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this week we look at the problem of compassion, love and human dignity.
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God's constant call to us is to show and live compassion and love. This compassion of God is often scoffed at and run down. In Matthew 9 - 10 Jesus shows compassion. It comes to a head in Matthew 9:34 when we hear:
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"The Pharisees said, 'The leader of the demons gives him the power to force out demons.' "
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Jesus was doing good, showing compassion and love, and the leaders of his day said it was evil. That's quite a statement to say that good is evil; that the holy is profane. It shows us how far the leaders of Jesus' day had fallen.
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And in today's reading Jesus gives us some warnings, about how God's ways conflict with the world's ways, and that this will bring conflict within families. Yet God's ways, the ways of the Gospel are so important Jesus reassures us not to worry, and to carry on. Which is timely advice to St Mary by the Sea, as we continue our replanting journey. We are reminded that God's ways of love and compassion, and the Gospel imperatives of feeding, clothing and housing people; of seeing human dignity in all, aren't the ways of the world, yet they are the way of God, and they are what we are constantly called to.
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Please join us this week, as Jesus encourages us to continue on.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Donation Tax receipts for year end March 2026
It has come to my attention that the notice for the receipts only went out in church on the 24th May and was missed from the newsletter, apologies. The notice from the 24th May read as below.
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"The tax receipts for 2025-2026 were emailed out to everyone this week.If you have not received your receipt, please check your spam folder and then, if still not found, email the church office on office@stmary.co.nz For those without an email address, your receipt is on the credenza. Many thanks for your support of this parish over the last year."
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If you can not find your tax receipt please email the church office.
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Food bank.
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We are very blessed to have great working relationships with our local schools.
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We have been able to restock most of the basics in our food larder and transfer extra stock to the Good Works Trust. The manager of Good Works Trust, Sophie Gray told me how donations such as ours can save them up to $100 a week when they don't need to but canned goods for the food shops and Emergency parcels. The important thing to us is that this food gets quickly to the families that need it most.
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Whilst we have restocked our can goods supply we are STILL IN NEED of bread wraps and rice cakes. (The sort of think you could make a sandwich alternative out of in a pack lunch), Canned potatoes, packet Mash potatoes, canned Mushrooms. because we can't keep fresh or frozen vegetables. 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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Matariki craft and kai event 26th June
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Held at Takapuna Methodist Church 427 Lake rd, this free community event is aimed at ages 3-12. Crafts start at 3.30pm afternoon tea from 4pm.
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July 2026 Bible Society Bible Month
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5 WEEKS. 5 PARABLES. 1 VISION.
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This Bible Month in July, the Bible Society New Zealand Group is focused on a simple but powerful vision:
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God's Heart for the One — Leaving No One Behind.
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That “one” may be the lost one, the distant one, the wounded one, or simply someone longing to draw closer to God. In this spirit, our free downloadable Bible Month resources centre on five parables from the Gospel of Luke, each revealing God’s deep desire to seek, restore, and welcome. By journeying through one parable each week, you will not only encounter God’s Word — but be equipped to share it with others.
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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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Board Games Night :-
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Seniors Movie Morning
Monday morning 22nd June at Events cinema Albany. Cinema opens at 10am and movie starts at 10.30am. Movie finishes at 12.30. Meeting after at the Coffee Club Albany Mall for fellowship and refreshments.
Movie Name The Christopher's - A black comedy starring Sir Ian McKellan.
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Meet at the cinema in the morning. See Dianne Denmen for more information.
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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.
The Community shop not only makes a significant contribution to supporting the day to day costs of running the Church, it also donates directly to community causes selected by themself. This year the Community shop made a very generous donation to the Good Works Trust School lunch pack program as well as donations to all 7 schools in our parish. Every year since 2020, the Community shop has funded supermarket vouchers which they donate to our local schools. The schools can then use these vouchers to support families and children in need from with-in their community.
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The Community shop is back in full swing with winger clothing. Not long now until those of us who celebrate a mid-winter 'christmas' will be shopping for those novelty gifts. Have a look in your Community shop, a great place for that small gift. 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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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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Celebrations
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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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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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Holy God, grant us the beginning of wisdom and love to cast out every fear: that we may grow more brave, more ready to hear, more ready to obey; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 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
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Monique Jonas, vestrysecretary@stmary.co.nz
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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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