The Vicar reflects on today’s readings
Jonah 3:10–4:11 and Matthew 20:1-16
Jonah was angry because God had shown mercy to Nineveh. Jonah wanted the people to receive what he believed they deserved. Yet God’s responded otherwise. God cares not only for those who already belong, but also for those who are still searching, questioning and finding their way.
Jesus tells a similar story in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Those who worked all day and those who arrived near the end received the same generous payment. The message is not about employment practices; it is about Gods generosity. In the Kingdom of God, there is always room for another person.
This healthy and growing church cannot become a community that exists only for the people who are already here. We are called to be a church with open doors, open hearts and open hands.
Jesus does not distinguish by length of service, but rather by faithfulness. The Gospel tells us that God welcomes all.
We celebrate and welcomesevery new person who walks through our door. We do not ask, “Why have they only just arrived?” rather, “How wonderful that you are here!”
God’s generosity encourages us to become generous ourselves: generous with our welcome, our time, our forgiveness, our encouragement and our willingness to make room for others.
Parishes flourishes when we share what God has given us. God’s Kingdom is big enough for everyone — and there is always room for one more.
Sue and I wish you a great week. Mark
Notices & Events
Café Crawl - Tuesdays @ 10.30am
22 September: Castle Rock Cafe,
29 September: Mount Pleasant ComCen
Please call the Straker’s for more info.
Liturgists meeting
There is a meeting. Of the liturgists on Wednesday 23rd at 3:30pm. This will be held in the Parish Centre.
Kite Day (Next week!!)
Everyone is invited to the Vicar’s home after worship on Sunday 27 September for lunch (supplied) and kite making. The Vicar will supply kite sticks. Please RSVP with attendance numbers for catering. Please bring string paper/plastic sellotape etc and material for kite tails. There will be a prize for the best kite. It’s a great day for your grandchildren!!
Country Gospel Dessert Night 4 Oct
Please join us for this service, which will be the Church of St Amry from 7pm. All welcome, bring a friend or neighbour
Smiling Cyclists this Tuesday
Our Tuesday rides begin again now the warmer weather is here, this Tuesday. Please meet at the church at 9am.
Valley Inn Dinner, Thursdays from 5pm
We join with locals of the community for dinner and refreshments.
Swimming
Viki is no longer looking after the parish swim group. If anyone wants to join the Vicar at 8am at Aquagym at 8:30am, on Monday Wednesday and Friday morning, all are welcome.
Liturgists, Organist, Sides-person, prayer liturgists and the welcomer
Please meet with the Vicar at 9:30am before the service each week.
Daily Prayers at home
Each week-day the Vicar produces a short prayer session complete with readings, and a short homily. While our website is being upgraded, these are unavailable. Please see the Vicar if you wish to receive your personal copy.
Tower Garden
If you wish to donate a rose to the refurbished rose garden, please see either the Judy Stack or the Vicar.
Prayers
Please add Satira, to your prayers, the McLeod, Chapman, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers
Prayer Partner
Just a brief reminder that September is prayer month. The idea is that we pray for a particular person in the parish. You may contact them personally to see if there is any special matter that might require any extra prayers. If you don’t have a “prayer partner” please see Sue Stewart.
Regular giving
To organise online giving, please contact your bank and provide the following information.
Heathcote-Mt Pleasant Anglican Parish
Westpac Bank 03-1599-0014277-00. (Please use the reference “202” and record your name for ease of accounting.)
Next week: 27 September Family Service
Presider: The Vicar
Liturgist: Vanda McKerchar
Intercessions: Sue Sullivan
Music: The Vicar
Chalice: Judy Stack
Reading: Geraldine Bovett
Welcomer: Sue Sullivan
Sides-person: Judy Stack
Sound: Alistair McKerchar
Morning tea: Morning tea: Maria and Megan
Parish Directory
Vicar
The Reverend Mark Sullivan
027 475 9946
vicar@heathcote-mtpleasant.org.nz
People’s Warden
021 149 2608
Vanda McKerchar
Vicars Warden
Alastair Wood
021 100 4175
www.heathcote-mtpleasant.org.nz