waiapu anglicans

Bishop's Charge

 

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

 Waiapu Synod Charge 2011

+David Rice, Bishop of Waiapu

Saturday, 3rd September 2011

 

 

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.   

Kia noho a ihowa ki a koutou.

My fourth Presidential Address in as many years and synods in the Diocese of Waiapu. I pray that in these words, written and spoken, you will feel and hear the “missional heart” of Waiapu beating.

IN MEMORIUM

Winifred Ginders, mother of Adrienne Bruce; Daphney Bruce, mother of Arthur Bruce;  Sam Donald, father of Stephen Donald;  Sir Paul Reeves, former Bishop of Waiapu.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,  

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. Amen

CLERGY MOVEMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS OF MOVEMENTS SINCE THE LAST HINOTA

• Noel Hendery announced his retirement, stepping down from his position as Hawke’s Bay Bishop’s Chaplain and 33 years of ministry in the Anglican Church.
• Bill Bennett was appointed as the interregnum Bishop’s Chaplain for Hawke’s Bay.

·    Di Woods resigned from her role as Vicar of All Saints, Taradale, moving to the Auckland Diocese.

·    Gerald Clark was appointed as the interregnum Priest-in Charge for All Saints, Taradale.

·    Jo Crosse was appointed Children’s and Family Enabler.

·    Sande Ramage resigned from her role as Iona College Chaplain, moving to the Wellington Diocese.

·    Oenone Woodhams was appointed the new Waiapu contact person for the Women’s Studies Centre replacing Erice Fairbrother.

·    Erice Fairbrother was appointed to the Women’s Studies Council.

·    Marie Gilpin was appointed as Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers’ at the Port of Tauranga, and Chaplain for the Association of Anglican Women.

·    Bronwyn Marchant resigned from her role as Vicar of Gate Pa, Tauranga, moving to the Diocese of Newcastle in Australia.

·    Wendy Showan was appointed interregnum Priest-in-Charge for Gate Pa, Tauranga.

·    Jim Austing announced his retirement, stepping down from his position as Vicar of Opotiki Parish.

·    Jim Greenaway was appointed interregnum Priest-in-Charge for Opotiki parish.

·    John Blundell resigned from his position as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Taupo, moving to the Auckland Diocese.

·    Howard Pilgrim was appointed interregnum Priest-in-Charge for Taupo Parish.

·    Richard Vialoux from the Auckland Diocese, is announced as the new Mt Maunganui Parish Vicar, to be installed in December.

·    Pelly Pirikahu was appointed as a half-time ecumenical hospital chaplain at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

·   Trevor Harrison announced his pending resignation as Vicar of St Augustine’s, Napier.  Trevor will move to the Taranaki/Waikato Diocese in January 2012.

·    Richard Spence is appointed Diocesan Spiritual Director for Cursillo in the Diocese of Waiapu.

·    The Central/Southern Hawke’s Bay Ministry Team is announced, namely:   Tim Delaney (Regional Missioner and Team Leader); Craig Smith (Regional Pastor);  and Heather Flavell (Ministry and Missions Co-ordinator).

·    Jenny Dawson from the Wellington Diocese is announced as the new Hawke’s Bay Bishop’s Chaplain.

I wish to begin with these words:

“If you want to learn and discover what God is up to in the world, just now, stop trying to answer this question from within the walls of your churches. Like strangers in need of hospitality who have left their baggage behind (Luke 10), enter the neighbourhoods and communities where you live.  Sit at the table of the other, and there you may begin to hear what God is doing.”

Chapter 10, New Set of Practices from:

‘ Missional – Joining with God in the Neighbourhood’

Alan J. Roxburgh

 Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known, changing attitudes, practices and behaviour, a new/old way of living out our faith...........

I believe the events, occasions, activities, initiatives, programmes and ministries I recount in this address have been prompted and informed by our Diocesan Vision Statement.

Rather than endeavouring to put this list in any chronological form, moreover, not running the risk of being interpreted as setting this as a prioritised list, I will frame this address in alphabetical order.  Thus, one might call this The ABCs of Waiapu for the year that was and what will be.....

ANGLICAN CARE

I have been involved in a number of conversations over the last three years regarding this question: “Should the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu stay in the business of care for the elderly in and through Aged Care Facilities?”  I have not seized the opportunity to express my views in this forum, until now, regarding issues around elder care.  Firstly, care for the elderly is a non-negotiable, that is to say, the result of “knowing Jesus” is offering care to everyone in our midst, particularly the young and the elderly.  Secondly, I don’t believe the impetus for and the intention of Waiapu Anglican Care is to sustain and grow a business.  Anglican Care, let’s be clear, is a ministry to provide housing and hospitality and care for/to the elderly.  Thirdly, if anyone queries whether we should “stay in the business (read ministry) of elder care” then I ask that you stop by Waiapu House or Hodgson House or Carter House and ask any of the residents about: their relationship with their Chaplain, their appreciation of Services offered, and their belief that God continues to call them to come together where they are.  I ask that we continue to pray for our brothers and sister who live in our Elder Care Residences, for those who work there, for the staff of Waiapu Anglican Care, and for one another, as we continue to explore ways in which we can offer care to our mothers and fathers, our grandmothers and grandfathers, and eventually for ourselves.

ANGLICAN SCHOOLS – EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AFFILIATED WITH THE DIOCESE

Generally speaking, relationships continue to grow with schools in Waiapu, affiliated with the Diocese. - We are exploring ways in which Waiapu can further assist and relate to Hereworth School.  To that end, Waiapu now has a “Waiapu Person” on the Hereworth Board and that is the local Vicar, Brian Dawson.  Personally, I believe the Diocese of Waiapu can potentially offer far more to Hereworth in the future and fortunately, I believe Hereworth is receptive to our increased involvement at the school. – Woodford House also continues to seek ways it can “connect with Waiapu.”  Woodford’s Chaplain, Joy Hamilton-Jones is keen to see Waiapu present at Woodford and Woodford present in Waiapu.  This relationship is already evident in Confirmations at Woodford as well as, again, the local Vicar, Brian Dawson spending time with Year 13’s discussing issues of Christian and Social Ethics.  And increasingly, we see Woodford Girls join in events like Top Parish and hopefully the Three Tikanga Youth Pilgrimage. – I include Lindisfarne in this affiliated group as  Bishops of Waiapu have been involved in Confirmations at this school for a number of years.  Te Aute and Hukerere certainly deserve to be on this list as we frequently see Te Aute Boys and Hukerere Girls at occasions like Top Parish, the 3 T Youth Pilgrimage, Memorial Occasions (The Service for Sir Paul Reeves), and the list is increasing.  I am delighted to see these relationships grow and I trust you join with me in a commitment to all of “our schools.”

ASSOCIATION OF ANGLICAN WOMEN

As it is for many groups and organizations in the church, and the church in general, AAW continues to explore ways in which they can connect with and be joined by Generations X to Z.  And what I hear from AAW is an acknowledgement that part of the answer is moving from a place where programming and meetings are commonplace to a place where engagement with the community and making a difference are commonplace.  I want to commend and encourage AAW to continue to grow in this change.  Lastly, I was particularly moved during this year’s AAW Weekend where great emphasis was placed on responding to the needs of Christchurch and those in our own neighbourhoods.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Since our last hinota, our Children and Family Enabler, Jo Crosse, has heard stories throughout Waiapu regarding the “state of play” of what’s out there for children and families.  I think I can speak for Jo in saying that we have substantial work before us in our diocese.  Most importantly, there is hope and certainly potential, moreover, a willingness to connect with children and their families wherever they may be.  This emphasis on exploring ways to engage with this demographic, if you will, must continue to be a priority for Waiapu.

CHRISTCHURCH QUAKES

The images, I trust, remained etched in our memories.  September 2010 and February of this year, changed the lives of Cantabrians and the rest of us forevermore.  We have heard stories of devastation and loss. And we have heard stories of perseverance and determination.  And we have heard stories of generosity and compassion.  Waiapu has been a part of the Christchurch story and our responses have been varied and numerous.  For instance, Waiapu Chaplains have spent a significant amount of time in Christchurch.  And recently a group, coordinated by our Diocesan Youth and Family Enabler, Jo Crosse, which included our Year Long Youth Interns, spent several days in Christchurch amid earthquake rubble and substantial cold and snow.  This group, sponsored by parishes and AAW, was involved in after-school-programmes whilst they were there.  And Waiapu has raised money to help in the effort for the Diocese of Christchurch to respond to the needs of their people.  Thank you Waiapu, you have given generously, we raised around $60,000 through our appeal.  The needs will continue in Christchurch and we will continue to ask what we can do to help.

CLERGY CONFERENCE

This year’s clergy conference was in Tauranga and the emphasis of the hui was on the missional character and life of the church.  Alan J. Roxburgh was our presenter/facilitator this year.  He has written extensively on “all things missional” and travels the world to see his words lifted from print, better said, encouraging the church to take seriously the ways we “make Jesus known.”  I will build on the earlier quote from Roxburgh with these words from the same tome Missional – Joining God in the Neighbourhood: “Is God calling us to enter deeply into the neighbourhoods and communities where we live and/or where our churches are located?  Perhaps Luke (again reference to Luke 10), is suggesting that a primary way of discerning God’s plan is when, like the exiles, we re-enter the life of the local people, listen to their stories and love them deeply without feeling the need to “sell” or make a “pitch” or assume we already know what they need and what the gospel ought to look like in this time and place.  What would happen if we started in this way rather than with the prearranged designs and assumptions about how the church ought to look?” - If you wish to read more of Roxburgh’s work, I invite you to contact our Diocesan Ministry Educator, Oenone Woodhams. - The highlights of Clergy Conference included, as I have suggested, hearing and becoming acquainted with Alan Roxburgh, sharing a day with laity, engaging with Howard Pilgrim, our Diocesan Theologian, in scripture study, having “creative/reflective play-time” led by children/family/youth leaders, and enjoying a lovely night on-the-town.  On your behalf, I wish to thank Oenone for her work and care in organizing and ensuring that all went well.

CLERGY DAYS

Through the course of the year, it is my pleasure to meet with clergy in their respective regions for a day of gathering as a “Eucharistic Community.” We come together for formation and training, for sharing stories and concerns and hopes, for reconnecting in a far-flung diocese which requires that we intentionally gather and reconnect.  These days are extremely important and I include this in my address in order to underline the importance of clergy marking these days on calendars and for laity to encourage their clergy to make these days a priority.

COMMUNICATIONS

In Waiapu, we know the importance of clear and consistent communication.  This acknowledgement is all-the-more necessary in a diocese of over 42,000 square kilometres.  We continue to produce one of the better examples of “ecclesiastical journalism” with our Waiapu News.  This Diocesan Magazine requires significant work from an extensive group of dedicated clergy and laity.  I ask that when you read Waiapu News that you offer a “prayer of thanksgiving” for everyone who contributes.  On behalf of this hinota, I wish to congratulate Noel Hendery and his team for their wonderful work.  Launching New Website – Perhaps it deserves its own heading, 2011 saw the launching of our New Diocese of Waiapu Website.  This site is a significant improvement on its former-self.  The site is: www.waiapu.com.  One of the important features of the site is Current News.  I wish to take this opportunity to invite and encourage you tell the stories of our Praying Communities.  Offer vignettes of how we are “making Jesus known” and how we are joining with what God is already doing in our neighbourhoods and communities.  -  I continue to express concerns, offer reflections, and endeavour to prompt questions and conversation through my audio/visual ad clerum, Bishtube.  This is one of the personal ways in which I communicate with our clergy, provide instruction, and build upon our collegial relationships.  -  Our social networking, cyber community OMG continues to grow.  This site is accessed by hundreds of people, many who reside outside of Aotearoa. It includes periodic clips by “Waiapu Presenters” and it provides a forum for those who wish to express views and prompt conversations around faith and justice and politics, and the like.  If you haven’t accessed OMG, I strongly urge you to do so.  You can find it on: www.facebook.com/omgodchurch. -  Lastly, it is our hope that by the conclusion of this year, Video-Conferencing Facilities will be available in at least one place in each region.  We believe that said conferencing will be a response to the ways in which we need to honour and take care of our most important resource, each other. In addition, it will allow us to be better stewards of our environment and our economic resources.  In Waiapu, we do indeed know the importance of clear and consistent communication, please, in the event that you are not receiving information in a timely and coherent manner, let us know.

CONFERENCE FOR BISHOPS IN THE EARLY YEARS OF EPISCOPACY

It was my honour and delight to attend a Conference for Bishops “In their Early Days” earlier this year in Canterbury.  Firstly, it was marvellous to assemble with new-ish bishops from all over the globe.  Secondly, it was a treat to travel from Canterbury to Lambeth to spend the day with the Archbishop of Canterbury and to engage in conversation with him regarding anything and everything to do with the Anglican Communion and issues around being a bishop.  Thirdly, it was wonderful that Bishop Ross of Auckland and Bishop Kelvin of Dunedin also attended, thus allowing us to spend significant time together.  Fourthly, it was a privilege to hear the stories of new bishops from: Ireland, Canada, the U.S., Mexico, India, Guyana, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, Australia and Aotearoa.  And lastly, it was a blessing to be “on pilgrimage” in and around the Cathedral Precinct of Canterbury for a week-plus.

COVENANT HUI

In preparation for Regional Conferences and this Diocesan Synod this year, and General Synod/te Hinota Whanui and Anglican Consultative Council next year, Waiapu gathered for hui to discuss our views on the Anglican Covenant.  This diocese has Bishop Murray Mills to thank for developing a “template for listening and conversation.”  Not dissimilar to the Indaba process used during the Lambeth Conference 08, our Covenant Hui were designed to enable us to explore what it means to be Anglican.  In a sense, it was Anglicanism 101.  Again similar to Lambeth 08, we wanted to engage in open and honest conversation concerning those things which contribute to our Anglican DNA, and furthermore continue to hold us together despite the tensions of the day.  On your behalf, I wish to also thank Helen Jacobi and Erice Fairbrother for offering their facilitation skills to the process.

CURSILLO

The Diocese of Waiapu is now officially, “A Cursillo Diocese.”  This year the Diocese of Wellington gifted to Waiapu, Cursillo.  In this house, we now have a number of Cursillistas, men and women, clergy and laity, and from this group, Cursillo will continue to grow in Waiapu.  For those of you who still have not heard about Cursillo, it is a short course in faith and its very existence is designed to enliven our faith and the ways in which we commit ourselves to Christ in our respective Praying Communities and missionally in our neighbourhoods and beyond.

DEACONS’ CONFERENCE

Every year, Vocational Deacons in the Diocese of Waiapu gather for a time of formation and training.  This is an important occasion for our deacons, our diocese and our church.  I have said on several occasions that one of my “prayerful plans” is to have Vocational Deacons in every Praying Community throughout Waiapu.  I ask that you pray with me as we ask God to enable this to occur.

DIOCESAN MISSIONAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE

Briefly, I want to speak about DMMC because of its news brief and ways, I believe, in which it will provide an ongoing framework for our Diocesan Vision and our missional identity.  DMMC is a repository for the concerns and issues which arise in our ever-changing context.  The committee, which is a sub-committee of Standing Committee (Synod-out-of-Session), will draft potential policy and guidelines and submit them to Standing Committee for comment and possible approval.  If endorsed, the draft returns to DMMC for resourcing and assisting in implementation.  I believe policy and guidelines, if developed consultatively, and they will be, enable relationships and foster working together, again, in a missional manner.  DMMC is committed to contributing to our missional landscape and is an example of how diocesan committees should work.

DIOCESAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

Episcopacy is by definition and nature a “shared ministry.”  A number of the initiatives and programmes and ministries in the Diocese of Waiapu were birthed in conversations with DLT.  I mention DLT in this address for two reasons: firstly, Bishop and Waiapu are indebted to the work and willingness, insight and ingenuity of this group.  And secondly, this model of working together, “Our Episcopal Ministry” is not only collaborative, consultative and collegial, it is a model which I suggest is informed by the ways Jesus worked in and formed community.

LOCAL SHARED MINISTRY CONFERENCE

The Local Shared Ministry Conference is an opportunity for those in LSM contexts to gather for educative purposes, to network, to hear stories and to consider what others are doing when and where in most instances there is little need to recreate the wheel.  I have heard it suggested on occasion that LSMs have “had their day.”  I wish to say that this generalization like most generalizations is not only unhelpful, it is inaccurate.  In some contexts, I believe the present form or some variation thereof will be the best model for some time.  However, and I want to be really clear here, the gauge for any Praying Community should be to what extent does the present model of ministry foster a rich liturgical expression and experience and a rich missional response?

MISSION TRIPS

As we continue to explore how we can “make Jesus known” and what mission looks like where we are, I want to celebrate those in Waiapu who continue to go to the neighbourhoods beyond these islands of Aotearoa, New Zealand and join in what God is doing there.  I wish to celebrate Waiapu Cathedral for their work in the Solomons, and All Saints Taradale for their work in Vanuatu, and Holy Trinity Tauranga for their work in Cambodia.  And there may be others in Waiapu engaging in similar “neighbourhood visitations.”  There is no limit to God’s neighbourhood and we need to get “out there.”

MISSIONAL MAPPING

Throughout this place of “abundant waters” the concept of Missional Mapping has become a feature of Warden’s Meetings, Clergy Days and Conference, Vestry Meetings, Parish and Regional Planning Days, and the like.  Once again, I wish to re-reiterate quite simply, Missional Mapping is a mechanism designed to prompt us in our Praying Communities and in our Diocese, to be intentional about “joining God in our neighbourhoods,” positioning ourselves so that when called upon, we can respond to the needs of our neighbours, as we “make Jesus known.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE – WAIKANAE

This year, a number of clergy and laity from Waiapu travelled to Waikanae for the Missions Conference.  This conference certainly had an international complexion with representatives from all over the globe.  I would suggest that the highlight of the conference was the Bible Study led by the Anglican Church of Canada’s National Indigenous Bishop, Mark MacDonald.  Equally, this conference allowed us the opportunity to sit and talk with our brothers and sisters from Polynesia and Papua New Guinea regarding the ways we do and can work together.  In addition, I wish to take a moment to note and celebrate the way in which Waiapu continues to give so faithfully and generously to support various and sundry missions work through our Anglican Missions Board.

MODELS OF MINISTRY

As I trust you have heard on innumerable occasions, I believe that our existing models of ministry, Vicar-led, LSM, etc, will not necessarily be the best models of ministry, in the places where they are presently active, in the days before us. Furthermore, equally I believe that the models of ministry which are presently evolving from existing models or being developed a new, may have a limited shelf life.  The point again is this, missional ministry and leadership should be determined and developed based on the presenting hopes and desires, intentions and responses of the Praying Community, region and diocese.  This is simply an “Episcopal Reminder” that we must be open to what “the Spirit is saying to the church” amid such change.

ORIENTATION PROCESS FOR NEW CLERGY

Announcements of clergy movements lead to vacancies which lead to nomination and appointment processes which invariably, in some cases, lead to new clergy arriving in the diocese.  As I have identified, new clergy will be a part of Waiapu, in fact, three new clergy from: Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington will be installed during Advent this year.  I have been aware through my experiences in other dioceses an unfortunate absence in the manner in which clergy are welcomed and orientated and integrated in the life of a diocese.  In light of the plethora of new appointments in Waiapu, this is, I would suggest, a wonderful opportunity to put these processes in place.  We have designed a clearly road-mapped Orientation Process which involves: of course, welcome by Praying Community, stories in Waiapu News, social occasions in the respective region, visit to Diocesan Office and meeting Diocesan Staff, meeting with Social Services, visit to Waiapu Cathedral and meeting Cathedral Staff, and the like.  I believe this process is absolutely essential, however the most important ingredient when new people arrive is for those already here to offer hospitality and to acknowledge that we are all whanau.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A RECIPROCAL MISSIONAL RELATIONSHIP

To refresh your collective memory, last year at the request of the Anglican Missions Boards, Hugh McBain and I travelled to PNG, specifically to the Diocese of Popondetta.  This trip was designed to ascertain whether a Reciprocal Missional Relationship might be possible.  Our time in PNG was absolutely marvellous, we experienced immeasurable hospitality, a vibrant church, and a genuine desire from PNG Anglicans to learn from and grow with Waiapu as a potential partner.  I believe Hugh and I have agreed, in consultation with Standing Committee, that the work in Popondetta is perhaps too varied and immense to direct our time and energy, however, we do think that there is significant possibility in a potential relationship with and through the Anglican Church in PNG at Newton Theological College.  Whilst in PNG, we spent a significant amount of time with the Bishop of Popondetta, Joe Kopapa. During that visit, Joe was consecrated Archbishop of PNG.  Since our visit last year, we have remained in contact with Archbishop Joe and recently we reunited at the Missions Conference in Waikanae.  Following the conference, Joe visited Waiapu and travelled throughout our diocese.  So the conversations continue, we haven’t formalized any relationship yet we acknowledge and celebrate the potential that exists for working together.

RUAHINE MISSION – TRIALLING THE NAME

The name is yet to be determined, my hope is the Ruahine Mission will in fact, be that name.  This is prospectively the new name for the area of our diocese known as Central/Southern Hawke’s Bay.  What is determined and increasingly clear is that a completely new model of ministry has evolved in and for this region.  In addition, three clergy have been appointed and will be installed as the team with the responsibility for fostering, developing and growing missional activity in the place of the Ruahine Range.  The clergy are: Tim Delaney, Craig Smith (Christchurch), and Heather Flavell.  Their installations will take place in Advent of this year.

SIR PAUL REEVES

We have remembered and celebrated the life of the 10^th Bishop of Waiapu, Sir Paul Reeves.  Sir Paul died on the 14^th August 2011 and church and country paused to give thanks to God for his life and work at a State Funeral at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland.  It was my honour, along with Dean Helen Jacobi to attend Sir Paul’s Funeral.  Following the State Funeral, we received permission and blessing from Lady Beverly Reeves to hold a Memorial Service in Waiapu Cathedral to remember and celebrate Sir Paul’s Episcopal Years in Waiapu.  Pihopa Ngarahu Katene of Manawa te Wheke and Pihopa Brown Turei of te Tairawhiti participated in the Memorial Service. This was a beautiful service followed by a pouwhiri and shared kai at Kohupatiki Marae.  I wish to include here words read at Sir Paul’s Memorial Eucharist on behalf of Bishop Peter Atkins.

‘Paul was able to model for us two cultures, living fully for the sake of both. He refused to turn his back on either side of his family roots. In this New Zealand and Waiapu could follow his example and fully embrace both the cultures of its history.

Paul has also left us his legacy of pushing our thinking and acting beyond our set of secure boundaries. He was able to do this because he had a deep sense of being loved by God - in death as in life - and he held firmly to the fundamentals of his faith. He was a liberal with a conservative heart.

In today's world many people feel unnoticed and undervalued for the gifts they have to offer. Paul affirmed people in their gifts and offered them opportunities to use them for God's kingdom. Waiapu under Paul was not afraid to recruit those whose gifts would enhance and challenge the church. He backed you and set you free to make your decisions even when they were not the ones he would have made. He expected the same loyalty in return.

Paul's fourth legacy was his total dedication to fulfill his vocation as a priest, a thinker, and a leader. He was always on the look out for the next challenge where he could use his talents and draw on his faith to embody the Gospel in his person and in his work. Our challenge is to inspire our young people to grow into totara and be the leaders that follow the model of Paul's dedicated and gifted life.

Haere, e whai i nga waewae o Paora / Go and follow in the footsteps of Paul.’

STAFF CHANGES

As I trust you are aware, there have been a number of Staff Changes in the Diocesan Office.  As with such changes, often there occurs a period where, how shall I say, intellectual property and institutional history must be retained.  Equally, we are aware that there have been growing pains and difficulty around delivery in accounting and I can assure you that the office is addressing said pain and difficulty.  I include this in my address for two reasons: firstly, I ask that you practice patience in knowing that Diocesan Staff are working diligently to offer competent and efficient service. And secondly, I ask if you continue to have difficulty with accounts that you contact the Diocesan Office and speak with our Diocesan Registrar, Cliff Houston or our Diocesan Finance Manager, Colleen Kaye.  I know they want to “get this right” as they are here to serve you.

TOP PARISH

In brief, Top Parish continues to grow, in fact, we are not far from growing out of prospective facilities which can accommodate our growing number, a positive problem indeed.  Thanks to all those involved in Top Parish.

VACANCIES

I ask that you, sisters and brothers throughout Waiapu, continue to pray for our Praying Communities in vacancy.  And I ask that you actively pray, that is to say, to allow your prayers to prompt conversations with clergy perhaps being called to Waiapu and one of our parishes.  I want to thank the Vicar General, Brian Hamilton, for his work in the nomination and appointment processes.

WAIAPU ANGLICAN SOCIAL SERVICES

Waiapu Anglican Social Services will experience significant change this year yet one thing will remain, Social Services will continue to respond to the needs of people in our communities and extend and foster hope, relief and possibilities.  I wish to thank the entire Social Service Staff.  I acknowledge and celebrate the aroha and mahi of everyone from CEO to those working at flaxroots/grassroots levels.  Let us together give thanks that “making Jesus known” is evident in Waiapu Anglican Social Services.

WORLD CUP IN WAIAPU AND AOTEAROA

It is perhaps impossible to ignore this month’s Rugby World Cup furthermore I think it would be nothing less than a “church appearing out-of-step” if we did, furthermore still, I think it would be a rather significant missed opportunity.  So Waiapu, please consider how we can “make Jesus known” and work missionally whilst this cultural phenomenon is occurring in our midst.  Perhaps said another way, this is our opportunity to be church where and when people and visitors will remember this event for years to come.  Go ABs...

YOUTH INTERNSHIPS, YOUTH SYNOD, YOUTH FORUM, etc...

Ministry with and by and for young people, generally speaking, throughout Waiapu is going well.  We are in our second year of Year Long Youth Interns thanks to Seini and Brendon, well done you two.  Our Summer Youth Internship Programme continues to grow.  Youth Synod, as we will experience over the next two days is an important feature in the youth calendar.  The Parachute Festival remains a popular annual pilgrimage for Waiapu Young people.  And Youth Forum is also an important feature for Waiapu Youth.  It is enormously important that we continue to foster an environment where young people are heard, and where they participate and contribute and grow.

LASTLY, ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I wish to offer my heartfelt gratitude to all of you as we share in this “Episcopal Ministry.”  In particular I wish to thank: Adrienne, Bill and Noel-before him, Oenone, Helen, Jocelyn, Sandy, Frank and Jo, and Jo, Cliff, Trish, Colleen, Diocesan Staff, Liz and the Social Services Staff, and of course Belinda.  Belinda, I thank you once, twice, three times, I thank you.  In addition, I wish to thank Tracy and Ian and Zoe for remembering who I am when I return from a trip and for reminding me who I am when I leave for a trip. – As you know, this year I reached the half century mark, Waiapu, thank you ever-so-much for the Birthday Do and of course for the fly rod and reel.  Tight Lines Waiapu.

Waiapu, I pray for you every day and every night.  And I will continue to pray for you every day and every night.

Let us embrace God’s blessings and join what God is already doing in our neighbourhoods and communities, as we continue to work and serve and love together as Waiapu People.

Arohanui

The Right Reverend David Rice

 Bishop of Waiapu

 

 

 

• Anglican Diocese of Waiapu, 2011