E-NEWS FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2026
Talofa lava, kia ora,
By the time you receive this E-news, I will be at the Central Presbytery Gathering in Palmerston North, the first for this year, over Friday and Saturday. It will be held at St Alban’s. The theme is “Belonging – Every Person. Every Story. One Body.”
This comes after an unexpected visit to the Emergency Department at Wellington Hospital on Wednesday. Thankfully, all is well now. Thankyou to our church family for your kindness and support. I did have a full on diary for Wednesday and Thursday this week but I’ve decided to slow down a bit and take it easy today (Thursday) yesterday being a gentle warning. Writing this E News is the exception.
I am very grateful to Ross Scott, who came to visit me in ED and kindly offered to lead this Sunday’s service. That is a great relief, especially as we move towards Palm Sunday next week and the beginning of Holy Week.
Last Friday, a group of us gathered at Tania Penafiel’s new home in Johnsonville, where we shared in a house blessing, enjoyed a meal together, and spent time planning for the year ahead. Hamish will have more to say about that later in this E-news.
On Sunday, I was also able to attend our Congregational Conversations for the first time in quite a while, and I had the privilege of chairing our discussion. We talked about our Maundy Thursday Last Supper gathering, which will be held on Thursday 2 April at 6:30pm in Conference rooms 1& 2 aptly named the “Upper Room” for this meal. I have spoken with our treasurer, and the church will the provide the lamb for roasting, so that is beautifully taken care of. Maxine has volunteered to make the charoset, Sue is making a nut loaf for the vegetarians.
We now invite you to bring along unleavened bread or pita bread, bitter herbs or green salads, grapes and your choice of drink, whether grape juice or wine. We are delighted that Te Kakano o te Aroha will be joining us again this year. Last year we had around 20 people, so it would be helpful to have an indication of numbers for catering, seating, and preparation. Please let me know or the office if you are planning to attend.
The advertising for Holy Week has now been completed, and I attach it here. I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to join us over the Easter period. I will send out another e-news prior to Holy Week with further details.
Please support Ross this Sunday if you are able and enjoy your weekend. Ka kite ano. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/fb79822a9a24/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10139553
