Vicars Letter 5th December 2025

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints
It has been a fantastic week following our first week of Advent as we explored the theme of being ready and prepared for God even when we don't know the time or the place, as we think about our being in the middle of two advents, the first of Gods coming in Jesus and the second when Jesus will come again to deliver and redeem the world.

Part of this has been the Hope and excitement of four of our young people who are coming for baptism on Sunday. Anaiwan, Luke, Micah and Alice are all coming to declare their love, allegiance and life to Christ, not as their own but as his! Please be in prayer for them leading up to the weekend as they prepare for baptism. Pray for protection, and pray that God's word be loud and clear with them.

I was meeting with one of them throughout the week, and a piece of scripture became loud and clear as we read together. Psalm 139. (have a read! I dare you.)

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me; You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar; Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely; For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
These are powerful verses from Psalm 139 that speak to the intimacy of Christ knowing us. That we are not our own, that we are his.

As you come this Sunday, come with expectant hearts to hear God speak. Be full of Hope, keep our eyes fixed on the Second Advent and be praying for our young people.

Just a couple of things to remind you of,

Christmas information
Make sure you check out our Christmas Information if you are around over the Christmas period.

Waka Kotahi - Tunnel information.
It has been brought to my attention that the new tunnel will significantly affect Hataitai and specifically All Saints due to a new over-bridge being put in directly across from us. This will impact car parking, traffic volume, noise, and safety. I am not asking you to give your thoughts on whether to be pro of against this project (that's for you to decide and i'm more than happy to chat with you about it) but I would ask that you make a submission (closes Dec 14th) to inform them that there will be a rather large impact on our community and there are several things to think about.

Information Brochure here.

Submission

Nine Lessons - Sunday, Dec 7th
A reminder that this Sunday is Nine Lessons and Carols in the All Saints Centre at 7 pm. Following will be a time of fellowship with Cake and Mulled Wine.

Peoples Wardens
Just a reminder that across the summer, if you require assistance at all, Cassandra and the Wardens are available to be contacted. With regard to our Peoples Warden, Rebekah is officially your Peoples Warden, but has been offered and has accepted the opportunity to work alongside and with Marietta throughout the summer if there are things that need attending to as well. Make contact with Rebekah first, but know that she, alongside Chris, has Marietta to support her.

Much love,