Anna and I have settled into Lyttleton for the time being.  Anna is recovering from a health breakdown and I have been advised by our wardens to remain on leave until next week. Nevertheless I have decided it would be good to be with you at Lifestreams on Sunday and Vicki will be giving the talk. While I remain on leave you are most welcome to visit Anna or I in Lyttleton; just phone 0212014798 to learn how to find us.

A huge thank you to the two Lifestreams parishioners who covered the cost of the 15 Christmas child boxes postage and to all those who filled boxes. There looks to be about 70 boxes returned and it is still not too late to return them to the office if people still have them!


A Few Words

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector." - Jesus of Nazareth

I was encouraged and challenged by Mike's talk last Sunday. Encouraged - because in my heart of hearts I desire to be known and changed by God's love. Challenged - because I realized how often I am driven by other priorities rather than making space for God. Perhaps you were also encouraged or challenged.

Dallas Willard, writing on the subject of spiritual growth, once highlighted one of the main reasons why "new" Christians don't mature. Willard suggested that our lack of solitude and silence results in stunted character and spiritual depth.

When we look to Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, we  immediately see that he prioritized time and space to be with God. Jesus was able to give in such abundance because he drew from the abundant wellsprings of God. If Jesus needed such time and space as the Son of God, how much more do we need time and space! Without such time to be shaped in relationship with God we become mere shadows of all that Jesus means for us to be.

When we make space to pray we become aware of who we really are. And that is a liberating thing. We don't need to be like the Pharisee in Luke's Gospel who lived a life of pretense. Living up to the social expectations of his neighbours he lost God in the process . Like the publican in Jesus' story we can be at home with God regardless of how up or down we are on any given day, knowing that we are profoundly loved.

Making space for God - it may be the most profound thing you will ever do!

So may you know Christ's strength as you make space in your day to discover the astounding love of God.

blessings,

Andrew

A Message for Kidzone teachers, helpers and parents.

All Kidzone teachers, helpers and parents are invited to Angela  Brown’s, 132 A Hamilton Ave, on 2nd November 7.30pm to discuss the Christmas Wearable Art Children’s Pageant and roster for 2011.
The presentation is 12 December so we need to get planning for this awesome event in St Barnabas Church in the combined 10.00am service.

There has been some discussion on the need to reintroduce the separate Xstream group which would require extra teachers for 2011. I hope we can celebrate the strengths of our Kidzone programme and be creative about the challenges we face. There have been some behavioural challenges especially in the Splash/Xstream group and so we will be reinforcing the conduct code by sending a helper to get the parent of any child who is disruptive or disrespectful of the adults teaching. We value our teachers and helpers and want them to look forward to this time with the children and not come away stressed and reluctant to stay on the roster! Thank you for discussing this with your children and do feel free to contact me if you have any other concerns. 

Angela Brown ph.3513 442

Meanwhile, this Sunday:

First Reading: Leonie Stapleton

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: Vicki G.

Luke 18:9-14

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

Welcoming: Dave and Andrea Ramsell

Prayers: Amanda C.

Sidespeople: A sidesperson is needed can you help?

Assistants: Monica Coulson, Virginia Ashby

M of H: Carol Acheson, one more person to assist prayer?

Morning Tea: (Combined) Dave and Andrea Ramsell

Kidzone: 

Bubbles - Christine F. and Claire C.

Splash/Xstream - Harriet E., Jonathon B.
GRID - Angela Brown