Dear Friends,
This evening at the Festal Evensong at 7:00 pm we shall be honoured to welcome the Most Revd Katharine Jefferts Schori, who is the Presiding Bishop and Primate of our sister church, the Episcopal Church of the USA. Bishop Katharine is a scientist and oceanographer, and a pilot, as is her daughter. She is committed to social issues, particularly the eradication of poverty and hunger.
As Bishop Victoria is away, Bishop John Gray will be her host and will join with us. Bishop Katharine will preach. There is likely to be a large congregation of visitors to S. Michael’s and the parish is providing a reception in the hall afterwards, so that people can meet Bishop Katharine. I hope you will all try to come—this is a wonderful opportunity for us to show the S. Michael’s Church community in its element to many who may not previously have darkened our doors.
On Friday the Year Seven and Eight pupils of S. Michael’s School, with their parents, School Staff and friends, took part in the biennial Victorian Soirée, one of the most amazing events in any school programme. For all of this term these classes have been studying the period and visiting places of historical significance around Christchurch. They went to Riccarton House and to Ferrymead, where they particularly enjoyed a hands-on experience of Victorian living. Finally they have learned the traditional ballroom dances and customs. So we danced the Palais Glide, the Gay Gordons, the Boston Two-step, the Circle Glide and the Snowball Waltz, among others, all dressed in elegant Victorian gowns and suits. Congratulations to all those who again made this wonderful evening possible.
The winter school holidays begin on Friday and last for two weeks, during which we hope teachers, children and families can enjoy a change of pace. During this time, parishioners may of course park in the school playground while they are here for worship and parish activities.
On the first Sunday after the School’s return, 25 July, we shall celebrate the 159th anniversary of the founding of S. Michael’s Church School, the first school to open in Christchurch. The preacher will be the Diocesan Education Director, the Revd Dr Peter Carrell.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
