LENT ALREADY!!!
Well the church is certainly lagging behind the supermarkets when it comes to remembering Easter — or is it just not knowing or understanding the significance of some of the symbols that are so meaningful to us in the Christian traditions? They had hot cross buns on the shelves immediately after Christmas Day. Like Christmas and our preparation for the coming of the Christ Child into the world, Lent is our time of preparation for Easter. The concept of preparing for these special celebrations in the church calendar have totally different meaning for us than that of the secular world.
Ash Wednesday on February 14 begins our Lenten journey. It is when we gather and remember that we are frail, that we are part of God’s family and that we live in interdependence with all living things. In remembering our frailty, we remember how deeply we are loved.
From Ash Wednesday we are encouraged to reflect on Jesus’ time in the wilderness after his baptism.
So Lent is our time for reflection, and consideration of the significance of Christ’s life on Earth two thousand years ago and what that is telling us in our world today, especially in our relationships with others.
There are a number of opportunities for us to join together in discussion and provide fellowship and support for one another.
I hope you managed to take some time out over the Christmas season. Bob and I are very grateful for all the help and support we received over that time giving me the opportunity for my broken arm to heal. Christmas is a time that I really enjoy. I love the Christmas worship and the sharing with others, I love the time of joining with our family and the way they all join together so happily in celebration.
The joy, the laughter, the time of playing and sharing across the ages is so special. We are so blessed to have such good relationships.
At the same time, we remember and endeavour to support those for whom this is not such a special time, those who experience loss of a loved one, or the fear of losing someone, the struggling to make ends meet and feed and shelter those who are hurting.
This Christmas season was a very special time for Bob and me as we had the privilege of having Libby Davey visit with her family. Along with her came her daughters Merryn and Monique, their partners Ryan and Ben and all five of Libby’s grandchildren — Isla, Maeve, Oscar and twin babies of about 4 months, Asher and Bowie. Merryn, Ryan and her family travelled from Sydney to have Oscar baptised. Monique and Ben travelled from San Francisco with Asher and Bowie. What a privilege to have Merryn and Monique, both former youth group members, travel back to Pukekohe for the baptism of their children.
Blessings to all, Jan
PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred, and death. Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home.
Receive the deceased into your presence. Comfort those who mourn, are wounded, or are forced to flee. Be close to those who are full of fear and despair.
You are our peace and the light of the nations, put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East.
Let peace and justice flourish at the holy sites. You are our refuge.
Let the people be safe in your love.
Have mercy on us and on our time. Amen.
Aid to the church.org
May we pray that peace, love and the acceptance of God’s love may spread throughout the world.
PARISH QUIET DAY
Seeking peace in times of challenge.
Saturday March 2, 10am to 2pm at St Andrew’s Church Lounge.
Tea, coffee, juice, water and morning tea provided.
Please bring your lunch, Bible and colouring devices.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Ecumenical Service, Friday March 1
Theme: I Beg You — Bear With One Another in Love.
This year the service will be held in the Methodist Church, straight across the road from St Andrew’s. We will begin with morning tea at 10am and then move into the church for the service. All are welcome.
Every year on the first Friday of March there is the World Day of Prayer. The service is facilitated by a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome everyone to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.
Women from a different participating country write the service each year, and this year it has been prepared by the WDP Committee of Palestine.
I believe that it is particularly important for us to unite in prayer with so much war and tension in the world, internal conflict increasing in New Zealand and violence in many homes. We have hungry homeless people sleeping around our town.
Upcoming Worship Themes For the World Day of Prayer
2024: I Beg You — Bear With One Another in Love (WDP Committee of Palestine)
2025: I Made You Wonderful (Cook Islands)
2026: I Will Give You Rest: Come (Nigeria)
2027: United in Prayer for Justice and Peace! (World Day of Prayer International Committee)
2028: Leading the Way in Grace (Costa Rica)
2029: Compassion Brings Healing (Italy)
2030: As the Earth Rests, People Can Eat (Nepal)
2031: A Sign of Faith (Jamaica)
You will see that the organising committees are arranged several years in advance. What more appropriate country could we have involved this year than Palestine?
The theme is: I Beg You — Bear With One Another in Love.
Olive branches are a symbol of Palestine and a symbol of peace.
Olive trees are a sign of everlasting and abundant life because they can live for thousands of years. Some of the olive trees in Palestine today were there during the time of Jesus.
SUNDAY READINGS FOR FEBRUARY
February 4: First reading: Isaiah 40:21-31; Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
February 11: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Mark 9:2-9
February 18: Genesis 9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15
February 25: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Mark 8:31-38
REST HOMES AND HOSPITAL SERVICES
Singers welcome to help
Thursday February 1, 10.30am: Franklin Village
Tuesday February 6, 10.30am: Palms Rest Home
Wednesday February 7, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday February 13, 11am: Palms Hospital
Wednesday February 14 (Ash Wednesday), 10am: St Andrew’s
Wednesday February 14, 7pm: St Patrick’s Catholic Church
Thursday February 15, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday February 27, 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
SPECIAL SERVICES AND EVENTS
PANCAKE PARTY
Sunday February 11, about 11am. All are welcome. Games and activities. Burning of last year’s palm crosses ready for ashes on Ash Wednesday.
Please bring a savoury or sweet topping for the pancakes.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
February 14
10am Eucharist St Andrew’s.
7pm Evening service at St Patrick’s Catholic Church.
LENTEN STUDY GROUP
During Lent we will be holding at least one study group per week. Please indicate on the list in the church foyer whether you prefer a daytime or evening group, and your preferred day of the week. We will choose a text from the Bible to reflect on and discuss what this reading is telling us today.
ARCH RECONSTRUCTION — FACTORY VISIT TUESDAY JANUARY 23, 2024
I visited Liquidstone’s factory in Swanson with the architects to view the memorial arch project’s progress.
They have completed production of the fibre-reinforced concrete outer panels and have already made good progress on a trial assembly of the complete arch in the workshop.
The purpose of this phase is to identify any issues with the construction method, the materials, clearances, etc so that on-site construction should be straightforward.
Actions Identified:
The structural engineer is to be asked to visit the workshop ASAP so he can inspect the work and ensure that the product will conform with the design and be stable.
Final weights of the components are now available and the calculations can be checked. The non-shrink pourable grout for the lower jambs/buttresses needs to be agreed, as does the material used for packers between layers.
The site construction approach (cranes etc) needs to be confirmed.
The next meeting is planned for the week starting Monday February 12, ready for the site establishment on Monday February 19.
Richard Gibbons
SUSTAINABILITY
KAKAPO
By Keith Gardner
Whenever I was giving a talk with a kakapo puppet, it always fascinated the children to hear the noise the bird made. The boom sound it makes is unlike any other bird’s. The kids loved to have a turn with the puppet making its screeching and booming noise.
Another name for the kakapo is owl parrot. They are only found in New Zealand and are amazing birds to behold.
In early Māori times they were found throughout the country. In the early 1800s they were still in the central North Island and in the forest parts of the South Island. But stoats decimated the kakapo population when they were introduced in the 1850s.
In 1977, 100 birds were found living in the south and east of the Tim Range in Stewart Island/Rakiura but they were endangered by feral cats. They were moved to Codfish, Little Barrier and Maud islands successfully as these places had no predators.
The population rose by 25% in 2022 and today is estimated to be around 247.
Because they were large, flightless, slow-moving, placid and strong-scented, the kakapo were susceptible to mammalian predators. To make matters worse, they nested on the ground. They have wings, using them to maintain balance when running and climbing. They climb up small trees to get fruits, seeds and new stems. They will also dig for roots.
When breeding the males gather in display grounds in hollowed-out basins on hilly ground. Here they boom loudly for 6-8 hours at night, trying to attract females. This can last for 2-3 months. They only breed once every 3-5 years but on Little Barrier they have been found to breed once a year. When nesting, the female leaves the eggs and chicks unattended for long periods to feed.
Kakapo are long lived — the oldest bird in the wild was at least 20 years old — but some live to 30 or 40 years.
At 26, Sirocco was a media superstar. He was hand-reared after suffering a respiratory illness when young.
When he was put back into the wild, he found humans better company. He appeared on TV a number of times and became world famous when he featured on the BBC programme Last Chance to See.
In 2010 Prime Minister John Key named Sirocco the Official Spokesbird for Conservation. He was taken to Parliament where members got a close-up view of him. Sirocco has visited many conservation reserves such as Zealandia, Maungatautari and Orokonui, usually having his own seat on Air New Zealand when travelling. He went missing in 2016 when his transmitter stopped but he turned up again in 2018, happy to see his human friends.
Thanks to Birds of NZ and DoC
THE LITTLE GREEN EXPO
Saturday March 16, 10am-3pm (rain date Saturday March 23)
Community Networks Franklin and its member organisations work together to enable a socially just and prosperous community. We’re also making sure we do that sustainably!
Our Little Green Expo is a way to find out what sustainability initiatives are already under way in our community.
We are again joining forces with Waiuku Zero Waste to bring you our third sustainable living expo. It will be a chance to:
• showcase steps to a sustainable future
• allow groups to connect
• provide practical steps to help tackle environmental problems
• encourage personal responsibility
• investigate new options
We aim to show what can be achieved in the home garden and workplace with waste, food, clothes, electricity and more.
The expo will feature practical workshops, activities for children, displays, stalls and presentations.
CNF and our partners Waiuku Zero Waste invite Franklin organisations, schools and businesses to join us to showcase their initiatives and help us build a better tomorrow for our community.
Venue: Pukekohe Anglican Church grounds, corner Queen St and Wesley St.
Want to take part in the expo? Email: cnfsecretary1@gmail.com or phone Jan on 027 452 1366
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:
1. Reid Anderson — In the cupboard over the small hand basin, by the back door in the kitchen.
2. Nora Brown — on the shelf above the microwave. Record sheets are next to the microwave.
3. 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.
COMING UP
PANCAKE PARTY: Sunday February 11, 11am after the 9.30 service. There will be a time of fun activities followed by sharing of pancakes for lunch. Please bring along a savoury or sweet topping to share.
ASH WEDNESDAY: February 14, 10am. Eucharist service at St Andrew’s. Evening service at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 7pm.
PARISH QUIET DAY: Saturday March 2, 10am to 2pm, in the Lounge.
LITTLE GREEN EXPO: Saturday 16 March 10am-3pm, St Andrew’s Church complex.
IMPORTANT: PARISH AGM: Sunday March 17, 11am, Nora Brown Hall. We have important matters to discuss as a parish. Your attendance and support at this meeting would be much appreciated.
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 community out-reach in our community): 12-3023-0071016-00
• Make sure you 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.