Churches VISION – St Paul’s Mission Statement

“Our purpose as God’s people is to share the good news of Jesus 
with the people of Kaikoura and beyond.”

Administration: stpauls1877@gmail.com                                           
Parish Clerk: Marie Davidson           319 6465                                    Pastoral Care: Doreen Tomlin         319 5912
Minister: Rev Martin Harrison         319 5552                                       Web site https://kaikourastpauls.weebly.com/
 

14 April   Encouragement 

YOUR HIDING PLACE
‘You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.’  Psalm 32:7 NIV
Have you ever fantasised about running away from all the stresses of today’s high-tech world?  Surely there’s a place somewhere on the globe where the pace is slower and the living is easy.  That dream motivated a family in 1940 to move to an island called Guadalcanal in the Coral Sea.  But two years later war broke out in the Pacific, and the couple found themselves witnessing a battle – in their front yard.  Obviously, they had chosen the wrong place.
Where can you go to escape the noise and hubbub of city life?  How about a small island in the Caribbean called Grand Cayman?  Vacationers to this resort say it is the closest thing to paradise on earth.  The residents there pay no taxes.  The water around them is calm and warm, and there are orchids growing everywhere.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?  But there’s a catch.  Medical studies revealed that the two major ailments suffered by the citizens of Grand Cayman are hypertension and anxiety neurosis.  Life on a tropical beach is not always what it appears to be.
Could it be that the stresses and pressures with which we struggle, actually come from within?  Yes.  And they will plague us no matter where we live, until we learn to deal with circumstances as they are.  Here’s how the psalmist did it: ‘You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you’ (Psalm 32: 7-8 NIV).

Puzzle     

 

FROM A TEACHER:
Yesterday, I shut down class about 5 minutes early and told my students I wanted them to just sit and talk to one another. Several of them immediately opened their laptops and began navigating to their favorite computer game.
I said, "No, no laptops. I want you to have face-to-face conversations right now."
After a collective groan went up, I observed something both wonderful and alarming. For the next few minutes, a couple of tables came alive with conversation. They looked at each other in the eyes and talked with great enthusiasm and interest. It was beautiful to watch and listen to.
However, many students were deflated. They did not know what to do without some sort of entertainment from a device. A couple of them put their heads down and avoided eye contact with anyone. I went around the room to those students and tried to engage with them. Some of them mustered a few words, but most didn't know what to do.
I share this story as a wakeup call for parents, grandparents, and guardians. It's tragic to me that a large percentage of today's youth do not know how to have real conversation, but it's not their fault. It is our responsibility as adults to lead by example and hold our kids accountable. Unplug every day, talk, and listen to your children. Getting lost in a device does not help them cope with and overcome the things they're going through mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All it causes is isolation and depression. They need relationships; they need you.
I plan on doing it again today.



When I say ..."I am a Christian"
 When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting, "I'm saved"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!" "That is why I chose this way"
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride
I'm confessing that I stumble, and need someone to be my guide
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong,
I'm professing that I'm weak, and pray for strength to carry on
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success,
I'm admitting that I've failed, and cannot ever pay the debt
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are way too visible but God believes I'm worth it
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His Name
 
When I say ... "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge
I have no authority, I only know I'm loved!
© 1998 - Carol S. Wimmer


Do you find enjoyment and encouragement in this Midweek mail out?  
Why not forward it on to a friend to encourage them. If they find it encouraging they are welcome to signup to receive it automatically by sending an email to  stpaulskaikoura@gmail.com  

Digging the garden over. 
An old farmer writes to his son in prison; Dear son, this year i won’t be able to plant the vegetables  because i can't dig the field by myself, i know if you were here, you would help me son. The son writes back; Dear dad don't even think of digging the field because that’s where i buried all the money i stole. The police read what the Son wrote in the letter and the next day the whole field was dug up and the Police were looking for the money, but nothing was found. The following day the son wrote again.... Now plant the vegetables. It’s the best i can do from here.

Alas they've come for Dr. SEUSS, they wish to hang him with a noose. They claim his tales were racist bent, they judged him fast, missed what he meant. 
But if we look inside his tales, you'll find the balance of the scales.  Remember when Horton heard a Who, and we heard the wisdom of the Lorax too.  The lesson behind Green Eggs and Ham,  that changed the mind of Sam I am.  Remember too the rotten Grinch, who once would never give an inch. He taught us lessons, one and all, boys and girls, big and small. 
So if you've judged his works as poor, you should re- read them, I implore.  The man we know as Dr. SEUSS, turned our imaginations loose.  His impact was beyond compare, he taught us it was good to care.  To accept the red, the blue, the green, and on each other we can lean. 
So if you still won't give an inch, your heart has hardened like the Grinch.  Release the grudge, the hate, the rue, and embrace the hope of Cindy Lou.

prayer to finish with 

Gracious God, 
You call us to follow you on the way of the cross.
Help us to trust all things to you 
and give us, we pray, the wisdom to know 
what we must leave behind.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Answer to last weeks  Puzzle 

 
 




 

Churches VISION – St Paul’s Mission Statement

“Our purpose as God’s people is to share the good news of Jesus 
with the people of Kaikoura and beyond.”

Administration: stpauls1877@gmail.com                                           
Parish Clerk: Marie Davidson           319 6465                                    Pastoral Care: Doreen Tomlin         319 5912
Minister: Rev Martin Harrison         319 5552                                       Web site https://kaikourastpauls.weebly.com/
 

This Weeks news 

This morning’s readings are from Job: 1:21; John 12:12-16
Theme: “Business with Christians”

Welcome to everyone gathered here to worship today; Andrew Ki will be sharing the message.  A special welcome to any visitors; may your time in Kaikoura and New Zealand be filled with warmth, safety, and many special memories.  Please join us for a cup of tea or coffee after the service.

EASTER SERVICES 2-4 April Good Friday. 2 April, 10.00am Easter day, 4 April, 10.00am Easter evening, 4 April, 7.00pm, combined service, Memorial Hall

Come on and celebrate Easter Sunday Night
We are joining with the other churches of Kaikoura for a combined easter Service 4 April, 7.00pm, in the Memorial Hall.  Come along and worship the risen SON.  

 
Daylight Saving
A reminder, as the days get shorter, we will be soon moving into daylight saving.  Our clocks are due to fall back on Sunday, 4 April.
 
Tuesday prayer: Weekly we gather to pray for the community, churches of Kaikoura, things on our heart, for an hour.  Come for 5 minutes, or for the whole hour, as we meet with the Father; 1.00pm in the church foyer.
 
KidzKlub, our after-school programme, this Wednesday, from 3.00-4.30pm at the Anglican Hall, Torquay Street; 2.15pm for helpers please.  Each week they have followed themes from the Old Testament. This week they had the story of Noah and the Ark and finished making a Rainbow, Dove and Ark hanging mobile.
 
Invitation to the parishioners, and others- ROOF SHOUT
Now that the roof is on and windows in, we will have a roof shout on Wednesday 31^st March @ 4.30pm. There will be a BBQ at Melville & Julie’s house, “Fifeshire”, 40 Fyffe Quay.
So we know how much food to order, please can you RSVP to Melville & Julie by Monday 29^th March; 3195059, 021635360 or 0210323438. The church committee will organise and pay, for the food. Please BYO drinks.
 
24 hour BURN: Prayer & Worship in Kaikōura.
Happening at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church - beginning the evening 9th April and ending in the evening on 10th April. The idea of the burn is a 24-hour prayer and praise opportunity.  You might like to drop in for a couple of hours or just for 2 minutes. This is a combined event for the churches of Kaikoura and has been organised by Nicki Smith.

Hope Project – the big idea
Today you will receive two hope booklets, one to read and one to give away. You might hand it to someone, or you might put it somewhere it can be picked up. The wider 2021 theme will be the history behind our cultural views on the freedom of speech and religion — which are rooted in our cultural ideas about human rights — which come from the Judeo-Christian idea that all human life is valuable (and objectively so).  By investing time in reading your own copy it enables you to be able to ask good questions and have good discussions with others that have received it in their letterbox.
 
Dreaming of a great group
A fortnightly meeting on a Wednesday night open to anyone - plan is to watch 30 minutes of the chosen story of Jesus and then enjoy a hot drink and discussion.  If you would like to know more or want to indicate you are interested please talk to Pippa.  Hoping to start the group in term 2.
  
BIBLE SOCIETY OF NZ MILESTONE:
The Bible Society in NZ is celebrating 175 years with functions happening throughout the country over the next few months.  Our closest is on Saturday April 17th in Christchurch.
We do need to register. Go to www.biblesociety.org.nz for more info.
Give thanks for the millions of Bibles, New Testaments & Scriptures provided here & overseas during the years.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:  Coracle - a weekend for explorers
Friday 30 April 7pm – Sunday 2 May midday, at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp
Cost: $50 pp (Includes meals on Saturday, refreshments and venue)
Coracle is for people interested in exploring new ways of being church to tell stories, learn together, pray and listen. Some conversations will explore practical steps like getting started in a venture like this.
More information & Registration at alpinepresbytery.org/coracle/
 
Presbytery Retreat at Hanmer Springs: 2—4 May
 
BUILDIng news:
Building progress
The Bondor panelling for the restaurant kitchen has now been installed. The widows in the top floor are in place and the glass will be installed soon. In this coming week the Lift will be installed and internal framing will be built. It is exciting as it really beginning to feel like a building.
Please note: As it is a construction site, no one should enter the site – this is for everyone’s health and safety.  You can get a great view of progress from the church walkway.
 
Building site Morning Teas - Would you like to Volunteer?
What a great bunch you are.  We aim to supply it once or twice a week (they joke if we did it more often they would get fat).
If you would like to be part of this blessing there are two options:
1) you could bake something and pass it on to Martin to put in the freezer so it can be brought out when needed.
2) you could tell Martin that you wanted to supply morning tea on a particular morning and Martin will check and see that there will be people on site and
co-ordinate.
  
Visiting If you know someone who is unwell or would benefit from being visited, please let Martin know.
 
PRAYER  (John Cameron)
There are people ready to pray with you after every service.  If you would like prayer, please don’t leave here as you came – allow God to minister to you at the end of the service; simply come to the front seats and ministry will be offered.

Prayer Needs:
 

• Pray for the building construction site and workers that progress will continue smoothly and safely

• Pray for the businesses in Kaikoura.  We unfortunately have heard of some having to close their doors as the financial crisis of Covid begins to bite. 

Friday, 2^nd April 2021

Speaker:                              Rev Martin Harrison 
Morning Tea:                      Inge van Hoof 
Bible Reading:                     Chris Fourie 
Data Projector:                   Anne Ki 
Intercessory Prayer:           Marie Davidson

Sunday, 4^th April 2021 
Speaker:                              Rev Martin Harrison 
Morning Tea:                      Jan Johnston 
Bible Reading:                    Erica O’Connor 
Data Projector:                  Chris Fourie 
Intercessory Prayer:          Marion Judge 
Communion:                      Julie Syme        (bread) 
                                             Melville Syme  (wine)