Out of the cave - is it alright to complain to God?

One last dive this week into David’s story – in 1 Samuel 24 we find David hiding in a cave from Saul’s army.

Psalm 142, one of David’s famous psalms was written in this cave – a lament full of discontent, grief, and pain. Is this a model for us of how we can talk to God, in our worst times?

 

THIS SUNDAY IN PERSON OR
STREAMING LIVE ONLINE!
Come and join the community, one way or another.

https://www.facebook.com/Ststephensponsonby/videos

 

 

Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 24
 

All in All
Thank you, Lord.
The Lord's my Shepherd
 

We have a Spotify playlist of the songs that are kicking around on a Sunday morning. A great way to familiarise yourself with our music:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3nE64QSFnnQPN5XHRce9Nl?si=22dc6deaac4b4068

 

 

 

 

1) There will be no BOM meeting this month due to a number of people being away.

2) We will be taking gifts this year again for YWISS - presents for teenagers aged 13-17years. Last date to drop them off at the church is Sunday 4 Dec.
 

Our first good yarns event went well. A great feel and some new connections made. Next Good Yarns - NOV 8 10am 

Register your interest here: 
https://fb.me/e/1MiaaUjVL

OUR HOSPOP SPACE IS LOOKING GORGEOUS
Watch this space as we offer hospitality to our community!

Rebuild News in Brief

HISTORICAL INADEQUATE REPAIRS AND STRUCTURAL ROT

As the layers of the church are peeled back more and more issues are being found. Inadequate structural repairs from the past have been discovered which need to be rectified as well as considerable rot.

Some of this rot is due to poor design e.g. concrete ramps without considerable drainage pooling water into the framework. Some is simply indicative of the age of the building. As we keep finding more and more 'surprises' our costs keep rising and in this economic climate that is not ideal. 

Examples




As kaitiaki (stewards) of this toanga (heritage treasure) we need to be responsible and ensure that we do things properly without cutting corners. Cutting corners is a false-economy and someone, somewhere ends up paying for it. 

This means that our fundraising goalpost keeps moving. We do have some ideas up our sleeves and we are not in an impossible spot just yet but it will possibly require some flexible and forward thinking.
 

 

STAGE 2 (Internal Works)
 

We have almost secured N-Col for stage 2 and are in the signing of contracts and agreement phases with them. The timeline for completion keeps moving due to unforeseen issues. However, we hope to have N Cole starting on stage 2 this November. The tentative completion date is August 2023. 

 

Please add fundraising for St Stephens into your prayers!!

Start getting excited because St Stephen's 2.0 will be a thing of beauty and fit for purpose!

 

We love you guys and want to make sure everyone is getting the care, prayer and support they need. If you need us to prayer, be there or help in some way then please get in touch with us.

Some General Things to Pray For:

The church rebuild and all the connected finances and fundraising needed for that.

The spiritual vitality and numerical growth of St Stephens, especially so in these trying times.

The mission of St Stephens and our connection to our surrounding community.

Don't hesitate to email your prayer needs to minister@ststephensponsby.org.nz OR sessionclerk@ststephensponsonby.org.nz or phone Grant (0273601728) or Denise (0272866374)

Arohanui [much love]