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Vicar's News

More on Overseas Mission

22/7/2017

 
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God has a mission, and uses the church to join him in it. Spurgeon said "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter".
That mission is everywhere, but there is an importance in giving priority to overseas mission. There are many reasons to say that but here are two:
1st - the ratio of numbers of those who know Jesus to those who don't is much lower in New Zealand than in most countries around the world.
2nd - is our Christian heritage. From that heritage the world has received so much well-being, especially in the areas of health, education and justice. These were spread around the world by the church more than any other agency.
New Zealand's first public schools came with the missionaries settled here by Marsden in 1814. We don't have a monopoly on any of the great benefits spread by the church. Nor are we squeaky clean in regard to any of them. However the God we proclaim is good, and hasn't given up on us.
For the 2,000 years of the history of the church, as people come to faith in Jesus, something happens in them. John Wesley noticed it in the revivals he saw. He called it "Redemption and lift".
It's well said, if you had the cure for the worse disease on earth, you would want to get it out there for all to share. The worst condition there is affects every one of us. It's called sin. There is one cure - and only one. It's the forgiveness and redemption that Jesus brings. 
Now what is required is for those of us who claim to follow him to be more aware of the treasure we have, to support those who go from here, and we ourselves to share in word and deed wherever we are - here or away.

Special Sunday 16 July

15/7/2017

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Barnies has always been a consecrated place of worship, including the last 21 years since it was moved from Springlands to beside Nativity in order to function as a youth centre.  We are re-dedicating it now as St Barnabas Chapel "Barnies",  because in the last 2 years the interior has been upgraded and it's regularly used for mid week Communion services, funerals, quiet days, prayer ministry and the like, in addition to being a place for our youth. It will continue to be known by both names, and the new sign outside indicates that.
Recently we were gifted some beautifully embroidered Communion cloths, which Bishop Richard will also bless at that service, for use at Communion.

Whether or not you follow Jesus, I hope you can come to some or (better) all of these services. They are all very different in style, but all worship Jesus,  the God who calls us his, and calls us to call all his children throughout the world back to himself. The focus of them all will be the mission we are called to participate in under the leading of God's Holy Spirit.
Tomorrow, Sunday 16 July is going to be rather special, celebrating the mission we are on the riches we have to accomplish it. Every Sunday is special, but this one has a bit more than usual happening.
- 8am Traditional Communion Service   Our Bishop, Richard Ellena with Hilary, will be with us, preaching and celebrating.
- 10am All Age service:   Bishop, Richard Ellena and Hilary, preaching and celebrating Communion. NiVan men singing
- 2pm   Re-dedication of Barnies as "St Barnabas Chapel (Barnies)" by Bishop Richard.
- 4pm   CMS Prayer Meeting in Nativity lounge
- 5.30 to 6.30pm   Deep Church (Taize Style) in Barnies
- 7pm Regional Dean Richard Dyer preaching on the Father Heart of God in Nativity Centre.
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Overseas mission - Why so important?

9/7/2017

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This month at Nativity we are having a focus on overseas missions. For many years some people have challenged my support for making overseas mission a priority, though I hasten to add, I haven't had that at Nativity.
"Surely" people say "we have more than enough needs right here in our own backyard." 
Is that a valid challenge?
My reasoning for my stance is simple. It's based on when I was the newly ordained Curate (assistant priest) in Hawera. 
I wanted to do some Parish visiting in the isolated back country behind Ararata. So headed off into the hills first thing and started visiting. By the end of each day I had made some good visits, but not made much ground.
One week I changed tactics. I travelled to the far end of the valley and worked my way back. People who'd not had a visitor in decades were delighted. Several made the effort to come to worship. Others were simply encouraged that someone from town was thinking of them.
But what I also found was those who lived close to town had visits or contact anyway.
So when it comes to our mission I believe it's the same one, be it here or there. Yes it's rightly done differently in different contexts. But if we don't start at the distant point, we'll never get there. In the meantime those closer will probably get what they need anyway.
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    Glen Ashworth
    ​Vicar

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Nativity Church
P: 03 578 3909     E: info@nativity.org.nz     A: 76 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201
  • Home
  • House Church Resources
  • About
    • Faith
    • What We Believe
    • History
    • Meet Our Team
    • Service Times 2022
    • Calendar
    • Ministries >
      • Children and Youth >
        • Preschool >
          • First Steps
          • Tunes 4 Tots
        • Primary
        • Intermediates
        • Youth
      • Families
      • Small Groups (Care Cells)
      • Women
      • Men
      • Senior Adults >
        • Care
      • Prayer
      • Missions
    • Our Governance >
      • Vestry FAQS
      • Diocesan Synod
    • Contact Us
  • How We Help
    • Repair Cafe
    • Healing Horticulture
    • Baptisms
    • Weddings
    • The Marriage Course >
      • FAQ - Marriage course
    • Funerals
    • Counselling >
      • Bereavement Care
      • Personal Counselling
    • Facilities Hire
    • Blue Door
  • Giving
    • Serving
    • Financial
  • Sermons
  • News
    • News and Events
    • Prayer Wall
    • Building Project
    • Vicar's News
    • Bishop's Apology
    • Health & Safety