What is God Like?

 Listen to Rev Anne read this beautiful book, 'What is God Like?' by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner.

https://youtu.be/eq6pojNqzcE

Matariki Stars

 This morning we celebrated Matariki and the start of our service was led by some awesome young people from our parish. What amazing leaders and role models they all were, all spoke so beautifully and confidently in both English and Te Reo Māori.

It isn't easy to be a leader, or to be one of God's people. Even Jesus had a tough time. We heard a story about Jesus, and how when he tried to teach in his own hometown, no one would listen. He had to leave and go to other towns.

People don't always like us... and that is ok. Our job is to be ourselves... to be the person God created us to be. God wants us to use our gifts and talents and live as one of God's people, sharing God's love with others.

Check out this video of this morning's activities, which involved a very complicated Matariki star craft, courtesy of Carol... and don't they look incredible?!

https://youtu.be/7WMjEUZV_qc

Refugee Sunday | Room on our Rock

 We heard the awesome story, 'Room on our Rock' by authors Kate & Jol Temple, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton. When read from in the usual manner from front to back, the story was about some very selfish seals, who would not share their rock with a newcomer. But, when the story was read in reverse, starting at the back page, it was an entirely different story! The seals welcomed and showed love and friendship to the newcomer. This perfectly illustrated the theme for Refugee Sunday. See below for a link to a reading on YouTube.

Our Awesome Kids also went on a journey in a hurry with Heather and Dave, and out in Awesome Time used a gym ball and paper people to show how we could help make the world a better place, where everyone is cared for.

Storms and bubble paint

Life isn't always "plain sailing". Sometimes the days roll by smooth and calm, without a care in the world, and other days are "stormy" with all sorts of troubles.

We heard a story about a storm... and were reminded that Jesus is with us through all the "storms" of life.

We had fun using the microwave to make bubble paintings... check them out on the video below.

https://youtu.be/Vdt97AMLlag

Matariki stars

 Check out the latest video from MaTCH (Media and Tech at Chapel Street)...

https://youtu.be/7PVUuKE1XeE

Our Awesome Kids made yarn star-themed art to celebrate Matariki... 

It's incredible when we look up at the stars and realise that our awesome God created the heavens... and also created each one of us! And God loves us, and cares for us deeply.

We were reminded that God sees beyond what people look like on the outside, and knows us deep inside. God knows the special skills we each have. We are all chosen by God and God has special plans for each of us. The really awesome part is that we never have to do anything alone... God is always right there with us, loving us always and no matter what.