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In our first two weeks on intergenerational ministry we looked at why we join together across the ages. We join together to fulfill Psalm 145:
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Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds.
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This week we look at the how.
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And in the how, we discover the key isn’t what we do, but how we do it, or to put it another way, what our posture is.
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When running there are efficient ways to run and inefficient ways to run, and that has a lot to do with posture. Likewise there are life giving ways of bringing people together, and there are unhealthy ways of bringing people together, and that has largely to do with our posture or attitude towards each other. One of the keys for a healthy community is to have a theology of accommodation, and that talks about our posture, and God’s posture towards us. That is an understanding that God is an accommodating God, and that we are likewise called to be accommodating. For example God made room for humanity by coming to us,
by coming down. God didn’t move over; God came down. God came down to our level. Without God coming down to us in Jesus, without God moving down to show us how to live, we can’t know God. God first moves down to accommodate us. And it is this that God calls us to.
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Please join us as we explore this further.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Preparing for Advent – Creative Opportunity.
Our Advent series this year is “Words for the Beginning” when we remind ourselves about some of the key things we need to remember as we journey with each other and God. The creators have imagined these words alongside the creation of a quilt, remembering a time when quilting was a way of communicating important messages and telling of stories.
We have some wonderful people who are quilting but as not all of us have those skills I would like to invite our congregations to consider their own gifts and creativity to contribute to our worship.
Using the attached quilting designs and colour schemes, you could:
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Colour in the shapes
Paint or collage your own version of the squares
Cut out and colour the geometric shapes using materials you have on hand (cardboard, plywood, wooden blocks)
Reflect on the words of each Sunday’s sub theme and write or draw something from that.
Reflect on the scriptures mentioned in the sub themes and write or draw something.
There is no pressure to do this but if you would like to we would love to have you involved.
Advent begins on the 1st December.
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Download the shapes or the icon key below to get yourself started.
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Archbishop of Canterbury resignation
Bishop of Auckland - statement
Kia ora koutou katoa
I am certain that most of you will have seen in the media today that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned his post. This comes in the wake of a significant enquiry into a particular case of extensive abuse in the Church of England and Archbishop Justin Welby’s decisions with respect to it. I anticipate a statement about this from our own Archbishops but in the meantime wanted you all to have received a copy of the official announcement which is attached.
This comes for us the day after the Prime Minister of New Zealand made an apology to survivors of abuse in care in our own country. Together it reinforces for us the importance of the work the Church is undertaking to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission report.
I encourage your ongoing prayers for the survivors of abuse, for the processes of redress, for Archbishop Justin Welby and his family, and for the Church of England in the months ahead as a new Archbishop is sought.
+ Ross
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Archbishops of Aotearoa New Zealand - statement
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A statement from the Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia at the time of Archbishop Justin Welby's resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury.
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Today we have received Archbishop Justin Welby's news that he has resigned as
Archbishop of Canterbury, giving up his leadership of the Church of England and of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
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We believe his decision to stand down is a principled one and shows he has taken
both personal and institutional responsibility for the Church of England's failure to
bring the late child abuser John Smyth to justice in 2013, as highlighted in the Makin Report released earlier this month.
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We endorse Archbishop Justin Welby's own call for the Church to embrace the urgent and continuous need to monitor and improve safeguarding practices and the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia pledges to do so.
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At this time we give thanks for the leadership and service Archbishop Justin Welby has offered our worldwide Anglican Communion over the last 11 years, and in particular, we acknowledge the welcome and manaakitanga he has shown all communities.
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We will continue to meet, listen to, and support abuse survivors.
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Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
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Archbishop Don Tamihere
Archbishop Sione Ulu'ilakepa
Archbishop Justin Duckworth
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Archbishop of Canturbury - Statement
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Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury:
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Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.
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The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.
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When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
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It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
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It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
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I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors
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The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.
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In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.
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I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses' programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.
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I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us.
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For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.
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Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU
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Introducing Kate Shrigley.
Kate Shrigley will be coming to us in December to start her first ministry placement with us in 2025. Details for Kate’s arrival are being finalised and we’ll provide more details as they become available.
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"I'm originally from the UK, and have been in NZ and part of Anglican Church here for 25 years. I'm currently finishing my study at St John’s college and will be ordained on Saturday 30th November at 11am, please join me for my ordination. I'm looking forward to moving to Torbay with my two grown up sons and serving God at St Mary by the Sea. And I'm excited to be part of what God is doing in Torbay and serving alongside the congregation."
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Kate's Stipend and housing are generously provided for by the Diocese from a fund called: "The First Ministry Placement Fund" that all parishes contribute into.
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Annual General Meeting 24th November
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on the 24th November at 11:30am.
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Anyone wishing to submit a report for inclusion in AGM please email your report to the church office before 5pm on Wednesday 6th November. It takes some considerable time to collate all the reports into one document and distribute the AGM report so your assistance is appreciated with this. To vote and speak at this you must be on the parish roll. Please take this opportunity to update your details. A copy is on the Welcome Desk.
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Nominations for vestry close on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 5pm so that voting may be organised.
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Food bank Update
Thank you to everyone who has brought donations into our food bank over the last couple of weeks.
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If your personal budget allows please could you consider purchasing a long life Christmas treat item that we could put in our food boxes closer to the time.
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As the Christmas season approaches the financial pressures on families increases. This week we have done emergency food boxes and referral to the Good Work Trust Supermarket.
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Whilst the food bank has been particularly blessed with donations recently there are items that we struggled to get adequate supplies of.
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We would like donations of the following:- Please can we start collecting those long life Christmas treats to put in our food boxes. We are also in immediate need of small bottles of cooking oil, tortilla wraps and toilet rolls.
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Our food boxes have always had the focus sharing and showing God's love. We aim to put together a generous box that not only relieves food insecurity but shows love. If you are able to add an extra to your weekly shop for donation this would be greatly received. Thank you for your continued support of this mission.
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If you or someone you know is in need of a little extra support at this time via a food parcel please let Dion or the church office know. We can, by arrangement deliver the box if needed. All referrals are confidential. Referrals for food support can be made to the church office via email or telephone message at any time. These messages are checked regularly and a reply can be expected within 48 hours. If you know someone who is struggling to provide themself or their family with food at this time of year please reach out to them to discuss a referral to our food bank. The simple question of 'Can I help?' to start the conversation is often all that is needed.
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Diocesan Ordination Service - 30th November
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There will be a Diocesan Ordination Service at 10am on the 30th November at Holy Trinity Cathedral during which Kate Shrigley and others will be Ordained. Over the coming weeks please up-hold Kate and the other ordinands in your prayers as they prepare for this event and the start of this new part of their journey in Service and Ministry.
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Church Working Bee:- Change of date.
Due to a clash with the Ordination Service for Kate Shrigley the working bee will now be in the morning of the 7th December.
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We will be holding our annual pre Christmas working bee on the 7th December Please hold the date and keep the morning free to come along and help. We will provide the usual yummy morning tea. There will be loads of different jobs, indoors and outside, so no need to worry about your personal ability levels, you'll be able to find a job to suit. Remember, many hands make light work. For more information please speak to Connie
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ATWC :- Share the Aroha Christmas Appeal
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As we near the holiday season, the ATWC 2024 Christmas Appeal – Share the Aroha has launched.
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Many families in our community face challenges that make the holiday season difficult. With your help, we can make a real difference by providing gifts for the entire whānau, creating joyful memories and offering some relief from the financial burdens they face.
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This year, we are reaching out to our incredible supporters to help us Share the Aroha. Every contribution, big or small, will help brighten a family’s Christmas and let them know they’re not alone during the holiday season.
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By giving, you’re doing more than providing a present—you’re spreading aroha, offering encouragement, and showing our whānau that their community is there for them. Together, we can make this Christmas a time of joy and hope for those who need it most.
Support our mission to bring joy to whānau this Christmas by donating on our website today.
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Theology Courses
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Interested in studying Theology? The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers a wide range of courses and qualifications, all available via distance learning. We offer courses in Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Chaplaincy, Christian Thought and History, and Pastoral Studies/Ministry. For further information go to www.otago.ac.nz/theology
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or ph 0800 80 80 98 or 03 479 8639.
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Community Shop.
Spring fashion is in stock and now is the time to pick up that new item to freshen up your wardrobe. School holidays are a great time to do a family OP-shop, pick up those craft materials, some new clothing or a book to read. Start the hunt for those budget and environmentally friendly secret Santa gifts.
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Our Community shop is now open on Mondays, if you are able to help volunteer in the shop please contact Fay on weatherlyfay@gmail.com
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With our Monday trading still going well now is the time to grab those end of season bargains or start with your new spring wardrobe.
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In September the Community shop took just over $10,700 expenses need to be taken from this. We thank everyone for their continues support of this mission.
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Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistant.
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If you have ever felt the calling to this mission, North Shore and Waitakere hospitals are looking to train some one for these positions. Training starts in March. Contact pauline.soo@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz for more information.
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Anglican Magazine Now On-line
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As part of the continued commitment to improve sustainability across the diocese the Anglican Magazine has moved to on-line only. You can access and read this magazine by the link below. Enjoy!
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Community Garden
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Celebration
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Happy Birthday on the 20th November to Barbara Stoddard. Many happy returns to you.
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If you have a celebration that you would like to share with the congregation via the newsletter please email the church office on the email below. Please let the office know before 9am on the Tuesday before.
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Our Daily Bread
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Available in our shop and on the credenza as supply allows
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Word for Today and Our Daily Bread
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Both of these can be collected from the Community Shop when paper copies are available.
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Wednesday Service and Bible Study Groups.
Midweek service
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion at St Mary by the Sea.
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Wednesday Zoom Bible Study
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Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895
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To phone in, call 09 884 6780 and when prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895. You will then be asked for the passcode which is: 488974
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Online Worship - Sunday 10am
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Scripture
24th November
Collect
Christ our Redeemer, you have crushed the serpent’s head;
you have freed us from our sin; rescue all your suffering world from evil
that attracts us still.
Hear this prayer for your name’s sake. Amen.
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Change in Banking requirements New Zealand.
New Zealand banks are starting to introduce stricter bank pay payment requirements with the introduction of Confirmation of Payee, an industry-wide service that allows customers to check that account owner names and account numbers match before making a payment within New Zealand. The timing of this implementation will depend on your bank. This service aims to provide New Zealanders with greater confidence when making payments.
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This means that when you are using banking apps or internet banking for one-off payments, amending an existing payment or AP or setting up a new payment you will be asked to confirm the account holders name and account number if they differ from those held by the bank.
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For us at St Marys by the Sea this means that new payments will need to be made to our full Charity Register name as below and not the abbreviated St Mary by the Sea commonly used before.
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PARISH OF ST MARY BY THE SEA TORBAY
BNZ Browns Bay 02-0120-0047903-003
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This change does not effect existing arranged AP's unless you amend them in some way.
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Regular Information
Worship
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Sunday - 8am - worship from NZ Prayer Book
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Sunday - 10am - Intergenerational worship
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Sunday - 10am - Online YouTube worship
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Wednesday - 10am - informal worship from NZ Prayer Book.
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Praying for Others
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Please send names for the Sunday Prayer-List by Sunday evening to Tony Nettleton, 027 278 1450 or prayer@stmary.co.nz Names can be sent at other times as required.
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Donations
Online
Vestry would like to encourage you to give to support our ministry. Giving and donations can be made to:
PARISH OF ST MARY BY THE SEA TORBAY
BNZ Browns Bay 02-0120-0047903-003
Please reference your donation with your surname or giving number.
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EFTPOS
The EFTPOS machine prints 2 receipts, the first is your copy, the second is printed by selecting MERCHANTS COPY on the screen. This second copy should always be left on the appropriate clip on the notice board. With out the second receipt it is not possible to know what the money was intended for. For Church Giving, you can either keep the first receipt or place it in the DONATION BASKET to go up to the altar for the blessing. Please write your giving number or full name on the second receipt if you want the donation added to your tax receipt. If you do not require your donation added to your tax receipt please write "NO TAX" on the receipt.
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Feedback
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Have some feedback? Feel free to email dion@stmary.co.nz
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Subscribing
St Mary by the Sea is a safe space
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Abuse and Harassment are NEVER okay. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse or any inappropriate behavior, the RIPPLES PROJECT can help you. 0800 627 021. The Ripples service is available 9am-5pm and is free and confidential.
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Contacts
Office
Debbie Rhodes, 09 4738180 office@stmary.co.nz
Church office open Tue to Thur 10am-2pm.
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Vicar
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Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
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Priest Assistant
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Rev’d Jay Smith, 021 1045914 jay@stmary.co.nz
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Wardens
Connie Strong, 027 350 0548, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Synod Representatives
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Auriel Andrews auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Connie Strong, connie1057@gmail.com
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Vestry Secretary
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Susan Haslam, 09 4150073 vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
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Privacy Officer
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Auriel Andrews, auriel@kinect.co.nz
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Health and Safety Officer
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Mark Van der ham, v_d_ham@yahoo.co.nz
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Vestry Members
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Chris Waddingham, waddinghamchris@gmail.com
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Emmanuel Mosiane, trupzala@gmail.com
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Jenny Cheer, jmcheer@xtra.co.nz
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Kerry Jonas, kerryandrobinj@gmail.com
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Steve Dale, drumstick3000@gmail.com
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Susan Haslam, ejhaslam@xtra.co.nz
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St Mary by the Sea
PO Box 89-082, Torbay, Auckland, 0742
168 Deep Creek Rd, Torbay, Auckland, 0630
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Thanks for reading. See you soon!
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The St Mary by the Sea Team
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