The Messenger The Messenger PARISH OF SAINT MARK REMUERA PARISH MARK February 2019 OF SAINT Parish website: www.stmarks.org.nz Editor: Debra Hall REMUERA Greetings! Welcome to the first Messenger of 2019. As I write this introductory piece we are in the third week of Epiphany. Epiphany is a time in the Church’s calendar when we reflect on the way God has revealed – and is revealing – Godself to humanity. The Feast of Epiphany itself – traditionally celebrated on 6 January but often moved to the nearest Sunday – honours the time that God revealed the infant Jesus as saviour not only of the Jewish people, but of the entire world. The journey that the Magi from ‘the East’ took to visit the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, demonstrates very clearly that God was reaching out to every human being through the birth of his Son. During the Sundays of this season we have reflected on some of the ways in which God’s presence and power were revealed through Jesus’ ministry. On the first Sunday after Epiphany, we reflected on the baptism of Jesus, at which point the divine significance of Jesus was revealed through the descent of the Holy Spirit on him. That Spirit drove him out into the wilderness where he was tried and tempted for an extended period in preparation for his public ministry. On the second Sunday of Epiphany we reflected on Jesus’ first miracle, according to the Gospel of John, when he turned water into wine at the Wedding in Cana. This was a revelation to those at the wedding who saw the miracle take place, and it helped the disciples understand that Jesus was no ordinary person (John 2:11). Just last Sunday we returned to Luke’s Gospel – the Gospel which we follow for most of this year – and witnessed Jesus’ proclamation of his mission, a mission that had been foreseen hundreds of years before by the prophet Isaiah, and which Jesus then declared to be fulfilled in his own person.
The mission was: ‘to bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, [and] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ (Luke 4:18b-19) This was an astonishing revelation to his listeners in his hometown of Nazareth, and one which they could not reconcile with their knowledge of Jesus having grown up as a builder’s son. A great deal of friction developed between Jesus and his hometown congregation, which culminated in the expulsion of Jesus from the synagogue and an attempt on the part of the congregation to kill him (Luke 4:19) – an unhappy development that serves as a prelude to Jesus’ passion. The congregation’s reaction was more than unfortunate, but what Luke points to through his recording of the incident as a whole is that God’s mission, through Jesus, is one that transcends national boundaries (Luke 4:25-27). That same mission continues to make Christianity a powerful source for good in the world. It is a movement which resists being captured and domesticated by any one nation or group but instead turns up in the most unexpected places driven along by the inexorable power of God’s Spirit – in much the same way as mustard plants (which are really weeds) propagate by their seeds being blown along in the wind, taking root where the breeze deposits them. When we survey the political climate of our world, where populist leaders have emerged in both developed and developing nations, and where a movement away from international cooperation is evident (think of Brexit and the isolationist stance taken by President Trump in the United States) it is helpful to keep in mind the common purpose that God has for humanity, a purpose revealed with special clarity in the life and teaching, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At St Mark’s we don’t claim to have a monopoly on what Christianity is all about and what the precise purposes of God are in every instance, but we are committed to working with one another and the wider community to discern where the love of God is calling us as individuals and a community. We hope you can join us on that journey in 2019. Tony Surman, Vicar of St Mark’s
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A Message from the Wardens Happy New Year to you all! Christmas is now behind us again – only 11 months to the next Christmas! The supermarkets are selling Hot Cross Buns, so Easter must be coming (although many are still selling Christmas mince pies). December was a very busy month for the Parish, and especially for our Vicar and Diana in the office. Well done and thanks for all your hard work. Early in December many of us enjoyed “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, brought to us by the Opera Factory – it was excellent and a great start to the festive season.
‘Amahl and the Night Visitors.’ The cast following the Saturday evening performance in St Mark’s Church, 8 December 2018
The Volunteers’ “thank you” gathering was very well attended and enjoyed by all – our Volunteers work very hard in this Parish and it was nice to see them all relaxing and enjoying a time of fellowship. We wished John Sievers well and thanked him for his service as our Lawn Master for so many years! We hope he enjoys some well-earned rest! On 14 December we held our annual Carols on the Lawn. The weather was threatening so we set up the Stalls in the Hall – fortunately the rain held off until the very end, so most people were still able to relax on the lawn and enjoy the wonderful entertainment provided by our own Choir and The Opera Factory. It gets better every year! The Bouncy Castle provided entertainment for the younger crowd, and there was a very well patronized Face Painting Stall run by our Youth Group. Funds raised were donated to the Anglican Trust for Women and Children. Once again we need to thank our Vicar and especially Diana, our Parish Administrator, who did a fantastic job pulling it all together. 3
Photos from Carols on the Lawn
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The Children’s Pageant was a highlight and very ably organized and managed by Anne Driver, who has had a busy year. We thank her for all she does for our younger Parishioners.
The Christmas Services were all very well attended, and the Church looked beautiful – thanks to our Flower Ladies! It was a pity about the weather! The roof repairs were almost completed at Christmas, but the terrible weather on Christmas Eve meant we had the roofing contractor in attendance at the Christmas morning services. Thank you to him and to our Vicar who had to sort this out in the middle of the biggest day of the Church year! The building at 1 St Mark’s Road is progressing at a steady rate and we look forward to the completion of the project. The hall floor has been re-sanded and polished and is looking great! We look forward to a good year ahead for the Parish! Yours in Christ, Peter Allen peterjallen@xtra.co.nz 021 521 149 Christine Koefoed christine.koefoed@bdo.co.nz 021 682 331
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Choir Corner Brian Millar, Director of Music
Intermezzo – Welcome to Music 2019 at St Mark’s! Looking back….. Christmas – bah humbug!?!? While your D.o.M. was actually playing and conducting seasonally musical material during December 2018, believe it or not at the same time he was working hard on preparing music for Easter 2019 (and finding it rather confusing at times!). Why? Because on Sat. Feb 9th the choir will have had a major note-learning session for music for those Easter services, and well before then all the music had to be chosen, sorted, and put into ‘book’ form. Looking forward…… we’re currently rehearsing music for our ‘regular’ Sunday services, as well as for the ‘special’ services for Palm Sunday (including a world premiere ‘processional’ piece), Good Friday (which will include the most sublime two-and-a-bit bars of music ever written in the opinion of some, me included), and Easter Day. I’m confident there’ll be something for everyone at these Easter services; with music and words ranging from 17th to 21st century; including hymns with Icelandic and Xhosa words (translated into English, let me reassure you), and music from Bach to Brian M and beyond! Many thanks to those who attended those services over December, and for appreciative comments as well. I was pleased with the standard that the choir was able to maintain in spite of having to sing in six services within four weeks! To conclude, as we leave Christmas, here’s the version of ‘Silent Night’ as sung by Trappist monks….
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Youth and Sunday School Report Anne Driver, Children and Families Minister The last term was packed with many special celebrations. For All Saint’s Day celebrated on the 4th November - the young people participated in quizzes and games followed by a special morning tea, which they shared with other members of the congregation. The following week we marked the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day by taking current newspaper articles about the war published on the 11th November 2018 and painting over the text with smokey colours and red poppies as a sign of remembrance. Some simply drew white doves. During our All Age Worship on the 18th November, Jemima - a Mainly Music baby and great-granddaughter of the late Sir John and Rosemary Ingram - was baptised. This was a great celebration and an opportunity for us to explore baptism and think about its symbols of water, holy oil, and the wearing of special garments. A couple of weeks later we were delighted to be able to celebrate with another family, the Vinks, as Peter, a member of our Sunday School, and his little brother Hunter, were also baptised. Our Sunday School/Youth Christmas Pageant was held on the 16th December. The young people did a great job retelling the gospel of Christ’s nativity with simple narration and actions. By creating a simple tableau and singing, we explored the profound significance of the Incarnation by recalling how it inspired many soldiers on both sides of the conflict in WWI to hold truces, break ranks, and greet one another in peace.
The Christingle service once again drew families from the wider community, rather than our present Sunday School and Youth Group, and offered an opportunity for people to worship on Christmas Eve. A few families said they had attended this service in previous years, so perhaps are establishing a tradition.
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Throughout the year many young people from the Sunday School and Youth Group have done an excellent job either reading, offering prayers or being liturgist for our worship. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day saw many young people participating in some of these roles yet again. Their contribution greatly enriches our community.
Preserving our Beautiful Church An update on the Church roof, from Clive Couldwell You may have noticed that there has been some work carried out on the roof of the church over the past few months. Trevor Brooker looked after the state of the roof for many years and I carried on for the past ten or so years. I have been of the opinion that the roof is in good shape. This is based on my wanderings in the ceiling space to remove the lids on the vents in summer and their replacement as the days got cooler. Having written that, I acknowledge that we have had some leaks and subsequent repairs over this period – almost exclusively in the valleys. It seems that good and reliable roofing contractors are difficult to find but over the past year we have obtained the services of one such. In a survey of the roof, he found that the valleys, made of zinc, had corroded to a significant extent. Our contractor estimated that these valleys have an expected life of 25 to 35 years. The wood beneath the valleys was getting wet with the possibility of becoming rotten. His recommendation that the valleys be replaced and that the roof tiles either side of these be replaced with aluminium tiles was accepted by Vestry late last year. With this repair, it is most likely that the roof will remain in good shape for, say, another 10 or so years.
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Prior to Tony coming on board, during the time Anne was with us, we got Macmillan Slaters and Tilers to quote for a replacement of the existing asbestos- cement roof tiles with slate. We also obtained a quote to replace the roof tiles with wooden shingles – which we consider would have been the original roofing material. The wooden shingles were more than the $275,600 (including GST) quote from Macmillan’s for slate! This quote did not include scaffolding (estimated at $55,000) or replacement of the corroding ventilators along the ridges. It did include the shrink wrapping of the building and removal/disposal of the asbestos-cement tiles. However, Macmillan’s pointed out that the slate tiles would be considerably heavier than the existing tiles and that we should get an engineer to check that the roof structure would support the additional weight. Harrison and Grierson, the Diocese consulting engineer, made an inspection and confirmed that the church would require some work to support a slate roof. The cost of this has not been quantified. There are some slate look-alike tiles about and given their lower weight than slate, perhaps this is the way that St. Mark’s should go. Historic Places Trust approval will, of course, be required! Note however that these slate look-alike materials have a life less than slate but more than wooden shingles. In summary, the roof should now last another 10 years. There has been a significant bequest which has been earmarked for the replacement of the roof and this project needs to be thought about by future Vestries. Clive Couldwell
Vicar’s note: Clive has done an outstanding job as honorary maintenance person for the parish over a number of years, and also contributes to the parish in a very significant way through his development and maintenance of the parish’s health and safety programme. For the greater part of 2019, Clive will be taking a break from the parish together with Annabelle, his wife, who has been a driving force for Parish Life activities at St Mark’s. Their presence will be sorely missed, but we look forward to welcoming them back in the latter half of 2019 and learning about their adventures away.
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Our Parish Community LOSS BY FIRE In the early hours of Sunday morning, 27 January, parishioners Liam and Selene Vink - whose sons Peter and Hunter were baptised here late last year - lost most of their material possessions in a house fire. Thankfully they escaped unharmed but they now have the task of rebuilding their lives from scratch – and unfortunately their contents were not insured. A neighbour (and parishioner of St Aidan’s) very kindly offered them accommodation, but there are still a lot of things they will need to buy to get their life as a young family back on track. We are running an internet campaign (please see the Parish Website for more details) asking for donations of goods and money to help them get their lives back on track. If you are able to contribute with a monetary donation, please transfer the money to the Parish bank account 03 0104 0109908 02 and record your Name as the Reference and Vink as the Particulars. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring a donation in to the office as a cheque or cash, labelled similarly, or to place a specially marked envelope in Sunday’s collection. We will then pass this on to the family.
Hunter and Peter Vink being baptised at St Mark’s Church on 9 December 2018 10
Prayer Group Pot Luck Dinner On a happier note, Trevor and Rae hosted the Prayer Group Christmas Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday 17th November. More than 20 people turned up, with an amazing variety of fantastic food.
25 years of marriage On 15th December, Ema and Liongi Kaitapu celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, with their whole family at St Mark’s. Tony invited them to light the third candle of the Christmas wreath, and blessed them, wishing them many more years together. After the service we celebrated with a beautiful anniversary cake.
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An 80th birthday celebration Long time choir member William celebrated his 80th birthday with parishioners, and his three lovely grand-daughters visiting from Havelock North. (Yes, they are triplets!)
50 years of Ministry The Rev’d James Withers returned to St Mark’s, where he was first ordained, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Ordination to the Diaconate, 25 November 2018. An incredibly special day, with his wider family in attendance, and a beautiful cake (and meaningful gifts) to celebrate a special day, and a special man.
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Upcoming Services & Dates for your Diary! Over the next few months we begin to move towards the celebration of Easter which, this year, falls relatively late in the year – Easter Sunday is 21 April. Between now and then we have a number of special services to help us prepare for the Feast of Christ’s Resurrection. Some of these are listed below, together with some important events that follow shortly after Easter: 17 February
9.30am, All-Age Worship (the first for the year) 5.00pm, Choral Evensong (the first for the year)
6 March
Ash Wednesday. 10am and 7.30pm, Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes. This service marks the beginning of the 40 days of lent, a time in the church’s year when we examine our lives and endeavour to live more fully as disciples of Christ.
17 March
9.30am, All-Age Worship 5.00pm, Choral Evensong
31 March
Mothering (Nurturing) Sunday. Come and celebrate those, both living and departed, who have cared most deeply for us, from infancy onwards. 8.00am, Eucharist 9.30am, Choral Eucharist
14 April
Palm Sunday. We remember Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as we process together to the church where the Passion Narrative according to St Luke is read. 8.00am, Eucharist 9.30am, Reading of the Palm Gospel (at the front entrance of the Parish Hall), Procession, Passion Narrative and Choral Eucharist.
18 April
Maundy (Holy ) Thursday. 7.30pm. We recall Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, on the night before he died and strip the sanctuary of the church to remind ourselves of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest.
19 April
Good Friday. 9.30am. We gather around the Cross and, through words and music, recall Christ’s crucifixion. 13
21 April
Easter Sunday. We celebrate Christ’s victory over death and light the Paschal Candle which will be used at Services throughout the Easter Season and at Baptisms and Funerals throughout the year. 8.00am Eucharist 9.30am Choral Eucharist
5 May
Harvest Festival. We give thanks to God for the fruits of the earth. 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Choral Eucharist
26 May
Patronal Festival. This Sunday is the one closest to the time when the first church on this site was opened by Bishop George Selwyn. We remember the pioneers of St Mark’s Parish and our Patron, St Mark the Evangelist. 9.30am Choral Eucharist for All-Ages
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Carols on the Lawn brought out the crowds, despite the slightly dodgy weather forecast, and of course Santa was there to bring joy (and lollies) for the young ones.
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And because Santa’s job is never done, we loaned out our resident Santa (aka Trevor) and Mrs Claus (Rae), along with their little helpers (Izzy and Matthew), to bring some Christmas cheer to the Carols on the Square at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Just look at them breaking out those moves when the music started!
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Eddi’s Service (AD 687) – by Rudyard Kipling Eddi, priest of St. Wilfrid in his chapel at Manhood End, Ordered a midnight service for such as cared to attend. But the Saxons were keeping Christmas, and the night was stormy as well. Nobody came to service, though Eddi rang the bell. "'Wicked weather for walking," said Eddi of Manhood End. "But I must go on with the service for such as care to attend." The altar-lamps were lighted; an old marsh-donkey came, Bold as a guest invited, and stared at the guttering flame. The storm beat on at the windows, the water splashed on the floor, And a wet, yoke-weary bullock pushed in through the open door. "How do I know what is greatest, how do I know what is least? That is My Father's business," said Eddi, Wilfrid's priest. "But -- three are gathered together -- Listen to me and attend. I bring good news, my brethren!” Said Eddi of Manhood End. And he told the Ox of a Manger and a Stall in Bethlehem, And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider, that rode to Jerusalem. They steamed and dripped in the chancel, they listened and never stirred, While, just as though they were Bishops, Eddi preached them The World, Till the gale blew off on the marshes and the windows showed the day, And the Ox and the Ass together wheeled and clattered away. And when the Saxons mocked him, said Eddi of Manhood End, "I dare not shut His chapel on such as care to attend."
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From the Registers November 2018 – January 2019
Baptised Zara Raudkivi 4 November 2018 Jemima Fourie 18 November 2018 Hunter & Peter Vink 9 December 2018 Zoey Campbell 16 December 2018 Oliver Herewini 23 December 2018 Nathan Von Below 23 December 2018 Photo’s of Nathan and Oliver’s christenings
Joined in Holy Matrimony Karen Williams and Richard Gray 17 November 2018 Celia Zhang & Joe Li 24 November 2018 Sepi Pourtoussi & Joshua King 15 December 2018 Paul Liao & Lesley Gao 5 January 2019 Denver Chandy & Jessica Angilau 12 January 2018
Photos of Jessica and Denver Chandy wedding
Committed to God’s Care Kathleen Eleanor Pulman 9 November 2018 Richard Grant Souness 22 November 2018 Yvonne Margaret Hopkins 10 December 2018
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Parish Contact Details Vicar: The Reverend Dr Tony Surman Children & Families Minister Anne Driver Director of Music: Brian Millar Lay Minister: Trevor Brooker Parish Administrator: Diana Swarbrick
021 074 1138 09 849 3538 021 253 1437 021 614 227 020 413 04668
The Anglican Parish of Saint Mark, Remuera. Email: office@stmarks.org.nz Website: www.stmarks.org.nz @StMarksRemuera ADVERTISEMENT Samuel from SVM has been doing great work for free around St Mark’s gardens. Please support him if you are looking for help around your own gardens!
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Fundraising Project for Lent 2019 At Diocesan Synod last year our Bishops expressed hope that all the Ministry Units of the Diocese might play a part in raising some funds for the Auckland City Mission rebuild project, Auckland City Mission HomeGround. The building project is very significant. It includes a base for the City Mission and its services on the Mission’s site in Hobson St, a Crisis Care Centre, a variety of meeting and therapy rooms, a Medical Practice, a Pharmacy, a distribution point for Food Parcels and meals, a social café, 15 bed Social Drug and Alcohol Detox Unit, 10 bed Medical Drug and Alcohol Detox, 80 studio apartments for homeless and socially disadvantaged. Currently, the Mission has raised $74.5 million dollars towards our current goal of $90M. This represents significant funding obtained from government, trusts and foundations and generous individuals. There is a shortfall of $15.5M. To meet this shortfall the Bishops are asking that all Ministry Units make Lent 2019 an opportunity for some kind of fundraising for the HomeGround Project. This will coincide with the wider Public Appeal but is an opportunity for Anglicans to make a distinct contribution to one of our largest social service providers. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the project or make a donation to the appeal, please see the Auckland City Mission’s webpage dedicated to the HomeGround Project.
Now crimson, crimson Christmas trees Pohutukawas rim our seas And flower in flame on every shore For joy of him whom Mary bore. (Pohutukawa Carol - Ted Forsman)
Spectacular pohutakawa in St Mark’s Church grounds 20