‘The Bridge’ - 29 July 2022
A message from Sandra
Kia ora e te iwi, warm greetings to you all,
As we approach the end of July and look ahead to August, it is with encouragement to remember that we are part of a wider family. Next weekend is the Lower North Island Methodist Synod. Being held in Feilding Friday afternoon and Saturday, the event includes opportunities to share and hear about parish life around the region, along with some interesting guest speakers and time to discuss wider church matters.
Then the following weekend Presbytery is gathering in Palmerston North. With a focus on ecology the programme includes much to engage "the head, heart and hand," along with an opportunity to network over dinner Saturday evening.
These two events are open to all church members and it would be fantastic to have a great turnout from Levin Uniting at both. For further information about either of these events do contact me or the parish office or alternatively talk to Eileen (Synod) or Brett (Presbytery).
In the meantime, warm yourself with your favourite beverage and read on to catch up with the latest news from our parish and the wider community.
Kia whakapaingia - blessings
Sandra
Worship this Sunday at 10am
AMAZING LOVE
There is nothing that most parents will not do out of love for their children. This week we reflect on the incredible love of God through the words in Hosea 11:1-11. We look forward to you joining us.
Morning Tea on hold.
Due to the increase in Covid-19 illness in our parish and the wider community, there will be no post-service morning tea for the near future. This decision has been made in the interest of the health and safety of you all and will be reviewed once local case numbers reduce again. In the meantime, can all those attending worship and other indoor parish events please be vigilant with mask wearing and sanitisation. And remember, do not enter another person’s ‘bubble’ without their permission. I know this news will sadden us all but caring for one another and keeping ourselves and others well must take priority. Let’s pray that the present increase in Covid-19 cases will be short-lived and that those affected will recover quickly and fully.
The Lower North Island Superintendent and Executive invite all parishioners to join them for their next Synod and our first opportunity for a face-to-face gathering for some time! Come along to hear the news from our Partner church, to build relationships with our neighbouring brothers and sisters and to share our stories with one another. Talk to Eileen Bolitho or Sandra for further information or if you are interested in car-pooling.
Presbytery invite all parishioners to their 10th Anniversary Gathering and AGM, Nurturing Creation.
This year's Gathering explores what it means to be stewards of God's Creation and our impact on the earth's ecology.
With an engaging and powerful keynote speaker and compelling workshops with seasoned experts, there will be plenty to engage the head, hands and heart with the care of God’s Creation. There will also be stories from around the presbytery, good food, fellowship and fun.
Sandra will be going and has room in her car for 3-4 others. You will need to register.
Can you help?
Our works team are looking for 3 garden benches to be put in our south garden area and were wondering if anyone is thinking of getting rid of one from their garden? Of course it would need to be in a safe condition. If you can help, please contact the office.
Refugee Resettlement
After many delays resettlement of Refugee Families is now a certainty for our town. Levin has been allocated two Columbian Families, the first of a total of 80 to be settled here.
As yet flights to New Zealand for the two families have not been confirmed but August 22 is the proposed date for their arrival in Levin. We don’t know the make-up of the families but it is clear there will be children.
As a Church we have undertaken to supply School Bags and School Supplies. Apart from that the following are ways in which individuals might help. All former Refugees feel the cold terribly so knitted beanies, scarves, Sox, gloves, and slippers are much needed as are warm jackets and jerseys.
If you are unable to do any of the above, monetary contributions are very welcome and may be made to the Church tagged Refugee Resettlement.
COVID-19 Self-Isolation
With more people catching the new variant of COVID19, we found this information which is helpful with knowing what to do regarding isolation.
Under the current rules, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or lives with someone with COVID-19 has to isolate for 7 full days.
Anyone who has COVID-19 needs to be symptom-free to end isolation. If you get to day 7 and still have symptoms, stay home until 24 hours after your symptoms have gone. If your symptoms worsen or last beyond 7 days, contact your GP or health provider for advice.
During that time, household contacts need to test on days 3 and 7. If they test negative and are symptom-free they can stop isolating after 7 days.
Seasons for Growth Adult Grief programme
Change and loss are part of life, and grief is a normal response. Seasons for Growth for adults is an innovative education programme which explores the effects of change, loss and grief. A trained ‘Companion’ facilitates the small group programme, in which participants explore feelings, memories, loss and grief in a safe and creative way. Seasons for Growth is an education programme. It does not provide counselling or therapy. It is not a religious programme.
Registrations are essential. For information on upcoming courses contact:
Sandra Williams
m: 027 296 8849
e: seasons@levinuniting.org.nz
Pastoral Care
If you or someone you know would like a visit, our Pastoral Care team is on call. Please do not hesitate to call one of the Senior Lay Leaders and they will connect you with one of our visitors.