On our first two Sundays back at Aldersgate, the Durham Street Methodist congregation had our after-church morning tea out and about at nearby cafes – doing our bit to help support our local economy! Saving family businesses, one cup at a time, ohh and don’t forget to try The Dirty Apron’s delicious home-baked scones and … Continued
While the Prime Minister has emphasised the role of the ‘team of five million’ in achieving no active Covid-19 cases in such short time, its also good to see some media coverage given to the behind-the-scenes local heroes in fighting the virus. Did you notice the photo of Stephen Chambers in this weekend’s Press? Professor Stephen … Continued
We have kept connected through emails and personal phone calls. However, on the 3rd of June we took another step forward breaking out of our bubbles, being around more people. We came together at Wallace’s place for fellowship and rejoicing with Nancy Lemke on her 90th birthday. Nothing mattered except being in the presence of one … Continued
The outrage at the murder of George Floyd led to protest against racism and white supremacy around the world, including here in Christchurch – where 500 people flowed into Cathedral Square on a cold and wet holiday weekend. Trinity Methodist Theological College shared a profound Litany for Those Not Ready for Healing, and issued a Statement … Continued
May the 14 has been declared by a number of world religious leaders as a day of prayer, fasting and supplications for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information on the day can be found in this article. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200508005369/en/Higher-Committee-Human-Fraternity-Calls-Global-Day In response to this call, the Canterbury Interfaith Society has coordinated religious leaders and congregations from … Continued
Our Church Community’s Experience of the Lockdown:During Virtual Sunday this week (10 June 2020), Matthew asked us to share photos of what we missed most, or what we appreciated most during the lockdown. Here is the result:
Over 50 people gathered on-line during the lockdown to celebrate our Virtual Easter Sunday with the Durham Street Methodist community. Thanks to Hugh for grabbing these pictures of the diverse bunch of participants we are, some decorated eggs and colourful hats – that we were asked by Philo to bring along for the celebration. Her … Continued
Christchurch Methodist Mission, as a part of the collaborative Housing First initiative, has been given access to 25 motel units across four complexes (and potentially more if required) to provide shelter for people who are currently homeless, while the country is in lockdown. In the first instance, ring 0800 43 24 24, and the person … Continued
We survived our first Virtual Sunday – meeting as church in the age of the virus. About 26 people over 19 connections meet together and encouraged each other. Only one person was brave enough to come in their pyjamas. Nobody was injured, and we didn’t break the internet. In fact, some people said it was … Continued
We’ll be gathering this Sunday at 10:00am at your place, but don’t worry, no need to do an extra clean-up or get in more morning tea supplies. Instead you are invited to an exciting new experiment in doing church differently in the age of the virus: Virtual Sundays: Church-Not-As-Usual. This is not just a video of … Continued
As an act of solidarity, and perhaps even mystical connection, we are encouraging everyone who can, to light a candle in their window (or on their table) at 7:00pm each Sunday evening and say a prayer for the vulnerable, alone or elderly in our community (those we know and those we don’t), and to give … Continued
Our building may be closed. Church gatherings may be suspended, but we are still here for you. Just to prove it, when many others were doing their last minute panic shopping before the lock-down came into force, Philo and Jeff were doing their panic setting-up of a fun Easter window display – Easter eggs, bunnies, … Continued
Today we received notice that the Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa has suspended all church services – this includes ours at Durham Street. This is not only in consideration of the risks of those attending, but also to reduce as much as possible any further spread of the virus to … Continued
In February 2020, it’s great to see progress on the colourful, inclusive stained-glass window designed and being crafted for us by Graham Stewart of www.stewartstainedglass.co.nz. When finished it will be hung in the giant window of the Chapel at Aldersgate, facing Durham Street. More background on the design, its meaning and significance and what to expect in … Continued
During February, Durham Street Methodists were pleased to be visited by Ange, a granddaughter of Rev Selwyn & Mrs Enid Dawson. Selwyn Dawson was minister at Durham Street from 1961-1971, and then President of the Methodist Conference in 1972. He was also President of the National Council of Churches (1967-68). In 1966 the Revs W. S. … Continued
We were surprised and just a little over whelmed with the estimated thousand plus people who came through Aldersgate on Sunday 23 February for our Sneak Peek Tours of the building just ahead of the next weekend’s official Opening Celebrations. We stopped counting at 150 in the first 20 minutes or so, but the crowds kept … Continued
It’s great to see progress on the colourful, inclusive stained-glass window designed and being crafted for us by Graham Stewart of www.stewartstainedglass.co.nz. When finished it will be hung in the giant window of the Chapel at Aldersgate, facing Durham Street. More background on the design, its meaning and significance and what to expect in the final product … Continued
A crowd over-flowing out from the Chapel at Aldersgate celebrated Christmas Day today – the first in the new Aldersgate Centre. Christmas crackers were burst, carols with a Kiwi flavour were sung with gusto, and Mr Bean pointed us where to find a missing baby Jesus. Many old friends were welcomed home, and new friends … Continued
On a warm afternoon on the last Sunday before Christmas a team of around 20 members and friends of Durham Street Methodist Church accepted an invitation to come over the hill to the small settlement of Rāpaki, which sits on the shores of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) under the gaze of the mountain Te Poho o … Continued
On Monday morning 17 Dec, Dr Terry Ryan, assisted by Roz Wilkie blessed the completed Aldersgate Centre, after it was handed over from the builders to the Durham Street Methodist Church. In attendance along with a small group from the congregation, we also hosted representatives of the Social Services of Christchurch Methodist Mission, and Christian … Continued