St Pauls in the Park, Flat Bush, Auckland

A bit about St Paul’s in the Park

Saint Paul’s Anglican Church was built in 1886, the year of the Tarawera eruption, to serve the growing rural area of East Tamaki, on the outskirts of Auckland. For over 125 years the church has been a landmark and focal point for the people living in this valley.

As the area has changed over the years, so the life and ministry of Saint Paul’s has adapted and grown. Now, with the rapid growth of Dannemora, Donnegal Park, and Flat Bush, St Paul’s is in the centre of a thriving multi-cultural neighbourhood, and remains a landmark given its location within Barry Curtis Park.

We have always been a neighbourhood church, and still work hard to reflect the hopes and needs of the people who live and work around us. The little church is a haven of spiritual peace. It is also the home of a growing congregation committed to the spiritual growth and health of the Flat Bush area.

We would love for you to join us in this exciting and challenging work.

St Paul’s In The Park

Ministries of St Paul’s in the Park

Selwyn Seniors

Selwyn Seniors provides gentle exercise for body, mind and soul, friendship and activities. We meet on Friday mornings 9.30 – 12.00. Morning tea is provided. For more information, please contact Jennie Henry on ph: 537 9182 or Mb: 021 534 455. A donation is requested to cover costs.

SPACE

Supporting Parents alongside Children’s Education is a programme mainly for first time parents and their newborn babies. SPACE aims to provide a solid, safe opportunity for first time parents to bond well with their children. Sessions are held Tuesday mornings (10-12noon) over 3 – 4 terms in a relaxed, baby-friendly atmosphere, are led by trained facilitators, and cover a wide range of child development topics. Contact Carolyn Wellm on 022 657 5851.

Other Activities

Ormiston Scouts, Cubs and Keas meet during school term time. Scouts meet on Monday, contact Trudie Graham 021 764232, and Cubs and Keas meet on Tuesday, contact Scot Borchard, mob: 021 611320 or email: moc.l1524405318iamg@1524405318drahc1524405318robtt1524405318ocs1524405318

Tongan Methodist Congregation Worship – Sunday 2pm in the Church.

Samoan Methodist Congregation Worship – Sunday 1pm in Church Hall

Tribute to Eleanor Keys

After many years of faithful service to St Paul’s, Eleanor has decided to retire in order to focus on ministry closer to home in Papakura. She has been a stalwart of our ministry unit for over twelve years and we are so very grateful for her commitment and hard work.

Until the end of last year Eleanor led the IDEA programme, mostly monthly, but for some years fortnightly. She has also both led and volunteered with the Selwyn Seniors programme. Due to the fact that they meet on a weekly basis throughout the year, this has been a significant commitment. She has established a wonderful rapport with all those involved and will be sorely missed.

On many occasions Eleanor has run the Sunday School during our Sunday worship. Her background as a school teacher has stood her in good stead as she has created an environment which has been educational, productive, and at the same time, enjoyable, for our young children.

Acknowledgment of Eleanor’s services would not be complete with reference to her skills and efforts in floral arranging for our church. She is a passionate gardener, and her affinity with God’s creation has seen her regularly create a very special environment within our church. The floral Easter cross was her inspiration and will remain in our memories for a long time.

Eleanor has been a valued member of our ministry team. I am most grateful for her experience and assistance in ministering to the people of St Paul’s in the Park. I wish her and Rex all the very best for whatever the future holds.

Reverend Warner Wilder

St Paul's Ministry Team

Who are we?

Priest in Charge
The Rev’d Warner Wilder

Warner Wilder after 29 years as chaplain of Kings College, Otahuhu is now Priest in Charge at St Paul’s in the Park. After an early career in sheep-farming, Warner went on to be ordained into the Anglican Church and spent four years as Vicar of his local country parish of Porongahau, in the Hawkes’ Bay before becoming Chaplain at Kings College.

Photo by Times Newspapers Limited