The Matariki official holiday is next Friday. Matariki is the start of the Maori New Year. It is signified by the Matariki cluster of stars in our night sky. This is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present and plan for the year ahead. So next week our service will focus on Matariki. We want to celebrate with our church family over a shared early lunch. So please bring some food along to share and LETS CELEBRATE!!

MSB (Ministry Settlement Board) has recommended, and Parish Council has approved, that Rev. Phil Bettany be appointed as a Stated Supply minister at Hauraki Plains Co-operating Parish. This is not a regular “anointed call” but a contracted appointment between Rev. Phil and our parish. The congregation was informed at a recent congregational meeting and given the opportunity to ask questions related to the appointment.  We are still finalising details, but the appointment is likely to begin in mid-July. It initially is for one year, with the likelihood that it can be extended. Plans are that Rev. Phil will work for Hauraki Plains Co-Operating Parish for 70% of his time. Rev. Phil, his wife Shona, and their two sons will live in a house in Darlington Street, Ngatea.  The Ministry Settlement Board, under the guidance of Rev. Rhys Pearson, and Parish Council are working very hard to reach an arrangement that benefits us as a parish.  The parish will be welcoming Phil and his family in an i