E-NEWS FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
What a difference a few days can make. Earlier this week much of the country was battered by severe storms, and here in Wellington we certainly felt their force. Wainuiomata and parts of the Hutt Valley were hit particularly hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been cleaning up, repairing damage, and supporting neighbours. Now that the sun has returned, may this be a time to restore, tidy, and take a breath and perhaps even enjoy the beauty of the summer that remains.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of visiting Sir Lloyd Geering ahead of his 108th birthday on 26 February. I enjoyed spending time with him. Sir Lloyd is someone who has contributed so much to theological thought and public life in Aotearoa New Zealand and in particular SAOTT as our Theologian in residence. According to google Sir Lloyd is the oldest living man in New Zealand. Congratulations to Sir Lloyd on this remarkable milestone.
It has also been encouraging to see how many people have viewed our livestream reflection on mountaintop experiences from last Sunday. In particular, two parishioners from St Andrew’s who were unable to be present in person shared thoughtful reflections after watching online. It’s heartening to know that our livestream is enabling people to remain connected and to participate in worship from home or from afar. We will continue this ministry and hope participation will grow over time as more people tap into the link and join us on Sunday mornings.
Last night was our first Queen Margaret College Board meeting for the year. We meet at 5.30pm for dinner. I had to pick up Snoopy from the groomers and drop him off home. I left home at 4.30pm and arrived at QMC at 6pm. The traffic was diabolical. I sat on the Pitione Esplanade for over an hour.
In the midst of trying to shake off the dregs of last weeks flu I also did some chaplaincy work with the Ministry of Pacific Peoples as part of our neighbourhood presence.
This coming Sunday we move to the opposite end of the journey from the mountaintop to the wilderness. Together we will reflect on those wilderness places of life: times of testing, uncertainty, searching, and deep reflection that shape who we are and who we are becoming.
And on a more personal note, next Sunday 1st March (my actual birthday) I will be celebrating a rather significant birthday, a golden one, you might say as I soon become the proud recipient of my Gold Card! Following worship we will gather for a collaborative celebratory lunch, with a few friends and family joining us also. I warmly invite you all to stay and share in the celebration, and to help me thank the wonderful members of St Andrew’s who have so kindly helped me put this birthday gathering together.
As we move into our first Sunday in Lent may calmer skies, steady hands, and grateful hearts accompany us all.
Ngā manaakitanga nui, Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/76cf00fdf458/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10139134
