Young Adults Gather for Worship and Connection

Young adults from across the Wellington Diocese gathered at All Saints Hataitai on Sunday 13 September for an evening of shared kai, worship and challenge.

The once-a-term Young Adults Gathering brings together people from different parishes across the diocese and creates space for friendships and belonging. For some, the gathering is a chance to reconnect with familiar faces. For others, it was their first introduction to Wellington's Anglican community.

Rev Paul Fletcher said it was encouraging to see the engaged faces and new connections being made.

"There were heaps of new faces," he said. "People from different churches were meeting each other, worship was really wholehearted, and Bishop Ana brought a message that challenged us to respond to Christ's call."

In her korero, Assistant Bishop Anashuya Fletcher invited young adults to consider what Jesus might be asking of them in this season of life. Rather than being shaped by fear, failure or comparison with others, she encouraged people to listen for Christ's invitation and respond in trust, even when that path may be costly.

Archdeacon Mel McKenzie noticed a number of people who were new to Wellington, including some who were exploring Anglican church life for the first time.

"Several were very new to the city and looking for a place to belong," she said. "They were keen to be challenged about how they can serve and be part of God's work."

Mel said the gathering was particularly valuable for young adults whose local churches have only a small number of people in their age group.

"For some, it's a reminder that they're part of something much bigger than their own parish."

Throughout the evening, there was a strong sense of people listening for where God might be leading them next. As conversations continued, new friendships were formed and young adults were finding encouragement in being part of a wider diocesan whānau.