E-NEWS FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2026
It’s not a leap year this year otherwise I would be turning sweet 16 on Sunday. OMG where did the summer go? Compared to the European summer I had back in May to June last year, we have had nothing like that at all. In fact from memory (which is not that good) I do recall a few good days in a row interspersed with typical Wellington weather thereafter. Oh well, as the song says, “our life has its seasons”.
I’m sitting in my office watching the livestream funeral of a colleague in ministry and good friend Rev Bruce Howat. He was diagnosed last week with pancreatic cancer and died within 10 days of that diagnosis. He wrote a book called “From dog collar to dog collar”. His work as a police dog handler to the Presbyterian ministry. I trained with him for the ministry at Knox College, I think Ross, Doug and Catriona were also there at the same time. Moe mai ra e hoa, ia manuia lou malaga.
Snoopy and I went to the Petone Fair on Jackson street last Saturday, my first time there. I don’t often enjoy these sorts of things but I did enjoy it, it’s doesn’t seem so crowded when it’s a long street and people gather on both sides, that’s what made it bearable for me. There were so many dogs there too out with their owners and it was a meet and greet for Snoopy too.
Dr. Richard Davis says hi, I returned the favour and shouted him to lunch before he returned to Cambridge as he and Ruby also hosted me when I was on sabbatical in Cambridge last year.
Pat Booth and I went and visited her husband Graeme’s relative in Heretaunga yesterday. He was translating the German diaries of the very first principal at Samoa’s first Girls school Papauta. I had done some research also some years ago, so it was good to share our stories and research. I’m looking forward to his finished work.
This Sunday we explore what it means to begin again. In Genesis 12, Abram is called to leave everything familiar and become a blessing to the nations. In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night and hears the invitation to be “born from above.” Both stories remind us that faith is not about standing still, but about courageous movement from security to trust, from certainty to compassion. Join us in person or online as we reflect on how God continues to call us into new life at every stage of our journey.
Our communion liturgy is part progressive and part atonement. I know some of you struggle with atonement theology but please I would like you to bear with me for one Sunday. Some of my family will also be attending on Sunday to celebrate my 35 years ordination and my 65 birthday and I would like to be inclusive of their theology too and that they may find welcome in our service of worship. I believe that when we say whatever you believe whatever you do not believe you are welcome here. For me being inclusive means that we try and accommodate one another. Thank you for your understanding.
I look forward to celebrating over a birthday lunch after church about 11.30am if you are unable to attend church service. Keep dry and keep warm until Sunday. Ka kite ano. Fei
You can read the full E-News here: https://mailchi.mp/f27c7ff381d0/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10139203
