Vicar's Letter - 11th October 2024

Rev Summer Benton

Kia Ora All Saints Whānau, 

​Guy and I just returned from Auckland where we spent three days with church leaders from our Diocese and churches of all denominations throughout New Zealand at the Abide conference. (Special shout out to Jess Hedge for bravely watching our kids for two nights! What a legend.) Being in a place of input alongside so many others who are seeking to share Jesus in neighbourhoods throughout Aotearoa was inspiring and encouraging. Being there without children to look after or anything to lead ourselves meant that we could fully engage, we could sit in prayer for All Saints and our community, and we could listen to the Holy Spirit speak to us about all that he is doing and seeking to do in our context. 

We came away a bit mentally exhausted but with full hearts and a renewed spirit of excitement to keep pouring ourselves into ministry in our parish. I want to share briefly a few of the stirrings we had from the Holy Spirit and ask that you all pray alongside us for more clarity, direction, and divine inspiration as we ask God what he has for All Saints in 2025. 
1. We need the power of the Holy Spirit and must be committed to constant prayer as a church for God’s spirit to move amongst us. 
2. Our church must be a place of hope and healing for all who come walk through our doors or engage with us in any way. 
3. We have a great responsibility in how we engage in Christian formation, particularly with our children, youth, and young adults. 

Amidst the dreaming and wondering we did this week, we also sat in a deep and profound sense of privilege at the opportunity to lead with you in this time and in this place. Every church has things we need to work on and ways we need to grow and heal, but we are clearly able to see that there is so much healthy soil at All Saints. We have a healthy culture, we love one another well, and we are deeply committed to participating in bringing about God’s Kingdom around us. We believe that God has laid a firm and healthy foundation in which his Spirit can move and that is something to be deeply grateful for. 

Guy has written an article with a bit more info on our time at the Abide conference so check that out, and we look forward to continuing this conversation and dreaming together with all of you. For now, please pray alongside us for God to move in a mighty way. 

Ngā mihi nui, 
Summer