Difficult paths, and not turning back.

Greetings, friends, members and supporters of our church at Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point, Conifer Grove, Takanini, and in the southern part of Auckland – and beyond.

Dear God,

as we approach Good Friday,

we are especially mindful of the depth of your love for us.

We reflect on the cost you bore,

confronting hatred, fear and injustice.

We think of the words of forgiveness you spoke from the cross.

We give thanks today,

for all who follow you -

who take risks and pay a high cost to bring hope and healing,

to this world that you so love.

AMEN

I took this photo a few months ago when we were walking the Old Ghost Road track.

When you go tramping in New Zealand it is not uncommon, especially on the more popular tracks, to come across signs warning you of the dangers that lie ahead.

The puzzling thing about these signs is that there is very little you can do to reduce the dangers. While you may be inclined to walk a little more quickly than normal – always a challenge for me with a pack on – and perhaps not pause to take a photo – there is nothing you can do to prevent a rock from falling.  And even if you are especially cautious and averse to risks, on reading the sign, you are very unlikely, halfway through a tramp, to turn back. I guess that for all important journeys, risks are inevitable.  

There seems a terrible inevitability over these next few days as Jesus takes his final journey. First a final Passover meal with his disciples, then the betrayal, the baseless accusations, the crowd-pleasing authorities that would condemn Jesus – and finally his torture and execution.

I remember the song that we sang as teenagers at Easter Camps – it had the chorus:

While we may have good intentions, it can get tough.

We think, especially this week, of those who pay such a huge price in their commitment to follow Jesus – those who go to tough places, do difficult things and even risk their lives to bring healing, and hope, peace and justice.

This paraphrase of Paul’s letter to the Philippians catches up with something of the challenge of following Christ:

12 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13 Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. 14 I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet! 16 Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.17 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal.

We pray today,

for the despairing, the lonely and the suffering.

Jesus, you know what it is like to go through these dark valleys.

And so we invite you to be with us,

and all who face times of sadness or pain or loss.

May we know your Holy Spirit of hope and encouragement.

In Christ’s name, we pray.

AMEN

St Aidan’s 10 am

Clevedon 10 am

Kawakawa Bay 9.30

St Aidan’s 10 am

Clevedon 10 am

Easter Picnic – Kawakawa Bay 12.30

Easter Picnic. Community Easter Picnic, Egg Hunt and Games. Sunday 31st March 12.30 pm to 2 pm at the Kawakawa Bay Village Green (in the hall if wet)  Bring your blanket, food and drink and we will provide the Easter Egg Hunt for the kids!  Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult

An Easter Message from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church. Letter attached.

Rosters. We would love your help at Clevedon with Sunday Bible Reading, serving, welcoming, baking, and the Sunday BBQ. Please see the note from Annemarie at the end of these notices.

CVMFT Sunday Serenade next Sunday 7 April 1.30 pm: “Fools and Angels” - A journey through time discovering musical and dramatic moments of the intrepid, the cautious and the downright crazy” featuring past CVMFT scholarship winners and more. Go to CVMFT.org, or see Gina

Help update the new Clevedon Congregation Phone and Address Directories. Please could you send in all updates to improve the accuracy of our directory – we realise that some of the information in the directory is incorrect. annemarie@clevedonpresy.co.nz

Youth Group. Clevedon Youth Group Friday, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 87 Settlement Road, Papakura. This term, we're joining forces with the Youth Groups from Papakura East Presbyterian Church and Drury Presbyterian Church.  Games, devotions, small group discussions, and, of course, food! Bring your friends. The group is open to all Year 7 – 13 young people.  To find out more, or if you need a ride, please contact Paia on 027 724 2100.

HATCH – our community dinner and church continues next Sunday. All welcome. Please let Mathilde know if you are coming. mathilde@clevedonpresy.co.nz

Tuesday Morning Home Group. Ardmore 10 am. All are welcome to join with this very friendly and welcoming group for prayer, discussion and Bible readings. Please contact Bev Sutton for details: beverleySutton@xtra.co.nz

Tuesday Evening Ladies Bible Study meets during the school term in locations in Ardmore and Conifer Grove. 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. If you would like to find out more, please give Geraldine Oosterbeek a call on 027-2704-904

Prayer Circle Requests. For anyone who is seeking prayer for any concern or situation: prayercircle.clevedonpresy@gmail.com or text: Cath at 021 349 417, Elaine 022 071 7201, or Nikki 021 973 799

 AA - every Thursday at 7.30 pm at the Clevedon Church lounge. Friendly and supportive. For anyone with alcohol or drug problems.  https://aa.org.nz/

Sunday morning service at 10 am. Join us in person or watch the live stream on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxBzxjBb3xU8ra2NHwvD_9A

(The service can also be viewed at any time afterwards.)

Prayer before the Service. Join us at 9:15 am every Sunday in Martin's office to pray for the church and community.

St Aidan’s Takanini (23 Walter Stevens Drive, Conifer Grove,)

 Sunday morning service at 10 am

Playgroup - Every Monday and Tuesday morning in the school term.  Contact Brenda at 021 657 178.

Men’s group. Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Church lounge. A time of sharing, fellowship, prayer and study together.

Wednesday Communion service 9.30 am. All welcome

Women's friendship and study group. Evening group, Wednesday, 7 pm.  Day group, Friday 10 am. Contact Lorraine Richmond at 027 476 1169

Know your Bible Women’s study group. Thursday 12.30-2.30 pm. Contact Susanna Ph. 027 450 1926 (note the change from Friday)

The service is held in the Community Hall each Sunday at 9.30 am.

ANZAC Day: On Thursday 25 April, at 9.30 am. A 2-part service, with singers and musicians, sought for the ceremony in the Hall and general volunteers. Please contact Gina if you can help. gina.sanders@xtra.co.nz

Thank you for your prayers and generous support of our church and its mission.

Martin

It’s time for Helen to make up the new Roster to cover May – October 2024.

To ensure our church is a welcoming place for all, we have Delightful Duties for:

Cafe (Serving the Tea & Coffee following the service),

Baking (a batch of biscuits or muffins to enjoy with your cuppa);

Greeting (the welcoming face as people arrive at Sunday Service)

Lock Up Duty (Parish Councillor who turns off the lights, heating & locks up after Service & Morning Tea)

BBQ Sausage Sizzler (the lovely aroma of a hot sausage served with bread & sauce emanates from this team)

Please can you let us know if you would be willing to go on the roster, are not happy to continue in your current role, or wish to take on a different duty, so we can print the roster in good time.

Thank you for all your efforts.

Regards

Annemarie & Helen

Church Admin Team