Mōrena e hoa mā,
We had a beautiful Animal Blessing Service on Sunday. Five dogs were present in person, and two joined us in spirit as their carers were unwell. It was a joyful service celebrating all God’s creatures. Our young adults group also met after coffee with a good number present — a busy and life-giving Sunday all round! That evening I was treated by Lynne and Ben to a fundraiser at the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone — a feast of the Downton Abbey finale.
I am on annual leave yesterday and today, and it’s been lovely to host a small family gathering to christen the new patio cover at the back of my house. The rain and wind finally held off for the first time in days, and it was a blessing to enjoy a barbecue outside together.
This Sunday we welcome Eco Church, with Sonia Groes-Petrie and friends leading our worship. After coffee, we’ll be showing the Eco movie Think Like a Forest/Planet as part of our Social Justice Workshop. We have also invited people from other churches and Eco groups to join us, so it promises to be a rich time of learning and sharing together.
Next Sunday will be Comunion Sunday and the last Sunday of the Season of Creation. After the service — before coffee — we will be taking a church group photo on the stage. It would be wonderful to have your beautiful face in the picture! This photo will go into our Annual Report. Whether you’re a regular, a visitor, or bringing a friend, all are welcome to be in the photo.
Please also put a special date in your diary: the first Sunday in December (7 December). This will be Communion Sunday and a very special day in the life of St Andrew’s:
We will celebrate Communion together.
We will observe St Andrew’s Day (a week later this year).
It is also our special St Andrew’s Day offering as well.
We will celebrate the Opening and Blessing of our new Disability Access, with community leaders and friends invited.
Afterwards, we will share in a fellowship lunch together.
✨ It promises to be a day of worship, thanksgiving, community, and celebration — please plan to be with us!
E noho rā, hei konā! Fei.
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/4986d0a91b99/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10136655
