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Right at the beginning of our reading Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you.”
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The phrase that jumps out of the passage for me is: “If you love me, you will do as I command.” We often say that we talk about the Gospel through our actions. In otherwords, the Gospel is talked about (or proclaimed) when we do; not when we talk.
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Jesus told us what to do, and it's now up to us to “do it.”
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There can be a reluctance within us humans to act. So what is Jesus saying in the reading today? Well he is about to leave his disciples, and he needs to motivate them not to talk, but to act. They don't need a committee, they simply need to live and do, what it is he has asked them to do. And here is the motivational line. He tells them that they will only get the Holy Spirit if they love him. And he tells them that they can't say they love him, instead they need to show love. In showing love to others he will see that they love him. But what if we don't get it right? What if we get it wrong? Well simply in taking the first step with Jesus, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will help us, and will show us the truth, and will live within us so we do get it right. The key is: “…do as I command.” We simply need to take the first step, and the Holy Spirit will help us with the rest.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Re-planting proposal - most current update
22nd April 2026
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There has been quite a bit of comment lately online about our replanting. Vestry have published an open letter to go to people who have contacted us, for the community shop and for those of us interested. The PDF is here: open letter.
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An urgent call for Donors. Are you able to help feed a child?
You will be aware of the partnership with have with the Good Works Trust, we use their Social Supermarket to help provide long term food security to those who's needs go beyond what our emergency food boxes can provide.
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The Good Works Trust also run a School Lunch Kit Program, but this program is in desperate need of funds to be able to continue. Currently only 1 North Shore School receives Government funded lunches. The GWT School Lunch Kit program works like this:- the school identifies the child in need, the Good Work Trust provide a 'kit' to the school every school week, that kit contains everything the family needs to make 17 packed lunches, (lunches for 3 children with a bit to spare). That kit costs the GWT approximately $15.00 a week. The school uses it's relationship with the family to deliver the kits so the child and their siblings can come to school every day with a lunch made at home just like all the other kids in school. The Lunch kits prevent stigma and prevent hunger. What is clear is, preserving a child's mana is good for their mental health, just as hunger is bad for physical health and ability to learn.
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This program is in desperate need of funding, they don't currently have funding secured for the next 2 terms. Although there are requests from schools for students to be added to the program, funding isn't available to maintain the commitment they currently have so adding additional students is not possible. The School Lunch Kit program cost approximately $10,000 a term to run and they are desperate for sponsors and donations. Being mindful of your own financial situation, if you are to able make a donation or sponsor part of this program please consider doing so. More details are in the link below. Donations can be make at the link below. If you reference your donation as Lunch kit SMBTS the GWT will make sure your donation goes to the right program.
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Food bank.
Thank your support. Thank you for your continued and generous support of this mission, donations this last couple of weeks have been amazing. They are still in the basket upstairs because I am waiting on my assistant to help me pack them away.
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We are now completely out of bags of rice and cereal bars /pack lunch treats , male smelling deodorant (please no spray cans). If you are able to donate please consider adding any of these to your weekly shop. Please be mindful of your own budget limits.
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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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Board Games Night :-
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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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Community Shop.
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The Community shop is back in full swing and full of donations. Warmer clothing is starting to appear on the racks so come and warm up your wardrobe. The community shop sold just over $11,600 in good in March. Well done all !
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Thank you for all your good wishes and support.
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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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Prayer and Contemplation at Vaughan Park
11am on 2nd Friday of the month. An hour of contemplative prayer with icons the Ruatara Chapel. All welcome, just turn up, no charge.
Dates are: 8th May; 12th June; 17th July; 14th August; 11th September ; 9th October; 13th November.
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Healthy Ageing/ Ageing Well in New Zealand.
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The Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing - of which The Selwyn Foundation is a founding member - is inviting people aged 55 and over to share their views on what ageing well means to them, to help influence how communities, services, and decision‑makers support healthy ageing into the future.
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RAFT Workshops in May
9th May - 1pm - 4pm Face painting tutorial, by Laura from COLOURME NZ
13th May - 7pm - 8.30pm - Colour and Image consultant Lyn Preston
16th May - 1-4pm - Papermaking basics - with Jen
23rd May 1- 2.30 - Colour and Image consultant Lyn Preston
30th May - 1pm -4pm Paperclay basics - with Jen
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We are also running our Crate and Relate group on Tuesday evenings, which is designed for young adults from 17+ , to come along, socialize and do some crafts. We currently have 4 people and would love to grow this group. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this group please pass on the details .
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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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Wednesday Service-
Midweek service - Ruatara Chapel Vaughan Park
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion
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Mother's Day. A prayer
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This Sunday is Mother's day and below is a prayer for the day.
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Mothers Day Prayer
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We pray for at home Mums, at work Mums, trying to be everything Mums.
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We lift up hoping to be Mums, regretting they are Mums, wondering if they made the right choice Mums.
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We pray for Tired Mums, energised Mums, sad Mums, joyful Mums, grieving Mums, celebratory Mums, hoping that it’ll all turn out okay Mums.
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May they know God's love and be reassured that they are enough.
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We pray for those who raised us, scolded us, encouraged us and nurtured us, for the people who speak truth into our lives, who fiercely protect and deeply love because biology matters much less than love.
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We pray for the people we have the privilege of loving and care for, whether we gave birth to them, adopted them, are their godparents, foster parents, their, aunt, cousins, best friends or simply welcomed them into our lives, it does not matter because love is the greatest thing.
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We pray for the hurt and wounded, the abused and scared. We pray for healing wholeness.
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We pray for the broken, the frail and sick and those who were unable to mother the people who needed them. We give thanks for those who stepped into that role because love is the greatest thing.
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We give thanks for every person who has mothered us and give thanks for the nurture and care we have received from those who know that love is the greatest thing.
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Celebrations
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Happy Birthday to Peter Kivell for 17th May. Many happy returns to you.
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Happy Wedding Anniversary to Robin and Kerry Jonas for the 17th May. Many happy returns to you both. 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 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
Eternal God, light of the minds that know you, joy of the hearts that love you, strength of the wills that serve you; grant us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may gladly serve
you, now and always. Amen
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Replanting FAQ
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As the wider community become more aware of our re-planting, vestry have this FAQ for you. It may help if people ask you questions:
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A New Chapter for St Mary by the Sea
Bringing Faith, Food, and Fellowship to the Heart of Our Community
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We are excited to share a bold new vision for St Mary by the Sea. We are proposing a "re-planting" of our ministry, moving our base to the vibrant business and social centre of our parish—right where our community shop already thrives in Browns Bay.
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Our goal is simple: To go where the people are. By centering our mission in the heart of the neighbourhood, we can turn our call to hospitality into a daily reality.
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Our Vision: Mission with Purpose
This move isn't just about a new building; it’s about fulfilling the Gospel imperative to serve. Our proposed new home will feature purpose-built spaces designed for modern community needs:
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A Social Enterprise Cafe: A welcoming space to feed the soul and the body, operating as a hub for connection.
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Mission Beyond Ourselves: Using commercial success to fund our worship and outreach programs.
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A Multi-Use Hub: A single site where our entire team can work efficiently to serve you better.
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Why Now?
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Jesus taught us that hospitality is at the heart of faith. While our current location has served us well, this move puts hospitality front and centre. We are creating a space that works for 2026 and beyond—a place where everyone is welcome, fed, and clothed.
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"Feeding people is a Gospel imperative. We are recentring our church to ensure our mission remains vibrant for generations to come."
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Social Enterprise Café:
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Good Food. Good Coffee. Doing Good Together.
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We are creating something new for Browns Bay: a welcoming space that serves great coffee by day and affordable, nourishing meals by night. This is a social enterprise designed to respond to the real pressures local households face. By combining a high-quality commercial café with a community-focused heart, we “pay the rent” and “feed the people” at the same time. Every coffee you buy during the day helps make it possible for someone else to enjoy a warm, nutritious evening meal.
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Opening Hours
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Daytime Café: Weekdays & Saturdays
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Evening Meals: 5 Nights a Week
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Weekends: Community gatherings and shared meals
(Exact hours to be announced soon!)
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What Makes Us Different?
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Two Cafés, One Purpose: A professional daytime café and a nighttime social enterprise—both designed to be financially sustainable.
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Affordable Evening Meals: Nutritious dinners available five nights a week. If you can’t afford to pay, you don't have to. No questions asked.
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Pay-It-Forward Generosity: You can choose to donate a meal for someone else, making quiet kindness a part of everyday life.
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Dignified Employment: We don't rely on volunteers. All our staff are professionals paid at or above the Living Wage.
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A Space for Everyone: From families feeling the cost-of-living squeeze to those just looking for a world-class flat white.
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More than a café: On weekends, the space also becomes a place for gathering, worship, and shared meals across generations.
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Your Questions Answered
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Everyone! Whether you're grabbing a morning brew, looking for a warm place to belong, or need a budget-friendly family dinner, you are welcome here.
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How does "Pay It Forward" work?
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Customers can prepay for a meal. These are then offered quietly to those in need, ensuring everyone can eat with dignity and choice.
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Is this a charity or a business?
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It’s a hybrid, a social enterprise. Each side of the operation is designed to be viable, allowing the café to remain resilient during changing economic times without relying solely on donations.
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Is this connected to a church?
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Yes, it is part of the mission of St Mary by the Sea. While the space hosts intergenerational worship and gatherings on weekends, the café is open to everyone, regardless of belief or background.
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How You Can Help
You don’t have to do anything extraordinary to support us—you just have to show up.
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Visit Us: Choose us for your morning coffee or Saturday lunch.
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Join Us: Bring the family for an affordable, nutritious evening meal.
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Pay a meal forward for someone else
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Spread the Word: Tell your friends, schools, and local networks about us.
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Re-planting proposal - older updates
22nd April 2026
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There has been quite a bit of comment lately online about our replanting. Vestry have published an open letter to go to people who have contacted us, for the community shop and for those of us interested. The PDF is here: open letter.
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5th April 2026
Browns Bay Presbyterian (BBP) have offered us hospitality, if we are between buildings/worship spaces. This would potentially involve us running a 8am communion service, and our 10am congregation joining with the BBP 10am service, and experiencing their style and hospitality. This will be a good opportunity to restore our broken ecumenical relationship, and work closer together.
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27th February 2026
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Vestry received notification of the sales process, and the terms and conditions that the General Trust Board have signed on our behalf for the sale of St Mary by the Sea. The process starts on Wednesday 4th March and offers conclude on 8th April.
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24th February 2026
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Vestry this week received written confirmation, further to the verbal confirmation that the GTB have given approval for our re-planting proposal to go ahead.
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12th December 2025
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Vestry received written confirmation from Diocesan Council, of the approval of our business case. Vestry received verbal notification from Bishop Ross, that our business case and the sale of St Mary by the Sea, was then approved by the General Trust Board as owners. We now await written confirmation.
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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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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, vicar@stmary.co.nz
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Curate
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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, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
Mark Van der ham, peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Synod Representatives
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Mark Van der ham, peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Connie Strong, vicarswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Vestry Secretary
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Monique Jonas, vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
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Privacy Officer
Health and Safety Officer
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Mark Van der ham peopleswarden@stmary.co.nz
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Vestry Members
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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