NETWORKING IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Earlier in the week, Sam and Del from the Auckland Vinnies youth team met up with the members of steering committee of the Ranui Caravan Park. The committee consisted of local Social workers, health practitioners, City Council workers , the local constables, as well as staff from Monte Cecilia Housing Trust. Over the next few weeks this group will be working together to host a Christmas Family Day for the 300 local residents of Ranui Caravan park. The Christmas Family Day has become an annual event for the residents of the park. According to the members of the steering committee it has become a highlight for many of the families. This year the Vinnies from Liston and St Dominics College, will be coordinating sports and fun activities as well as sponsoring some of the gifts for the children.
THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL DESPATCH BEGINS

Throughout the year, the staff and volunteers of the Society of St Vincent de Paul coordinate various appeals to source goods to meet the demand during it’s seasonal work. With the help of generous donations from the public, the Society is therefore able to provide over 2,000 gifts and food hampers to families that seek assistance during the Christmas season. Today a Vinnies team put together 50 Christmas Packs for a local refuge centre and over the next few weeks will continue to work through the database. We are grateful for your continued support as the Christmas Season rolls on.
MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH CRAFT

Over the weekend, the Vinnies Prison Ministry Team facilitated a craft workshop at Mt Eden Corrections Facility. The craft workshop was met with much enthusiasm by the unit that the team worked with, and each inmate was given the opportunity to freely express themselves through the medium of art. As a first visitation on this particular platform, the members of the workshop hope to visit once again.
SUNDAY PRISON FELLOWSHIP TEAM This Vinnies team were blessed to have the opportunity to develop a fellowship with one of the units in Serco Prison. Today the team were reminded once again of the Fruits of the Spirit and how God’s ways always brings reconciliation, healing and fullness of life. We thank all the faithful teams from the various churches that commit to this ministry each Sunday for their servant hearts and their commitment.
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Like a game of chess, there are infinite possibilities and opportunities to overcome barriers to genuinely connect with others. What was a typical 20hr weekend roster of Vinnies volunteers working behind the coffee counter serving hot drinks, meals, mopping up and making small talk at the City Mission, took a little twist today. With the regularity of visits and the rapport built over time, the crew were finally asked to go into the crowd and start up games of chess and cards today. However daunting it seemed, the Vinnies did exactly that and to their relief the response was awesome! The volunteers were graced with much laughter and banter and a real sense of acceptance. Finding ways to connect with others can be quite a daunting task however when it truly is the right thing to do and you act on it, the rewards are remarkable.
IGNITE CREW REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY This morning some of the Ignite team gathered at Newman Hall to reflect on the year. It has been an awesome year of Gift, growth and development. We are very grateful for this team and all the work they have done in support of our Secondary Schools. Massive thanks to the Auckland Chaplaincy who let us use their facilities and Helen for facilitating the session. We look forward to seeing u all at our Discernment session and Ignite 14 Retreat in the beginning of the new year.