Many of us are counting down the days till omicron passes and we are free to emerge from our homes and places of safety. But in the church year we are currently in a period of time known as Lent. Lent is the period of 40 days prior to Good Friday, excluding Sundays, so covers about 6 weeks. And this period of time has been used by the Church as a time of reflection and preparation as we count down to Easter. This has been a space to consider what it means to live a life of sacrifice and concern for others. Often during this time Christians have chosen to forego things they enjoy so that the money saved can be given to support others in need. It’s a way of putting into action our desire to follow Jesus and his call to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him.
Such a course of action isn’t always easy, in reality we live in a world where we are encouraged to gain, not give up, to think of ourselves, not the needs of others. As you count down to Easter this year what will you focus on? Chocolate and Easter eggs? Maybe how you can serve others? Or perhaps reflecting on the story behind Easter – Jesus, his death on a Christ and his resurrection three days later?
If you need support during this time then please make contact with Andrew on 0223075225.
There is no physical service this week due to the growth of omicron in our community.
To join with us on air tune in to Coast Access Radio 104.7FM from 10.00am or livestream at http://coastaccessradio.org.nz... The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If you are struggling at this time and just need someone to talk to then please email us @ office@pb.org.nz and we will make contact with you.
This Sunday we are thinking about the 40 Days lead up to Easter. We will be looking at Matthew 5:1-12 as Jesus talks about what it means to be blessed by God.
Mainly Music - Due to omicron we are offering sessions on a week by week basis at the moment. Please check with church to see if this is still on. If you would like to know more about what we are doing instead then please contact the church office (office@pb.org.nz or text 0223075225). Normally meets Wednesday’s from 10.00am. Note a vaccination pass will be required to attend. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is an opportunity for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/parap...
Grace and peace