E-NEWS 29TH AUGUST 2025
Tēnā koutou, e hoa mā
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of visiting one of our new St Andrew’s on The Terrace families, Barbara and Marcel, formally from Switzerland, who live out on a lifestyle block in Pekapeka. While there, I was introduced to their three-day-old lamb. They kindly said I could name her. I was torn between Beulah and Sophie, but in the end Sophie (meaning Wisdom) seemed right. There was another three-day-old lamb too, so perhaps she might carry the other name!
Kapiti Coast Cluster Gathering
- Date: Saturday, 13 September
- Where: At the home of Gillian and Russell Feast, Waikanae
- Time: 12 noon – lunch
- What to bring: Some food to share
(The address will be shared privately with those attending from the coast.)
Church Group Photo – Mark Your Calendar!
I’m not sure if St Andrew’s has ever had a proper church group photo taken. Let’s make it happen!
- Date: Sunday, 5 October (Communion Sunday)
- Where: At church – hopefully the gallery will be open by then.
- Afterwards: Shared meal together.
This will be included in our annual report. Names will not be published, just the photo. You don’t need to be a formal member – whānau and associates are warmly welcome. The more of us gathered, the better!
Seasons of Creation – Animal Blessing Service
Next week begins the Season of Creation. As part of this, we will again host a special Animal Blessing Service:
- Date: Sunday, 21 September
- Bring: Your pets for a blessing! 🐕🐈🐦
If you can’t bring them in person, follow last year’s creative example from the Kellers, who brought a laminated photo of their cat. All creatures, great and small, are welcome.
This Sunday’s Reflection
This Sunday’s lectionary reading comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14. It is a story about entitlement and humility. Jesus tells us of people who arrive at a feast and push themselves forward into the best seats, seeking status, recognition, and power—often at the expense of others.
It is a familiar text, but it also speaks to familiar situations we know well. Many of us come from different walks of life: some from privileged backgrounds, others from working-class families, and many who have worked long and hard to move from one place to another. This reading challenges us to consider where we place ourselves, and more importantly, how we recognise and share the privileges we carry.
For me, this passage has always struck deeply. As a Samoan minister, I am often seated at the head table at functions. Yet, when I first began ministry—collar and all—my name was not always called, simply because I was a woman. And now, 34 years later, has it improved? In some spaces, yes. But too often, my sisters in ministry are still not acknowledged or recognized. When I am in familiar circles, I am welcomed. But in other church gatherings, I can still be invisible, the wrong gender.
Luke 14 reminds us that the Gospel calls us to turn these systems of power upside down. To notice who is not at the table. To make space. To recognize the quiet faith and strength of those who are overlooked. To share what we have, so that others may flourish too.
I look forward to sharing this reflection with you on Sunday. It is the fifth Sunday of August, which normally would be a lay preacher’s turn. But since I’ve been away these past three months, I felt it important to bring some continuity and consistency by being with you again this week.
Ngā manaakitanga, Fei
You can full the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/7de4307f3cf4/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10136197
