We look at the story of Esther this week.  For the children of all ages, Craig & Co. will tell the story in two episodes with puppets and for children of younger ages there is an activity sheet and some optional ideas you can find here.

In the sermon, Peter takes the theme "Faithful God: Courageous People".

Don't forget the Zoom morning tea at 11am each Sunday.

Next week (3rd Oct) it is St Francis day.  So we are having a Pet Blessing at the end of Zoom session (11:30).  Wendy also wants to make a collage of photos of our pets past and present.  If you would like to contribute send your photos to her at her email address wendyf at the church domain: ststephenswgp.org.nz.

• Today in the service we continue to explore more names of God illustrated by Psalm 23.  He is our healer, our help, the One who is present and our Victory Banner. 
• Children: The reading is told by Puppets and there is an activity sheet for children which you can download below.
  
• At 11am each Sunday during lockdown we have a Zoom Morning Tea to get together for half an hour - do join us.
  
• Finally, there is a Pastoral letter from the Bishop to all parishes which you can download below.  It addresses our going through lockdown and the return to level Delta-2.  He reassures people of the validity of communion in one kind (bread only).

You are the Christ: Last week were considering the names of God.  In today's gospel Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is.  Peter answers, "The Christ," to which Jesus declares that God the Father has revealed that to Peter and starts to reveal to them that he must suffer and die.  His disciples. too, must take up their crosses. 

Bishop Ross preaches on that passage and challenges us to consider how we take up our crosses in lockdown.

Children:
Chara and Jed form a band with their Dad and then Jed does a Lego play of the gospel story.  There are two activity sheets for children - see below.

Zoom meetings: Remember the Zoom meetings this week - the links are in the email(s) sent to parishioners.

1. 11am Sunday Morning Tea every Sunday - join in for a cuppa and a catch up.
   
2. 7pm Tuesday - Helen teaching on healing in the AFFIRM Zoom series.
   
3. 11am Wednesday - Morning Prayer every Wednesday.
   
4. 10:30am each Thursday morning - Op Shop volunteers get together.
   

Today our theme is the names of God revealed in Psalm 23.  There is much here to provide encouragement, strength and comfort when we may be feeling challenged, afraid or depressed.

• Here is an activity sheet for the children on Exodus 3.
  
• Don't forget the Zoom Morning tea at 11am each Sunday.  See below for more details.  Alison has sent out the link to access it.
• Have you registered for Ian and Helen's teaching on Practical Healing Prayer?  - See details below.