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

The Peace of Christ be with you!

We give thanks today for scientists, astronomers,

and all who work exploring the wonders of our galaxies and universe.

Help us never lose sight of the beauty around us,

and the immense beauty of your creation.

In Christ’s name, we pray.

AMEN

I am grateful to Fran Chapman for sending me the photos she took at sunrise on Matariki from Umupuia Beach, just opposite the marae. The Chapman family, and others from Clevedon School, braved the cool morning to celebrate the rise of the Matariki star cluster. 

If you look at Fran’s first photo, not only can you make out Mataraki (or Pleiades)  on the left, but you will also see the three stars that make Orion’s belt – on the right.  (If you would like to see this photo in higher resolution than we can provide here, then let me know and I'll send you a copy)

We find these verses in Job 38 – as God addresses Job:

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades?
    Can you loosen Orion’s belt?
³² Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons^[
    or lead out the Bear^[ with its cubs?
³³ Do you know the laws of the heavens?
    Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?

Isabel Lewis of the United States Naval Observatory (quoted by Phillip L. Knox  in his book ‘Wonder Worlds’) said, “Astronomers have identified 250 stars as actual members of this group, all sharing in a common motion and drifting through space in the same direction.” Lewis said they are “journeying onward together through the immensity of space.”

The theme that sits at the heart of the Matariki celebration echoes the celebration and creative immensity of God’s work. Even in the midst of all that Job, and we, face there is still the opportunity to pause and behold the wonder of creation.

As Psalm 19 reminds us:

 The heavens are telling the glory of God,
    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
² Day to day pours forth speech,
    and night to night declares knowledge.
³ There is no speech, nor are there words;
    their voice is not heard;
⁴ yet their voice goes out through all the earth
    and their words to the end of the world.

Dear Lord,

We pray for those who are so overwhelmed with the demands of today,

that they have little time to pause, to wonder, or to feel blessed.  

We pray too, for all who are so bound to computer or smartphone screens,

that they allow themselves few opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.

God, help us all, we ask, to find time to celebrate the people and world around us, and to enjoy your good creation.

In the name of Jesus, we pray,

AMEN

Book Fair. This week. Come along to the Clevedon church 8.30-12.30 each day and Wednesday night, 7-8 pm. Buy a book or two and support our ministry to families and children.

End of Term Men’s Dinner. Please join us for dinner at the Blue Elephant, Clevedon tomorrow night, Wednesday the 3^rd of July, 6.30 pm. RSVP to Martin (martin@clevedonpresy.co.nz).

Community Lunch. Please join us for a shared lunch and a chance to catch up on news and events. Thursday, July the 4^th, at noon at the Clevedon Church lounge.

All welcome to our Cottage Café on Friday 5th July 2023, 10 am-12 pm at the Cottage ( 5 Kawakawa-Orere Road) A place to meet and have a chat, great coffee and home baking. No charge although coin donations will be gratefully appreciated to help cover costs to our volunteer bakers.   Worn Again shop will also be open.

Palm Tree. The Phoenix Palm in front of the church at Clevedon, is due for removal during the July school holidays. Its removal anticipates a longer-term plan, in conjunction with the Auckland Council, to plant an attractive border from Twilight Road down to the reserve on the far side of the cemetery. The space is also needed for our planned building development – which includes extra car parks and plans for water harvesting from the roof. (Free of the huge amount of accumulated pigeon droppings!)

The palm was planted by a member of the Lane family many years ago. We would like to acknowledge the generational contribution this family has made to our church as we work to develop a plan for future tree planting.

Foodbank—The call for food parcels continues from families in need.  Thank you for your donations. We need tinned spaghetti & baked beans, tinned tomatoes, tinned tuna, pasta sauces, coffee, drinking chocolate, self-raising flour, 1kg plastic bags sugar (to foil the ants), 1kg rice, dried pasta, jam, and biscuits.

HATCH – our community dinner and church will start again after the school holidays, on Sunday the 28^th of July at 5 pm.  All welcome. Please let Mathilde know if you are coming. mathilde@clevedonpresy.co.nz

Tuesday Morning Home Group. Note the temporary change of venue and contact.  For the 9th, and 16th July, we are meeting at Ann Shaw’s Home, 51 Monument Road, Clevedon.  Please contact Glenis Munro 027 6060 830

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

 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 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.)

The reading for this Sunday Job 3:1-10; 4:1-9; 7:11-21

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.

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

Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am. All welcome

Women's friendship and study group. Evening group, Wednesday, 7 pm.  Day 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

The service is held in the Community Hall each Sunday at 9.30 am.  

Playgroup each Wednesday from 8 am in the Community Hall

Thank you for your prayers and generous support of our church and its mission.

Martin

Right Now Media. We have recently purchased a church subscription for this extensive library of video resources suitable for small groups, teaching and education. Please use this link to take a look at the library for your personal or group use: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/clevedonpresbyterian . We are trialling this subscription to find out how many people might benefit. If you do make use of it could you let Martin know?  (martin@clevedonpresy.co.nz)