E-News 7 August 2026
Talofa lava, kia ora koutou.
Well, as you know, I spent last weekend in Auckland with my great-nieces and great-nephews, and we had a fabulous time. Well, I did anyway!
The weekend included attending the littlies rugby league, celebrating the baptism of my little great-niece Iemaima, and taking the kids to see Moana Live. I’m not entirely sure anyone else in the picture theatre stood much of a chance, because our lot basically owned the place! They knew the songs, they knew the story, and they certainly weren’t shy about enjoying themselves.
It was one of those weekends that reminds you just how precious family time can be — noisy, busy, exhausting, full of laughter, and absolutely wonderful. At the end of it all, I came away very grateful for some amazing quality family time the sort of weekend that stays with you long after you’ve come home.
Parish Council met on Tuesday evening, and it looks as though Tuesday evenings may become our regular meeting time, as Thursdays don’t work for everyone. We certainly had plenty to get through two months’ worth of business! It was a full meeting, but good to catch up on everything that has been happening around the life of St Andrew’s.
Then on Wednesday, our lunchtime concert featured students from Wellington Opera, and I had a lovely surprise when I bumped into the wonderful New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes, who was there supporting a number of his students who were performing. Of course, after my recent excursion into the world of opera, we had plenty to talk about! We chatted about Manon, in which Phillip is performing as Lescaut Manon’s cousin who plays a policeman. I managed to get a photo together afterwards. It was a wonderful concert and another reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such talented musicians and performers coming through our doors at St Andrew’s.
On the staffing front, I’m sad to report that our Rainbow Room Coordinator, Caroline Korybut, has resigned from her role as she takes on a bigger role within her family. We are very grateful to Caroline for all that she has contributed to the Rainbow Room and to the life of our children at St Andrew’s, and we wish her and her family every blessing for what lies ahead.
In the meantime, we’re going to create a child-friendly Rainbow Space at the back of the church a comfortable and welcoming area that our children can really claim as their own. We’re thinking beanbags, cushions and other things that will make it a relaxed little corner where children can feel comfortable while still being part of the worshipping community. I like the idea that it will be their place of belonging a visible reminder that children are not simply visitors to our church; they are already part of who we are.
Our theme this Sunday is “Courage Beyond Fear.” Our two Bible readings give us plenty to think about. In Genesis, we encounter the story of Joseph, betrayed by his own brothers and sold into Egypt. It is a story of family, jealousy, betrayal and what happens when life suddenly takes us somewhere we never expected to go.
Then in Matthew’s Gospel, we have the story of Jesus walking on the water, and Peter finding enough courage to step out of the boat and go towards him until, of course, he notices the wind and the waves!
So there is certainly plenty there for “Courage Beyond Fear.” The reflection is still very much a work in progress, and I’m looking forward to seeing what emerges over the next few days. Sometimes the best thing is simply to sit with the stories for a while and see where they take us.
Hopefully we’ll see you at St Andrew’s on Sunday. And if you’re unable to join us in person, we’d love to have you join us online.
Hopefully this lovely fine and warm weather hangs around for the weekend. Whatever you are doing, enjoy it, take care of yourselves and one another, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Ka kite anō. Fei
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/ef419d179c24/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10141911
