Talofa lava, kia ora and warm Pacific greetings everyone,
We held our Lower Hutt Cluster Group gathering last Saturday Jim and Maxine Cunningham’s, it was wonderful. Around ten of us came together to enjoy waffles and pancakes with a delicious array of toppings, along with plenty of laughter and fellowship.
I organised a quiz with five mystery questions. Everyone answered the questions anonymously, and then we had to guess who each person was from their responses. It was great fun and a lovely way to get to know one another a little better.
I’m already looking forward to our next Cluster Group gathering. For those who haven’t yet hosted or organised a get-together, please get in touch so we can arrange one as soon as possible.
Last Sunday, we commemorated the 40th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform with a service led by Ross Scott. Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their stories with such honesty and vulnerability, and celebrated together what the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill has meant in their lives.
It was particularly moving to hear from younger members of our community, such as Hamish, who wasn’t even born at the time. Born in the 1990s, he has grown up in a context of greater freedom, where being gay is far more accepted than it once was. His story was a reminder of how much has changed in just one generation.
Of course, we know that our journey towards justice, inclusion, and freedom from discrimination is not yet complete. There is still work to be done, but we are moving in the right direction.
A special thank you also to my dear friend, Afioga Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endemann who flew up especially from Christchurch to celebrate this important occasion with us.
Tonight, I have been invited to give the opening devotion for Tū Tangata, the Wellington Secondary School’s Pacific Festival, at TSB Arena at 6.00 pm. I’m taking Adelina and Hannah from the office as my VIP guests, and Ata and Nellie from church are also joining us.
This will be my first time attending a Wellington event of this kind, and I’m very much looking forward to it. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and connect with our wider Pasifika fānau, and I’m especially pleased to be able to share the experience with members of our staff and congregation.
This Sunday, our theme is “Hidden Treasures”. What are the hidden treasures we discover throughout our lives, often in the most unexpected places and people? Come prepared to share your thoughts, as I’ll be leading the Family Time and asking what hidden treasures you have discovered over your lifetime.
The reflection itself is still a work in progress, as it’s been a rather busy week, but I’m looking forward to worshipping and sharing with you all on Sunday.
Hopefully, the weather fines up enough for a bit of gardening over the weekend. Until then, keep warm, and I look forward to seeing you either online or in person at 10.00 a.m. on Sunday. Faafetai ma ia manuia, Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/3eb221a03cda/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10141695
