It’s good to be home
I’ll be writing plenty in the weeks to come about my sabbatical, but this week let me say that I re-join this community with a sense of profound blessing.
Each week during the last three months I’ve headed to a different church with the family, and each time I’ve been reminded of how blessed I am to be able to seek God and His Kingdom with the wonderful people of Opawa-St Martins.
I’m also aware, on the back of sabbatical, of the value of good research and data. Next week (6-12th August), I’ll be asking you all to fill in a Church Life Survey (both digital and paper copies available). This is being run nationally in collaboration with all denominations in order to get a better sense of the health and desires of the church both locally and nationally. It will take some time to complete (12-15min or so), but will give some really helpful information for us.
The more people who can fill in the survey the better, so please make it a priority, even if you’re not at worship next week.
From the Vicar
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
“May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen” (NZPB p52).
Will we make the choice to live as those who love the way of God and therefore find the depth, refreshment from the true source of life? Or do we choose a life of being blown around in the breeze avoiding the true source of life that provides us with rootedness, security and life?
Isaiah has been called by God to bring the people to account for their actions. They had turned away from God and that was being shown in how they were treating their brothers and sisters. Isaiah recognises his own faults and he is forgiven by God.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.