Nancy - a pleasure and priviledge...

Today I was touched and saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs.Nancy Cook or as most of us knew her by “Nancy”.

I had the pleasure of chaperoning our European mothers to church every Sunday morning. When dad (Tama) first told me “son, I have a special job for you, I want you to pick up our old mothers for church every Sunday morning” at first being young and selfish I thought of the half hours sleep that I would lose every Sunday morning, but as time went on I came to realise my duty was not only God given but a pleasure and priviledge.

My Sunday pick ups consisted of picking up Mrs.Doris Church, Mrs Eunice Anderson and finally Mrs.Nancy Cook. Each morning was interesting as we would share about each others weeks, chasing Mrs.Anderson’s cats out of the house, running up to Mrs.Church’s flat to see if she had forgotten I was picking her up or slept in, and on the odd special occasion the ladies would share treasures of history about our church right from its foundations to where it is today, we had truly been blessed to have had these special women at our church and I believe they will remain foundation stones of our church forever. Though old in age they were sharp in mind and spirit and I would refer to them as the “Flygirls”. So every Sunday there was my routine “mum if anyone asks I’m off to pick up the Flygirls”.

As time went by with the cold weather deterring my passengers and the ultimate passing our dear mothers Eunice and Doris my “pasese” was reduced to just Nancy. Right up to my last voyages with Nancy until I believe Aniva Laulu took my place when I departed, Nancy remained sharp and always cheerful. Sunday pickups would become the weeks round up of sport where we would discuss the form of the current NZ and Auckland sides especially in the cricket and rugby. Nancy was an avid sports fan and would often surprise me with her in depth knowledge of the game and opinions on current players.

The time I spent with the “flygirls” and later just Nancy were reward and satisfying enough though I was blown away everyear during Christmas time they would never miss giving me a small gift and card for the rides to church. Just the thought of them giving was a blessing. Like everyone who had been in contact with Nancy I had been blessed by her presence and devotion to our Lord and her undying support for the work here at Tamaki PIPC. I would ask myself sometimes at her age what drives her health permitting to make every Sunday morning. I am persuaded that it was her FAITH and LOVE for her Lord, hunger for the word and fellowship with Gods people, our people. What an example for us all!

Farewell Nancy and may God keep you his faithful servant.

Ia Manuia le Malaga.

With Love and Sincere Condolences
Pouena,Tehani,Teanui and Kayla

Pouena & Tehanis children - Kayla & Teanui

Vale Elizabeth Annie Cook (Nancy) 14/01/21 - 12/08/09

It is with sadness that we share about our Mama Nancy Cook. Last week the oldest and longest serving member of our parish passed on. Nancy Cook has been a loyal servant of our community for many years. Dating back to when our church was called Pt England Presbyterian.
Age was not a barrier for her, you would find her every Sunday morning in church, and at every elders meeting - rain or shine. She always had a smile on her face as she entered and left church. Nancy was a living testimony of a woman who's faith did not waver over time, a woman who loved and relied on her Lord. Nancy was a fine example of a faithful and comitted woman of God. We thank God for her many good works over the years that have helped mould our church to be what it is today. Thank you Nancy, from the bottom of our hearts for being an example of what we all hope to grow up and become - people who will be steadfast and content in the work of our Lord.

Zina and Fou have submitted their class' first tribute to Mama Nancy.

Nancy Cook

N - Never gave up coming to church

A - A woman with strong faith

N - Now in a happy and safe place with God and Jesus

C - Cried joyful tears

Y - You will always be in our hearts

By Zina and Fou, Grade 5
Photo Mama Nancy Cook at our last family service - July 2009.

Sweet smelling

Grade 4:Imagine that everything you do in life produces a smell. That's right a smell. We're not talking about shampoo in your hair, perfume before coming to church. No we're talking about all the things you do. For example, you help someone in need - a nice smell is produced. You do something naughty - of no use to people - it sends off a bad smell. Interesting aye!
We learnt some new words too from the Bible. For example nice smell = a sweet smelling fragrance, bad smell = a 'stench'. This was a good follow on from our lesson the week before where we learnt about the rich fool who tried to store all his riches selfishly. We made the link with the fact that every time we do something we are building up our riches in God's store house in heaven. In this light we strive to do good things as it pleases God and it sends a 'sweet smelling fragrance' up to Him.
Here are some photos from an activity we did at the beginning of our lesson. We had to guess what it was we were smelling. Lamp and Natascha did very well and almost guessed all correctly. The rest of us had a great time watching and recording what they were made to smell. We couldn't wait to tell them what they were really smelling!