Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Tēnā koutou katoa
As I look forward to being at Waitangi again this year I think back to last year and the privilege it was to participate in both the Waitangi Day services alongside the Moderator of Te Aka Puahou, the Rev Tamiana Thrupp. Tamiana and his wife Honey, Executive Officer of Te Aka Puahou, were great companions to be there with. They guided me in terms of protocol on Waitangi Day, and the afternoon before we enjoyed the spirit of the place as we visited stalls, listened to different speakers, and partook of delicious kai. Many different cultures were there together and that felt very rich.
There is of course much talk at present about Te Tiriti, and I have just finished reading a book a colleague gave me titled, Huia come home by Jay Ruka, Dean of Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary. On the back cover of the book is the following: “Using the story of the untimely extinction of the huia, Jay Ruka offers a fresh perspective on the narrative of Aotearoa; a tale of two cultures, warring worldviews and the things we lost in translation”.
One section of the book pays particular attention to the story of Te Tiriti and the church’s involvement which is very helpful. The knowledge of our history then leads into exploring our worldviews. Jay’s book is written mainly for a Christian audience, but it is hoped that others will also find it helpful. It is a fascinating read, and I commend it to you.
It is so interesting to reflect on the reality of having different cultural worldviews and how that impacts how we react to different happenings. Our cultural worldviews also intersect with our faith understanding and God’s ongoing work in the world. I have seen that throughout my ministry as different cultures seek to work together in parishes; in 2018 I undertook study leave in this area – “Moving from co-operation to community in multi-cultural congregations.”
I have been reminded again of the dynamic of different worldviews in my time in Samoa for the Council for World Mission gathering. The cultural lens through which we view life influences our values, actions and decision making. It is shaped by many things and also carries many assumptions. And so, it is really good to have conversations with people from other cultures; to seek to understand how each other see and live in the world. Our assumptions can be broken, our eyes opened to new possibilities, and we become enriched through the process.
As we approach Waitangi Day, let us take the opportunity to engage with others to explore the different worldviews and understandings of Te Tiriti that exist and seek to build our bicultural relationships. This occurs through our Christian worldview and experience – following Jesus who was able to step into different settings and find ways of engaging with a wide range of people with grace, wisdom and compassion. We can ask ourselves, “What is Jesus calling us to do in this space?” And the light of Christ goes before us to guide and illuminate us.
As we have heard so recently in our Christmas season, “What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1: 4-5)
Ma te wa
Rose
January/February birthdays: Joan and Kip Powell are hosting a pot-luck meal at their home on Saturday February 15 at 6.00 pm for the Village members who have birthdays in January or February. If you and your spouse/partner/friend are able to join us please RSVP to Joan or Kip by February 12.
Rev. Josh on leave – It’s a boy! Luca was born on Wednesday 22nd, Josh says ‘mum and baby doing really well’. Josh is now on leave for three weeks.
‘Midweek’ Service start date for 2025 is Thursday 20 February (a Communion Service).
Grocery delivery bags needed: if you or anyone you know has spare paper grocery delivery bags, please could they be dropped off at Bryndwr? We need them for the Burnside Primary food parcels. Thak you!
Battery and lightbulb recycling: You can now recycle your lightbulbs and batteries at church, both at Bryndwr and Papanui. Look out for the labelled black bins in the foyer. The batteries and lightbulbs will be taken to Mitre 10 for recycling. (This is a Village Eco Church initiative)
Kia Ora Bryndwr – Connect with Kai is being hosted by the Village, other local churches and the community board on Monday, 17 February from 5 – 7pm at Morley Reserve (Morley × Clyde).
Free food and family fun for the community. Come along!
Roster Reminder – 16th February:
Setup: Andrew & Judith.
Welcoming: Alison & John, Annie.
Reading: Hannie & Frik.
Communion: Lesley, Nancy M, Andrew & Judith.
Counting: Margaret M, Mitch.
Morning Tea: Salilo & Jerry, Fuatino & Sapu.
Technician: Liam.
Grounds at Bryndwr (Sat 15 Feb) Ken.
| Feb | Time | Event | Venue |
| Sun 9 | 10.00am | Worship Service | Bryndwr |
| Book Stall | Bryndwr | ||
| Mon 10 | 9.30am | Music Moments | Papanui |
| 10.30am | Creative Nest, Painting Group (10.30-12.30) | Papanui | |
| Tue 11 | 10.00am | Fly-Bys Visitors | (Bryndwr) |
| 10.30am | Creative Nest, drop-in (10.30-12.30) | Papanui | |
| 12.00pm | Friendly Circle lunch (Kenwyn Ave) | ph to rsvp | |
| 7.30pm | Parish Council | Papanui | |
| Wed 12 | 9.45am | Badminton | Papanui |
| 10.00am | Pre-School Music | Bryndwr | |
| Thurs 13 | 9.30am | Steady as you go, falls prevention | Papanui |
| 9.30am | Playful Generations | Papanui | |
| 10.15am | Pop-ins visitors meet | Papanui | |
| 6.00pm | Youth Group | Bryndwr | |
| Fri 14 | 11.00am | GoGrans Exercise Group | Bryndwr |
| Sat 15 | 9.30am | Clothing Shop | Bryndwr |
| Sun 16 | 10.00am | Worship Service | Bryndwr |
| 6.00pm | Table Talk | Papanui |