E NEWS 11TH APRIL 2025
Moe mai ra, moe mai ra e hoa. I begin this week’s E News with the sad news of the passing away of Rev. David Douglas. David was a retired minister of the PCANZ and an elder here at SAOTT serving on our Parish Council. David was fit and athletic and rode to church on his bike from Avalon. In late February early March he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. No one knew just how quick it would be for him. Yesterday on my way home from the office instead of turning off at the Petone off-ramp I was led to pop over and see David. I arrived just before 3pm and Margaret David’s wife met me at the door. I asked if this was a good time and she said never better. I went into the bedroom and David was drawing his last breaths. I talked to him then prayed with the family and offered him the Aaronic blessing and the benediction and encouraged him to finally let go. I left at around 3.20pm so the family could have their final moments with David. He died at 4pm. They were extremely grateful that I arrived when I did so I could send David on his way to the pilgrimage he was planning to go on except now it was in a different direction. David wanted his funeral to be held at St. Marks Uniting Church, Lower Hutt. Jim Cunningham and I will be leading her service and I will confirm the date and time as soon as this comes to hand. Ia manuia lou malaga David.
This past Tuesday SAOTT hosted the Interfaith Climate Change half day seminar entitled “Climate Crisis: Responses for religions in Aotearoa” organised by Dame Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and Dr Paul Blaschke Our keynote speaker was Prof Harvey Whitehouse who is chair of Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford. The SAOTT people in attendance Vivienne Mountier, Marilyn Wallace and Ata Burk and myself. It was by invitation only and there were about 40 people present. SAOTT you did a marvellous job hosting and we were privileged to have a Psychiatrist and a Lawyer serving in the kitchen. Thankyou.
I have just received notice that the South Cluster group due to be held tomorrow at the Kirby’s in Churton Park has been postponed due to a gastro bug in the house this week. Will keep you posted on when the next possible gathering will be.
The Good Friday Order of Service with the Stations of the Cross is still being produced, so if you are preparing a meditation and a prayer Jemma looks forward to receiving it asap. This coming Maundy Thursday will be our Last Supper/Passover celebration. If you are intending on attending but haven’t confirmed please let me know asap so we can get the catering numbers right.
My sabbatical accommodation has been confirmed for the months of May and June. I will be hosted by the Chesthunt Foundation at Westminster College, Cambridge for the duration of my time in the UK. In between times I plan to visit Rome and Dublin. In July I will be in Auckland as the Writer’s Scholar for Vaughn Park Anglican Retreat Centre in Long Bay. I am very excited indeed. If you happen to be in Auckland during the month of July come out and have a meal with me.
This Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday, Jesus the Peace maker or revolutionary. it would be lovely to see you there. Ka kite ano, noho ora mai. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/72b60fb617df/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10134129
