Vicars Letter 3rd July 2026

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

Last Sunday, the kids and I had the privilege of heading down to the half marathon to support Summer (and others) as she ran in and finished her first-ever race event! We were so proud of her and all the others that ran! As I was there with the kids, it's very cheesy, but I was thinking about what it takes to run something like that: the 10km, the half marathon and the full marathon?! The training, the nutrition, the time put aside for training, the actual day, the commitment to it, the grit, the sweat, the tears, the surprise at others cheering people on, the finish! Oh, the finish! The faces that express "thank goodness this is over", "I did it!", "don't make me do that again", "OH MY GOSH you're here supporting me". It was such a joy to witness. 

The one that really got me thinking, and maybe it's because we lived it, was the family and friends that support someone to get to and run in the race! It isn't done alone. There is something really powerful in what it takes as a support unit. This is the same in our walk of faith with one another. I think further on my comments last week about what it means to be family? Thinking further about it, what it takes for all of us as we run this race together, what does the support we offer to each other look like? What does the commitment to our training and effort look like? The sweat and tears? 
Are we cheering each other along? Holding each other accountable during times of training? Reading scripture? praying? spiritual disciplines? 

As I did last week, I challenge you to think through who the people in your life are that you are close enough with that can support you and challenge you as we run this race together in Christ. Not a sprint but a Marathon. One that requires time set aside to prepare and train and get fit. 

Please make sure you check out all our notices this week, specifically our notice for Alpha Course 2026. 

We are challenging you all to invite one friend to Alpha this year. To find out more information, please head over to our Alpha webpage. 

Big reminder that this coming Friday, July 10th, is Matariki - We have our annual working bee from 2-5 pm, followed by a fish and Chip dinner. 

Much love,