Kia ora te Whānau
Do you get the feeling that Christmas is suddenly almost here? Just seven sleeps to go! We’ve known about it all year but it seemed very far off for a long time, not least because the pandemic has so dominated our lives this year. Here in New Zealand we are very fortunate that the lead up to Christmas has been pretty normal, thanks to excellent leadership in government. We are able to get things finished for the year, enjoy end of year concerts and school functions, and hold Christmas parties. We’ve hosted a couple of parties at our home so the Christmas tree made an early appearance this year. I love having it there with its twinkling lights and enticing assortment of ornaments, gathered from around the world. They remind me of our connectedness to family and friends overseas. You may have noticed that the Christmas tree at St Andrew’s has also made its annual appearance, thanks to Jim and Maxine Cunningham. In short can anticipate with some excitement the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. The nativity tells us so.
For some the arrival of advent has not made a great deal of difference. We think of those with wider and deeper concerns – health or financial or family matters – which tend to eclipse the hustle and bustle of Christmas. But one thing is certain – Christmas will still come, with its mystery and it universal messages of peace and goodwill. It is the time in the year when we go looking for the sacred and find it in the babe in a manger. This week we light the advent candle symbolising love.
And it is with love and gratitude that I write news of our Interim Moderator, Rev Catriona Cairns. As many of you know, Catriona experienced an adverse health event nearly three weeks ago, which resulted in urgent surgery. She came through that very well and is now at home resting and recovering. To aid her in that process, Catriona has decided to step down from the role of Interim Moderator with immediate effect. What a wonderful job she had done all year for us as a Parish. She intends to remain on Parish Council to serve out her term and will continue her role in supporting the group of young people who meet once a month at St Andrew’s, along with Jenny and Gavin Watson. We wish Catriona a good and full recovery and look forward to welcoming her back amongst us next year. She has asked me to pass on her thanks for all the lovely messages she has received.
I am currently working with Presbytery on the appointment of a replacement Interim Moderator and will report as soon as I have news. Meantime our own Rev Dr Jim Cunningham will take up a half time position of supply minister from 1 February through till 2 May. During that time the Ministry Settlement Board will be continuing its work, with renewed energy, to find a new minister. Thank you again to all who are leading worship and willingly performing the many other tasks which makes the Parish run well.
Arohanui, Lynne
To view the full e-news click here: https://mailchi.mp/b5e57e486dd3/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-4721725
