Sunday Services - 25 October, 2026

8:00am   Christ Church, Warkworth;

  9:30am Christ Church, Warkworth;

9:30am   St Leonard’s, Matakana. 

     From the Vicar 

I really enjoyed being part of the combined churches' service at Mahurangi College last Sunday. It was lovely to worship alongside people from other churches in our community, catch up with familiar faces and be reminded that we're part of a much wider Christian family. I hope those of you who attended enjoyed it too. And if you took the opportunity for a quieter Sunday morning at home, I hope that was refreshing too!

Vestry met on Tuesday evening, and it was a real pleasure to welcome Penny Scott and Roy San-Garde in their new roles as Churchwarden and Treasurer. I'm delighted that they've both agreed to take on these responsibilities and look forward to the gifts, experience and fresh perspectives they will bring. Please keep Penny, Roy and all our Vestry members in your prayers.

As I write, there are just 66 days until Christmas. (I don’t know where October has gone!)   Melody will be in touch shortly with everyone involved in our Sunday service rosters to check availability for December, January and February. We know many of you will be taking holidays or spending time with family over the summer, so please let her know when you'll be away. We're also keen to welcome more people onto our rosters, so if you have a little time to offer, even occasionally, we'd love to hear from you. Many hands make light work, and sharing the load helps everyone enjoy a well-earned break. A big thank you to all who already give so generously of their time!

Lisa

    Pastoral Care

We have some lovely people across the parish who love to support others.  If you would like a visit at home or in hospital,  someone to pray with, or some support when you’re unwell then please reach out.  You can send an email to: pastoralcare@warkworthanglican.nz or call the office and be connected.  

    St Leonard’s Meeting

The St Leonard’s monthly meeting, will be held after morning tea at St Leonard’s this Sunday (25th October).  Everyone welcome.

    Pyjamas & Blankets

Earlier in the year we collected pyjamas, but we overlooked telling you what happened to them.  We missed the cutoff to donate to the Kindness Collective, so all of the 50 pairs donated (along with a few other goodies) were collected by Give a Kid a Blanket.  This charity has the simple but ambitious goal of supporting people in need.  

   Advent Box Making

If you would like to join us at the Parish Hall on Tues 3rd November - 1pm to 2:30pm, to help put the boxes together.  We would love to see you - It is a great time of fellowship with Christmas music and food. Normally we get through 60 boxes in an hour!  

Christian Meditation - An Invitation

Through silence and stillness, Christian meditation offers a way of opening ourselves to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Rooted in an ancient Christian tradition, meditation can help us deepen our relationship with God and create space to listen for his voice amidst the busyness of daily life.

Whether you are searching for a deeper spiritual life, curious to learn more about Christian meditation, or already have an established meditation practice, you are warmly invited to join us. We also welcome those who have meditated in the past and would like to reconnect with this practice in the company of others.

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

Another new path at St Leonard’s!

Back  in September we told you we had built a path at St Leonard’s and that we were hoping to build the much longer pathway leading to the market upper car park, in October.  And look at where we are - right on task!
Thank you once again, to the St Leonard’s crew, working very hard (and cheerfully) to get this completed.

The addition of this second path should largely remove any further risk of accidents, due to people (the public, and Op Shop volunteers) trying to cross down what was a steep and slippery grassy area behind the church and Op Shop area.

 Children & Families Ministry - Explorer Kids

Some of the lovely young faces enjoying Explorer Kids activities in our Parish Hall. It’s wonderful to see so many children getting involved, making friends and having fun together!

Toiletries for Refuge

Our collection of toiletries for Women’s Refuge is about to draw to a close.  Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.  It’s not too late - please bring your donations of (new, unopened) toiletries along to Warkworth this Sunday.  This is a great opportunity to support to support women and families who need a little extra care at a difficult time. 

Giving by Automatic Payment   (A simpler way to give)

If you currently give to the parish by putting cash into a giving envelope each week, we’d like to encourage you to consider changing to automatic payment.

Automatic payments make things easier for everyone. They reduce the amount of cash our staff and volunteers need to count, record and bank, and reduce the risks that come with handling cash. They also make giving easier for you – your gift happens regularly without having to remember to find cash and bring your envelope to church each Sunday. Just put your giving number in the reference field at the bank.

(If you can imagine having to unjam a printer that has envelopes stuck in it,  you’ll appreciate the upside of not having to produce these.)

If you have questions about giving by automatic payment please please speak to Melody in the Parish Office. We’d be very happy to help.

    Prayer Chain

Prayer support is available through a small group of intercessors.  Whatever your just email prayer@warkworthanglican.nz or chat with Lisa or Rohan.  All requests are confidential to the prayer chain group.  

     Activities - week beginning Sunday 25th Oct:

Mon   9:30am Selwyn Centre Parish Hall, Warkworth

Wed 2.30pm Communion Service Summerset Falls Village

Thurs      9.30am Christian Meditation            Christ Church, Warkworth

Sun   9:30am Explorer Kids Christ Church, Warkworth

Readings for Sunday -  1st November, 2026 

     Rev 7:9-end;   Ps 34:1-10,22;   1 John 3:1-3;   Matt 5:1-12