E NEWS 27TH MARCH 2026
Kia ora and welcome to the beginning of Holy Week.
Last Friday and Saturday I attended the Central Presbytery gathering in Palmerston North. In typical fashion, I arrived a little too efficiently getting there at 10:30am only to discover the day didn’t begin until 1:30pm! Thankfully, every cloud has a silver lining. The motel that Paul had booked for me was run by a lovely Māori couple from Ngāpuhi, my late husband’s iwi who graciously allowed me to check in early. It gave me an unexpected gift of time to rest and simply be still before the afternoon began.
Our Friday session focused on the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in ministry. We explored the signs of abuse, whether emotional, physical, or sexual—and how we might respond with care and responsibility when concerns arise. The session was led by Karo Wilson our Children and Families Director. She did an outstanding job guiding us through what is both a challenging and vital area of ministry.
Saturday offered a range of workshops, and while I stayed through the morning, I made the wise decision to head home after lunch whilst I still had energy to drive. I arrived back in good time, and thanks to Ross, I was able to have a restful Sunday without leading the service.
On Monday evening, I thought I would quietly come into the office on my day off to prepare the four orders of service for Holy Week. However, the evening had other plans. Not long after settling in, the fire alarm blared and the announcement came through loud and clear: “Evacuate the building now.” So Snoopy and I made a rather hurried exit. Snoopy, understandably, was quite panicky and keen to lead the way so much so that I nearly took a tumble down the stairs trying to keep up with him!
Outside, we joined others gathered in the car park the alarm was triggered by a leak in the sprinkler room under the stairs. When the fire brigade arrived, they came straight to me asking for the key to the sprinkler room which, I must confess, I had absolutely no idea about. Thankfully, everything was eventually sorted, and all was well. Needless to say, there were a few lessons learned that evening not least of which is this: sometimes even the best intentions need boundaries perhaps especially on a day off.
Last night, Paul Barber and I attended a screening of The Doctor’s Wife at the University of Otago Wellington campus, I believe others from our church community were also there. The lecture theatre was completely full, which already spoke to the impact of the story we were about to witness. The film tells the remarkable story of Dr Alan Kerr, a cardiac surgeon, and his wife Hazel, and their lifelong commitment to the people of Gaza. Through extraordinary perseverance, and with the necessary permissions, Alan was able to bring children out of Gaza for life-saving heart surgery.
Now in their later years Alan aged 91 and Hazel 86 their story is one of deep compassion, courage, and unwavering service. What makes it even more extraordinary is that the documentary itself was created with no formal funding. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through love, determination, and a commitment to justice. If you ever have the opportunity to watch The Doctor’s Wife, I would highly encourage it, it is truly inspiring.
I’m also sneaking away this evening for a quick trip to Auckland to join in the belated wedding celebrations of my nephew Ezra and his wife Yuki, who were married last Sunday in a private ceremony. We’ll be gathering as a family to celebrate their marriage, and then I’ll be heading straight back in time to be with you on Sunday morning for our Palm/Passion Sunday service.
It feels a little significant for me, as I think apart from preaching to the call my very first service here at St Andrew’s was on Palm Sunday four years ago. Some of you might be thinking, “Really?” and others perhaps, “Oh, she’s survived that long!” Well I’m still here and long may that continue!
I warmly encourage you to join us this Sunday as we begin the journey of Holy Week together.
Looking ahead, our Maundy Thursday meal will be held on Thursday night 2nd April at 6:30pm in Conference Rooms 1 and 2. The lamb roast will be provided, so please bring salads, unleavened bread, something to drink (wine or grape juice), and anything else you would like to share. For catering purposes, it’s important that we have numbers, so please let me know, or let Pam know, by Sunday if you are planning to attend.
After worship this Sunday, the Pastoral Care Committee will be meeting, and we invite you to bring something to share for a light lunch following coffee. Then at 5:00pm, the Parish Council will gather, parish councillors, please bring a plate of supper to share in the evening.
BTW: IF ANYONE HAS ANY PALMS IN YOUR GARDEN THAT YOU CAN BRING TO DECORATE THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
As we enter these sacred days, may you find moments of rest, reflection, and renewal along the way. Ka kite ano. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/c7cede333e49/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10139669
