Mt Herbert Parish Magazine

Striving to be a united, Christ-centered, community – serving Parish

in this issue >>>

Vicar’s Voice

Notice for AGM

Saints Alive

Ponder Points

News and Reports

What’s On

Services & Readings

April—May 2013

The Vicar’s Voice It has been said.....”The only constant is change” and I am sure the changes that have happened,

especially over the past 100 years or so, would confirm this.

We have just celebrated Easter. For some, that may be simply what we do at this time of year,

similar to the Christmas celebration, for others it is a deep time for consideration of all that took

place and the impact that had then and until this very day. But have we asked...

· Why do we continue to remember these events and openly accept the change to

humanity they have caused?

· Why has the world not consigned a peasant birth and the unjustified execution and

mystifying resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth to the dusty annuls of history?

· Why is it that art, music, politics, law, human rights, and moral values all carry the

hallmarks of Christianity.

· Why are so many still so passionate about it today?

Wars have been fought and nations have risen and fallen according to their views on these

events. People have defended their position, even to death.

Maybe you have never given it all that much thought before? Maybe it has never been put into words

that are uncomplicated and reasonable?

Sadly, over the years the things of faith have been presented in a way that may have been

confusing and hard to believe, but that is no reason to not make an attempt to examine the things of

faith. You may have experienced that faith in the past, and maybe now it is time to revisit it.

If this strikes a chord with you, then at least take Christian faith for a test drive. No one is

asking for a contract. There is no small print, no membership fees, just a chance to make a simple

informed decision made from your own experience rather than popular belief. We do the same every

day, with houses, cars, clothes, shoes. We try before we buy. We even spend time getting to know

each other in a relationship. Yet not always so with the relationship that could be more significant

than we could imagine.

The world has been changed forever by Christmas and Easter. There are many ways to discover if

this is for you or not and I am only a phone call or email away. I hope it is at least worthy of

consideration. Give me a call, it could be one of the greatest calls and positive changes you will

make.

Rev. Russell Pickersgill-Brown

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS of the

MOUNT HERBERT PARISH Sunday 14 April 2013 Governors Bay Hotel

LUNCH at 1pm (RSVP required) AGM at 2pm

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Church members of the Mt Herbert Parish will be held on: Sunday 14th April, 2013 at 2pm in the Governor's Bay Hotel beginning with a lunch at 1pm. Please phone the Parish Office on 329 4790 or email mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz with any enquiries. For catering purposes a menu and RSVP will be available from the Parish office and each of the Church buildings in the Parish. The purpose of this meeting is: to consider the spiritual life of the parish; to receive and adopt the audited accounts for 2012; to elect a Church warden and the members of Vestry; to appoint an auditor for 2013; and to discuss any matters of General Business people wish to raise. All members of the church registered in this parish for a period of not less than two months are entitled to speak and vote. Dated this 12th day of March 2013. Reverend Russell Pickersgill-Brown

It has come to the attention of the vestry that voting rights at the parish AGM are available only to consenting

members as recorded on the parish roll. To ensure your full involvement in the life of this vibrant parish I encour-

age you to contact either the parish office, or simply add your name and consent at any of the churches in the par-

ish or at the AGM venue. This is simply a requirement for your formal inclusion on the roll.

Rev. Russell Pickersgill-Brown.

MT HERBERT PARISH

QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Friday 24 May at 8pm

Diamond Harbour Community Hall

There are several ways to be involved in this important fundraiser:

1. Donate a couple of grocery items for the Hamper Raffle. These need to be in to the Diamond Harbour Church or to your Church Contact by the end of April

2. Collecting firewood for the trailer load of Firewood Raffle

3. Donate a raffle prize with a value $5- $25. Donations could be Fruit cake, pot plant, box of chocolates, bottle of wine, gift items. 4. Enter a team of 5 people in the quiz. It costs $25 per team.

5. Baking for the supper—fruit loaf, slice, cakes, biscuits

6. Help on the quiz night in either of these ways: serving supper, selling raffle tickets, setting up tables

and chairs, providing quiz questions.

We are hoping to raise over $1500 for the Parish and your support will be much appreciated.

For more information or to offer support please contact the Parish Office on ph: 329 4790 or

mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz or Wendy Coles ph: 329 4483 or your Church Contact Member.

The Church of the Epiphany, Gebbies Valley, was consecrated by Bishop Harper on the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday 6th January, 1885. Church services had previously been held in Mr Matthew Wheeler’s barn at Church Farm just down the road. In 1881 an acre of land was bought for a church and cemetery, and the chancel part of the new church was erected by Mr Hall of Governor’s Bay. The nave was added in 1884 by Mr A. Forbes of Tai Tapu with seating for 75 people. The church, which cost 242 pounds and 3 shillings, was opened debt-free.

The Church of the Epiphany is built of timber with vertical weather boards. It is set on stone piles. The original shingle roof was replaced with iron in 1918.

The brick bell tower was built in 1914 in remembrance of Elizabeth Sheppard by her husband, George. They were farmers in the valley. It was badly damaged in the earthquakes of 2010-11 and was restored in 2012. The wrought iron gates were made by Mr Alec Miller whose blacksmith’s shop stood on the site of the present day Blue Duck Café.

The altar window depicting the nativity was dedicated in 1965 to the memory of Thomas Streeter, one of the early farmers in McQueen’s valley.

The Church was repainted in 2010 and the concrete path leading up to the church was laid down in 2012.

Gebbies Valley was in the Governor’s Bay parish until 1928, when it became part of the Little River Parish. Then, in 1965 it became part of the newly formed Mt. Herbert Parochial District (now a Parish).

The Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ (6 January)

In Egypt the 6 January was set as the winter solstice, the coming of the new light. The early church chose this date as a celebration of the birth and baptism of Jesus, “the Light of the world”. Using a different calendar, the Roman Church then decided on 25 December as the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus. By the fifth century these celebrations were extended to include “the twelve days of Christmas” ending on the 6 January with the celebration of the visit of the wise men to the infant Jesus. The word “epiphany” means “showing forth”, “manifestation”, or “revelation”. Epiphany enables us to see more clearly that Jesus “gives light to everyone” (John 1:1-5). The Feast of Epiphany is described by the church as “the Revelation of Christ to the Gentiles” (the wise men). Jesus is God’s gift to all people. Jesus himself said that “people will come from all over the world to take their places in God’s kingdom” (Luke 13:29). In the Gospels and in Acts we read of Jesus being recognised by increasing numbers of people outside the Jewish faith.

Today the church is almost entirely “Gentile”. As Christians we are encouraged to open our eyes to see Jesus and the implications of his life in a clearer way. Like those wise men of so long ago we worship the king through whom God is revealed to all people. Our task as the church is to take the good news of God’s love and mercy in Jesus Christ to all people.

A prayer: God of the unexpected, may we who welcome Christ’s revelation never be threatened by what Christ may reveal. (from “For all the Saints” edited by Ken Booth, p.23)

- David Boyd.

Saints Alive by Rev. David Boyd THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY, GEBBIES VALLEY

IS AUTUMN EVENTUALLY HERE?

With that recent drop of rain, now’s time to motivate yourself for planting the garden for a winter crop. White butterfly will drop off

after the cool snap. Dig some compost or other manures in with plantings of brassicas (cabbage family) they are gross feeders (however not too much nitrogen around Brussels Sprouts-too much prevents the sprouts balling up). Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket and other Asian greens, (there is now a huge variety around) So try something new. Either transplant seedlings or sow di-rect. You can also get a green manure crop in of lupin, oats, broad beans or other, if you want to fallow your ground and dig these in before spring plantings. Silver beet, spinach, or you can still get a crop of carrots in. The opposite rule applies to carrots, they don’t grow well in highly manured ground (manure at least 6 months be-fore) Too much nitrogen causes forking and distorted tubers. They like a lighter soil a not a heavy clay. A tip to store your excess zucchinis, grate & store in bags or con-tainers & pop in the freezer. Great for winter soups, meat loaves & muffins. Fiona Waghorn ‘The Faithful Gardener’

REPORT FROM UNLIMITED 2013 - Gail Weaver

Music, fellowship, workshops, teaching – and language lessons! These were all a part of Unlimited 2013, held over 8th & 9th March at St Christopher’s, Avonhead. The main focus of this year’s conference was Child Evangelism, with speaker Mark Griffiths bringing insight into both the importance of this type of outreach, and some of the methods that other projects of this type have found successful. Several workshops were also available, covering topics as diverse as effective storytelling, the use of illusions/magic in ministry, behaviour management, and growing kids into great leaders. Interspersed with all of this learning were inspiring worship sessions, and opportunities to exchange information and ideas with other Children’s Ministry workers. And the language lessons? We learnt two of the Hebrew phrases used to mean “family” and how they could be applied to those we meet with as part of the family of Christ: Bah’ith - the immediate family (parents/children/grandparents) Mish-paw-khaw -a bond of kinship which unites people together in a common belief system such as the Church Family.

Course attended by Gail Weaver, Vanessa Ross & Fiona Waghorn

Ponder Points……. by John Hearne

I was pondering the life of the patriarch Abraham. Upon his death the only real estate he owned was a field and a cave in which he and his wife were buried. He had left the confines of the City of Hurran and begun a quest for a land which he believed his God would show him. It is interesting to speculate on what he forfeited as a result of that move and if the ancient world wrestled with inflated real estate speculation. As a nomadic herdsperson he probably “did alright”; in fact ancient history records that he excelled at pastoral farming. Abraham was not blessed by God entirely for his own benefit, God suggested that Abraham was blessed to be a blessing to others (Genesis chapter 12). I know that that can be construed from the theological perspective, of God’s dealing with Humankind across history, through Abraham. However if you are reading this, in relative terms, no matter what your present situation, you are in the top few percent of wealthy Humankind and I wonder if God’s willingness to bless can be as simple as; ‘we are also blessed to use opportunities to bless others.’ wherever we are able?

ALPHA NIGHT MEAT LOAF RECIPE Did you miss out on going to the Alpha Dinner at St Andrews, Diamond Harbour? Well now you can cook the meat loaf that was enjoyed that night.

MEATLOAF -Serves 8 Ingredients 500g beef mince 500g sausage meat 1 cup bread crumbs ½ cup milk 1 onion, chopped 2 tsp curry powder 1 egg, lightly beaten salt, pepper and parsley to taste

Method Mix ingredients together in large bowl. Shape into loaf and cook in greased baking dish. Bake in moderate oven (200°C) for 30 mins. Pour off surplus fat.

The Glaze In sauce pan cook together: ½ cup water, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp instant coffee

Bring slowly to boil and simmer 5 mins. Pour over meat loaf and return to oven. Bake a further 45 mins basting with the glaze.

BAPTISMS

We welcome into the family of Christ

these children who have been baptised

recently in our Parish: Joelene Bonner,

Isabella Violet Coles, Sam and Daisy

Coop and Angus Terry.

CHURCH PHOTOS

We would like to have photos of our seven

churches to hang in the Parish office and to use

on our website, printed material etc.

Please contact Vanessa at the Parish Office on

ph: 329 4790 or mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz if

you have anything suitable.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?

Visit the Mount Herbert Parish Web site: http://mountherbertparish.wordpress.com for

Parish information, updates and, in the near future, recorded sermons.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

John & Ruth Willis

We congratulate John and Ruth Willis who are celebrating their

50th wedding anniversary in April. John says that they were the

last wedding performed in the old St Stephens church in

Ashburton. They have had a connection with Diamond Harbour

since 1971 when they had a bach, and then chose to retire

there 13 years ago.

DEREK TRUSCOTT 8-9-1928 to 20-2-2013

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Brya and family at the death of Derek Truscott on 20 February 2013.

Rev. Graeme Brady said of Derek at his funeral “He was a gentleman and a gentle man and no-one could remember a

time when Derek wasn’t the warden of St Cuthbert’s, Governors Bay.” He faithfully served our Parish over many many

years as a Vestry member and Vicar’s Warden.

We want to know what’s going on—

please contact Vanessa at the Parish Office on ph: 329 4790 or mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz

with things that are going on to include in the next newsletter.

CUT OFF FOR THE JUNE/JULY NEWSLETTER is MAY 14

LIVING SPRINGS 40th ANNIVERSARY April 7th, from 2pm

Denis Aldridge, CEO of Living Springs recently spoke at our Men’s

Breakfast sharing how God’s hand was involved in so many ways as

Living Springs began. We are invited to join in their 40th Anniversary

celebrations. Festivities start at 2pm

Please RSVP by April 3 to ph: 329 9788 or info@livingsprings.co.nz

PRAYER CHAIN

The Prayer Chain is available to

pray for you personally or for any

other prayer needs you may have.

The Prayer Chain is totally confidential

Phone Anne Fountain ph: 329 4202

TWO YEARS ON COMUUNITY SERVICE— FEB 24th 2013.

Sometimes when a tragedy is remembered it can inadvertently re-traumatise those affected, and so when the 2nd

anniversary of the Feb 2011 quake was upon us it was decided that we must gather together all those that were

there for us at that time and since to thank them and show our appreciation. But what was easy to overlook was

the appreciation also needed to be acknowledged by everyone to everyone else. This harbour basin community

supported each other, helped each other, cried and laughed with each other over the time of the quakes. Nearly

100 people gathered to thank the support organizations and individuals for being there for us, and also to give a

huge cheer and applause for each other as well. The gathering at St. Andrews Community Church Diamond

Harbour was followed by a finger food lunch. Well done to everyone involved.

USED STAMPS FOR MISSIONS

Your used stamps continue to be a good fund-raiser for

overseas missions.

Leave a decent margin of paper around the stamp when you cut or

tear if off the envelope. Please leave at the Parish Office in Diamond

Harbour or contact the Parish Office to arrange collection.

GOVERNORS BAY HOME GROUP

will recommence later this year

Call Gail Weaver ph: 329 9212 for

details.

LITTLE RIVER YOUTH GROUP Come join the Little River Youth Group in the St Andrews Little River Church Lounge.

It meets Wednesday evenings during term time

Please contact Uiga Bashford ph: 325 1076 for any further details.

What’s On in Governors Bay?

What’s On in Little River?

MAINLY MUSIC 0-4 years April 4, 11 & 18

May 9, 16, 23 & 30

It is held Thursday weekly in term time at St Andrews, Little River. 10.30am cuppa,11:00am music.

Contact Fiona ph 329 0171

CARE, SHARE AND PRAYER GROUP

meets every Tuesday at 10am. Locations vary so please call Ann Watson ph:325 1121 for details.

LITTLE RIVER HOME GROUP

This group meets every Wednesday evening. Call Mark & Rose Fitzgerald for details ph: 325 1179.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

There will be a monthly family movie

night with supper over winter on a

Saturday evening at the Governors Bay

Fire station.

Dates to be advised, so look in the Governors Bay

newsletter —Bay News for times.

Call Gail Weaver ph: 329 9212 for details.

COME AND SEE WEBSITE

comeandseegovbay.wordpress.com/

If you haven’t Come and Seen one of our services

yet, you can now Come and See our website. Gail

has uploaded some of the activities we have already

done, and she will be updating it regularly. So far

there are crafts, our version of “The Father’s Love

Letter”, and the messages that accompanied some of

these.

MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church is held several times a year. We have just had a great Messy Easter enjoyed by many people so keep an eye out for the next one coming soon.

Contact Fiona ph: 329 0171

CITY SHOPPING VAN

April 10 & 24

May 8 & 22

The van does pick-ups from Diamond Harbour around 9:00am and drops people back home about 1:30pm. If anyone in Governors Bay is interested, we can also pick up there.

Bookings are essential as the van only seats 8

people.

A contribution towards fuel of $10 per shopping

day is invited.

To book a ride phone Nicky ph: 329 4341 or

Wendy ph: 329 4483.

PRAYER FOR THE PARISH

Weekdays at 8:15am in the

Library at St Andrew’s, Diamond

Harbour. This is to specifically

pray for God’s presence in all

our lives and His spirit to move

in our Parish.

All are welcome. If you are unable to join us,

do pray wherever you are.

What’s On in Diamond Harbour?

BABY & TODDLERS GROUP

Tuesday 10am—12 noon April 9 & 23 , May 7 & 21 A fortnightly baby group for infants 0-36 months and their care-givers is held at the Diamond Harbour Church Hall. Contact Wendy Coles ph: 3294 483

CITY

SHOPPING VAN

Wednesday

April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22

The van does pick-ups from Diamond Harbour around 9:00am and drops people back home about 1:30pm. If anyone in Governors Bay is interested, we can also pick up there.

Bookings are essential as the van only seats 8

people.

A contribution towards fuel of $10 per shopping

day is invited.

To book a ride phone Nicky ph: 329 4341 or

Wendy ph: 329 4483.

SOUP & TOAST

LUNCH

May 1st, 15th & 29th,

June 12th & 26th

There is a soup and toast lunch held at the St. Andrews Community Church Hall, Diamond Harbour from 12 noon.

It is on alternate Wednesdays from the Shop-ping van. Gold Coin donation.

DIAMOND HARBOUR

MONDAY NIGHT GROUP

meets Monday weekly with

alternate weeks at Diamond

Harbour Church or Charteris Bay.

Call Bruce Beckett for details ph:329 4422

RAINBOW MUSIC

April 5,12 & 19.

meets in the Church Hall every Friday

during term time at 9.30am. There is a theme at the

April 19th session of your favourite dress-up.

Please contact Juliet Bridger on 329 4848 or the

Parish Office on 329 4790 for further details.

DIAMOND HARBOUR

BIBLE DISCUSSION

GROUP

meets fortnightly on Wednesday

afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in

the St Andrews Church Library.

Call Anne Boyd for details ph: 329 4444.

MT HERBERT PARISH

QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Friday 24 May at 8pm

Diamond Harbour Community Hall Please see page 2 for more details

For more information or to offer support please contact the Parish Office on ph: 329 4790 or

mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz or Wendy Coles ph: 329 4483 or your Church Contact Member.

MOUNT HERBERT PARISH CONTACTS

PARISH OFFICE: ph: 329 4790 email: mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz. Vanessa is in the office Tues 9am-2pm. Messages are cleared daily. For any urgent matters, contact the Vicar directly.

VICAR: Rev. Russell Pickersgill-Brown ph: 329 4876 email: mt.herbertvicar@xtra.co.nz

VICAR’S WARDEN: Jan Hanson ph: 4201233 PEOPLE’S WARDEN: Bob Buckley ph:329 0029

PASTORAL CARE: Rev Russell Pickersgill- Brown Ph: 329 4876 Diamond Harbour: Jan Hanson ph: 420 1233 Little River: Ann Watson ph: 325 1121 Please contact us for any pastoral care and someone will be happy to assist in whatever way possible!

R e a d i n g s f o r A p r i l — M a y

April 7 April 14 April 21 April 28

Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 118:14-29 or Psalm 150 Rev1:4-8 John 20:19-31

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) Psalm 30 Rev 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Rev 7:9-17

John 10:22-30

Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Rev 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

May 5 May 12 May 19—Pentecost May 26

Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Rev. 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97 Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26

Acts 2:1-21 Ps 104:25-35, 37 Romans 8:14-17

John 14:8-17,25-27

Prov 8:1-4, 22-31 Psalm 8 Romans 5:1-5

John 16:12-15

Service Times

Diamond Harbour St. Andrews, 85 Marine Drive, Diamond Harbour Wednesday@9: Wednesday weekly at 9am Sunday weekly at 10:30am The first Sunday of the month is an Ecumenical service led by Methodist or Presbyterian Clergy

Gebbies Valley Church of the Epiphany, Gebbies Pass Rd, Gebbies Valley 1st Sunday of the month at 9am

Governors Bay St. Cuthberts was badly damaged in the Sept 2010 earthquake. The 9am congregation now gather at St. Peters, Teddington.

"Come & See" Informal All-Age Worship

Governors Bay School Library, Jetty Road, Governors Bay

1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 10.30am

Kaituna St. Kentigerns, Kaituna Valley Rd, Kaituna 5th Sunday of the month Christmas and Easter, and for baptisms, weddings and funerals.by arrangement. Little River St. Andrews, Church Road, Little River 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 11am Port Levy St. Pauls, Port Levy Road, Port Levy Christmas and Easter, and for baptisms, weddings and funerals.by arrangement Teddington St. Peters, Gebbie Pass Road, Teddington Sunday weekly at 9am. The first Sunday of the month is an Ecumenical service led by Methodist or Presbyterian Clergy

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating together. Any questions you may have regarding regular times or seasonal services

please call the Parish office ph: 329 4790 or email on mt.herbertparish@xtra.co.nz for further information.