One hundred and seventeen years ago Mr Frank Bythell laid down the foundation of this church. For its congregation here in 2026, it was another opportunity to give thanks to God for the journey he has brought us on, and celebrate its presence in the Redwoodtown community. We did this in two ways, with a carefully curated, spirit filled service - and a shared meal.

The service began with an ensemble of six musicians opening in praise and worship, and a full throated congregation setting the scene for what followed. Nigel Irwin led the service, and The Rev. Kevin Gwynne celebrated the communion service. Mark Peters presented a very concise and interesting history of the last 117 years here, and he emphasised that it was the people who underpinned the history of this church. Steve Scaife read a letter of encouragement from Bishop Steve Maina, and Nigel delivered a layered sermon encouraging us to see the role every individual had in furthering God’s kingdom here in Redwoodtown. Prayers and communion followed and then we had the commissioning of the leaders of the church.

A Vestry of 11 people, a staff of 4, and 5 other ministry leaders stood before the people. Apart from our Minister in Charge, these 20 committed people take responsibility for every single aspect of our church life, and the calibre of these people involved is a real blessing. We had 101 people attending the service, very mindful of our absent friends, many coping with very nasty influenza symptoms plaguing New Zealand at present. With 21st Century technology people can follow the service on line, warm in their homes, unaware that during this morning, snow was coating the Raglan Ranges, Mt Patriarch and the Fish Tail, mountains surrounding our beautiful environment here.

It was pleasing to see that three quarters of the people from the service joined together for fellowship and our shared meal. It was a jolly time, (8 tables of people) the food was delicious, and we were very thankful to the kitchen staff filling our cups and cleaning up dishes after us. It was a wonderful multi-cultural gathering of young and old, and people shared ideas and backstories as they mingled over food.

St Christopher’s is grounded in its people, as mentioned before. There is this wonderful spirit of unity and friendship which has prevailed since its inception and while we have faced trials and tribulations down through the years, we have prevailed under God’ grace to form the people we are today, thanking God continuously for His abundance in our lives - and the teaching he has provided through chosen individuals to feed us, keeping us focussed as we journey. We are a very Blessed Community of Faith in this corner of our country.

Jackie Hall

Celebrating Foundation Sunday