Vicars Letter - 26th April 2024

Rev Andrew Spence

Kia ora All Saints whānau,

As we met at Parish Council last week we were talking about 'Leading Your Church Into Growth.' Part of the workbook we are working through talked about 'Desire for Growth.' This struck me as something quite important for the church to get a hold of and have as a culture here at All Saints. It reminded me of the Early Church and how they desired so much that others would know Jesus and therefore that growth would happen. How do we build a real desire for the Good News to impact people?

One thing that came up out of our discussion as we have read and discussed these Leading Your Church Into Growth sessions has been that prayer as a church is needed - praying for our church and our world together. Therefore, we have given a first go at producing a monthly prayer resource, so that people can pray for specific things on every day of the month. You can download that below or pick up a copy on Sunday. It is a chance to gather together around God and truly intercede for his will to be done here.

Monthly Prayer Resource - May

This leads me on to the other big announcement this week, that we have set three dates for conversations about the red brick church. Check out the website below by clicking on the button to get all the information on when and where.

However, the first step of that process is to pray - rightfully so!
So we have produced a little bookmark that you can stick in your bible or favourite book and every time you see it over the course of this year you can pray for our Building process, future of the parish and ministry that will happen here for years to come. You can again download a copy here or we will have some printed out on Sunday.

Building Conversation Information

Prayer Bookmark

Lastly, the Parish Weekend Away is coming up in September. We believe this is a great chance to come together as a Parish - all ages. We also want to learn together, have fun together and to have more time to spend with one another. We would love you to come and join us!

We have booked the Elm Complex at El Rancho specifically to help all people be able to participate. It is a flat complex and you can drive really close to your room. Therefore go and check out our camp webpage for all the information and how to register.
We already have had some donations in to help people get there - so if money is an issue please come and see us.

That is a lot to take in and well done if you have made it down to here.
May God bless you and keep you this week and forever more!

Andrew Spence

PS: I won't see you Sunday, I am away this week taking year 12 and 13 students from across our Diocese to experience New Plymouth and learn about leadership. This is part of the Anglican Youth Movement's Stars Programme.