2025 done and dotted; another one bites the dust.
What were the highlights for First Church? Number one would have to be the year of heroic stamina from Minister Jim Veitch who delivers his thought-provoking sermons on queue each Sunday – where Christian theology and biblical history meet to keep the whole notion of religion alive and relevant for his flock.
Then there’s the enthusiastic and reliable group of (largely) geriatrics making up the congregation. These days you need to be an octogenarian to qualify for a pew. Just witnessing them arrive at church, some striding, most shuffling to their seats, is an enthralling sight. Most make it early to lay claim on the enticing pile of pikelets, scones and lamingtons concocted by the culinary ladies guild. At 10.10 the sound of munching, masticating and gossip ceases and Jim makes a start. This could be a hymn which begins in several disparate, and a semblance of vocal order rules. Many in the congregation claim they can’t sing in tune as an excuse for their toneless mumbling. This won’t do. Its been well and clinically demonstrated that if such a musical miscreant is sandwiched between
two pitch perfect choristers and told to concentrate, they eventually manage very well. And the quality of the hymn improves.
Then there’s the steady array of fundraising/social activities, utterly necessary to keep the ecclesiastical ship afloat. First and foremost are the bi-annual community lunches were upwards for 40 ravenous locals descend on the church hall to sample our ladies culinary masterpieces. This is serious stuff and conversations are suitably restrained in favour of the next course. No speaking while your mouth’s full. Then there’s the famous First Church afternoon teas canvassed by email and word of mouth. Eclipsed only by the annual Spring Fling.
All undertaken as community events – a welcome statement of inclusion in a bellicose world where self interest rules the roost. 2025 finished on a high note for those who love their music. In an act of interdenominational friendship St. Andrews asked their Presby bros. to a carol service. A full house, lusty singing and even a bit of harmony. Especially welcome to First Church attendees because of the presence of an organ of which we’ve been bereft since Bob Bargh left us.
