Vicar's Letter - 5 Dec 2021

Can you believe that on Sunday there will be 20 days till Christmas?
Leading up to Christmas here are some thoughts surrounding our Values leading into Christmas.

Jesus Centred
Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. We are excited about the coming of Jesus at Christmas, however we also are excited about the second coming of Jesus where the kingdom and earth will fully meet. We are a parish centred on Jesus and therefore Christmas is integral to this story of Jesus. May we continue to find meaning in the lead up to Christmas and in amongst the hive of activity.

Missional Living
Saturday marks a day in the calendar where our community meets at the Hataitai Carols on the Green. Being there is supporting our community and encouraging the spirit of Christmas amongst us all. This is another opportunity to integrate ourselves into the Hataitai-Kilbirnie area and we are excited that for this we also get to share the message of Jesus. Do come along if you can make it!

Authentic Community
The COVID-19 Protection Framework came into play this week. This is a big step as our Parish prepares to become a Vaccine Pass only venue. We have made huge steps to make sure that everyone feels cared for in this process. We want to make sure we are catching everyone who cannot come to church because of this step and please let us know so we can organise other ways to keep you connected.
You may also want to create a community that cares for one another whether or not we agree and I would encourage you that if you know of someone who is isolated, feel free to care for them. Authentic community cares and loves one another in our neighbourhood and I hope we can do this together.

Please read the newssheet this week to make sure you catch all the information required for the Vaccine Pass and how you can submit it early to save us some hassle on Sunday.

Have a blessed week and may you find love, joy and peace in all you do.

Your Co-Vicars
Andrew, Emily, Guy and Summer.