The family kaupapa: ministry leaders gather for refreshing, renewing

Have you ever seen those inspirational wall decals that say things like "in this house, we do family, we do fun, we do laughter, we do hugs..." They remind the family who dwells therein of the values and kaupapa of the house. This weekend (7-9 May), our ministry leaders and their families spent 48 hours being refreshed and renewed at El Rancho Camp, and we could practically write a diocesan decal based on the experience.

Photo: Rev. James Coleman

The camp saw over 500 of us gather in Waikanae, and having fun and being refreshed was a big part of it. If we were to write a diocesan decal that encapsulated the kaupapa of the camp, perhaps it might go like begin: "in this diocesan family, we do families doing life together... loving on each other, sharing what we have, having a laugh, and engaging in God's mission... together." Our camp was full to the brim with such opportunities. The dining room and hangout spaces were always abuzz with laughter, children playing, and leaders from parishes all over the diocese catching up with each other and checking in on how each other is doing.

Photo: Jonathan Cutts

Rev. Adrian Tofts and Rev. Paul Fletcher serve Common Good Coffee. Photo: Angeline Curtis

On Saturday afternoon, the whānau dispersed to the abundance of activity options, including active pursuits like horse riding and rock climbing, as well as more sedate options like art workshops and harakeke weaving. Some signed up for prophecy and prayer appointments, others tried out some e-bikes on the field, while many us basked in the sun whilst sampling some local fare - a handcrafted ice-block (in compostable wrapping, of course) from Paekākāriki Pops down the road.

Campers enjoyed handcrafted ice-blocks from Paekākāriki Pops. Photo: Rev. James Coleman

Phoenix, Fletcher and Eli digging into their Paekākāriki Pops. Photo: Angeline Curtis

If we meander through our decal some more, it might say: "our diocesan family worships together, and prays together. We learn from God's word and we put it into action." A significant chunk of the weekend was dedicated to teaching, and what was offered will surely renew us as leaders for the ministry and mission that God has for us in the year to come. The Dean of Wellington, the Very Rev. David Rowe, set us up for the weekend with a series of Bible teaching from Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. Throughout the weekend he drew so many lessons from the letter on how we can each approach our own mission, but acknowledging that we are all in this together as the body of Christ. "The word 'saint' is mentioned 62 times in the New Testament, and 61 of them are plural," he told us.

Very Rev. David Rowe teaches on 2 Corinthians. Photo: Jonathan Cutts

Bishop Steve Maina leads a workshop. Photo: Sam Prabhakaran

We were also joined by Pastor Amy Page-Whiting from Cashmere New Life Church in Christchurch, also part of the Good Soil Collective, the New Zealand branch of 3dm. She walked us through various types of deserts found in Scripture and encouraged us not to desert the desert. Bishop Steve Maina of Nelson joined us as well, encouraging us to stop... breathe... and go! As the theme of the camp was refreshing and renewing, he so aptly encouraged us to take care of ourselves as we give in ministry - a lesson we all need to heed.

Rev. Jeremy Woods helps out at the soft archery. Photo: Sam Prabhakaran

Pastor Amy Page-Whiting speaks to Camp. Photo: Sam Prabhakaran

Leading us in worship was Davis Sione and his team from All Saints Palmerston North. With expert musicianship and a keen sense for leading us into the presence of God, the team blessed many with their leadership, assisted by Rev. Andy and Bek Hickman who guided us with beautiful liturgy. A prayer ministry team was on hand, and many of us were blessed to receive ministry both in the sessions and throughout the weekend.

Rev. Robyn McLay, Taita Parish. Photo: Sam Prabhakaran

Asher and Jakob lead the kids through an egg and spoon race. Photo: Angeline Curtis

We wonder if our decal might encapsulate this: "in everything we do, we fuse the wisdom of age with the energy of youth - gathering together across the generations, going out as God's sent people across the generations." Bishop Justin outlined one of his key goals for camp: that our kids absolutely love their time there, and that they love that their families are part of this transformative movement. It could not have been more evident: our children blended games with stories of God's goodness, whilst the rangatahi went on active adventures, learning more about themselves, their relationships with each other and with God, and becoming more mission-orientated in the process. Saturday night's barn dance was a rollicking good time, with young and young-at-heart joining together to learn a few choice moves and have a great time.

Anna Hull (South Wairarapa Parish) and Mannie Marara (Hadlow School, Masterton). Photo: Jonathan Cutts

Myla and Isla get stuck into the barn dance. Photo: Angeline Curtis

And now, all over the diocese, our decal probably says: "we do rest!" It was such a great weekend that all that renewing and refreshing may have left your leaders and their whānau a little bit tired! Thank you all who came, and all who stayed behind to release your leaders to come. We want to say a huge thank you to all who made the weekend a possibility - musicians, photographers, event helpers, catering helpers, and everyone else who pitched in.