CALMING THE STORMS IN LIFE
The Gospel reading from John 6 that we read in church last Sunday seems so appropriate for us at the moment. This reading tells of Jesus calming a storm.
The weather is very unpredictable throughout the world today as were the waters the disciples were sailing across. Pukekohe is a region where Auckland Emergency Management is working to establish hubs in preparation for any future disaster events that impact our community.
St Andrew’s is one of the venues being explored as a potential community hub. We are now applying for funds to help us with the resources we need to establish the hub. These additions will be an asset to the parish in the future.
We are also working with the community to establish the hub. Do talk to me if you would like more information about this or if you would like to be involved in any way with this initiative. More information will be given as we continue with this. People will be invited to be involved in planning or in helping out when a disaster happens. We are not talking about “first response” action but hosting people who are displaced or injured, or whose property has been damaged. Pukekohe Community Action will be working with us on this initiative.
All of us experience storms in our lives from time to time, be it sickness, loss of loved ones or possessions that are precious to us, broken relationships or — like the disciples — fear. In extreme situations, many people go into panic and don’t know what to do or which way to turn. Jesus told the disciples not to fear as he was with them. We too need to remember this when we are experiencing fears or anxiety in the midst of the storms in our lives.
Unfortunately, even today there are many people who live in fear with wars continuing to destroy people’s lives, or fear of abuse in any form.
Unfortunately, such events continue in our country and throughout the world. Please let us continue to pray that “the peace of God which passes all understanding” will spread through our communities and the world.
At the licensed ministry conference recently, Bishop Ross suggested that it would be helpful for us to work more closely with our neighbouring parishes. Bombay/Pokeno, Tuakau, Mauku and Pukekohe have met to discuss this. At this point we are looking more at supporting events held in the ministry units including social and fundraising events, and quiet days. You will find events planned for the next couple of months later in the Messenger.
Currently, I am looking at our ministry team members and refreshing these. There are considerable gaps. We need people to visit older members of the parish. It would be great to reinstate the prayer chain, but it needs a co-ordinator as well as the names of people willing to pray for others and their current situation while keeping names confidential.
It would be good to have a record of people willing to do odd jobs and a list of the tasks they would be willing to assist with. Fundraising, social and Sunday School are also areas that need addressing.
If you would be willing to help in any of these areas or if you have any other suggestions or aspects of church life you would like to be involved in, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these with you.
Keep warm, dry and away from the bugs that seem to be circulating.
Blessings — Jan
SUNDAY READINGS
August 4: First reading Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Gospel John 6:24 — 35
August 11: 1 Kings 19:4-8; John 6:35,41-51
August 18: Proverbs 9:1-6; John 6:51 — 58
August 25: Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18; John 6:56 — 69
REST HOME AND HOSPITAL SERVICES
Singers welcome to help
Thursday August 1, 10.30am: Franklin Village
Wednesday August 7, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday August 13, 11am: Palms Hospital
Thursday August 15, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday August 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
11.30am 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
SUSTAINABILITY
ANCIENT REPTILES OF NEW ZEALAND
By Keith Gardner
This is one for the kids.
Biodiversity is the variety of animals, plants, fungi and micro-organisms found in nature and New Zealand is a world-famous biodiversity hotspot.
This is due to Zealandia — our continent — breaking away and isolating our country from the rest of the world. Our geography (the physical features of our country) and our climate (the long-term weather patterns) have also meant that unique animals have developed here over millions of years. Zealandia was mostly swamps and estuaries, so its reptiles were mainly water creatures.
Yes, New Zealand did have ancient reptiles. Some thrived in Zealandia for 20 million years but disappeared from our continent 65 million years ago because the environment and conditions were not right for them. Were those reptiles dinosaurs? Some were. Dinosaur fossils have been found in Hawke’s Bay, Port Waikato and Nelson.
The Ankylosaurus was the military tank of the era. It had a broad, blunt head and short legs. It relied on bony armour set in leathery skin for defence, and had weak teeth and stubby claws with a powerful tail ending in a club.
The Anhanguera was the most common type of pterosaur with a wingspan of five metres. It was mainly a fish eater and lived in large coastal nesting colonies like the sea birds of today. It had leathery eggs and could fly as soon as it hatched.
Another ancient reptile was the Titanosaurus. It was the last descendant of the giant sauropods (Brontosaurus) but was small at only 14m long. It weighed about 13 tonnes. It ate from treetops and especially liked large ferns. Titanosaurus lived in large herds for protection.
The Mosasaurus was found in the shallow waters of Zealandia. It was a fearsome predator with a snakelike body and moved through the water with its paddle-like feet just as crocodiles do today. It grew to 12m with a 78cm-long skull.
The Mauisaurus was a type of plesiosaurus. It was known for its long neck. It was the largest of its kind in the world at 20m. It could only eat small fish and squid and lived in shallow waters. Tramping or visiting the beach would have been a bit hazardous in those days.
Our native frogs and lizards appeared 70 million years ago so they would have been around when New Zealand had a few giant reptiles in the land called Zealandia. Ref: KCC
ABUSE IN CARE REPORT
The Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia have responded to the recent release of the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, saying it must be a catalyst for great change.
“We owe it to survivors.”
Archbishops Don Tamihere, Justin Duckworth and Sione Ulu’ilakepa have this to say about the report on the inquiry, which covered abuse in state- and faith-based care between 1950 and 1999:
“We acknowledge and take full responsibility for our failures to provide the safe, caring and nurturing environment those who have been in our care had a right to expect and to receive.
“There have been clear failures to properly investigate and respond when abuse was reported. We acknowledge that we have not provided accessible, straightforward processes for the handling of disclosures and complaints of abuse.
“We have also failed to provide accessible, trustworthy, and consistent processes of redress.
“We are committed to making our selection, screening, training and professional development processes more transparent, consistent, and accountable; and ensuring that all our communities are constantly monitoring and reviewing their approach to safeguarding.
“It is crucial that the whole Church takes direction and advice on this. We know that we still have a long way to go.
“We call on all who identify as Anglican; whether churches, schools or agencies to study this report and its recommendations and to commit themselves to the principles and practices that ensure the highest standards of pastoral care.
“We call on all Anglican entities to commit to a common approach to ensure that anyone making disclosures of abuse or seeking redress does not have to navigate complex and disconnected processes.
“Our apology at the Royal Commission to survivors of abuse was heartfelt and genuine and we can only stand in awe of their courage and endurance. We encourage any other survivors of abuse who have not yet come forward to do so.
“The bishops noted that the establishment of an independent entity for the handling of future complaints has been promoted. The Anglican Church supports this in principle and is keen to see it come to fruition.”
E te Atua Atawhai, tēnei mātau e koropiko ana
ki mua i tōu aroaro i runga i te ngākau pōuri.
Nā te mea, tē taea mātau i rongo, i kite,
Nā te waha ngū ka whakakino mātau i te ngā harakore me ngā ngoikore.
E te Ariki, whakakahangia rātou ko te hunga mōrehu,
Arahina mātou ki te tika.
E te Ariki, whakarongo mai ki tā mātau inoi.
Āmine
Merciful God, we come to you in sorrow.
We would not hear, we did not believe,
Our silence condemned the innocent and the powerless.
Lord, strengthen and empower the survivors now,
and align our hearts with your justice.
God, hear our prayer.
Amen
HANDEL CONSORT & QUIRE
Alexander’s Feast by Handel, including Harp Concerto in Bb (Op 4 #6)
Sunday August 18, 3pm, St Andrew’s Church Pukekohe
Soloists Gina Sanders, Iain Tetley, Andrew Copley. Harp: Jessica Kim. Directed by Robert Howell.
“The Handel Quire is small in appearance but large in production of its amazing choral sound.” Rainer W. Buhmann
Adults $45, Seniors $40, Students free with ID. $10 off for booking via eventfinda OR $10 off the door price if you book through the parish office.
MUSICAL SOIREE
Sunday August 11, 4pm-6pm, St Peter’s Church, Bombay
Featuring Vocal Frenzy, a group of local women singing for the joy of it, and Lew Black, multi-talented singer and guitarist.
Admission $10 (includes afternoon tea). Raffle $2 a ticket. Cash only please.
Queries to Angela 0272 839 848
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.
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 HAIRDRESSERConvenience — 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 etcDaniel Kircher
Ph 021 066 8356
E: kirchaz@hotmail.com
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HALLIWELL’S OF PUKEKOHE
Stockists of fine Quality Leather Shoes81 King St, Pukekohe. Ph 09- 2387686
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PUKEKOHE TRAVEL
Locally owned and operated since 1978Contact 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 WallaceVestry secretary Karen StevensWardens Pauline Brown 021 182 3703,
Richard Anderson 021 081 68724
Synod Reps Vicky Mee, Helen HalliwellVestry members Renton Brown,Helen Halliwell, Glenis Kerr, Vicky Mee
Buckland Rep Glen Morse
Parish Ministry Team
Vestry Wardens Pauline Brown and Richard AndersonCommunications Cecily Daroux & Judith TuckerCommunity needs response Jan Wallace & Vicky Mee
Sustainability Pauline Brown, Vicky Mee, Keith GardnerPastoral Care Rev Jan Wallace
Social
Retirement Village
Property and Maintenance
Administration
Central Vestry Trust Board Treasurer Ros PhillipsParish Recorder Keith Gardner (Parish Envelope Scheme)Parish Administrator Judith TuckerOffice Hours Monday to Thursday | 9am — 2pmAddress 31 — 37 Queen St, PO Box 338, PukekohePhone 09 238 7228Email address pukekoheanglicanchurch@xtra.co.nzOp 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 each 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.Seasons
An 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
Wednesday August 7, 10am: Parish Communion Service. 10.30am: Mothers’ Union social group gathering.
Thursday August 15, 10am: Parish Communion Service. 10.20am Fellowship Group meets at the church for cafe outings.
Sunday August 18, 3pm: Handel Consort & Quire.
AT OTHER PARISHES
Bombay — Pokeno: Sunday August 11, 4pm-6pm: Musical Soiree at St Peter’s Bombay. For information phone Angela 027 2839 848.
Tuakau & districts: Saturday August 24: Retreat at St John’s Tuakau. Details to come.
Mauku: Sunday September 29, 5pm: Movie The Way, My Way — Miracles Happen on the Camino, at Cinema 3 Pukekohe. Ticket $20, includes three raffle tickets. For information phone Nina 021 966 142 or Sally 021 232 1606.