Vicar's Letter - 2nd September 2022

Kia ora All Saints whānau,

Last week we finished up the meeting part of our MAP process. There were some really great comments about what people found helpful about the process:

"Appreciate the preparation and thought/prayer that has gone into the sessions."

"Sense of community, respectful of different opinions."

​"Being able to connect with each other in fellowship and be honest in a small group."

You can still view the results of the Congregational survey on the wall in the Gathering Space but we have now taken everything down to consolidate the answers to all the questions. The consolidated answers will then be viewed and discerned by the Co-Vicars. The Co-Vicar's will then put together a draft plan for Parish Council, who will then again discern that plan before we present it to the Parish at the November AGM. Thank you so much for everyone contributing to the process. It was a good turn out over the 5 weeks and we are so excited that people could be honest and discuss allk the issues openly.

This week is Fathers Day - so may we remember our Dad's this weekend. I am sure many of you will be reaching out, gathering or sharing some time together with your Father's this weekend. These of course come in many shapes, sizes and configurations!

The best example of a Father is in fact our God. Every Father's day I am reminded of the tale of two sons (Luke 15:11-32). The image of the father running towards the son who had gone off to squander everything his Dad had worked for and the lavishness of celebration when he returned. Then the image of the head of the feast, lowering himself to go outside and talk to the older brother who is bitter and twisted. It is an image of God going to his children where they are and showing huge generosity. May we be Dad's that are like our Father in Heaven.

On an entirely different note this week we begin our Mission month!
Rev. Amilie Paynter from Ohakune is bringing us the message this week.
This month is all about looking at what mission involves, what is mission and therefore what does it look like in different parts of the world including New Zealand. So enjoy looking at that in your house churches.

May God bless you this week!
Andrew Spence