WHAT’S ON - WHAT'S COMING - WHAT'S BEEN
WORSHIP TIMES
Milton 9.00am every Sunday. Holy Eucharist
SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2017
9.00 a.m. Come and Worship
as Rev’d Vivienne Gallelty
leads her final service at St John’s, Milton prior to her retirement.
RECENTLY
18 0ctober Operation Christmas Child - Gift boxes - Great support from church and community - our largest numbers of boxes ever.
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 9.30-11.00 am
BAZZAR AND SALE great home baking...Plants ready for your garden.. Sausage sizzle.. Grocery Hamper, Iced Cake, Meat raffle; nic nacs, books.. Thanks for great support from the community.
WINTER - it's gone, this year ...mainly... but this poem is still relevant.
A poem from Glen Taylor
I thought of this short poem walking back from the hairdresser’s today, thought you might like it.
HOPE
God is there at evening’s fall,
God is there in dark of night,
God is with the bird’s first call
Heralding the morn’s first light.
God is everywhere and anywhere,
God is always there.
Read Vicar's winter blog:
Winter.
What I especially like about winter is reading a book inside while it is cold and stormy outside and enjoying soups for lunch and mashed swede for tea. Although we have so far had a mild winter it is none-the-less winter with the associated short days, and cooler temperatures. Contemplating the stark beauty of the bare trees in the Vicarage grounds has prompted me to go looking for Biblical references to winter and I have enjoyed their variety.
Genesis tells that seasons were established when God created the world (Gen 1:14) and that God promised to Noah that ‘As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease’ (Gen 8: 22)
We know that winter conditions can make travel more difficult so it is interesting to notice that the travels of Paul and his companions were also affected and determined by winter and the weather it brings (Acts 27, 1 Cor 16:6, Titus 3: 12).
Jesus speaking about the signs at the end of the age and instructing his followers to flee to the mountains advises them to ‘pray that their flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath’ (Mt24:20, Mk 13:18)
Although Aucklanders can be disparaging about our colder weather in the south it is also true that we grow much better daffodils, tulips and other bulbs than they do. This is a direct result of our cold and frosts as these bulbs need low temperatures before they will flower (a process called vernalisation). I am minded of a keen gardener I knew who regarded her final two months of earthly life as her difficult time of winter cold and testing and looked forward to her welcome in heaven where she would bloom in the light and warmth of God`s love.
In his Ode to the West Wind P.B. Shelley wrote: ‘If winter comes, can spring be far behind’. Our Christian hope is founded on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is summed up in a delightful Easter carol written for the Northern Hemisphere whose words include
When our hearts are wintery, grieving or in pain,
Your touch can call us back to life again,
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again like wheat that springs up green. JMC Crum
Listen to the song:
Voice and guitar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIPc8Ycl638
from BBC Hymns of Praise FROM BBC SONGS OF PRAISE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVduV0ustWw
or on handbell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxDK2Yg_5w
WINTER DINNER - with Colin and Viv sharing their China experiences
LENTEN REFLECTIONS Poems by church member Glen Taylor
Gethsemane.
In the garden of Gethsemane,
Upon that fateful day,
Our lord bade his disciples
To simply, “Watch and pray.”
Alone within the olive grove,
At the closing of that day,
He begged his heavenly father
To take the cup away.
“Yet not my will, but thine be done,”
Was his anguished prayer,
As in his human form he feared
The pain which he would bear.
So many folk, within this world,
Lie in Gethsemane.
Alone, afraid and suffering.
They simply, “Watch and pray.”
Dear Lord above give us the strength
To share, with them, their pain,
And by their side, hold out our hand,
And with them, “Watch and pray.”
And when I reach my olive grove,
Grant, Lord, that I will find
Your eyes on mine, your hands outstretched,
To, with me, “Watch and pray.”
Glen Taylor.
CALVARY
In evening light, stood silently,
I see you in Gethsemane.
I hear the waves break on the sand
And feel the scourge in soldier’s hand.
By thorny bush I’m torn and bled,
And sense the crown upon your head.
O’er fallen log I cross the stream,
And on your back I feel the beam.
A distant hill I see afar,
And think of you on Golgotha.
Bird stretches out its wings on high,
And forms the cross against the sky.
You hung and died forgiving me.
Would I do the same for thee?
Glen Taylor
©
RECENTLY
Harvest Festival - seeds, grapes, rhubarb, silverbeet, carrots, tomatoes....flour, weetbix, .... all sorts of goodies we are grateful for and share with others. Praise God.
Lenten Prayer Breakfasts Wednesdays 7- 7.59am.
Shared lunch at Pauline and Wayne's -see photo above
Sunday 15 December 7.OOpm
Lessons and Carols
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons read by different members of our worship family. The readings tell of the promise of a Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. After each reading we join together to sing a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message. The service concludes with a prayer and a blessing. Join us for this simple dignified service, and afterwards in fellowship for a simple supper.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons read by different members of our worship family. The readings tell of the promise of a Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. After each reading we join together to sing a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message. The service concludes with a prayer and a blessing. Join us for this simple dignified service, and afterwards in fellowship for a simple supper.
Friday 6 December 6.15pm BUFFET DINNER You are welcome.
2013 CHURCH FAIR
Saturday 5 October 9.30am
Thanks everyone for the great baking, the plants and more ...and the locals for great support.
A Favourite place for
BARGAINS BAKING
PLANTS RAFFLES
BOOKS
SAUSAGE SIZZLE
KID’S CLOTHES TOYS
CHRISTMAS BOXES - SAMARITANS PURSE
Over 30 boxes from church and community were blessed at our service on 6 Oct. Operation Christmas Child is a unique project of Samaritan’s Purse Australasia-Operation Christmas Child Limited that brings Good News and Great Joy to kids in need through a simple shoebox filled with gifts.
RECENTLY
On Sunday August 4 the Vicar`s sermon used texts from the day`s readings.:
Christ gives meaning to our lives. Our life is not made secure by what we own, 1 Col 3: 4a, Luke 12: 15.
She began by admitting that of the 40 or so end-of-year school addresses she has heard as both student and teacher the only one she can readily recall is one given 50years ago when she was in the sixth form.
The speaker The Rev'd Doug Storkey, who at the time was minister of Knox Church Dunedin, began his address by commenting that when he went to visit a bereaved family they would find no consolation in him commenting that they had a lovely new washing machine!
On Sunday August 4 the Vicar`s sermon used texts from the day`s readings.:
Christ gives meaning to our lives. Our life is not made secure by what we own, 1 Col 3: 4a, Luke 12: 15.
She began by admitting that of the 40 or so end-of-year school addresses she has heard as both student and teacher the only one she can readily recall is one given 50years ago when she was in the sixth form.
The speaker The Rev'd Doug Storkey, who at the time was minister of Knox Church Dunedin, began his address by commenting that when he went to visit a bereaved family they would find no consolation in him commenting that they had a lovely new washing machine!
RECENTLY Children's Holiday Activities. July 22-25
See the Kid's Corner page for comments and photos.
Recently: We welcomed Rev'd Helen Wallis who is now living in Milton and worshipping with us. July 21 she preached: Her conclusion...
CONCLUSION;
Instead of the distraction of being busy in our own patch and blocking our ears to the clamouring cries for justice and love by the many who are less
fortunate than ourselves, the gospel principle calls us to take action -to pay attention to Jesus…- to listen for his word.
There is an old saying that where your heart is there will be your action.
If our minds are filled with anxiety or distraction or consumed with thoughts of greed and looking after number one then that is how we will encounter the world.
We will be half awake to the world around us and thus our love will be only half hearted.
The challenge of Amos’ prophecy and today’s Gospel are reminders that the central task for us as the body of Christ is to totally immerse ourselves in the character of God, to let the love of God fill our souls which then leads to world care by living the kingdom values of love and justice..
So as the hymn we sang earlier says……
May we seek God’s ways of justice,
care for earth, and gladly give;
May the words God spoke through Amos
guide the way we daily live!
And remember Jesus is saying all of this in the context of the "great Commandment" and premise of faith stated in the catechism we learnt as children to………
Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your strength,
and with all your mind; and love your neighbour
as you love yourself.
July 5-6 Visit of Bishop Kelvin Wright
Bishop Kelvin Wright visits St John's Milton this weekend - join us, and him, at Friday Midwinter Dinner and Sunday Service 9.00am. Bishop Kelvin will be the after dinner speaker on Friday evening and preside at the service. See his latest blog here, and his wonderful photos of recent snow, and thoughts... http://vendr.blogspot.co.nz/
CELEBRATE THE HARVEST "Harvest Festival" worship time Sunday 28 April
Holy Week and Easter March 2013
JESUS DIED…
Wednesday 27 March 7.00am Prayer Breakfast
Thursday 28th 7pm Maundy Thursday Thanksgiving for the Holy Communion followed by readings and reflection
Friday 29th 9.00am Good Friday Readings and Reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ
Sunday 31st 9.00am EASTER
The Day of Resurrection Rejoice- Christ has risen!
Holy Communion.
… and came ALIVE
YOU ARE WELCOME.
Recently ...
RECENTLY...March
For the beauty of the earth...
summer flowers at the church
RECENTLY
Jan 6 The Vicar challenged us with the words from Angelus Silesius:
Though Christ a thousand times
In Bethlehem be born
If he’s not born in thee
Thy soul is still forlorn.
The cross on Golgotha
Will never save thy soul,
The cross in thine own heart
Alone can make thee whole.
You can find out about Angelus Silesius and read some of his poems here:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/sil/index.htm
RECENTLY
The Vicar challenged us with these words:
Living with Hope: A Scientist looks at Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Polkinghorne, who is an Anglican Priest as well as an eminent Mathematical Physicist, suggests that although liturgies declare that ‘Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again’ the second coming of Christ is rather neglected in contemporary Christian thought. He suggests we would do well to consider how God`s saving purposes will find their final completion and that Advent is a good time to do this.
While in Advent we most readily look towards celebrating the first coming of Christ, Polkinghorne points out that ‘Hope’ is the theme which links both the first and second comings: the hope of peace on earth that was proclaimed to the shepherds by the angels and the hope that there is a final destiny awaiting us beyond our deaths. He wisely points out that hope is not optimism (the belief that in the end it will all prove not to be too bad) or wishful thinking (sailing off into the blue of ungrounded longings), rather “Christian hope is open to the unexpected character of what lies ahead precisely because it relies on the faithfulness of a God who is always doing new things”. John Polkinghorne published by SPCK 2003.
J.Neander wrote the words which became the hymn “All my hope on God is founded” .
Can we honestly make the same statement?
Do we know God who is revealed to us by Jesus the Christ well enough to even contemplate making such a statement?
And if the answer to these questions is ‘no’ what are we going to do about it this Advent and Christmas?
Been and Gone
16 December 7pm
Lessons and Carols
Jan 6 The Vicar challenged us with the words from Angelus Silesius:
Though Christ a thousand times
In Bethlehem be born
If he’s not born in thee
Thy soul is still forlorn.
The cross on Golgotha
Will never save thy soul,
The cross in thine own heart
Alone can make thee whole.
You can find out about Angelus Silesius and read some of his poems here:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/sil/index.htm
RECENTLY
The Vicar challenged us with these words:
Living with Hope: A Scientist looks at Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Polkinghorne, who is an Anglican Priest as well as an eminent Mathematical Physicist, suggests that although liturgies declare that ‘Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again’ the second coming of Christ is rather neglected in contemporary Christian thought. He suggests we would do well to consider how God`s saving purposes will find their final completion and that Advent is a good time to do this.
While in Advent we most readily look towards celebrating the first coming of Christ, Polkinghorne points out that ‘Hope’ is the theme which links both the first and second comings: the hope of peace on earth that was proclaimed to the shepherds by the angels and the hope that there is a final destiny awaiting us beyond our deaths. He wisely points out that hope is not optimism (the belief that in the end it will all prove not to be too bad) or wishful thinking (sailing off into the blue of ungrounded longings), rather “Christian hope is open to the unexpected character of what lies ahead precisely because it relies on the faithfulness of a God who is always doing new things”. John Polkinghorne published by SPCK 2003.
J.Neander wrote the words which became the hymn “All my hope on God is founded” .
Can we honestly make the same statement?
Do we know God who is revealed to us by Jesus the Christ well enough to even contemplate making such a statement?
And if the answer to these questions is ‘no’ what are we going to do about it this Advent and Christmas?
Been and Gone
16 December 7pm
Lessons and Carols
BEEN AND GONE
21 October OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Open up a whole new life……through the power of a simple gift ... Samaritan’s Purse has changed the lives of children through Operation Christmas Child since 1993. Every year, generous people across the world lovingly pack shoe boxes with gifts – simple, yet powerful messages of God’s unconditional love.
Many in our communty take part. We come together to celebrate, worship and dedicate these gifts... 21 October 9.00am
See http://www.samaritanspurse.org.nz/
13 October Church Fair
Check out the baking table - before and after!
Fair results.
Guess the Lollies 94 Jessie
Bathroom basket G19 P. Hart.
Grocery hamper D18 C. Eastgate
Meat Voucher G 8 D. Thomas.
Lucky drawer 13 R. Robins.
Thank you to Suzie`s Butchery and to all who supported us on such a wet day.
Guess the Lollies 94 Jessie
Bathroom basket G19 P. Hart.
Grocery hamper D18 C. Eastgate
Meat Voucher G 8 D. Thomas.
Lucky drawer 13 R. Robins.
Thank you to Suzie`s Butchery and to all who supported us on such a wet day.
BEEN AND GONE
Book Launch
FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER 7.30 pm St John’s Church, Milton
THE OLD CHURCH HALL
SAINT JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH HALL
1897 to 2005
A new publication by Glen Taylor
Come and Enjoy
Info: Ph. 4178610 Read the ODT article here: Milton Church hall featured in many lives
http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/milton/226489/milton-church-hall-featured-many-lives
BEEN AND GONE
30 September 5pm Visit by Rev'd Lois Hurd-McKee, Hospital Chaplain.
SEPTEMBER 16 Peggy reminded us of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7x3OX6v5_o
SEPTEMBER 1 PRAYER ON THE MOUNTAIN
FRIDAY 6 JULY WINTER DINNER 6.00pm
A dinner to celebrate being together and the work at St John’s;
a spirit of thankfulness for each other and the season;
an opportunity to share our fellowship with others.
A delicious meal by Kerri Clarke of “Professional Catering”
Food, Entertainment, Chat, Relax $22
Bring a friend. Confirm that you are coming with
Glen Taylor 4178610 or Vicar Vivienne 4174577 by June 24
30 September 5pm Visit by Rev'd Lois Hurd-McKee, Hospital Chaplain.
SEPTEMBER 16 Peggy reminded us of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7x3OX6v5_o
SEPTEMBER 1 PRAYER ON THE MOUNTAIN
FRIDAY 6 JULY WINTER DINNER 6.00pm
A dinner to celebrate being together and the work at St John’s;
a spirit of thankfulness for each other and the season;
an opportunity to share our fellowship with others.
A delicious meal by Kerri Clarke of “Professional Catering”
Food, Entertainment, Chat, Relax $22
Bring a friend. Confirm that you are coming with
Glen Taylor 4178610 or Vicar Vivienne 4174577 by June 24
Three Soups and a Study Join us for soup and bread and a chance to share
St Mark’s Good News about Jesus Mondays 12.00-1.00
July 9 Pea and ham “Ordinary or amazing”
July 16 Pumpkin “On a platter”
July 23 Seafood chowder “Mobbed by thousands” Contact Colin 4174197
St Mark’s Good News about Jesus Mondays 12.00-1.00
July 9 Pea and ham “Ordinary or amazing”
July 16 Pumpkin “On a platter”
July 23 Seafood chowder “Mobbed by thousands” Contact Colin 4174197
SONGS OF WORSHIP HYMNS OF PRAISE
A PRESENTATION OF MY FAVOURITES AND MY STORY led by GLEN TAYLOR
Sunday 29 JULY 9.00am
Local parishioner Glen has a story to tell and a way to lead us in worship though some of her favourite music.
God is our strength ...Be Still...Make me a channel... To God be the Glory ... and more
Welcome.
A PRESENTATION OF MY FAVOURITES AND MY STORY led by GLEN TAYLOR
Sunday 29 JULY 9.00am
Local parishioner Glen has a story to tell and a way to lead us in worship though some of her favourite music.
God is our strength ...Be Still...Make me a channel... To God be the Glory ... and more
Welcome.
