E-NEWS FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2025
Talofa lava. Well, like most weeks, it has again been a very busy one for me and our community.
We began with our Transgender Memorial Sunday service, which drew a full house — so full, in fact, that we ran out of printed orders of service. It was a morning marked by deep emotion, courage, and compassion.
Mani Mitchell, MNZM, offered an impassioned and profoundly moving reflection on their journey and on the vital work they are doing as Executive Director of Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand. Their honesty and vulnerability touched many hearts.
We were also blessed by the incomparable Glamaphones choir, who sang three beautiful pieces: a soulful Māori waiata, a heartfelt rendition of Danny Boy, and the gentle, evocative Light the Candle. There were very few dry eyes in the church that morning. Our deepest thanks to Mani and to the Glamaphones and Fionn for helping create such a memorable and meaningful service.
On Monday, I also had the pleasure of celebrating a friends personal milestone. My friend turned 60, and I hosted a simple barbecue at home — just the three of us. It was a full-circle moment, because 30 years ago, in Birmingham at Selly Oak Colleges UK we celebrated her 30th birthday together when she was one of my students on the Training in Mission programme. She wanted to mark her 60th in the same spirit of long-lasting friendship. A beautiful reminder of the enduring threads of companionship that grace our lives.
Yesterday (Thursday) was another full day of community ministry and mission. The Ministry for Pacific Peoples held their Strategic Stakeholders’ Fono at Bowen House from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and I was invited to offer both the blessing at the start of the day and the closing prayer to end the gathering. It was a powerful and engaged morning, with contributions from the Prime Minister’s Office, a State of the Nation briefing, and an address from the Director of Treasury. A privilege to be part of such significant conversations shaping the future of our Pacific communities.
Then in the evening I attended the Senior Prizegiving at Queen Margaret College, running from 6.00pm until 9.15pm. I left home at 5.15 and even had a long 45-minute bumper to bumper crawl on the Petone Esplanade in traffic but eventually arrived in time for what was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of the young women of QMC. I had the privilege of meeting with the new mayor of Wellington, his worship Andrew Little. And I have invited him verbally to come to our blessing of our Access Ramp on Sunday 7th December . So hopefully we’ll see him here. So here’s a photo of us two together.
Paloma Bruce will be singing at our special service and we very much looking forward to hearing her beautiful voice grace our chapel.
Tomorrow is the wedding of Ephraim (one of our organists) and Ronan. Ross Scott and I are very much looking forward to being present at the marriage ceremony for them both.
This Sunday, being the fifth Sunday of the month, Rev Amy Remaklus will be leading our worship service. Depending on my energy levels, I may see you there — and if not, I send Amy every blessing as she leads us on this final Sunday of November and first Sunday of Advent.
Wishing you all warmth, rest, and moments of grace as we move toward Advent and the hope of a new season. Ka kite ano. Tofa soifua, Fei.
You can view the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/a94b8c2b73ac/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10137756
