Rev. Jessica Falconer, Co-Minister in Charge in the Parish of Ōtaki, shares this encouragement for our children and family leaders, and us all.

The Government has increased their support for vulnerable seafarers visiting New Zealand ports, and this policy win is in part due to the advocacy of organisations like the Mission to Seafarers, led by our own Rev. Lance Lukin.

Churches in our diocese are busy preparing to hold their Mission for Submissions service in the coming weeks, and some are going all out to theme their service around the important need for us to respond to climate change.

Our climate advocacy team has been busy creating resources, so even if some of us can't host a speaker, or would prefer not to hold the service in the 14th of March, we can all still take part.

The kaupapa of Training Day has always been a gathering of the extended whānau, whilst upskilling and learning in the areas of ministry God is calling us into. And that kaupapa was strongly held to at our recent Training Day events, despite one of them being held online due to the week-long Level 2 lockdown.

Celebrating a new life is always special and hearing Matthew Bolton share his story of new life as a child of God was extra special – exciting even.

Climate change is a pressing global issue, but as we grapple for solutions that we can implement at a household or community level, the wero (challenge) can quickly overwhelm us. This year presents an important opportunity for us to answer that challenge, so we spoke to our Advocacy team to find out more.

Figuring out how to follow the Jesus way of life in the fast-paced 21st century can be a challenge, so our Anglican Studies team have developed a series of new short courses, or "conversations," that can equip us for the journey.

Last year in our posts we covered a wide range of challenges that mental distress can bring, both for those experiencing it and for those supporting them. We have greatly appreciated the feedback and contributions. This year we will bring a monthly post and we will look at further topics with the aim of increasing awareness, knowledge, and practical skills as we ‘do life together’ in our church communities, through thick and thin.

Alistair Davis from our All Saints Palmerston North whānau has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the motoring industry, business and sustainability. He spoke to us about his life's work, and the faith that underpins it.

An increasing amount of people within our movement are choosing to live in missional communities, centred around corporate prayer, hospitality and mission to those who are vulnerable. 

About a year ago, Scott and Nikki Wheeler from our Karori whānau were confirmed as new mission partners with NZCMS, destined for Kapuna in Papua New Guinea.  But COVID-19 put a stop to all of that, throwing them into a year of waiting and wondering what might lie ahead.  Now, their departure date has (almost) been set, and they're nearly ready to go.

Wellington City Mission staff and their families gathered with our diocesan whānau at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Sunday afternoon, the 1st of February, for the first of what will hopefully become an annual event. Bishop Justin and Bishop Eleanor were there to commission the staff for their important mahi in the year to come.

What was broken can be mended - that's the belief of Rev. Dr Rangi Nicholson, Priest Assistant at Rangiātea Anglican Church in Ōtaki.  He is, of course, referring to the relationship between Māori and Pākehā, the two peoples brought together by the Treaty partnership signed first at Waitangi nearly 181 years ago. We now look forward to another joint Waitangi Day celebration in Ōtaki.