As a young leader, Suter Formational Hui was a game-changer for me this year.
Led by Spanky Moore and Brad Wood, this was an intentional space for leaders in the diocese to connect and grow. Every Friday morning this year we gathered around a snack board full of cheese and we’d dive into aspects of leadership, discipleship and formation in ministry. Then, for the latter half of the morning we’d break into huddles, which were small groups to help us share and reflect on “Kairos moments” (times when God was speaking to us). Our leaders helped us unpack our Kairos moments, guiding our reflections by asking questions and praying for us. These were often vulnerable conversations. Yet, looking back, I see the profound changes that came from our discussions, and I am so grateful for that.
Last weekend, our group went on a retreat to celebrate and finish the year. We arrived at Mamaku Grove on Friday to have dinner with the Petterson whānau, who opened their home to us with lots of warmth and generosity. The next morning, Brad led us through a workshop on reflective journaling, encouraging us to write down and capture moments of God’s kingdom breaking into our lives. Then we shared these reflections within our huddles. I found this time very precious – it was an intimate space for us to celebrate the wins and to open up about our worries and challenges. Memories and emotions from the past year came flooding back to me as I shared my moments of Kairos, and I was genuinely amazed to see the work God has been doing in my heart.
Then, we spent Saturday afternoon in “greater silence” – no talking or even eye contact. While initially uncomfortable, I found that silence allowed the Spirit’s whispers to become clearer in my head.
And Jesus was there too, embracing me. This was an incredibly special moment, one full of beauty, peace, and happiness. The words of Psalm 16 came bubbling up in me, saying “You fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand”. Coming on retreat, I'd hoped to encounter God in some way. The past year has been long, and I was exhausted. Yet this moment surpassed all my expectations. Sitting there, surrounded by flowers all around me, I knew this was where I belonged. Home, where I was meant to be... And it was in getting to know God’s heart that I began to understand more of myself and the work He has given me to do. In this moment, I felt God inviting me to let him work at his own pace. It hit me that he’s never in a rush when we’re spending time together, it’s always me. But this weekend I realised that being in his presence shouldn’t feel like a chore – it is, in fact, the most precious time of my day, if only I slow down enough to let God in.
Breaking silence, we gathered around the campfire that evening. Spanky led us through the daily examen, and then we had dinner and night prayers (some of us stayed up playing board games until we could barely keep our eyes open).
On Sunday morning, we started with a gratitude workshop, followed by words of encouragement that Brad and Spanky shared with each of us. I felt seen and affirmed for who I was. Finally, we shared communion together in celebration.
While this was my first time both at Mamaku Grove and on retreat, it was one special weekend of laughter, fun, and worship! It left me with many things to ponder and put into my day-to-day life. I’m so grateful for our time together at Hui, and I’d like to thank all our leaders and everyone who walked alongside us this year! It’s been a taonga and a blessing to so many of us.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
As a young leader, Suter Formational Hui was a game-changer for me this year.
Led by Spanky Moore and Brad Wood, this was an intentional space for leaders in the diocese to connect and grow. Every Friday morning this year we gathered around a snack board full of cheese and we’d dive into aspects of leadership, discipleship and formation in ministry. Then, for the latter half of the morning we’d break into huddles, which were small groups to help us share and reflect on “Kairos moments” (times when God was speaking to us). Our leaders helped us unpack our Kairos moments, guiding our reflections by asking questions and praying for us. These were often vulnerable conversations. Yet, looking back, I see the profound changes that came from our discussions, and I am so grateful for that.
Last weekend, our group went on a retreat to celebrate and finish the year. We arrived at Mamaku Grove on Friday to have dinner with the Petterson whānau, who opened their home to us with lots of warmth and generosity. The next morning, Brad led us through a workshop on reflective journaling, encouraging us to write down and capture moments of God’s kingdom breaking into our lives. Then we shared these reflections within our huddles. I found this time very precious – it was an intimate space for us to celebrate the wins and to open up about our worries and challenges. Memories and emotions from the past year came flooding back to me as I shared my moments of Kairos, and I was genuinely amazed to see the work God has been doing in my heart.
Then, we spent Saturday afternoon in “greater silence” – no talking or even eye contact. While initially uncomfortable, I found that silence allowed the Spirit’s whispers to become clearer in my head.
And Jesus was there too, embracing me. This was an incredibly special moment, one full of beauty, peace, and happiness. The words of Psalm 16 came bubbling up in me, saying “You fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand”. Coming on retreat, I'd hoped to encounter God in some way. The past year has been long, and I was exhausted. Yet this moment surpassed all my expectations. Sitting there, surrounded by flowers all around me, I knew this was where I belonged. Home, where I was meant to be... And it was in getting to know God’s heart that I began to understand more of myself and the work He has given me to do. In this moment, I felt God inviting me to let him work at his own pace. It hit me that he’s never in a rush when we’re spending time together, it’s always me. But this weekend I realised that being in his presence shouldn’t feel like a chore – it is, in fact, the most precious time of my day, if only I slow down enough to let God in.
Breaking silence, we gathered around the campfire that evening. Spanky led us through the daily examen, and then we had dinner and night prayers (some of us stayed up playing board games until we could barely keep our eyes open).
On Sunday morning, we started with a gratitude workshop, followed by words of encouragement that Brad and Spanky shared with each of us. I felt seen and affirmed for who I was. Finally, we shared communion together in celebration.
While this was my first time both at Mamaku Grove and on retreat, it was one special weekend of laughter, fun, and worship! It left me with many things to ponder and put into my day-to-day life. I’m so grateful for our time together at Hui, and I’d like to thank all our leaders and everyone who walked alongside us this year! It’s been a taonga and a blessing to so many of us.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
