The time has come to say goodbye to my Porirua Anglican friends, at least in my role as priest. Thanks for all your love and goodwill as we have journeyed together over these past 6+ years. Some of you have been there throughout this time; others for part of it. It has been a time of significant change and challenge, a bit like it was for the very first Christian disciples who had a rollercoster of a ride! While I would never pretend that we had the challenges they did; in our context there have been times of high elation and periods of deep anguish. In all our faith in God has been stretched and, I hope, matured.

As I move into retirement, I reflect on the following:

• The young people, and the two pool baptisms in particular: the early one at Russell Street School and the later large one outside St Anne's;
• The marriages: particularly of the Manulevu boys to Rita and Abby respectively, plus Robin and Mai Lucy;
• The funerals: especially the three current church members who died during my watch: Bill Donovan, Erin Bidois and Sala Manulevu - may they rest in peace and their close ones be comforted;
• St Anne's Pantry that had earlier been overseen by Diane and Bob with Val, followed by the time during the Covid19 years 2020-2023. We geared up to offer large numbers of food parcels with the help of KCA staff. Porirua donors and volunteers with Sofia, Margaret, Jane and Fiona worked tirelessly;
• The purchase and renovation of 49A Mungavin Ave: the Diocesan vision to support the purchase in 2021, David Parmenter's practical improvements, the Goss bequest availability, and Bishop Ellie's blessing of the premises early 2022 as the Pantry relocated there;
• The final decision to move on from St Anne's to te Whare Karakia on 1 May 2023, as the Pantry closed after 3+ years serving during the pandemic;
• The arrival of Pastor Charles Nikora on our last Sunday at St Anne's and his great encouragement for a year until family commitments and the Lord took him to Sydney;
• The final decision, a little over a year ago, to confirm the relocation of Parish operations to 49A which paved the way for the decommissioning of St Anne's on 15 December 2024.

​What a ride as we have embraced the many challenges along the way maintaining the unity of Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and in all constantly coming back to the God who stretches, forgives, sustains, nurtures, challenges and loves us. To God be the glory, forever, Amen. ​God be with you and your future together as the Body of Christ in eastern Porirua.  And, Margaret joins with me in this farewell as we end by reminding us all of these wonderful words of St Paul to the Ephesians, chapter 4:32, ... and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Arohanui
Terry

Since purchasing 49A Mungavin Ave., Ranui in May 2021 the building and grounds have been prepared for use by Porirua Anglican Parish as a Church Centre and Food Bank venue. Under the able project management of David Parmenter, the property has been extensively renovated culminating in exterior painting. Funding for this project has been provided from the Diana Goss bequest held by the Parish. During January St Anne's Pantry began operating from the property, regular prayer meetings have been held and Lenten studies will be offered here during March and April.

Ellie Sanderson, assistant Anglican Bishop of Wellington will lead a service of commissioning and blessing at the site on Sunday 27th February at 2:30pm, followed by afternoon tea.

A feature of the property is the way in which it opens on to a PCC reserve east of the large blue gum trees. Pantry workers, trades people and staff remark on the pleasant environment created.

Friends of the Parish, pantry volunteers, neighbours, tradies and others are invited to celebrate this official opening of the venue. RSVP by text to 027 944 4996 or [email protected]