St Tom’s Gathers for Thriving in This Land

Over six weeks, St Tom’s Anglican Church in Newtown became a place of thoughtful conversation, learning and reflection as more than 60 people gathered across two weekly groups to take part in Thriving in this Land, a workshop series developed by Common Grace Aotearoa.

The series explores three significant issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand today: the cost of living, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and climate change.

Held fortnightly, participants could choose to attend either a Monday or Tuesday evening session, with between 30 and 40 people attending each night. Each workshop combined high-quality video presentations from experts and practitioners with small-group discussions, creating space for people to ask questions, share perspectives and wrestle with complex issues together.

The Thriving in this Land resources draw on the insights of historians, economists, theologians, scientists, social workers and community leaders. The sessions examine how these issues affect everyday New Zealanders while encouraging churches to consider how faith shapes their response to public life and the common good. 1

Feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the material as engaging, challenging and exceptionally well produced.

Priest-in-Charge Rev Paul Fletcher said the series exceeded expectations, both in the quality of the content and in the conversations it generated.

"What impressed me was the way the material brought together the story of Aotearoa New Zealand, government policy decisions, and the experiences of ordinary people," Paul said.

"Often these topics can feel overwhelming or highly specialised, but the presenters managed to make them accessible without oversimplifying them. People could see how big national issues connect with the realities faced by whānau and communities every day."

The workshops also created opportunities for people with different experiences and viewpoints to learn from one another.

"One of the real highlights was seeing people engage respectfully with one another, even when discussing challenging subjects," Paul said.

"There was a genuine willingness to listen, ask questions and learn. The material offered something for everyone, whether they were already familiar with these topics or coming to them for the first time."

For churches wondering how to begin conversations around social, environmental and Treaty-related issues, Paul believes the series provides a practical starting point.

"Many churches care deeply about these issues but aren't always sure where to begin. Thriving in this Land gives people a framework and a common language for engaging together. It doesn't claim to provide all the answers, but it offers an excellent launching pad for further learning, discussion and action."

More information and sign up forms can be found on the webpage: www.commongrace.nz/thriving