My isn’t the year passing quickly! Tuesday brings us to the first day of winter and three weeks from the shortest day. It makes us aware of the passing of time and the changes it brings. It is also a time when our perspective changes a little. Up till now, as we head into winter, we tend to look back to the warmer days of summer. But after the winter solstice, as days begin to lengthen, we look forward to next Spring and Summer. There are moments in our lives when this change of perspective happen – when we stop looking back and begin to look forward. I think it is this movement between looking back and looking forward that helps to keep us “in balance”.
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday when we try to explore the mystery we call The Trinity – God in three Persons. I have never found this easy to understand and will share with you, on Sunday, some on my journey in exploring this doctrine. It seems to me that this is one of those times when we need a change in perspective. If we look back to find meaning we find ourselves bogged down in “three-decker universe” views. The challenge is to move forward and see if there are new ways of viewing this that are helpful to us in the 21st century. Let’s see what happens!
On another note – there is news on the restored organ! Lynne Dovey sent me this report to share with you.
Organ fundraising news at 28 May 2021
Since 2 May, many people have asked how much money we raised by the concert. With the final calculations and reconciliations through from Laetitia and Richard, I am pleased to report that the gross sum was $5,560. This was significantly more than our target of $4,000. I am also very pleased to report that in May the Nikau Foundation has granted us a second amount of $5,000. Their first grant of $3,000 was received in 2017. Altogether we have received a $253,000 in grants for the restoration project – from Nikau ($8,000), the Lotteries Board ($200,000) and the Stout Trust ($35,000). With the concert takings and the Nikau grant this month, our current fundraising total is $496,754, which is very close to our $500,000 target.
The Organ Group will meet on 9 June to decide next steps. We have two more invoices to pay for the restoration work. Once these are paid we will be able to calculate the overall cost of the project but at this stage we believe the fundraising effort will adequately cover costs. Congratulations to all involved and all who have donated.
This is warming news on a cold Friday morning. All the efforts that have gone into fund-raising have had their reward. We are at another “tipping point” – where next for St Andrew’s on The Terrace.
On Monday, Maxine and I will be going on holiday for two weeks – one week in Hawke’s Bay and a week in Rotorua (with some hot pools!). The Sunday services are all in hand and there is a list of people who can help with urgent pastoral matters. Contact the Church Office 4729211 for more information if needed.
Keep warm and come and enjoy the warmth of the people and the building on Sunday morning – and bask in the music and warmth of our faith community.
Kind Regards
Jim
To view the full e-news click here: https://mailchi.mp/160a6fc1d7fb/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-4754506
