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this week in our What do you fear? series we look at what we do when we're running out of hope?
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We see that when we're running out of hope, God is at work. John the Baptist sends word to Jesus from his prison cell, asking, “Are you the one?” John has spent his entire life preparing the way for Jesus, but now from his prison cell, and certainly facing death, the future looks grim. Like John, even the most confident of us wonder from time to time: Is this all worth it? Does anything I do matter? Am I on the right track? We can’t always see the fruits of our labor, yet God is at work anyway. How might we, like Jesus and Isaiah, point to the places where God is at work in our world? How might we keep hope alive?
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Journeying with you, Dion.
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SGM Sun 21 Dec, 11:30am
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We have been advised that our re-planting proposal might be considered on Friday 12th Dec by the GTB (General Trust Board). We are hopeful, that we will have a response the week beginning Tuesday 16th December. If vestry receives a response, then we will be able to feed back to the parish the result of our latest business case. We plan to hold the meeting for both a yes and a no. We will call the meeting off, if we have not received a response.
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Working Bee 13th December 9am.
This is our annual working bee to get the church and our ground looking splendid for the Christmas season. There are lots of small jobs that need doing so every pair of hands helps. There are jobs for all ability levels and tastes. So come along if possible and assist even if it is just for an hour.
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Please bring your sun hat and sun screen. A yummy morning tea provided.
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Re-planting proposal
4th December
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Vestry have received notification that our business case is on the agenda to be considered by the General Trust Board on Friday 12th December.
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14th November
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Diocesan Council did not consider our proposal. We do not know when it will be considered, and we have yet to hear back about the further 5 funding options for purchase.
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30th October
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Vestry have provided Diocesan Council with the requested Business Case, with greater detail. Diocesan Council are scheduled to consider that lease proposal this week. Vestry have yet to hear back about the further 5 funding options for purchase.
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5th October
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Vestry have heard that the Bishop's proposal from June can't go any further. Vestry have yet to hear back about the further 5 funding options for purchase, and are working on another proposal for the lease of a building.
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21st August 2025
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We have heard, that the 5 further funding options have not been considered by Diocesan Council yet. We are hopeful that they may consider them at their September meeting.
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15th August 2025
This week vestry wrote to Diocesan Council and the Bishop, to test 5 more funding options for replanting.
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Vestry also received notification that we will be able to have a meeting to pursue the Bishop's option in September. We are hopeful that we will know by the end of September, or early October whether this option is a possible way forward for our re-planting.
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5 August 2025
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Vestry have heard from Bishop Ross, about his initial investigation. Vestry are unable to share at this stage what this is. There is no current time-frame for when this investigation can be made known. In the interim, vestry continue to explore alternative options.
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29th June 2025
On Thursday 26th of June, Bishop Ross and Sonia Maugham (the Diocesan manager) and Paul Woodfield from Diocesan Council, met with Dion, Mark and Trevor to give feedback on our proposal. Because we can't do this project with the resources available to St Mary by the Sea, Bishop Ross is investigating whether there are other resources that may be available to us. This will take sometime, and we wait to hear back what possibilities may be available to us.
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8th June 2025
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The Bishop has sent a letter expressing the support of the Diocesan Council for the vision of the Parish. However, they have indicated that the site at 65 Clyde Road is unfortunately not financially viable for either purchase or lease. The Diocesan Council would like to see the business case continue to develop and are interested in fostering collaborations that could provide the resources necessary to secure a future for the project. Our next step at St Mary by the Sea, is to wait and see where things go with Diocesan Council as they meet with vestry. Vestry will then bring to the parish for consideration the Diocesan Council plans.
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Board Games Night Every Friday
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Every Friday evening starting at 6pm BYO board games at St Mary by the Sea. Call 021 388848 for queries. Everyone welcome.
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Christmas Gifts for Children.
Last few days for Children's gifts Donation
This year we have been collecting children's gifts for the Good Work Trust GWT or them to add to their Christmas shops.
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GWT cover gifts for babies up to age 16.
For very young children they suggest things like a a baby book, bath toys or chew toys, just not large soft toys please
For 0-3: books, simple puzzles, stacking and matching games and activities, bath toys, crayons, blocks, push and pull toys etc
For 3-6: books, water play, puzzles, dress up costumes, sand toys, simple crafts or creative activities, play doh or other moulding kits, cars and dolls - always popular also junior lego or duplo type toys (no Macdonalds toys please) …
6-10 books, craft activities, dress up costumes, art materials, games, water or nerf guns, building or assembly activities like lego, imaginative play gear such as dolls and doll clothes, cars, trucks, diggers…
10 + games, water guns, creative or craft materials, models, jewelery making kits, hygiene products such as Lynx and Cool Charm gift packs or similar, sports sets like cricket, badminton, mini soccer - things you can play with in the street or the park rather than at the beach or pools as these kids may not get to a beach or pool.
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Children's gifts should be unwrapped, new items still packaged. If you don't like choosing a child's gift you could donate a Warehouse Gift Voucher which can them be used by GWT to source gifts. This is ideal as is enables them buy gifts for the age and gender they need.
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IMPORTANT:- Gifts need to be dropped off at a Sunday Service in the gifts box. Gift Vouchers are the same as cash! Please put these in the donation basket, do not leave them loose in the food / gift donation basket.
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Last date for gift donations is the 9th December. I will deliver them on the 10th.
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Thank you all so much for your support of this mission but please consider your own finance needs before donating.
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Food bank.
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Please can we have donations of Christmas treats.
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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.
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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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Community Shop.
Christmas goods are now in the shop as well as our Summer Range of clothing.
Be quick to get the best bargains. We have far too many Christmas items to display at once so keep looking for our latest additions.
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The Community Shop took $13,000 in November.
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The last day of trading in 2025 for the Community shop will be the 24th December. They re-open on 5th January.
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Our Christmas Party will take place on Monday 8th December when we invite our volunteers and their partners to a free celebration lunch held at St Mary by the Sea starting at midday. This is a well-deserved thank you to these dear people who are the lifeblood which keeps us in operation
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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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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Celebrations
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Happy birthday to Adele Ripi for the 11th December. Many happy returns to you. 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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Wednesday Service.
Midweek service - Ruatara Chapel Vaughan Park
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion
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Wednesday 11am Zoom Bible Study-
Every Wednesday at 11am during school terms there is an online Bible Study. We use a process called "Dwelling in the word", and we look at the Gospel reading from the previous week. At the end, we pray for each other. Would you like more information? Please talk to Dion. Would you like to join? Please click the link below to take you to the zoom room at 10:55 for a 11:00am start on Wednesday.
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Meeting ID: 835 3674 1895
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Online Worship - Sunday 10am
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Readings
Collect
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Almighty God, you sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son; grant that those who proclaim your word may so guide our feet into the way of peace, that we may stand with confidence before him when he comes in his glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer. 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
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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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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