Earlier this week I tried out the new bus routes in Christchurch by walking between them across the port hills. It wasn’t the nicest day. At one stage it rained, or at least it was something between rain and drizzle. As Lyttelton came into view I saw a ship berthed at one of the wharves.…
Last week we went on a walk in the Craigieburn Ranges with our children. Most of the walk was through bush on a fairly gentle track. In the higher reaches we got into snow and the children enjoyed playing in it. With boots and clothes so wet, we decided to take the quickest way back…
Parish Mission Impact Review A few weeks ago, the Diocese conducted a parish mission impact review of St Paul’s. The review team presented after the 10am service on 23 July 2023. By now the review has been finalised. There were many aspects of congregational life to celebrate. Among these were: 1. High levels of involvement…
I regularly read a blog, which provides really good insights on some topics and reinforces my own opinions. But on other topics…well, let’s just say I disagree quite vehemently with the author. In our society we may work quite closely with some people in some areas of life, share a similar outlook and similar goals,…
A while ago I read parts of a book on the parish of St Mary’s in Timaru, called “Love and Faithfulness”. There are some inspirational stories of faithful people in the book, but also aspects of the Parish’s history that show only too plainly human failings. In fact, ecclesiastical matters did not start off well…
As in many houses today, access to the internet is part of the way of life in our house. We have a fibre connection with WIFI. On a good day we have WIFI reception from our house at the bus stop over 250 m away. We can certainly access the internet from large parts of…
In April Vestry submitted three proposals for the development of the tennis court land to the Diocesan Standing Committee and Church Property Trustees for feedback and comment. These options were: Standing Committee and Church Property Trustees have now given their feedback. They both support working with the Christchurch Methodist Mission. They do not support the…
In the Dominican Republic we spent quite a bit of time on the front porch sitting in rocking chairs and watching the world go by.Neighbours would regularly shout greetings in our direction and we would respond.It wasn’t exactly a high-energy activity for our children, but they made the best of it. One day one of…
Schools and the GospelFrom Monday to Wednesday I attended the Clergy Conference at College House. During his address to clergy Bishop Peter also spoke about the Anglican Schools, some of which are part of the Diocese. He acknowledged that there was some discomfort among many Anglicans at being so closely associated with schools that seem elitist and exclusive. The Bishop could see…
For 143 years, Papanui has heard the peal of bells from St Paul’s, calling all to worship. The first 5 bells were ordered from the UK in 1878 at a cost of £285, but the ship sank off the Cape of Good Hope. Insurance covered the cost and a new set was shipped out to…