Dear Friends
We remain in Delta Level 2, which is much more stringent than the previous Level 2. At the time of writing we have no sense of how long we will remain in Level 2. Uncertainty can be stressful but it can also press us to lean into one another and gain strength in our fellowship in Christ. In this Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori, it is good to remember a saying King Tāwhiao: Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati; ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati (If a reed stands alone, it can be broken; if it is in a group, it cannot.)
Level 2: Diocesan life and guidance
General guidelines and specific Delta Level 2 guidelines are both available on our website. I am thrilled at the engagement of ministry units in developing management plans for worship and other activities in Level 2—thank you!
I continue to strongly recommend that all clergy and parishioners are vaccinated and I am pleased to report that I had my second jab yesterday.
Ordinary Life of the Diocese
The lead photo today is from last Sunday afternoon when Teresa and I were able to be present at St Peter’s, Pareora (Waimate District Cooperating Venture) for a service to farewell the church and to give thanks for ministry there, prior to the church, hall and land being sold. (Normally we would formally “deconsecrate” a church but we have been unable to locate any certification of consecration or even dedication of the building).
This coming Sunday, 19 September a special event will take place at the Transitional Cathedral, beginning at 5pm with Night Prayer, as the Cathedral and A Rocha Aotearoa NZ jointly host an inter-church seminar about climate change, well-being and shalom. There is plenty to trigger anxiety in our world today, and climate change is growing as a source of fear for the future. Rising tides, stronger storms and hotter droughts threaten our sense of stability. As Christians our security is found in Christ. We seek to live in Shalom, the peace of God, even as we face the realities impacting our world. There are still a few in-person spaces, and anyone can join the free live stream. Please register to attend. I will be one of the speakers along with Kristel van Houte, A Rocha National Director; Michael Apathy, Lucid Psychotherapy; Kahurangi Carter, Para Kore Kaiārahi Manager; and Silvia Purdie, Place Consultancy.
Our Gospel reading is Mark 9:30-37, this Sunday, Ordinary 25, and speaks to us of the possibility that even disciples may be afraid to ask Jesus questions (v. 32), misunderstand the values of the kingdom (v. 34) and need a child to teach us lessons (v. 36). As always, there is a lot to ponder: may God bless us in the hearing of God’s Word.
Kia haumaru te noho—Stay safe,
