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Hi reader,
our Good News this week is God's protection & care for the vulnerable.
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One of the key commands that God gave the people before the time of Jesus, was that they, you, and I, must care for those in need care. Some groups of people are named, not to limit our care, but rather to give us specific examples. There can be a temptation to ask, do I really need to care? And this comes out in the parable of the Samaritan; how large does my circle of care need to be, or who is my neighbour? Rather than listing all the types of needs we need to care for, God simply says love your neighbour.
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This week our focus scripture looks at the care of children. A group often overlooked. The encouragement is to reflect on the fact that we were all once vulnerable children, and to use this to remind us, and to encourage us, to have care for others.
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Journeying with you, Dion
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Lent theme
Fourth Sunday in Lent – Sunday 15th March
The Good news is: protection & care for the vulnerable
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Matthew 19:13-15 (Jesus blesses the children) | Deuteronomy 24:17-22 (Care for the alien, the orphan, and the widow)
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In many modern contexts, it may seem sweet that Jesus welcomed little children; however, in Jesus’ context, spending time with children would have seemed wasteful or useless. When Jesus blesses a crowd of children (after the disciples rebuke them and try to send them away), he once again reorients socially constructed hierarchies to centre the vulnerable. Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasised the last, the least, and the lost, building upon the mandates of the Hebrew Scriptures to care for the immigrant, widow, and orphan among you. Deuteronomy repeatedly reminds the Israelites, “you were once slaves in Egypt.” Their memory of oppression should impel them to provide for anyone under-resourced or cut off from the protection of a household. Similarly, Jesus uplifting children is a reminder that we were all once children and we have all been vulnerable at some point in our lives, relying on the protection and care of others. If we’re truly living out the good news, then anyone vulnerable will not only be protected from harm, but cared for so they have the chance to thrive.
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Special General Meeting.
29th March after 10am Service
We will be holding our Special General meeting on the 29th March starting at 11:15am (following the 10am service). This meeting is to present and accept the 2025 financial reports from our previous accountant Trust Management. These will be distributed to the congregation by email once they have arrived.
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Re-planting proposal
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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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 centring 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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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: 13th March; 10th April; 8th May; 12th June; 17th July; 14th August; 11th September ; 9th October; 13th November.
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University of Auckland Study
Participants wanted for focus group.
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The University is looking for participants to take part in a focus group to improve our understanding of how patients want tot be informed about the use of AI in their healthcare. See the notice board or above for the poster giving information. Link to further information below
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Board Games Night :- start time now 6:30pm
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City Mission. The rise in homelessness
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It is very sad, but it is clear that homelessness is on the rise.
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As the calendar clicked over to March, there was a noticeable chill in the air, I felt it, you felt it and everyone sleeping rough or in unsuitable accommodation definitely felt it. Over the coming weeks the weather will follow the natural course and get colder and wetter. Families will need to consider whether to turn on the heating or buy food. Children that have outgrown last years warm cloths will need to have bigger warm clothing brought for them. At this time it is not only families that struggle to find the resources they need, our large charities focusing on homelessness also struggle to cope with the increase in demands. Help make a difference and, if your own finances allow please consider a donation to the Auckland City mission at this time.
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Food bank.
We have run out of instant Coffee. And need to restock on Bake beans, canned spaghetti and rice.
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This week we answered a call for help from the Good Works Trust, who we partner with in tackling food insecurity on the North Shore. They had run out of the basic items bake beans, canned spaghetti and rice. We were very fortunate to still have stock of these items left over from our school can drive so these were offered to them so they could continue with their good work. The philosophy of our food bank has always been that the donated gifts we receive only reach their potential when they are returned back into the larders of a family or individual in need.
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By your donations to our food bank you are supporting food security not just locally but over the entire North Shore through our partnership with the Good Works Trust. If you are able to donate please consider adding these to your weekly shop.
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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.
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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.
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Now is the time dig out those winter clothing donations we have been asking you to hold on to. Thank you for all your good wishes and support.
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Dates for your Diary.
Details of events to follow
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29th March- Palm Sunday. SGM after 10am Service.
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Blood Donors at St Marys
The NZ Blood Donor Service will be holding a donation drive at St Mary by the Sea 23rd March between 1pm and 6pm. If your interested in donating blood please go to their website and book in / check eligibility.
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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 Margaret Rocard and Trevor McCracken for the 14th March. Many happy returns to you both.
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17th March is St Patrick's day and my Silver Wedding anniversary.
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and Happy Birthday to Nanette Randell for the 19th March
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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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Readings
Deuteronomy 24:17-22
Matthew 19:13-15
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Collect
God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us to see all things for good,
to the honour of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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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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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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