Kia ora and Manawatia a Matariki!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for worship last Sunday as we farewelled David and Laura Gehrenbeck. By now, I trust they will have arrived safely at their new posting in Pennsylvania. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful luncheon they so generously provided, and for the opportunity to hear their thoughtful reflection on welcoming the stranger. It was a fitting and heartfelt farewell, and we continue to hold David and Laura in our prayers as they begin this new chapter of service. We wish them every blessing in their new home and calling.
This Sunday promises to be a wonderful Matariki celebration at St Andrew’s on the Terrace. Ben Gray will be bringing the reflection, while a small group from our congregation will be sharing a Matariki song as part of our worship. Ben has invited us to reflect on an important question: “Is Matariki part of my culture? What does Matariki mean to me? How does it shape my understanding of who I am? What does it mean to live together as people of Aotearoa New Zealand?
It will be an inspiring and thought-provoking service as we celebrate Matariki together and reflect on our shared identity, our place in this land, and the hopes we hold for the year ahead.
I hope that, if you are able, you will join us this Sunday. It promises to be a meaningful celebration, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
On the home front, despite my best intentions, I never did get around to mowing the lawn. The ground has simply been far too wet. Still, there’s a silver lining it is looking wonderfully lush and green, just like the rest of the neighbourhood, so at least it doesn’t stand out as being neglected! I’m sure the worms are thoroughly enjoying it in its current state, even if my lawnmower isn’t.
I’m also looking forward to the short week ahead. Tomorrow is the Matariki public holiday, and I’m planning to go and watch Moana Live movie with a dear friend using those birthday movie tickets you gave me at the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone.
The star of the film is Catherine Laga’aia, and her success has a special connection for me. I grew up with her father, Jay Laga’aia, when he attended the Māngere Presbyterian Pacific Islanders Church. We shared a close friendship over those years. Many of you will know Jay from his acting career in New Zealand and Australia, as well as his work on Australian children’s television. He and his wife have raised a remarkable family of eight children, many of whom have inherited their parents’ creative talents and are now making names for themselves as actors, singers, and entertainers. Catherine, the youngest, is continuing that wonderful family tradition.
So, I’m really looking forward to seeing the film tomorrow and celebrating the achievements of another talented young Pacific woman.
Whatever your plans are for the Matariki weekend, I hope you have time to rest, reconnect with family and friends, remember those who have gone before us, and look with hope towards the year ahead.
Have a wonderful Matariki, travel safely if you’re away, and I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday.
Ngā manaakitanga, Fei
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