Deacons Letter - 19th December 2025

Dear All Saints whānau,
As we reach the final days of this year 2025, we pause with grateful hearts to look back on all that God has done among us. This has been a year filled with growth, generosity, resilience, learning and the quiet but steady work of the Holy Spirit shaping us into a community of hope.
I am reminded of the many moments where Christ’s light has shone brightly —through worship, prayer, hospitality, children’s ministry, home groups, shared meals, pastoral care, and the countless unseen acts of kindness that make our parish family what it is. Thank you for the way you have served, prayed, given, encouraged, and walked alongside one another. Your faithfulness is a gift.
In this holy season of Christmas, we are reminded anew of the profound mystery of God made flesh—of Emmanuel, God with us—who comes not in splendour but in humility; not distant but dwelling among His people. Who steps into our ordinary days and brings extraordinary grace. Whether this past year has been joyful, challenging, or a mixture of both, we hold fast to the promise that Christ is our light in every season. May this assurance strengthen your hearts, bring comfort to your homes, and renew your trust in the God who is ever present.
Over the coming weeks, my prayer for you is that you may find rest, renewal, and moments of deep and holy joy. May your homes be filled with Christ’s peace; may your relationships be strengthened; and may you sense the nearness of God in new and life‑giving ways. “Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). May His presence guard your hearts, refresh your spirits, and guide you gently into the year to come.
As we look toward the coming year, I entrust our parish into the gracious and tender care of God, trusting that His mercy will continue to uphold and guide us. And as we step into the new year, may we do so with quiet faith, with renewed hope, and with hearts open to follow wherever Christ lovingly leads us. We look ahead with expectation, believing that God has good things in store for All Saints—new opportunities for mission, deeper connections within our community, and continued growth in discipleship. It will be a joy to walk that journey with each of you.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your presence in the life of All Saints. You are deeply valued, dearly appreciated, and it is a privilege to serve alongside you in this beautiful, diverse, grace‑filled church family.
God of hope,
when your Son comes
may he find us watching and waiting in joy,
so that with his light shining upon us
we may be gathered from the darkness
into the glory of his kingdom;
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a grace‑filled, hope‑filled New Year.
With love and gratitude,
Cassandra