Oh my gosh! I can’t believe that the RWC is nearly here. I am so excited. Go the AB’s!
Now, no one replied to my last post on defining the essence of the Kiwi. Thanks for nothing. Weetbix have however given me some inspiration. Our family has been endlessly munching through weetbix to get the World Cup All Black cards (We had a result this morning we finally got Dan Carter). This is what it said on the back of the box:
“The All Blacks are not just our heroes. They represent us a nation. They epitomize what it means to be a New Zealander. Taking on the world. Giving our all. Stopping for nothing. For no one. They take pride in wearing the black jersey. We take pride in getting behind them. Giving them the support they need to go above and beyond the call of duty. Because they are our team. They bring us together. They put us on the edge of our seats. They make us cheer. They make us cry. They make us who we are. They are New Zealanders. They are the All Blacks.”
Wow! I can feel the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. What do you make of this? Do you like this spiel? Is anyone going to post anything? Mum?
By the way, I am starting a new and long series on life this Sunday morning. I hope it is going to be good. It is entitled "Precious People/ Beautiful Life" and I am going to think about what is to be human. What expectations we can have of life? What expectations we can have of God? I am hoping we are going to be in for lots of encouragement and surprises. We also have some Father's Day antics.
We’ll see what happens. Especially to the All Blacks!!!! May they win...
Mike Norris is the Vicar of St Paul's in Auckland City....
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
E Ihowa Atua
It has been an enormous week for Bex and I as we became Kiwis on Monday night! We felt very excited and honoured as we swore our oath of allegiance before Len Brown in the Town Hall and sang the National Anthem. And so here's a question for you as we get going on our Kiwi adventure: What lies at the heart of being a Kiwi? Help us out. See you Sunday.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Amazing "Theology Matters"
As this series ends on the book of Genesis a big well done to Newt. Everyone has loved what you have done. Here are just a few of the rave reviews I have received:
“Thanks for part 1 of Genesis tonight. Matt and I really enjoyed it, lots of food for thought and things to think and talk about. It was so great to get so much historical context around Genesis and the ancient world. It definitely changes how you read the bible and even in just tonight I've seen much more in that chapter than I have before. Looking forward to the next 4 installments! Thanks for all the prep and hard work you've so obviously put into it.”
"I’m more than happy to rave about the theology course. I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Matthew has both a breadth and depth of knowledge that is so impressive! I’ve learned the answers to questions that I’ve wondered about for years. This, along with the desserts and coffees, and the company of likeminded people, combines to ensure this is one of the highlights of my week! Thanks Matthew and St Paul’s!"
"After a few theology sessions with Newt I'd now go out of my way to make sure I'm in the same room to hear whatever he has to say. It's inspiring to listen to someone who has obviously studied the Bible a great deal and eloquently suggests meaning upon meaning whilst remaining completely approachable. He challenges us to examine the text for what it is trying to say, rather than what we'd like it to say, putting into historic context. In the process he opens our eyes to the possibility that somewhere, beyond the horizon of our understanding, God is bringing his creation into perfect order, and prompts us to consider our role in His great story."
“So loving the course.... I go home with little gems every time. Someone asked me a couple of weeks ago to tell them 3 things I had learnt ... I could have talked for hours...”
“The theology session last night was fantastic, thank you!”
“I’m thoroughly enjoying the theology course. I’ve learned the answers to questions that I’ve wondered about for years. This is one of the highlights of my week!”
“The theology course has challenged me to examine the text for what it is trying to say, rather than what we'd like it to say. In the process it has opened my eyes to the fact that beyond the horizon of our understanding, God is bringing his creation into perfect order."
“The theology course has made the Bible come alive to a non-intellectual like myself...when you understand the history, the Greek, Hebrew language and lifestyles...it starts to make sense”
Make sure you book on to the next one!
“Thanks for part 1 of Genesis tonight. Matt and I really enjoyed it, lots of food for thought and things to think and talk about. It was so great to get so much historical context around Genesis and the ancient world. It definitely changes how you read the bible and even in just tonight I've seen much more in that chapter than I have before. Looking forward to the next 4 installments! Thanks for all the prep and hard work you've so obviously put into it.”
"I’m more than happy to rave about the theology course. I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Matthew has both a breadth and depth of knowledge that is so impressive! I’ve learned the answers to questions that I’ve wondered about for years. This, along with the desserts and coffees, and the company of likeminded people, combines to ensure this is one of the highlights of my week! Thanks Matthew and St Paul’s!"
"After a few theology sessions with Newt I'd now go out of my way to make sure I'm in the same room to hear whatever he has to say. It's inspiring to listen to someone who has obviously studied the Bible a great deal and eloquently suggests meaning upon meaning whilst remaining completely approachable. He challenges us to examine the text for what it is trying to say, rather than what we'd like it to say, putting into historic context. In the process he opens our eyes to the possibility that somewhere, beyond the horizon of our understanding, God is bringing his creation into perfect order, and prompts us to consider our role in His great story."
“So loving the course.... I go home with little gems every time. Someone asked me a couple of weeks ago to tell them 3 things I had learnt ... I could have talked for hours...”
“The theology session last night was fantastic, thank you!”
“I’m thoroughly enjoying the theology course. I’ve learned the answers to questions that I’ve wondered about for years. This is one of the highlights of my week!”
“The theology course has challenged me to examine the text for what it is trying to say, rather than what we'd like it to say. In the process it has opened my eyes to the fact that beyond the horizon of our understanding, God is bringing his creation into perfect order."
“The theology course has made the Bible come alive to a non-intellectual like myself...when you understand the history, the Greek, Hebrew language and lifestyles...it starts to make sense”
Make sure you book on to the next one!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Farewell Sir Paul
What an amazing time of worship at our services on Sunday morning! The presence of the God was so evident it was wonderful.
I have been saddened by the death of Sir Paul Reeves. I have just got back from his funeral at the Cathedral which was a very wonderful occasion as was his tangi yesterday up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Paul was very kind to me when I first arrived in Auckland in 2004. We had coffee a couple of times and he offered much needed support and wisdom at that time. He also took me on to the marae opposite the church as well as helping with our Easter services one year.
I don’t know about you but I am absolutely delighted that Chase Goodwin our new youth worker has started. Chase and Shinai (his wife) are great people and are going to considerably deepen our youth ministry here at St Paul’s. They are gifted, godly, fun and fresh! Watch this space.
Also don’t forget the Faith box session tonight with Ian and Mary Grant. It is so brilliant having those guys inputting all of their experience and wisdom in to our families.
I am looking forward to seeing you this coming Sunday.
I have been saddened by the death of Sir Paul Reeves. I have just got back from his funeral at the Cathedral which was a very wonderful occasion as was his tangi yesterday up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Paul was very kind to me when I first arrived in Auckland in 2004. We had coffee a couple of times and he offered much needed support and wisdom at that time. He also took me on to the marae opposite the church as well as helping with our Easter services one year.
I don’t know about you but I am absolutely delighted that Chase Goodwin our new youth worker has started. Chase and Shinai (his wife) are great people and are going to considerably deepen our youth ministry here at St Paul’s. They are gifted, godly, fun and fresh! Watch this space.
Also don’t forget the Faith box session tonight with Ian and Mary Grant. It is so brilliant having those guys inputting all of their experience and wisdom in to our families.
I am looking forward to seeing you this coming Sunday.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Amazing St Saviour's
I have to say that Mark Tiplady and I had an amazing time up north at St Saviour’s in Kaitaia. What a church! We were met at Kerikeri airport by Bill Heald, the Vicar there and David one of their Synod Representatives. They took us on an impromptu tour of the area between Kerikeri and Kaitaia. It was a very beautiful day and the region is stunning. Over dinner in the church hall (an amazing array that included oysters, trifle and rice pudding and a whole load of other delicious things) their leadership team spoke about the church and some of the immediate issues they face in the future. We also prayed together which was wonderful. We are seeking to deepen the relationship between St Paul’s and St Saviour’s in the future.
We then headed back to our accommodation at about 10pm in time to watch the highlights of the All Blacks game☺ Go the AB’s.
On Sunday morning we went to their pre- service prayer meeting which was very inspiring followed by the 9.30am service. It was a wonderful service with outstanding worship. I spoke about the importance of bearing fruit as we follow God and then we prayed for many of the people there. It was great to see how God spoke into people’s lives through us with words of life, hope and encouragement. As ever, I am sure that it was way more encouraging for us than it was for the people at St Saviour’s! We then hurried off back down to Kerikeri to jump on the plane bound for Auckland. Someone had made us a packed lunch consisting of raw snapper and paua. It was delicious.
Thank you to all those at St Saviour’s who made us feel so welcome.
We then headed back to our accommodation at about 10pm in time to watch the highlights of the All Blacks game☺ Go the AB’s.
On Sunday morning we went to their pre- service prayer meeting which was very inspiring followed by the 9.30am service. It was a wonderful service with outstanding worship. I spoke about the importance of bearing fruit as we follow God and then we prayed for many of the people there. It was great to see how God spoke into people’s lives through us with words of life, hope and encouragement. As ever, I am sure that it was way more encouraging for us than it was for the people at St Saviour’s! We then hurried off back down to Kerikeri to jump on the plane bound for Auckland. Someone had made us a packed lunch consisting of raw snapper and paua. It was delicious.
Thank you to all those at St Saviour’s who made us feel so welcome.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Mud pools, amazing new team members and Kaitaia
I am happy to report that we had a great holiday down in Rotorua and no-one fell in to any boiling mud pools on this occasion and so that was a relief!
The big news of the week is that we have a brand new Church Manager. Peter Cox started at the beginning of this week and we are very fortunate to have someone of Peter’s caliber and experience overseeing our operations. Welcome Peter!
David Goulstone finishes next week and so do thank him for all that he has done in the time he has been with us if you did not get the opportunity to do so after we interviewed him on Sunday. We are all going to miss David enormously.
I am also delighted that Mary Turner has joined the administrative team this week as well. Welcome Mary!
Do introduce yourselves to them and make them feel welcome.
It was great to be back last Sunday. Richard spoke very well in the morning as we opened our three week series entitled “Sent Together” on mission and community. I loved his challenge to find the one thing that gives us most life and do that. (So long as it is legal).
It was also great to have Bishop Ross here on Sunday night. Ross is a great support to us all and I was very grateful that in his busy schedule he was able to squeeze us in again. If you missed his talk on Sunday night on Phil 2:1-11 it is definitely worth listening to on the podcast. He gave a very illuminating and insightful talk on Jesus’ example of humility and service.
Newt is speaking this Sunday continuing on with the “Sent Together” series and has a great message up his sleeve. Although, I am feeling gutted because I am going to miss it.
However, I am excited because I am speaking up at St Saviours Anglican Church in Kaitaia this Sunday morning. Mark Tiplady and I are flying up on Saturday lunchtime. We are then spending Saturday night with their leadership team and we are going to be leading ministry in their Sunday morning service. We got together at lunchtime today to pray for our visit and feel that God is going to do some exciting stuff and so I will keep you posted.
I can’t wait to see you all a week on Sunday.
The big news of the week is that we have a brand new Church Manager. Peter Cox started at the beginning of this week and we are very fortunate to have someone of Peter’s caliber and experience overseeing our operations. Welcome Peter!
David Goulstone finishes next week and so do thank him for all that he has done in the time he has been with us if you did not get the opportunity to do so after we interviewed him on Sunday. We are all going to miss David enormously.
I am also delighted that Mary Turner has joined the administrative team this week as well. Welcome Mary!
Do introduce yourselves to them and make them feel welcome.
It was great to be back last Sunday. Richard spoke very well in the morning as we opened our three week series entitled “Sent Together” on mission and community. I loved his challenge to find the one thing that gives us most life and do that. (So long as it is legal).
It was also great to have Bishop Ross here on Sunday night. Ross is a great support to us all and I was very grateful that in his busy schedule he was able to squeeze us in again. If you missed his talk on Sunday night on Phil 2:1-11 it is definitely worth listening to on the podcast. He gave a very illuminating and insightful talk on Jesus’ example of humility and service.
Newt is speaking this Sunday continuing on with the “Sent Together” series and has a great message up his sleeve. Although, I am feeling gutted because I am going to miss it.
However, I am excited because I am speaking up at St Saviours Anglican Church in Kaitaia this Sunday morning. Mark Tiplady and I are flying up on Saturday lunchtime. We are then spending Saturday night with their leadership team and we are going to be leading ministry in their Sunday morning service. We got together at lunchtime today to pray for our visit and feel that God is going to do some exciting stuff and so I will keep you posted.
I can’t wait to see you all a week on Sunday.
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