Notices for 23 November
Shine, shine, shine
Kilbirnie is named after the original town of that name outside of Glasgow. The pagan Saxons named their town Kilbirnie, after the church (celtic = kil) they built when they were converted by St. Birinie (Birinius) in the 7th century. The accounts I've read say that St. Birinie was more effective at conversions than St. Augustine, who is more widely acknowledged as the 'apostle of the English'.
What is this to me, I hear you ask? Well, it goes to show that while our name may not be up in lights, we can and should each be apostles of the gospel of Christ to those in darkness. The word apostle comes from the Greek word for messenger. We don't have to be handing out tracts or standing or street corners (but don’t let me stop you!) but we do need to let our Christ's light shine so others can bask in its glow and draw closer to the Giver of Life. St. Birinie’s shone bright enough to draw the Saxons. If he hadn’t shared his light, many of us might not know God’s light ourselves today. So let’s each do as the old chorus says: “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” I hope that the prayer bookmarks in today’s Weekly News will help fan your embers into flames.
Go on ! and shine, shine, shine!
- Pene Burton Bell
Christmas Community Outreach - Are you feeling impotent at the way rampant commercialism is swamping the true message of Christmas? Do you want to do something about it? One way is to join the team of enthusiastic Christians at the combined churches community outreach on Saturday 6th December. Setting up by the Kilbirnie post office at 10am, a free barbeque will operate from 11am-1pm, with live music and leaflets handed out inviting people to the various Christmas services. There is something for everyone to do. Musicians and singers to take a slot, food handlers, leaflet givers, table hosts, blowing up balloons, face painters etc. and above all, bright people who embody the joy of the Christmas season! Don’t bury your talent – sign up now on the clip-board at the back of the church!
Fundraising - buy some books as Christmas presents and raise funds for the Hall. “Near a Canal” is written by Wheldon Curzon-Hobson. There are about 300 copies available so be in quick. 3 books for $40 or 1 book for $20. Those of you with email can order directly from Wheldon. Alternatively there is a form at back of the Church for you to complete. Once payment is made Wheldon will send books within 7 days.
Operation Christmas Child - collected a total of 37449 boxes in NZ, a 15% increase on last year’s. Many thanks to all who contributed! The majority of the boxes are now on their way to Fiji and many far flung communities.
World Vision Child Sponsorship - All Saints Hataitai sponsors three children and we are also a partner in World Vision's Global Aid Programme. Gary Black is now seeking contributions from those parishioners who participate in this worthy cause. We welcome any others who would like to join us.
Wellington Male Voice Choir - in Concert, today at 2.30pm at St Andrews on the Terrace. $20, proceeds to Wellington Free Ambulance. Our guest artist is Yulia.
Prayer Ministry Training is being offered during the New Wine Waikanae summer conference (15-19 Jan). One of our focus’ will be the training of those with a specific calling to serve others through personal prayer ministry. Mike Pilavachi of Soul Survivor UK will offer specialist training. Mike is one of the best and more experienced platform speakers we have witnessed in terms of his transition from the message, and it’s application, into a time of personal ministry. He also has a wealth of prayer ministry experience stemming from 20 years of New Wine/Soul Survivor ministry in the UK and abroad.
When you register for New Wine camp, note your availability for the prayer ministry team to avail yourself of this opportunity.
posted by All Saints @ 11:28 AM
