Keep cool and carry on!
Hope those of us here in Christchurch are managing to keep cool with our temperatures rocketing up and down at present! Of course we are very aware of those in other parts of the world grappling with below zero temps, including the people of Gaza where winter is biting for those living in tents and struggling with food, clothing and medicine shortages. Keep praying and supporting those seeking to bring aid and support, especially the faithful staff and medics at Al Ahli Hospital.
Holidays, cafés and picnics…
Some are still on holiday, while those of us here can enjoy the opportunity to catch up for a picnic at Mona Vale near the rose garden on Friday evening from 5pm.
Our lifestreams/ngā puna waiora community will be enjoying something a bit different on Sunday with a taste of Café Church; thanks to Becky George and team putting this together for us.
Behind the scenes
As ever we are grateful for those beavering away behind the scenes planning and preparing for a new year of parish activities. January is a good time for many of us to pray and plan for the year so do pray for God’s Spirit to lead and guide us in unity. Barbara is working on a refresh of our children’s ministry with exciting plans to come in February. We are working on an array of Lent groups we will offer mid-February with Lent starting early. These include new sessions engaging with te ao Māori, and with the poetry of Joy Cowley. Plan to join us! Arohanui, Jenny