Talofa lava, Kia ora, and warm greetings everyone.
Staff update. Sara our parish administrator had a successful operation yesterday and we continue to pray for her speedy recovery. Hannah is relieving her while she is away.
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a very moving ceremony at which the Medal for the Righteous Among the Nations was presented, on behalf of the State of Israel, to the late Vladimir Risko. During the Holocaust, between 1942 and 1944, Vladimir, a Polish citizen, courageously helped rescue around 16 Jewish people, risking his own life in the process. His daughter, Eva, accepted the medal on his behalf. After the Second World War he and his wife also a survivor from the 16 made New Zealand their home, where they built a new life and raised their family.
It was a deeply moving occasion, hearing the stories of survival, courage, and the long journey of families searching for those who had saved their loved ones during one of history’s darkest chapters. It was a reminder that even in times of unimaginable evil, acts of extraordinary compassion and courage can shine through.
Last night I was back to the everyday work of ministry and governance, attending the Queen Margaret College Board meeting. This morning my thoughts have already turned towards planning the QMC Founders’ Day celebrations in August. Although this is a quieter period in the church calendar, there is certainly no shortage of planning and preparation happening behind the scenes.
Before I forget, a reminder about next Sunday. We will be joined by David and Laura Gehrenbeck for their final Sunday with us before they leave for the United States the following day to begin their new posting. David and Laura will lead the reflection during the service and have chosen some of their favourite hymns for us to sing together. Following worship, we will gather for a farewell lunch. It will be a collaborative lunch David and Laura will be catering as well as everyone else to bring a plate to share. Please do stay if you can, as we celebrate their ministry among us and wish them every blessing for this exciting new chapter. We look forward to giving them a warm St Andrew’s send-off and assuring them of our prayers as they begin this new adventure.
The Glamaphones have a convert on Saturday night here at SAOTT, please buy a ticket on line and support them if you are able.
This Sunday we continue our journey through Genesis with the challenging story of Abraham and Isaac. It is one of the most difficult passages in Scripture, telling of Abraham taking his beloved son up the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice, only to be stopped by God at the last moment, with a ram provided instead.
Over the centuries this story has been interpreted in many different ways. For me, it raises profound questions about faith, obedience, violence, and ultimately the kind of God we believe in. Was God ever asking for child sacrifice, or is this story challenging us to reject the violence that people once believed God demanded? These are difficult questions, and they continue to challenge theologians today. I look forward to exploring this passage with you on Sunday as together we wrestle with what it might be saying to us in our own time.
Whether you join us in person or via the livestream, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Please do say hello in the online comments if you are watching from home it is always lovely to know who is worshipping with us.
Until then, have a wonderful weekend. Take care of yourselves, take care of one another.
Ka kite anō. Fei
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