What's Happening?:

              Sunday Services - 14th June, 2026

9:00am Snells Beach Community Church;

9:30am     Christ Church, Warkworth;

9:30am     St Leonard’s, Matakana.

From the Vicar’s Desk 
It really feels like winter has arrived this week. Over the last few days I've found myself looking out at the paddock behind my house and feeling sorry for the sheep. The grass is wet, the wind is cold, and before long many of them will be giving birth to lambs in the middle of the season. It doesn't look particularly comfortable.

That paddock reminds me how quickly our district is changing. My house sits on the edge of one of Warkworth's newer subdivisions. What was once open farmland is now becoming streets, footpaths and family homes. Every month more dirt is moved and more houses appear.  New people move in, and more lives become part of our community.

Sometimes we talk about growth as though it were simply a planning issue. We talk about roads, schools, shops, and infrastructure – including the much-needed new wastewater connection for Warkworth. Important though those things are, Jesus looked at growing communities rather differently. He saw people. In this week's Gospel, Matthew tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion because people were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."  Then Jesus said something remarkable: "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few."

As our district continues to grow, perhaps that is a challenge for us as well. It is easy to see houses. It is harder to see the people who live in them. The young family trying to settle in. The retired couple making a fresh start. The person who has arrived knowing nobody. The neighbour carrying burdens we cannot see.

The opportunity for us as a church is not simply to observe the pace of growth. It is to see the people and to see them as Jesus sees them – with compassion, care and hope. Every new street, every new home and every new face represents someone whom God loves.

As we have conversations about worship, mission, and our future together, perhaps one question is worth keeping before us: how might God be calling us to change and grow alongside our growing community. 

Lisa

Special General Meeting

A special general meeting will be held on 21 June, Christ Church, Warkworth, 2pm to receive finances from the Parish and the Warkworth Anglican Parish Trust, and the Parish budget for 2026.  Also hear from Geoff Johnston on a proposal for improved access at Warkworth.  The documents area available for perusal at Warkworth and Matakana, and the agenda will be mailed to those on the roll.

Winter Warmup

Extended through June - bring along your jammies - for our charity collection to the  collection boxes at Matakana and Warkworth.

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.  

   Office Hours 

Our Parish Office is open 9am-1:30pm Tuesday and Thursday.  On Wednesdays, Melody is still available by email.

Activities - week beginning Sunday 14 June:

Mon 9:30am Selwyn Centre Parish Hall, Warkworth

Mon 5.00pm Lift - PreTeen Group Parish Hall, Warkworth

Wed 10:00am Mid-week communion Christ Church - Warkworth

10.30am Faith & Friendship Parish Hall - Warkworth

Thurs    9.30am Christian Meditation Christ Church, Warkworth

Sun 9:30am Explorer Kids Christ Church, Warkworth

Readings for Sunday - 21st June, 2026 

Gen 21:8-21;   Ps 86:1-10,16-17;   Rom 6:1b-11;   Matt 10:24-39