My dear sisters and brothers
Following a successful Diocesan Synod and the completion of a host of last-minute tasks, Bishop Peter is now on study leave until 17 November. Deputising for him as Vicar-General, I hit the ground running this week, being rapidly thrust, once again, into the hurly-burly of diocesan life and affairs. I would greatly value your prayers over the next two months, while juggling archdeaconry and parish responsibilities as well as the demands of the Diocese. I deem it a great privilege to be trusted by the bishop with this responsibility, and on the outset, I need to acknowledge the dedication, skill and patience of our outstanding team at Cardale House, without whose kindness I would be overwhelmed. I also want to pay tribute to the Parish of Lincoln and its wonderful leadership group, who recognise that releasing me to fulfil this assignment is a gift to the Diocese.
Last Thursday, the Cathedral Reinstatement Project launched Re:Opening the Cathedral in stages. You can read more in this media release on the Diocesan website. Some youth groups across the Diocese had a fun Games Night in the Cowles Indoor Stadium, led by Rev’d Sammy Mould, Azaria Brooker, and Nathan Muirhead. Soon after The Abbey in Wellington, a group of our young adults connected in Hororata to make woodfire pizzas, build a bonfire, and build new friendships.
Recently, we noted with sadness the death of Melissa Shoaf, a wonderful wife and a great support to Reverend John Shoaf. A service to honour her and commend her to God’s care will be held this coming Sunday 21 September at All Souls Church, Church Lane, Merivale, commencing at 2pm. The service is being live-streamed and may be viewed using this link.
At the recent Synod service, Bishop Peter appointed and licensed Alex Summerlee as our new Diocesan Chancellor. In addition, he signalled that he would be making an appointment to the position of Vice-Chancellor in the near future. I am delighted to advise that Kirsty May (Barrister, and member of the Parish of Avonhead) has accepted the offer to take up this post in our Diocese. Thank you, Kirsty. Your experience as a member of Synod and Standing Committee will no doubt be invaluable in your role.
Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM who was invested in Canberra on Monday as a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, the highest grade of membership in the royal order of chivalry.
This Sunday is the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and erstwhile tax collector. In the Gospel reading (Matthew 9: 9-13), Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice” when challenging certain Pharisees who took exception to his choice to ‘recline and dine’ with tax collectors and sinners. It is very easy for us to be critical of these ‘sticklers for the law’ and thereby to perhaps overlook our own need for honest soul-searching and even repentance, when we recognise our own aversion to ‘sinners’ of any sort. May our hearts, homes and churches be repositories of mercy, this Sunday and always.
Tenei te mihi arohanui ki a koutou katoa!
Mark Barlow
Vicar General