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 come with thanks for the blessings of today, and thanks, too, that you are there beside us tomorrow, and the day after. You are our comforter and our guide. During times of endings and beginnings, help us draw close to you, and fill us with your wisdom, courage and assurance. In the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we pray. AMEN Ends and Beginnings At dusk on New Year’s Eve, we took a long walk along the beach near our house on Great Barrier. Sandy has been very keen that each time we walk the beach we gather stones to add to her ‘rock garden’ at the front of our place. (Pictured from left to right are son Max, Max's friend Emma from Taiwan, where he lives, daughter LouLou and Sandy) Every time we gathered stones, I thought of the passage from Ecclesiastes 3. (made famous by the  1960's folk and Gospel group 'The Seekers') To Everything There is a Season… …4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard,… The colours from the sunset that evening were pretty amazing.   The hope that is embodied in the beauty of Creation that we see around us, even during these times of change and uncertainty, remind me of another passage from Luke 21: 25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Let Us Pray Jesus, we pray for all those who face this New Year with a sense of anxiety or fear. For those who hear the unrelenting sounds of sirens, bombs or voices of anger or pain. For those enduring fires, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods. Lord, we commit these people and these situation to your care. Fill us with the wisdom to know how we can help make a difference, and be your people of peace, justice and hope,in the life of the world you so love. In Christ’s name we pray AMEN Our Notices Free to good homes – blocks, plants and soil. Please come and help yourselves to the soil, plants and retaining wall blocks from the church’s front garden. These are all scheduled for removal in mid-January as we prepare the site for the re-build. Contact Tony tony@clevedonpresy.co.nz or 027 275 7235 to let him know that you are coming.  (But please leave the nativity scene!) 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 Services and activities: Clevedon Church 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 5:1-11 St Aidan’s Takanini (23 Walter Stevens Drive, Conifer Grove,) Sunday morning service at 10 am Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am. All welcome  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 Services at Kawakawa Bay begin again this Sunday at 9.30am in the Community Hall. Prayer time before the service is at 9.00 am

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