September O

ctober 2008

St Alban’s Taueru

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St Matthew’s Masterton

St Francis’ Bideford

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Editors Note Lambeth Conference - Speaking to the UK Daily Telegraph, Dr Rowan Williams comments about the Lambeth Conference "I feel a great deal of what I hoped for has hap-pened," he said. "We've found that very slowly there's a slightly different way of doing business. What we haven't had is a very consistent counter-narrative flowing through the conference from people feeling disenfranchised."

Dr Williams doesn't deny that there have been times when he feels like throwing the towel in. The heatwave during the middle of the conference doubtless exacer-bated tensions that too much was being left too late in the programme. "Every con-ference I've been to has that rhythm where at some point everybody loses confi-dence in the process. But when things went wobbly, it was important to say that we don't try to revise the conference's agenda on the back of an envelope. And there's a theology to it – it's something to do with a belief that unity is an active matter, not just a goal to be achieved." That sounds like leadership, which his detractors have claimed is a quality he lacks. The construction of the conference – with its three-day retreat at the start and small "Indaba" groups of delegates, which provide every bishop with a platform – were Dr Williams's design, but presumably he had to maintain his nerve to see the process through. Didn't the strain tell? "I'd expect it to feel physically tiring, because it's a long physical day. Jane (wife) and I both thought we'd commit to the process, so we pray with everybody in the morning." Having the family in Canterbury has clearly relieved some of the stress: "On the few evenings we've been able to knock off by 9 pm and unwind a bit, that's helped with coping." If that sounds like a party leader at a political conference, the comparison isn't in-appropriate. Dr Williams has had a gruelling round of private meetings with bishops from provinces as diverse as Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe and Sudan. "Those are moments when you think the Communion really matters, because those people can bring a global perspective to a local situation." Whatever the rows over sexuality and new covenants, this is what enthuses Dr Wil-liams about the Anglican Communion. "There may be a complicated development issue that we can broker. To introduce people from that sort of world to people in Govern-ment here over the past couple of weeks is what this is about. These relationships are not a waste of time." Well said, Rev. Merv Jones, Editor

+Tom - The Bishop’s Letter Can Synod be interesting?

Tim McKenzie told Synod which was held this past weekend at the Convention Centre in Palmerston North, that contrary to what some of his friends thought of it, he felt stimulated by attending. And that’s what it was like for all of us from what I can gather. We gained new insight into some of the mission-shaped enterprises going on in our patch from the outreach of Urban Vision and growing relationship they have with the Diocese of Wellington, to the resources and support that “i care Parenting” can provide Parishes.

“Hotspots’ have become a feature of Synod – short presentations on effective ways of being church. People really enjoyed learning about the Kids’ Programme in South Wairarapa and the way an old country church has a new lease of life. The Parish of Pahiatua showed us the extent of their impressive outreach to the community and we were brought up to speed on the latest from Kagera regarding the School of the Good Shepherd which now has 260 pupils.

A recent innovation is to invite the Church Wardens to Synod to hear the Bishop’s Charge and share the Eucharist. They joined Under 35 year olds who are invited, and now also, School Principals and School Chap-lains. The purpose is to include them in the telling of the story so they are better informed. My understanding is that they enjoyed being part of Synod.

It was also an opportunity for me to say something about the pil-grimage Dwyllis and I took to the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury UK, in this Sesqui year of pilgrimage in the Diocese. Particularly important was to tell of the good the Conference did and the will among bishops to keep the Anglican Communion intact. Part of that good was personal – it was a trans-formative time for me, sharing, listening, building relationships and taking time to feed one’s own soul.

It was agreed that in 2009 the Diocese would spend some time on re-building a vision for the future – a vision that will be mission-shaped – a vision that will evolve from the participation of all of us. It is a decade since we last undertook such an exercise so this is both timely and neces-sary in order to maintain the momentum.

Yes, it was a good Synod. +Tom Bishop of Wellington

Remember to visit our website at www.stmatthewsparish.org.nz

The Anglican Parish of St Matthew's, Masterton, Welcomes You.

We welcome you to our church. St Matthews is a caring group of people committed to serving Christ in our community. Please feel free to come and visit, whether you are a regular churchgoer or just interested in hearing what we are all about. We are passionate about what Christ has done for us, in dying on the cross and taking away our sins. God calls us

to live our lives in obedience to him seven days a week, not just on Sundays. In reflection of this St Matthews offers further fellowship activities throughout the week, or on a monthly basis to encourage us to draw close to him

Our Vision St Matthew’s has a wide vision for its work as a Church and as part of the local community. There is Worship for past, present and future, and entertainment for a range of tastes. We take seriously our call to be relevant in this 3rd millennium but at the same time to hold fast to our tradition. Our people are warm and welcoming, we do our best to cater for very young to very old. We do our best to provide a warm and

The Vicar’s Soapbox Recovering the Parish Concept I find it interesting that a number of church leaders and some Christian agencies like Open Homes that I have con-tact with, are sensing a change of church mission focus. And it is happening among the laity or members rather than just the leaders. The World Councils for Missions of the 19th century summarized mission as “Sharing the Word” subsequent Councils expanded that to; “By Word and Deed.” Then it became “By Word, Deed and Spirit” as the Pentecost/Charismatic growth began. What is changing now is how or who the church wants to work with. Often social mission was through Para-church organizations like World Vision, Save the Chil-dren and focused more overseas in third world countries. Now there is a growing emphasis on “Partnering” for the Whole Gospel, a “Faith Works” Partnership. So in that sense nothing has changed, and the Anglican Church of the province of NZ is well known for the one million plus voluntary hours it contributes to the economy each week. Where the shift of emphasis can be found is in the “Giving and Receiving” both at the leadership level and especially at the “people” level Churches are beginning to partner with the Para-churches as well as with gov-ernment and local body organisations. On there own, Churches have lost their credibility and often have no meaningful ways of addressing neighbourhood problems. This is one of the main reasons for stunting the Churches ability to grow through traditional evangelism and disci-pleship models. On the other hand, Para- church and community groups meet the social and physical needs but lack any spiritual formation. In Partnership; localized fund-ing, leadership, resources, and accountability provide a balanced “Holistic” ap-proach. It’s recovering the old Parish Concept. The driving force is a renewed laity commitment to the wider community and a commitment to the poor. A number of Parishioners are personally moving in this direction already and I believe it is significant that Open Homes NZ has began approaching churches nation wide to partner with their “Fresh Perspectives” program. The Parish has been invited to training days in Feb 09 to explore their new “mentor program” for the Wairarapa. It is my prayer that our Parish can become part of this new “Partnering” opportunity between a Church and Para-church organization. Steve. ☺

What’s happening at St Matthews?

Healing Services Sunday 5th October and 7th December at 7pm. All welcome. Parish Fair Friday 7th November in the Parish Hall from 5.30pm Garden Tour Fundraiser for new Hall at St. Andrew's - Upper Plain 15th November 2008 Gates open 10am and close at 4pm Tickets $10 per person Start Tour at Paddy and Liz Greville's garden at Woodchester, 80 Cole Street OR April Bamford's garden at 13 Cody Crescent. A ticket will allow entry to a variety of gardens which will include town and country gardens - jewells of Masterton, some never opened to the public before. Includes woodland, raised, formal, topiary, vegetable, small and large - something for everyone! A mini fair at Woodchester - bring a packed lunch and enjoy sitting under some grand old trees. Entry by Ticket Only - $10 per person Available at Woodchester and 13 Cody Cres on the day Maps to other gar-dens on this tour will be available with purchase of ticket. No Dogs ‘Sing Christmas’ Wednesday 19th November at 1.30pm. Gold coin admission Carols on the Grass Outdoor Christmas Family Event Contemporary songs, drama, light Christmas refreshments, carols by can-dlelight. Rug up warm & bring a seat. Behind St Matthews Church on the grass (in the Hall if wet) Sunday 21st December at 8pm All welcome, no charge.

The Sandpiper — by Robert Peterson She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. 'Hello,' she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. 'I'm building,' she said. 'I see that. What is it?' I asked, not really caring. 'Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand.' That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by. ‘That's a joy,' the child said. 'It's a what?' 'It's a joy. My mum says sandpipers come to bring us joy.' The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed, my life was out of balance. 'What's your name?' She wouldn't give up. 'Robert,' I answered. 'I'm Robert Peterson.' 'Mine's Wendy... I'm six.' 'Hi, Wendy.' She giggled. 'You're funny,' she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed. 'Come again, Mr. P,' she called. 'We'll have another happy day.' When I left for home, that’s what I remembered, Wendy saying it had been a happy day. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. 'Look, if you don't mind,' I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, 'I'd rather be alone today.' She seemed unusually pale and out of breath. 'Why?' she asked. I turned to her and shouted, 'Because my mother died!' and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child? 'Oh,' she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day.' Yes,' I said, 'and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!' 'Did it hurt?' she inquired. 'Did what hurt?' I was exasperated with her, with myself. 'When she died?' 'Of course it hurt!' I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off.

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-coloured hair opened the door. 'Hello,' I said, 'I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and won-dered where she was.' 'Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, I’m sorry' 'Not at all -- she's a delightful child.' I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said. 'Wendy died last week, She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you.' Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath. 'She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly...' Her voice faltered, 'She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?' I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with 'MR. P' printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry,' I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love. A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the coloor of sand -- who taught me the gift of love. NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less. Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis. This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses . May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences! Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?

Humour Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up Irish Whiskey" Miraculously, a parking place appeared. Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, "Do you want to go to heaven?" The man said, "I do Father." The priest said, "Then stand over there against the wall." Then the priest asked the second man, "Do you want to go to heaven?" Certainly, Father," was the man's reply "Then stand over there against the wall," said the priest. Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and said, "Do you want to go to heaven? O'Toole said, "No, I don't Father. The priest said, "I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?" O'Toole said, "Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paddy was in New York He was patiently waiting, and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, "Okay pedestrians". Then he'd allow the traffic to pass. He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk. After the cop had shouted "Pedestrians" for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, "Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend Finney. Did you see the paper?" asked Gallagher. "They say I died!!" Yes, I saw it!" replied Finney. "Where are ye callin' from?" When NO means YES A man died and went to Heaven. As he stood in front of the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. He asked, 'What are all those clocks?' St. Peter answered, 'Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie the hands on your clock move.' 'Oh', said the man. 'Whose clock is that?' 'That's Mother Teresa's', replied St. Peter. 'The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie. 'Incredible', said the man. 'And whose clock is that one?' St. Peter responded, 'That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abraham told only two lies in his en-tire life.' 'Where's Winston Peter’s clock?' asked the man. Winston Peter's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan.'

A Lifetime of Learning While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honouring one of its senior pastors who had been re-tired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait, to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak 'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your vicar asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse......... 'Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, We are weak but He is strong..... Yes, Jesus loves me... The Bible tells me so.' When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. Everyone recognised that this in fact was his best sermon ever JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER.

We started the year off with Parachute!

Next Came Soul Survivor ’08 “Fully Alive” Sorry no photo’s from this one, but we really caught the vision of Soul Survivor and plan to host a Soul Active event November 29th, so watch this space! The youth of Masterton reaching out to serve their community, and be the Good News! Awesome stuff!

We’ve had a lot of fun this year, acting, walking, camping and enjoying each other’s company, those in Sidedoor would testify that it’s like having another family.

It has been another fabulous year for Sidedoor, and we’re looking forward to another fabulous one in 2009, which will see a return to Youth Alpha (the fruit of which was a new Christian this year and much growth in others). Also in 2009 we look forward to a new fireplace, a finished deck and much, much more! We are a growing and thriving ministry, many thanks to all those in St Mat-thews Parish who make who we are possible, especially our young and not so young volunteer leaders, you are so valuable and appreciated. Fern Hamilton, Youth Pastor

From the Parish Register

Baptisms: Ethan David Winters Weddings: Julia Hargreaves to Michael Moore Funerals: Norah Jane Newton Enid Harris Moirea Molly Sutherland Betty Mary Wyeth

Other Regular Services St Matthews: Midweek Service Every Thursday 10am Hall (Youth SideDoor) Every Friday 6:30pm Hall (Children’s Ark) Every Sunday 10am Evensong Each 3rd Sunday 5pm Country Taueru (St Alban’s) Each 1st Sunday 9:30am Upper Plain (St Andrew’s) Each 2nd & 4th Sunday 10am Bideford (St Francis’) Each 3rd Sunday 9am Resthomes Lansdowne Court Each 3rd Friday 10:30am Kandahar Each 3rd Saturday 10:30am MetLife Each 3rd Wednesday 10:45am

The Anglican Parish of St Matthew Office Hours: Mon—Fri, 9am-1pm

35 Church Street, PO Box 588, Masterton Phone 370 8589 Fax 370 8587 email: st.matt@xtra.co.nz

Website: www.stmatthewsparish.org.nz Vicar: Rev. Steve Kimberley Ph. 377 3020

Church Wardens: Edwin O’Hara 377 4625, John Whitehead 377 1464 Vocational Deacon: Rev. Christine Ellis 377 5089

Priest Assistant: Rev. Merv Jones 377 4709 Priest Assistant: Rev. Elizabeth Greville 370 8274

Office & Reception: Patti Robertson Children’s Congregation—The Ark: Lesley Martel 378 7707

Youth Congregation—SideDoor:: Youth leader: Fern Hamilton 378 8353 or 027 369 4501

Telephone Prayer Line: April Bamford 377 5026 Prayer Ministry: Christine Ellis 377 5089

Priest Associates Rev. Michael Burt

Rev. Ted Dashfield Rev Pam Mildenhall

Lay Ministers Dan Rodda, Dave Burton,

Lorraine Jones, Barbara Udy Anne Kershaw, David Lacey, April Bamford, Yvonne Esau

Home Communion Mary Perkins, Ros Murdoch

Vestry Members June Whitehead, Ros Murdoch

Edwin O‘Hara, David Lacey Doug Whitcombe,

Verger Dan Rodda

Rest Homes Mary Perkins, Rev Liz Greville

Alpha David Lacey

For baptisms, weddings, funerals and special services at: St Alban’s Taueru Contact: Rev Merv & Lorraine Jones, Bib Vallance

St Andrew’s Upper Plain Contact: Rev Liz Greville, Mike LeCren St Francis’ Bideford Contact: Rev Liz Greville, Judith Callahan,

Editor Rev Merv Jones: phone 377 4709 email: talltiny@xtra.co.nz