Every day, as we send emails, utilise google search, update our social media accounts, make online purchases, use apps on our mobile phones, we relinquish information about ourselves to the most wealthy and powerful corporations in human history.

As New Zealand has settled back into a sense of normalcy in the months following the national lockdown, parishes have had a lot to consider when it comes to what church would look like in the future.

We are writing Bishops’ News together this week which is very encouraging, especially given that the theme of our reflection centres around the idea of our incarnated Saviour and our presence and proximity to one another in Christ.

I first remember struggling with my mental health at the age of 9. I started a new school and found the experience difficult and lonely. My family had joined a spiritual movement, which I found confusing and difficult to understand. My self-esteem was low, and I frequently felt anxiety.

Trade School Kitchen had a surprise visit last Thursday from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Ardern was in Naenae with Minister Chris Hipkins to announce shovel-ready funding for the Naenae Pool.

The experience of mental distress/mental illness is a common and recurring issue for us in Aotearoa. As Christians, it is not uncommon to know people in our whānau, communities and churches struggling with their mental health. As disciples, we are Jesus’ hands and feet and we are called to journey alongside others.

The Feilding whānau gathered recently for a high tea event that served up more than just petit delicacies.  The parish would normally have held a fundraiser around this time of year, but instead chose to use it as an opportunity to give to others.  “This event was all about blessing others – so it ticked all our boxes!” said Rev. Sarah McMenamin, the Priest in Charge of the Oroua Parish.

July 30th is the United Nations Global Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Throughout the world people trafficking and labour exploitation is increasing with no country left untouched. Such abuse happens within communities, and it occurs in cities and rural areas too. In fact in all places where such criminal activity is occurring there will be a church nearby.

For many of us, Covid-19 created an interesting set of dilemmas for how best to care for people. But the greatest challenge to me was to realise I had spent too much time occupying the place of Christ. Rescuing people so eagerly and so often that I failed to allow the arms of God to be their greatest and most satisfying place of rest, refuge and sanctuary. 

In light up the upcoming theological conversation, ‘Hovels, Havens & Homes’, being hosted at Ramsey House on Tuesday the 11th of August, Dr. Andrew Shepherd issues a challenge to all followers of Jesus to be a part of the solution to the housing crisis here in Aotearoa.

Last week my attention was caught by the logo of a local counsellor which had a large dandelion head being blown and its seeds being launched. “What a great image of the Church”, I thought, “coming to maturity and flowering so that by the wind of the Spirit, seeds of new life could be spread afar”

Sophie Otiende powerfully quoted Maya Angelo when she stated “I come as one but I stand as ten thousand”. A survivor of human trafficking, Sophie from Kenya is now works tirelessly to assist other women to take their first steps to freedom…

“The start of a mental illness or disorder can happen at any time in a person’s life. One way to think of mental distress is that it’s always an uninvited guest. No one wants depression or panic attacks, for example, to come on into their lives, stake a claim in their headspace, unpack, and settle in for a long stay!”

There’s been a lot more talk about mental health. Have you noticed? Even in our churches. New Zealand’s been experiencing a rising tide of mental distress and addiction. One in 6 adults will be diagnosed with a common mental disorder at some point in their lives, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar…

Recently a young boy lay in Wellington Hospital on life support, in a serious situation. The family were devastated and in need of support. The young boy’s father had been attending a Hindi-speaking Christian prayer group, led by Rev. James Vinod from St John’s Johnsonville…

For the past five years, a collection of young adults from Blueprint Church in Central Wellington have been hosting handball (foursquare) on the corner of Cuba and Manners Streets. Every Wednesday night from 9.30-11pm, anyone and everyone is welcome…