Hello everyone on a drizzly Wellington day,
The builders next door are as noisy as ever this week, but the second half of July is confirmed as a final month for construction – yes, July 2017! We, together with the NZMA, look forward to the day!
Last night I heard Professor Wolfgang Huber connecting the Protestant Reformation and market economy. As he presented the big Reformation ideas I recognised early influences on our society. A useful distinction was made between Establishment and established order. Despite Protestants valuing theologically the dignity of the human person, many early reformers, especially Luther, didn’t like disturbance of society’s established order. Unlike Marxism, the Protestant Reformation was not a class revolution. Prof. Huber noted the subsequent absence of protestant churches in the struggle for fair labour laws built up an impression amongst working classes that protestantism was not friendly to them. Times and attitudes change – St Andrew’s’ involvement in the Living Wage movement is an example. There were some pioneers, though, like the Wellington Presbyterian ministers who intervened in the 1951 waterfront dispute and, earlier, Rev Rutherford Waddell:
Waddell played a leading part in exposing sweated labour in Dunedin (he himself had worked long hours for nothing as a draper’s apprentice in Banbridge). In October 1888 he delivered a sermon at St Andrew’s Church on the ‘sin of cheapness’, arguing that a lust for bargains was forcing prices down to a point where wages fell below subsistence level. In November he took the matter to the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland and a motion was passed deploring the existence of sweating in New Zealand. The press took up the matter and revealed cases of sweating in Dunedin. His blend of prophetic passion and skilful use of the press and public meetings led in 1890 to a royal commission on sweating on which he served. Its recommendations were an important part of the foundation for the social legislation of the 1890s. Waddell believed that trade unions were an essential part of reform: he became the first president of the Tailoresses’ Union of New Zealand from 11 July 1889. [1]
Talking employment, I am sad to report that Harriet Dawson has found it necessary to pull back from the Rainbow Room position due to family circumstances. We did enjoy having her working with us. Harriet may appear from time to time as a regular member of the congregation but will no longer be employed by us. IF you know of someone suitable, please draw their attention to the advertisement which will be appearing shortly. We wish Harriet well. In the meantime Rainbow Room will be happening as usual.
Roger and I will be on leave from this coming Sunday afternoon. I’ll return to work on Tuesday 23 May. I am indebted to Rev Dr Frank Hanson who will be leading the Sunday Gathering on May 21. Also, plan to stay after church that day to hear Brenda Pilott speaking on the recent government demands for client information from social agencies. (see the notices).
This week we are investigating prayer in different forms – see you then and at the congregational conversation afterwards!
Susan
[1] http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2w1/waddell-rutherford
ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY NOTICES
THE SEASON OF EASTER
We’re celebrating being human: Sunday 21 May Rev Dr Frank Hanson; Sunday 28 May ‘The Life at the Depths of Me.’ June 4 is Pentecost Sunday.
A HELPING HAND FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Norman Wilkins is donating his handyman skills to the St Andrew’s organ fund. If you have handyman projects you’d like him to do, he donates his time (you pay for materials, maybe towards transport) then you make whatever organ fund donation you think appropriate. Phone Norman 970 1010 to discuss the suitability of your job.
SOCIAL JUSTICE GATHERING – PRIVACY AND MSD
21 May 11.45-1pm. Brenda Pilott, manager of Social Service Agencies New Zealand presents a power-point and answers questions about her organisation’s response (and that of other social service agencies – Rape Crisis, Alcohol and Drug programme providers) to Government moves forcing them to share client files with the Ministry of Social Development. There’s real concern about the merit sharing individual client files has, compared to anonymous data with research merit. The Ministry claims a desire to better coordinate services, however this can lead to retraction of services for vulnerable people, and breach of privacy. This is a classic dilemma – share client details by name or risk closure through reduced funding. Should government policy advisers know which people access which services? Privacy of those affected by rape, domestic violence and addicts is seemingly ignored. Hear Brenda after the Gathering next week.
SPIRITED CONVERSATIONS 2017:
There’ll be just three Spirited Conservation evenings in 2017. Dates are Tuesdays on May 23, July 18, and September 19, (we have a full calendar with pre-election Social Justice gatherings, see above)
Spirited Conversation: May 23rd, 6.15pm in Conference Rooms 1 & 2. Dinner $10
Speaker: Mani Mitchell. Mani identifies as an intersex person, is a counsellor and educator, working on gender issues. Mani regularly lectures at University and has run workshops around the world.
Topic: ‘Trans 101’, an introduction to the meaning of the letters in the acronym lgbtqi.
PINK SHIRT DAY FRIDAY MAY 26
Think PINK! PINK SHIRT DAY* is Friday 26 May and we are hosting a Tea on the Terrace at St Andrew’s from 2.30-3.30 pm, like the event Susan organised with Jem Traylen to mark Transgender Visibility Day. You can help in five different ways:
- Make something pink to serve at afternoon tea (pink-iced biscuits, cupcakes, popcorn, candyfloss, salmon pate on crackers, beetroot humus & sour cream etc.) Be creative! And please bring your food along by 2.15 pm on the day.
- Come to St A’s on Friday 26 May at 2 pm to help set up and serve afternoon tea with me.
- Stay a little later to help clean up and do the dishes.
- Tell all your friends, workmates and neighbours about it (in person, by email or Facebook)
- Wear a pink shirt (or tie) for the occasion and enjoy some Tea on the Terrace with us.
If you can help in the Number 1 way, please let me know so we have an idea of catering quantities.
*The message of Pink Shirt Day is: Speak up – Stand together – Stop bullying
Any questions? See Sue McRae or phone: 475 7899 or 0274 490 601 or visit the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PinkShirtDayAotearoa. You can also support the cause by buying t-shirts from this online shop: http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/pink-shirt-day
HOLIDAY TIME IN THE OFFICE
It’s been a busy start to 2017! Some who work in the office and centre will be taking annual leave May/June. Karyn is away from Monday 8 May, returning Monday 22 May. Susan takes leave from Tuesday 16 May, returning Tuesday 23 May. Laetitia is away from Monday 29 May, returning Wednesday 7 June. Vivien is also on leave on Friday 2 June and Sunday 4 June. We’ll continue to cover the Parish and Centre. Just take into account there may be only one here to help at certain times. It could take longer than usual to get a response from the office! Thank you for your patience.
HOLD THE DATE:
Friday 28 July at 6.30 pm – Jane Keller presents “Let Us Entertain You” with Michael Nicholas Williams and Peter Franklin. A fundraiser for the organ restoration. More details shortly.
ST ANDREW’S ASKS YOU – WHAT KIND OF SOCIETY DO WE WANT?
On three occasions this election year St Andrew’s will help present the issues to the general public. Keep these dates free and invite others to these events held between 5.30 and 7pm.
Monday July 10 Topic: Housing. Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson and other speakers
Tuesday 15 August Topic: Income Inequality in NZ. Speakers to be confirmed but probably Max Rashbrooke.
Thursday 31 August We host political candidates for the Centre for Theology and Political Issues’ series ‘Keeping Faith in Politics’
DESERTER: A NOVEL BASED ON TRUE EVENTS by ANN BARRIE
Description: Why would a dedicated soldier turn his back on his own country and everyone he loves? Based on a true story given to Ann’s father, Charles M Herbert, this is New Zealand author Ann Barrie’s first novel. One motif is religious faith, or lack of it. A chapter is in a highland kirk, and another in Glasgow Cathedral (Church of Scotland).
Available on Amazon.com as a Kindle at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B071Y3Y7HK and as a paperback: ISBN: 9780473390655. Also on Kobo.com and Smashwords.com
Put in a suggestion to buy at your local library branch, or online: www.wcl.govt.nz/about/services/suggestion.html .
Author bio: Christchurch-born Ann Barrie was educated at Papakura High School, and Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School. She has a BA in French from the Auckland University, and a LLB from Victoria University (Wgton). Librarian by profession, Ann lives the south coast of Wellington.
WIDER CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NOTICES
VIDEO OF SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING for JOHN MURRAY
The Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Very Rev. John Stewart Murray was held at Kapiti Uniting Church in Raumati South, on Tuesday 21
February 2017. Officiating -The Reverend Roger Wiig and the Reverend Ken Irwin. Organist – Roy Tankersley . A video of the service is available at the following link:
https://vimeopro.com/withloveweremember/johnmurray
LUTHERAN- CATHOLIC COMMEMORATION OF THE REFORMATION
On Sunday 4 June the Lutheran and Catholic churches will gather to pray together in Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This is a very significant event in the lives of our two churches and to mark this we invite you to a joint commemorative worship at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Hill St, Wellington. The joint commemorative worship will take place at the Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday 4 June. This will be followed by a light afternoon tea and an opportunity for socialising. We would very much appreciate your presence with us that day.
John A Cardinal Dew Bishop Mark Whitfield
Archbishop of Wellington Lutheran Church of New Zealand
CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP POST BUDGET BREAKFAST
Each year Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) provides child-focused analysis and commentary of the budget. An accessible, affordable avenue for the community to hear together how the budget affects children and young people, especially the most vulnerable in poverty. Venue: The Boat Shed, Taranaki Street Wharf Time: 7:15am- 8:45am *** Breakfast 7.15am, speakers 7.30am ** Tickets: $30 – high income, $20 medium income, $10 low income. Register by 24 May. Visit cpag.org.nz
GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER TO END FAMINE.
You are invited to join a global initiative in response to widespread hunger and famine. The World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches have set aside Sunday 21 May for a Global Day of Prayer to End Famine.
UN and other agencies do not have enough resources for all those affected even if they could reach them. Families are being torn apart by conflict and hunger. Please join us in praying for peace and for the sharing of enough food and water to keep people alive.
More information can be found here http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/201cfood-is-a-divine-gift201d-wcc-invites-global-day-of-prayer-to-end-famine?
WELLINGTON SAFER HOMES EVENT
The Wellington City Council and the Environmental Protection Authority invite you to the inaugural Wellington Safer Homes Event, Michael Fowler Centre 26 & 27 May.
Joined with partners NZ Fire Service, NZ Police, ACC, Safe Kids, Plunket, Wellington Free Ambulance, Earthquake Commission, National Poisons Centre and Housing New Zealand to provide information and improve understanding about some of the potential dangers around the home. On Saturday 27 May, the event will be open to the public from 10am – 4pm and will have sessions on various aspects of safety in the home.
Please respond to helen.flannery@epa.govt.nz by Friday 5 May if you are interested in your group attending the designated seniors safety session at the Safer Homes event on Friday 26 May. Please indicate numbers. There are limited places available at this session. We will confirm your booking and provide additional details at this time.
