St Aidan`s Parish Magazine

St Aidan’s
Parish Magazine
April 2016
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What’s in this issue of the Parish Magazine?
A message from Di
Page 4
From the curate
Page 6
St Aidan’s Youth
Page 8
Welcome to our new Music Director
Page 10
Sweet hour of prayer
Page 12
From the registry
Page 13
Men’s Ministry
Page 14
St Aidan’s Spring Fair & Garage Sale
Page 15
Prayer Circle
Page 16
Wednesday Friendship Group
Page 17
Bonhoeffer and the Lenten Studies
Page 18
Finance Report to the SGM
Page 20
Mission Shop
Page 22
St Aidan’s Young Adults
Page 23
AAW
Page 24
Kids’ Church
Page 26
St Aidan’s Knitting Group
Page 28
Young Readers at St Aidan’s
Page 29
What do we love about St Aidan’s?
Page 30
Dear Friend
Page 34
St Aidan’s Endowment Trust
Page 35
(Just click on the page number, or the name of the article you’re
interested in, to go straight there!)
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Coming Up Soon
Sunday 10 April: Glen’s ordination
3pm at All Saints’ Church, 17 Selwyn Rd, Howick
Friday 15 April
Parish Social Hour
5pm at the Vicarage
Sunday 24 April Di’s Farewell
Following 9.30 service - Pot luck lunch in the Hall
Sunday 24 April Di’s last soapbox!
5pm in the Gathering Area
Monday 25 April ANZAC Day Service
10am starting in church
Sunday 1 May
Bishop John Paterson’s first Sunday
as Priest-in-Charge
Sunday 8 May
Parish Future Directions Consultation Meeting
Following 9.30 service
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Where? When? What? Why?
These are fair questions that have been asked several
times recently; and this is the ideal opportunity to answer
them!
When?
At the end of April my ministry amongst the people of St
Aidan’s draws to a close. To ensure a gentle landing, my
last Sunday is 24th April, then the next day I take my final
service here on Anzac Day – a communion service that
finishes with us walking up to our War Memorial together to acknowledge and
remember those known to us who gave their lives… And then a couple of days
to do various hand-overs and ensure that Bishop John is comfortably seated at
the helm, as he becomes your Priest-in-Charge. The Vicarage will get packed
up over the weekend and I disappear to Wellington in the first week of May.
What?
Officially I am ‘PCRTE’: the Principal Chaplain of Recruiting, Training and
Education for the NZ Defence Force. For those familiar with NZDF, read on:
it’s almost the old ‘Principal Chaplain Air’ job, except that instead of three
single service principals, the three of us now share the workload in various
ways, and have oversight of all the Defence Chaplains. We continue to be led
by the Principal Defence Chaplain (PDC). Since I will be in Blue uniform, I will
be a Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) – my colleagues are therefore a Naval Cdr
and an Army Lt Col.
Where?
Wellington. Working from both HQ in Aitken Street, and also out at Trentham
Army Camp where there are more facilities and fewer security restrictions! I
will also travel around the country and be up in Auckland once a month… I will
be living in Khandallah – and no, Defence doesn’t provide accommodation
there these days!
Why?
Because I was asked. It seems to be the pattern of my ministry, that God and I
agree on where I am called to minister by the very literal and somewhat old
fashioned process of ‘being called’! In this instance, I was asked if I would
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allow my name to go forward for consideration, and then found myself
appointed to the role. Clearly a lot of prayer goes into the mix, and my
consideration includes both the ministry I am being asked to consider, and
whether I can contribute to it in a unique, and hopefully helpful way… but also
the ministry it will mean leaving behind. Is this a time when St Aidan’s is in
good heart, and might be ready for a new chapter of ministry leadership?
So what next?
The fact that I leave behind a superb staff team in good heart, is of great
significance to me. It’s been great to welcome both Conor and Chris recently,
and you can read more about them in this magazine. Glen is also on the verge
of becoming a priest, and will therefore be able to share fully in the clergy
ministry of the parish. Sue is recovering well, and I am confident that in May
she will return to her Admin ministry with fresh gusto (uh-oh I hear you say!!)
– but Leanne’s competence in offering temporary cover has meant that we
have hardly lost a beat: well done and thank you to all of the above!
On Sunday 8th May Archdeacon Carole Hughes will come and meet with you to
begin the process of calling another Vicar. By then I will be down in Wellington
and the very next day I will be meeting with a group of Defence personnel
preparing to leave for Crete, where we will be remembering the 75 th
anniversary of the Battle of Crete. I am the Chaplain to the contingent and will
assist in the services being held over there…
So it’s almost time for us to go our separate ways, but I still have a couple of
sermons to go, a Social Hour, and Anzac Day… so I look forward to seeing you
around during April – and my conveyance of gratitude and appreciation can
come thereafter!
Blessings
Di
Who’s Steering the ship when Di Goes?
St Aidan’s interim Priest-in-Charge will be Bishop John Paterson.
Bishop John’s first Sunday at St Aidan’s as Priest-in-Charge will
be on Sunday 1 May (see “Coming up Soon” on previous page).
We look forward to welcoming Bishop John!
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From the Curate...
As I sit at my desk looking out over Ascot Ave and
review my time here so far, I am aware of the many
things that have changed for me as well as the
strengthening of the things already present in my
life. When I first arrived last July it wasn’t long until
the trees outside my window were in beautiful
bloom and filled with Tui feeding on the nectar. A
great sight to
see, and one
which brings to
mind the new
life I have embarked on as a Deacon in the
church, and in particular a time of feeding
as I continued to learn the craft of ministry
in this place. As the seasons have moved
on, not yet coming full circle, I have felt the
ongoing equipping for the role of being a
minister. It has been the passing of time, of
going through the ‘calendar’ of St Aidan’s
and our Christian experience in general,
that has been one of my teachers as I have
attempted to keep up and to rise up to the
various challenges that have come my way.
The people here have been the dominant
‘teachers’ that have continued to help me grow. I have sensed very clearly the
great support of the people here – the care, love, encouragement and
patience (some of those sermons eh!) has been constant. I also appreciate the
wealth of wisdom and knowledge that I have experienced which has assisted
me to think deeply about what I do. I have been particular amazed at the way
this church both responds to the ministry offered here and gets involved.
Thanks for all you do and are – it has been inspiring. I would also like to make
special note of Di and all her input over the past 8 months. She has been a
great role model and teacher and has always treated me as a fellow colleague
and, while continually making me think for myself, is always there to support
me and jump in if necessary. Thanks Di.
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I write on the cusp of another
season, albeit a season within a
season as this time next week I will
be priested. On Sunday evening at
the Gathering @ 5 it was fantastic to
be led by Nic Mercer and the BOLD
team. One of the team prophesied
over me that I would inspire others
in their following of Jesus, a
prophesy I received when I first
became a Christian some 17 years
ago. As I continue my curacy as a
Priest, I look forward to that ongoing
work that God is doing in my life in
this place, at this time, for the
building of his Kingdom both now and into the future.
Glen Ashworth
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St Aidan’s Youth
Kia Ora, for those of you who haven’t met me my
name is Conor and I have taken over as the Youth
Pastor at St Aidan’s.
Sundays
On Sundays we have been in the
bunker looking at community and
discipleship. We have been looking
at what our community in youth
group looks like and what we value and found that we value learning more
about God and reading things in the Bible we might not have looked at before
and also that we value being a supportive community and supporting each
other as well as the church and the wider community.
We have also been looking at what discipleship is all about and looking at
what it looks like to be mentored and to mentor/encourage each other.
Friday Night Express
We have been having heaps of
fun during Friday Night
Express as we bond together
as a community, doing
everything from craft to
bowling to hanging out at
Mission Bay. I see Friday
nights as very important as it
is a chance to strengthen the
relationships already present
in our youth group as well as a
chance for new people to feel welcome in our community.
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Efest
This year a bunch of us went to Efest over the Easter weekend. The theme this
year was light and darkness and how we, through Jesus, are shining lights in a
dark world.
We also had opportunities to worship God, receive prayer, as well as have
space to pray alone. And we had awesome teaching sessions that we could
apply to our lives as we ventured back to our everyday lives.
-Conor McGrath (Youth Pastor)
If you would like to hear more then you are more than welcome to ‘like’ our
Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/staidansyouthremuera
Contact Conor (09) 929 4670 ext 6
or email [email protected]
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Welcome to our new Music Director!
A bit of background on Chris…..
After dropping out of high school, I joined a rock
band doing the pub circuit. My mentor was Rick
Wakeman; surrounded by stacks of electronic
keyboards, a mixer, a backing-vocals mic and a
wall of speakers behind me, providing the typical
backing to a rock band. I grew my hair wild, wore
spunky clothing and aftershave, drank, smoked,
swore, contributing to the expected topics of
confabulation. The pub scene was dangerous!
Gang fights, drugs, bottles flying, furniture
smashed. Lights out! Scores of police turning up.
Arrests. We kept playing. That was a good night!
I kept this up for years. At the same time a yearning was gnawing inside me.
My girl-friend's father was exposing me to other music. Mario Lanza. Bing
Crosby. Johann Strauss. Gershwin, and others. I then rediscovered Mozart
piano concertos. I bought a Yamaha grand piano and practised like a maniac.
Scales. Arpeggios. Octaves. Pyro-technics. Cross-rhythms. Heaps of chords. My
love for good classical music was returning with fervour. JS Bach and Handel,
Haydn and Mozart. Beethoven and Schubert. Chopin and Tchaikovsky. I
matriculated at Canterbury University to study music. I sat and passed my
LRSM and FTCL in performance piano. And then, eventually, my Mus.B. was
conferred. I did accompanying and jazz playing professionally. At the same
time I joined the Catholic Cathedral Choir. I was singing Palestrina polyphony,
Bach passions, Haydn masses, Bruchner motets, and Britten anthems. Next
was the Anglican Cathedral choir, singing traditional English music, and, as
always, psalm chants. I joined the opera chorus and various respected choirs
in the city. I learned to play other instruments. My work as an accompanist
was expanding; teaching, accompanying, and performing classical piano
became my livelihood. My love for pub music, and all that went with it, was
long gone.
I spent a few years tearing around South-East Asia teaching English as a
second language in Japan, China, and then back to Christchurch, but I was
aching to get back to a professional music career. I got into conducting choirs
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and orchestras, as well as writing choral and
orchestral arrangements on the Sibelius
programme for performances. I was promoting
concerts. Around this time I became organist /
Acting Music Director at St Michael's And All
Angels in Christchurch, followed by MD of two
choirs – the South Brighton Choral Society, and
the Risingholme Singers, as well as establishing
the Christchurch Chamber Orchestra. Over the
last two years I directed Handel's Messiah
(choir and orchestra), The Mikado (full
production), and The Pirates of Penzance, and
other concerts and shows, bringing choirs,
soloists, and the orchestra together as usual. I
also conducted various classical period
symphonies with the Chamber Orchestra – specializing in Mozart and
Schubert. A highlight was to direct Mozart choral works for choir, soloists, and
orchestra, and Mozart's Exsultate, jubilate for high-soprano and orchestra.
I have just moved to Auckland to do my Post-graduate Diploma in Choral
Conducting with Karen Grylls, as well as voice with Robert Wiremu. I am
expanding my work as an accompanist, teacher of classical piano, and jazz
performance.
I like where I am now. Although I enjoyed my rebel years, I could not go back
to the pub scene, and all that soulless music.
Chris Graham, Music Director
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Sweet Hour of Prayer
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
These words continue to stir our trust and confidence in God.
Our Church calls us to prayer from Monday to Saturday at 9am in the
Gathering Area. One or two members are faithfully in attendance. Others do
not find it convenient. So may I suggest that we consciously stop at 9am and
join the prayer circle in spirit, just for a little while, wherever we are?
Is this a point to be taken from our Lenten studies on Discipleship?
Paul preaching to the church in Corinth says in 1 Corinthians 1:10 that Jesus
had prayed for the unity of His followers before his arrest and crucifixion. Paul
also made frequent appeals to God’s people that they may be one.
May the Lord hear our prayer.
Lilian Gnanasunderam
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From the Registry...
Baptisms
Grace Millar Georgina Smallberger
Storm Greaves
Marriages
Majda Boer and Tyrell Dawson
Debbie Poon and Warrick Hing
Susan Clephane and Sean Donovan
Meilan Wang and Wen Wang
Veronica Voordouw and John Black
Lisa Meurant and Kasper Jorgensen
Sarah Granville and Bradley Thomas
Rachel (Rae) Hammer
Michael (Mick) Dillon
Funerals
Ivan Bignell
Felicity Jamison
Leslie Porter
Storm’s baptism
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Geoffrey Picot
George Hamilton
Men's Ministry
In the not so distance past there
were great men’s events at St
Aidan’s, when manly voices could
be heard booming proudly and
good times were had by all. The
women of the parish have
continued to meet (under some
fluffy girl name ) all this time
and the men have not. It was
decided that this cannot be, so a
manly gathering was held to
rectify the state of affairs. The
ideas flowed, the joy swelled and
so the rebirth of manly get togethers began. At the
beginning of the year we enjoyed a fantastic fishing
trip aboard the Marnine (our supreme thanks go out to
our amazing host George Urquhart) where we enjoyed
a full cooked breakfast, the beautiful sights of the
Hauraki, a dip in the warmer
temperatures of Motuihe Island and
even a few snapper! (the biggest, I
believe, caught by none other than
the Curate, Glen Ashworth). A
wonderful day enjoyed by all. Our next venture was an
open invite to the shores, this time of St Heliers Bay following Easter, where
we enjoyed a fish breakfast in remembrance of the BBQ Jesus cooked for his
disciples after he had been
resurrected. A beautiful relaxed
morning in a great spot. We are
looking forward to future events - we
plan to have monthly men’s breakfasts
and bi-monthly men’s events. If you
are interested in joining in or being
involved in hosting, contact me to find
out more.
Glen Ashworth
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It’s that time again!
St Aidan’s Spring Fair & Garage Sale
The St Aidan’s Spring Fair & Garage Sale is our annual big
fundraiser.
So this is a timely reminder to clean out the garage,
the cupboards and the closet and we’ll gratefully
receive any donated items. Anything that can be
boxed and you would like to drop off earlier for
storage, please do so to the Mission Shop. And for those of you
who are able to assist in some way, we have jobs aplenty – on the
day and behind the scenes.
We’ll keep you updated.
Contact the Coordinator
Karina - 027 345 2259
The St Aidan’s Spring Fair & Garage Sale
Saturday 10th September 2016
Starts 8.00am
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PRAYER CIRCLE 2016
WHAT?
The purpose is to
offer pastoral care, through
prayer support, for those with
specific needs.
HOW?
There is no need to give anything more than the name. If you wish
to say more, the briefer the better (e.g. health/relational/anxiety) but we
really do prefer to pray for the person holistically knowing that God alone
understands all our needs.
Process:- Give the name of the person needing prayer by:
(a) texting Anne
027 2006020
(b) ringing Anne
520 2861
(c) place note in box
in Gathering Area
Anne will then set the circle in motion, so that all the members will pray.
WHO?
The circle members are invited by the parish’s clergy team for a one
year appointment. Annually the clergy will prayerfully consider the
membership of the group ensuring a mixture of experience, continuity and
the provision of a new ministry opportunity for some… plus ensuring a
sabbatical for those who are so good at praying without ceasing.
Prayer Circle team 2016
Co-ordinator:- Anne Mercer
Members:- Anna Brown, John Pearce, Julie Mercer, Lynne Trenwith and
Shivanti Mather
Any information you provide will be treated in strictest confidence.
At no point will it be available to anyone outside the Prayer Circle.
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Wednesday Friendship Group
Before we started our first gathering for 2016, I
received some comments from one of the food
providers with reservations about continuing to
provide lunches. We did a ring-around and
found there were other people with concerns
about the rising costs of the food, especially in
summer, the amount of time and effort
required, the amount of work for a handful of people, and just a general
feeling that a change was needed. The overwhelming consensus was to
change to a morning tea, and people could stay on for lunch if they wished but
provide their own. This also meant the timing of the event and the purpose
remain unchanged.
We started the year on Ash
Wednesday at 10am with tea and
coffee on one trolley and food on the
other. The members of the group sat
down to their games and helped
themselves to morning tea during the
morning. Other people gathered around a jigsaw puzzle and had morning tea
and a chat. After the larger than usual service at 11.30am, being Ash
Wednesday, quite a few people stayed on and sat around the table with tea
and coffee and finished off the morning tea food, and some ate their own
lunches. This format has continued and everyone seems very happy with it.
Our bread and buns, and now savoury and sweet scones are still donated by
Bakers Delight, to whom we are very grateful.
Jenny Haggitt
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Bonhoeffer and Lenten Studies
At the beginning of Lent 2016, the home groups jumped off the high diving
board and launched into a series of studies based on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s
book The Cost Of Discipleship. We were encouraged by Glen Ashworth, who
initiated and organized this programme.
The man, Bonhoeffer, is intense in his writing and by virtue of the time he
lived in (Pre WW 2) he thrusts his message as strong and as straight as an
Olympic javelin thrower. His message is one of no compromise. Again this has
to be understood in the light of his urgency to convey Biblical truths to a
Church that was eroding the essence of the Christian message and embracing
compromise.
Concerned with the German Church’s capitulation to Hitler in the 1930’s he
felt “costly grace” had been lost.
A formalism had crept into the church. This meant that you could go to
church, hear that your sins are forgiven and that God loves you, and it didn’t
really matter how you lived. Bonhoeffer called this “ cheap grace.”
He writes that we cannot only give Christ a “small compartment of our
Spiritual life; we must give all or nothing.”
He speaks about “costly grace” because it cost God the life of His Son, “you
were bought at a price.” The word of God requires single-minded obedience.
As our studies dug deeper, we examined statements such as, “The Christ suffering which every man must experience and is the call to abandon the
attachments of this world. It is the dying of the old man which is the result of
his encounter with Christ.” This leads us to serve Christ in new and fresh ways.
Cheap Grace was seen as the
enemy of the Church, in the
sense that we could flirt with the
world and yet be covered by
grace.
The cross must not only be seen
as the Cross of Victory, which it
is, but also the Cross of suffering.
We are encouraged to take up
our crosses and to follow Jesus,
wherever that may lead.
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As home groups we were
encouraged to debate the ideas of
Bonhoeffer; we were reminded that
the ideas he put forward were his
thoughts and his thoughts, only.
To me it was a sober reminder of my
calling as Christian, a wake up call
and truthful reminder of what it
really means to call myself Christian.
Some comments from people who
made the Lenten journey.
“ It was a thought provoking and challenging theological study .I had the
opportunity to share the Leadership in our Home Group, this encouraged me
to dig deeper into my understanding of the Christian Faith.” Karel Lee.
“ Bonhoeffer’s “Discipleship” studies were very thought provoking and
engendered much discussion. Thanks Glen.” David Jamison
“We found it challenging, but recognised that he was a man for his time .
Much of his theology was very black and white and this in turn led to many
discussions where people agreed to disagree!” Anne Mercer
“ Bonhoeffer in his commentary uses strong words, sometimes almost rigid
interpretations, to communicate his views on discipleship. At the Wednesday
Home Group we found the studies challenging , particularly understanding and
accepting some of Bonhoeffer’s annotations. Whilst we need to take these in
the context of the times he was living and writing in, our 2016 Lenten studies
showed us that whatever the time or era, following in
Jesus’ way with single-minded obedience and self discipline, being God-centered, taking every opportunity
to live and speak for Christ, and, that we have a task to
reach out in the name of Jesus.” Annmarie Raffel
Everyone I have spoken to indicated that they were
challenged and stretched in their Christian walk,
sometimes we just have to get out of our comfort zones
and be more willing to be Christ centered.
Walking onwards and looking upwards.
Sheryl Swanevelder
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Finance Report to the SGM
At the SGM the Treasurer presented a summary of the operating result for the
year ended 31 December 2016. For those that were not able to be at the SGM
we are presenting a summary of what he said and presented to the meeting.
Operating results
The table below shows that overall the income was down slightly compared
with 2014 and expenses were up, meaning we achieved a very small deficit for
the year.
Net operating result
2015
2014
Total income
335,029 341,245
Total Parish operating expenses (296,097) (284,901)
Diocesan contribution, NZ Mission (43,634)
etc.
(43,086)
Total net surplus/(deficit)
$(4,702) $13,258
The first chart below shows that three quarters of income comes from
offertories and donations. Giving and hall income represent about 90% of our
income.
The second graph shows that regular giving has been fairly similar for each of
the last 3 years, while one off donations have fallen. Other categories of
income have stayed reasonably constant over the last three years.
The next graph shows the movement in expenses over the last three years.
Ministry expenses have fallen due to a period during which we only had one
clergy, plus the fact that we only pay half Glen’s stipend as new placements
are subsidised by the Diocese.
Property expenses including rates, insurance, repairs etc. have increased
significantly this year solely due to an increase of $30,000 in repairs and
maintenance. Fortunately, we were able to use our surplus funds saved in the
last couple of years plus some of the Richdale funds to paint both houses and
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complete some long overdue repairs to the vicarage. Other expenses have
remained much the same as the prior year.
In summary, the two major changes are the reduction in one off donations and
the increase in repairs and maintenance.
Mission shop
While the Mission Shop is not part of the operating results of the parish, it
provides an important fund for mission and other outreach donations. During
the year sales have increased by 30% over last year and net surplus available
for distribution has increased to $13,483.
Outreach donations
The table below shows the outreach donations the parish has made in the last
two years. These have been funded by the mission shop, special fundraising
and some from the general resources of the parish.
Outreach donations made in the last two years
New Zealand Anglican Board of Mission
General
Vanuatu
Red Cross -Nepal
Sri Lankan Mission
Hearts4kids
Below the line
Prison Fellowship
NZ Church Missionary Soc -Hughes Family in Fiji
Total
2015
2014
13,000
500
500
1,246
1,718
957
200
13,000
$18,121
5,000
488
1,500
$19,988
Endowment Trust
Finally a word on the Endowment Trust. While it was originally envisaged that
it would receive bequests, all monies to date have been donations which
attract a 33% tax rebate. The bequest and donation programme for the
Endowment Trust is only beginning, but it already has about $120,000
invested.
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The Mission Shop
We have welcomed in a new year in the Mission Shop, with no change in the
volunteer staff from last year. The curtains have been put back up in the shop,
strategically placed at the end of the racks to keep the sun off the clothes. We
have also found a home off the stage for all the spare coat-hangers. Sales
started well in February and have continued to be steady.
An enormous number of
donated bags of clothing that
were dropped off to our bins
continuously over the holiday
period have been
comprehensively culled to the
benefit of needy people in Fiji,
after their recent cyclone. We
have sent the boxes of clothes
to Fiji with the help of two St
Aidan’s parishioners. Tthe
end of our summer season is a
good time to be sending
summer clothes, as it will save
us storing them over the
winter. We will have plenty of
donations over the next few
months to provide stock for
next summer.
We have decided to close this year for all long weekends, so accordingly we
will close on Saturday 23rd April for the Anzac Day long weekend.
Jenny Haggitt
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St Aidan’s Young Adults
One of our Young Adults,
Nic Mercer, recently
spoke about his trip to
Fiji at a Gathering @5
service. Nic is a part of
the Anglican group called
BOLD (Building
Outstanding Leaders and Disciples).
If you would like to know more about the
group and their trip to Fiji, read here: The
Anglican.
A few of our Young Adults also attended
the last Grace Collective event, which was
held at their usual spot in Kingsland, called
"Crave". The Grace Collective is run by the
AYM and is a space for young Christian
adults to gather together, laugh, exchange
banter and listen to some sweet tunes.
Jono Lee was recruited to play for the
event, along with his mate Gershon.
If you would like get involved with the
Young Adults group, then check out our FB
page (https://www.facebook.com/
staidansyoungadults/) or email
[email protected].
Belle Tregoweth
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AAW
The AAW began 2016 with an afternoon tea at the vicarage on a very warm
Saturday afternoon in late February. It was a lovely afternoon of fun, chat,
laughter and fellowship. Our wonderful hostess, Di, gave us a very
enlightening talk on her upcoming new position in the New Zealand Defence
Force when she leaves St Aidan’s at the end of April.
Our first meeting of the year at the church was held on Tuesday, 1 st March and
we welcomed three new members to our group.
Each month we begin with a church service led by Jeny Terrell and then follow
up with a speaker. Topics are wide and varying. The speakers for the next few
months are:
5th April
3rd May
7th June
5th July
Mary Ann France – “Quilting with a Spin”
Vaoa Davis – “From One Ministry to Another”
Kathy Dillner – Leprosy Mission Trip to India
Vicky Mee – President of BPW NZ (Business and Professional
Women) and past parishioner of St Aidan’s
We welcome all women of the Parish to our meetings on the first Tuesday of
each month from March to December at 1.30pm. You may wish to come on an
informal basis or join up to AAW by paying the annual subscription of $20.
Mary Parkinson
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Antoinette,
Rosie and Rona
Jeny, Christine and Anne
Di doing a spot of clearing up!
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Kids’ Church
Did you know that there are
2,000 days between the ages
of 5 and 12? This is a precious
and crucial time when you can
make a real difference to the
life of a child.
Kids Church is embracing a
New Zealand developed
initiative called Faith Box. It
aims to give families the tools
to make a difference and
prioritise the nurturing of
faith within their family. Do
you have a “I want to teach
my kids about faith but I have
no idea where to start or what to do” feeling? I bet we have all felt like this at
some point… that’s where Faith Box comes in.
Faith Box originated with a group of New Zealand parents and grandparents
who wanted to pass on faith to their children through creative teaching and
living a vibrant faith within their own homes. Mary Grant and Nikki Watkin
added their considerable skill and experience in ministry, theology and writing
creative programmes for children and their parents… and Faith Box was born.
A pilot programme of 110 NZ families helped give feedback and now the Faith
Box team extends to advisors, trusts and individuals all passionate about
offering this practical way for parents to teach Christian truth to their
children.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Faith Box itself… yes, it really comes in a
box, actually a metal tin a bit like a brightly coloured biscuit tin! The box
comes with one manual designed to cover a 12 week period, and there are
three other manuals to cover the rest of the calendar year. There are 8
manuals so far, two years’ worth - so there’s plenty of choice. Inside the Faith
Box, as well as the manual, is a CD with music to enjoy and other interesting
items to enhance your sessions.
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Each session (a session is designed to last 30 minutes per week) is set out in
the manual starting with what you need – either provided in the box or
consisting of everyday household items. Then the session theme is
introduced and the topic explored through games, reading, discussion, prayer
and life application. The activities are interactive and include: inside or
outside, quiet or noisy, messy or tidy… all fun and engaging for all members of
the family. In the box there is a mini magnetic Faith Board for a Bible verse of
quotes to go on the fridge for the week to remind you of your faith.
Sharing your faith could not be easier and before you know it you will be
saying “I’ve got this! It’s fun and has made our family faith time a strong
regular element of our lives.”
So, you want to get one, don’t you? Of course you do, and that’s really easy
too. Just go to the Faith Box website at www.faithbox.co.nz, have a read and
order your box and manual(s) through the on line shop. If you’re a bit
uncertain how to do this try asking your kids to help….they are usually experts
at anything to do with computers and would love to help (and it will get them
engaged with Faith Box from the start!) If you get really stuck give me a yell
and I’ll do my best to help.
What if you like the idea but don’t want to get a Faith Box just yet? I’d love to
hear from you so that I can answer any questions you may have or get further
information for you, and also
I can remind you about Faith
Box closer to Christmas
when there may be some
great Christmas specials that
you could take advantage of!
If you need any more
convincing just talk to the
Kids’ Church families, and
look out for tips and quick
activities from Faith Box in
the rest of the magazine.
Kate Amos
27
LOVE TO KNIT? KEEN TO LEARN?
Would you like to be involved in
producing colourful knitting, crochet or
sewing for charity?
Join our new group “Pins & Needles”,
meeting in St Aidan’s Gathering Area on
the 2nd Monday each month from 10am
to midday for companionship and
inspiration while helping to make a
contribution to those in need. We will continue knitting for
Kids First at Middlemore Hospital, the Anglican Trust and
other children’s charities. However, we are being asked to
knit for senior members of our community as well - warm,
fingerless mittens, beanies and knee warmers for the
elderly and hand muffs for those who have dementia.
For more details contact Marie on 524 8642
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Young Readers
Over the past few months we have been blessed to have two young women
join our 9.30am service to help deliver some of our liturgy. We love to
encourage our young people in all forms of ministry and it’s especially
wonderful to see them grow along the way.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they
will not turn from it”. Proverbs 22:6
Quote from “Faith Box”
Patience is not the same as
endurance. Patience is
waiting for the right time,
and trusting God that he is
looking after us – endurance
is pushing on when we know
God has given us something
to do.
29
What do we love about St Aidan’s?
As building manager for our church, I spend a lot of time poking about in
various corners of our buildings. It often surprises me to recognise the variety
of differences in the buildings we look after, both from an architectural point
of view and from the way we use them.
Our Church proper:
It was built in 1905, and there have been so many improvements, expansions
and changes within the
building, it is now almost
impossible to work out
which substantial sections of
the original building (apart
from the roof) remain.
Despite that fact, the church
still retains the feeling of
being a building which has
not lost its original character
in any way. It has retained
the beautiful warmth
associated with native New
Zealand timbers, and the focus of the East Window above the altar constantly
reminds us why we come to Church.
Until the late 1900s the Church was never locked at night, and often I would
stop on the way home from an evening walk, or after a particularly busy
evening on the badminton
court, to sit quietly with
the pale light from the
sanctuary lamp giving the
building a somewhat eerie,
but composed feeling.
Beautifully quiet, and a
good time to let one’s
mind wander. It is indeed
unfortunate we now find it
necessary not only to lock
30
the premises, but also to protect our asset with
security alarms.
One of the real dangers we face with an old
wooden building is that of fire. As a Vestry, we
do everything we can to ensure the building is
safe; and parishioners also realise the need for
total care and responsibility in this respect. The
tedious fire drills we stage are so necessary to
keep ourselves safe should the unthinkable
happen, and everybody who uses the Church
needs to take utmost care with matches, candles
and other sources of fire. We love our Church
too much to let it be destroyed!
The Gathering Area:
What a great asset this improvement has become for the Church and its
congregation! It has given us all the opportunity to meet our fellow
churchgoers in congenial surroundings. Through the successful re-alignment
of service times, Di has given us all the chance to talk with those attending
other services, and as a result, the whole parish has become a closer-knit
community. We now know those we previously hardly ever had the
opportunity to speak with, and there is no doubt about where we would have
been in this respect without the Gathering Area. (Pity about the roof leak, but
it will be fixed!)
31
The other facilities:
As the more affordable
meeting place within the
Church, the Social
Lounge has provided
space for all manner of
clubs and societies to
meet. It has been great
for those groups who
function better in a small
area, and the on-site
kitchen is a great help.
Vestry holds all of its
formal meetings there, as the area is easily heated and the tables and chairs
are immediately available. It is well used by the Community at large, and most
evenings there is something going on.
Completed in 1968, the Main Hall initially created a concern that we had
destroyed the lovely gardens St Aidan’s parishioners had cherished. But the
old hall was no longer big enough to hold Sunday School, and something had
to be done. My dad, along with the other stalwarts of St Aidan’s, got stuck in
and raised the money to build what today has become the centre for a great
variety of activities, both for the older people, but perhaps more importantly
for the younger generations. We see little people at Mainly Music, bigger
ones at Karate, adults coming along for the choral singing, and of course the
32
Keep Fit groups which have supported us for many years. We will need to
look at some upgrading in the hall quite soon, but it will mostly be cosmetic, to
keep the area looking fresh.
So, is Parish Life just about worship, or do we have a wider role to play in the
community? What is it that we really have at St Aidan’s? My personal view is
that, as a parish, we have the most important community facility in the
Remuera Area. We have a really strong Christian following with the regular
parishioners who use the Church for community worship, weddings, baptisms
and the like. We are also lucky enough to be the guardians of other assets
which are regularly and strongly used and supported by local groups. We have
a Christian duty to manage these facilities as best we possibly can, so we can
continue to offer our community useful areas, at affordable prices. AND the
upside for the Church is that we will pick up new parishioners from the various
groups operating from the facilities. By demonstrating a caring, responsible,
sharing attitude to these facilities, I know we are following true Christian
principles. We must continue to allow the community at large affordable
access to those facilities, and by doing this I know we are playing a true
Christian part in our community. Perhaps, after the worship, it’s this ability to
share our assets with others that is what we love best about St Aidan’s!
John Glenie, Property Manager
33
Dear Friend
I want to send you a note to tell you how
much I care for you. I waited all day
hoping you would talk with me. I gave
you a sunset to close your day and a cool
breeze to refresh you. I waited, but you
never came.
I watched you fall asleep, and I longed to
touch your brow. Instead, I spilled
moonlight on your pillow, I waited,
wanting to share your life; but you
awakened late and rushed off.
Today you looked sad, so alone it
made by heart ache.
I try to tell you of my
love. I whisper it in the leaves
and breathe it onto the colours
of the flowers.
I shout it in the mountain
streams and the birds’ songs.
My love for you is deeper
than the oceans and larger
than the biggest need in
your heart. I have so
much to share with you –
Jesus
34
St Aidan’s Endowment Trust
Have you ever considered your contribution to the future of
our church and our Christian
faith?
In the face of world-wide
expansion of other religions
and increasing secularisation, it
is paramount we proclaim the
Gospel of Christ and His glorious
resurrection to those around us.
Help us to keep St Aidan’s
church in the forefront of
mission in this place.
Over the last 110 years St
Aidan’s church has been open
for members of our parish and
the community that St Aidan’s
has supported spiritually,
emotionally, physically and
financially. The Trust has been
formed to ensure that the door
never closes. If you would like
to know more, please contact
the office or email
[email protected]. Or
click here to go to the brochure.
35
Regular Events @ St Aidan’s
Sunday Services
8:00am Holy Communion
9:30am Family Communion with Youth and Kids’ Church
5:00pm G@5
7:30pm Taizé Contemplative worship (2nd Sunday)
Wednesday Service
11:30am - Holy Communion without music.
Morning Prayer
Monday to Saturday at 9am in the Gathering Area.
Prayer Meeting
7pm Wednesdays - meet in the Gathering Area for ½ hour.
Youth
School aged youth (11 and over), Sun at 9:30am service and Fri at 7pm.
Kids’ Church
All children aged 3-10 during the 9.30am service. Contact Kate Amos.
Mainly Music
9.30am Wednesdays during term time. Music & play for families with pre-school aged children
Friendship Group
Meet at 10am on Wednesdays for fellowship, fun and refreshments.
Choir Practice
7.30pm Wednesday in Bethel Room. New members welcome. Contact the Chris (see below).
Youth Band
Contact Jono Lee for info (021 0235 6041).
Home Groups
All welcome! Contact Sheryl or Glen for more information.
AAW
A women's fellowship group. Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month.
St Aidan’s Vestry
Meet 3rd Wednesday of month at 7.30pm in the Social Lounge
Contacts @ St Aidan’s
Temp in Office:
Mon-Fri 9– 3.30
Leanne Allport
929 4670 ext 1
[email protected]
Vicar:
Revd Di Woods
Wed - Sun
W: 929 4670 ext 2
H: 520 2814
M: 027 372 8816
E: [email protected]
Priest Asst:
Revd Glen Ashworth
Sun-Thurs
W 929 4670 ext 4
M 027 457 4105
E: [email protected]
Accounts:
[email protected]
or contact the office
Vicar’s Warden: Pip Colgan 027 459 6433
People’s Warden: Pete Macaulay 021488485
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/staidansyouthremuera
Music:
Prayer Circle:
Pastoral Care
Co-ordinators:
Home Group
Coordinators:
Mission Shop:
Youth:
Young Adults:
Kids’ Church:
Mainly Music:
Social media contacts:
www.staidans.co.nz
Chris Graham 027 444 7615
[email protected]
Anne Mercer 520 2861
(temp) Anne Mercer
& Marie Taylor 524 8642
Glen Ashworth &
Sheryl Swanevelder 578 2520
Jenny Haggitt 524 5254
Thurs, Fri, Sat:10-2
Conor McGrath 021 081 90306
[email protected]
Belle Tregoweth 021 161 8882
[email protected]
Kate Amos 021 764 528
(school term only) See Glen
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/StAidansRemuera
36 Remuera 06-0257-0052666-13
Bank Account number: St Aidans Church