Well, here we are again in Level 2. Does anyone else feel, frankly, just over it? This time, it seems a bit harder to get going and to feel motivated about making any plans when we know they potentially might go out the door again. We were lulled into a bit of a false sense of security I think, and this recent outbreak is a reminder that changing alert levels will likely be our reality for at least another year living in the face of Covid-19.

So, when it’s hard to make plans, what then are we to do?

Earlier this month, a group of eight congregants from Blueprint Church and St Tom’s, Newtown had the opportunity to take part in a haerenga ki te Tairāwhiti at Rauru Marae in Ruatoria, Gisborne, the tūrangawaewae (standing ground) of Ngāti Porou.

As an encouraging show of global faith during lockdown, Barbara Russell, Lyn O’Fee and Russell Lyon report back on a Zoom Feast Day their Pohangina parish was invited to for churches named after St Mary Magdalene.

In article three of our Mental Health series, we discussed the three Biblical values of Respect, Compassion and Hope. These are foundational values that Jesus modelled when walking alongside people in distress and are an example for us to follow when supporting others. How does this look practically within our wider society, our churches, and within our communities and whānau?

Changes are afoot in our Anglican Youth Movement (AYM) whānau. Luke and Amilie Paynter, who currently lead AYM team, have announced their intention to step down from the role.

In a time where the rhythms of ordinary life had been emptied out, the national lockdown left space for those wanting to go on a deeper journey with God. Reverend Paul McIntosh of St Anne’s Northland-Wilton ran an online Alpha course for the duration of the lockdown period.

St Mark’s Carterton has had booming success with a series of parish ‘pub’ quizzes, beginning during lockdown.

While they were confined to their homes, each Saturday evening parishioners of St Mark’s met together via Zoom to take part in a social quiz.

There have been some big myths about mental illness around for a long time. Many living with a mental health condition tell stories of stigma and discrimination from others, even in churches. So let’s learn what’s true and what’s not. When we know better, we can do better.

As Election Day nears, how might we use our voting privilege to love our neighbours? Are the policies and parties we support going to help or hinder those who are struggling to flourish? How might we, Christ's body, stand up for the last, the lost and the least in our democratic process?

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.