I was christened at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Pahiatua by Revd Doug Weaver and then spent most of my formative years at St Mark’s Carterton and was confirmed by Doug there. Like many of my generation, I left the church in my late teens, not returning until I was in my early forties.

Finding myself back in the Wairarapa after more than twenty years away with a young child and few connections left, I found myself at a preschool song and story group with my daughter at Epiphany. The kid’s song and story team made me feel incredibly welcome, friendships were formed and somehow I found myself helping to run Sunday school. 

During this time there was a lot of wondering and searching and re-examining my faith and new learnings. This wasn’t an easy time and I thought about walking away from the church again. This all changed one night at a reflective service, when I experienced the warmth of Jesus’ arms around me holding me and then found myself at Jesus' feet. It was then that I knew for sure that I am a beloved daughter of God.

My journey towards ordination began while I was studying Christian Studies, I felt God call me to ministry. I spent a lot of time soul searching and asking God why? My journey has not always been easy. However I hold close to me Hebrews 13:12 “I will make you complete in every good thing so that you may do his will, working among us.” Knowing that God has got me every step of the way.

I have a heart for pastoral care looking after those within our parish who are often our most vulnerable. Intergenerational community building and services are my passion as there is so much we can learn from those younger or older than ourselves and I am enjoying embracing school gate ministry and oftering radical hospitality in all its messiness.

I look forward to see what God has planned for me in the future.

The Ordination Service for Emma Mead will be on Saturday 23 November at 2 pm at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.