For the 150th parish celebrations

Our warmest good wishes to the Fendalton Parish Community as you gather to rejoice on an historic milestone. There is a truly wonderful history to celebrate over the past 150 years.

The vitality of a parish always comes from its people, as God works within them and through them, and the truth of this is written large in the ongoing story of the Parish of Fendalton. It has been richly blessed – both in the past and in the present – by those who have worshipped together and gone out to fulfil their own unique ministries in Christ’s Name.

I recall, only a few weeks after arriving in the Parish, meeting in the hospital late at night with a family and the Roman Catholic chaplain, at the bedside of a young boy. After the boy had gone to theatre, as the chaplain and I were walking through the empty corridors, he stopped and turned to me and spoke directly of the strong influence for good that Fendalton parishioners had in many parts of the City. It was a powerful affirmation that came unexpectedly.

As you acknowledge with thanksgiving all that has been achieved, and draw encouragement once more from the example of St Barnabas at his Festival, we wish you well for all that lies ahead, with the prospect by God’s grace of all kinds of good things yet to come.

We continue to be immensely grateful for being called to Christchurch in 1987 to serve in the Parish, and for the lasting friendships we have enjoyed with so many over the years.

Craufurd and Jennifer