Thought For The Week 27 July 2025

Welcome to our service today. The past week has been particularly busy with two funeral services happening at St Stephens. On Wednesday we farewelled long time member May Brown. The church was packed with some people standing throughout the service. On Friday we farewelled recent member Fred Knewstubb who passed away in June. A lovely touch was having his ashes on display upon his favourite model train set. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who helped make these services special; a lot of work goes on behind the scenes and in the office to ensure everything goes smoothly.

You may have noticed a diagram of plans to upgrade the St Stephens parking area on the notice board. The Admin team have been investigating options and have discovered that to do an extensive rebuild and extension of the carpark will trigger substantial code requirements, mostly to do with storm water run-off which will make this project very expensive. The team are looking at more modest options to enable one way in and out of traffic and marked out parking spaces.  We will keep you posted of progress.

Next Sunday, as part of my role on the National Assesment Workgroup, I will be in Auckland discerning the call to Ordained ministry of 4 candidates. It is an intense process for all involved but deeply satisfying to see quality candidates coming through to serve our Church. Lois Shipley will be preaching at both services in my absence.

The parish council will be considering feedback from our July forums regarding the Trinity afternoon service and will make a decision at their next meeting in August.

Nga mihi nui,

Brent Richardson