In Christ’s name. AMEN   Our Notices  Community Lunch. Join us after 12 this 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)   Help is needed with baking. We have our big Parenting Seminar next Tuesday the 12th. We will have supper afterwards and currently have 100 people booked in!  Could anyone help us with baking? Please contact Lynette 021341617 or lynette@clevedonpresy.co.nz Thank you.   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 tomorrow night, the 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.  Prayer on Sunday morning - 9 am before the service.  Playgroup each Wednesday from 8 am in the Community Hall Homegroup – Tuesdays in November  - a 4-week series, 7.30 pm held at Brenda’s home, 8 Banks Road, Kawakawa Bay   Upcoming Music Events: Gina (soprano) and Charlotte McDonald (alto) will be the soloists in Scholars/NZ Barok Messiah on 23 November in Tauranga at 7.30 pm and 24 November in Waihi 2.30 pm. CAMA Choir and Gina feature in South Auckland Choral Society’s Christmas Concert on 8 December 2.30 pm. Crossroads Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Papakura. Performers’ Group at Clevedon Presbyterian - St Andrew’s – on Saturday 16 November 4pm. All welcome.

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