Today’s post is a bit personal and difficult to write. Seventeen years ago our fifteen year old son collapsed and died at school. It was the hardest time of our lives as we struggled to make sense of his death. Why did this happen? How will we ever get over this? And of course the where is God in the midst of death and suffering? It was a time of grief and pain, or hurt and despair. And yet, strangely it was also a time when I personally understood God’s presence and love in a deep way. In the midst of our suffering God was there for us.
As I look at what is happening in Aotearoa/New Zealand, at the struggles we have with Covid and all the pain and suffering it has brought, I wonder how often we look for God in the midst of it? Life can be tough at times and yet it is often at those times, when we are pushed out of our comfort zones, that we can encounter God in ways we never thought possible.
If you need support during this time then please make contact with Andrew on 0223075225.
This coming Sunday is a 'vaccination pass required' service. This means that you will need to bring your vaccination pass with you and we are required by law to sight it before you can enter.
Please note the following requirements put in place by our leadership team to keep you and others as safe as possible.
- Please use the app or attendance sheet to keep a record of your visit.
- The elders have decided that mask wearing will now be compulsory but musicians, speakers and those singing at the front can remove their mask.
- Spacing of 1m between bubbles (so no hugging of others please).
- If you are at all unwell then please stay home.
- And can we encourage you to get vaccinated as a way of keeping yourself and others safe.
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 person of Jesus and his importance to our faith as described by Paul in his letter to the church at Colossae. Colossians 2:6-23 The New Freedom
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.
Mainly Music - Due to omicron we are offering sessions on a week by week basis at the moment. Please check with the church office 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