Some of the foodbank team, about to to take goods out to people in need in our community
Welcome to 2025
I hope you have had a chance to take a break and to soak up some of the summer sun. At least at this stage, despite the chilling winds, we are having some beautiful warm weather. But throughout the world devastation continues with natural and human-created disasters. We are living in hope for the success of the ceasefire in the Middle East, which seems very fragile at the moment.
We ended 2024 on somewhat of a high, despite being a little exhausted from all the activities and the opportunities we had to show the true spirit of Christmas to those struggling with the extra pressures over the weeks leading up to Christmas and the days that followed. While it was sad to see so many people in need turning to us for help, it was great seeing the faces of those receiving food parcels and some special Christmas treats. Thank you to all who contributed. There are many people in Pukekohe and beyond who contribute to our support of local people in need.
A touching event happened recently. A young man, I would say in his late 20s, came in with an empty paper cup, walked round the corner and filled his cup with water from the hose. He came to the office door and asked if he could use the bathroom. When he came back to the office, he asked me if I had anything he could eat. We gave him a food parcel. He was so grateful. On his way out he was shuffling around at the office door. When I came to go home, there was the paper cup on the step and in it were two $1 coins and a 10c coin. It is so easy to judge people who come for help but the vast majority are so grateful and living in very challenging situations with multiple extreme needs. Thank you to all who are so generous. This reminded me of the widow’s mite reading in the Bible. I found it so moving and humbling.
You may have noticed a ladder leaning against the Nora Brown Hall close to Wesley St on January 10. In the early hours that day — 2.53am to be exact — two young people rode bikes on to the property. They put the ladder up to the roof and ripped the spouting off the end of the hall.
Please let me know if someone is wandering around or if you see something unexpected. Please take care and don’t leave things lying around where someone can whisk them away.
You may also have noticed there has been a lot of clearing out of areas around the church and complex and that quite a bit of minor maintenance has been attended to. Thanks to Bill Fitzgerald, Renton, Ann, Pauline and Bob for your help with this. I would also like to acknowledge some of the team who attend to the maintenance on an ongoing basis throughout the year: The members of the Women’s Fellowship who regularly clean the church; those who clean the silver each week; those who wash the purificators (cloths for wiping the chalice between communicants); the people who mow the lawns and keep the gardens in order; and people who sweep up the leaves. People asking for food parcels sometimes sweep up too. Our musicians make a huge contribution to the parish and so do those who pause to pick up a piece of rubbish. My request is: Can we all make sure we take our things with us when we leave and help to keep the place clean and tidy?
While we all miss Judith Parke from St Andrew’s Court and her wonderful contribution to the parish, it is great to welcome Richard and Dianne Anderson into the village as our new residents. They are both well known to us, with Dianne’s mum having been in unit 6 for a few years and of course, Richard has been a long-time parishioner and is our current People’s Warden. Richard and Dianne, often supported by their children and grandchildren, have also prepared many beautiful breakfasts for us. I am sure they will fit into the village well. Welcome to you both and we continue to keep Judith in our prayers.
Blessings to all — Jan
Sunday Readings for FEBRUARY 2025
Feb 2: First reading Malachi 3:1-4; Gospel Luke 2:22-40
Feb 9: Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 5:1-11
Feb 16: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 6:17-26
Feb 23: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Luke 6:27-38
REST HOMES AND HOSPITAL SERVICES
Singers welcome to help
Wednesday Feb 5, 10am: St Andrew’s
Thursday Feb 6, 10.30am: Franklin Village
Tuesday Feb 11, 11am: Palms Hospital
Thursday Feb 20, 10am: St Andrew’s
Tuesday Feb 25, 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
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday March 7
St James’ Presbyterian Church, West St, Pukekohe
10am morning tea in the hall followed at 10.30am by service in the church.
Each year on the first Friday in March local churches join together in prayer. The service is planned by a team of women who are part of a worldwide movement of informed prayers involving people of many denominations and languages in more than 170 countries.
“I Made You Wonderfully” — Psalm 139:14. A service prepared by the WDP Committee of the Cook Islands. Adapted for use in New Zealand by World Day of Pray Aotearoa New Zealand.
JUNIOR EXPLORERS
We are looking to restart a children’s group running at the same time as our 9.30am services. Potentially there could be a broad range of ages attending. I am delighted Melanie Bullock has agreed to run this. Melanie has a young son and has been a member of the parish since she was about 10 years old. I need a support person for Melanie, even if this is on a roster. Hopefully, this can get off the ground early in March as Melanie will be away for part of February. If you would be interested in your child/children being involved in this please let me know. It would be good to get together and discuss ideas. In the meantime there are story books, colouring books, a road mat, cars and animals at the back of the church and a weekly activity sheet and felts on the front seat. Phone or text Jan 027 452 1366 or email jan.wallace@xtra.co.nz
PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday March 16 after the9.30am service
This meeting will include the election of:
– People’s Warden
– Vestry members — Synod moved that we appoint at least one vestry member under the age of 40
– 2 lay Synod representatives
– Buckland representative
– It would be great to appoint a representative to be on vestry who has an interest in finances
Please can all reports be given to the office by the end of February so they can be printed and available for parishioners before the AGM.
MANY YEARS AGO
Many years ago, the Anglican churches in Bombay/Pokeno, Mauku/Waiuku and the Awhitu Peninsula, Tuakau/Onewhero and Pukekohe/Buckland worked well together and shared many gatherings, educational events and ideas for the likes of Christmas, Pentecost and Easter. Over the last few months of 2024 we began inviting other churches, now called mission ventures, to join us in fundraising activities and a number from Pukekohe have participated. Vestry has decided to invite these other Anglican churches to join us for our
PANCAKE PARTY
Sunday March 2, 11.30am
On the vicarage lawn if fine. In Nora Brown Hall if wet.
Yes, it is two days before Shrove Tuesday but it’s a good opportunity to get together, to have some fun and get to know some more people. Please consider joining us. We are asking people to bring a savoury or a sweet filling for the pancakes and if there are some volunteers to make pancakes that would really be appreciated. Many thanks.
FOOD PARCELS AND PUKEKOHE COMMUNITY ACTION
Supporting people in need is certainly mentioned many times in our scriptures. It was a key element of Christ’s life on earth and what we are called to do as we seek to follow in Christ’s footsteps in the world today. I certainly consider it to be an important part of my ministry.
Having said that, it is just one part. We live in a world where there is a high level of need. PCA allocates a foodbank budget of $4000 a month plus the donations we receive by way of food and money. We get products at cost from New World and The Warehouse donates$500 worth of food to us each month. It is a real challenge and so often we are over budget, despite buying the cheapest brands and having our veges donated. An issue has arisen because if we are at church it does not mean we are free to attend to people walking in and expecting to automatically receive a food parcel. This often happens before we can even get out of the car.
We would like to tidy up some of our procedures. We do have requirements to be eligible for a parcel, including why the need has arisen, whether it’s a matter of needing some financial mentoring, how long since they last had one and such like. I prefer to talk with the person to determine if there are other needs. So if someone asks you for a food parcel, please give them a card with my phone number on it and ask them to phone or text me with name, address and phone number. If they don’t have any credit, please text me their details if you are able. Please don’t indicate that they will get a parcel. It is for consideration. I will be making and leaving some cards by the office door.
Criteria do apply otherwise no way would we be able to do this. I do have a team who know the criteria I refer to. I don’t want you being hassled by people.
If you would like more information about the number of food parcels distributed and the impact of PCA, I am just completing an application for a grant for a storage shed for PCA and resources for a resilience and recovery hub which I would be happy to share with you. Jan
Facts from the PCA Food Bank:
Quarterly number of food parcels delivered over the past 3 years
Despite 2023 having a higher number of parcels distributed at Christmas than in 2024, the total number of parcels distributed over the year showed a 28% increase.
Jan to Mar 2022: 80 parcels
Apr — Jun 22: 74
Jul — Sep 22: 91
Oct- Dec 22: 154
Jan — Mar 23: 132
Apr — Jun 23: 178
Jul — Sep 23: 250
Oct — Dec 23: 315
Jan — Mar 24: 260
Apr — Jun 24: 279
Jul — Sep 24: 286
Oct — Dec 24: 295
No of people supported by PCA during 2024:
Food parcels 1120; people fed 4941; Space 321; Oasis 232; Seasons 118; Total 5612.
SUSTAINABILITY
Jellyfish
By Keith Gardner
Often when combing the beach for seashells with my parents, we would come across jellyfish. They can be a nuisance during summer months when people are stung while swimming or by picking them up.
But for me, they were a delight to see, especially if you were lucky enough to see a long-tentacled one as we fished from a wharf. Jellyfish are effective ocean wanderers and have not changed over millions of years. They were on the earth way before the dinosaurs.
There are 200 species in the world, some yet to be discovered. New Zealand has half a dozen often-seen species. Their structure is simply a bag with cells on both the inside and out, with a mouth in the middle. All jellyfish have stinging cells adapted to stun and catch prey. As their name suggests, they store large amounts of jelly. They can live for around two years.
The spotted jellyfish is often seen on our shores. It has clear brown spots on it. The harmless common jellyfish — or moon jellyfish — is only 20cm across. Its sting is not able to penetrate our skin. Its body is hard and it has many small tentacles hanging from its rim. This jellyfish is often seen on our beaches at high tide mark.
The lion’s mane jellyfish varies in colour from deep blue to pale white. It can reach almost 2m across. Its long tentacles hang down from the bell rim and can reach 5m in length and can be hard to see.
The stinging purple jellyfish has only a few catching tentacles trailing from its bell. It can grow 40 cm across. I have seen these off Devonport and Rangitoto wharves.
Jellyfish eat plankton, zooplankton in particular, and some larger jellyfish may feed on crustaceans and small fish. They use their stingers to paralyse and swallow their prey whole and absorb nutrients from their stomachs.
There is a long list of creatures that eat jellyfish. As they are 90% water, a jellyfish is hardly a meal for a predator. Seabirds, fish, other jellyfish, sharks, penguins and turtles will eat them.
Most jellyfish species are not considered endangered and their populations are stable. However, environmental stressors such as climate changes, pollution and overfishing pose risks to jellyfish populations and are increasing around the world as predators disappear. Does this mean more jellyfish on our beaches?
Ref: Sea friends and Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
THE LITTLE GREEN EXPO
10am — 2pm Saturday March 15, 2025, Pukekohe Anglican Church grounds
Community Networks Franklin and its member organisations work together to enable a socially just and prosperous community. We’re also about 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 bringing you another Little Green Expo in March 2025. 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 workshops, activities for children, displays, stalls and presentations.
CNF invites Franklin organisations, schools and businesses to join us to showcase their initiatives and help us build a better future for our community.
Want to take part in the Expo? Email: cnfsecretary1@gmail.com or phone Jan 027 452 1366
THE HISTORY OF SHROVE TUESDAY
Shrove Tuesday is a Christian holiday that marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days of fasting before Easter. The word “shrove” comes from the Old English word “shrive,” which means to confess sins.
Origins
In the Middle Ages, Christians would confess their sins on Shrove Tuesday to prepare for Lent. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday may have started as a way to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before Lent.
The origins of pancakes may go back to the Stone Age, when people may have mixed flour with water to make batter and baked it on hot rocks.
Celebrations
In the United Kingdom, Ireland and parts of the Commonwealth, Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday.
In many places, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as a carnival or festival with parades.
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
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
GARAGE SALE
Saturday February 1, 8am-11am:
Set up from Tuesday January 28 to Friday January 31. It would be appreciated if you could store large items at home until then but if not, we would still love to receive your contribution. Please help with moving sale items from the garage into the hall if you are able. Help is also needed on the day 7.30am-11am and then with cleaning up.
COMMUNITY HUB MEETING
Tuesday February 4, 7.30pm: Are you interested in hearing more about the Hubs being set up in Pukekohe to support people who are affected by any future physical events be it flooding, pandemic, earthquake or volcanic eruption? Come along to our meeting at St Andrew’s. For any further information do talk to Jan or Graham Russell.
PANCAKE PARTY
Sunday March 2, 11.30am: On the vicarage lawn if fine, in Nora Brown Hall if wet. See notice earlier in the Messenger.
MARCH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday March 7, 10am: At Pukekohe Presbyterian Church morning tea in the church lounge followed at 10.30am by service in the church. See notice earlier in the Messenger.