Sunday 14th December 2025
Kia ora
FROM THE CO-VICARS
Joy is the theme of this third week of Advent. You may have noticed in our advent wreath that there is one pink candle, and three purple. This week we light the pink candle. Some people know this Sunday as Gaudete Sunday, a day of rejoicing. We are told in Philippians 4 verse 4, “rejoice in the Lord always,” and that’s what we are reminded of this week.
I am constantly challenged by the fact that joy is possible in any and all circumstances. Whilst happiness tends to be dependent on what is happening in life, a result of things going well. Joy is possible at any and all times. We see it described as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians. It is a gift and a habit that we cultivate. We are able to be joyful in all things because of the hope that we have, the hope of God’s love and his promises to us.
Even with all that is going on in the world, let us choose to be joyful this Christmas season, dwelling on God’s love and promises to us in Jesus.
Blessings,
Adrian and Michelle
SERVICES
Service Times
Sunday 10am Family Service with Communion
Wednesday 10am BCP Holy Communion
Readings
1st Reading: Psalm 146:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
Epistle: 2 Thess 1
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17
EVENTS
Regular Weekly Events
Tuesday 10am Friendship Group Coffee Morning at Kokodeli Cafe
Wednesday 7:30am Morning Prayers in the Vicarage (behind the church) (this is the last week of Morning Prayers until 7th January)
Thursday 10am Music & Movement in the church hall (last session this week)
Last Week’s Animal Nativity Service
Our live animal nativity service last week was such a wonderful time! Greytown put on some stunning hot, sunny weather for us as we gathered outside to sing carols and re-tell the nativity story.
The story was told as if we were on a film set making a movie. Adrian was directing it, calling people up from the congregation to be a part of it and giving them lines to share in the story telling. The donkeys and sheep were great participants playing their roles superbly and enjoying many pats and much attention.
It was lovely to be outside for the service and many passersby stopped to see what was happening. We look forward to making this an annual event!
Check out the writeup that was in the Wellington diocese weekly newsletter here
Youth Games Afternoon - this Sunday
This Sunday, December 14th, we are having a board games afternoon in the vicarage at 3pm. All young people are invited to come and join in. Let either Adrian or Michelle know if you’re coming.
Foodbank Christmas Gifts
Thank you for your support for this! All the gift tags have been taken. Please make sure you bring your wrapped gift, with the tag attached, back to church by December 17th. We recommend purchasing a gift of a value between $15-$30.
Gaynor is after some red re-usable shopping bags to bag the gifts up in to deliver. Do you have any spare New World, Warehouse or equivalent bags that are in good condition to donate? Contact Gaynor on 027 645 1114 to organise drop off/collection.
Carol Singing in the Square
The Freedom and Life church are extending an invitation for all who are interested to join in singing some Christmas Carols outside the Greytown Town Hall/Library at 2pm on Saturday 20th December to bring the Spirit and joy of Christmas into the streets.
Christmas Services
January Services
We will be joining with St Mark’s Carterton for our services post-Christmas and through January.
December 28th, and January 4th and 11th we will be at St Mark’s in Carterton. NOTE: Their services start at 9:30am
January 18th is the weekend of New Wine. We encourage you to come along for the Sunday morning session, which includes Communion (more details on this to follow). There will be a simple service held at St Luke’s for those who don’t wish to be at New Wine.
January 25th is back at St Luke’s, normal time of 10am. St Mark’s will be joining us.
WEDNESDAY SERVICES
This Wednesday (17th December) is the last Wednesday Communion Service for 2025.
Services will resume on Wednesday 7th January.
