by Web Master
Life Being Renewed
On behalf of the committee Pat Jacobson. — March 6, 2024
Like many places, Wairarapa has had to do some hard thinking and some re-organisation of the way we look after our parishes. St James and Featherston have linked with a retired Minister willing to help.
We had a unique experience on Thursday the first of February when Rev Neti Petaia was inducted as Minister of Crossway church Masterton and St Andrews Greytown.
The Methodist induction service was conducted by Rev Nicola Teague-Grundy and the sermon was preached by the Rev Dr Terry Wall.- the thoughts I noted was that the law of God is a gracious gift, which holds all of life together. We need to hold together action and contemplation. He gave the image of a Presbyter as mind, song and heart, like the wind, strings and percussion instruments of an orchestra and also the Presbyter as conductor; of the symphony of Parish witness.
As the gifts of Office were presented, the Samoan Women's Fellowship presented a stole to Rev Neti that had been designed and made by a small group of women (it was taken back after the service to put the highlights and definitions needed)
At the conclusion of the service there was a time for sharing before the cup of tea.
The ula -fala (red lei) is a special lei which was given to the chairperson's from Greytown and Crossway to seal Rev Neti' s relationship between the two parishes.
Rev Neti's family gave Leis to the important guests, visiting ministers and those taking part in the service Then with much laughter the Superintendent of Sinoti Samoa and the leader of the Wellington Parish welcomed Rev Neti and the family.
Everyone was then ready for a drink
The Design - On Neti's Right Hand is the Cross, the chalice and the bread.
On the left hand side is a Samoan Speaking stick -indicating Neti's choice of vocation. and below is the national flower of Samoa indicating his cultural roots. At the base is the Bible.
We used tapa cloth, for some of the symbols, as being a traditional Polynesian craft.
National Flower of Samoa.
This vibrant red flower "Teuila torch ginger" holds significant symbolism in Samoan culture:
- The Teuila flower represents strength, power, and resilience within Samoan traditions.
- It is associated with the natural elements of earth, water, fire, and air1.
- Red is a traditional and essential colour in Samoa; symbolizing the sun and fire—sources of life and energy2
