E NEWS 29TH NOVEMBER 2024
Fantastic news! I’m a new great aunty. My dear nephew Albert and dear wife Helen gave birth to a son Alapati (Albert) at 12.38pm on Wednesday. Albert junior is a rainbow baby after 5 years consisting of 2 still births and 3 miscarriages later. I’ve just said hello to him on face time this morning. Our family are over the moon and so excited and celebrate our miracle baby with joy and thanksgiving.
Last Friday I went from classroom to classroom at Queen Margaret junior school with Caroline to advertise our special Rainbow Advent service on 8th December. There was much enthusiasm let’s hope the parents bring them along.
It was great to see the Resonance choir in concert featuring Ben, Lynne, Anna, Rosemary from SAOTT I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. A great ensemble of songs.
I was sitting in the front row and there was another elderly gentleman halfway down just the two of us and after 2 or 3 songs he came up to me and told me to stop fanning as it was disturbing and distracting his concentration. I was speechless and a little embarrassed but obliged. I did wonder how he would cope in a Pacific Island church, where he would be the odd one out! But hey, I wanted him to enjoy his experience. You all know my fan is my third arm and second nature but it is not an accessory I need it to alleviate my unpredictable hot flushes so I don’t go anywhere without it.
Transgender memorial Sunday is now online if you missed it or wish to hear it again. Thanks to Gareth Watkins.
https://www.pridenz.com/transgender_day_of_remembrance_2024.html. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a hearty feast at lunchtime, it was a splendid occasion. Remember there is no lunch this Sunday.
Afioga Dr Fuimaono Karl Pulotu Endemann and I.
Reminder of the relaunching of our Rainbow programme with our special children’s service “Be the Light” next Sunday. The children will join us for the first part of the service then go to the Rainbow room for activities then rejoin us at the end. We will have cookies and juice together in the hall during morning tea.
Sunday 15th December will be our special “An Aotearoa Christmas” with readings and carols and no reflection (yay you all say!)
On 22nd December, the CEO of Christian World Service Rev Dr Tim Pratt will be speaking at our Sunday worship service on the work of CWS and about this years CWS Christmas Appeal.
Christmas Eve the 24th of December will be our sherry and cake Christmas Eve service. We have invited our trio Pepe, Kate and Dan from the last two years to sing again at our service as it is a mutual experience of joy for us all.
25th December Christmas Day celebrations. Pam Fuller will be providing morning tea after the service for whoever would like to stay behind.
This Sunday is St Andrew’s Day and the first Sunday of Advent. It is also Communion Sunday and we welcome elders David and Laura Gehrenbeck who are from PCUSA and are working at the American Embassy here in Wellington. They have offered to be serving elders with us during their tenure and will be helping to serve communion this Sunday morning for the first time. There will also be envelopes available for our special St Andrew’s Day offering.
Our CWS theme is “Restless seas” based on our lectionary reading from Luke 21;25-36. Rev Dr Steve Taylor who prepared the CWS resource for this year says, Luke 21:25 begins with signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
In today’s world, increasing numbers of people express anguish and perplexity in the face of climate-related threats and disasters. The reading describes people “freezing” with terror (verse 26).
In the face of danger and restless seas, it is easy for humans to flee, fight, or freeze.
To freeze and pretend it’s not happening
To flee and leave the problem to someone else.
To fight and so escalate and extend the conflict.
Kath Kerr who lived in the Solomon Islands will set the context for us and I look forward to exploring this more with you on Sunday. Have a blessed weekend. Ia manuia, Fei.
You can read the full E-News here: https://mailchi.mp/ae4357e96b0c/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10131831
