Advent is a time of preparation. Advent starts Sunday week (Nov 27) . So yeah, I did that, we're preparing to prepare.
This Sunday we look at why Advent, why the church calendar, and the silence of God that preceded Advent. Why does God sometimes appear silent? How do we frame this in our own lives? :let's talk about...

 

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: Isaiah 45:15, Habakkuk 1
 

What a beautiful name
Tuhia
Beautiful things
Because he lives


 

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

 

 

 

Tauwhiro Taiohi - Youth Workers in Secondary Schools (YWiSS) 

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

 

 

Please Note there will be no Service Christmas Day (next... Service will be Jan 1 2023)



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

Rebuild News in Brief

MORE STRUCTURAL ROT DISCOVERED

Our church building seems to be 'the gift that keeps on giving.' More rot has been found in the load-bearing studs either side of the big stain glass window facing Jervois Road. That whole wall has been structurally unsound for a while and we're blessed that it has held as long as it has. These are important studs and so it is crucial that they are repaired. This could easily add another $50k+ to the project.

This project has become an exercise in increasingly moving goalposts. However, our project managers/ workers believe that this is the last of the potential big 'surprises.'

However, due to these increasing costs, by our estimates, we have just over a million more dollars to fundraise. We are working on some plans to meet these costs but in the meantime every penny counts.

 

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]