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Please join us as we celebrate Kate's ordination to the Diaconate at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday 30th November at 10am. Kate begins here ministry with us on Sunday 8th December.
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This week we begin the church year, with our first Sunday in advent.
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Our overall theme for advent is Words for the beginning.
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- You are a blessing
- We can't go alone
- Do the good that is yours to do
- Hope is worth the risk
- Love knows your name
- Don’t forget to laugh
- The road isn’t straight
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Journeying with you, Dion
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The First Sunday of Advent
Words for the beginning
You are a blessing
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Mary is described as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:28). She is neither wealthy nor powerful, and yet she is chosen to bear God’s child. Her story begins with blessedness, and so does ours, for the prophet Isaiah declares that we are claimed by a God who calls our name. We are a blessing because we belong to God. When blessedness is our beginning, we begin to see the world—and others—through the eyes of a God who says: “You are precious in my sight” (Isaiah 43:4).
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Preparing for Advent – Creative Opportunity.
Our Advent series this year is “Words for the Beginning” when we remind ourselves about some of the key things we need to remember as we journey with each other and God. The creators have imagined these words alongside the creation of a quilt, remembering a time when quilting was a way of communicating important messages and telling of stories.
We have some wonderful people who are quilting but as not all of us have those skills I would like to invite our congregations to consider their own gifts and creativity to contribute to our worship.
Using the attached quilting designs and colour schemes, you could:
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Colour in the shapes
Paint or collage your own version of the squares
Cut out and colour the geometric shapes using materials you have on hand (cardboard, plywood, wooden blocks)
Reflect on the words of each Sunday’s sub theme and write or draw something from that.
Reflect on the scriptures mentioned in the sub themes and write or draw something.
There is no pressure to do this but if you would like to we would love to have you involved.
Advent begins on the 1st December.
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Download the shapes or the icon key below to get yourself started.
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Introducing Kate Shrigley.
Kate Shrigley will be coming to us in December to start her first ministry placement with us in 2025. Details for Kate’s arrival are being finalised and we’ll provide more details as they become available.
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"I'm originally from the UK, and have been in NZ and part of Anglican Church here for 25 years. I'm currently finishing my study at St John’s college and will be ordained on Saturday 30th November at 11am, please join me for my ordination. I'm looking forward to moving to Torbay with my two grown up sons and serving God at St Mary by the Sea. And I'm excited to be part of what God is doing in Torbay and serving alongside the congregation."
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Kate's Stipend and housing are generously provided for by the Diocese from a fund called: "The First Ministry Placement Fund" that all parishes contribute into.
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Diocesan Ordination Service - 30th November
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There will be a Diocesan Ordination Service at 10am on the 30th November at Holy Trinity Cathedral during which Kate Shrigley and others will be Ordained. Over the coming weeks please up-hold Kate and the other ordinands in your prayers as they prepare for this event and the start of this new part of their journey in Service and Ministry.
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Food bank Update
Our food bank remains busy. It is rewarding to see that families that we have introduced to the Good Works Trust Supermarket are returning to this service and are provide food for their families. This service empowers families to provide for themself by providing reasonably priced food and choice and enhances their mana by giving them an alternative to food bank hand outs.
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Whilst the food bank has been particularly blessed with donations recently there are items that we struggled to get adequate supplies of.
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We would like donations of the following:- Please can we start collecting those long life Christmas treats to put in our food boxes. We are also in immediate need of Canned creamed rice, long life milk, jelly blocks.
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Our food boxes have always had the focus sharing and showing God's love. We aim to put together a generous box that not only relieves food insecurity but shows love. If you are able to add an extra to your weekly shop for donation this would be greatly received. Thank you for your continued support of this mission.
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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 regularly and a reply can be expected within 48 hours. 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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Sharing the Blessing:- Christmas Can Appeal
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Since 2020, Holy Trinity Cathedral has helped to collect thousands of food items to donate to Auckland City Mission through the Cathedral Christmas Can Tree Appeal. This year they are doing the same . The Can Tree raises awareness of the needs in our community this Christmas as the cost of living continues to rise and government funding cuts have severely impacted the Mission's ability to do good. The Christmas Can Tree Appeal, in support of the Auckland City Mission, stands with the thousands of Aucklanders in desperate need this Christmas time. The tree is built and ready to receive donations of non-perishable food items from 1 December, right through Advent and Christmas.
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You can visit The Christmas Can Tree at Holy Trinity Cathedral any time during Advent and Christmas. Bring your friends and family! You can help grow the Cathedral Christmas Tree by donating food cans: Either a gift of one food can or make a donation to the Givealittle page (link below)
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In previous years we have had a separate collection for the City Mission during Advent but this year we are in a position to be able to pass on excess stock from our own food bank for the benefit of others. As a church, St Mary by the Sea was especially blessed this year by a generous donation of long life food from the Rangitoto College. This donation has enabled us to restock our food bank plus pass on extra to the Good Works Trust who support North Shore families. We are now able to make a donation from our Food Bank to the Cathedral Can Tree Appeal, passing on extra supplies where we have an abundance of some items.
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Church Working Bee:- 7th December
Due to a clash with the Ordination Service for Kate Shrigley the working bee will now be in the morning of the 7th December.
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We will be holding our annual pre Christmas working bee on the 7th December Please hold the date and keep the morning free to come along and help. We will provide the usual yummy morning tea. There will be loads of different jobs, indoors and outside, so no need to worry about your personal ability levels, you'll be able to find a job to suit. Remember, many hands make light work. For more information please speak to Connie
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ATWC :- Share the Aroha Christmas Appeal
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As we near the holiday season, the ATWC 2024 Christmas Appeal – Share the Aroha has launched.
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Many families in our community face challenges that make the holiday season difficult. With your help, we can make a real difference by providing gifts for the entire whānau, creating joyful memories and offering some relief from the financial burdens they face.
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This year, we are reaching out to our incredible supporters to help us Share the Aroha. Every contribution, big or small, will help brighten a family’s Christmas and let them know they’re not alone during the holiday season.
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By giving, you’re doing more than providing a present—you’re spreading aroha, offering encouragement, and showing our whānau that their community is there for them. Together, we can make this Christmas a time of joy and hope for those who need it most.
Support our mission to bring joy to whānau this Christmas by donating on our website today.
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Christmas Crafts and Carols
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Event at Takapuna Methodist 427 Lake Road.Friday 29th November 3:30pm- 5:30pm. This is a free community event most suitable to preschool to intermediate school age.
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Theology Courses
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Interested in studying Theology? The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers a wide range of courses and qualifications, all available via distance learning. We offer courses in Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Chaplaincy, Christian Thought and History, and Pastoral Studies/Ministry. For further information go to www.otago.ac.nz/theology
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or ph 0800 80 80 98 or 03 479 8639.
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Community Shop.
Spring fashion is in stock and now is the time to pick up that new item to freshen up your wardrobe. School holidays are a great time to do a family OP-shop, pick up those craft materials, some new clothing or a book to read. Start the hunt for those budget and environmentally friendly secret Santa gifts.
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Our Community shop is now open on Mondays, if you are able to help volunteer in the shop please contact Fay on weatherlyfay@gmail.com
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With our Monday trading still going well now is the time to grab those end of season bargains or start with your new spring wardrobe.
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The community shop took $13,000 in sales in Oct. This is a record months sales and a reflection on all the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. We'll done everyone. Thank you to everyone for supporting this mission.
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Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistant.
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If you have ever felt the calling to this mission, North Shore and Waitakere hospitals are looking to train some one for these positions. Training starts in March. Contact pauline.soo@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz for more information.
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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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Death Notice
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It is with sadness that I inform you that Eleanor Prewer passed away on the 21st November. Eleanor and her husband Howard were very active members of our congregation before they moved to Cambridge. Howard has been in touch with Carol Henry to let us know of Eleanor's Passing. Please uphold Howard, family and friends in your prayers at this time.
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Celebration
Happy Birthday Celebrations to Vera Grigg who will mark the amazing milestone of 102 on the 4th December. 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.
Midweek service
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Wednesday 10am- Informal Communion at St Mary by the Sea.
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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
1st December Advent 1
Collect
Come, O come Emmanuel, you are the way, the truth and the life;
Come, living Saviour come to your world which waits for you.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen
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Change in Banking requirements New Zealand.
New Zealand banks are starting to introduce stricter bank pay payment requirements with the introduction of Confirmation of Payee, an industry-wide service that allows customers to check that account owner names and account numbers match before making a payment within New Zealand. The timing of this implementation will depend on your bank. This service aims to provide New Zealanders with greater confidence when making payments.
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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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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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Auriel Andrews auriel@kinect.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
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Auriel Andrews, auriel@kinect.co.nz
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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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Emmanuel Mosiane, trupzala@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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Steve Dale, drumstick3000@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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