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Welcome
this week are at the BBQ on the lakeside as Jesus shares food with his disciples after the resurrection.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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SGM Sunday 11th May 2025
A SGM is being called for Sunday 11th May2025 to feedback to the parish the response from Diocesan Council and/or the General Trust Board.
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NOTE: We are anticipating that by then we will have had a response to our proposal. If we have not heard back by this time, we will postpone the meeting till the 18th May
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Synod 2024 update - Motions
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With Synod less than six short months away now, it’s a good time to take stock of some of the motions from last year’s Synod, especially as there are a number with actions that both parishes and Diocesan Council need to take. You can find full details of each motion's wording in the Synod Proceedings here.
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Motion 2 - Diocesan Committee for Overseas Mission
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This motion asked Synod to set a target of $175,000 to support the work of Anglican Missions.
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The diocese set a target of $175,000 to support the work of Anglican Missions. We ask parishes to be mindful of this and look at ways they can support Anglican Missions. The 2025 Lenten Appeal is still open, alongside several other project appeals.
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Motion 3 - Land Stories
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This motion called on Diocesan Council to establish a process for the diocese to learn about the stories of our land and to establish a database to enable public access to these records.
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Diocesan Council has asked parishes to assist by researching and gathering any relevant information or knowledge they may have, whether stored at the church or known by parishioners and the wider community. Later in the year, we will request updates on your progress, as an initial report will be discussed at Synod 2025.
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Motion 4 - Church Websites and Social Media
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This motion requested all parishes reacquaint themselves with the work of the Digital Working Group and recommended the working group be reestablished and expanded.
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Does your parish have an online presence? How are you keeping your communities informed and reaching new people who may be interested in your ministry? Does your parish keep the Diocesan Office updated on your website or social media pages so we can help share that information? If you need support in this area, feel free to email communications@aucklandanglican.org.nz. The Digital Working Group has been reestablished and has met. They are now focusing on the motion and collaborating with the Ministry Formation Team on ways we can upskill in this space e.g. introducing digital training into their training hubs.
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Motion 5 - Mental Health Awareness
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This motion asked the Ministry Formation Team to research training programmes associated with mental health and promote the best suited ones for the ministries of the diocese, and encouraged all ministry leaders to increase their awareness and understanding of all aspects of mental health, referring to professional services where appropriate, to better benefit all those in their ministries, especially young people.
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The Diocesan Council has engaged the Ministry Formation Team to research specific training programmes that align with this motion. While they explore this, there are resources available to help understand and manage mental health and well-being, as well as access support services. Be sure to use reliable sources, such as Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora or the Mental Health Foundation.
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Motion 6 - Representation of Ministry Unit Governing Bodies
This motion encouraged parishes to have at least one member of their governing body be under the age of 40.
We hope your parish took the opportunity this AGM season to make sure the younger adults in your parish were considered for vestry.
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Motion 7 - Youth Leaders
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This motion encouraged parishes to work with the Diocesan Youth Facilitator to seek to increase youth ministries across the diocese, and to enable funding to support youth ministry to happen more effectively and ensure well-trained, safe and caring youth leaders are available for ministry.
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If your parish has a youth presence, please reach out to the Diocesan Youth Facilitator, Steph Brook, for guidance and support. Steph can be contacted on steph.brook@aucklandanglican.org.nz
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Motion 8 - Stronger Together: Consolidation and Clergy Teams
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This motion recommended the strategic consolidation and closure of parishes in the greater Auckland region, and the formation of clergy teams to revitalise and sustain an Anglican presence in the context of local communities. Diocesan Council was asked to establish a working group to explore the pathway for this strategy, and the Bishop was asked to consider creating a role for an archdeacon for missional change.
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Motion 9 - Strategic Plan for Outreach
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This motion requested Diocesan Council establish a working group to develop a five-year strategic plan with a focus on outreach and children, youth and family ministry.
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Motion 10 - The Mission of the Local Church
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Among other things, this motion asked Diocesan Council in consultation the Episcopal Team, to make strategic decisions about the rationalisation and closure of parishes in accordance with the missional priorities of the diocese.
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Diocesan Council has begun working on motions 8, 9, and 10, exploring how they align with our current context and how new initiatives can be prioritised within our existing strategic work streams, with a plan to present to Synod an initial response, including how this missional change would be resourced.
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Motion without Notice - Diocesan Response to the Treaty Principles Bill
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This motion asked Bishop Ross to write to the prime minister expressing dismay at the Treaty Principles Bill, encouraged all parish vestries to inform their parishes of our history in relation to te Tiriti, and asked all parish vestries to petition their local member of parliament to oppose the Bill.
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Public submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill closed on 14 January. Thank you to those parishes and mission ventures that arranged for their church community to gather submissions; it is estimated that the total number of submissions was around 300,000. On 10 April, Parliament voted down the bill at its second reading.
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Diocesan Council acknowledge that the motions passed at Synod 2024 have generated significant work and they are very pleased with the progress that is being made. They wish to thank all those who are putting considerable time and effort into executing the requests of Synod and look forward to hearing more about progress in September.
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Synod Representative please update your vestries on progress to date and your congregations as you deem appropriate.
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Ngā mihi,
Sonia Maugham
Diocesan Manager
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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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Join Us for the 2025 Sustainability Champions Workshop
We’re excited to host the Sustainability Champions and Eco Church Kaihāpai 2025 Annual Workshop — a day of connection, learning, and faith-inspired climate action.
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When: Saturday 17 May, 9:30am–2:30pm
Where: St Mary by the Sea, 168 Deep Creek Road, Torbay, Auckland
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The morning will feature guest speaker Andrew Shamy, exploring the role of hope and wonder in the face of the climate crisis. In the afternoon, Climate Club will lead a dynamic Climate Fresk workshop, helping us better understand climate change and how we can respond as communities of faith.This event is hosted in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Auckland and A Rocha Aotearoa. Please register in advance to help us with catering and preparation.
Register here: https://www.ecochurch.org.nz/events/auckland-sustainability-champions-workshop Questions? Contact Millie Vette at millie.vette@arocha.org.
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Donation Receipts. IMPORTANT
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Thank you for your patience. I hope that the tax receipts will be available from our accountant the week stating 5th May. I hope that these can be emailed out to you over the course of the week. If you do not want your tax receipt emailed to you please contact the office to confirm your postal address.
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If you are unsure if your contact details are correct please get in touch with the church office office@stmary.co.nz
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Food bank. Up-date
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Many thanks to everyone for your continued support of this mission.
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We are currently out of supplies of Male deodorants, male shaving supplies,and low supply of lunch box cereal bars, powdered milk, crunchy peanut butter.
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As the cost of living continues to effect households and the weather is getting colder and wetter, those families that are struggling to get by on their budget will need to choose between food and heat.
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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. Thank you for your continued support of this mission.
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Community Shop.
The year has started well at the shop. Trade is brisk. Now is the time to revamp your winter wardrobe with some extra special purchases from our Community Shop. Our range of winter clothing is continually changing so pop in frequently to check out the latest items.
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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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Panui 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
Happy Star Wars day! May the 4th be with 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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Combined prayer and Worship night.
For the second time this year we are coming together as church congregations to worship; and strategically pray for the North Shore. Where there is unity, God commands a blessing, and our deep desire is for God to bless the North Shore and bring shalom to every aspect of people's lives.
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Come along to Inspire Church Albany on Pentecost Sunday 8 June for a powerful 75 minute time together. Invite your prayer warriors, invite your young people, invite your whole church!
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No need to RSVP, just turn up.
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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.
Wednesday Services on pause for the school holiday.
Wednesday service resume 30th April.
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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
4th May
Collect
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Living host, call us together, call us to eat and drink with you. Grant that by your body and your blood we may be drawn to each other and to you. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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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