Thought for the Week 17 May 2026

Welcome to our service today. We have the joy of hearing from Rev Martin Stewart, Alpine Presbytery Executive Officer, speaking on the topic: ‘We can’t do church in Timaru without our neighbours’. Martin is a wonderfully creative thinker, and I am sure he will give you much to ponder! I will be in Auckland attending the National Assessment Weekend, discerning the call for 3 ministry candidates.

On Wednesday night I took part in the Timaru Christian Minister’s Association annual Pentecost prayer service, hosted this year by Wilson St Baptist Church. This kicks off a bold nationwide initiative to have 10 days of non-stop prayer leading into Pentecost Sunday (next Sunday). The focus of this is to seek an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to renew, refresh and revive the Church in its mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and the new life he offers. To aid with this three prayer rooms have been set up which people can go to during the day and spend an hour or so in prayer. I took the opportunity to spend an hour at the room at Gleniti Baptist which was well set up, warm and peaceful. It was such a blessing to just sit and pray silently.  The prayer rooms and times they are open are:

Gleniti Baptist : Monday 18^th, Wednesday 20^th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22^nd  7am-12pm

Wilson St Baptist: Monday 18^th, Wednesday 20^th, Thursday 21^st, Friday 22^nd  12pm-7pm

Connect Church (Shaw St Redruth)  Friday 22^nd  6am-9pm

Last Sunday our congregation approved the appointment of Catherine Richardson to be an elder in our parish. An ordination service will be held on Sunday 7^th June at Trinity. Catherine has a very pastoral heart and many skills and gifts that will make her an excellent elder.

Nga mihi nui, Brent