Women of St Aidan’s await bishop’s address

The women of St Aidan’s church are excitedly awaiting the arrival of newly appointed Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, as she addresses the Claudelands parish for the first time this Sunday.

Bishop Hartley is the first female bishop appointed by the Anglican Church in the Waikato, and the third in New Zealand.

However, Bishop Hartley will not be the first female to take a leadership role in St Aidan’s Church.

The church is currently led by Vicar Lois Symes and has previously had Patricia Cooper as vicar.

Margaret Brown, who has been attending services at St Aidan’s since 1953, said women in the church have much to offer.

“I feel we’re lucky in having a woman minister here. A woman brings a totally new perspective to a service.”

Brown said it was significant for the ordinary parishioner to have the opportunity to meet their bishop.

“I think it’s very important that your minister is someone who is easy to talk to and will listen, and I have a feeling that our new bishop will do this.”

Bishop Hartley’s appearance coincides with the annual Harvest festival, where fruits and vegetables adorn the church before being sent to a food bank.

Choir mistress Yvonne King said the festival will be great time for the bishop to visit.

“I think she’ll be impressed. We decorate with fruits and vegetables, and ivy up and down the aisle,” she said.

Despite having never met Bishop Hartley, the St Aidan’s congregation is looking forward to what the bishop will have to offer the church.

“I think she’ll be able to inspire us with all her knowledge and warmth of heart.”