Precious Memories
I write this letter with a deep sense of gratitude and many precious memories.
You have welcomed me into your community and your homes. You have offered hospitality through the worship we have shared and the cuppas we have enjoyed. You have shared some of the most important stories about how things and people have helped shape you as individuals and as people who seek to follow Jesus.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you in parish life.
You are a collection of people young and old who give voice to the story of God’s abundant love and forgiveness freely given. We have gifts of compassion and encouragement and community to offer in a world that is tempted to value things according to control and rules and money.
Brenda comes to be your priest in charge. She brings gifts and insights that will help enrich. I know you will welcome her and give her the space and time to share those gifts and insights.
My apologies for those mistakes I’ve made. Just continue in your faith to build on the good we have created in the spirit of love and peace.
God calls each of us to be present for others that they too may know something of the divine, something of the kingdom of God in their lives.
Kia kaha - stay strong
Have you noticed: Baptism
Baptism is a primary sacrament (along with the other one of Holy Communion). In Holy Scripture we read that we are instructed by Jesus to undertake both.
Baptism is the way we belong in the church. Being born is the way we belong in a family and our whanau.
Both are gifts from God.
Neither being born or baptism can be earned or bought. They are there to be received.
How we use the gifts of baptism or life depends on those who surround us and upon the choices we make.
The way we use our gifts will help give examples that will help others to use their gifts in a way that brings life and love.
From the Vicar
We live in a society that has in many ways abandoned its traditional patterns of mourning.
A time to relax and to reflect on the efforts made by trade unions to get this balance.
God gives us shelter from both rain and sun and picks us up when we stumble
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
From the Vicar
We live in a society that has in many ways abandoned its traditional patterns of mourning.
A time to relax and to reflect on the efforts made by trade unions to get this balance.
God gives us shelter from both rain and sun and picks us up when we stumble
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.
