PARISH OF OPAWA / ST MARTINS

ST MARK’S ST ANNE’S 100 Opawa Road. 7 Wilsons Road

DECEMBER 2008 MAGAZINE

MINISTRY TEAM: Vicar The Ven. Lawrence Kimberley: Ph 981 7384 lak@clear.net.nz Deacon Assistant The Rev’d Anne Price Ph 332 7195 revanneprice@yahoo.com Hon Priest Assistants Rev’d Peter Axcell Ph 980 9983 Rev’d Jill Pask Ph 3845453

Parish Contacts Wardens. Neil Shewan ph 337 1642 Peter Greenwood ph 377 0852 Parish Office ph 980 9983 (mornings only) stmarks.opawa@paradise.net.nz Webpage www.geocities.com/opawastmartins See web site for full colour version of this magazine

For information about Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals or Home

Communions please contact Ven. Laurence Kimberley ph 981 7384

ADVENT Asking hard questions Demanding replies Visions of heaven End times skies Newly awakened Turn round your lives.

CHRISTMAS Christ’s coming at Christmas Heralded by angels Rejoiced in by shepherds Intoned by loud bells Star as a sign for Travellers guiding Mystery telling All thanks we should give Saviour, God’s love to the world.

REFLECTION How to keep a holy Advent

Advent is a season of patient waiting on God. The culture surrounding us is full of the noise of end of year celebrations; TV and radio advertising will be sending us powerful messages calling us to spend up large on gifts. By contrast, the gospel is calling us to be still, to feel the anticipation and yet to wait, to notice the injus-tices of the world, to yearn for what is right and share with others from our plenty, to be aware of God’s call to repentance. Things you can do at home to keep Advent well: • Of course, attend the Sunday Eucharist every week; • Obtain an advent calendar, or make your own. Advent Calendars are stocked by a variety of retailers in the city; • Make your own advent wreath and use it for family prayers. Light the additional candle on each Sun-day of Advent using the prayers in the pew news and sing an advent carol; • Put up an Advent star in your home as a sign of the hope promised by God; • Toward the end of Advent put out a Christmas Crib scene. Make sure baby Jesus does not arrive until Christmas morning! • Similarly, resist the temptation to put up Christmas trees too early! The original tradition, which started in Germany, was for the Christmas tree to go up on Christmas Eve and then be taken down on 6 January. • Eat simply (save the Christmas food for Christmas Day) and give the money saved to the Christian World Service appeal; • Similarly, keep gift giving simple. Beware of expensive gifts that teach our children to be materialistic and acquisitive. The gospel is calling us to be gift givers and share what we have with others. Think carefully about who to invite for Christmas Day celebrations. Look out for those who will be alone on Christmas Day and invite them into your home. And remember: The season of Christmas lasts for 12 days beginning on 25 December and concluding on 6 January.

Keep Hope Alive, the Christian World Service Christmas Appeal for 2008 focuses on people and nations struggling with conflict in many ways. In particular we wish to support the work of our partners in Timor Leste, Sudan-Darfur, Sri Lanka and El Salvador. Please sup-port the 2008 CWS Christmas Appeal.

The Vicar Writes Waiting with imperfection We have recently witnessed two major general elections. The first was the election of Barak Obama to be the 44th president of the United State of America, the second being our own general election for a new government for this country. The rhetoric of political leaders on winning elections is that of parties coming in to make an im-perfect world a vastly improved place. “The dreams of our founders are still alive”, and, “change has come”, are slogans still ringing in our ears. New leadership prom-ises to make the country a better place. Given time, the party in power will put every wrong to right! Experience teaches however that one of the first challenges of human living is that we have to de-velop an attitude that will allow us to be at peace with a certain amount of imperfection. People go about this in different ways. Some make their world as small as possible, training themselves not to know about the suffering and the problems around them. If the imperfection can be avoided, then

one doesn’t have to care. Others strive to make things better. These people become the prophets, the visionaries, the artists and poets. The bible is full of the writings of visionaries. We call them prophets. They usu-ally wrote for a people who were oppressed. Their visions concerned a perfect peace, where swords are turned into plough shares, where there is no longer any need for weapons of war; food and water is shared among all and no one goes without. But in the bible it is not political parties and leaders who make the world a better

place. It is God. We who are Christians are inheritors of these prophetic manifestos for change. We find ourselves confronted with the fact that these visions find fullest expression in Christ himself and that the Gospel calls us to live into them. So we are aware of the imperfect nature of our world while waiting in hope for promise to be fulfilled that the God who made the world, who redeemed it and claimed it, will one day return to make it fully his own, and put all the wrongs of the world to right. This month we begin the season of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting in anticipation and hope. This is the season for training ourselves to be patient and still in the midst of our ridiculously frantic lives, so that we can wait on God. Elsewhere in this maga-zine there is information about how you can keep Advent well. One of the ways we do this is to re-spond to the Christian World Service Christmas appeal with its focus on keeping hope alive. I will be supporting this and encourage you to do so as well. Please pray also for Anne Price and her husband Charlie as Anne ordained a priest in the church of God. Details of her ordination and first celebration of Eucharist have been well publicised, but are included again in this newsletter for your information. I wish you all a holy Advent and a blessed Christmas season. Lawrence Kimberley Vicar .

We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise If we have waited in the darkness.

And a child named Thomas writes to God: “I didn’t think orange went

with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday night That was really cool.”

Parish Ministry in 2008 Children’s Ministry SMY (St Mark’s Youth) finishes meeting for this year at the end of November Along with other fun activities the young people made crafts and models, some of which were on sale at the Church fair, Many thanks to Stephen Coulthard for co-ordinating this group. His ministry with our 8-12 year olds is greatly appreciated. SMYLE has been meeting at the Vicarage on the first Saturday of each month for ‘food, fun and fellowship’. Thanks to Lawrence and Eliza-beth for their hospitality and to Richard and Sarah Rea for their leader-ship. SUNDAY SCHOOL It has been a very busy year for our Children’s Ministry Committee and we thank them all for their contribution to our Sunday School and youth programmes. Special thanks must be given to those leaders who with their children have come over to run a programme at St Anne’s. . This has been slow to take off but those who have attended have appreciated it. Play practice Saturday 20th December 3 pm in St Mark's Church, followed by decoration of the Christmas Tree and a fish n chip tea. Please bring $5 for the tea. Anyone is welcome to as-sist with the tree. The play will be presented at 10.00 am on Sunday 21 December. Please note the change of dates. Sunday School will resume for 2009 on 25th January!

Glenelg Health Camp: It has been the custom to make a Christmas Cake during the service on the Sunday before Advent, which parishioners get a chance to sample after the Carol Service. However this year it has been suggested that we give some of the cake to the children at Gle-nelg. It is also suggested that we ask our Sunday School children (and others if they want to) to bring a donation of party food to help with the Christmas party there Perhaps this year it is time to share our plenty with those who have nothing. (NB Please remember many children have food allergies so no peanut products please and perhaps a few gluten free biscuits) Please bring your donation to church on or before Sunday 14 December or deliver to the Parish Office.

mainly music This has continued with two groups all year and there is a small wait-ing list. The two groups meet at 9.30 am and 10.30 am with morning tea for all at 10.00 am.

We celebrated our 2nd Birthday at the beginning of term four. Thanks to all who have contributed to this exciting development in our parish life If you would like to be part of this please contact Rev’d Anne Price ph 337 0253 or Anna Wilson ph 381 4555. Others involved include Liz Peterson, Claire Keay, ‘Grandma’ Audrey Allan and many who have assisted with

morning tea. NB mainly music concludes for the year with ONE session at 10 am on Tuesday 9th De-cember at Risingholme. This will be followed by a party so please bring a plate of food and a blanket. All welcome to come along and join us. Little Annie’s Playgroup: Because of the popularity of ‘mainly music’, and as a result of a survey of parents involved, Ros Deane and Anne Price have been looking at starting a play group in St Anne’s hall one morning a week. A lot of research has gone into this so that we fulfill all requirements to be registered with the Education Department, with whom we will have a Licence to operate. All this comes at some cost, and fundraising has already begun with a film showing of film ’Four Seasons’ and a BBQ outside Bunnings in Shirley, which raised $820. Special thanks to Ros and Clinton Deane for organizing this. There will be more fund-raising to buy equipment , but we are applying for grants to fund the building of cupboards, fences etc.

ADULT MINISTRY Home Groups: We started the year with two home groups meeting on alternate Thursdays and a third resumed soon after on a Wednesday night. As we have mentioned in past newslet-ters, two out of three groups have been studying a series of videos in which Ken Bailey shows us a Middle Eastern perspective on Jesus’ teaching, explaining the context and meaning behind the parables that He told. We were all surprised at how much we had missed in so many of these scriptures because we didn’t know the background eg did you know that the definition of a neighbour to a Pharisee was any person who thought like him and kept the law in the same way—a very narrow definition? The other group spent some time looking at prayer, and ways to improve their prayer conversation with God—no doubt with a little bit about learning to listen as well! All the groups are coming to the end of the year’s study and will resume meeting in February. Watch the pew sheet for details. Recently a new study group has started on Monday mornings for those who apart from anything else have lots of questions. This group meets every Monday morning at Sarah Cuthbert’s home -94 Opawa Road at 9.30 am. All are welcome. We invite you to consider joining one of these groups, but if you are not able to, please pray for the group leaders, those who offer their homes and those who take so that together we may grow stronger in our faith and better equipped to share it with others.

Rest Home Services Monthly Services of Eucharist have been held for some years at Chatswood, Heathbrae and Kowhai Homes and in recent months we have started one at Elms Court Many of the residents at these places are former parishion-ers of our own or other churches and value the chance to keep up the practice of their faith. Thanks to Lawrence and Anne and the Lay Ministers who make this possible.

Association of Anglican Women: Two groups meet monthly within the parish, one at St Mark’s on a Thursday afternoon, and the other at St Anne’s on a Tuesday afternoon. From the St Anne’s group Noeline Mills writes ‘Since our previous newsletter we have continued to enjoy our Fellowship. We have had some interesting subjects—our own Rev Anne Price spoke of her life in England leading up to her present time with us, the details of Income support were explained, a speaker told us about Cholmondeley Home in Gov-ernor’s Bay, and we shared an outing to afternoon tea. Last month Elizabeth Kimber-ley spoke about the beautiful work she does on clerical robes and we were pleased and honoured to see some of it. Our final meeting for the year on Nov 25 will have a Christmas theme with Afternoon Tea.’ The St Mark’s group has also had some interesting programmes with emphasis on the

skills and talents of their own members. They will conclude the year with a Celtic Celebration of Creation at St Mark’s on November 20 at 2.15pm. All welcome. UFO Group: This group has been meeting since early in the year to share their skills and talents with each other, have a time of fellowship and to produce items for gifts or for sale at our Church fair etc. The fruits of their labours can be seen at Crafts for Christmas (see note on page 6) Community Lunches: This is a good chance to make contact with the community especially those elderly or disabled and live alone. All are invited to take part in the regular Wednesday 10.00m Eucharist followed by morning tea, and a speaker. Lunch is served around 12 noon and everyone is well fed and entertained. A lot of work goes on to organise these occasions and parishioners are invited to help with food and serving. Contact Jan Andrews for details. Support for the City Mission; Regular collections of food items are taken at both centres and several teams also regularly cook meals at the night shelter, Donation to the Community It has been our custom to donate 10% of the income from the Fair to com-munity organisations so Vestry has decided that $1500 be split three ways and $500 be given to each of Cholmondoley Home, Glenelg Health Campo, and the Kimihia Parents Centre, based at Linwood College. (See Page 8 for other areas where we help our community)

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Nov 29 10.00 am Ordination Service at ChristChurch Cathedral at which our Deacon Assistant Anne Price will be ordained Priest. Nov 30 5.00 pm First Celebration of the Eucharist by Anne Price followed by a shared BBQ meal This will be the main service for this day and there will be Children’s Church as well. (See Opposite for details.) Dec 12 Crafts for Christmas 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm in St Mark’s Church Supper Room Dec 14: ‘Open Christmas home’ at 2/207 A Fifield Tce between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm. All Welcome. Monetary donation to the City Mission would be appreciated.

Dec 20 3.00 pm Children’s Play Practice and Christmas Tree Decorating followed by Fish ‘n Chip Tea NB Change of Date.

Jan 25, Sunday School resumes at St Mark’s and at St Anne’s.

Feb 1 Candlemas Feb 25 Ash Wednesday April 5 Palm Sunday April 10 Good Friday April 12 Easter Day April 19 Fundraising concert and organ recital in St Mark’s Church. Details later.

Children's Services Tuesday 23 December 10.00am at St Anne’s Wednesday 24th December 5pm at St Mark’s

These give children aged up to 10 years the opportunity to dress up as we retell the Christmas Story. This service is followed by lemonade and biscuits. PLEASE - lots of helpers are required to dress the children (please be at St Anne’s by 9.30 am and St Mark's by 4.30 pm) and to serve refresh-ments. Put your name on the lists in the foyer at St Mark's or St Anne’s or contact the Parish Office if you would like to help. Everyone is welcome.

FUN AND FUNDRAISING Over the last few months we have had the following events: PARISH FAIR: Saturday October 18: As usual the planning started back in May, and many people particularly the Organizing Committee, worked very hard right up to the day, to make it a success both financially and as a way of including the local community in the life of the church. It is a good chance for friends and neighbours to meet up, to work alongside one another and get a bargain for themselves or as a gift. Although it was a cold day the rain stayed away and the sun came out so that people stayed around and many stalls sold out. Thanks again to those who helped in any way and well done for wonderful effort. Almost $15,000 was raised to help us fund our work in the church and the community. EARLY BIRD CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Thursday 30 October. A group of parishioners and friends of the parish who sell by means of party plan set out their wares for us all to purchase. Some money was raised from the gold coin entry and a percentage of sales either in money or in kind was donated by the salespeople. A raffle of some of these donated goods is on sale at present so contact Anna Wilson to learn more. Coming up we have another important event !

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS: Friday 12 December 3:00pm - 8:00pm in St Mark's Church Supper room. The UFO craft group and supporters, led by Eliza-beth Kimberley and Anne Price, have been making beautiful crafts for sale. Ideal gifts for Christmas, most of the crafts will be priced $10.00 or under. A low stress way to prepare for Christmas! Every dollar spent will go to the parish. If you would like to help by making something to sell or by staffing the stall on the day, Anne Price or Elizabeth Kimberley would love to hear from you on 981 7384.

Come and Worship ADVENT Prepare ye the way of the Lord Nov 30 First Sunday in Advent 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church (no music) 10.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church (no music) 5.00 pm First Celebration of Eucharist by Rev’d Anne Price followed by a shared BBQ Tea at St Mark’s Church Dec 7 Second Sunday in Advent 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church 10.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church Dec 14 Third Sunday in Advent 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church 10.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church Dec 21 Fourth Sunday in Advent 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church 10.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church including Children’s Christmas Play and Presentation of Books 7.30 pm Service of Lessons and Carols at St Mark’s Church

CHRISTMAS Rejoice the Saviour is born Dec 24 Christmas Eve 5.00 pm Children’s Christmas Service at St Mark’s Church 11.00 pm Carols at St Mark’s Church 11.30 pm Eucharist at St Mark’s Church Dec 25 Christmas Day 9.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church Dec 28 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Church 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Church

JANUARY SERVICES Jan 4 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’ *10.00 am Eucharist and Baptism at St Mark’s Jan 11 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s *10.00 am Eucharist at St Anne’s Jan 18 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s *10.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s Jan 25 8.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s 9.30 am Eucharist at St Anne’s !0.00 am Eucharist at St Mark’s *Please note times and venues –no service at the other venue. Children’s Church: there will be some activities available for the younger members of our congrega-tion all through January associated with the 10.00 am service at each centre Formal Sunday School at both centres will resume on Sunday 25 January 2009

MISSION MINISTRY The Mission committee—a small group of people with lots of ideas to reach out to our community and beyond –have met regularly to create opportunities for the whole parish to become more knowledgeable and involved in the work of Mission. They have organized the following events:

MISSION QUIZ: A team of parishioners took part in this Diocesan event on August 16 to raise money for the Diocesan Mission Quota. A good time was had by all with our share of the proceeds being about $140. This is an annual event, which gives a chance for like minded people to gather, learn about our mission partners and have fun. WALK TO WIPE OUT POVERTY: On 7 September, together with the local Presbyterian and Com-munity Churches, a group walked between the various centres, stopping at each centre for refreshments, fellowship and sharing of information. Yet another way for the community to see the churches in action.

MISSION IN BANGLADESH: Dr Edric has worked for many years in rural areas of Bangladesh, run-ning the Kailakuri Health Centre and teaching the poor to help each other. When he spoke to us on Septem-ber 16, he talked caringly for the people with whom he lived and worked, and his stories of how they had helped each other and him, said much about the time effort and energy he has put in to training, treating and counseling them..We offered our support through prayer and gifts of money.

MEET THE LOCAL CANDIDATES: In conjunction with St John’s Church, Woolston, a Sunday afternoon gathering was arranged to which the local candidates of al parties standing in the General Elec-tion were invited. Most accepted the invitation and each candidate was given the opportunity to speak briefly about themselves and their party before the audience was invited to put Questions to them all. This was an excellent chance for us to prepare ourselves to vote and we thank the people of St John’s Woolston, for organizing it and allowing us to join in.

SUPPORT FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY : You can read elsewhere about our support and donations to various organization . We are also encouraged to become involved in the work of Family and Community (a Division of Anglican Care) in their work at Manuka Cottage in Waltham.

ARANUI / WAINONI PARISH SUPPORT. We are committed to giving $50 a month to this parish in one of the poorer areas of our Diocese. They are always struggling to provide help and ministry in this area and even such a small amount can help. As much as possible is raised by retiring collection on the fourth Sunday of the month at St Anne’s, and the remainder comes from general funds. CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE ADVENT STUDIES AND CHRISTMAS APPEAL: This year’s theme is ‘Keep Hope Alive’, which is a major undertaking in many parts of the world. CWS projects such as digging wells and supplying water storage tanks in Sri Lanka, Palestine and other places and the “Just gifts scheme where you can donate anything from ducklings to a bicycle, in place of a Christmas present for a friend or family member. See page 2 for more details of CWS and please find enclosed an envelope for donations.

UN DAY FOR THE SUPPORT OF PALESTINE.: This gathering last Sunday was an eye opener for those who attended, as we learned about the way in which the Israeli Government has spread into the West Bank and Palestinians are terrorized and displaced from the land they have owned since Biblical times. Opposite is some more information and some pictures of conditions there . Occupation is about the domination and dispossession of one people by another. It is about the destruction of their property and the destruction of their soul…Occupation is humiliation. It is despair and desperation. (Sara Roy in The Journey of a Child of Holocaust Survivors)

Let Justice Rain Down . .. As Christmas approaches and we sing the beautiful carol, ‘O Little town of Bethlehem’ let us also remember the Holy Land and its people today. We are tired, we are weary, we are sick and wounded. We need your help … If you find that you can no longer look away, take up your cross… I urge you not to be like the disciples watching from afar. (Bishop Riah, the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, July, 2006) The remaining Christians in the Holy Land often feel abandoned by the rest of the world – why is this? The story of Palestine is long and complex but the injustices are clear. For Palestinians 2008 is the 60th anniversary of the Nakbar, the year of catastrophe. The UN had just given over half the land of Palestine to Jewish immigrants to rule. In the process 800,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes or fled in terror. So in December 1948 a further UN resolution called on Israel to allow these refugees to return to their homes. Israel has never complied. Generations of Palestinians still remain in squalid and overcrowded refugee camps. In 1967 Is-rael captured East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, all the remaining land of Palestine. Despite a num-ber of UN resolutions calling on Israel to withdraw, Palestine has remained occupied and the occupation has become increasingly oppressive and cruel for both refugees and non refugees. Many Palestinian grievances stem from the Israeli policy of building settlements for Jewish Israelis all over the occupied West Bank – a practice expressly forbidden by the Fourth Geneva Convention. Much Bethle-hem land was confiscated and many homes demolished to build settlements like Harhoma that now nearly encircle and look down on the ancient city. Settlements are then linked to each other and to Israel by a network of fast Israeli-only roads that fragment the land, often cutting Palestinians off from the remainder of their farmland. Jewish settlers also take most of Palestine’s water, making it difficult for Palestinians to grow crops and in some cases water is inadequate even for basic domestic purposes.

In recent years the separation wall has also been built, often well inside Palestinian land, encircling many towns, turning them into ghet-tos, destroying trade and livelihoods, confiscat-ing yet more land. The wall has decimated East Jerusalem, the traditional vibrant Muslim and Christian heart of the city. The wall, the Israeli-only roads, and the 600 checkpoints mean the

population is virtually imprisoned in small parcels of land, often separated from family members, schools, work and clinics. It is easy to despair. If you want to read more about Palestinians, there is information in St Mark’s church foyer. To give aid to help keep hope alive, money can be sent to CWS marked ‘Water for Palestine’. With Arms Outstretched Dear Lord, You came to us as a baby in a manger greeting us with arms outstretched You went away from us as a man on a cross with arms outstretched You returned to us, to welcome us into your heart, with arms outstretched. Thank you for intertwining our life with yours, Thank you for the life-line of your outstretched arms. From : ‘A God For All Seasons’ Poems and Prayers by Marilyn Dunn

MINISTRY TO ST MARK’S SCHOOL Both Lawrence and Anne are regularly present at the school taking services , teach-ing Scripture classes and supporting both staff and children. Several services each term are held in the Church and various sections of the school contribute to Sunday worship on occasions. Lawrence is a member of the Board of Proprietors and along with many lay people in the parish provides many ways in which the school and the parish can connect. We have a very special relationship with the school, which will grow only if we nurture it. Among recent events the school held its’ Fair on Saturday 1 November, at which over $30,000 was raised. The Parish was well represent ed as many children attending the school have parents and grandparents among its members. Lawrence was there . See the photo on the back page

Four Puppies: The Price of Love. A farmer had some puppies for sale. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. A little boy came along. “Please,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies” “Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck. “These puppies come from fine parents and cost a lot of money.” The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got nearly three dollars, is that enough to take a look?” “Sure.” said the farmer and with that he let out a whistle. “Here, Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by three little balls of fur. The Little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring in the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its’ best to catch up…. “I want that one.” said the little boy, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like theses other dogs would.” With that the little boy reached down and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.” With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

The School Orchestra at St Marks, August 08

Lawrence and Larry the Lamb at St Mark’s School Fair. (See back page) Any ideas or a caption for this ? Please write your suggestion on a piece of paper, add your name and phone number and give to the Vicar. He will be sole judge and will suggest a suitable reward or punish-ment!

“How much?” asked the little boy. “No charge” said the farmer, “There is no charge for love.” Copied from Hubbards Foods Ltd ‘ Clipboard’ Issue 79

PEOPLE AND EVENTS ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES: Our congratulations go to the three couples—Iris Munyard and Ron Johnson, Peter Penman and Anna Saunders, and Sandra Parsons and Ron Gardiner on their engage-ments, and best wishes to them all as they plan their future together. FROM THE PARISH REGISTER; BAPTISMS July 6 Brydie Anna Isabell LAUDER August 3 Noah GEORGE August 24 Helai Eugene KIMURA September 14 Kayley Xenya CHANDLER Yulia Lynn CHANDLER WEDDINGS October 4 Shane Ewen Tomkin to Sarma Daga McDonald FUNERALS August 18 Joyce Edith HILL September 2 Margaret Rose PHELAN September 9 Vera Frances MOTT September 10 Sylvia Daphne Joy EDWARDS September 16 Shirley Newell SUMPTER October 8 David KINGI (Memorial Service) OBITUARIES The AAW members and the congregation of St Anne’s have been saddened by the recent passing of three of their long term members Joyce Hill, Rose Phelan and Vera Mott. All have been active members of our church for many years and only age related illness has prevented their full partici-pation in recent years. Their various skills and talents as mission motivators and supporters, organ-izers, singers, flower arrangers and talented artists, and their strong and active faith has contributed much to our life and we have been enriched by their presence with us. Sylvia Edwards was well known in in the parish , as she had been ‘the Vicar’s wife’ when her late husband , Stuart, was Vicar of the Parish of Opawa, and after that as a regular parishioner at St Anne’s. She had many skills and talents which she was willing to share with us - flower arranging and decorating the Church, singing both as a choir member and soloist, Sacristan, Lay Leader, In-tercessor, Reader, and maker of Church Linen. Two of four altar frontals at St Anne’s and the AAW Banner were fashioned by her as well as Purificators and Altar cloths. In the wider scene she exercised her singing talents as a member of the City Choir and the Aeolian Choir, and was involved in many community activities. But above all she was special friend, traveling companion, and helper to many and we shall miss her laughter, love and care. We extend our sympathy to those to whom she was very special and pray that they will be comforted in their sorrow. Rest Eternal Grant them, O Lord, Let Light Perpetual Shine upon Them. COMMUNITY NOTICES: You are reminded that there are community groups meeting in both church facilities during the week. They include The Homework Club, Pippins, Guides and Brownies, Friendship Choir Trust and many others ( See the list on the Back page of Parish Directory for Contact details)

Opawa Brownies have vacancies for 2009. Is your daughter between 7 and 9 1/2 years old? Are you looking for a fun activity for her to take pat in? Why not join us at Opawa Brownies. We meet in the St Mark's Church Hall on Monday nights between 6pm and 7.30pm. Lots of fun to be had and friendships to be made. If you are interested in joining please call Lynda on 021-129-3620 or 960-0984.

The Clergy, the Wardens and the members of Vestry join together to wish you all the blessings of Christ-mas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Wares for the Fair

‘mainly music’ celebrates its’ second Birthday

BBQ Fundraiser for ‘Little Annie’s Playgroup

Family BBQ at the Vicarage The Vicar with Larry the lamb at School fair (see page 10)