Vicars Letter - 27th June 2024

Rev Emily Spence

​Kia ora All Saints,

Happy Māori New Year! We have passed the shortest day and now get to celebrate Matariki: the rising of the star cluster of Matariki, otherwise known as Pleiades. The cluster is referred to in the Bible with references to God creating such an impressive sight and having authority over it. This reminds me of the big-ness of God, partly in that God's power is so much larger and stronger than our current worries or needs, but also that the Biblical writers who lived largely in the same culture and natural environment as Jesus looked up at the same stars we see this weekend. On a more comical note, this reminds me of 'An American Tale' where the little lonely cartoon mice realise they are looking up at the same sky despite their physical distance. 

Humans are connected with one another across time and space through these shared experiences, but we are also connected with our creator God and the beauty of creation. We have been picking up these Matariki themes as a church whānau through our precious remembrance service last weekend (thank you to all who put so much thought and care into serving all who are grieving), and our working bee which brings us together as family on a mission to care for the patch of the kingdom with which we have been entrusted (2-5pm Friday with fish n chip dinner following).

Our multicultural nation has much to teach us about God; may we lean into the depth of meaning Matariki brings us this weekend.

Blessings,

Emily