Vicars Letter 19th September 2025

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

I have spent much of the week in conversation about the next season here at All Saints, many of you will know that we several years ago committed to a Mission Action Plan together, we have developed rhythms around gathering together as a parish in corporate worship, gathering in homes for deeper discipleship, groups that are going on mission together, groups studying the bible together, and groups praying together, these are incredible things that are happening! I was reflecting on how we got to this place and the way we have built, discipled, led, celebrated, grieved, and wrestled through these different expressions.

I was struck by this passage, Matthew 16:18, recently, where Jesus declares to Peter that he will build his church on him! The 4x2 (bit of wood) here is that it is Jesus who will build the church, not us! Matthew 28:19 Jesus declares our role, in his authority, to go and make disciples of all nations. Our job isn't to play God and build his church; our job is to preach the good news, teach, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It is with great excitement that we are planning to have adult baptisms here at All Saints on Dec 7th (2nd week of Advent). We have a couple of people who have committed to this already and so we would love to extend the invitation to the Parish that if you are interested in public baptism, as an expression of you love and desire to lay your life down before Christ as a public declaration of turning away from your old life and rising again in him through the power of the spirit, please let me (Guy) know. I would love to hear from you. We will gather those who want baptism for a few short conversations about what it all means, who, what, where, and why.

A few updates for the Parish about things coming up.

There is NO service on Sept 28th with us all away at Parish Camp. You have two options for this.

1. Head along to St Aidens for their regular Sunday service 10 am
2. Gather others and come to El Rancho for our combined service with ++ Justin Duckworth 11 am + Lunch

Parish Council met this week with some updates. Please check this out in the main email or on our website.

• We are encouraging everyone here at All Saints to take our giving to the Lord in prayer. We have noticed several people have chosen to increase their giving, which is wonderful and incredibly generous.
• PC is prayerfully examining how we manage our current income and expenses to identify areas where adjustments can be made, ensuring we don't lose significant amounts of money.
• We are in the process of installing our AED.
• Wardens are in the process of interviewing a potential Admin appointment.
• PC encourages you to think about nominating someone or standing yourself for Parish Council, People's Warden, or Synod Rep at this year's AGM.

Much love,