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Easter Service UPDATE
Due to the weather warning that is currently in place it may be necessary to change some services.
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Please check your emails for confirmation.
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An email will be sent at 5pm Thursday evening to confirm whether the Maundy Thursday Service will go ahead. At this stage it is anticipated that this service will be able to go ahead.
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An email will be sent out at 6pm Saturday to confirm if the 6.30am Sunday service will go ahead. At this stage it is anticipated that this service won't be able to go ahead as rain is predicted.
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Welcome
there is much happening over the next 4 days, please join is in witnessing Jesus' last days and in celebrating the Resurrection. Full 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
“Grief & Hope” – EASTER DAY
Luke 24:1-12 - (The women grieve and Peter runs to the tomb)
Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet, the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning. The other disciples don’t believe the women’s message, but Peter, living in the in-between of grief and hope, runs to the tomb to see for himself. Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are deep in grief.
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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.
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.
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With the school holidays starting this week this has been a very busy week with 3 referrals to the Good Work Trust for supermarket shops. 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. 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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ANZAC day.
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25th April is ANZAC. It commemorates New Zealanders killed in war and honours returned and serving servicemen and women. There is a Dawn service starting at 6am on the 25th at the corner of ANZAC rd and Beachfront Rd Browns Bay.
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Celebrations
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Happy Birthday to Alison Kivell for the 28th April. Many happy returns to 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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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
20th April
Collect
Jesus Christ our Saviour, you have delivered us from sin and death.
You have brought with the dawn a new beginning and an empty tomb;
grant us strength and humility to enter into life. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. 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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