On 30 April there was a celebration at the Waiareka-Weston Church – 17 over 80 year olds were honoured.
This particular date was chosen because every 5th Sunday the parish’s three worship centres gather together.
“We wanted to honour and recognise these wonderful seniors who have throughout their lives given themselves sacrificially to serving the church and the community. The example of their faith and lives is legendary,” says the Rev Nancy Parker.
The emphasis of the gathering, called “Patchworking together”, was on the value and importance of every piece in the patchwork, just as every person in the church has a valued and special place, says Nancy.
“Without everyone the church and community would be incomplete.”
Invitations were sent to seniors’ families and to the seniors themselves, and the church was packed with those from the church family as well as many visitors from the community and beyond.
Certificates were presented and stories told of the amazing and worthwhile contributions made. Both young and old enjoyed one another.
The church’s young people and children were totally involved in worship, including presenting songs and reading the tributes. The children presented the certificates and helped put together a patchwork that was made to illustrate the occasion.
Nancy says it was a wonderful day and families – grandparents, parents, young people and children – all valued the opportunity to celebrate, and valued each other and the good life and stability that Christian faith has offered to their lives.
“We recognised that these wonderful people have formed the foundation of the life of this church through their commitment, faith and dedication.
“A month later, people all over our community were still talking about the celebration, and our seniors’ coffee morning was crowded in May. People young and old gained a fresh sense of belonging.
“It was so good to celebrate the faithfulness of God and to recognise the varying roles of each person and the differing ways that people have contributed in the ongoing patchwork of this church,” she says.