CHRIST SANCTUARY PALMERSTON NORTH CHURCH

Ministries

Christ Sanctuary has a number of Ministries which serve to help our community know Jesus Christ and make him known.

Communion Service at Aokautere

Our Fortnightly Sunday 5pm communion service meets at the historic Aokautere Community Church located at the corner of Aokautere Dr and Moonshine Valley Rd. We meet for about an hour, and at current practice once a month we share dinner after the service.Service dates can be found on the calendar on our website’s homepage.

The service follows a prayer book style, with a printed liturgy drawn predominantly from the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer. While this old-fashioned way of gathering might seem unusual to some, it is easy to follow and becomes quite loved once you get used to it.

Each gathering we hear from the scriptures, confess our sins and hear the gospel, pray together, hear the word preached, and take communion together, then finish with a historical creed and the Lord's Prayer. This is a simple participatory style of worship that has been used for hundreds of years and sustained many faith communities without requiring big teams of staff and volunteers, and large budgets. We are thankful to the Aokautere Community Church Trust for their partnership in the gospel, and pray for fruitfulness.

Home Groups

During the week, some of our people meet in homes around Palmy and Feilding. These follow a simple format of bible study, discussion, prayer and supper. These groups provide a helpful platform to grow in Christian maturity, and in relationship and support with other believers.

For more information, or to join a group, please email newschristsanctuary@gmail.com

Children's Sunday School

On Sunday morning, during the sermon time at CS Palmerston North, we run Children’s Sunday School. This is aimed for children from around age 4 up to 11. It runs most weeks during the school term in the room next to the main auditorium.

We take a break during the school holidays and holiday weekends. Mission Statement: The purpose of Children's Church is to provide a safe environment with age-appropriate Biblical teaching where the children of Christ Sanctuary can come to know Jesus.

Presently, we are using the Gospel Project curriculum from Lifeway. The time is facilitated by teachers who are members of Christ Sanctuary, and are aided by another leader. All teachers are to be police vetted.

Mercy Fund

In late 2022 our members agreed to set aside 10% of giving to intentionally support our Mercy Fund. The purpose of the fund could be summed up this way: “To love God and love neighbour by providing care with the goal to alleviate suffering.”

Biblical basis for such a ministry comes from places such as:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, and verses like,
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:9-10

“If anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” - 1 John 3:17-18

The Mercy Fund is primarily overseen by the Deacons team, supporting those within the church, some outside the church, as well as community organisations which are committed to the same aims.