Thursday 5 March 2026
One of the things we love about this time of year is the mix of things being offered across the College. And that certainly is the case - at the moment - as the Chapel hits the second half of Term 1.
Lent Course Series
Last week, we began several new initiatives. One was the start of the Lent Course Series for senior students on the incredible story of pacifist come war-hero, Desmond Doss, who as a military combat medic saved 75 lives at the Battle of Okinawa. The film Hacksaw Ridge tells this very moving story, about someone who stood up for what they believed to be right, even though it cost them heavily. Senior students are most welcome to join this Lent Course which is being offered by Max Masters in C07 (his classroom) at lunchtimes (1.20pm-2pm for Day students) and (6pm-6.55pm for Boarders).
Discipleship Course
Meanwhile, this week, we have also begun a ‘Discipleship Course’ at Tuesday lunchtime for those that are interested in Christian faith or who are seriously thinking about the ‘twin’ sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation. Using the NUA Scripture Union video series expertly put together by Johnny Sommerville, we explore questions around ‘discipleship’, including, ‘If God is so good and all-powerful, why do we suffer?’ and ‘What are the hallmarks of authentic faith?’
This short course that runs through to Week 9 is designed especially for those thinking about either Baptism or Confirmation. If you think this is something that your son or daughter would like to engage with, feel free to email me at g.walters@kingscollege.school.nz or encourage them to come along on Tuesdays.
Our Bishop, The Right Reverend Ross Bay will be leading our annual Confirmation Service at 5pm Sunday 29 March to which everyone is welcome. Students, however, wishing to be Confirmed will have had to have completed this preparation course to be eligible for this special milestone.
Community Service
Further to this, we have a big weekend of Community Service coming up this week. We have over ninety students rostered to assist with the annual Otahuhu Fun Day, on Saturday 7 March. This is a golden opportunity for students to be able to not only accrue some valuable community service hours, but to also bring joy in many ways to the families of our local Ōtāhuhu community. Thank you to all the students and their families for getting involved whether it be by baking and decorating cupcakes beforehand or showing up to paint smiling faces or barbecue sausages. Go well to the 90 students who will be involved with ‘Mr. G’.
Quarterly Service
Finally, we look forward to the services for the second half of the term. One of these is our first Quarterly Service which is being offered at 7.30pm, on Sunday 22 March. If you or someone you know is an Old Collegian, and hasn’t been to Chapel in a while, then we would love you to come along to this special service. We will be aiming to sing several of your favourite hymns, be encouraged in our faith, share in Communion and enjoy God’s presence in the beauty of our beloved Chapel.
In the meantime, have a blessed journey as you make your way through Lent and if there is anything we can assist with, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Peace and grace,
Reverend Gareth Walters, Max Masters and Antony Horacek-Glading