Greetings from the Pegasus Archdeaconry.
Whether you be up at Sister Eveleen’s, by the riverside of the Heathcote or Avon, down on the dunes in South Brighton, you can look from the water to the snow-capped mountains, God’s creation in the beautiful Pegasus in winter can be awe-inspiring. In the life of ministry, whether it be similar to our schools, children and family services, ministry to the seafarers, community lunches in all their busyness, to the heart-wrenching situation of the homeless, the beauty of God’s creation can nurture the body, mind, and spirit.
This winter, we pray that you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are surrounded in care as you too participate in the mahi of the Gospel this season. We pray that all can breathe in some ‘awe’ at God’s creation and be refreshed.
In the cover photo of e-Life, Reverend Sampson Knight and Byron Behm celebrate the graduation of Riccarton – Spreydon Parish St Martin’s Basketball Youth Group Academy.
Coming up, Bishop Peter will ordain the following deacons as priests – all welcome, clergy robing with red stoles:
The Reverend Robert Jamieson, at 7pm, Friday 8 August at St. Michael and All Angels church, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch.
The Reverend Andy Dickson, at 7pm, Thursday 14 August at All Souls church, Church Lane, Merivale.
The Reverend Dr Anne Shave, at 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at the Transitional Cathedral, Hereford Street, Christchurch.
A significant opportunity to hear outstanding theologian, author, and priest, the Reverend Dr Sam Wells, is coming up when Sam leads a full day seminar on Saturday 16 August, 2025 at All Souls Church, Church Lane, Merivale. Sam offers a vision for a renewed sense of what it means to be the Church in mission, grounded in theology and practice. Details are on the Theology House website, and here is the registration link. It will be a privilege to host Sam in our Diocese. All preachers, and Bible study group leaders are especially encouraged to register for this event.
Last week, while sitting in a meeting, we were suddenly interrupted by tsunami warnings coming from nearby cell phones. My first thought was: Do I need to be afraid?
In this week’s Gospel reading, Luke 12:32–40, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s great happiness to give you the kingdom.” It is a reminder that fear is not where we’re meant to dwell – because God has already given us everything we need.
And yet, alongside this reassurance comes a challenge: Am I prepared?
Jesus invites us to reflect on our priorities – to consider whether we are truly centring our lives on God. This is an invitation to attentiveness. We are called to readiness, not anxiety; to wakefulness, not worry; to live as kingdom people who are eager to respond to God’s call on our lives.
The ‘Good News’ is not just something to receive— it is something to be ready to share.
Archdeacon Katrina Hill
East Christchurch.