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 God of welcome and refuge, we give thanks today for those who have welcomed us, and for all who have made us feel at home. We give thanks for your welcome to us, and for your love and grace,  which surround us every day. In Jesus name, AMEN     A place to stop on the journey New Zealand’s tramps are renowned for their stunning landscapes, but what often leaves the deepest impression is the people you meet in the huts along the way. In my experience, almost every evening brings brief, yet often, quite profound encounters with other trampers.  These dialogues often transcend the surface, delving into shared experiences, personal histories, and reflections on the paths that have brought each person to this point. There’s a unique openness in these moments, born, perhaps of a sense of shared vulnerability and the quiet triumph of having made it that far. It strikes me that these encounters mirror the role the church can play in our lives. Like a hut on the trail, the church can be a sanctuary for people on their journey—a place where stories are heard without judgment, where support and encouragement take precedence over criticism or disapproval. No one owns the hut, just as no one truly "owns" the church. Even the Ranger, whose role is to ensure safety and well-being, embodies a spirit of care rather than control. In both the hut and the church, what matters is the journey, the shared humanity, and the space to rest, reflect, and connect with others. On a very wet day, on our 5-day Heaphy Track tramp, we stopped for shelter at the classic Gouland Downs Hut. Only another four hours to go! (Photo by Sandy - that's me looking wet) Welcome and Hospitality in Scripture Jesus embodies the importance of welcome and hospitality in the many accounts of him sharing food with ‘tax collectors and sinners.’ In Luke 14:12-14 Jesus reminds us that hospitality extends beyond personal gain, reflecting God’s grace and inclusivity:    – "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." The early church exemplified hospitality as part of their faith and fellowship "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people."  Acts 2:46-47 In Hebrews 13:2 we read– "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Let us pray: Jesus, We pray for those who long for a place of safety. We pray for people who have lost their homes and villages, through war or natural disaster. And we pray for the homeless. You were the one who had ‘no place to lay his head.’ Help us to support all those who feel alone and unwelcome. And strengthen, we ask, all those working to find ways to provide a home for those who long for a place of safety and security. In Christ’s name. AMEN   Call to the Rev Rory Grant.  Attached are the minutes of the meeting held at the Clevedon church last Sunday the 24th of November. Our Parish Clerk, Neville Guy, reports that: “To the members and associate members of the Parish who were present at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday please note that you were advised of an incorrect YES vote.  The percentage of YES votes to total votes was not 77% but 88.2%. The meeting minutes that follow reflect this correction.” 166th Anniversary Service.  This very special service for all our congregations is on this Sunday the 1st of December—with a shared lunch to follow. The service and lunch will also provide an opportunity to formally farewell Sandy and Martin. (Though Martin’s last service will not be until the 26th of January) The service will include Communion and a special time to remember those from our community and lives who are no longer with us, and especially those who have died over the last year. Little Ones Christmas Service – help needed. This very special event, which fills the church with children and adults, requires a team of helpers to welcome, serve food and manage the front door – and tidy afterwards! Please let Lynette know if you can spare an hour or so between 2 and 4.30 on Sunday the 8th. lynette@clevedonpresy.co.nz  or 021341617   Christmas Food Hampers Each year 80 families are given a Christmas food hamper full of the essential items, plus a few goodies. How can you help? ¨ Drop items of cans, spreads, toiletries, soft drinks, juice etc. into church foyer ¨ Donate any value towards the purchase of a hamper ($150 a complete hamper) Clevedon Community Trust account:  12-3031-0089128-00 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 continue weekly on Wednesdays at the church in Clevedon at 7.30 pm, all music is supplied. (You can contact Gina at gina.sanders@xtra.co.nz) 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 Worship: This Sunday we will be joining our friends at Clevedon for the Anniversary Celebration at 10 am – lunch to follow. Homegroup – Tuesdays in November a 4-week series, 7.30 pm held at Brenda’s home, 8 Banks Road, Kawakawa Bay Playgroup each Wednesday from 8 am in the Community Hall   Upcoming Music Events: 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. Two  recent events witnessed to the Good News of Jesus in our sharing of food and welcome: The Christmas dinner at  Kawakawa Bay on Friday: The wonderful end-of-year Christmas Celebration for our HATCH community in the church at Clevedon on Sunday night:   (A huge thanks to all those who worked so hard to make these events so special!)

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