Ministry

⊕ Baptism

‘Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love.’ (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 357) Therefore it is not simply a standalone rite of initiation but is instead a doorway into a deeper relationship with God. As baptised people we are invited into the love of God, which is the promise of a lifelong love affair, and true love is always transformative.

[Baptism] touches the deepest dramas of human life: birth, growing up, falling in love, daring to give oneself to others, searching for meaning, becoming adult, coping with suffering and failure, and eventually death. (Timothy Radcliffe)

⊕ Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite at which those who have been baptised, seek the blessing of the Holy Spirit for their growth as Christians. The confirmation candidates first confirm the promises of their baptism. Then the bishop lays hands on them, praying that God’s Spirit will confirm, strengthen and guide them to live out their faith in their everyday lives. The word ‘confirmation’ means ‘strengthening’ or ‘firming up.’

Registration for classes (Confirmation Club) takes place in September each year.

At Confirmation we bring to God all that we are, our strength and vitality, but also our muddle, our chaos, all that is as yet without form and void, so that the Holy Spirit will make us strong. (Timothy Radcliffe)

⊕ Marriage

Getting married is one of the most serious decisions we make in life. As well as being a big commitment, it has an impact on family, friends and the whole of society. As soon as you have both decided that you would like to get married in Zion please get in touch.

God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (1 John 4:16)

⊕ Pastoral Visits & Home Communions

If you would like a pastoral visit, or need to be added to the home communion list, please let the Rector know.

Jesus says: Come to me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. (Matthew 11: 28)

⊕ Those who are Sick

The Rector is the chaplain to Orwell Nursing Home, St Luke’s Hospital and Mount Carmel Community Hospital. (Holy Communion is celebrated every Wednesday in Orwell Nursing Home.) Those who are sick at home and the housebound are invited to let the Rector know that they would like to be added to his visiting list.

Jesus says: I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

⊕ Healing

For many many years Zion Healer Prayer Union members have prayed for people from within our community and without. Prayer of intercession is a reminder that we are all in need of God’s love and healing. When asked, Intercessors from ZHPU will pray for those in need of God’s healing of mind, body, or spirit, and those who need to be upheld in loving prayer. More information HERE.

A Service of Wholeness and Healing is held on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am.

Jesus, Saviour in storm when the waters of the deep are broken up, when the landmarks are washed away or drowned, come to us across the water. (A New Zealand Prayer Book)

⊕ Funerals

At funerals we gather to remember before God our dear brother or sister, we commend them to God’s loving care and give thanks for their life. Those who mourn also have the experience of being held by their community in their loss.

Lord, you will show us the path of life:
in your presence is the fullness of joy
and from your right-hand flow delights for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)