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Welcome
when asked what is the most important understanding of God, all good theologians will say something like, it is that God loves us, and therefore we can love others.
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In our Gospel reading today Jesus is having his final teaching session with the disciples and he ends with this:
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You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
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In summing up three years of ministry, Jesus sums it up with love. It all comes down to unconditional love. And he reminds them, and us, that others will know whether we are his followers, by whether or not we love. Which gives us much to think about, and a challenge to live.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Proposal update
A season of waiting
Vestry met with Diocesan Council members on Monday 12th May. We were able to show them through the proposed space in Clyde Road. They then asked their questions of vestry and we talked about the project in general, and some specifics. The Diocesan Council members had a range of skills and view points they were inquiring from. It was a good and positive meeting and we talked together for over 2 hours. We were able to hear from Bishop Ross and Diocesan Council members that the proposal has a good level of support in principal. The meeting concluded in the knowledge that the next Diocesan Council meeting where this would be discussed is Thursday 29th May.
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Diocesan Council are unable to commit to making a yes or no decision at the meeting on the 29th of May, so we are uncertain when a decision will be made on our proposal. If approved by Diocesan Council then it will go to the General Trust Board (the owners of Diocesan buildings) for consideration. Meanwhile vestry continue to put plans in place assuming we are going ahead.
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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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If you have not received your tax receipt please check your SPAM folder. If you still can't find it or your think there may be an error contained in it please email the church office. office@stmary.co.nz. These things are easier to sort out now than in a few months time.
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Donation without Giving number. LAST CALL
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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.
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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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Bible 52
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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.
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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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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
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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
Apologies, last week I printed all the dates as being in April. It's hard for my mind to figure that we are in May already!!. Where has the year gone.
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Happy birthday to Peter Kivell for the 17th May
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Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Robin and Kerry Jonas for the 17th May Congratulations and many happy returns to you all.
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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.
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
18th May
Collect
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Make us glad we pray you, gentle God, to give each other your loving care; make us happy to receive it. May there daily grow within us a generous, trusting spirit. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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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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