Vicars Letter 14th august 2026

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

What a joy it is to be back in the Parish after a week away with the family. Our family spent a week in the South Island skiing together as we do each year. 

I must say this every year but its funny how we forget a little until its right out in front of us, but there is nothing like standing in the vastness of Gods creation amongst some grand mountains where I couldn't help but realise how small and insignificant I am in the course of history, but at the same time realise how significant I am to God and how personal and intimate he is with me amidst the grandness. One minute you are at the top of a mountain and the next minute you are traveling past a small trickling creek followed closely by a garden full of beautiful flowers! Phenomenal! Reigniting that understanding of the call to begin our prayers with Praise and Adoration to God and all his goodness! I found myself over and over again telling God what a wonderful job he has done, how creative he is, how intricate.. I hardly had any time for anything I wanted haha. 

I couldn't help but also think of Moses and his people as God revealed himself to them at Mt Sinai in a cloud of smoke and thunder. WOW! next level. Having been on the mountain when the clouds roll in, and the visibility is low, and the wind is swirling! It's a terrifying atmosphere! Then I remembered he is the one who calms the wind and the waves! 

We are into Study 6 of our Big Picture series this Sunday. I am excited to unpack the word of God with you all. Over the weekend, please read Exodus 19, Deuteronomy 28, and Jeremiah 11 (we won't have all these on Sunday, but they will all connect). 

One thing I'm excited to share is that we have firmed up that our Confirmation Service on August 30th will be a 10 am Combined Service with a shared lunch following. So put that in your diaries for 10am, and please bring some food to share. We are excited for our Confirmation Candidates as they come forward to profess their faith publicly alongside the community. This is an ownership and profession of a commitment that was made for them as children. 

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday; we have both our 9am and 10:30am gatherings. I will be available after the 10:30am gathering for Q&A, so if you have any burning questions about faith, Christianity, the sermon, or our church, come along and ask away. 

Much love,