From the Vicar

ANZAC Day

On ANZAC Day, we gather as a community, not only to honor the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for our freedom but also to reflect on the profound legacy they have left behind. As we commemorate the ANZAC spirit, we are reminded of the enduring values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice that define our nations.

In the quiet sanctity of this Church of St Mary, we pause to pay homage to those who answered the call of duty, standing shoulder to shoulder with their brothers and sisters in arms. Their selflessness and unwavering resolve continue to inspire us, reminding us of the depth of devotion and the true meaning of service.

In the midst of conflict and hardship, the ANZACs exemplified resilience and unity, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail. Their legacy serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges of our own time and inspiring us to uphold the principles of peace and justice for which they fought so valiantly.

As we honour the ANZAC heroes, let us not forget the families and loved ones left behind, whose sacrifice and steadfast support sustained our soldiers on the battlefield. Theirs is a silent courage, often overlooked but no less profound in its impact on the course of history.

In the echo of bugle calls and the haunting strains of "The Last Post," let us pledge to honor the memory of the fallen by living lives worthy of their sacrifice. Let us strive for a world where conflict is resolved through dialogue and understanding, where the lessons of the past serve as a guide for a brighter future.

May we never forget the ANZAC spirit that resides within each of us, and may it continue to inspire acts of bravery, compassion, and service for generations to come. Lest we forget.

Facilities upgrades, CoA Update 11/4

This week several of us gathered to clear the premises of a range of goods that we no longer need. These were donated to the City Mission.

The vicarage carpet has now been stretched and cleaned. Staging of the premises will be completed presently in time for viewing.

So, now it’s just a wait and see. Thanks for all those who have assisted in the sale process.

Thanks

Janet and Ross Anderson has done an amazing job assisting with the move to Heathcote. This was a responsibility we were all putting off, but Janet and Ross responded to the challenge and we owe them both a great thanks.

If you have been one of those who have given of your time as the move has progressed, please also accept this as a special thanks for your efforts also.

Card night

This Wednesday (1 May) is our first card night is Please join us in the Centennial Centre. From 7pm. Supper will served. Games will be decided upon numbers attending, but initially 500, Euchre and Crib. If the need arises we may hold beginners classes.

Dessert evening

This monthly winter activity begins on 26 May at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Geo and Hugo will be defending their title and as usual a celebrity judge will be joining us. Last year it was a great evening entertainment and fine food.

Mid week Services

Our winter services program begins next Thursday (9th) at 4pm. The first Thursday of the month will be a BCP Eucharist, the other days a sung evensong. Please join us.

Celebrations

Happy birthday to Garry Dunseath (29th), Clive Straker (6th), Dominee Dunseath (7th) and Moya (9th) and the anniversaries of the death of Liz Chirnside and Earl Smith (28th), Nanna Pat (7th), Les Russell (8th) and Auntie Edie (10th)

Children’s Liturgy (what we used to call Sunday School)

This continues during term time, being held on the last Sunday of the month. The young people will leave the service after the first hymn and return during the offertory. We especially thanks Sue for her help organizing Sunday School on Easter Day. The next one is 28 April.

Café Crawl Tuesdays @ 10.30am

We meet at local cafes every Tuesday morning. Friends and family are welcome. Please contact Jill Straker (02102928231) for further information.

30th April, Coffee Culture 18 London Street Lyttleton

7 May, Scarborough Fare. 147 Esplanade, Sumner

14 May, A Good Habit. 319 St Asaph St

2 May, Bobobo café. 25 Mariner St Sumner

28 May, Silos. 66 Porthills Rd. Heathcote Valley

Swim Group

Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mornings from 8am at Aquagym. Please contact her for further information (brinkmanfamily@gmail.com)

The Vicar is indisposed with a shoulder issue, so he won't be able to an attend for a few weeks. Good luck to those brave early morning swimmers!

Dinner in the Valley

informal dinner at the Valley Inn. From 6pm on Thursdays.

Smiling Cyclists

We meet this Thursday at 8:45 at the Church of St Mary.

Friday Walking Group

The group meets at the entrance to the Maltworks Villas at 9am on Fridays.

Cards night

This is to be held on the first Wednesday of the month between 7pm and 9pm. Please join us on 1 May in the Centennial Centre. Supper will served. Games will be decided upon numbers attending, but initially 500, Euchre and Crib. If the need arises we may hold beginners classes.

Dessert evening

This monthly winter activity begins on 26 May at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Geo and Hugo will be defending their title and as usual a celebrity judge will be joining us. Last year it was a great evening entertainment and fine food.

ANZAC Day

The ANZAC Day service at the Heathcote Cenotaph begins at 5:45am on ANZAC Day.

Prayers

Please add to your prayers the Roberton, Georgieff, Brown, Williams, Browne and Earl families, the work of the parish in the community, the Archdeacon and the Bishop, those elected to Parliament and the political leaders in their leadership deliberations.

Regular giving

To organise online giving, please contact your bank and provide the following information.

Heathcote-Mt Pleasant Anglican Parish

Westpac Bank 03-1599-0014277-00. (Please use the reference “202” and record your name for ease of accounting.)

Next week, 5 May, 10am, Easter 5

Liturgist: Sheelagh Wood

Intercessions: Alastair Wood

Organist: Janet Christie-Anderson

Reading: Clive Straker

Welcomer: Clive Straker

Sides-person: Viki Brinkman

Morning tea: Christine Clapp/Viki Brinkman

Cleaning: Straker Family

New Chairs for the Church

The total cost of the new chairs. $8,666.06. So far we have received donations of $3,714.44. There is still time to donate for a new chair, the cost is $173.32 a chair. Thanks for those people who have already donated generously, we have nearly met half of the cost.

Prayers

Please add to your prayers the Georgieff, Seale, Blakely, Williams, Browne and Earl families, the work of the parish in the community, the Archdeacon and the Bishop, those elected to Parliament and the political leaders in their leadership deliberations.

Mah Jong

Mah Jong is held on Wednesdays at the Church of St Mary from 1:30pm. This has finished for the term and resumes when school returns. Please contact Judy Laidlaw for more information.

Parish Directory

www.heathcote-mtpleasant.org.nz

Vicar:

The Reverend Mark Sullivan, 027 475 9946, skywgn185@gmail.com

Vicar’s Warden:

Alistair McKerchar, 384 4788, mckercharai@gmail.com

People’s Warden:

Allan Stack, 027 433 3735, allan@stackelectrical.co.nz

Mt Pleasant Project Chairman:

Janet Christie-Anderson, 021 2212635, rgajca@gmail.com