Wendell Berry is well-known American farmer, environmentalist, author and poet. Some of his writings about environmental degradation, corporate greed and government corruption can be quite strident. But when he writes about nature, family and community his words can be tender and appreciating. These are the things that he holds on to in a crazy world.…

In the movie “Shadowlands” about the life of C. S. Lewis the phrase “We read to know we are not alone” weaves its way through the story. It is not something that C. S. Lewis actually wrote, but something that does capture well the thoughts of someone immersed in literature. The phrase spells out the…

After many years of faithful service, our current gardening volunteers have indicated that they can no longer continue to work in the graveyard from next month. Juilan Dent has been looking after the graveyard since 2008 and has transformed it through his dedicated labour. The book “What Julian Did” at the back of the church…

A few weeks ago I had occasion to see the refurbished interior of St Nicholas Church in South Christchurch (Barrington). The most noticeable changes are a rebuilt chancel area that’s more accessible, new ceiling paneling, a new carpet, new windows, new chairs, and an enclosed children’s room near the back of the church. The church…

St Paul’s has a lych gate. It is located between the vicarage garden and the graveyard. It is only a very basic lych gate: it has the traditional wooden shingle roof and is incorporated into the fence, but does not really offer the shelter of a traditional lych gate. There are several more traditional lych…

Earlier this month parliament passed the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act 2026. This specifies that a person in charge of a recreational craft of 6 metres or less in length must ensure that each person on board is wearing a lifejacket of an appropriate size while the craft is underway (except in…

It was quite a few weeks ago that I went to the presentation on the history of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand. Of course, I had read about aspects of that church history previously, but it was interesting to hear it again so well laid out. The presentation was by Mark Whitfield, the Pastor…

There is a tradition of Missions Month in the New Zealand church. Different mission organisations celebrate it during different months. The New Zealand Church Missionary Society promotes Missions Month for September 2026. At St Paul’s we have long cooperated with global missions through NZCMS. We are currently a Link Church for the Dunbar family in…

Last month I was invited to a ceremony for Student Volunteer Army awards that recognised disabled people overseen by Idea Services (associated with IHC) for the voluntary work they do in the community. Currently Idea Services have a group of young adults that meets at LOOP and the Kapa Haka group is practicing in our…

In July 2026 Church Property Trustees (CPT) signed an agreement with a potential purchaser for the sale of the tennis court land. Since then, the potential purchaser has done its due diligence on the property. Two issues have emerged. Geotechnical investigations revealed that significant piling would be required to build houses on the land, particularly…