Vicars Letter 28th March 2025

Rev Guy Benton

 

Kia ora All Saints

Guy here this week. Last weekend, we had the joy of joining 500+ other ministry leaders and their families from around the Wellington Diocese for our annual Diocesan ministry leaders family camp. We have included an article in our newsletter giving a rundown of how it all went, as well as Bishop Justin's message around communion.

The camp's theme was rebuilding the ruins, drawing from Isaiah 58. Aside from being incredibly busy Mc'ing the event in the main stage area, I found myself in awe of what God has been doing amongst us here at All Saints, as we heard from Roshan Allpress, the principal of Laidlaw Theological College on Friday night talk about the way the church particularly the Anglican church has renewed itself through new and innovative ways throughout the ages, how the new (not so new) missional communities are popping up here and there to create spaces where people are praying and discipling as well as creating spaces for those who don't know Christ to engage. As we heard from others around the Diocese about what God is doing in their context and the simplicity with which it looks and operates, I was excited by not only the things that are happening here but also the people who we have amongst us who are already or are on the verge of trying new, nimble, innovative things for the Lord.

The Lord has always been renewing the church. It swells up, and then it disperses. God is continuing to rebuild our church today, and he is using you and me to do it. Let us be prepared to be part of that renewal as we seek to see God move amongst us in our parish worship context, in our workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and much more.

This is a quick reminder that we have our AGM this Sunday. There will be a combined service at 10 a.m. and lunch following, during which we will present our finances and discuss a few other things.

I look forward to gathering with you all again this week for worship.

Much love to you all,