SPRING IS HERE!!
OR IS IT?
Well, with daylight saving having begun, our hope is that the longer summer evenings will soon be with us.
However, with our changing weather patterns we really don’t know what to expect. With the heavy rain and wind this weekend, it doesn’t really feel like spring. It is devastating to again be seeing images of flooding, debris tumbling down the hills wiping out anything in its path, and mud and silt yet again making life challenging for some of our residents. It is unbelievable comparing last night’s news and the beautiful scenery that we were enjoying just a couple of weeks ago. That is spring, a time of change. The beauty of new life, trees blossoming, colour returning to the gardens and baby lambs frolicking in the paddocks.
It is with considerable disappointment that we received the news that Liquidstone is yet again unable to meet the deadline for us to have the arch replaced by Remembrance Day. Unfortunately, it is behind schedule on the contract with the Auckland City Rail Link. However, we will hopefully be able to have the arch in place by Anzac Day 2024. It is becoming somewhat embarrassing booking and confirming people to help us make our celebration of the dedication a special day, only to then cancel them.
We are hoping we will see work begin on the new storage shed for the storage of items to support the community should we experience future natural disasters.
Bob and I are very grateful to everyone who kept things running smoothly while we were away. We really enjoyed our break away, but life has certainly been busy since our return.
It is with great sadness that we have farewelled Diane Goodison. She made all of our palm crosses for many years and took on many tasks within the parish. A wonderful cheerful contributor to the parish and to the lives of many people.
It is great to be able to share the news that Libby Davey’s younger daughter, Monique, and her husband Ben became proud parents of a baby girl and a baby boy this week. They are now living in San Francisco. I am sure many of you will have fond memories of Libby and her wonderful contribution to the life of the parish over many years. Libby was over from Australia earlier this year.
There are several events over the next two months. The first is this weekend with St Francis’ Day on Sunday October 1. Both the 8am and 9.30am services on Sunday will be held in the Nora Brown Hall. This will enable the Tongan community to use the church.
The Handel Consort & Quire will need the church from noon to set up for the Joshua concert at 3pm.
The Reid Anderson Hall will be available from Tuesday October 3 for setting up the Parish Fair and garage sale on Saturday October 7.
We have one of the Andersons’ fantastic breakfasts coming up on Sunday October 29. Thank you again for your wonderful contribution to the parish. Please do try to come along and join us, not just for a fabulous breakfast but also for fabulous company. It is one of the few occasions when our two congregations join together.
At the beginning of November All Saints’ Day falls on Wednesday November 1 and All Souls’ Day on Thursday November 2. Unfortunately I am not available on the Thursday so this year we will hold our All Souls’ Day service, when we remember our loved ones, on Wednesday November 1 at noon and 7pm. All are welcome. Please feel free to invite those who have lost loved ones to come along to one of the services if you wish.
Blessings to you all — Jan
SUNDAY READINGS FOR OCTOBER 2023
Oct 1: First reading: Exodus 17:1-7, Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30
Oct 8: Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20 Matthew 21:33-46
Oct 15: Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 22:1-14
Oct 22: Exodus 33:12-23, Matthew 22:15-22
Oct 29: Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Matthew 22:34-46
REST HOMES AND HOSPITAL SERVICE
Singers welcome to help
Wed Oct 4, 10am: St Andrew’s
Thurs Oct 5, 10.30am: Franklin Village
Tues Oct 10, 11am: Palms Hospital
Thurs Oct 19, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tues Oct 24, 11am: Possum Bourne
Tues Oct 31, 11am: Possum Bourne Village
REGULAR SERVICES
Every Sunday
8am and 9.30am at St Andrew’s Pukekohe
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month
11.15am St Paul’s Buckland
1st Sunday of the month
11.15am Nora Brown Hall behind St Andrew’s Church
Weekdays 10am at St Andrew’s
1st Wednesday of the month — 3rd Thursday of the month
A SECTION OF THE BISHOP’S CHARGE, SYNOD 2023
LIVING BEYOND OURSELVES
At the commissioning of a priest in a mission district recently, I said this: “I name some issues that are not yours alone but are ones that we face right around the Diocese: ageing congregations, decline in attendance, juggling finances to balance the budget, managing the multiplicity of compliance issues, a reluctance by people to commit, and more. You choose which of those fit your situation, but they are the kind of issues which present a growing crisis for the Church. When do we find time for mission and, even if we can, what are we meant to do?”
When I became Bishop, I brought a vision and commitment to building the Church in the Diocese through the support and development of the church locally. That remains my vision and commitment. It has been given more substance and definition through the Healthy Church model and its related consultation process. Covid-19 took its impact on that consultation process and plans are being put in place to reinitiate it in 2024. (Here in Pukekohe we did complete this project.)
Beyond that though, the focus of the Episcopal and Diocesan teams as a whole is to offer support and resourcing to the people of the Diocese and especially to clergy and lay people in ministry leadership roles. No one will ever be totally satisfied with the amount of that which is provided. My experience is that the more we offer, the more that is expected. But we do our best and I think that if we look back over 10 years or so we might see how that has grown.
I continue to believe that the Church incarnated locally through ministry units, chaplaincies and other expressions is the primary place for our mission. It is where we interface with people in local communities and thus where we have the potential to develop relationships that allow us to share the love of God and be part of the work of God’s kingdom. When we undertake Healthy Church Consultations, it is often the case that the quadrant named “Living Beyond Ourselves” is the hardest one to be able to articulate what we are doing or to think about what new ideas there could be for acting. This is the quadrant that speaks of outreach and proclamation, the sharing of our faith through word and action. At that recent mission district commissioning, I also said this: “I can’t stand here and give you the answer about what you should be doing. I am not here. You are here. Each of you is a strong part of the communities within which you live. You know those communities. You know their needs, the ways in which healing might come to people and places and thus the opportunities for the Word of truth to find a place. Those are the mission opportunities which God opens up before you.”
People sometimes wonder where the opportunities exist to talk about these issues. Well, for clergy they are often the subject of conversation in cluster meetings. Locally I hope they are frequently a point of discussion in governing bodies and among leadership groups and are the focus of annual planning around goals for mission and ministry.
But as a diocese we do not easily address them, and Synod doesn’t always easily provide the opportunity.
Jan’s Comment:
Well, I too took on the role of vicar here to try to increase our outreach into the community. I believe that we have been successful in doing this as we have worked as a team. There is, and I believe always will be, the opportunity to reach out to people in need in our community and I am so grateful for the many people who help us to reach out in this way. It is interesting that our team of volunteers consists of both people within our parish and from the wider community. Many of these volunteers grow to say St Andrew’s is their church.
I give thanks for all of their contributions as we seek to serve our community.
SUSTAINABILITY
UNUSUAL FRESHWATER FISH
by Keith Gardner
Did you know that New Zealand has more than 50 species of native fish and at least half are found only in New Zealand?
Some of our native endemic fish evolved from marine species and spend part of their time at sea. They have special gills to do this. Examples are eels (tuna), koaro and lamprey (pihapiharau). They journey from the sea, climbing waterfalls and rapids to reach mountain streams, very much like salmon in Canada and the United States.
Some species are so special, they are only found in one river. The flathead galaxias is only found in the Clutha River.
Many fish are nocturnal as this makes it easier for them to avoid predators hunting for a meal during the day.
Fossil records of the lamprey show it has not changed much in 360 million years. But during their lifetime lampreys transform from blind, filter feeding larvae into sighted parasitic juveniles before heading out to sea. When they come back from the sea, they change colour from silvery blue to brown. They lose weight and get shorter. An amazing fish. The lamprey does not have a jaw but does have sharp teeth around its mouth to allow it to latch on to a whale and suck its blood. They also have another primitive feature — a pineal eye. The eye is sensitive to light so it can help the fish to know how deep the ocean is. Lampreys have no scales.
Another unusual freshwater fish is the mudfish, found locally in the Waikato River. Mudfish are known to aestivate, which is like entering into a sleepy state for weeks or months. This allows them to survive for short amounts of time when water dries up around the edges of rivers and wetlands. During this time, they go without food and absorb oxygen through their skin. They mostly inhabit damp mud or live under tightly packed vegetation and under logs and leaf litter. Mudfish populations get into trouble when there is drought and where development has changed streams and rivers.
Another freshwater fish found in local streams and wetlands is the koaro. Koaro are particularly good climbers and will wriggle themselves up waterfalls by using their fins to push themselves along. They are often caught where whitebait are caught but they prefer the native bush streams, which have clear water. Kaoro live for up to 15 years and produce 400 eggs per year, but most are eaten by other stream creatures.
Photos from DoC Help from KCC.
DISASTER RESILIENCE PLAN
A disaster resilience plan for Pukekohe is now a step closer to reality thanks to the work of a group of community volunteers.
Community Networks Franklin, of which Jan is the chair and I am the secretary, is working with the Franklin Local Board to help our community to plan for emergencies, including getting better prepared and supporting ourselves.
The third meeting of interested participants on September 19 included detailed discussion on how we might deal with some of the impacts of a disaster. We broke into workshop groups to discuss:
1. Communication: How will we communicate in a disaster?
2. Health: What will our health needs be?
3. Emergency Hubs: Where should they be and what will they require?
4. Transport: How will transport be impacted and how do we get to people in need?
At this stage, our next meeting date has not been set. We’ll be taking stock of the information gathered so far and looking at the next steps in this vital process.
Judith Tucker
CONTRIBUTIONS
For those wishing to make contributions to the parish, the account numbers are:
Parish general expenses including automatic payments: 06-0405-0012157-00
Restoration of the church: 06-0405-0078359-01
Pukekohe Community Action (for outreach into our community): 12-3023-0071016-00
Please put your name in the reference field and email Jan at jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz so we can send you a tax receipt. Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
THERE IS A DEFIBRILLATOR INSTALLED BY THE OFFICE DOOR
A copy of the Parish Health and Safety Policy, along with the processes required for the implementation of the policy, is available on our website or from the parish office. An evacuation plans are in each area of the church and complex.
Assembly areas are the car park beside the Reid Anderson Hall, by the road in front of the church or on the vicarage lawn depending on the location of the emergency.
St Paul’s Church: Assembly area is by the road at the front of the church.
First aid kits and accident reporting sheets are located:
Reid Anderson — In the cupboard over the small hand basin, by the back door in the kitchen.
Nora Brown — on the shelf above the microwave. Record sheets are next to the microwave.
Parish office — 2nd to top shelf on left side in the back room. The office is locked when unattended. Forms are to be completed as soon as the accident has been dealt with and the form put through the slot by the office door and the vicar or wardens are to be notified. Treatment including resources that are used are to be recorded on the accident sheet.
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SUPERB HAIR MOBILE HAIRDRESSER
Convenience — I come to you!
Most aspects of hairdressing (including perms)
Professional service
Award-winning stylist
Top products
Text or phone Susan 021 499 194
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DK CONCRETE
Floors/Driveways/Footpaths/Patios etc
Daniel Kircher
Ph 021 066 8356
E: kirchaz@hotmail.com
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HALLIWELL’S OF PUKEKOHE
Stockists of fine Quality Leather Shoes
81 King St, Pukekohe. Ph 09- 2387686
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PUKEKOHE TRAVEL
Locally owned and operated since 1978
Contact Eve Murphy, 89 King St, Pukekohe. Ph 09-237 0013
info@pukekohe-travel.co.nz
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FRANKLIN LONG ROOFING LTD
We cover buildings with the best Colorsteel
in corrugated or styline profiles
“Steel Yourself for the 21st Century”
Franklin Rd, Pukekohe. Ph 09-238 9249 or after hours 09-238 0027
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PARISH DIRECTORY
Vicar: The Rev’d Jan Wallace 238 7723 Home
238 7228 Office 0274 521 366 Mob
Email: jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz
Vestry
Chairperson Rev’d Jan Wallace
Vestry secretary Karen Stevens
Wardens Pauline Brown 021 182 3703
Richard Anderson 021 081 68724
Synod Reps Vicky Mee Helen Halliwell
Vestry members Renton Brown, Richard Gibbons, Helen Halliwell,
Julie Perelini, Glenis Kerr, Vicky Mee
Buckland Reps Jim Moore
Parish Ministry Team
Vestry Wardens Pauline Brown and Richard Anderson
Family Gael Crimmins
Communications Cecily Daroux & Judith Tucker
Community needs response Jan Wallace & Vicky Mee
Sustainability Pauline Brown, Vicky Mee, Keith Gardner
Pastoral Care Rev Jan Wallace, Rev Merlene Walker
Administration
Central Vestry Trust Board Treasurer Ros Phillips
Parish Recorder Keith Gardner (Parish Envelope Scheme)
Parish Administrator Judith Tucker
Office Hours Monday to Thursday | 9am — 2pm
Address 31 — 37 Queen St, PO Box 338, Pukekohe
Phone 09 238 7228
Email address pukekoheanglicanchurch@xtra.co.nz
Op Shop 9am — 12 noon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
PASTORAL CARE
Community Programmes at Pukekohe Anglican Church — Pukekohe Community Action
SPACE for you and your baby
For the first year of baby’s life. Several groups are run eaach week to keep the age range of the babies within about 3 months. Term time only.
THE SELWYN FOUNDATION
For the older members of the community
A hot lunch is available for a small charge. Transport can also be arranged. Tuesdays 9.30am.
SEASONSAn after-school group held at 4pm on Thursdays for children who have experienced a significant loss or grief in their lives. An adult programme runs at various times. Ph 027 452 1366 for information.
OASIS PLAY GROUP
Music & Coffee group, a natural progression from Space, for preschool children. Mon & Fri, 9.15-11am. Term time only.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday October 1, 9.30am: St Francis’ Day, Animal Blessing Service in Nora Brown Hall.
Sunday October 1, 3pm: Handel Consort & Quire performs Joshua, the biblical story of the leader of the ancient Israelites. Adults $45, seniors $40, students free with ID. Save $10 off door price by booking with the office or via eventfinda.
Wednesday October 4, 10am: Parish Communion Service. 10.30am: Mothers’ Union social group gathering.
Saturday October 7, 8am-11am: Parish Fair & Garage Sale. Set up from Tuesday October 3 to Friday October 6. Please help with moving items from the garage to the Reid Anderson Hall. Help is also needed on the day 7.30am-11am and with cleaning up. Donations of items for the tombola and raffles appreciated. Contributions of cakes, jams, preserves, craft items and seedlings also appreciated.
Thursday October 19, 10am: Parish Communion Service. Fellowship Group meets at the church at 10.20am for cafe outings.
Sunday October 29, 8.45am: Parish Breakfast. An opportunity to enjoy breakfast together and get to know each other a little better. Richard Anderson and his team are again co-ordinating this. Please add your name to the list in the foyer.
ALL SOULS’ DAY: This year we will hold our day of remembrance for our loved ones on Wednesday November 1, with services at noon and 7pm.
MEMORIAL ARCH REDEDICATION
This has been delayed until next year. Hopefully we can finally achieve this by ANZAC DAY.
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