This year, our East Christmas service will be on Sunday 10th December and it’s going to be so much fun. We have a wonderful production that will be performed along with lots of festive cheer. Pick up some Christmas invites from the service and prayerfully consider inviting some people you know wouldn’t normally attend church. What a great opportunity!
Missions is a big part of who we are as a church. We have a number of missionaries that we support as a church both financially and in prayer. The latest Missions Newsletter is out now, containing all the latest news and updates to help us to keep bringing our missionaries before the Lord in prayer. There should be a few paper copies at the back of the service on Sunday, or email missions@thestreet.org.nz for a digital copy.
Seniors Lunch is for anyone 65+ and is a wonderful event to bring your friends and neighbours to.
The next one is on Wednesday 29th Nov, 12:30pm - 2:30pm at Silverstream Retreat and will cost $25
It will be a festive Christmas lunch, carols, quiz and a short word from Daniel Lamb
If you’d like to come please email office@thestreet.org.nz
This week I grew in my capacity for worship but it came from an unlikely source. It reminds me that reasons to worship and ways to grow in our love for the Lord are everywhere.
The article was about the Euclid telescope which is mapping our night sky and providing us with more vivid images of the cosmos than ever before. One image stands out in particular.
It looks like a seahorse emerging from a cloud. It looks like something that might be formed momentarily in the vapour of clouds as they move across the sky. Maybe even something dreamed up in a VFX studio. But this is no fiction or product of chance. It’s a giant cloud of dust 1700 lightyears away from which new stars are born. And it looks incredible.
David wrote, “the heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim to works of his hands” (Ps 19:1). When he looked at the sky with far less light pollution than us, the grandeur and the wonder were reflections of God. The beauty of the night sky led him to know something of the beauty of God.
If David’s star-gazing grew his capacity for worship, how much more potential is there for us who have bigger microscopes and telescopes? We can see things in our universe that he could not see.
It reminds us of what everlasting life will look like. Each time we gaze at God, we’ll explore more of his infinite greatness and every new discovery will give more reason for praise and it will keep growing forever and ever.
The other truth this reminds us of is that our world is a reflection of the one who made it. God desires for us to look at the world and learn about him. The age of mountains (Ps 90:2), the roaring of the sea (Psalm 93:4), or a mum who comforts her child (Isaiah 66:13). All these things and so many more have the potential to grow our capacity for worship.
The question is whether we’re looking. We live our lives in such a hurry and our worship is poorer as a result. Worship not only glorifies God but edifies us in the process. What can you do today to take just a few moments to stop and stare and be led by this world to worship?
Much love,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>
I’ve been on quite a roller coaster in the past few weeks. While it wasn’t the time I would have chosen, it was the time I needed. And God used the time to rekindle a vision I’ve had for as long as I can remember but, if I’m honest, I’ve let go dormant. That I would see a move of God in my lifetime.
The wonderful thing about Together last week was the heartfelt prayer that emerged and the expectancy in the room. It was a line in the sand moment. A stake in the ground. We believe something has shifted in the heavenly realms. Rather than sit back and watch, now is the time for us to lean in. But how?
Enter the work of Professor Stuart Piggin who has researched antipodean moves of God. While there is no formula, there are some commonalities that it’s worth us paying attention to.
Unprecedented prayer for revival
In Mark 9, the disciples struggle to cast out a demon but for Jesus it just takes a word. In the conversation that ensues, Jesus makes it clear that this kind only comes out by prayer. There are things that God desires to do but will not do unless we pray. Will we pray for a move of God? It can be something we do in services or something we devote time to as Life Groups. At Hania Street there is a permanent space that you can book to gather in prayer 24/7. It could also be much simpler. Who’s around you that has the same desire to pray for a move of God and make a regular time that works for you.
Unusual unity among Christians
In our approach to being a multi-site church, we always seek relationship with other churches. We don’t see ourselves as the solution in an area but understand how God works through churches of different styles and traditions. It has also been noticeable since Covid just how many churches around the country are talking about the same things we are. Prayer, disciple-making, church planting. There’s increasing unity and partnership. But it’s also something that’s important closer to home. Often it’s hardest to love and forgive those closest to us because we see one another at our best and worst. Let’s pray that the Lord would help us remain soft-hearted, apologise quickly, and forgive freely.
Heightened faith and expectation for a move of God
Finally there’s expectation. We have come to believe in the living God, the risen Lord Jesus, the power of the gospel. The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is at work in and through us. We believe something has shifted and is shifting in our city so let’s pray and reach out with renewed expectation.
Why not begin to gather with others or use existing gatherings you’re in to focus prayer for a move of God. You could use these three things to guide you. Just imagine looking back in five years’ time and celebrating what God has done.
Me inoi tātou.
Let us pray,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>
On 12th November we begin a three-week series in the little Old Testament book of Ruth! Our teaching director Jerram Watts has a short teaser explaining why we're looking at this book now and what we can expect to take from it. Click here to watch the video.
Simon and Jenny shared the The Street’s new vision on Sunday, and challenged us that if we’re going to see our church move into all that God has in store for us, we need to be in prayer. If you missed the message please check it out here as it’s a key message for our church.
As you consider how you could increase prayer in your life here are some things you could consider.
Monday morning prayer - 6.30am every Monday at Dan and Hannah’s house.
Start up your own regular prayer meeting with one or two others and let us know so we can put it in the newsletter for others to join.
Come to the next Encounter on Sunday 3rd December, 7.15pm at St Aidan’s
Come to the next Eastern suburbs prayer time on Sunday 12th November, 7-8pm at Gateway Baptist
Catch up with someone for a walk/run and pray as you go
Use your current rhythms of prayer and consider if you are praying Elijah-like prayers - Big, whole-hearted, faith-filled, persistent prayers.
As we follow what’s going on in Israel and Gaza, it can easily leave us feeling helpless. What can we do except passively watch events unfold? But remember what we discovered last week. We can still pray and with that we can change the world.
Psalm 122 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:’ May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels’” (Ps 122:6-7). Implicit in this verse is the idea that Jerusalem is a city of significance that will be a focal point for conflict. This has been seen over the years and as we look towards the end of human history, it is Jerusalem that is the center of God’s end times agenda. To pray about what’s going on in the Middle East is to join with a significant part of the plans and purposes of God.
On Sunday at Mt Vic, we followed Pete Greig’s simple framework for praying in crises. It involves prayer under three headings and it can be a helpful guide whether praying on your own or with others. We can pray for People, Politicians and Priests/Pastors.
People
Pray for the people caught up in the conflict. The side they are on is irrelevant. Each of them is a person made in God’s image. There are still over 200 hostages in Gaza with families worried for their safety. There are hundreds of thousands of people displaced from homes and we can pray for food, shelter, clothing and power. Power shortages in Gaza mean hospitals are only providing emergency care. We need to pray for the significant amount of aid that is needed to get through.
Politicians
Israel has acknowledged they are planning for a ground invasion. This will have a devastating effect on an already horrific situation. We can pray for diplomatic processes in the region. For the intervention and involvement of other world leaders. We can pray for God to change the hearts and minds of those in positions of power such that an invasion might be averted.
Priests/Pastors
Finally, we can pray for Christian leaders and also all Christians who are called to represent God as ‘priests’ in the world. We can pray that they would know God’s presence in their lives and that they might understand how to love their God and love their neighbour during this time.
Above all, while we pray for this area, we can do so knowing that ultimately God is in control. Jesus really will return one day to rule and reign. These events remind us that it could literally be any day. As Peter wrote, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you can pray” (1 Pet 4:7).
Me inoi tātou.
Let us pray,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>
The Street Church partners with Christians Against Poverty to help people in Wellington get out of unmanageable debt while at the same time sharing the life-changing message of Jesus with them! Each year, we as a church congregation donate vouchers and treats to make up Christmas hampers that get given to CAP clients around the Wellington region.
To participate, please collect a hamper box from your local service or the church office. Fill it with some goodies and special treats and return by 12th Nov. (You don't need to wrap anything this year.)
Boxes will be coded:
SM - single male, SF -single female, C - Couple, G - Generic
Please fill your box with a $50 Warehouse Voucher, $50 worth of treats and a handwritten card.
F for families (many families have a few children, so these will be double the value)
Please fill your box with a $100 Warehouse Voucher, $100 worth of treats and a handwritten card.
Points to note:
No alcohol, although other beverages are fine.
No money.
Nothing perishable.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Boxes available at Locations from 15th October.
Return dates for boxes from 12th November.
You can return your hamper to your local service or the church office.
If you prefer, you can make a donation towards a hamper, with the reference ‘‘CAPHAMP''
E Street Association
02-1269-0016157-25
If you would like to get involved with the Christians Against Poverty ministry at The Street, please get in touch with Merrie, our Missions Pastor.
We are so excited to gather “TOGETHER” at Wellington College on Sunday 29th October. Simon and Jenny will be casting a vision for the future, we’ll be commissioning new Location Pastors and Elders, and we’ll be celebrating all that God has been doing in our church. We can’t wait to see you there.
Christmas is coming! Our Christmas service will be on 10th December and we would love you to be involved. We are looking for people to help with baking (we'd like to put on a really festive morning tea!), set up/set down, and musicians to help with the carols - bring your violins, trumpets and harps! Contact hannah.silvester@thestreet.org.nz if you'd like to be part of it. Otherwise, make sure the date is in your diary and start thinking about who you'd like to invite, too.
On Sunday we announced that we have appointed Daryl and Dee Collins as Location Pastors for our Porirua location, with Robert Ives as an Associate Pastor.
This is such an exciting development for us and another testimony of God's faithfulness to His church. We'll be commissioning them this Sunday at Together along with the Silvesters and Lambs.
PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FOR TOGETHER - NOW 10:30 AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE
We are one church pursuing one mission and vision, and on 29 Oct we’ll be gathering together in one place for one Sunday service. To worship together, to pray together, to hear stories of God moving - so that together, we can take the next steps on this adventure to reach our city for Jesus.
Registrations are now open, and we need you to register so we can be ready for everyone who comes. This is especially important if you are registering children for Kids Zone.
Date and Time: 29th Oct, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Who: All Locations will meet TOGETHER at Wellington College
Food: After the service we will have a Sausage Sizzle running. Come prepared with a koha for a sausage. All proceeds will contribute to the Kids Zone 'Giving Project'
Register: via the App or CLICK HERE. Kids Zone registration closes 22nd Oct
Other details can be found on the registration page.
Richard and Karina Mulvad would like to invite our East whānau over for lunch on Sunday 22nd October - everyone is welcome!
The address is 37B Puriri Street, Miramar (end of the driveway). People can just head over straight after the service and Richard and Karina will get lunch ready for around 1pm. No need to bring anything at all - and the lunch is for anyone who's keen to get to know each other better and share a meal. If anyone needs a lift, let us know, and we'll try and organise that.
We are very excited to let you know that we have now also appointed Location Pastors for Porirua. Please watch this video to hear Simon and Jenny share the news.
Yesterday, I was in a prayer meeting in Australia with lots of other church-planters, disciple-makers and Pete Greig from 24/7 Prayer. We cried out to God for the meeting that was happening between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden. I came out so faith-filled that our prayers had shifted something in the Middle East that it made me want to check the news. I truly believe that prayer can change our world. That calling out to a supernatural God can result in real-world answers.
I am usually a very active person. However, I recently broke my ankle, so all I can really do is sit or kneel. Read, write and speak. Then, last night in my hurry out of an Uber, I left my glasses behind, so I can’t even read or write (I am writing this hurriedly at 3am in a hotel bathroom so as not to wake Jenny and before my eyes get too blurry). I just woke in the middle of the night, wondering what I would do until I can get my glasses back, and I felt the Spirit say this… ‘You can still pray.’
This is my journey with God. A painful journey to help me realise that when all I can do is kneel and pray, I can still change the world. When my usual activities and abilities are taken from me, one of the most powerful things I can do is still there. What will it take for you to realise that too?
Much love,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>
PLEASE NOTE there has been a time change and our Together service now starts at 10:30AM Sunday 29th October at Wellington College: 15 Dufferin Street, Mount Victoria. If you’re in our church database you should have received an email about this.
We are one church pursuing one mission and vision, and on 29 Oct we’ll be gathering together in one place for one Sunday service. This is such a big day for us as we get to pray for new Elders, commission new Location Pastors and cast a vision for the future.
Come prepared with a koha for a sausage after the service. The Year 7-8's are cooking the BBQ and all proceeds will contribute to the Kids Zone 'Giving Project'. Due to constraints with the venue, we will have biscuits for morning tea, but NO HOT DRINKS. So come pre-caffeinated :) Lunch will be provided for children in Kids Zone.
This service is free to attend, but please register if you haven’t already:
Are you passionate about church ministry and eager to progress in your discipleship journey? If so, our 2024 Internship Program may be the perfect opportunity for you! We are excited to invite applications, offering you the chance to work closely with one of our dedicated ministry pastors. An internship is a transformative adventure, nurturing your growth in leadership, discipleship, and providing invaluable insights into ministry.
Click on the link below to apply.
Internship Application
Please note that applications close on the 27th of October.
Or if you would like more information or to talk to someone further about internships please email internships@thestreet.org.nz
To celebrate being in our new venue, please bring some kai to share and stay for lunch after the service on Sunday 15th October!
As we think about discipleship at The Street, there are four words we use as an overarching framework. Upwards, Inwards, Outwards and Onwards. The first is “Upwards: We love the Lord.”
Upwards means the goal of our growth as followers of Jesus and our helping one another grow is not simply to grow in our knowledge of God. Our goal is to grow in our love of the Lord. This moves our faith from the head to the heart from which everything else we do flows. Can you see how important it is? Jesus summarised Israel’s Law—all 613 laws—into just two. Love God with all that you are and love others as yourself. Even the goal of the Law was love.
At the moment, I’m reading through the Psalms and this morning I found David coming to the same conclusion.
“Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.” (Ps 119:127-8)
When David thought about the privilege that the eternal God of creation had spoken authoritatively and accurately to his people, he knew that those written words were more precious than any gold he could amass. He also knew that God had a perspective on life that was more accurate and life giving than the collective wisdom of humanity. He knew that in these commands was the opportunity for a full life and it led him to love God’s commands. What’s more astounding is that his love wasn’t for the gospels but for the Torah - the first five books of our Bible.
What is your motivation for reading Scripture today? Is it obligation? Is it routine? Is it to grow in knowledge? Or is it to grow in your love for the Lord? Routine and knowledge aren’t bad things so long as they lead us to love. Only that will be truly life giving.
As you think about your view of Scripture, what is a step you could take today to help it lead you to love the Lord? One of the things I have changed over time is to not worry about how much I’m reading and focus more on processing and applying what I’m reading. How about you?
Much love,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>
