The current lounge building was constructed in 1949 and opened in 1950. This was the beginning of a new building phase for the Parish of St Paul’s to accommodate the various Sunday School classes, Bible Classes and social groups in the parish. In 1953 the parish hall and administration complex, which then incorporated the lounge…

The funeral and committal services for the Queen were brilliant examples of Anglican liturgy well done. The Christian resurrection faith founded on the resurrection of Jesus was proclaimed. The Gospel was preached and everyone who listened was pointed to the gift of life and faith through Jesus. And while there was pomp and circumstance, as…

On the suggestion of the Vestry Missions Committee I started to make short videos earlier this year and have put them on Youtube. They’re also linked to the St Paul’s Facebook page. I’ve called them “the Train Vicar” videos, where I talk about railways and faith. I chose this topic rather than my interest in…

Humbled by Crown, aloof,Gordonstoun,Death of Mountbatten He walks dignified through streets of Christ and ChurchFuture Head of Church and State King to be crowned.Thoughtful, wise, planted and grownBy heartache, trials, yet finding triumph In realising a voice, amidst architecture,Gardening and plants, pioneer of Environment and conservation. Helicopters, Australia, Goons, Polo, Distilled now into dignity, Maturity, consideration and endurance. Like…

September is Mission Month. One of the ways we can participate in mission is through prayer. To facilitate such prayer Anglican Mission’s publishes a booklet called Partners in Prayer (in our library corner, or available online at angmissions.org.nz). This and other resources can enlarge our horizon and our prayers so that we can be part…

Anyone who has had anything to do with the Eastern Orthodox Churches has probably encountered the use of icons – images of events and people from the Gospels and other Biblical books and of the saints. It is one of the aspects of Orthodox worship that has also been embraced by Christians from other traditions.…

At Tūranga, the Christchurch Central Library, there is a digital installation that displays prominent Christchurch landmarks. Visitors can interact with the installation and swipe from area to area, landmark to landmark. When they tap on specific landmarks an information bubble pops up. Included are landmarks such as Cave Rock in Sumner, the Cardboard Cathedral, New…

Sometimes I’ve read a book that is so memorable that years later I not only remember much of the book, but also the emotions I felt when reading it, where I’ve read it, and what the weather was like. One of those was a book by south German author Ottilie Wildermuth. In the middle of…

About a month ago I wrote about a non-Christian song that masquerades as religious (“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen). In addition, there are probably a few songs that are occasionally sung in churches that are more influenced by secular music and thought than any Christian background. A few weeks ago I sat in a Spanish restaurant…

This week, as I regularly do, I took services in rest homes. As I came into one of the rest homes, some residents already sat expectantly in the chairs in the room where the service is held, while others still drifted in. After greeting the people informally I began to set up for the service.…