The St Andrew's Stained Glass Window

The St Andrew's Window is located in the west wall of the church, on the left-hand side of the chancel. It is particularly beautiful when illuminated by the late morning or afternoon sun. It is called the St Andrew's Window because the concept was inspired by Mark I: v 16 and 17,

"Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting nets into the sea: for they were fishermen. And Jesus said unto them come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

The theme for the design was to link Andrew, the fisherman, disciple, and Patron Saint of Scotland, to St Andrew's church and our local environment at Plimmerton. This was interpreted perfectly by Olaf Wehr-Candler of Pukerua Glass Studio Ltd, the artisan who conceived, crafted, and installed St Andrew's Window.

When looking at the window the eye is drawn up towards the top right by the knot of a fishing net which then cascades down from the heavens and flows across to the left of the window, and into the sea with Mana Island back-lit by the setting sun at the bottom right. The ancient Scottish cross of St Andrew's is etched into a patch of blue sky floating on the whitecaps of a turbulent sea. On either side of the fishing net, and etched into the blues and purples of the "under sea" are different sizes of fish representing people of all ages, size, faith and race. The net now becomes a stairway to heaven but first we have to cross the turbulent, interwoven sea of life, shown on the left hand side of the window, to get to the safety of the net and the life beyond.

At the bottom of the window, on the roof of St Andrew's church, is a dedication to Ian David Turner. Ian was an active member of the parish from 1974 to 2002, from Sunday School to Liturgical Assistant. Sadly, at the age of 35, his ministry on earth was complete and he made the final climb through the sea of life to the fishing net and beyond. Remembered by family, friends, parishioners of Pauatahanui and the Seatoun churches, the children of the Seatoun schools, and the customers of his bookshop, for his Christian faith, compassion for others, and willingness to give his time and ministry to people in distress.

As the sun sets over Mana Island, and the colours flowing through St Andrew's Window deepen and grow intense, we pray for all those loved ones who have climbed the net and are now at rest in God's hands.

Eternal God, may this window
always be a sign of your presence
in this house of prayer
and in our lives.

Be always near us when we
seek you here in St Andrew's.

Draw us to you,
when we come alone
or when we come with others,
to find comfort and wisdom,
to be supported and strengthened,
to rejoice and give thanks.
May Ian, in whose memory we
dedicated this window,
dwell with you in peace forever
and may all who loved him
know your peace.

May we become one with you
and with one another,
as our lives are sustained and
sanctified for your service.

In Jesus name, Amen.