E NEWS 13 November 2026
Talofa lava and bula vinaka as we celebrate Fijian Language Week, warm Pacific greetings to you all.
It has been a quiet week, with time to read and reflect on the many tributes to Sir Lloyd Geering. Jim Cunningham and I look forward to meeting with Sir Lloyd’s family this afternoon to discuss arrangements for a memorial service at St Andrew’s on The Terrace. If we need to send a special E News announcing the details we will do.
We anticipate that people from across Aotearoa may wish to join us for this special time of remembering, honouring his life and giving thanks for all he has contributed. We will share the details once arrangements have been confirmed.
By the time you receive this E-news, I will have delivered my lecture, “Becoming Myself” today at out lunchtime lecture series. I will be exploring my life as a metamorphosis of being Kiwi, Māori and Samoan. Growing up, I did not consciously choose between these cultural identities. Rather, I was born into and naturally immersed in all three, each contributing to the person I have become. If you would like a copy of the lecture, please let me know and we can send it to you.
Our theme this Sunday is “What are you afraid of losing?” Our readings bring together Deborah’s leadership in the book of Judges and the parable of the talents, or bags of gold, in Matthew 25.
Deborah is introduced as a prophet, a judge and a woman who exercises considerable authority. People come to her for guidance and judgement. She does not wait for someone to give her permission to lead. She recognises the suffering of her people, understands the circumstances confronting them, and summons Barak to take action.
Alongside her courage, we encounter a person who buries what has been entrusted to him because he is afraid. These readings invite us to consider how fear shapes our choices. What do we bury to keep it safe? What are we afraid of losing if we speak out, step forward or embrace change? And what might remain possible if we find the courage to act?
Our Annual General Meeting will also take place after church this Sunday. During general business, we will have an opportunity to discuss the Moderator of the PCANZ’s email entitled a “Pastoral email” concerning Sir Lloyd Geering. Unfortunately there was absolutely nothing pastoral in it at all. I and many others found it deeply disturbing and disappointing and an affront to Sir Lloyd’s legacy, to those of us who knew him, and to his outstanding contribution as a scholar and theologian. I will leave further comment for our discussion at the AGM, but please read the email on the PCANZ Website beforehand. We can then consider how St Andrew’s on The Terrace might respond to the Presbyterian Church and address what I believe is a disgrace and insult. Other churches have already begun to raise their concerns. A response from Glyn Cardy is on our Facebook page along with an article in the ODT by former moderator of the PCANZ Rev Dr Graham Redding.
Looking ahead, on Sunday 29 November we will celebrate St Andrew’s Day alongside the first Sunday of Advent. As usual, our St Andrew’s annual giving envelopes will be available when you collect your order of service. These provide an opportunity to make an annual special donation in support of the work of our church. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment that sustain our community and its ministry.
Whatever the weather brings this weekend, please take care and keep safe. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Warm Pacific blessings, Fei.
You can read the full E-News here: https://mailchi.mp/b2cc22461926/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10143442
