Vicars Letter - 29th September 2023

Kia ora All Saints whānau,

I was blown away by Jairus' message last week. I thought it was poignant and the Spirit was using him to speak to us as a family. If you have not heard it then please find it here. The thought of not letting our fears get in the way of mission is something I have prayed for this week. I think our continual prayer is that in a world that so badly needs God's help - that we can be agents of his message to this hurting world.

We are diving into our Romans series again this week before the Bishop comes and the reading this week says:
"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Further on it then reiterates:
"For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

How much does this tie into what we have been talking about, doing and leaning into as a Parish in the past month. Mission and sharing our faith are inextricably linked with our belief that God gives life and what he has done is something we should be boasting in - not hiding away from. Confidence is key!

I particularly like Jairus' idea of stepping towards God and God meeting us there. Perhaps this is the confidence we need to have - confidence to step out and realise that God will meet us there, as he did with Moses in the burning bush. 

Coming up there are some key events we can continue to dive into:

• Bishop Justin will be in the house on the 8th October at both services.
• Halloween Alternative Trick and Treat Party 29th October
• All Saints Day 5th November
• AGM 12th November

When we met last week as a Parish Council we were really keen to see a new crop of people come on board to help run and direct this Parish. We are looking for people to stand who represent different parts of our Parish. I encourage to come have a chat to me if this is something you would be interested in. We are looking for 9am people, 10.30am people, young adults, retired people.
Parish Council requires attending a meeting once a month (3rd Wednesday), doing some reading beforehand and participating in taking the messages back to the people. Attending Ministry Family Camp, Dio Training Days and a Parish Retreat are also encouraged.
Please consider this as we head towards our Parish AGM in November.

Andrew Spence
​Co-Vicar