As our Church year's events wind up, we took some time to reflect on the year, and what events and accomplishments marked 2014 for us. It was amazing how they started to add up once you started listing them.
Rex gave a sermon entitled :"Let's Celebrate", and mentioned a few of the events of the year, some of which are pictured in our celebration Word-cloud image.
cel·e·brate 1. To observe (a day or event) with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing. 2. To perform (a religious ceremony): celebrate Mass. 3. To extol or praise: a sonnet that celebrates love.
To mark the contributions of the congregation in our many activities during the year, the Auckland Pastoral Team put on a special afternoon tea as a thank you.
The Estongs were there with their family before heading back home to the Philippines, and special mention was also made of their time with us, which we greatly enjoyed.
Our service featured songs of celebration, and joy, words of part of one below:
On this day of celebration, looking at this year’s review, God, we gather as your people, called to put our trust in you. You have made the world we live in; you have worked through history. In your plan we find our purpose, in your love, our unity.
You have helped our year of effort, guided us through thick and thin,
May we seek your purpose daily, thinking of what we will win
When we trust and seek your guidance, Heaven’s gates are open wide
May we always feel your comfort, joyfully in you abide.
Here are some of the highlights of the year:
Visitors: L & A Smith, I Colati, W Davies, Tony Murphy, Estongs.
Senior Citizens’ luncheon
Womens’ Refuge toiletries, foodbank
Project Hope: 200 years of Christianity
Rotorua Festival
Website, FaceBook page, sermons in the cloud
New coloured sign on door
Special afternoon teas: James & Jennie’s 30th wedding anniversary, Barry & Gael’s 50th wedding anniversary, 60th birthdays: William T and Jim Wood
Year of sermons, Bible Studies, 3-speaker sessions, fellowship
Special waterfall service
"Inside Life" issues
Recovery from illness & accidents of Agnes, Janet, Yvonne, Wendy.
A group photo was taken of some who had stayed for the celebration.
Our last service of the year is on 20 December, after which we will resume services on 3 January, 2015. Pastor Rex will still be away, so we will be having a DVD that day.