E NEWS 19TH JULY 2024
Kia ora, Talofa lava, warm Pacific greetings.
This week has been a mixture of wet and a little bit of sun and lots of fog weather. As I drove home down the Wainuiomata hills the fog still had not lifted at 4.30pm from this morning. Having an internal access garage means I jump in the car not really knowing what the weather is like. So like this morning I’m dressed for a dry day but once I’m driving down the street it starts to rain and I forgot to pack my raincoat. I guess you have to prepare for all weather situations in one day.
I had a surprise visit from the CEO of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to my office on Tuesday morning Mac Leauanae. They were having a conference down in our Hall, this is the second time they have used our premises. Mac and I grew up in West Auckland together although his is a bit younger than me. He told me that they hope to be using our Conference Centre a lot more in the future. That is definitely good news for us to meet our monthly budget targets and help pay our bills.
I have an exciting announcement for animal lovers. September is Season of Creation and there are 5 Sundays. On the 15th of September is Animal Sunday, so I have decided to have an “Animal Blessing Ceremony”, this will be my first time to lead such a service although I have taken my dogs to animal blessings services run by St. Matthews in the City in Auckland. Please be prepared to bring your favorite animal to church as long as you can control them and clean up after them too. I’m quite excited.
I had an intercity minister gathering today at the newly renovated Metropolitan Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thorndon. The six year renovation has cost $13million to date. I was intrigued by their donation box at the entrance to the cathedral (see photo). Hmmm I wonder what would happen if we put an eftpos machine at the entrance to our church? Food for thought.
I wonder what your thoughts are on this type of donation? We don’t have a problem with having an offering box at the entrance for concert goers koha, I wonder how they would feel about having an eftpos machine available? Maybe this is the way of the future and we haven’t caught up with the latest trends.
There is no ‘Y Group” this Sunday as 7 of our group are all over seas. We will resume again next month.
I’ve been in two minds about what to preach about on Sunday as both the Hebrew bible reading about the Ark of God being in a tent can provide for an interesting reflection on Empire building whilst the Gospel reading from Mark is about being inundated with throngs of people and the demands required to meet the needs of the people whilst trying to get rest in between. “Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest”. That’s the desire and the hope but not often the reality. I’ve entitled my reflection “when the universe tells you its time to take a break”. (Joe Biden are you listening!} It is a work in progress and lets see how it pans out on Sunday.
Well, today is a day-off in lieu for me as I took Carol Legge’s funeral on Monday my usual day off. The lawn needs mowing but it will depend on the weather. This Sunday is Jonathon Lemalu and Virtuoso Symphony at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 7pm. If you are free hope to see you there. Take care and God bless, Fei.
