The Messenger The Messenger
PARISH OF SAINT MARK REMUERA PARISH MARK November 2017 OF SAINT Parish website: www.stmarks.org.nz Editor: Debra Hall REMUERA “Not a good time to take a break” It would be tempting to treat the transitional period between vicars as a ‘down-time’ and to ease into a pattern of benign inactivity, all the while reflecting on a golden age that has passed and waiting for a future full of hope and action and creativity. I hope the future will look like that but what about the present? To use the term ‘vacant parish’ is to insult the laity; the only thing that’s ‘vacant’ is the vicarage. The Diocese ensures that clergy are appointed to maintain worship and pastoral care and to this extent, it’s business as usual. In recent months, the nominators have been involved in the appointment process. They began work on 30 July and will hopefully conclude their work in the near future. Their goal is to have a new vicar living in the vicarage early in the new year. One of the major roles of a parish priest is that of pastor and at Evensong on 17 September we reflected on the example of George Herbert, regarded as the exemplar of a saintly parish priest. Although his own ministry was a very short one, his memory lives on through his hymns and poems. At Evensong the following month (on 15 October), we commemorated those who fell in the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, the most disastrous day in New Zealand’s military history. Some from the wider community accepted the invitation to join the congregation. We were delighted to welcome Bishop Ross Bay and Archdeacon Sarah Moss, who preached at short notice. The past few weeks at St Mark’s have been busy and creative, despite the Sundays from June to November being designated as ‘Ordinary Sundays.’ The tempo of these Sundays was lifted by many services being given a special theme.
We celebrated our 170th anniversary over several Sundays. We began with the feast of ‘the Builders of the Church in New Zealand’ on 3 September. That gave us a chance to reflect on the contribution made by many individuals, lay and ordained, over the years. We are indeed ‘surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.’ On 10 September we dedicated a plaque in memory of Harry Hicks, a muchloved Vicar of the parish from 1990 to 2000. It was good that Barbara, his widow, and daughter Alison joined us. On 8 October, on our dedication festival, our thoughts turned to the two churches in which St Mark’s parishioners have worshipped: the original 1847 church and the church dedicated in 1860 but extended and enhanced many times. The author of our parish history, Hilary Reid, helped cut the anniversary cake after the service. Following special services for Sea Sunday and Social Services Sunday on 13 and 27 August, we celebrated Bible Sunday on 29 October. That gave us an appropriate opportunity to dedicate new pew Bibles placed in the church. Worshippers will now be able to follow the readings from the same translation (New Revised Standard Version) used in church.
On 5 November, All Saints’ Sunday, we reflected on the enduring link with St John’s College. Staff and students of the college ministered at St Mark’s in its early years. More recently, students of the college have been seconded to the parish for practical experience. It was fitting that the preacher was Canon Tony Gerritsen, the Principal. He offered some insights into the needs of the Church and the demands made on new clergy. After church the same day we launched a book written by Neil Shroff, former organist at St Mark’s, dedicated to St Mark’s. These are some of the ways in which we have tried to make our services lively and relevant, and to demonstrate that the pattern of worship is maintained. Now is not a good time to ‘take a break’ from the parish. A time of transition like this can be a time for real growth, for making a fresh commitment. 2
Some of you may be concerned there doesn’t seem to have been much response to the call for expressions of interest in the position of vicar. I think I said on my first Sunday here that this process should not be rushed. Better to take time to find the right person rather than rush in and appoint the first person who puts their hand up. There are hundreds of clergy in our Church, but there may only be one person who is right for this position. The challenge is to identify them, to seek to discover or discern who it is that God has in mind for St Mark’s, who God has called. And that’s no easy task. And remember we are not alone: it’s not just the parish involved in this; it’s Parish and Diocese working together as one. And experience shows that the best appointments are made when the two work together. Yours in Christ, Noel Derbyshire
An update from your Nominators Your three Nominators – Gae, Elizabeth and Debra – have been working through the process of finding a new Vicar for St Mark’s, with the strong support of Bishop Ross, and the Diocesan Nominators appointed to our Committee. The vacancy was widely advertised to clergy across New Zealand, and featured on both the Diocesan website and our own St Mark’s website. We were pleased with the quality, and diversity, of applications received through our extended application process. The committee met at the end of October to consider all applicants, and has moved forward to the interview phase with a short-list of candidates. Interviews will take place during November. We are aware of the responsibility we have been entrusted with and are seeking God’s guidance in our task. We are grateful for the ongoing support and prayers of the Parish.
A prayer for a New Vicar Shepherd of souls, give to your Church in this parish a priest after your own heart, a person of faith and prayer, filled with your Spirit; of vision, wisdom and sound judgment; and with a pastoral heart and a true love for people. Prepare this person for their ministry among us, and prepare us for their coming, that in all things, your will may be done and your name glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3
Farewells and new beginnings December marks an exciting time in the lives of our St John’s students, and a sad time for us, as we farewell both Joel and Hine, and Tim and Judi and their families. These two lovely families have truly breathed new life into our Parish, with their enthusiasm, their commitment and their passion for God’s work.
Families like these are the future of our Church, and of our Parish. Sunday School has been much more fun (so the kids tell us) with a bigger group of kids of all ages. Do join us on 26th November, as we celebrate the Sunday School Christmas Pageant, and make a farewell presentation to Joel, who is to be ordained in the Arrangements for Tim’s farewell will be Cathedral on 2nd December. announced soon.
2016 Sunday School Pageant – to whet your appetite! 4
A Message from the Wardens Parish life continues during this Interregnum period thanks to the willingness of all our parishioners to step in and help wherever they can. We were disappointed to learn that the Nomination process had been extended to the end of October, but understand the importance of ensuring that all suitable candidates have had the opportunity to come forward and apply to be the next Vicar of St Mark’s. We pray that the right person for the role comes forward. In the meantime, we offer our continued prayers and support for our three Nominators, Elizabeth Driver, Gae Griffiths and Debra Hall. Noel and David, with the assistance of Bob and Jim, continue to minister to our Parish needs, and we thank them for this. We have all been busy with the Parish Garage Sale – ably organized by Maggie Hames and supported by a large number of parishioners. Although we did not make a fortune, we all felt satisfied we had done our best! The Sanctuary Guild ran a very successful cake and produce stall, raising the remarkable amount of $634. Our thanks to all who gave their time and talents. On Sunday 8th October, we joined together to celebrate a milestone in our Parish’s history – 170 years! We enjoyed a very pleasant morning tea and a delicious birthday cake. November will be another busy month in the life of the Parish – with our Working Bee on 11 November and many other functions to come as we move relentlessly towards another Christmas - a busy time for the Parish and Clergy. We must especially acknowledge the role our Administrator, Diana plays in keeping the Parish functioning – we are very lucky to have her! We wish you and yours all the very best for the coming months and we hope to be able to tell you that we have a new Vicar before the year is out. 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 Looking back Evensong services in September and October were just a little different! In September we reflected on the life of George Herbert, Anglican priest and poet – we sang some of his hymns, a psalm paraphrase, and listened to Noel’s sermon about this remarkable servant of God. Then in October our service remembered Passchendaele – 100 years since NZ’s greatest military disaster. A very moving occasion, with guests Bishop Ross presiding, Archdeacon Sarah Moss preaching, and Warwick Mitchell playing the bagpipes in a lament as we left the church. Our final Evensong for 2017 will be on November 19 – do join us! Looking forward One of the major themes of Advent is preparation. For me and the choir this means knowing all our music by the time Advent Sunday comes around. Which means on November 4, we will have had a first run through of all of December’s music – “normal” Sundays (is there such a thing??), as well as Advent, Nine Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Which means your D.o.M has to have music all ready well prepared before that; which means looking for Christmas music around August/September! Preparation – of course it’s something the choir and I do week by week throughout the year; I prepare music for us all to sing – hymns for the congregation, other music for the choir, including our regular motets, anthems and psalms; the choir prepare at our weekly rehearsals to give of their best come 9:30 am on Sunday. Can the congregation prepare musically for each Sunday service? Yes! Of course you won’t know what hymns we’ll be singing until you arrive at church; but 5-10 minutes of humming - anything at all! – while on your way to church will get your vocal chords prepared; and from practical experience the congregational singing will be enhanced if you do!
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You will notice it yourself; your fellow worshippers will hopefully notice it; and God certainly will notice it! So as we approach Advent and Christmas, give it a try! Our Advent service this year – 9:30 am on December 3 - will again follow traditional lines, with appropriate readings, choir pieces, and congregational singing. Nine Lessons and Carols will be on December 17 at 7:30 pm (with guest organist David Finlay). And don’t forget Carols on the Lawn – Friday December 15; when we’ll be joined by singers from the Opera Factory. Why not invite a friend or two (or three or four or more) to come with you? To any or all of these services? Away with ‘Bah, humbug!’
In song and spoken word, we bring you glad tidings of great joy, for all. Brian From the Archives Our D.o.M, Brian Millar conducting a choir of about 90 men, in 1991, St Mary’s Cathedral Parnell – singing “Morte Christe” – the best tune ever (alas only written for men’s voices!) of “When I survey the wondrous cross.”
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Coming up in our Parish life Working Bee 11 November from 9am Please come and help St Mark’s look its best for the festive season, and join in with a social morning tea. Volunteers Evening 1 December, 5pm – 6pm An invitation to all the volunteers who help at St Mark’s as a thank you for helping with the smooth running of our Church. Joel’s Ordination 2 December, 10am At The Cathedral Carols on the Lawn 15 December, 5.30pm for a 6pm start A real family event. Father Christmas will be making an appearance, and food will be available for sale.
Farewell to Joel & Hine WE WILL MISS YOU!
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY SERVICES Until Christmas Every Sunday unless specified otherwise: 8.00am Holy Communion and 9.30am Choral Eucharist November 26 Christ the King Sunday 9.30am Children‘s Christmas pageant and farewell to Joel and Hine December 3 Advent Sunday Breakfast between morning services 9.30am Advent Carols with shortened Eucharist December 17 3rd Sunday of Advent 7.30pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols CHRISTMAS December 24 (Christmas Eve) 4th Sunday of Advent 8.00am and 9.30am 6.00pm Christingle service for children and families 11.30pm Choral Eucharist (with carols from 11.00pm) Christmas Day 8.00am Holy Communion with carols 9.30am Choral Eucharist Holiday period (choir in recess) 8.00am Holy Communion and 9.30am Eucharist with hymns No Evensong in January. Wednesday Holy Communion at 10.00am Last service for 2017: December 20 / First service for 2018: February 7 8
170 Years at St Mark’s Remuera Excerpts from Noel’s sermon at the Dedication Festival At our Dedication Festival, we commemorate the dedication of the building in which we worship. Strictly speaking, not the people who worship in it, not the establishment of the parish, nor the appointment of the first vicar. Nor do we commemorate St Mark, the Patron of this church – we do that every April. But we give thanks for the building, or buildings, in which we worship or have worshipped. But that raises a couple of questions. Which church building? You see, there’s been more than one. When we refer to the 170th anniversary we’re actually referring to the first St Mark’s, of which very little remains. That church was dedicated away back on 30 May 1847. Hilary Reid, in her excellent parish history, rightly tells us the only thing that remains from the 1847 church is the door that opens out from the choir vestry. Most of us scarcely notice it. This 1847 church resembled the St John’s College chapel and it was actually built there, prefabricated, as was the old All Saints in Howick. Now here’s a piece of useless information: It was designed by Frederick Thatcher (who became quite famous) and it had a thatched roof! It was made of wood and thatched with straw. However, it just wasn’t big enough and so in 1859 plans were drawn up for a new church. The old church was moved to the Bassett Rd corner and used as a Sunday school, vestry meeting room and later as the beginning of the Remuera primary school. It remained there until the early 1920s by which time it was riddled with borer and had to be burned. In 1867 the first official vicarage was built on this site and this served the parish until the second vicarage was built there in 1895. It was in turn replaced by the present vicarage in 1958. The present parish hall was built in 1898 but, as you know, it was largely rebuilt just a few years ago. So much for the dedication service in 1847. But we also commemorate a similar event which took place in the second church on 2 September 1860. Sadly, there was hardly anyone there. It was a cold and blustery day. Mr. Hesketh recorded that “there was a fierce nor-wester blowing with awful rain and the only people there were my father, who was St Mark’s schoolmaster, two or three parishioners and myself. However, the Bishop didn‘t hesitate but proceeded with the whole service.” 9
But the story doesn’t end there. The building that was dedicated in 1860 bears little relationship to what we see now. It has changed considerably. All that’s left of the 1860 church is the nave (where you are sitting) plus what we now call the Kinder chapel. That chapel was originally located in what is now the chancel. It was simply turned 90 degrees and put where it is now. And that wasn‘t the end of it. Other changes were made in the 1870s. A new chancel was built (although not as spacious as it is now), and the transepts were added. Further changes came in the 1880s. The tower and the organ were added in 1881. It’s hard to imagine St Mark’s without its tower and yet for 20 years there wasn‘t one. There’s a very useful diagram in the history showing when all the bits and pieces were built. The most recent changes were the extension of the sanctuary in 1953 and the porch in 1957 together with the more recent changes in that area. So if anyone asks you how old this church is, just say well it depends where you’re standing! 1847 at the back door, 1860 in the nave, 1873 in the chancel, 1881 if you’re up the tower, and 1953 if you’re at the altar So the reasons for celebrating 170 years are actually a bit thin! What we can say is, that for 170 years, Anglicans here have worshipped in buildings dedicated to the glory of God. But those buildings have been adapted to meet new circumstances, in response to changes in the way the church ordered its life and to changes in the community around it. There’s another question: What is there to be said about 170 years of parish life? In fact, 170 is quite a number. Few NZ parishes can match that. My research tells me that in 1860 there were only 40 parishes in NZ, 11 of them in Auckland. In fact, St Mark’s isn’t included in that total as it didn’t become a parish for another three years. For its first 16 years St Mark’s wasn’t a parish. It had no resident clergyman. Services were conducted by various people, especially the Revd HW St Hill and the Revd G.T.B. Kingdon who were connected with SJC. St Hill ran the school at St Mark’s and they were involved also with Epsom and Onehunga. Then the celebrated Rev Dr John Kinder, the 10
HM of the CofE Grammar School in Ayr St and later Warden of SJC, took a service once a month. A remarkable man: priest, scholar, artist, photographer. When the first St Mark’s was built, there were only a handful of Anglican parishes in Auckland. Remember the settlement was only established in 1840 – when Governor Hobson chose the site. The first church, St Paul’s on Britomart Point was built in 1843 but later demolished. The hill was removed to provide material for the reclamation of what is now downtown Auckland. Then there was the first St Stephen’s chapel in Parnell near to the Bishop and the Chief Justice (Judges Bay) and then the chapel at St John’s College. Within ten years churches had been built in the Fencible settlements at Howick, Onehunga, Otahuhu, and Panmure. Churches were built for Maori at Okahu Bay and Mechanics Bay. Then at about the same time churches were built for European settlers who had farms on the outskirts: firstly St Thomas’ Tamaki, St Andrew’s Epsom, and St Mark’s, Remuera. Thus the number of churches around Auckland went from one in 1843 to 12 by 1852. Some remarkable people have served St Mark’s. Many key figures in early Auckland worshipped here. James Dilworth. Members of the Hesketh family. Sir George Arney, the Chief Justice. I looked for inspiration on the memorial tablets for the first clergy in the parish. The tablet for the Reverend Edward Heywood, not the first priest but the first designated as Vicar, bears these words: ‘Brethren, the time is short’. Intriguing words. Maybe that refers to his short life: he was only 48 when he died. He must have been busy too; he was also Diocesan secretary and spent two days a week on that, he was chaplain to the gaol as well as vicar. For a time he lived down at the bottom of Seaview Rd and it must have been difficult and it wasn’t long before a vicarage was built. Then there were two clergy I was interested in because they became important figures in my home diocese of Dunedin. Isaac Richards moved to Dunedin as warden of Selwyn College, then Vicar of Tuapeka, then an important gold mining area centred on Lawrence, then vicar of Invercargill and finally as 11
Bishop. George Craig Cruickshank went from here to be Dean of Dunedin and was elected Bishop of Waiapu but he had a stroke and had to resign after only 18 months in office. There are others too but there’s no time to refer to them However, we’ve set out a list of them in the pew sheet and will remember them in our prayers. We love this church. So do many other people. I’m intrigued by the number of people who call here during the week. It’s a joy that we’re able to keep it open as was the case in all churches until recent times. It’s a joy to be able to share its beauty with so many others. But a church building in itself has little value. Its prime function is to provide a place of worship. It may stand as a silent witness but I think we can do better than that. It’s what we use it for, what happens here, what inspires people to go and do outside the church. A gathering place for sure – but also a going-outfrom place too. In recent years here there have been many changes in the clergy and that’s been unsettling. I sense that what this parish needs now is a period of stability, of consistent pastoral ministry, affirming the things we do well, living and caring and nurturing those who call this their spiritual home. I close with a brief reflection on the Lesson for today. The famous passage with Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication. The dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple is to be the focal point of the prayers of the nation, of foreigners, and even of the Israelites in exile. Yet it is emphasised that God cannot be contained in the temple. God is bigger than the temple; God is bigger than the church. Solomon knew that the splendour of the temple was nothing compared with the size of God. Solomon had a vision that included all the peoples of the earth. Not only for the Jewish world, but for seekers of God whoever and wherever they were. The temple was built for both Jews and Gentiles. Foreigners were welcome in the Court of the Gentiles. The temple became a house of prayer for all nations. Foreigners, or people who are different from us, reveal who we are as a community.. In many churches today people give attention to the style and content of their worship. We need to remember that the intended audience for our worship is God - God is the host, and we’re there to worship him. 12
Volunteers Needed – that means YOU! Mainly Music – URGENTLY need Volunteers This is a fun music group for pre-schoolers, with half an hour of music and dancing. The Mainly Music franchise is a Christian one and they provide us with the music resources. For many young parents, it offers an hour of respite from the endless task of parenting that young children present.
The commitment is 2 hours on Monday mornings during school term time. If this is something that you think you could become involved with, in any capacity, we would love to hear from you. It’s a lot of fun for the right person. Please contact Diana in the office, or Elizabeth Driver (edriver03@gmail.com or 021-2123420) for more information. Sanctuary Guild A small group of lovely ladies working to keep the Church looking spick and span! We urgently need more volunteers for the cleaning roster. This entails one hour of your time, twice a year. It is a nice way to meet others, as we work in pairs. Please contact Gillian Clarke (529-5907) if you are willing to help. Morning Tea Roster Would you like to be on the roster for helping with morning tea after the 9.30am service? This involves setting up in the lounge prior to the service, putting out biscuits (provided) and cleaning up afterwards, approximately once every 4 – 6 weeks. Contact Diana in the office please. 13
What’s been happening in the Parish? St Mark’s annual jumble sale was held on Saturday 10th October. As is usual, a good group of volunteers helped our main organizer, Maggie Hames, to sort the items provided into stalls. These included: white elephantcrockery, glass, kitchen ware; antiques; jewellery; linen; clothes- adult and children; toys and games and furniture items. It was decided not to provide food, as had been done in the past, apart from the annual cake stall run by the Sanctuary Guild under Gillian Clarke and also to forgo selling books because we always have so many left unsold. By the time we finished setting up on the Friday, the hall and lounge were full of items both large (furniture) and small (jewellery) and a very wide range of goods in between. On the Saturday sales were off to an early good start and after a busy morning, we managed to raise a lot of money in three hours! Anything remaining at the end was donated to a Tongan church group to use, so that the Parish Centre was left clear by Sunday morning. Maggie has now managed this event for a number of years and really has it “off pat”. We are very grateful to her for her expertise. Several charities will benefit from the approximately $4,000 that was made from the jumble sale, and the Sanctuary Guild is pleased that the over $600 made from the cake stall will also go towards helping their chosen charity. 17th September All Age Worship: Each month, children from St Mark’s Sunday School participate with the older church members in an all age worship service. This allows our younger members to feel a part of the St Mark’s community and acknowledges the important part the children play in our worship both now and into the future. On Sunday 17th September this worship service was in a traditional form with easier to understand words and songs of praise to God. It included a waiata and the Lord’s Prayer said in Maori. Members of the congregation were invited to be part of a play that focused on the reading from Matthew, Chapter 18: 2135. The children involved were proud of the part they played in the service and all those from the congregation enjoyed the chance they also had to participate in the service. Unfortunately we often find that a reduced number of people attend these services. Perhaps it is time for all of us to recognize the value of all ages being able to worship together and to make an effort to support the children of St Mark’s as they look towards their future within our Christian community. 14
A Beautiful Wedding at St Mark’s
Congratulations to Xinyi Huang & Junru Chen who tied the knot at St Mark’s on 6th September – a beautiful couple in a truly beautiful church!
Our Musical Traditions On
5th November: Book Launch An enthusiastic congregation, including a full choir, welcomed Neil Shroff to morning tea, to launch his new book outlining the history of the St Mark’s choir, and the tradition of Choral Music. Neil is now at St Andrew’s Epsom, but was our Director of music many years ago.
A New Organ for Holy Trinity Cathedral 16th September: Grand Opening Recital As part of the completion of the Cathedral, the organ has been placed “centre stage” at the front of the transept. The pipes have been renewed as well, making the new organ a wonderful instrument for both worship and recital. Philip Smith and Michael Stoddart offered a wonderful recital to celebrate the new organ, showcasing J S Bach, Tchaikovsky and a New Zealand composer, Chris Artley. The Cathedral looked suitably ablaze while the music enchanted its audience. A wonderful evening of celebration! Further recitals are to be held throughout the coming year with the next recital from Michael Stewart (Director of Music at the Wellington Cathedral) to be held on Saturday 11th November at 7.30pm.
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From the Registers August – October 2017
Baptised Thomas Barber, 13 August 2017 Geoffrey Lawrence Peter Hayward, 3 September 2017 Joined together in Marriage Xinyi Huang & Junru Chen, 6 September 2017 Committed to God’s Care Julian Richard Hall Alma Dawn Priest Mary Elizabeth Harker
Lady Beth Eisdel Moore Steve Marcus Aken
Parish Contact Details: Priest in Charge: Assistant Priest: Associate Clergy: Director of Music: Lay Minister:
The Reverend Noel Derbyshire The Reverend David Steele The Reverend James Withers The Reverend Bob Driver Brian Millar Trevor Brooker
09 537 3407 09 575 3106 021 239 1800 09 849 3538 021 253 1437 021 614 227
The Anglican Parish of Saint Mark, Remuera. Telephone: 09 520 2258 Email: office@stmarks.org.nz Website: www.stmarks.org.nz
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