Last Sunday marked a significant moment in Rai Valley as St Mark's opened its doors for the first time in nearly ten years. The building was filled with smiles and a sense of anticipation as congregants gathered to celebrate Christmas.
Havelock & Sounds Priest-in-Charge, Reverend Kevin Topp, held the service, accompanied by his wife Sandy leading carol singing. Despite the absence of gatherings for almost a decade, the congregation enthusiastically sang carols, laughing with acknowledgement of the need for a bit of practice.
The grounds were tidy, as they had been during the years of disuse, thanks to a previously-unknown caretaker. It turned out to be a man living across the road, with a Catholic background. Having never set foot inside the church until Kevin invited him in, he now plans to attend St Mark's following the closure of the valley's Catholic church.
The church, adorned with green oak branches, bouquets of flowers, and a natural pine Christmas tree, radiated a rural festive spirit. The lack of running water and electricity posed challenges, but afternoon tea's hot water was served from flasks, and the absence of bathrooms had led to a neighbour graciously opening his gate for visitors to use his facilities.
Reverend Kevin delivered a message themed "Home for Christmas". He emphasised the unconditional love found in a healthy home and the irreplaceable nature of family.
The service resonated with the congregants, many of whom were returning "home" after almost a decade. At the same time, newcomers were eager to make St Mark's their home for the first time.
Let’s look out for what God’s got in store for Rai Valley!
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Last Sunday marked a significant moment in Rai Valley as St Mark's opened its doors for the first time in nearly ten years. The building was filled with smiles and a sense of anticipation as congregants gathered to celebrate Christmas.
Havelock & Sounds Priest-in-Charge, Reverend Kevin Topp, held the service, accompanied by his wife Sandy leading carol singing. Despite the absence of gatherings for almost a decade, the congregation enthusiastically sang carols, laughing with acknowledgement of the need for a bit of practice.
The grounds were tidy, as they had been during the years of disuse, thanks to a previously-unknown caretaker. It turned out to be a man living across the road, with a Catholic background. Having never set foot inside the church until Kevin invited him in, he now plans to attend St Mark's following the closure of the valley's Catholic church.
The church, adorned with green oak branches, bouquets of flowers, and a natural pine Christmas tree, radiated a rural festive spirit. The lack of running water and electricity posed challenges, but afternoon tea's hot water was served from flasks, and the absence of bathrooms had led to a neighbour graciously opening his gate for visitors to use his facilities.
Reverend Kevin delivered a message themed "Home for Christmas". He emphasised the unconditional love found in a healthy home and the irreplaceable nature of family.
The service resonated with the congregants, many of whom were returning "home" after almost a decade. At the same time, newcomers were eager to make St Mark's their home for the first time.
Let’s look out for what God’s got in store for Rai Valley!
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
