Welcome

Hi reader,
in the Gospel Jesus' ministry is rejected and the people try to kill him. Can you imagine that? The only issue was Jesus sharing God's story of love and forgiveness. This hardly sounds like a capital offense. So what do we do when we are in a hard time ourselves? I wonder if in those moments Jesus' mind drifted to the likes of Psalm 23 and Psalm 121, and if they brought him comfort. Today we also turn our attention to Psalm 23 and the comfort it can bring us in our hard times.

Journeying with you, Dion

SGM Sunday 11th May 2025 Cancelled

The SGM called for Sunday 11th May is cancelled. Another meeting will be called when there is information to be shared, or decisions to be made. Please see the information below on where our Business Case is at present.

Diocesan Council met on Thursday 1st. May and we heard back on Monday 5th May. Their response is:

"Diocesan Council discussed (the business case) last Thursday night. The plan has good support in principle but there are hesitations around the finances that need clarity before a sale of Deep Creek Rd can be approved. A few members of DC will meet with you and other parish reps as available to work through this. Sonia’s office will be in touch asap to arrange a meeting.”

Diocesan Council members will meet with vestry on Monday 12th May. Diocesan Council next meet on May 29th and we now hope to hear back from Diocesan Council and/or the General Trust Board in early June about the proposed business plan to replant in Browns Bay.

Seniors Cinema Event

Our AAW would like to invite all seniors along to join then as they attend the Seniors Movie event at Event Cinema Albany followed by fellowship at Columbus Coffee.

Events theatre Albany Monday 12th May
meeting at Events Cinema at 10am morning tea
10:30am Movie THE SALT PATH
Fellowship after at Columbus Coffee Shop in the outside Courtyard

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.

When: Saturday 17 May, 9:30am–2:30pm
Where: St Mary by the Sea, 168 Deep Creek Road, Torbay, Auckland

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.

Donation Receipts. IMPORTANT

Thank you for your patience. I hope that all tax receipts will be emailed out to you Friday 9th May. If you have not received your email by Sunday 11th then, first check your SPAM folder and if it is not there email the church office as soon as possible. There are 3 receipts for which I still don't have an email address, if you think you could be one of those please email the church office. I will post those remaining receipts on Monday 12th.

If you do not receive your receipt or you think there may be an error contained in it please email the church office. office@stmary.co.nz
Thanks Debbie

Donation without Giving number

A donation was made by card on the 27th April for $100. No giving number was listed. If you can contact the church office with the card type and last 4 digits to match I will add this to your givings total.

Food bank. Up-date

Many thanks to everyone for your continued support of this mission.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bible 52

Bible 52 is a free downloadable resource from the Bible Society that provides a monthly resource straight to your inbox exploring 1 chapter of the Bible a week over the course of the year taking you on a guided journey through the Old and New Testaments. The vibrant and user friendly format gives you study questions, activities, prayers and much more to pick from encouraging you to engage with the Bible in a new way. Check out the link below.

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.

Our April accounts are yet to be confirmed by the accountant but our records show the shop took just over $12,300 in April. We have had some new volunteer staff, which is always welcome and very useful as regulars go on holidays or have medical appointments to cover. If you are interested in going on the Community shop roster please contact Fay on weatherlyfay@gmail.com

Panui Magazine.

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/.

Anglican Magazine Now On-line

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!

Community Garden

If you interested in being part of the St Mary by the Sea community garden? For more information, see the information on the Welcome Desk, or talk to Dianne Denman, or Nanette Randall at the 10am service. There is an expression of interest form here, and a brochure here. and on our website here: www.stmary.co.nz/garden

Celebrations

Mother's Day is 11th May in New Zealand
Happy birthday to Peter Kivell for the 17th April.
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Robin and Kerry Jonas for the 17th April. Congratulations and many happy returns to you all.

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.

Our Daily Bread

Available in our shop and on the credenza as supply allows

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.

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!

No need to RSVP, just turn up.

Word for Today and Our Daily Bread

Both of these can be collected from the Community Shop when paper copies are available.
Word for Today
https://www.rhema.co.nz/the-word-for-today
https://www.lifefm.co.nz/wordforyoutoday
Our Daily Bread
https://odb.org/subscription/nz/#

Wednesday Service and Bible Study Groups.

Wednesday Services on pause for the school holiday.

Wednesday service resume 30th April.

Midweek service - Now at Ruatara Chapel Vaughan Park

Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion

Wednesday Zoom Bible Study -

Wednesday at 11am - there is a Bible Study on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83536741895?pwd=NC9rRnZNd1ZPVzZNSmJEL3NhR2ROdz09

Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895
Passcode: 488974

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

    Online Worship - Sunday 10am

    Online worship goes live on Sunday at 10am with a YouTube Premiere here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrVV6T5Q8KpEhj3IUQIT0gQVV6T5Q8KpEhj3IUQIT0gQ or click the button below

    Scripture

    11th May

    Acts 9:36-43
    Psalm 23
    John 10:22-30

    Collect

    God of peace, by the blood of the eternal covenant you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep;
    make us perfect in every good work, and work in us that which is pleasing and good; through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    Regular Information

    Worship

    Sunday - 8am - worship from NZ Prayer Book
    Sunday - 10am - Intergenerational worship
    Sunday - 10am - Online YouTube worship
    Wednesday - 10am - informal worship from NZ Prayer Book.

    Praying for Others

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Feedback

    Have some feedback? Feel free to email dion@stmary.co.nz

    Subscribing

    Want to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter? To subscribe go here or email newsletter@stmary.co.nz with. You have an unsubscribe link at the very bottom of this email.

    St Mary by the Sea is a safe space

    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.

    Contacts

    Office

    Debbie Rhodes, 09 4738180 office@stmary.co.nz
    Church office open Tue to Thur 10am-2pm.

    Vicar

    Rev’d Dion Blundell, Office:09 4738183 Mb:021 1378624 Hm:09 4732270
    dion@stmary.co.nz

    Curate

    Rev'd Kate Shrigley 021 396 888 kate@stmary.nz

    Priest Assistant

    Rev’d Jay Smith, 021 1045914 jay@stmary.co.nz

    Wardens

    Connie Strong, ‭027 350 0548‬, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
    Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz

    Synod Representatives

    Mark Van der ham, 021 2711207 peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
    Connie Strong, connie1057@gmail.com

    Vestry Secretary

    Susan Haslam, 09 4150073 vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz

    Privacy Officer


    Health and Safety Officer

    Mark Van der ham, v_d_ham@yahoo.co.nz

    Vestry Members

    Chris Waddingham, waddinghamchris@gmail.com
    Jenny Cheer, jmcheer@xtra.co.nz
    Kerry Jonas, kerryandrobinj@gmail.com
    Susan Haslam, ejhaslam@xtra.co.nz

    St Mary by the Sea

    PO Box 89-082, Torbay, Auckland, 0742
    168 Deep Creek Rd, Torbay, Auckland, 0630
    www.stmary.co.nz
    office@stmary.co.nz
    Thanks for reading. See you soon!

    The St Mary by the Sea Team
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