A Week of Firsts
This week has been a week of firsts. Firsts for me and for you all.
Firstly, we had a wonderful evening Tuesday, with the opportunity to begin to get to know each other.
Wednesday was my first service celebrated here at St Mark’s, and
today is my first Sunday as part of the St Mark’s community.
I thank you for your warm welcome, it is a privilege and very humbling to be able to join you.
Earlier in the month I was given the opportunity to attend the the Anglican Schools Office Wānanga held at St John’s Theological College in Auckland. The aim of the Wānanga was to bring staff from our Anglican schools together to discuss the report He Ngākau Hou Kōtuitui (an in depth survey and analysis of the current “health” of Anglican Schools). It was also an opportunity to connect with others across the school network and reimagine the future.
The future for the Anglican Schools is certainly bright and this is recognised by the Archbishops. Archbishop Don Tamihere, Archbishop Sione Ulu’ilakepa and Archbishop Emeritus Philip Richardson offered plenary speeches and their presence provided and encouraged all to grasp the richness of our three Tikanga context.
Christian schools, and we would affirm particularly Anglican schools, are vital. As one principal said:
“We have to teach our children to follow Christ as the world will teach them not to.”
The relationship between the children of St Mark’s School and people of St Mark’s Church is a true blessing.
From the Vicar
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for when time will end and Jesus will come in power and glory bringing our waiting to completion.
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.
Beginning the year, with an excerpt of a letter from Corraine Haines, from the City Mission, in regards to the Back To School programme
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
Regular Summer Sunday Services
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.