E-NEWS FRIDAY 13TH MARCH 2026
International Women’s Day and a Week of “Patis”
Last Sunday evening I had the honour of preaching at an International Women’s Day interfaith service held at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. It was a beautiful gathering of people from different faith traditions coming together to celebrate the leadership and contribution of women in our communities. I was invited to preach the sermon and reflected on the words of Galatians, chapter 3, where Paul writes that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ.
I also reflected on the story of Mary Magdalene, who in the resurrection story is entrusted with the message that Jesus has risen from the dead. In other words, women were the first messengers of the resurrection, the first disciples sent out to proclaim the good news.
You know me I couldn’t stop myself from being a little bit radical but it felt like the right message for an International Women’s Day gathering. It was also lovely to have some support there from Ata, Tania and Otene who came along to the cathedral that evening.
On Monday, my day off, I decided to make good use of the complimentary cinema tickets that St Andrew’s kindly gave me as part of my birthday gift. I went to see the film Tenor My Name is Pati, which tells the story of two Samoan brothers Pene and Amitai Pati. Many of you will know them as members of the internationally renowned trio Sole Mio. The film tells the story of their family migrating from Samoa and growing up in South Auckland, and how through talent, determination and strong family support they rose through the musical ranks to become world-renowned opera singers.
It is a wonderful story inspiring not only for the music, but also for the reminder of what families and communities can nurture when they support the gifts of their children.
On Tuesday afternoon and into the evening I attended the Queen Margaret College Strategy Day, where I presented a paper reflecting on faith and religion in schools in 2026. It was a stimulating and thoughtful conversation and a good opportunity to get to know the members of the Board of Governors a little better. The day concluded with a beautiful shared meal before I eventually made my way home a long but very worthwhile day.
Then last night I attended another production about a different Pati. The life story of Pati Umaga, a friend of mine.
The play tells the story of his life growing up in Wainuiomata to Samoan parents, becoming well known through the band The Holidaymakers, and even accompanying Nelson Mandela during Mandela’s visit to New Zealand for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
But the most powerful part of the story comes later. After a fall in the shower he lost the ability to walk. What followed was what many might call a dark night of the soul. Yet from that place he emerged as a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities, helping to push for stronger recognition and support, including the creation of Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People.
It was a deeply moving performance of music, song and story telling and ended with a standing ovation.
So, it has been a week shaped by the name “Pati.” One story about young Samoan men rising to international musical heights. Another about a man whose life changed dramatically and who chose to become a voice for others.
Both stories remind us of the power of family, resilience, and community and both, in their own way, are inspiring stories of hope.
Y-Group Gathering. Tonight at 6.30pm our Y-Group will be meeting at the home of Tania, one of our newest parish councillors to fellowship and plan our year out in Johnsonville.
If you receive this notice before 6pm and would like to join us, please give me a call or send a text, and I will pass on the details.
This coming Sunday is Lent 4, and our theme will be “Seeing Beyond Appearance.” Samuel the priest looking to find a successor to King Saul and Jesus healing the blind man.
Reminder volunteers: Looking ahead to Holy Week, we will be holding our Last Supper gathering on Monday 2 April at 6:30pm in Conference Rooms 2 and 3.
We are looking for volunteers to help prepare some of the food. The meal will include:
- Roast leg of lamb
- Flatbread
- Green salad or bitter herbs
- Grape juice and wine
I’m also looking for a volunteer to make the charoset, the sweet fruit and nut paste eaten during the Passover meal. It symbolises the mortar used by the enslaved Israelites in Egypt. If you are curious about it, just Google the recipe!
Te Kākano o Te Aroha will also be joining us, which will make the evening even more meaningful.
I look forward to you joining us in person at St Andrew’s or connecting through our Sunday livestream. If you are able to please say hi in the comment section of livestream so we can see who is joining us. Have a great autumn weekend. Ka kite ano. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/6e373dcf6c05/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10139420
