E NEWS 31ST JULY 2026
By the time you receive this e-news, I’ll have arrived in Auckland for what I’m hoping will be a wonderful weekend with family. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my great-nieces and great-nephews watching their winter sports, taking them to see Moana, and, most importantly, celebrating the baptism of my six-month-old great-niece, Iemaima. It will be lovely to put ministry aside for a couple of days and simply enjoy being with family. Although I will be preaching and sharing in Iemaima’s christening on Sunday.
As I intimated last week I was invited to do the opening and closing devotions for Tu Tangata at the TSB Arena. There were probably over 1,000 people there and it was amazing, the energy, the commitment and the pride of the individual schools and students. Adelina managed to take a photo of me on the big screen. You will be interested to know that this was the first time ever that a female church minister has ever been invited to do the blessing in 48 years since Tu Tangata has been in existence. Oh well, better late than never I suppose.
Before leaving Wellington, last night I had a very special way of finishing the week. My sincere thanks goes to Simon Miller, who kindly invited me to attend the dress rehearsal of Massenet’s Manon Opera. Simon was a violinist in the orchestra (see photo) and very generously arranged a complimentary ticket for me.
The opera starred Peni Pati and his wife, Amina Edris (famous for the movie My name is Pati currently showing now), and they were absolutely magnificent. Their voices were extraordinary on their own, but together they were simply breathtaking. The chemistry between them was beautiful, and it really was one of those performances that stays with you long after the curtain comes down.
The season was completely sold out, so I know many people missed out. Having now seen it, I can honestly say that if you ever have the chance to see Peni and Amina Edris perform together, don’t hesitate you won’t be disappointed they are world class performers. It was a wonderful way to end what has been a very busy week, with meetings at Queen Margaret College, Board commitments, meetings with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and spending time in pastoral care with members of our congregation. As busy as life can become, it’s always good to stop every now and then and allow something beautiful to feed the soul.
As we head into the weekend, can I encourage you to keep an eye out for one another. There may be someone in your neighbourhood, your family, or even here at church who just needs someone to talk to or perhaps someone simply willing to sit quietly and listen. We don’t always have to have the right words. Sometimes our presence is enough, and sometimes it’s in the silence that people begin to find hope again.
This Sunday is Communion Sunday and Peace Sunday, and I’m very grateful that Jim Cunningham will be leading our worship and presiding at Communion while I’m away. I know you’ll enjoy sharing worship with Jim, and I’ll be thinking of you all from Auckland. Don’t forget to stay for the shared lunch which is soup and buns.
Whatever you’re doing this weekend, I hope you find some time to relax, enjoy the people around you, and perhaps even get outside if the weather behaves itself. If not, wrap up warmly, stay safe, and look after one another.
I’ll look forward to seeing you all again next week. Ia manuia, Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/7ec7a7594749/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10141789
