Sunday, October 11, 2009

Bartercard Premiership Selection v Toa Samoa - NZRL Benefit Match

(October 10, 2009 in Auckland)
One of our very own home grown league players was in the Barter Card Premiership Team yesterday that played Toa Samoa. Yes that's right - the game where all money collected as an entry fee was donated to the Tsunami victims of Samoa. Further to that Peter Leitch was running a sausage sizzle. Whatever was raised was to be matched dollar for dollar by Mr Leitch. He matched it alright! Here's a very small video clip of Siali'i Tufeao (one of our Sunday School teachers) running in a try on this day! It was a great way to come together within the sporting community to support our families in Samoa. Maybe you'd like to share about what you did to help our people - or maybe some comments from you league fans!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Prayers for Samoa Tsunami

Sunday school today for the students of Grade 4 was spent talking about the events of last week and what we can do to help from this side of the world. Much as we would all like to, not everybody can donate money or fly over there to help but we can all offer prayers of support. Grade 4 of our Sunday school were moved to offer theirs for the people of Samoa.

"Dear God, please make Samoa and its people feel better and to forget what happened to their homes and places and to help them to heal themselves quickly and all the people in New Zealand will remember their loved ones who have died or are still alive. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Alo (Lalomanu)

"Dear Father, I pray that you help the families of Samoa that have lost their lives and that you may bless them with your Holy Spirit and to guide them through their lives. Lord I also pray that you help them to recover from the incident quickly. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
Tanielu (Ti'avea, Aleipata)


"Dear God our heavenly Father, I'm sorry to hear that people have died in Samoa because of the tsunami. I hope that you will send your guiding angels to bless them and take care of them. I hope you bless those who have lost loved ones, family, friends and any kind of relation. I hope you comfort them and help them. In Jesus name we pray through your most holy name, Amen."

Helen


"Dear Lord, I pray that you could help the people in Samoa to recover quickly. I ask you to bless them and be with them when they need help. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

Tevita (Faleatiu)


"Dear God, I pray that you will help all of Samoa to get through the tragice loss of family. In Jesus name, Amen."

Cruz

"Dear Father, I pray that you will help us support our homeland Samoa and you will still be with them no matter where they go or what happens to them, Amen."

Lamp (Saleimoa)"

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Tsunami Samoa


1 Thessalonians 3:7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.
Yes Samoa, you encourage US. You are faced with a grim task everywhere you look yet you remain strong. We love so very much, we love you, we love you.


Four days on the world is still reeling from the catastrophic events of Tuesday the 29th of September. The reality is only beginning to hit most people. A desperate sense of wanting to help the people of Samoa lingers over all who sit and watch updates on Samoa in NZ and further. All week long parishes, communities and individuals have been uplifting prayers and collecting donations of all sorts to send to our beloved people. Across Auckland this week there have been prayer meetings and services every night.
In our parish we have families who have been impacted hugely with the loss of life and homes. We are in the process of looking at the best avenue to send support to Samoa. We know this will be an ongoing task for us as Samoans and as part of the body of Christ. May God bless and help us to do all we can to support and provide for our people who are in desperate need.
To our people of Samoa, we love you very much, our tears flow and hearts break but we know as you do that God has all in his care.
Please feel welcome to leave a comment or prayer request as we want to support one another as we travel through this difficult time together.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Who we are - Grade 9 & 10 Family Service



“God has given you a talent, why would you dishonour him by not
using it”.“Don’t let fear stop you from using the gifts God has given.
This line from the musical ‘Who we are’ sums up the message that the
students and teachers of Grade 9 & 10 wanted our church to see,
hear and understand.

The third servant in the Parable of the Three Servants (Mat 25:14-30)
hid what the master gave. We may not physically dig a hole and hide
our talents but nevertheless many of us hide them. Don’t hide your gifts, use it. If you have a gift of smiling, keep smiling, if you can encourage, do it. If you have music, let it pour out from every part of you. If you can read, share the word of God with others. If you can pray then pray. 2 Timothy 1:6 says: fan into flames the gift God has given you. Keep alive the gifts God gave – honour Him by using His gifts. Jesus is coming back, wouldn’t you want him to say “YOU good and faithful servant….come on in and share in my happiness.

In carrying out the mammoth task of putting together a musical we were prepared. However the belief that we could do it began to sway and it was only the staying power of Jesus and wonderful people who helped us stay faithful. A lot of hard work was put into this service and it is with the humblest of hearts that we would like to thank our great and loving Father who gave us the inspiration and strength to share his word. To Ite Lemalu for using his God given gift of music to help us. Without his patience and commitment to fulfill the vision we had, the success of the day would not have been possible. To Aloema Fainu’u thank you for your encouragement, your willingness and devotion to help and attend practices. Your act of kindness helped to see us through and so we are thankful to you. Thank you to all who had a hand in our service, may the love of God continue to be with you all. God Bless

Love from the teachers and students of Grade 9 & 10
Grade 9: David, Pateru, Pasineta, Renee, Eleni & Mary
Grade 10: Amataga, Eti, Faafeu, Fetaui, Josie, Juliet, Junior, Mele, Metita, Senio, Sina, Valu, William, Laki & Teiho

Monday, September 7, 2009

Family Service Quiz

Answer the questions correctly to be in a draw to win this prize pack
Send your answers to teiho@healthstarpacifico.nz Deadline is Thursday 10th September 2009 at 3pm. You may enter as many times as you like but there only to be one entry per day.

QUESTIONS:
1. What bible version was used for 2 Timothy 1:6?
2. Name three songs sung in the musical
3. In the family Jackson five – who was the fifth Jackson
4. Why did Junior have an accident happen?
5. What could be felt in the atmosphere?

Check out the trailer of grade 9 & 10's awesome family service, 'Who we are.'
God Bless

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nancy - a pleasure and priviledge...

Today I was touched and saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs.Nancy Cook or as most of us knew her by “Nancy”.

I had the pleasure of chaperoning our European mothers to church every Sunday morning. When dad (Tama) first told me “son, I have a special job for you, I want you to pick up our old mothers for church every Sunday morning” at first being young and selfish I thought of the half hours sleep that I would lose every Sunday morning, but as time went on I came to realise my duty was not only God given but a pleasure and priviledge.

My Sunday pick ups consisted of picking up Mrs.Doris Church, Mrs Eunice Anderson and finally Mrs.Nancy Cook. Each morning was interesting as we would share about each others weeks, chasing Mrs.Anderson’s cats out of the house, running up to Mrs.Church’s flat to see if she had forgotten I was picking her up or slept in, and on the odd special occasion the ladies would share treasures of history about our church right from its foundations to where it is today, we had truly been blessed to have had these special women at our church and I believe they will remain foundation stones of our church forever. Though old in age they were sharp in mind and spirit and I would refer to them as the “Flygirls”. So every Sunday there was my routine “mum if anyone asks I’m off to pick up the Flygirls”.

As time went by with the cold weather deterring my passengers and the ultimate passing our dear mothers Eunice and Doris my “pasese” was reduced to just Nancy. Right up to my last voyages with Nancy until I believe Aniva Laulu took my place when I departed, Nancy remained sharp and always cheerful. Sunday pickups would become the weeks round up of sport where we would discuss the form of the current NZ and Auckland sides especially in the cricket and rugby. Nancy was an avid sports fan and would often surprise me with her in depth knowledge of the game and opinions on current players.

The time I spent with the “flygirls” and later just Nancy were reward and satisfying enough though I was blown away everyear during Christmas time they would never miss giving me a small gift and card for the rides to church. Just the thought of them giving was a blessing. Like everyone who had been in contact with Nancy I had been blessed by her presence and devotion to our Lord and her undying support for the work here at Tamaki PIPC. I would ask myself sometimes at her age what drives her health permitting to make every Sunday morning. I am persuaded that it was her FAITH and LOVE for her Lord, hunger for the word and fellowship with Gods people, our people. What an example for us all!

Farewell Nancy and may God keep you his faithful servant.

Ia Manuia le Malaga.

With Love and Sincere Condolences
Pouena,Tehani,Teanui and Kayla

Pouena & Tehanis children - Kayla & Teanui

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Vale Elizabeth Annie Cook (Nancy) 14/01/21 - 12/08/09


It is with sadness that we share about our Mama Nancy Cook. Last week the oldest and longest serving member of our parish passed on. Nancy Cook has been a loyal servant of our community for many years. Dating back to when our church was called Pt England Presbyterian.
Age was not a barrier for her, you would find her every Sunday morning in church, and at every elders meeting - rain or shine. She always had a smile on her face as she entered and left church. Nancy was a living testimony of a woman who's faith did not waver over time, a woman who loved and relied on her Lord. Nancy was a fine example of a faithful and comitted woman of God. We thank God for her many good works over the years that have helped mould our church to be what it is today. Thank you Nancy, from the bottom of our hearts for being an example of what we all hope to grow up and become - people who will be steadfast and content in the work of our Lord.

Zina and Fou have submitted their class' first tribute to Mama Nancy.

Nancy Cook

N - Never gave up coming to church

A - A woman with strong faith

N - Now in a happy and safe place with God and Jesus

C - Cried joyful tears

Y - You will always be in our hearts

By Zina and Fou, Grade 5
Photo Mama Nancy Cook at our last family service - July 2009.

Sweet smelling

Grade 4:Imagine that everything you do in life produces a smell. That's right a smell. We're not talking about shampoo in your hair, perfume before coming to church. No we're talking about all the things you do. For example, you help someone in need - a nice smell is produced. You do something naughty - of no use to people - it sends off a bad smell. Interesting aye!
We learnt some new words too from the Bible. For example nice smell = a sweet smelling fragrance, bad smell = a 'stench'. This was a good follow on from our lesson the week before where we learnt about the rich fool who tried to store all his riches selfishly. We made the link with the fact that every time we do something we are building up our riches in God's store house in heaven. In this light we strive to do good things as it pleases God and it sends a 'sweet smelling fragrance' up to Him.
Here are some photos from an activity we did at the beginning of our lesson. We had to guess what it was we were smelling. Lamp and Natascha did very well and almost guessed all correctly. The rest of us had a great time watching and recording what they were made to smell. We couldn't wait to tell them what they were really smelling!

Monday, July 27, 2009

If you have JESUS as your foundation, then everything's awesome

For over 20 years, our Samoan congregation have prepared monthly family services. Families enjoy the unity and fellowship in organising their best performances for their family service as well as have the opportunity to beautify the house of our Lord for the month.
Here is a clip from the talented families from Manurewa, led by Meauli.
If you have JESUS as your foundation, then everything's awesome!
God Bless!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Green Fertilisers!

This movie is a snippet from our camp concert night. The green team 'Green fertilisers' - lead by their leader Lone - had a few chants and actions to share on the night. Leave the green team a comment!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Faiga Lotu a le Tupulaga Matagaluega i Sasa'e

Today, Sunday the 19th of July, tupulaga - youth of our Matagaluega - lead an entire service in the Samoan language. It was a time that was enjoyed by all. We even had visitors from our PIC family - Ranui and Newton in amidst the congregation.
The congregation listened, laughed, cried and were still at different times throughout the service . The focus of today's service was to remind all that 'God is in us' and He requires us to shine like lamps that have been put on the lamp stand for all to see (Matthew 5:14-16). The message was well received and our minister - Reverend Setefano was moved to tears when sharing his joy at all that was presented today. We hope to bring you further blog posts from our youth that will reflect on the preparations as well as the service. We have put together a short piece that will show you the different parts that made up today's service. If you are interested in a full version then please contact Gary, Meauli or Aloema for a copy.
God bless and keep you all as you shine your light brightly for our Lord. 'O lo'o i ai le Atua ia te oe'.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The King Of Pop - Canaan's tribute to Michael Jackson

In a few hours time millions of people around the world will remember Michael Jackson in a memorial service 2 weeks after his passing. 18,000 people will be in attendance at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles and millions more will be glued to their TV sets and computers with the memorial service being screened live on TV and on the internet.
Michael Jackson was certainly a person that God has blessed with talent both in singing and dancing – he was the ultimate entertainer.
He will also be remembered as one of the most generous with his contributions to charity and humanitarian causes over the years numbering in the millions!
If you have been following this blog you will know that we have many fans of the amazing ‘MJ’ within our Sunday school.
Following is a tribute from one such fan, Canaan.

"Wow, I was shocked when I heard Michael Jackson died. First I didn't believe it, but when everyone started to talk about it - I knew that was it.
I am a huge fan of his. I first got into MJ when I came home one day in 2007, and I turned the TV onto C4 and it said the number 1 song on U Choose 40 - was 'Thriller...Thriller night'.
It was the creepiest video I have ever seen, but was the coolest too.
The scariest part is when he changed into a werewolf at the start of the clip, and his green eyes at the end.
Thriller is the best selling CD in the world.
MJ is my favorite singer and dancer in the world.
I started to get into all his other songs including: Bad, Beat it, Smooth Criminal, Black and White.
I started learning his moves and that was how I first got into MJ.
Me and my brother Xavier dedicate the Smooth Criminal dance we did at Tamaki's got talent to him. It was fun learning the dance routine.

I pray for MJ - He will always be my no.1 singer."

RIP MJ 1958 - 2009.

Monday, June 29, 2009

A night with Lapi Part 2

We were meant to sing with Lapi to close our evening, instead we ended up listening to him, you'll agree that he sounded beautiful solo. Maybe next time we'll have a bit more of a warm up for our vocals and we'll join in.
Thanks again Lapi.(Don't forget to check out part 1 post of this evening
)

A Night With Lapi Mariner

Tonight - 29th of June 2009, we were blessed with the presence of our brother Lapi Mariner. Many of you may know him as a professional singer, entertainer - a very humourous young man and much much more. For those of you who don't know - he's now the Worship Pastor for the Hosana World Harvest Church based in Manurewa.
His visit was timely as on this evening we also had a very exciting report from our very own worship team based on their weekend retreat that they had just returned from.
Lapi shared about his life so far...life in the PIC, professional singer at the age of 16, TV appearances, travelling opportunities, his current work as a Prison Warden, Bible College and Worship Pastor.
Watch our short movie, it has some of the gems Lapi shared with us as well as him singing for us before we shared a light supper and a few laughs together. You could leave a comment for Lapi or Bible Class. Lapi will be visiting our blog to check out what we're up to.
Thanks Lapi for taking the time out to come and share with your PIC brothers and sisters. God bless you and your family.
Lots of love - Tamaki Bible Class

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Parables of Jesus

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2 Timothy 2:15 (New Living Translation)
An Approved Worker
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.


On Sunday the 21st of June our Sunday School alongside many others across New Zealand took part in the New Zealand Sunday School Union Scripture examinations. We had students from the age of 6 up 21 sit the exams. Also 4 of our teachers sat. This year the exams looked at 6 parables of Jesus.
On Monday evening those in Bible Class had the opportunity to reflect on the preparation that took place for these exams. We came to an agreement that our minds are amazing - thank you Lord! The amount of scripture and application that we trained ourselves to remember was fantastic.
Some think these exams are a thing of the past. We are glad to report that we enjoy taking part in them, in fact for many of us it's a good reminder of how we are very capable of committing God's Word to memory as he wants us to regularly. It's certainly something that we hope to continue being part of. Thanks NZ SSU!

This is an invitation to all our students who took part in the exams this year.
Please leave a comment that contains your reflections on how you found the exam and your preparation this year. The class who have the most comments posted by Sunday morning will have a special prize presented to them at the end of our fun day. As well as signing your name please state which class you are in. Check out our voting poll too.

Looking forward to reading all your comments.