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The Messenger October 2017
Monthly magazine of St Peter’s Terrace End
Website: http://www.stpeterspn.org.nz
ST PETER'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
229 Ruahine St., PO Box 5134
Terrace End. Palmerston North
Phone/Fax: . . . . . . . (06) 358-5403
E-mail: [email protected]
Vicar
Rev Anne Chrisp . . . . . . . .358 0712
Mobile Phone . . . . . . . .021 406 409
Church Wardens
Ally Sewell (Vicar’s). . . . . 357 1511
Mark Dobson (People’s). 354 2333
Priest Assistant
Rev’d Amy Houben 353 7117
Hon Priest Associate
Rev Geneth Davies . . . . . . 357 8481
Ven Graham Ovenden . . . .358 4421
Rev Ross Downes . . . . . . . 323 2035
Hon Vocational Deacon
Rev Faye Davenport . . . . . 358 1520
Vestry Members:
Rae Callahan ..................... 357 3970
Alyson Chandler ................358 5053
Ritchie De Montalk .......... 356 2300
Yvonne Rae……………….358 3962 Wayne Stokes ................. 027 408 1637
Heather Tootell ...................357 5151
Githa Warrington ................357 3859
Parish Treasurer
Heather Tootell . . . . . . . . . 357 5151
Parish Secretary
Rosemary O’Donoghue . . . . .358 5403
Church Contacts
AAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357 3859
Endowment Trust . . . . . . . 358 3962
Flower Guild . . . . . . . . . . .350 3082
Junior Church . . . . . . . . . . 350 3184
Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 2218
Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . .358 5403
Prayer Chain . . . . . . . . . . . 358 5981
Weekly Events
Wednesday 11, 25 October 10am Holy Communion
Wednesday 4, 18 October 10am Eucharist
Thursdays 10am Study Group meets at Adrienne
and Max’s home 6a Franklin Ave.
Phone 359-0581 for more info.
3.40pm Ukulele Group (all ages)
meets in the hall during term time.
All welcome. Come 10 minutes early
and join us for a cuppa.
Fridays during term time 9.30am Young Mothers’ Craft Group
For more info contact Jeannie phone
357 1058
Other Events this Month Sunday 1st October 10am International Day of Older
Adults
Tuesday 3rd October 12.15pm Lunchtime concert –
Parklands School Kapa Haka Group
Wednesday 4th October 11.30am AAW
Sunday 8th October 10am Pet Service
Wednesday 11th October 12 noon Senior Spread
Wednesday 18th October 7.15pm Vestry
Note: Unsigned articles have been contributed by members of the editorial
team.
From the Vicar
Dear friends
In this edition of Messenger, you will see that we are holding a couple of special
services early in October. The first one, at the beginning of October, is a new
celebration for us: the International Day of Older Person. Amy Houben, who is
planning the service says this is a lovely opportunity to recognise and thank God
for the faithfulness and service from our older saints in our church.” Lew Findlay
will be the guest speaker that day.
On the following Sunday, we hold the annual pet service. This service responds
to two important events in the church calendar: the feast of St Francis, and the
Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Each year, we have a delightful service
which attracts a wide array of people and pets.
It is interesting to notice that on this Sunday, many regular attendees decide not
to come. Yet it is important that you do come. You may not have a pet, and you
may miss your usual service, but this is one occasion to offer parish hospitality
and show the wider community who we are. As +Justin says, church is not just
about me and my comfort. It is about us.
Please keep in your prayers both those who are older in our community, and
those whose love for God is expressed through the love and care they offer to
animals and creation.
Blessings -
Anne
From the Registers
Funerals:
August: Sybil Caldwell
September: Rosalie Walker
Parish Activities
AAW – Women’s Fellowship The September Meeting of the AAW – Women’s Fellowship met on Wednesday
6th September. Following the usual shared lunch we were pleased to welcome
Sonia Blue as our Guest Speaker for this Meeting. Sonia contracted Polio when
she was two years old and spoke to us about her Polio Journey and living with the
after effects of Polio. She shared some of the resulting difficulties and challenges
she has met and coped with throughout her life and used a power point presentation
to illustrate her talk with old photographs and writings from her family collection
and to show the devotion and support her parents gave over this time. Sonia’s
reminiscences brought back memories for many of us of that time in New
Zealand’s history. There were questions from our members and at the conclusion
Sonia was thanked by Pat Wells and presented with a gift of appreciation from the
Group.
The October meeting of our Group will be on Wednesday 4th October. Our
Speaker for this meeting is Jenny Hornblow talking about her Italian
journey. Please join us at 11.30am for a shared meal and fellowship. We ask
that you bring along a plate of finger food towards the meal. All are welcome.
Any enquiries please contact Githa Warrington, ph. 3573859 or Penny Merrall ph.
3571337. Penny Merrall
Lunchtime Concerts The first Tuesday of the month in September had a delightful gentle concert by
Katherine and Mark Boyes. This young couple were married in St Peters a few
years ago and they were very happy to be once again in the church.
Katherine learnt the flute from teenage years, gaining her ATCL Diploma with
Distinction and playing in the Manawatu Sinfonia. Marriage and a family caused
a break in her playing but now she has resumed playing and is thoroughly enjoying
being able to play duets with her husband.
Mark’s musical career has been more with bands both in New Zealand and UK.
Currently, he is playing bass guitar, keyboard and doing vocals with a band based
in Hawkes Bay. However, he has resumed playing classical guitar so he and
Katherine can enjoy their music together.
The combination of flute and guitar was ideal for their programme of – “Sleeper’s
Awake” Bach, Canon in D by Pachelbel, “Air” Bach and “Greensleeves” arranged
by Krantz – this last item taking the audience back to the court of Henry VIII with
the sound of the guitar!
To complete the concert, Stephanie Milne played Mozart’s piano Sonata in Bflat.
Stephanie is still a student of Guy Donaldson and appreciated the opportunity to
play in front of an audience prior to sitting piano exams later in the year.
Unfortunately, only a small audience attended to enjoy the music but those who
were there enjoyed it very much with several coming up to congratulate the
musicians on their performances at the end of the programme.
Pet Service – 8th October 2017 Each year, the Pet Service is a part of St Peter’s life and
community outreach. It gives pet owners the chance to have
their pets blessed and as so many of us regard pets as an integral
part of their family, that is very special and important.
It is always heart-warming to see the different animals in
church – dogs, cats in cages (sometimes tame enough to be out),
budgies, guinea pigs and one year a couple of lambs with their
nappies on! No pet is unimportant enough to miss out. They are well behaved and
the pride the owners have in their pets is wonderful.
It is a pity though that the service is largely
ignored by most of our own parishioners. We
should be there in numbers to support and
encourage the pet owners, many of whom are
not of our parish or even church goers. The
service is short and basic to suit the occasion
and the time span of the animals but it is a lovely service and reflects the love of
Jesus for us all, humans and animals.
A beautiful picture used to hang over my bed when I was a child and I love it so
much it is still hanging in my study. It shows Jesus on
the grass with the Sea of Galilee in the background
surrounded by animals - rabbits, deer and foxes – with
birds on His hands and circling in the sky. It is all very
stylised I am sure but the message is clear – everything
comes from God and God loves everything He has
made.
As a parish, let us get together on 8th October and show the pet owners who come
that we love their animals and themselves and that they are very welcome in our
church.
Vestry Vibes As Vestry did not meet in September, there will be no Vestry Vibes this issue.
Obituary – Elva Wright Elva was well known to the parishioners as she worshipped at St Peter’s Church
since her marriage in 1947. Both Elva and her husband Ron were very involved in
parish activities. Elva was one of the foundation drivers for Meals on Wheels and
she continued to drive for them until 2007. She was also a brass cleaner and a
Mothers’ Union member. Later this became the Association of Anglican Women
and Elva represented St Peters in the wider regional area. In her life history book,
Elva notes that “these positions always involved baking for stalls and any other
money- making activities.”
Elva was a registered nurse having done her training at Palmerston North Hospital.
Once she was married and had children she found shift work at Northcote private
hospital easier to fit in with her family responsibilities. Her parents thought nursing
was not really a suitable occupation but once Elva had shown she was very serious
about it, they supported her. She even went to the interview to apply for nursing
without letting her parents know and did not tell them until it was all settled!
Dancing was a passion for Elva and her then fiancé, Ron, even took ballroom
dancing lessons to impress her. However, it was Highland dancing that she loved
and which her daughter continued. Later, square dancing took over and Elva
travelled round enjoying the fun and social life with other groups - another link
with St Peters as the group met in the hall each week. With her family grown up
and away from home and Ron having died in 1987, dancing was a great way to
socialise and have good company as well as the dancing itself.
It is clear from the account of her life that Elva had a loving but harsh upbringing
in rural Woodville. She rode her pony to school and Sunday School – some miles
away - from the age of 5 as her parents were busy on the farm. Her accounts of the
various accidents and mishaps on the farm which occurred, especially to her twin
younger brothers where there was no immediate help available, show how resilient
families had to be in those days.
Elva’s main companions as a child were her pets and animals –dogs, sheep, goats,
cats, ducks, chooks, budgies and canaries and later in life her little miniature fox
terrier LLana who travelled with her in the car and was her constant companion
for 15 years. She loved all animals.
As her health worsened, Elva moved to Wanganui in 2015 to be closer to her
daughter and passed away in August this year. She is buried in the old Woodville
Cemetery, returning to her childhood home.
Notes from Synod Synod representatives assembled at the Convention Centre for the Wellington
Diocese Synod. To me, the Bishop’s message from Bishop Ellie Sanderson was
very moving, a conversion, as she encouraged us to take a leap of faith and leave
the nest having courage to go out to places we’ve never been before. We need to
increase our capacity to love, ease the burden off our shoulders and sit around the
banquet table as we are one with God. “Our hearts must be enlarged by the Holy
Spirit to give us capacity to care for the last, the lost and the least.”
Bishop Ellie told a story of her encounter with a homeless man whom she sat and
ate with on the streets of Chicago. She reiterated that “people do not know what
true riches are – anybody can be on the street. Life is fragile.” She exhorted us to
transform our neighbourhoods, invite strangers for a meal and open the gates
because anything less than that is not why God loved the world.
The Charge from Bishop Justin told us that he was grateful for the 5 years he has
been Bishop. He spoke of how the culture of the church is changing because God
is a creative God and we should grow. He noted that some parishes are growing
and he issued the invitation ”Do you want your parish to grow?” His challenge is
how will each parish support or respond to growth. He invites us to think how to
have the conversation of working towards growing. It can be costly,
uncomfortable and painful to make changes but we need to actively go out and
learn. “Let us prepare the soil for planting and embrace the pain and walk on that
journey. As Philippians say – Rejoice in the Lord.”
There was some discussion in groups about same sex marriage. The “Way
Forward” working group released an interim report but is undertaking further work
before releasing its findings. The notes from the discussion groups will be
forwarded to parishes for further discussion.
There were several motions of significance.
Synod will be in Lower Hutt next year
Vestry members are to be elected for 2 years
Synod representatives are to have tenure of 2 years for up to 6 years.
I really enjoyed this Synod with Isaac and Amy which ended the Saturday session
with a wonderful healing service. Githa Warrington.
Book this Date – 18th November The next fair will be on 18th November starting at 9.a.m.
There are new ideas for this fair. Food will be
predominant with a very tasty selection. Asian and Indian
as we had last time and Devonshire teas at the café. More
food stalls are still to be confirmed.
The books, jumble, white elephant and
collectables will become the Bargain
Bazaar. For the children there will be face
painting and a Bouncy Castle and lucky
dips.
The plant stall will be back better
than ever and there will be homemade crafts. Getting
ready for Christmas will be easy as the Ashhurst Art
Group will be selling their cards.
Robert Cleaver will be providing a melodious accompaniment on
the hall piano while customers check out Pete’s Pantry, cakes,
sausage sizzle and the raffles. Cakes and scones will be most
acceptable for the cake stall and the café so remember to make extras
from earlier that week.
So put it in your diary and come along to be part of the fun and
taste the goodies!
Hi Kids
This month we celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi
who loved animals. Colour in the picture below and
bring it into the parish office for a surprise!
PARISH REVIEW Core Competencies to Assess Parish Needs and Concerns
As you will have heard, a review of St Peter’s is underway. The diocesan office
has provided a list of core competencies, a summary of which is provided below.
We invite you to respond to these questions. Hand them into the parish office.
1. Leadership
Empowering leadership is critical to well-being.
a) Is the leadership of the parish a group or a team?
b) Do the various leaders feel supported, equipped, empowered, trusted?
c) Is there effective, ongoing change and renovation occurring within the
parish?
d) Does the parish leadership/governance actively seek external input
and accountability
2. Discipleship
It is one of the three aims of the Diocese to disciple others (as well as being
disciples ourselves!)
a) What training occurs within the parish (leadership development,
mentoring)?
b) How much is the parish linking in with Diocese training, initiatives
(for young leaders, for laity/clergy)?
c) What other learning opportunities are there in parish life (small
groups, Lenten studies, Cursillo etc)?
3. Children and young people
We must intentionally encourage those who are our future.
Within the Christian community
a) Is there a crèche/program for under 5s?
b) Is there a creative/structured children’s program?
c) Is there a youth program?
d) Do these initiatives have capable and supported leadership?
Outside the Christian community
a) What programs are focused on those outside the worship life of the
parish?
b) How are others outside the programme involved?
c) What is the strategy for inclusion in parish community?
4. Evangelism
While we are active in community service, we are less effective at
communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ.
a) Are there evangelistic programs running currently in the Parish?
b) Do people confidently share their faith?
c) Are there evangelistic services/events?
5. Worship
Creative life-giving worship is essential to congregational life…
a) Is liturgy used creatively, worshipfully (or is always the same)?
b) Is the sung worship enriching?
c) Prayer life – are there prayer groups in the parish?
d) Is the Eucharist transformational?
e) How creative is the worship?
6. Teaching and preaching
A healthy parish will have great input that feeds the whole family…
a) Is the preaching/teaching a highlight of a service?
b) Is the preaching relevant to life?
c) Is a community that learns together emerging – are conversations
created that continue during the week?
7. Hospitality
Welcome and hospitality is the life blood of Christian community – it always has
been and always will be…
a) What is the retention of visitors to the parish/congregation?
b) How are people made to feel welcome?
c) How quickly are people invited into a home? Is there a system?
d) How often does the parish/congregation eat a meal together?
e) Is the parish/congregation as culturally diverse as the surrounding
community? How has this diversity been fostered?
8. Pastoral care
A community that cares and supports is crucial to parish/congregational
wellbeing
a) How is pastoral care overseen? Is there an effective team?
b) What is the pastoral strategy for care in the congregation/parish?
c) What happens in crisis?
d) Is there follow up of new(ish) people?
e) Is there input into marriages, parenting, life skills?
9. Administrative systems
There is a need for systems that work for people…
a) Are the finances effectively managed and monitored?
b) How does the communication of essential information occur?
c) Are there pastoral systems in place?
d) Is there enough support for clergy, staff?
e) Does an effective staff meeting occur (if appropriate)?
f) Does the Diocese relationship give what is needed to the parish?
Paraclete – What does it mean? Several Sundays ago, I prayed what is described as an Alternative Blessing in ‘A
New Zealand Prayer Book’ for the first time. It has been used previously by my
brother and sister priests in St Peter’s but this was my first time ever. For my
temerity in so doing, the editor of our Parish magazine immediately approached
me to write an article for the ‘Messenger’ explaining the meaning of “Paraclete”,
an unusual word and not often heard. The blessing ends like this:
….. may God the Paraclete grant you life in one another:
so may the blessing of God,
Abba, Servant, Paraclete,
be with you always.
We are used to the usual blessing in the Holy Trinity of ‘Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.’ We might even be used to the modern equivalent of ‘Creator, Redeemer
and Giver of Life.’ Abba (nothing to do with the pop group!) was Jesus’ expression
for ‘Father’; ‘Redeemer’ describes Jesus and his ministry of salvation; but
‘Paraclete’? Given the context, it must surely refer to the Holy Spirit. However,
like me, you might think it sounds like a breed of parrot!
Paraclete is in fact a Greek word which appears in John’s Gospel of the New
Testament of the Bible. Its usual meaning in English is advocate and describes a
function of the Holy Spirit. An advocate is one who pleads for another, or who
speaks in favour of another. We might say that a Paraclete supports a chosen
person at a difficult time, like persecution or serious personal difficulties.
Paraclete is often translated as Comforter giving another facet to the character of
the Holy Spirit. Some scholars advise that Paraclete describes the mission of the
Holy Spirit ‘to strengthen and guide the Church into all truth.’
Thus Paraclete describes the function and work of the Holy Spirit in a number of
ways. As with describing the function and work of God Almighty, words cannot
adequately describe what we think and feel. My personal thought is to think of the
Trinity as three characters - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and to leave the rest to
my imagination and feelings, especially where prayer and blessing are involved.
Will I use the alternative blessing with the word Paraclete again? No! It’s Holy
Spirit for me; and perhaps sometimes Giver of Life. Graham
Hymn Books Coming from a musical family, it is inevitable that
my bookshelf has some hymn books, not that many
but covering many years.
The oldest is a slim volume covered in very soft
suede which is “The Church Psalter and Hymn Book
re-arranged 1864 by Rev William Mercer M.A.”
There is a whole page devoted to the various
arrangers of harmonies, in particular Sir John Goss
who was composer to Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal and late organist of St Paul’s
Cathedral, London. It is also “Inscribed, by Express Permission, to His Late
Royal Highness The Prince Consort.”
This little book is not just hymns but the whole daily services of the church –
morning prayer, evening prayer, the collects, epistles and gospels for each
Sunday and saints’ days, communion, baptism and another version of morning
prayer and evening prayer. In each of these sections, there are the chants and
responses and a number of settings for the psalms. Many of these must have been
in use throughout my childhood as I recognise them (with great pleasure!) To
find all this in such a slim volume is quite amazing as the print is not very small.
It was printed in London by James Nisbet & Co. This book was a gift to my
grandfather in 1912 and no doubt he covered it in the
lovely suede as he was a book binder. There are pencilled
annotations in the music in some places, always in the
bass which is what he sang in the church choir.
“Hymns Ancient & Modern” is a very battered book. It is
the edition of 1889 re-set with the second supplement of
1916 and the date of printing is 1924. I love the quote on
the title page “Young men and maidens, old men and
children, praise the name of the Lord” How appropriate
for all of us, not just choristers. This book has my
mother’s maiden signature in it and no doubt it was used
in the church choir when she was singing soprano both in Hawkes Bay and when
we moved here for a time in St Peter’s choir.
Another copy of “Hymns Ancient & Modern Revised 1950” has my cousin’s name
in it. She was the church organist at All Saints in Taradale, Hawkes Bay all through
her teenage years and until her marriage. Later she was organist in Katikati when
she lived there with her family. It is interesting that both these hymn books were
printed by the same company, William Clowes and Sons in
London.
The fattest volume is the “blue book” currently in use in our
church. “Hymns for Today’s Church” printed by Hodder and
Stoughton in 1982 contains many of the old hymns and many
new ones as well. It is an interesting exercise to compare the
hymn books and see what has been retained and suddenly
realise what has been deleted. I often wonder at the rationale
for the deletions.
All these hymn books have the full music parts in them for
choral singing or organ or piano which is why they are so
much larger than the “blue book” in the pews.
Once again a history of church music mingled with the family. What a wonderful
connection music gives us across the generations.
