E NEWS 8TH SEPTEMBER 2023
I usually write my E News on a Thursday evening, but last night we had Parish Council so when I got home all I wanted to do was watch my soap operas on demand, and it was very therapeutic and relaxing. It is now 3pm on Friday afternoon and I’m still writing E News for our 5pm publication deadline.
Driving into the office this morning I got stopped by a compulsory alcohol check point at the bottom of the Wainuiomata Hills. I said to the policeman, who would be drinking at this hour of the morning and he replied, “those who drank last night”. I counted into the mouthpiece from 1 to 5 and was free to go. I said to him “I feel sorry for the poor #ugger, that gets caught this morning” and wished him a good day. Some years ago I did go through a checkpoint and even though I had not consumed any alcohol I was “positive” because I had eaten a couple of Oddfellow mints and this showed up a positive result. You live and learn; I was eventually allowed to go.
These sorts of surprises sneak up on us when we least expect it so it is always good to be vigilant. I could go on a add a simple cliched Christological comparison that we would have been reminded time and time again of in Sunday school. Therefore be prepared and well organised because you never know when Jesus is going to return, will you be ready? It also seemed so easy to turn these sorts of examples into readiness homilies to guilt us into being good Christians waiting prepared with our full oil lamps should the bridegroom arrive and we are not caught unaware or unprepared but ready to meet him.
Some of you may be wondering about my nomination for Moderator Designate for PCANZ. None of the 3 candidates got 50% of the vote but they still had to go through a process of elimination to find a successor. I was not successful. I was walking into a family funeral at the time of the phone call from Assembly Executive Secretary. Thankfully, I only had time to receive the news and not ask any questions. In hindsight, I am relieved that I do not have to spend the next few years living in a fishbowl being scrutinized by the whole church and all its theological diversity and dimensions. I did not apply but was nominated and wanted to honour that nomination. I was representing Pacific Women and this would have been the first time a Pacific woman would have taken up the role of Moderator of the PCANZ. This would have broken the glass ceiling. But alas, it was not meant to be. I would have done this job to the best of my ability but now I can just carry on as normal and make SAOTT my priority. Thank you to everyone and especially SAOTT who supported me.
Last week I took time off in lieu for days off and had hoped to do nothing but perhaps mow the lawn. I did go to Auckland overnight for family business and returned on Tuesday night. On Wednesday my siblings who are chiefs phoned me to say that we have a family funeral in Wellington and could I represent the family. I did not know I had a first cousin living down the next street from me in Wainuiomata, her mother was my dad’s sister. Her husband an Assembly of God retired minister had died. All their immediate families from Auckland and New Plymouth descended on Wainuiomata, my house became the base for our family gathering of fine mats and money. Then, family service on Wednesday evening, gathering at my place on Thursday and funeral service on Friday morning. All I can say is that it was a good thing I was on leave as this family “fa’alavelave” as we call it in Samoan came at a time when I was thankfully available to represent my siblings and family. Although I did not get much time to rest last week, it was indeed a break and an important one.
This Sunday is Creation 2. “LAND”. I am looking forward to exploring “Land as Gift” from different perspectives. Be great to see most of you on Sunday. Please have a restful and relaxing weekend. Nga mihi, Fei
NOTICE FROM JENNY SIMPSON
MS Wellington is having its annual collection at supermarkets in greater Wellington this week. Jenny Simpson is organising collecting at New World Chaffers St and New World Thorndon on Friday Sept 15 and would be very grateful for a few extra hands!
0272318464 or 3899426 .
Street collection in CBD also Wed 13 , Fri 15 . Any help would be great.
You can read the full E-News here: https://mailchi.mp/e337c1f74a45/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-9395819
