Christ Church, Russell

A highlight of the Easter Sunday service was the children’s story about a very scary rooster!

From left to right, Maggie Sales Narrator, Mary Wyatt, Roger Wyatt, Chris Swanell, Emil Nye

On Dec 5 on a largely beautiful morning locals gathered to sell pre loved items from their car boots. Stalls in the hall, buskers, and a sausage sizzle set the scene for a very successful gala occasion. Proceeds this year went to the new hall toilet project.

Revd Paula Franklin presiding at the Patronal Festival

On 22nd November Christ Church celebrated its 179th birthday. Archdeacon John Blundell gave a thought provoking address on the issue of power and the service was followed by a luncheon in the hall.

The winning team

Maggie Sales and Heather Lindauer prepared a challenging and enjoyable quiz enjoyed by 9 teams of 4 parishioners and friends. The winning team of Jenny and Alan Trethowen and Rosamund and David Scoffham received the prestigious Golden Fish trophy. A delicious continuous lunch kept the brain cells nourished and the consensus was that it was a very happy occasion with moments of controversy over the correct answers to keep the proceedings lively.

It was a delight to have Dr. Gillian Reid preach at the service to celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 24 May. In Russell to interview several of our parishioners for her Masters Thesis on spirituality and aging she spoke of the wonderful gift to us of the Holy Spirit.

In February, 2015 Indaba teams from St. Margarets, Hillsborough and St. Paul by the Sea, Milford joined us at Christ Church for the first meeting of our cluster group.

Frazer McDermott Vicar of St. Margarets enjoying the company of Jennifer Gilchrist And Maggie Sales

Our guests, enjoyed a mini bus tour of Russell, a bbq to meet the congregation, were billeted and attended the Sunday service. A wonderful time was has by all.

The Indaba partners from Milford, Hillsborough and Russell meet at Christ Church for the first time in February 2015

On the 27th December Christ Church hosted a barbaque for the descendents of Samuel Marsden. The 40 descendents who attended enjoyed a delicious barbaque produced by Roger and Mary Wyatt and Heather Lindauer and enjoyed the opportunity to reunite with one another.

The Choir gather on Christmas Eve

For Bishop Ross, being at Christ Church on Christmas Eve, during the celebtations at Oihi, was his desire and intention. With Archbishop
Philip Richardson presiding, and Bishop Ross preaching on 200 years of Christianity in New Zealand with its beginnings at Oihi when Samuel Marsden brought the gospel message to those assembled, the service was
highly significant and memorable.

Christ Church Gala and Car Boot Sale on 6Dec saw an increase in stall holders and car boot sellers. Proceeds this year went to charity with Starship Hospital and Northern Hospice benefitting. Christ Church souvenir tea towel was launched and is available from Russell Museum shop.

November was the season for two Golden Weddings
Roger and Mary Wyatt. Gary and Paula Franklin

Gary and Paula renew their wedding vows. Rvnd Heather Lindauer presiding