Anglicans from Titahi Bay, Ranui and Porirua East joined Māori sisters and brothers in Christ at the Rota Waitoa Church in Elsdon for an Ash Wednesday evening service. The Rota Waitoa whanau welcomed us and shared a te reo Māori liturgy with us as we worshipped accompanied on guitar by Archdeacon Reverend Tiaki in a service led by Deacon Reverend Rochelle. The Holy Communion was presided over by Reverend Kura, Porirua Anglican Priest in Charge Reverend Terry preached on our identity in Christ and Titahi Bay Priest Reverend Casey led prayers. Those present were anointed with ash and oil by the clergy in the service of imposition of ashes.
Those who attended rejoiced in the opportunity to experience a service in te reo Māori and to realise our oneness in Christ. A fine evening was sealed with traditionally generous hospitality as we drank and ate sitting at tables covered with red table cloths. 

During 2019 the Operation of St Anne's Pantry has been reviewed. The Review was prompted by the retirement of key volunteers Diane & Bob Stuart and Val Grace. The review process considered all aspects of the Pantry's operation and concluded that its continued operation is warranted, if key personnel are found and other concerns are satisfied. 

An informal meeting of Porirua Anglican Vestry members on 16 November 2019 agreed to the continuation of St Anne's Pantry on the following basis:

• Sofia Ali & Margaret Alve will, in the interim, co-facilitate the Pantry operation.
• Sofia and Margaret will liaise with the retiring Pantry Facilitators, Diane & Bob Stuart and Val Grace, with a view  to ensuring a seamless transition.
• Key Stakeholders will be advised of this decision promptly and kept regularly informed about Pantry operations.
• The Pantry Storage will be relocated.
• St Anne's congregation members and others will be recruited and trained to assist with the Pantry operation.
• Travel allowances will be offered to those who use vehicles as part of the Pantry operation.
• The Facilitators will explore further ways of integrating the operation of St Anne's Pantry with the community life of the Porirua Anglican Church.
• Porirua Anglican Parish operate a Pantry bank account (BNZ account: 02 0548 0035743 083). Please indicate name and phone number for reference if you donate finance.

We are delighted that  key volunteers have been found to operate the Pantry into 2020. May we all pray for and support Sofia and Margaret as they spearhead the Pantry operation. Also let's pray for our Porirua community: that no one will go to bed at night hungry.

The Reverend Tric Malcolm, ex Wellington City Missioner and Executive Member of the Council of Christian Social Services will join us on Sunday (21 July) as we continue our St Anne's Pantry Review. Tric will discuss current thinking about Christian and Church food ministries and help us as a congregation to  continue our Pantry Review, informedly. The Pantry review working group has met twice and discussed with current Pantry leadership how the Pantry currently works; things that work well and the challenges. One of the Pantry's assets is they make food deliveries. This helps deliverers better appreciate the circumstances of food parcel recipients. We are aware of the extensive network behind the scenes that ensures goods and money are available to resource the St Anne's Pantry delivery operation. While we are aware also of some of the other church and community food providers, we are seeking to learn more as we map the bigger picture. Is there a case for better co-operation, especially across the churches?
In today's Sunday service in St Anne's our Scripture sentence (Psalm 82:3) was,
    Be fair to the poor
    and to orphans.
    Defend the helpless
    and everyone in need.
And our Gospel reading the story of the Good Samaritan.
There is no doubt that our neighbours are not necessarily the people next door; rather the people in our community who have urgent need. There is no doubt God is calling us further into such ministry.
We continue to become aware of a number of households and families with children who appreciate food support. Recently several children came to church and shared in breakfast before the morning Sunday service. We are open to our food resource being used to these ends - even a weekly Sunday breakfast with church members collecting children and delivering them home after the service?
Please pray with us as we at St Anne's seek to be obedient to and discerning of God's call to us about this cornerstone outreach ministry.
Terry - Interim PIC

Josephine Olsen speaking at the commencement of the Oasis Community Cafe Christmas Lunch last Thursday. Trust Board member Pusa Finau offered a welcome and Mayor Mike Tana and Terry Alve added words of welcome. This 'Oasis' offers a valuable service in the East with love building healing community. Please pray for Josephine and the team as they serve in Porirua.

A wonderful Sunday afternoon and plenty of food & drink and good chat and carol singing and several children to receive gifts. Nearly 50 locals joined the gathering at Ernest Street Reserve/Park on 9th December to catch the spirit of Christmas. Thank you all, especially the St Anne's organisers, for a wonderful gathering.

Porirua Anglicans would love you and your family to join together with us for a Barbecue and Children's Christmas party (with gifts) on Sunday 9th December.

Venue: Ernest Street Park

Where: Cnr Arawhata St and Ernest St., Ranui Heights

Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm

​Contact Us if you have a query otherwise just roll along.

Everyone welcome to join us for fun and food.

We make a habit of sharing the joy of Christmas each year by caroling. Join us one and all for one or more of our half hour caroling opportunities this Christmas week:

Monday 17th December 5:30pm
Porch, 1 Ribbonwood Terrace, Ranui Heights 
​
Tuesday 18th December 6:00pm
Emmerson House, 10 Awatea Street, Ranui Heights

Friday 21st December 11am
Outside Countdown, 5 William Earp Place, Tawa

Just come along and join  in. We'll provide carol books to sing from and music to accompany. Enquiries to Sala on 021 238 4599 Terry on 027 6001926 or 232 2583. Please ask for transport if you need it.