Vicar's Letter - 1st November 2024

Rev Guy Benton

​Kia ora All Saints family. 

What a phenomenal weekend we had with our Annual Light Party on Sunday. See the Light Party article here.

I am always so encouraged that, as a community, we have a DNA of being able to understand and acknowledge that as much as we love and value gathering together either in the room or in homes to worship, we are ok to shut down those spaces to create room for our community to gather in a place that is fun, warm and welcoming and affords us a chance to meet and build a relationship with the hope of creating space for interaction with the kingdom of God somewhere down the line. 

Seeing our community, from young to old, work together, as well as with and alongside those from the wider Hataitai Community, create that space fills my heart with joy and pride. Well done everyone. 

This week is our final House Church Sunday for the year as we head towards our AGM and Advent together. It's always good to think about why we do what we do so we don't forget. It's also necessary to keep asking are we seeing God at work amongst us as we do what we do. House Churches are a way for us to continue to meet in a deeper, more intimate way that gives us a way of connecting not only with each other in a deeper way but unlocking, unpacking, and digging through the word of God and into prayer in a deeper way together. So, as we connect this week for the last structured time together as House Churches, let us remember that it is in these moments that we are looking to really look each other in the eyes and ask each other what it is that God is saying to us and what am I going to do about it. 

Just a reminder that we have our AGM coming up on Nov 17th. It will be a real celebration and thanksgiving gathering. Our team is working hard in the background, setting this up and preparing the morning. Please keep an eye out over the next week or so as we compile all the reports and information for us as we gather. 

We are starting to finalise all our Christmas events that are coming up. It would be great to know if you are around over Christmas and keen to serve together. Please email Ginny and just let her know you are available. We will also have a clipboard out over the next several weeks for you to put your name down. 

It is with great love and joy to be on team with you all. 

Much love,