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Te Huinga | The Gathering 2019
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The primary theme for Te Huinga 2019 was resilience (manawaroa): the capacity to bounce-back from the challenges of ministry.
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The keynote speaker was the Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman, Archdeacon of Boston (England). Her research into resilience looks specifically at the role of adversity in healing and growth, and is drawn from her experience as a vicar and curate in South London as well as Head of Religious Education in a multi-faith school. Her primary metaphor for our conference was the Japanese art of Kintsugi (repairing a broken bowl with gold). From a scriptural perspective she focused on the example of St Peter who came through adversity to live compassionately and courageously.
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Professor Taiarahia Black (Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Āpanui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi entertained us with story and song as he reflected on "Maori Interpretive oral history through the prism of the scriptural narrative with the promise of salvation in building whanau, hapu, and iwi education, knowledge and scholarship journey.”
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Ven Stephen Black tackled the concept of toxic resilience in an effort to highlight unhealthy behaviours that can arise from the stress and pressure of ministry. He highlighted the most common toxic behaviours and then explored some of the ways they manifest in ministry.
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Stephen insisted that as church leaders it was our collective responsibility to confront and overcome toxic behaviour (in ourselves and others). He warned against trying to make changes on your own and urged people to look beyond individual behaviours to the wider context.
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This year we had a wonderful mixture of worship experiences that gave God glory and reminded us of who we are as Disciples of Christ in Aotearoa NZ. Our collaborative opening and closing Eucharists were a testament to 25 years of collaboration across Tikanga.
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Our musicians brought passion and humour to songs of praise; while our preachers challenged us to remember our history and take up the challenge of proclaiming the Good News.
Morning worship reflected our diversity as we moved from a superb celebration of Te Rawiri’s 1662 morning office in Te Reo Māori through to a contemporary prayer and praise liturgy lead by Rev Tony Francis.
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25 Years
2019 marked the 25th anniversary of combined ministry schools with Te Manawa o te Wheke. This is the only example of such collaboration in our Province and we give thanks to God (and the hard work of those who went before us) for the legacy we enjoy. Our time together is enriched by our cultural exchange, singing, dancing and laughter. To recognise this important occasion we gathered with special guests, cake, and live music.
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From left to right: Darcy Perry, Pere Pou, Stephanie La Toa, Bishop Philip and Darcy Perry, Bishop Philip and Ven Justine Allain Chapman distributing celebratory cakes.
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Rev Canon Michael Hughes
Michael Hughes is not only our General Secretary but one of our own. He and his wife Carole met, married and began their ordained ministry in the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki so it was terrific to see them home. In honour of Michael’s faithful and exemplary service to the whole church and his relationship to the Diocese our Standing Committee was quick to support Bishop Philip’s suggestion that Michael become an honorary Canon of our Cathedrals. Congratulations Michael and may God continue to bless you in your ministry.
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From left to right: Archbishop (Emeritus) David Moxon with Hughes family; Bishop Philip and Michael Hughes; Bishop Philip and Bishop Ngarahu.
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The Right Reverend Philip Richardson
This year Bishop Philip celebrates his 20th anniversary of ordination to the episcopacy. We give thanks to God for his years of dedicated service to our Diocese, the Province and to the Anglican Communion. Likewise we acknowledge the sacrifice that he and his family have made over two decades of episcopal ministry. Last year Bishop Philip was moved to give his episcopal ring to Te Manawa o Te Wheke in a generous expression of whanaungatanga. Last week those gathered at Te Huinga dug deep to replace that ring. This new pounamu ring carries the inscription "Tui, tui, tuituia matou" ('stitch, stitch, and bind us together'). Such are the words from the 476 Eucharistic Liturgy (ANZPB) that remind us of the role of a Bishop and our bi-cultural commitment to one another. The ring was blessed by the Right Reverend Ngarahu Katene before Archbishop David Moxon prayed for Bishop Philip and his ministry.
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From left to right: Bishop Philip responds to the gifts; Bishop Ngarahu blesses the ring; Archbishop David prays for Bishop Philip.
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TE KAUWHATA OUTREACH BAKING MINISTRY
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The group was formed out of a challenge from Reverend Ian Handley to us as an older church group, that we still have a ministry and a purpose to serve our community as church members.
His challenge was to go out to our community organisations and businesses, thanking them for their commitment over the years in making Te Kauwhata what it is today.
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We commenced this outreach in September 2018 and have now delivered baking for morning teas, afternoon teas or suppers to 15 organisations, businesses or individuals to date.
It is due to the generosity and goodwill of our parishioners that we are able to commit to this outreach. Through this ministry, we ask God’s blessings over us, that we would be a light and beacon to those who want to reach Jesus.
Thank you Father for this ministry at St Margaret’s.
Jennie Gore - St Margaret's
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STRANDZ July Newsletter Cursillo Events
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TELL YOUR STORY
The Diocese is full of Good News stories and we want to celebrate all that is happening in our shared life. We rely on each Parish or Ministry Unit taking the time to share what is going on in their community with us. If you want to share what's happening in your space please email stephen@wtanglican.nz
- Please remember to make hard copies of Connected available to those who don't have a computer. A copy on the notice board at church is a start ...
- Please encourage people who do have a computer to sign up for this newsletter.
- To Subscribe to Connected click on this link.
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TARANAKI RETREAT 2019
Registrations for the SGM Retreat led by Phil Dyer are now open. The retreat runs from Sep 30 to Oct 4 at St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls, Stratford. For more information and to register please contact Heather Lofthouse: heather1349@gmail.com - Text or phone: 021617894.
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MOTION 7 ROADSHOW
The Motion 7 Roadshow is intended to explain the effects of General Synod’s response to the question of same-gender relationship blessing. It is a 90-120 minute presentation and includes the opportunity for participants to provide their feedback to help the Bishop understand what their views are.
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ANGLO-CATHOLIC HUI
Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 August
Wellington, $60 (to cover meals)
Guest Speaker: +Stephen Cottrell
- Millennials and Sacraments
- Inter-faith relations
- Suzanne Aubert - NZ saint in waiting
- Music as an expression of the human spirit
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Diocesan Prayers
- That God calls Deans to our Cathedrals in Taranaki and Waikato
- All ministry units in an interregnum
- The Staff at Bishop's Action Foundation
- All those who care for the elderly
- For all families expecting a child/children
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