News

Here you will find short items of topical news related to our church.  Check back often to see what has changed.  If you are looking for information about forthcoming events you will find it in the Coming Up section of
Parish Life & Events

Vicarage Update

The Vicarage is now operational as offices and already we are seeing advantages with the staff all working in the one building and the interaction that is happening between us. The crèche is now operational and soon we hope to have some outdoor play equipment installed in the new fenced off area outside the crèche room.  The Library has moved over as well and this now gives opportunity for people to come and browse books and there is the use of a computer for looking up information on the web.

We want the Vicarage to be used as a Parish Hub, both as an Administration Centre (the photocopier is now located here) but for people to come and use the facility to meet in, have a cuppa and feel free to bring friends to. To do this we are looking for people who are willing to be hosts either for a morning or afternoon, to welcome people and make sure there are drinks available.  If you are interested then do get in touch with Alan Wallace and he will devise a roster for people to cover the times on Tuesday – Friday 9am – 3pm in 3 hour slots.

If you need access to a key for church or the Parish Hall, please contact the office and they can tell you where it is kept. Access to the vicarage is during office hours (Tues - Friday 9 - 3) but again if you need access do contact the office and we can arrange for you to use the facility.

Update on Revegetation Planting of Church Land
The project to plant native bush on the overgrown bank above the croquet club got off to a modest start last spring.  Two working bees were held in August/September in which weeds were cleared and up to 100 plants planted.

There have been several ‘maintenance’ sessions over the summer to control weeds around the new plants and release some of the existing mahoe and ngaio trees.  There have been some losses but overall, considering the lack of watering and sandy soil, the survival rate has been encouraging.

Our thanks to the ‘green’ team who turned out to the working bees, Evan, Dave, Peter, Neil, Barrie and Paul, and a special thanks to Earl for supplying a pile of native plants from his backyard nursery.

In the 2010 planting season, from May through to August, we intend having a working bee on the 3^rd Saturday of each month from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Work will initially involve clearing the tangled vines that cover the bank.  The last two sessions will involve planting, probably about 200 plants this year.  Trees for Canterbury have kindly donated over 100 trees this month.

Any helpers waiting to join these sessions will be more than welcome.  Secateurs are the most helpful tools needed, though pruning saw, chain saw, machete, weed trimmers or spades are all useful.

 As well, anyone having access to native plants (native to Banks Peninsula that is) who might want to donate them to the cause please contact John Marsh 384 2755.

Saturday working bee dates:
     15^th May
     19th June
     17th July
     21st August

House to Rent in Akaroa
3 bedroom house - sleeps 7.  Central to town, log fire, no TV!  Wood pigeons and bellbirds a specialty.  Cost: from $70 per night.  Mention you saw the advert here and 10% will be donated to the Building Fund.  Contact Leslie on 384-2755.

Calling All Musos 
If anyone is interested in joining the music team and would like an audition, please contact either Kay Scrimshaw (326-6089) or Cath Graham (326-4936).