Vicars Letter 18th September 2026

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

I was reflecting this week on how we greet each other, or how we know each other! What names do we have for each other? My kids sift through a myriad of names for one another, and Summer and I, depending on the time and the day (insert smiley face). I had the joy of meeting up with Andy Spence this week, and I found myself full of joy greeting him as my brother! (We aren't related). Recently, I have found myself making a concerted effort to think and refer to other Christians, regardless of how they operate, as "Brothers and Sisters", because it keeps me in a mindset that they are family and, in turn, affects the way I treat them!
As I reflect on names, I am reminded of all the names there are for God! Do you know some? Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh and El Roi, to name a few. But there are other ways we can talk about God too! God the comforter, God the healer, God the rescuer, and one of my favorites, God the Shepherd!

This week we are going to be looking at Ezekiel 34: The God who will send a good shepherd. I wonder what is conjured up in your mind and imagination when we say those words? The God who will send a good shepherd. Sit with that for a minute; ponder what a shepherd is to you, to others?

Have a read through Ezekiel 34 and ask: how does this fit into God's great rescue plan?
I look forward to gathering with you all on Sunday for 9 am and 10:30 am Gatherings. Come gather together for worship, prayer, the Word of God (bring your Bibles), and to gather around Gods holy table together.

A few things to get onto your radar for this week.

All Saints Spring Clean Fundraiser is in full swing! Please see the notice in our newsletter for more information.

Women's Quiet Day is coming up fast on 26th Sept at 1:30 pm. Please see Lucy for more information.

All Saints has committed, through your generosity, to sending $5000 to St Toms to help repair their building. We will send this on Tuesday 22nd Sept. If you would like to add anything to this gift, please send it to the All Saints Bank account, Ref: St Toms, by Monday.

Much love,