Vicars Letter 7th November 2025

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

This week, as part of some time spent learning and listening to a series called the Art of Teaching, I found myself in the book of Ezra, a fairly short book in the middle of the Old Testament. I was struck by this piece of scripture that describes Ezra, Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

What struck me was the simplicity yet power of this way of life. Studying the scriptures, living them out and then teaching them to others. 

I would argue that the world has cultivated two ways of "following Christ": one is to believe in Christ, but leave it at that, and carry on as you are. Or you believe in Christ and reorient your entire life, becoming a disciple of Him, spending more time with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did. 

Are you a disciple of Christ? Are you doing all you can to follow him? When we have a moment to think about anything, what is it that we think about? Are we spending time with him? Are we learning more about who he is and what he's like? Are we to do as he did? 

If you are still with me and haven't completely jumped ship yet, praise God, then let's get excited together. All Saints is really looking forward to what next year will bring with regard to our collective spiritual formation. Not just Sundays but deep, consistent, clear pathways of formation for all of us as we walk together in the kingdom of God, in the light of the liberation, freedom and hope in and of unity with Christ that we all know something of. 

This week is our second AGM for the year, where we present reports and financials from the year for you to look at. We also then vote for our parish council based on all those who have been nominated for PC. 

A reminder that we have our 10 am Combined service this week, we will then move into lunch together, lunch is provided for you, and once we have all grabbed our lunch, we will begin our AGM. 

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ring or email me.

Much love,