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this week we have a SGM coming up, to present our annual accounts, and to give an update on the re-planting in Browns Bay. You will find below the business case and Annual Accounts. Please have a read. Should you wish to have a paper copy, you can collect one from Church, or call/txt me on 021 137 8624 to arrange a copy.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Clocks Change.
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Remember to put your clocks back 1 hour when you go to bed Saturday, or you will be very early for church.
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Everything in between
A lenten series in Luke's Gospel
“Righteousness & Mercy” – THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
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Luke 19:1-10 - (Zacchaeus greets Jesus) The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some.
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St Mary by the Sea SGM
6th April after 10am Service.
Vestry would like to invite parishioner to an SGM to:
1) approve the Annual accounts
and
2) Approve the presentation of the business case for the re-planting of St Mary by the Sea from 168 Deep Creek Road to 65 Clyde Road to Diocesan Council for their approval
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Palm Crosses
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Please come along to help make palm crosses Thursday 10th at 2pm in the church. Full instruction will be given.
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Myanmar Relief Appeal
TearFund NZ
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How do we guarantee that the donations are not going to the Junta?
Our Christian partners operate under strict scrutiny, undergoing rigorous checks for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism compliance. Every dollar we send is carefully tracked through multiple layers of
accountability—both here and overseas—before reaching those in need. With robust checks and balances in place, we can confidently ensure that donations are used exactly as intended, bringing help and hope to the communities our supporters care about.
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How will aid money get into Myanmar?
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Tearfund has established secure channels for sending funds into Myanmar through our trusted local partners. These channels have been successfully used for ongoing work, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it. We are also collaborating with international Christian partners who have extensive experience in navigating complex environments, including countries affected by conflict and military-led governments. This expertise helps us ensure that donations are used effectively and reach the communities most in need.
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Why are we not appealing for Thailand as well?
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Tearfund responds where the need is greatest, and right now, that’s Myanmar. While the earthquake affected both Myanmar and Thailand, the situation in Thailand is not as severe. The Thai government is leading search, rescue, and recovery efforts, and has access to resources and international support. In contrast, Myanmar faces greater challenges, with fewer resources and limited external assistance. We also work through trusted local partners, and at this time, we don’t have partners in Thailand equipped to mount an emergency response.
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Combined Good Friday Service
Northcross Community Church
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A combined Christian service will be offered at Northcross Community Church, on Good Friday 18th April at 10am.
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Donation Receipts.
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Please make sure that you contact the church office if you are not sure if we have your correct contact details. In preparation for the Donation Tax receipts, if any of your information has changed in the last 18 months or if you have experienced difficulties in receiving your Tax receipt in previous years please email the church office to confirm your Name, Address, and the Email address you want your receipt to go to. If you are in doubt whether this applies to you please email the church office with this information anyway. Tax receipts will be emailed out where possible to save resources and for speed, the postal system is slow. Please ensure we have an email address that you re happy to receive this information at.
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Please email any changes to office@stmary.co.nz with TAX in the subject line.
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Food bank. Up-date
Many thanks to everyone for your continued support of this mission. The level of need in the East Coast Bays remains high as the cost of living continues to effect households. With the weather getting colder and wetter, those families that are struggling to get by on their budget will need to choose between food and heat. School holidays start on the 11th April and this adds another layer on stress on many families as parents often need to reduce any work hours to cover child care and children are at home all day to eat.
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This week we supplied 1 food parcel to a local family. We have had news that the Good Work Trust has had to close until 7th April due to staffing issues. This means that again we are facing shortages in food support agencies in the North Shore at this time.
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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 Mondays and Fridays.
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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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Please be mindful of your own budgeting needs but if you are able to support this mission please look a the list and see what is in need this week.
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Thank you for the great response to our request for cereals. We now have enough to keep us going. We are in need of shampoo, pasta sauce and pasta spaghetti.
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Thank you for your continued support of this mission.
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Community Shop.
The year has started well at the shop. The shop has trialed fill a bag sales and these have gone well.
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In March we introduced Paywave into our Community Shop.
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If you are interested in going on the Community shop roster please contact Fay on weatherlyfay@gmail.com
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PĀNUI Magazine
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The Diocesan office sends out a biweekly newsletter with news and events from around the Diocese and beyond. We encourage all vestry members to subscribe, however anyone is welcome to sign up. Subscribe to PĀNUI for all the latest news and share this link to all your members https://aucklandanglican.org.nz/news/.
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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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Celebrations
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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 - Now at Ruatara Chapel Vaughan Park
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion
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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
6th April
Collect
Jesus, receive our love and worship. Show us how to give you what we have, for nothing is too big or too small for us to offer, or for you to use;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever. Amen.
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Banking requirements New Zealand.
New Zealand banks have introduced Confirmation of Payee. 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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Curate
Rev'd Kate Shrigley 021 396 888 kate@stmary.nz
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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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Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.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
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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Jenny Cheer, jmcheer@xtra.co.nz
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Kerry Jonas, kerryandrobinj@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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