Service celebrating Matariki
Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Matariki – a time to reflect – a time to harvest – a time to give thanks.
Matariki is the Maori recognition of New beginnings or a New Year. At Christ Church we celebrate this festival each year. This year, on Sunday 22 June, we invited the children from a local Maori school to join in the service.
What a treat! The children sang a waiata and again during Communion. The Old Testament Lesson was read by an 11 year old in both Maori and English. A tangible sign of our bi-cultural heritage.
We were also treated to a most colourful but inspirational address by the Principal from the Waikare School. In essence -‘children of today are the future of tomorrow – cherish and nuture them all as they are all our responsibility’.
This uplifting service was conducted by our Maori Sacramental Minister who is also a senior teacher at the Waikare Total Immersion school. Following the service a luncheon was enjoyed by all present.