WINTER WONDERINGS DID YOU KNOW? Parish Clerk Allen Little 06 367 5900 Email: [email protected]June 2019 Like us on Facebook. You will get notifications of special events happening and photos of events already done! Winter has arrived. Trees lay bare, the earth appears barren and cold winds blow. Winter is often associated with death. I wonder how often we desire for winter to rush by and the hope of spring to arrive? Yet, winter is a time of growth. The seeds and bulbs that have been planted and the naked tree branches are preparing themselves for the spring sprouting. Jesus says, “when a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world… it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.” John 12:20 (MSG) This parable is used by Jesus to teach his listeners three things: 1. He teaches them that he must die. 2. He reminds them that God is in control. 3. He shows them that death has purpose. As winter begins, we gather for the first of a series of parish conversations through which we will prayerfully discern the future focus of our shared life together. I believe God is inviting us to consider which traditions and treasures to take with us into the future, and which to let die so new life may spring forth. Winter has indeed arrived. But let’s accept God’s invitation to use this time to prepare ourselves for spring sprouting as we wonder and dream together. As we actively wait for the spring sprouting of our church, may we pray and listen – to one another, and to the spirit of God. And in our waiting, may we remember that a season that may feel dormant and lifeless, is also one with purpose when God is in control. Arohanui Sandra CONTACTS: Office Phone/Fax: 368 9392 87 Oxford Street Levin 5510 Email: [email protected]Facebook Levin Uniting Church Website www.levinuniting.church Let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found. Ps 32: 6a In all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 6 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps 32: 8 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it. Isaiah 30: 21 Did you know that Ascension and Pentecost complete the Resurrection? In the event we know as the resurrection, Jesus the Christ broke through the barrier of death and opened again the way for us to be in full relationship with God. Jesus, born of Mary, is both human and divine. When Jesus ascended to heaven, he took his humanity with him – humanity entered divinity. During the festival of Pentecost God’s Spirit, the promised counsellor, came and resided with the followers of Christ in a new and permanent way – divinity entering humanity. Ascension and Pentecost are the reason for the resurrec- tion. They fulfil the Easter story. Our Easter celebrations are not complete if we do not also celebrate the Ascension and Pentecost. Sunday 2 June: Ascension Sunday Whole-parish service of Holy Communion followed by Parish Conversation and shared lunch. Sunday 9 June: Pentecost Sunday All-age service of celebration Minister Rev. Sandra Williams 06 367 9583/ 027 296 8849 Email: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook. You will get notifications of special events happening and photos of events already done!
Winter has arrived. Trees lay bare, the earth appears barren and cold winds blow. Winter is often associated with death. I wonder how often we desire for winter to rush by and the hope of spring to arrive? Yet, winter is a time of growth. The seeds and bulbs that have been planted and the naked tree branches are preparing themselves for the spring sprouting. Jesus says, “when a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world… it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.” John 12:20 (MSG)
This parable is used by Jesus to teach his listeners three things: 1. He teaches them that he must die. 2. He reminds them that God is in control. 3. He shows them that death has purpose. As winter begins, we gather for the first of a series of parish conversations through which we will prayerfully discern the future focus of our shared life together. I believe God is inviting us to consider which traditions and treasures to take with us into the future, and which to let die so new life may spring forth. Winter has indeed arrived. But let’s accept God’s invitation to use this time to prepare ourselves for spring sprouting as we wonder and dream together. As we actively wait for the spring sprouting of our church, may we pray and listen – to one another, and to the spirit of God. And in our waiting, may we remember that a season that may feel dormant and lifeless, is also one with purpose when God is in control. Arohanui Sandra
Let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found. Ps 32: 6a In all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 6 I will instruct you and teach you in the
way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps 32: 8 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it. Isaiah 30: 21
Did you know that Ascension and Pentecost complete the Resurrection? In the event we know as the resurrection, Jesus the Christ broke through the barrier of death and opened again the way for us to be in full relationship with God. Jesus, born of Mary, is both human and divine. When Jesus ascended to heaven, he took his humanity with him – humanity entered divinity. During the festival of Pentecost God’s Spirit, the promised counsellor, came and resided with the followers of Christ in a new and permanent way – divinity entering humanity. Ascension and Pentecost are the reason for the resurrec-tion. They fulfil the Easter story. Our Easter celebrations are not complete if we do not also celebrate the Ascension and Pentecost.
Sunday 2 June: Ascension Sunday
Whole-parish service of Holy Communion followed by Parish Conversation and shared lunch.
Sunday 9 June: Pentecost Sunday
All-age service of celebration
Minister Rev. Sandra Williams 06 367 9583/ 027 296 8849 Email: [email protected]
By Lisita Aloua
Viv Hudson with her two Regional bowls titles won so far this year. Champ if champ pairs and triples. This gives Viv her Gold Star for
5 centre titles and joins an elite group
FAKAME SERVICE
TONGAN CHILDRENS DAY Tonga’s annual ‘Fakamē’ or Children’s Sunday is held on the first week of May (before Mother’s Day) and was held this year on the 5th of May with children from as young as pre-school to teenagers beautifully dressed in their colourful Tongan attire and Sunday best.
Every child is given a scripture reading, a hymn, and lines from their spiritual dramas that they will perform, mandating to memorize everything for this special day. All this is mostly in the Tongan Language with a few recited in the English language. This day is important not only in teaching our children about
God and Jesus and showing them that they are loved and valued in our society, but also to celebrate our unique cultural identity.
This year the Tongan Methodist Church of Levin has seen a rapid increase of children joining the Fakamē to the delight of the parish. The children, and their Sunday school teachers, have worked hard over the last few months practicing their songs and dramas, learning off by heart their scriptures, in preparation for their special day. A day that the children preach and teach us all the many messages from the Bible. The children performed the following dramas: 1) Pre-school – The Colours of Heaven (Flags) 2) ALL children – The Colours of Salvation (Musical – English language) 3) The story of the Young Rich Man & eternal life (Matthew 19: 16 – 30) 4) ‘Watch the Lamb’ skit (Musical – English language)
CONGRATULATIONS VIV
Loneliness is a serious problem in New Zealand. Here in Levin many people experience Loneliness. In the past four weeks more than 650,000 Kiwis have felt lonely. The most recent official loneliness survey of the New Zealand population was undertaken by Stats NZ as part of the General Social Survey 2016. They found that 5.1% of the population aged 15+ feel lonely most/all of the time in the last four weeks, and another 8.5% feel lonely some of the time. (www.loneliness.nz) ”... Across all communities there are people who can go for days, weeks or even a month without seeing a friend or family. The modern phenomenon of people being instantly socially connected, one with another does not detract from the plight of isolation and loneliness. People today, compared with those of decades past, are far less likely to know by name and interact with their neighbour’s, carpool or take public transportation to work, participate in civic and religious organizations, and feel that they have close friends they can confide in. As the Church in this community how are we connecting with people and really understanding their predicament? Literature reports the harmful effects of loneliness on people from studies which have been done, including depression, feelings of worthlessness, poor health and premature death. God's people must be free from allowing screens and social media to control us, and consequently putting cyber-distance between us and others. As a Church we need to connect with diverse people so they experience a place of caring welcome and joy….
PARISH COUNCIL APRIL 2019
SOCIAL OUTING
At our April meeting, looking for ways to strengthen our capacity, we unanimously agreed to invite Eileen Bolitho and David Emmott to become co-opted members through till the next AGM. Their first gathering with us was our day-long retreat on Saturday 4th May at St Johns Ohau. The Retreat was an important and enjoyable commencement of our ‘Visioning” and how we unite one with another in Christian Service going forward. The day was very ably facilitated by our Minister Sandra. More will be shared at the combined Service and Shared lunch on Sunday 2nd June. We are heading into an exciting time of refreshment and growth in which we trust people will see positive outcomes. We are focused on Strengthening the Parish moving forward.
As we prepare for the future effort is being put into a financial review; developing our LUCY (Levin Uniting Children and Youth) safety policy, plus the important area of Meeting, Greeting and Welcoming people. It’s encouraging to see the number and diversity of new people at Church. An issue of concern to some has been their inability to adequately hear service audio. Parish Council has heard this concern and is consulting Audio Engineers on the issue with a view to recommending improvements.
For several years Parish Council and Waitarere subcommittee have been trying to ascertain what would be required to bring the Waitarere building up to full building code compliance as well as up to 67% of the NBS for earthquakes. In order to move forward, we agreed to employ the services of a qualified building inspector. After consulting the Registered Master Builders Association, the Parish Council commissioned Jeff Twigge from New Zealand House Surveys, Manawatu to complete a full inspection and provide a report of all the work which will be required to bring the Waitarere property up to full building code standard. We shared the report and invited all members of the Property team, including the Waitarere subcommittee and representatives from Presbytery and Synod, to meet with us to discuss the report and help determine the appropriate way forward. This has drawn out over several years and requires resolution.
An important issue was brought to our notice concerning our care and responsibility when leaving the buildings. Recently various outside doors have been found unlocked and buildings without occupancy. Council asks please, if every Key Holder and user make a special effort to ensure doors are locked before areas are vacated.
Our devotional was taken from Ephesians 4. 11-16 where we read it was Christ himself who gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ….
Be Blessed and Encouraged as we are.
Allen Little Parish Clerk
Recently I attended a performance at Southwards of Operatunity concert series. It was the hits of
the 60’s and 70’s and as I had never been before was wowed by the experience.
The social committee would like to take a group down to the performance on the
2nd of July at 11am, which is a Tuesday.
This concert would be “the Dancing Years” . It includes song, dance, including tap and
Charleston from the roaring 20’s, Art Deco of the 30’s and much more.
If you wish to go the cost would be $35.00 which includes your lunch. We will take cars down, but
need to have at least 10. Money can be paid to the office
to confirm your seat. Be in quick as seats sell fast.
Viv and Ruth
LONELINESS IN LEVIN
Date Time What Where
Saturday 1st 8am-11.30am Monthly Market Hall complex
Tuesday 18th By 2pm Newsletter material Due Into the Office
Wed 19th 7pm Parish Council Gilmour Lounge
Tuesday 25th 12.30pm Women’s Fellowship Café TBC
Friday 28th 9am Newsletter Team Staff Room
Sunday 7th 10am Communion Church
Levin Uniting Parish What’s coming up
Morning Tea Roster —would you like to help— be part of your church community— contact Helen Hutchings 368 8169
June DOOR DUTY: This is a great way of meeting people and giving them a wonderful welcome to our church. 2nd & 9th —Lindsay & Mary Mackay 16th & 23rd—Ruth & Richard Rushton 30th—John Brown + helper 7th July—
Cuppa Time after Worship for June: June 2nd Mary & Lindsay Mackay June 9th Viv Bold/ Gwyneth Harris June 16th Helen Hutchings + helper June 23rd Beth & John Berry/ Colleen Price June 30th Betty Burborough/ Murray Easton
This month we have 5 Sundays. Please come along and support those who have offered their time to lead us in worship. The first Sunday is always Communion. 2nd June— Ascension Sunday + whole parish lunch 9th June—All age Pentecost Sunday
June 2019
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NOTICES FOR JUNE
T.C.F Morning group: Thursday 6th @ 10am in the Gilmour Lounge . Afternoon group: Tuesday 11th @ 1.30pm in the Gilmour Lounge. Evening Group: Tuesday 25th—lunch at a café TBC.
The Events are in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland. I think it is so good that it is worth seeing with friends in
either of the other events too. I plan to go to two this year with friends in different parts of the country. Any other men interested in
coming with me to Wellington - you won't regret it!
There are early bird ticket prices available at present. Mark Ridley
www.Promisekeepers.nz
Can you spare 1/2 hour on Sunday Evenings? From 5.45pm the community evening meal is served and we need people to help to do this. Talk to Jack or Maurice. Thank you This is EVERY SUNDAY we would love to see you.
Every
Sunday
10am Worship
6pm Community
Meal
7pm Service
Levin &
Waitarere
Hall
Hall
Every
Tuesday
12pm Prayer with
Jack
Wesley
Lounge
Every
Thursday
7.30pm Choir
Practice
Gilmour
Lounge
If you know of someone who is not well, PLEASE let the office know! I will get someone to get in contact
Prayer Chain: If you would like someone to be added to
the Prayer chain, please let Elizabeth in the office know.
Would you like to be part of the Prayer Chain? Contact the office for more info.
