Vicars Letter 31st october 2025

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

Last week has been a wild one when it comes to the weather around us. It had a little bit of everything: wind, rain, warm, cold, and even a bit of hail. 

As I was in the middle of a string of kids at home due to school not being open on days, I began to think about what things we have in our back pocket when the storms in our life start to rage, that keep our faith strong? When the winds of life really start to howl! When it gets cold and frosty? When we get caught in the rain and it's really miserable?

What are the let's tie down the wheelie bin options? What is the flip the tramp over option? What is the house's foundation and solid workmanship that means we don't have to worry?

Things that help keep our faith strong amidst life's storms are daily scripture reading, as we turn to the Word of God to remind us of God's promises in times of trouble (and celebration). The psalms are full of beautiful images of God's loving protection of us during these times. 
Psalm 16:8, Psalm 107:29, Psalm 56:3 and many more from the rest of scripture. How many of God's promises can you find?

Daily prayer is another way to deepen and strengthen our faith, particularly when rough weather comes. Do we have a daily rhythm of prayer? Do we have times when we are praying deeply with others? in our house churches? Or bible studies? A reminder that tools like the ACTS prayer model can help us with our daily prayer, and Lectio365 is a brilliant daily prayer app you can use on your phone. 
And community, others, our people, I cannot stress how powerful being in deep community with others is and what a powerful role that plays in deepening and strengthening our faith. When times are hard or you're facing things that feel too much, let others in with you, pray together, read scripture together, call on the name of the Lord together. 

As we walk towards 2026 together, let us continue to be deeply rooted in prayer both individually and corporately. My hope is that next year we can go on a journey together of deeper Christian Formation as we look to not only see Christ glorified in our own lives, but also in the lives of those who don't know him. I look forward to sharing more about this in the near future. 

We have our AGM coming up very shortly; we are just compiling all our ministry reports and financials for the end of the year. We need to put together our nominations for Parish Council for the next season here at All Saints. Please take a look at our AGM page with all the information regarding opportunities to serve at All Saints in the Parish Council arena. 
We are looking for Parish Council Members, Synod Representative and your People's Warden. 
The Parish Council and I are encouraging you to pray and discern if you are to join us on the team. 

https://www.allsaints.org.nz/agm2025.html

Finally, for this week, we are heading fast towards Advent and Christmas, which is always exciting. We will be sending out event times and information shortly, as well as an opportunity for us to sign up for a roster over Christmas and summer to serve. 

If you have any questions about anything in this newsletter or AGM, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Much love,