Vicars Letter 25th September 2026

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

This week I have had the privilege of being at two funerals, one I led and the other I attended. I find it a great joy to share and to hear at funerals the great hope and joy we have in Christ! The hope of a life beyond this world with the Father. What a joy! Funerals also present us with the very real, fickle nature of life and mortality! It is on everyone's lips. What about when I go? What do you believe? I find it fascinating the way people cultivate a scenario where the person might be able to calm their own hearts! I remember at my stepdad's funeral it was everything from riding motorbikes with angels to pouring pints into the sky; the list goes on! 

There is a sure and powerful freedom in the faith and hope we have in our eternal relationship with Christ, and that what lies in wait for us is far better than what we are exposed to here. 

It made me think a little more about what it means for us to be shepherded and cared for! Especially as we don't have "Long" here. Are we aware of our need for that shepherd? Are we prepared to submit ourselves to him, so as not to wander off into danger or sure and certain death? 

Christ came that we might have life and life to the full! O Death, where is your sting? GONE! Through the death and resurrection of Christ, our great shepherd, we too can die to this world and rise again in new life and relationship with him! So when we come to funerals, we have already done the death thing; what we are doing at the funeral is recognising we are sad for the loss of the earthly relationship, but celebrating their being with Christ in all his fullness. 

Hallelujah! 

Just a reminder that we have 9 am and House Church this Sunday. For those at 9 am, the readings are Jeremiah 23:1-8 and John 10:1-18; for those at House Churches, we are re-reading Ezekiel 34 and looking through the questions in our Big Picture series guide. 

Make sure you have a look through the newsletter at all that is happening throughout the parish.

Much love,