What's Happening?

       Sunday Services - 26th July, 2026

Today’s services:
8am & 9:30am   Christ Church, Warkworth;

9:30am St Leonard’s, Matakana.

   Warden’s Words 

Our Lord Jesus is, as we know, fully human and fully divine. But, perhaps aside from Christmas, it is easy to overlook His humanity as we think about the miracles He wrought and the amazing deeds he did. The Nicene Creed affirms it categorically: ‘He was made fully human…’. 

One aspect of being human that we all have in common, along with Jesus, is that we are part of a family. Societal structures in the community that Jesus was part of, were very much built around extended families who often lived together in multi-generational groups. Today, 26 July, is the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne – Jesus’ maternal grandparents.  Although they are not mentioned in the scriptures, other contemporary documents identify them as pious and devout, and they will have been involved in their own way in the life and upbringing of the young Jesus who would, I am certain, have loved and respected them, and would have listened to their stories of faith. 

Other grandparents are spoken about in Scripture as being important in maintaining multi-generational faith and blessing. Think, for example of Lois (2 Tim1:5), who played a pivotal role in passing on the strong and vibrant faith that eventually equipped her grandson, Timothy, for his work. We also read about Naomi who, despite going through trials of her own, faithfully helped raise and care for her grandson Obed in the Book of Ruth. The grandparents’ role in discipleship of younger generations is spoken of in Deut 4:9 where they are urged to ‘make [God’s commands] known to your children and your children’s children’, and Prov 13:22 calls them to leave a good spiritual inheritance to their descendants. To those in our congregation who are grandparents, may the Lord bless you with wisdom as you set about, in your own unique way, demonstrating who Jesus is to your young people.  May God give you the words and the situations to have important conversations about faith.  Then, trust him to help those words bear fruit.

    Neil

 Bible Crossword

   We hope you enjoyed last weeks’ Bible Crossword!  Congratulations, to all those who got the answers right!  If you enjoyed that you might like to try another Bible Crossword online, at:

https://www.christianbiblereference.org/crossword.htm 

Christian Meditation - An Invitation

Take some time out from the busyness of life to be still with God through the ancient practice of Christian meditation. Everyone is welcome - whether you're just curious, wanting to deepen your faith, or returning to meditation after some time away.

We meet each Thursday at 9.30 am at Christ Church. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are most welcome.

Children and Families Ministry

Being the first week back for the school term, we began Lift Teen bible study with a fun donut game! The Raglan  Christian camp was talked about a lot, as the youth haven’t seen each other since the first week of holidays. 

    It was a great experience for the young people that went and a nice bond has happened with them and a closer relationship with God in knowing who He is. We had a worship Holy night on the Thursday where 120 young people spent time with the Lord. It was very special for everyone and the teens got to write their prayers and pin it to a big cross. An example of some of the things the teens got to do during the days on camp were; BMX, confidence course, archery, rifles, quad bikes, beach games, art and craft, low ropes, water slides, hot pools, flying fox.     

    Pastoral Care

Feeling unwell?  Got the flu?  Not up to grocery shopping? Looking for some support?  Appreciate a meal?  We have some lovely people across the parish who love to support others.  If you would like some support please reach out.  You can send an email to: 

pastoralcare@warkworthanglican.nz or call the office to be connected.  

Pot Luck Dinner

One of our goals as a parish is to be a community where people of all ages and stages of faith can connect and belong. As we've welcomed more younger adults and families into parish life, we'd love to create an opportunity to get to know one another.

If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s, you're warmly invited to join us for a relaxed shared meal (pot luck dinner). 

Friday 31 July Children are very welcome too!

6.00–7.30pm

There'll be no agenda - just good food, good company, and a chance to build friendships.  More details later in this newsletter.  Let Nina know if you can make it, or if you have any questions:  nina@warkworthanglican.nz 

Foodbank

Just a reminder that our Parish is a part of the Warkworth Christian Foodlink, the foodbank run by Mahu Vision Trust out of Mahurangi Hope Church.  Each week Foodlink gives out 40 food parcels (and more!) to people in our community who are less fortunate.
Donations for the foodbank can be left in the baskets at the back of Christ Church and St Leonard’s every Sunday.

Activities - week beginning Sunday 26th July:

Mon   9:30am Selwyn Centre Parish Hall, Warkworth

Mon 5.00pm Lift - PreTeen Group Parish Hall, Warkworth

Tues      3.30pm Arts 4 Kids Parish Hall, Warkworth

Wed    3 & 3.45pm Arts 4 Kids St Leonard’s, Matakana

Thurs    9.30am Christian Meditation            Christ Church, Warkworth

Fri 6.00pm Pot Luck Dinner Parish Hall, Warkworth

Sun 9:30am Explorer Kids Christ Church, Warkworth

Readings for Sunday - 2nd August, 2026 

Gen 32:22-31;   Ps 17:1-7,16;   Rom 9:1-5;   Matt 14:13-21