Vicar's Letter - 16th September 2022

​Kia Ora All Saints Whānau,
 
After what has felt like a very long, cold, and wet winter, I’m sure you are all rejoicing with me (and the rest of Wellington) at the sight of the sun once again! Feeling the light and warmth of the sun, even in the cold air, seems to have lifted the mood of most of the city. Everybody is talking about it and getting outside as much as possible because it’s been so long since we have had days like this.
 
This past Wednesday, Rachel and I took our two youngest to Coolsville to hang out in the community and share a warm cup of coffee (if you remember, it was not one of those sunny days). There were a lot of other mums there, some with their kids and some who had come alone after school drop off. As we all chatted together, a conversation emerged in which these community mums shared how they have been marvelling at how different our church seems to be from what they expect from past experiences with churches or Christians. Some of them go to Mainly Music, others have just gotten to know people from our church family. There they were, all sitting around the table together talking about how friendly people were, how everybody remembers their name, and what excellent coffee we serve (shout out to Warren!). It was the best gossip I’ve heard in a very long time!
 
This is what we are meant to be about and I’m so proud of the way all of you are engaging deeply, loving fiercely, and being Jesus in our community. It’s refreshing to everyone and apparently causing heads to turn.
 
In the same way that the sunshine has lifted all our spirits and given everybody a renewed sense of hope for days to come, when we shine the light and love of God to those around us, people begin to desire more.
 
God is doing something in our midst. It’s exciting to watch and even more exciting to be a part of. I want to encourage you all that people are noticing God within us and the way we love and care for our community. Let’s continue to pour out ourselves so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and share that love and light as widely as we possibly can. I’m proud of all of you. You guys are the real deal!
 
Aroha nui,
Summer