December 2022 Messenger
There is a New Zealand Christmas carol some of us have sung ever since we were kids:
Not on a snowy night, by star or candlelight
Nor by an angel band, there came to our dear land
Te Harinui
Glad tid-ings of great joy
By singing this we remind ourselves not to take for granted the proclamation of the Christmas story – a proclamation of great joy.
Surely our world needs this joy.
And we can make our proclamation in our part of the world.
We have had some recent events that have been part of our proclamation of joy to the world around us. We have taken an open posture with the neighbourhood around us – to welcome them in (Heritage Open Day), to engage the heart and mind (Visiting Mathematician), to offer hospitality and inspiration to leaders (One Conference), to pursue justice (Foodbank Collection).
And we are looking ahead to more events this month as we proclaim joy to the world!
We have a very special event ‘Christmas in the Courtyard’ and then a number of worship events leading up to and including Christmas.
As you read on, may God flood your spirit with the joy of Christ – and may you share this with others around you.
Allister Lane
Wellington Heritage Week Church Open Day
After the success of the Art Installation in August, the Engaging with Community group explored the possibility of participating in Wellington City Council’s Heritage Week (actually, a fortnight). We didn’t have much time to submit our application, but thanks to Pamela Cohen, we met the deadline. The church was open for six hours on 5 November. A team of hosts was on hand to welcome visitors and show them around the building. David Ensor was a great tour guide! Brochures on the church and the memorials were provided for visitors. It was also an opportunity for musicians to perform during the day. Thanks to our young musicians: George Milkop, Abigail Garrity, Alice Carter, Hugo Carter and Benjamin Carter, ably supported by Judy Dumbleton and Dayle Anderson!
Although the number of visitors was not large, we all felt that this was a success and gave us some ideas for the future. Now we are on the Council’s radar, we look forward to the opportunity to do this again.
Dr. Gray Manicom Visit
After meeting Gray Manicom at a Christians in Science meeting in August, an invitation to come to St. John’s to preach was extended to Gray and his wife Jen-ae. They arrived for the weekend of 12-13 November. Saturday afternoon’s presentation was designed particularly for students, both secondary and tertiary. Gray spoke of the mathematical revolution that is now taking place, similar to the scientific revolution of previous centuries. The changes that are happening today mean that mathematical understanding is key to success in today’s world.
Sunday’s sermon on 1 Corinthians 2: 4-5 was followed by another presentation after church on Mathematics, Creativity and the Creator. He spoke of his life as a mathematician being both creating and discovering mathematics. As he said, “All mathematics is created by people, and imagination is still the main tool for mathematical progress. However, just like with inspiring art, sometimes it seems to go beyond something created, beyond the imagination of the human creator, to suggest there was something fantastic and real waiting to be discovered the entire time.”
Christmas in the Courtyard
This idea came out of the workshops about how to engage with the community and use our space in new ways.
There will be music, choirs, soloists, groups and a carol sing-along.
There will be food – complimentary sausage sizzle, free tea, coffee and cordial with a bit of cake or Christmas mince pie, baking for sale
There will be crafts, a chance to pick up a Christmas present or two, all sorts of woodwork, Christmas decorations, jewellery, woollen creations, bags, Christmas stockings and other assorted home crafted items
There will be games - for children, and to bring out your inner child.
There will be an empty manger, lights, flags, and other festive things still being thought of.
Continuing the theme of community there will be a collection box for money or food gifts for DCM. After our costs are paid, the proceeds will go to DCM.
One Conference
St. John’s in the City was host to The One Conference for leaders in the PCANZ. It ran from Thursday through Saturday 17-19 November. Organised by Gordon Fitch and his team, this was a real opportunity to be inspired, reconnect and re energised with new ideas. Thanks to all who helped make this conference a success.
Important dates:
27 November
First Sunday of Advent. Scot’s College Christmas service 4pm, Combined Carol Service at St. Mary of the Angels at 7pm.
29 November
Fellowship Group Advent service 11 am
9 December
Christmas in the Courtyard 5-8 pm
21 December
23 January - Church office closed from 12 pm 21 December.
24 December
Children’s service 6.00pm
25 December
Christmas day
1 January
New Year's Day Sunday
Acknowledgements
Congratulations to the Carter family:
Benjamin recently won first prize in the National Young Performer's Award Competitions, held in Palmerston North.
Alice just got distinction for her grade 8 violin exam.
Hugo was appointed Principal Cornet in the National Secondary School's Development Brass Band. The course took place in Christchurch, in August.
Congratulations to Fiona and Chris Purchas on their new home.
Best wishes to the Milkop family for their adventures in France next year.