CHAPEL
THE CHAPLAIN
The Rev’d John Goodwin is our full-time Chaplain. Known to the boys as “Father John”, he teaches Religious Education to all classes, conducts the Chapel services, and exercises a leading role in pastoral care, and in out-reach fund-raising. Please feel free to contact Fr John on 5207786 (School), 5231409 (Home). For urgent matters please call 02102393623.
HISTORY
The Chapel of the Holy Child was dedicated on 29 November 1928. It was, appropriately, made from a converted stable. Since then the Kauri building has been moved forward on the site and altered and extended a number of times. The chapel is graced by beautiful stained glass windows which include a three part east window as a memorial to Mr SJ Hanna, member of the Board 1927 - 1958, and Chairman for many years. In the North is a memorial to Miss Elsie Crofts, teacher 1922-1949. The chapel has benefited from many gifts and purchases down the years to the recent baptismal font. Most notable though are the embroidered Altar frontals, tapestry kneelers, vestments and banners from the early 1980’s. Most of these were designed by Beverley Shore-Bennett. In 1931 a memorial lamp and tablet were dedicated in memory of the Old Boys of King’s College who died in WW1. (These boys had been pupils here before the school split into 2 parts in 1922.). In 1951 a further tablet was added to remember Old Boys of King’s School who perished in WW2.
SERVICES
There are morning services on weekdays except Friday. Services begin at 8am, and they include hymns, prayers and a reading or reflection. Boys help out with the readings, which often model ways of being God’s people, and promote the values of the Kingdom. A large screen and two side screens are used to enhance our worship with new liturgies, hymns, pictures and video clips. During the services, boys have their birthdays acknowledged and we ask God’s blessing upon them. They light a candle, as a symbol of thankfulness and future hope, and receive a personalized book-mark with a prayer on one side, and their name on the other.
FAMILY SERVICES
These are held once a term, and families are encouraged to come to the service for their son. There is also an Evensong once a term with the Chapel Choir. All are welcome to our services.
EUCHARIST
On Thursdays there is a Service of Holy Communion at 12.50pm, and all are welcome to attend.
BAPTISM
Baptism services are held through the year for families of those who attend the School, and for those about to come. In the name of Christ we welcome those who want to make a commitment of faith, and we encourage their families to become regular participants in their local parish. Baptism marks a new start in our relationship with God and it is a relationship marked by ongoing faithfulness and commitment. No fees are charged for Baptism but a donation to the Chapel is welcomed.
WEDDINGS and FUNERALS
Weddings and funerals of those who have a connection with King’s School are held in the Chapel. We can seat 300, and the adjacent Dining Room next door may be used for refreshments or full-scale receptions. To book the Dining Room or to find out information about the availability of the Chapel for weddings, please contact Mrs Carolyn Prebble our Development and Community Relations Manager, on 520 7790.
PASTORAL CARE
The Chaplain plays an important role in Pastoral Care, along with Liz Janssen (Associate Headmaster), Deans, Classroom Teachers, and Support Staff. We have been able to offer the Seasons Programme to help boys who have experienced grief through loss caused by the death or separation of loved ones. If you have a pastoral concern that will impact upon your child, please let us know!
OUTREACH
We are keen for our boys to develop awareness and concern for those in need, and so as a School we participate in a number of fund-raisers. We have recently raised and donated money to Operation Heal; Hearing House; Blind Foundation; World Vision; Cancer Council; Save the Children; Rotary Club Newmarket; Radio Lollipop; Seasons Onehunga; Leprosy Mission NZ; African Enterprise; Mercy Hospice; Koru Care NZ; Kids Foundation; NZ Down Syndrome Association; Bible Society of NZ and the SPCA. In 2013 a group of staff (and their parents) knitted hundreds of woollen squares to be made into blankets for the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. Our staff are involved in teaching at Ronald MacDonald House on a regular basis.
MIT
Mothers in Touch is a fledgling prayer group of mothers meeting on Friday afternoons in the Chapel to pray for the community. It is co-ordinated by Kirstie Mackey, and she would love to hear from interested Mums. Her contact number is 6307480.
