Remember in your Prayers

It is with much sadness we inform the Connexion of the death of Dorothy Drew, who died peacefully on November 23.2023 at WesleyCare in Christchurch, in the 97th year. Dorothy was the acknowledged matriarch of Durham St Methodist Church.

Dorothy served on the Methodist Women’s Fellowship (MWF) National North Canterbury Executive 1992-1994 and was Vice President and Liaison Officer. She visited 16 of the 18 MWF Districts with Ruth Bilverstone (President).

As a “word-smith” Dorothy wrote a number of playlets, devotional talks and prayers for use at District MWF gatherings around the country and for Conventions and it was with much delight that with the support of her Durham St Congregation, Dorothy was able to have a book of her many prayers published by Phillip Garside. The book was launched on August 28, 2022 and there was a further reprint early in 2023.

An ardent member of the Cornish Association, Dorothy was awarded the Paul Smales Medallion. This medallion is awarded annually at the Gorsedh to someone living outside Cornwall who has given notable service to the County. The Gorsedh of the Bards of Cornwall – exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall.

Messages can be addressed to the family of the late Dorothy Drew, c/- 19 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch 8013. A memorial Service will be celebrated for Dorothy at Durham Street Methodist Church, 309 Durham Street North, on Thursday, November 30, at 2.00pm.

A memorial Service will be celebrated for Dorothy at Durham Street Methodist Church, 309 Durham Street North, on Thursday, November 30, at 2.00pm.

Please see the livestream link for Dorothy Drew's Memorial service https://youtube.com/live/hg7BO-vjFLA

Messages can be addressed to the family of the late Dorothy Drew, c/- 19 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch 8013.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari General Secretary

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The Rev David Balchin died suddenly on Saturday evening in Wellsford while walking with his wife Chris. He was ordained Presbyterian, and (after a stroke during a heart operation while stationed at Waihi) was serving part time as a Methodist Appointment to the Wellsford Co-operating Parish. David served in First Church Papakura and Districts, Waihi, Crossroads Mangatangi, and Wellsford.

A funeral service for him will be held this Friday 15th Dec @ 1pm @ St Andrews, Great South Rd, Manurewa, to celebrate his life, and give thanks to God for a life well lived.

Tēnā koe

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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I regret to advise you that Anne Abernethy – wife of the Rev Gordon Abernethy – has died. There will be a Memorial Service in the New Year. Anyone wishing to send a message of condolence to Gordon can email him on aboseniors@kinect.co.nz or write to him at 14 Argyle Street, Mornington, Dunedin, 9011

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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We sadly advise that Hilda Widdup, wife of the late Reverend Bob Widdup, died at WesleyCare Hospital in Christchurch on Saturday evening 17 December 2023, in her 102nd year. Hilda had a deeply compassionate, down-to-earth, practical faith and together with Bob made their indelible mark in ministry appointments in both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand. After Bob's death in 2009, Hilda returned to Christchurch to reside in Wesley Village adjacent to the Papanui Methodist Church, where she and Bob had served for so many years; and about 4 years ago transferred into rest home and hospital care at WesleyCare.

A private family service has been held, followed by cremation. A memorial service of thanksgiving for Hilda's life will be held at the Westpark Chapel, Lamb & Hayward Ltd 467 Wairakei Road Christchurch, Saturday 20 January 2024 at 10.00 am. Communications may be sent to the family care of margaret.widdup@hotmail.com

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary