Dear Friends,
The Abbey – a gathering for Anglican youth and youth leaders in our church – took place at El Rancho, Waikanae, over the weekend with around 50 people participating from our Diocese. Thank you for praying for this event which went well. There were some great speakers, excellent music (led by a band composed mostly of musicians and singers from our Diocese) and stimulating workshops.
This month the ministries of two of our clergy have concluded. At the beginning of the month, the Reverend Jacqui Stevenson concluded her ministry as Vicar of Bryndwr which began in mid 2013. Thank you, Jacqui (and Tim) for your leadership of the parish and support and development for many ministries, especially in connection with children and youth, within the church and in the wider community, including local schools. My very best wishes for the next chapter of your life and ministry – there are things to do after you have enjoyed a well deserved break! At the end of this month, the Reverend Gabriele Anderson concludes her ministry of leadership of the Church of the Resurrection, Rolleston, in the Parish of Lincoln. Thank you, Gabriele, for your enthusiastic engagement with the congregation of this church and the people of Rolleston. Great forward momentum for our work in Rolleston has been achieved, and we wish you well for your return to chaplaincy ministry in Auckland.
In the early hours of Monday morning, the Reverend John Hearne died at his home in Cheviot. I first met John some 20 years ago when he was a student in some of my biblical studies classes at the then BCNZ Nelson branch. Later, John and Heather moved to Canterbury, where John managed the Pathway Trust’s use of the former Motukarara camp for a ministry supporting people reintegrating into society. Through local church involvement in the Mt Herbert Parish, John was drawn into offering for ordination in our Diocese. He was ordained deacon in February 2015 and priested in November 2015 by Bishop Victoria. After a period of curacy in the Parish of Cheviot, John undertook interim ministry in Methven for a short period before being appointed Vicar of Cheviot on 1 February 2020. In Cheviot, John and Heather bought land, shifted a house from Christchurch to that property and settled into life and ministry there. Late in 2024, following recommendation from his doctor, John announced that he was retiring from his ministry role on 31 December. John has been much loved in Cheviot, within the parish and the wider community. His funeral service will be at 1pm, Monday 1 September, at the Cheviot Fire Station, McQueen Road (i.e. the road to Gore Bay), Cheviot. All welcome. Please pray for Heather, their family, and the parish family as they grieve for John and as preparations are made for the service next week.
On Thursday 4 September, 2025, prior to gathering at the Transitional Cathedral for our Synod Eucharist, there is a Rural Ministry Day planned, which will be held at Trinity church, Darfield, with doors open at 9am, prompt 9.30am start, and ending at 3.30pm. This event is for lay and clergy, Anglicans and Presbyterians, those already travelling for Synod, and anyone else interested from rural parishes across the diocese. Please register your attendance at https://forms.office.com/r/YTncxeqmgC
Our annual Diocesan Synod begins with the Synod Eucharist at 7pm, Thursday 4 September in the Transitional Cathedral – all are welcome – and continues with our plenary sessions at St. Christopher’s, Avonhead, beginning at 9am Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September. We expect to conclude by 4pm on Saturday afternoon. This year I will be the preacher at the Synod service and what I will say will be Part 1 of my annual Presidential Address to Synod. This Address will attend to aspects of our progress as a Diocese in respect of the Diocesan Mission Action Plan and our theme of Regeneration through this decade. Our bills and motions, as usual, attend to a variety of matters, some fairly technical in order to update our statutes, and others providing opportunity to think about matters such as clergy well-being, use of our resources, our commitment to overseas mission, progress on the Cathedral Project and notice of change re underlying trust structure for our work in Anglican Care/City Mission. We will also have a report, prompted by motions at last year’s Synod, about insurance for our many properties. Subject to fitting with procedure for bringing a late motion to Synod, there will be a motion on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Your prayers for our Synod are encouraged and appreciated.
This coming Sunday, 31 August 2025 is Ordinary 22, and the Gospel reading is Luke 14:1, 7-14. This passage reveals Jesus as a teacher of practical wisdom. Start low and last and wait to become high and first rather than be embarrassed by assuming you deserve top spot and find yourself walking a walk of shame from the top table to the table by the draughty exit door of the celebration venue!
Arohanui,
+Peter.