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this week with Palm Sunday we enter into Holy Week.
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There are many opportunities for you over the coming week, please see the details below.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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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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Everything in between
A lenten series in Luke's Gospel
“Shouting & Silence” – THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Luke 19:29-40 - (Jesus enters Jerusalem)
Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point—even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise.
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St Mary by the Sea Direction
On Sunday the 6th April, at the SGM, the following motion was passed:
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MOVE that, noting the work required on St Mary by the Sea, and recognising the opportunities for ministry that a relocation to 65 Clyde Road allows:
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- that the Parish of St Mary by the Sea, ask the vestry, to apply to Diocesan Council to request the replanting the mission of St Mary By The Sea,
- that St Mary by the Sea’s ministry be relocated to 65 Clyde Rd Browns Bay,
- that the congregation empowers the vestry work in partnership with Diocesan Council and the General Trust board to bring about the re-plant
- that the vestry requests from Diocesan Council and the General Trust Board, permission for the sale of the land and buildings at 168 Deep Creek Road, excluding the cemetery,
- that the vestry requests from Diocesan Council that any funds from the sale of any land and buildings at 168 Deep Creek Road be allocated for the mission and ministry of the Parish of St Mary by the Sea at 65 Clyde Road Browns Bay
- that the vestry requests that Diocesan Council consider providing additional funds from the sale of un-needed Diocesan property, if possible, to enable the purchase of 65 Clyde Road, instead of leasing 65 Clyde Road
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The next stage is for vestry to submit the business case to Diocesan Council. This will be done by the 22nd April. We should hear back sometime early in May, as to whether the business case is accepted. When we do hear back, vestry will communicate what Diocesan Council's decision is, and what the next steps might be for us.
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St Mary by the Sea SGM. Questions Answered.
To answer questions and respond to queries raised at the SGM in regard to the End of Year accounts.
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After discussions with our accounts team it has been agreed that the $63,076 Work in Progress (Vicarage renovation works) should have been closed in 2024 and this will be depreciated from June 2024. This asset is now reflected in the Fixed Assets list.
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The question as to why the Fixed Assets figure in the accounts discussed at the SGM had reduced. This is because this figure is made up of the value of physical assets the Church holds. These assets depreciate in value by percentages fixed by accounting rules and therefore the assets are seen to have lost value over the course of the year. Fixed assets, such as buildings, equipment, and vehicles, gradually decrease in value over time due to depreciation. This reduction is calculated based on Inland Revenue Department (IRD) rates, which set specific percentages to reflect aging, wear and tear, and obsolescence. As a result, financial records show these assets as losing value each year, ensuring their worth is accurately represented in financial statements. Even though they may still be functional, accounting practices require this adjustment to reflect their diminishing value.
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The question as to what is covered under Investment Properties. The title 'Investment Properties' is fixed by our accounts team as our accounts form part of a wider Diocese accounts. For us, this category is the vicarage. The property is depreciated, and the land is not.
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Trust Management have re-printed our end of year accounts reflecting the change to Work in Progress as attached. See below. We thank TML and our accountant for their hard work and time in explaining these matters for us.
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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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Donation Receipts.
I am still waiting the arrival of the tax receipts from Trust Management. Once these arrive I will send out the tax receipts and place a notice in the newsletter to let you all know that they have been sent so you can check your emails.
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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
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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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. The Community shop is closed on Good Friday.
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In March we introduced Paywave into our Community Shop. In March we took just over $12,800 in sales. Expenses have to be taken from this.
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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
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Happy Birthday to Auriel Andrew for the 14th April and to Barbara Crawford for the 15th April. Many happy returns to you both.
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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.
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
13th April
Collect
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Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem the people waved palms with shouts of acclamation. Grant that when the shouting dies we may still walk beside you even to a cross; for the glory of your holy name. 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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