Every year, the bishop, ministry coordinators, vicars and parish representatives from all over the diocese gather in one place for the weekend to do business. It’s called synod. What does it look like?
I spoke to three men who find peace and refreshing in the outdoors. They have found belonging in creation – a place to connect with God, themselves and others.
"I played my part in popularising the idea that space was the final frontier," wrote William Shatner. "But I had to get to space to understand that Earth is, and will remain, our only home."
One of the great things about prayer is the way it can take so many different forms. I caught up with two everyday women who are in different seasons of life to find out what they love about prayer, and how they do it.
Against the demands of our culture that tell us to be better, do more and work harder, we are invited to embody this peace in the power of the Spirit.
The Ven Robin Kingston is in Nelson to run Healing of Memories Ministry training alongside Rev Watiri Maina. We spoke about the ministry, its impact, and what he hopes to achieve this weekend.
You never know where a book is going to take you. Imagine what it is like when you take on a whole library of books!
In April this year, we began a new journey with about 30 women from across the Diocese of Nelson. We called the group Te Puna Wāhine – Women as Wellsprings of Life.
It’s the treasurer’s job to ensure money is budgeted for each expense and keep the parish accountable in its transactions. So what does that look like in practice?
"It is good news for people in this age group to have opportunities to share with others who are going through similar challenges that come as we age."
We wanted to celebrate the change of season, create something people could invite friends along to, and give everyone a chance to relax and have some fun together.
We get it! Prayer is important! And yet intentional prayer also seems to be one of the hardest things for most of us to engage with – both personally, and as church communities.
I work with both churches and other faith-based organisations, serve in spaces where there is gender-imbalance and a need for intergenerational, cross cultural leadership, and amongst the voiceless and vulnerable, for social and ecological justice.
“Some of these races can literally last for days!” says Levi. “My friends think I'm crazy for undertaking such an enduring race, I think I can use this race to grow closer to God and get a higher understanding of myself.”
Our hosts for the next week would overwhelm us with joyful hospitality and gratitude for being on their small place in a very big ocean.
We are invited to join God in his work of restoration, living with purpose and participating in his mission in the world – and a major part of that mission calls us to remember, to reflect and to share who God is and what he has done.
The Planted to Flourish Intergenerate workshop day earlier this month had over 30 participants and was a rich gathering in every way.
I have been challenged to reappraise how I view touch in both my personal and ministry life.
"I thought I’d be the vicar of parishes until the day I could no longer. But long story short, in 2019 I ended up here as funeral director and assistant embalmer."
There’s no singular reason we can point to the change in culture. But there’s been some good research done to help us understand the current climate of faith in our country.
"I know that there is power in the Word of God, and children should have the opportunity to experience that for themselves. And yet where can they have that unless their parents have a faith?"
Sheena Pearson’s preserves have helped fund countless camp attendees, mission trips and church interns. Her latest project is called “Bottled Sunshine”, made to support Bishopdale College.
Motueka Parish is three but one – we have churches in Motueka, Ngātīmoti and Riwaka. Distinct but together. Yet not many know each other. So Emily and I wondered: how do we get them to hang out together without organising a service?
The Sharing Shed op shop not only contributes to parish finances, but serves the community of Cobden. I had a chat with Nicki Mora, who joined the around five years ago and has been a part of breathing new life into the faithful establishment.
What if God's call on your life is less about "going", but about "doing"? The same spirit that fell at Pentecost is with you in the school pickup line. In the office. In the cafe.
