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Anglican e-Life | 3 December 2025

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Dear Friends,

At the heart of our Diocesan theme of Regeneration is an expectation that God is at work among us. I continue to pray and encourage every member of our Diocese to pray our regeneration prayer:

“Everliving God,

through Your Spirit You constantly renew the whole creation;

bring regeneration to your Diocese of Christchurch,

grant us courage to grow disciples of Jesus,

give us vision to reach young people and their families,

and strengthen us to create vibrant communities of faith.”

When we pray in this way, we are both asking God to continue to work among us and challenging ourselves to be co-workers with God in this task (2 Corinthians 6:1a). In a few weeks we come to the end of 2025, six-tenths of the way through the period 2020-2029. How are we doing? Returning to the Diocese recently, and catching up with our archdeacons, I have been struck afresh by the range of situations our ministry units are experiencing. Some flourish in respect of three critical aspects of our life together as church: people, staffing, funding. Some rejoice in two of these three things and are challenged by a shortfall in the other one. A number are feeling the pinch of inadequate staffing (e.g. with no resident priest available to preside at the eucharist), few active parishioners and funds drying up. As bishop, I rejoice in signs of regeneration but every day I feel the burden of our shortfalls, especially in the supply of clergy. Blessed though we have been in recent years with new clergy who have come into our diocesan family through ordination and appointment of new clergy from outside the Diocese, we remain understaffed across the Diocese.

What are we to do? As Kiwis we value hard work and that makes us susceptible to temptation to work harder to ensure regeneration of our Diocese. I ask us to consider resisting that temptation. Instead, let’s redouble our prayer for regeneration. The church is God’s church and through Christ we have been promised that God will build the church (Matthew 16:18). Let’s continue to pray that God’s will for the church be done.

I am delighted to announce that the Reverend Dr Andrew Butcher, currently Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Fendalton, will become Vicar of Fendalton from Friday, 23 January 2026.

I thank the Reverend Justine Tremewan who recently concluded her role this year as Missioner priest for the Parish of Linwood-Aranui. My thanks also to the Reverend Ruth Blair for her role as Team Leader for the ministry team in the Parish of Marchwiel, Timaru. After three years in the role, Ruth concludes her appointment at the end of this month. I am very glad that Ruth will continue as part of the ministry team in Marchwiel.

Important services are coming up, to which all are welcome:
- 7pm, Friday 12 December 2025 in the Church of the Epiphany, Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs for the induction of the Reverend Hilary Willett as Vicar of Hanmer Springs. Due to the small size of this church, clergy intending to be at the service are asked to RSVP to Veronica Cross, bishopsea@anglicanlife.org.nz, by 5 pm Wednesday, 10 December 2025. Clergy who robe – red stole please.
- 5pm Sunday 14 December, Evensong in the Transitional Cathedral will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the First Four Ships on 16 December 1850. I am the preacher.
- 7pm, Sunday 21 December 2025, Nine Lessons and Carols at the Transitional Cathedral.
- 7pm, Tuesday 20 January 2026, at St. Christopher’s, Avonhead, when the Reverend Joshua Taylor will be inducted as Vicar of Avonhead.
- 7pm, Friday 23 January 2026, at St. Barnabas, Fendalton, when the Reverend Dr Andrew Butcher will be inducted as Vicar of Fendalton, and the Reverend Kay Webster will be welcomed and commissioned as Senior Associate Priest for the Parish of Fendalton.
Last week I acknowledged the ordained ministry of the Reverend Philip Robinson 55 years, the Reverend Paul Hammonds 60 years, and the Reverend Jim Riley 65 years. This week I acknowledge the Reverend Geoff Paterson’s 55 years in ordained ministry. Thanks be to God for these 235 years of ministry.

The next instalment of Theology House’s Lenten study series In the Spirit of Lent has arrived from the printers. This edition for Year A (2025- 2026) again includes art by the Reverend Sarah West and text by Gareth Bezett, Theology House director. Orders are open now and books will ship from mid-January 2026 in plenty of time for Lent. Copies are $9 each.

The past week in our diocese has been unusually busy in our Diocese. College House’s 175th anniversary was celebrated with events through Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning, including a book launch for Lifted Up – The Chapel of the Upper Room, a book telling the story of the extraordinary chapel at College House, built in the mid 60s, damaged in the quakes, and recently restored and strengthened. It was a privilege to share in services in the chapel on Friday night and Sunday morning with the Reverend Peg Riley, the Reverend Dr John Fox, and Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon.

On Saturday morning, Wanjiru (Cirũ) Muriuki (for the Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon), André Muller (for the Parishes of East Christchurch, Linwood-Aranui and Avonside), and Bruce White (for the Parish of Burnside-Harewood) were ordained deacons in a beautiful service in the Transitional Cathedral. At the conclusion of the service, we farewelled the Reverend Jenny Wilkens from her role as our Diocesan Director of Ordination – thank you, Jenny for this ministry in the Diocese!

On Sunday evening, the Transitional Cathedral’s Advent Carol Service featured, as always, beautiful sung worship glorifying God and the re-reading of our sacred scriptures as we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ into our world.

Late Saturday afternoon, Teresa and I were warmly welcomed to an inaugural event organised by the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church here in Christchurch, in which several different churches with origins in South India participated, including a Christmas Tree competition and a Christmas Choirs’ competition. This was held at Middleton Grange School. Three of the congregations participating in this event use three of our churches in greater Christchurch for their regular worship services.

This month, Christ Church Cathedral is hosting the 10-metre steel City Mission Christmas Tree along with Pete Majendie‘seight banners in the style of Colin McCahon’s famous paintings featuring words of Scripture as part of a 12 Days of Christmas event which offers bookings for up to 50 visitors at a time on weekdays from Monday, 1 December to Tuesday, 16 December 2025. On Monday night there was a formal opening for this festival of art. The banners are magnificent – thank you Pete! They complement the familiar City Mission Christmas tree superbly.

This coming Sunday, 7 December 2025 is Advent 2. The epistle reading is Romans 15:4-13. This is a deep passage, bookended by the theme of “hope”, with our hope in God grounded in the coming of Christ into the world as a fulfilment of past hope – that the promises of God to the patriarchs would one day come to be realised. The work of God in Christ is for the world, for you and me, for Jew and Gentile, in other words, for everyone, that all are welcomed into the enduring family of God.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 26 November 2025

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Dear Friends,

In the cover image are photos from last Sunday’s confirmation service for Graham Watson, Lauren Beckwith, Joanne Verkaaik, and Jayne Fall at St. Barnabas’ Church, Woodend; and photos of a Burnside-Harewood Parish retreat during Labour Weekend.

I have a lot of announcements to make and notices to give this week. Next week I intend to focus on the Regeneration of our Diocese.

Important services are coming up, to which all are welcome:
- At 10.30am, this Saturday 29 November in the Transitional Cathedral, I will ordain to the diaconate: Wanjiru (Cirũ) Muriuki (for the Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon), André Muller (for the Parishes of East Christchurch, Linwood-Aranui and Avonside)and Bruce White (for the Parish of Burnside-Harewood) will be ordained deacons. Clergy should robe with albs and red stoles. The Reverend Jenny Wilkens will be our preacher at her last service as our Diocesan Director of Ordination pending her retirement from her main role as Senior Associate Priest in the Parish of Fendalton in January 2026.
- The Transitional Cathedral Advent Carol Service is at 7pm, this Sunday 30 November.
- The Reverend Hilary Willett’s inductions as Vicar of Hanmer Springs is at 7pm, Friday 12 December in the Church of the Epiphany, Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs. Due to the small size of this church, clergy intending to be at the service are asked to RSVP to Veronica Cross, bishopsea@anglicanlife.org.nz by 5pm Wednesday, 10 December.
- The 175th anniversary of the arrival of the First Four Ships to Lyttelton, and thus the official founding date of the European settlement of Canterbury is 16 December 2025. At 5pm on Sunday 14 December, Evensong in the Transitional Cathedral will celebrate this anniversary. I am the preacher.
- The Transitional Cathedral Carol Service will be at 7pm, Sunday 21 December.
St. John’s College student news: Congratulations to the Reverend Joshua Taylor, who has successfully passed the viva for his Ph. D. thesis, “Speaking of Sin in 21st Century Aotearoa”, and to Luke Watson, one of our students at St. John’s, who achieved the top marks this year in the Diploma of Christian Studies course. Cirũ Muriuki, recently concluding her studies at St John’s, is featured in the following article: The Disruptive Nature of Spiritual Growth with Ciru Muriuki – Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa

Clergy news Early in November, the Reverend Shirley Hawke concluded her ministry as Vicar of the Parish of Temuka – Te Ngawai. Thank you, Shirley, for your leadership, initially as vicar of the two parishes, then as vicar of the amalgamated Parish of Temuka – Te Ngawai. Thank you also for two periods as Acting Archdeacon of South Canterbury. Our best wishes go to you and Gary as you return to Ashburton, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in Mid Canterbury.

Archdeacon Nick Mountfort, currently Archdeacon of Selwyn-Tawera and Vicar of Upper Riccarton-Yaldhurst, with become the fulltime Archdeacon for Ministry for our Diocese from Sunday, 1 February 2026. He will remain Archdeacon for Selwyn-Tawera. In this new role, Nick will also be our Diocesan Director of Ordination (following the Reverend Jenny Wilkens’ retirement from that role at the end of this year).

Recently, at the annual lunch for our retired clergy, widows and widowers, the following years of ordained ministry were acknowledged: the Reverend Philip Robinson 55 years, the Reverend Paul Hammonds 60 years, and the Reverend Jim Riley 65 years.

Now that I am back from study leave, I want to personally acknowledge clergy whose deaths were announced while I was away: the Reverends Eunice Penman, David Hastings and Hugh Paterson. I always loved joy-filled conversations with Eunice when we met in Timaru. David Hastings and I had a few adventures in ministry when we served together in the Diocese of Nelson. Hugh Paterson led the pre-ordination retreat when I and others were ordained priests at the end of 1987. It was a privilege for Teresa and I to meet with him in his home in Sheffield not long ago.

The Reverend Dick Tripp died last week, on Monday night. Last Friday would have been his 93rd birthday. All of Dick’s ordained ministry was within our Diocese. After studies at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, UK, and at College House, here in Christchurch, Dick was ordained a deacon in 1957 and priested in 1959. He served in various roles at Bryndwr, Methven, Hoon Hay, St John’s Latimer Square, North New Brighton, Sydenham-Beckenham (x2), Belfast-Redwood and Governors Bay/Diamond Harbour (Mt Herbert Parish). Dick’s roles included pastoral ministry as an assistant curate or vicar, and evangelism as a licensed evangelist. On his work as an evangelist Bishop David Coles offers this tribute:

“He was skilled at engaging total strangers in close personal discussion about spiritual or pastoral matters, often coming back and leading many people to faith and hope as a result of a door-knock visit.”

In his retirement years, Dick wrote many apologetic pamphlets and books. He was, incidentally, a skilled magician. After many years as an active retired clergyperson, increasing frailty in recent years has meant Dick has not been visibly present among us. He will be remembered at a service at Beckenham Methodist Church, 83 Malcolm Avenue, Beckenham, at 10am on Saturday, 29 November, with a live stream link available on the Lamb and Hayward website. Unfortunately, this service time clashes with the diocesan ordination service that morning at 10.30am in the Transitional Cathedral and a number of us will not be able to be at Dick’s service. I am grateful that the Reverend Canon Brenda Bonnett and Bishop David Coles are able to represent me and the Diocese at his service. Please remember Sally Tripp, Dick’s widow, and their family in your prayers. Any messages to Sally and the family should be sent to David Tripp, their son, at david.tripp@xtra.co.nz.

In the new year there will be a change in the Anglican Centre as Nathan Muirhead, our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer leaves us to take up a full-time teaching position at Paparoa Street School in Papanui. I am very grateful to Nathan for the comprehensive and diligent work he has done on all aspects of safeguarding work for our diocese. Through Nathan we have improved our systems and enhanced our training offering to licensed ministers, lay and ordained. Thank you, Nathan! We will begin advertising soon for a new officer.

Two important publications in our Diocese are now available: The latest print edition of AnglicanLife magazine is being circulated out to ministry units today. Its theme is “Adoration”, and it is full of great reading. Please share copies with neighbours and friends!

The next instalment of Theology House’s Lenten study series, In the Spirit of Lent has arrived from the printers. This edition for Year A (2025- 2026) again includes art by the Reverend Sarah West and text by Gareth Bezett, Theology House director. Orders are open now on their website and books will ship from mid-January 2026 in plenty of time for Lent. Copies are $9 each.

On Sunday we worshipped in the morning at St. Andrew’s Church, Oxford in the Parish of Oxford-Cust, celebrating 160 years of the parish’s life and 60 years for the current church’s existence. Late afternoon we were at St. Barnabas’ Church, Woodend in the Parish of Woodend-Pegasus, where I confirmed Graham Watson, Lauren Beckwith, Joanne Verkaaik, and Jayne Fall. It was wonderful to hear each of their testimonies of what God has been doing in their lives.

I am delighted to share with you that the College House Chapel of the Upper Room has received a National Architecture Award for 2025. The Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Architecture Award was presented recently in the Heritage category, recognising the significance of this very special building.

Christ Church Cathedral will host the 10-metre steel City Mission Christmas Tree and unveil Pete Majendie’s new artwork during the 12 Days of Christmas event which offers bookings for up to 50 visitors at a time on weekdays from Monday 1 December to Tuesday 16 December 2025.

This coming Sunday, 30 November 2025 is Advent 1 The epistle reading is Romans 13:11-14. In a few verses Paul provokes us to live today in the light of tomorrow, to wake up from sleep, to lay aside works of darkness and put on the armour of light instead, to understand that everyday is a day nearer to the end of all things – the completion of salvation and the presence of God in judgement. What changes to our lives should we make as we begin the season of Advent?

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 19 November 2025

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Dear Friends,

It is good to be back in the Diocese and at work again after two months of study leave. Those two months were mostly spent in New York (where one of our children lives) and my study project was to work on a book on interpreting the Bible. I have written a lot of words but will quietly work on improving the quality of them in spare time through the next year. Imminent publication is not to be expected. I am grateful for all the extra work undertaken in my absence by many people, including our Diocesan senior leadership team led by Vicar-General Mark Barlow and our Anglican Centre staff led by our senior managers, Gavin Holley and Rachelle Mathews. My special tribute is to Veronica Cross, Bishop’s EA, who kept emails needing to be forwarded to me to a bare minimum!

The cover photo of today’s e-Life features Cole’s talk at the Transitional Cathedral about his six months in the West Bank. It was attended by 250 people, with positive feedback. Cole is now in the North Island, having spoken around eight venues in the South Island. He continues his talks in the North Island and welcomes anyone to come and hear.

Many important services are coming up, to which all are welcome, including the following:
- At 10.30am, Saturday 29 November, in the Transitional Cathedral, I will ordain to the diaconate: Wanjiru (Ciru) Muriuki (for the Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon), André Muller (for the Parishes of East Christchurch, Linwood-Aranui and Avonside),and Bruce White (for the Parish of Burnside-Harewood) as deacons. Clergy should robe with albs and red stoles. The Reverend Jenny Wilkens will be our preacher at her last service as our Diocesan Director of Ordination pending her retirement from her main role as Senior Associate Priest in the Parish of Fendalton in January 2026.
- The Transitional Cathedral Advent Carol Service is at 7pm, Sunday 30 November 2025.
- The Reverend Hilary Willett‘s induction as Vicar of Hanmer Springs is at 7pm, Friday 12 December in the Church of the Epiphany, Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs. Due to the small size of this church, clergy intending to be at the service are asked to RSVP to Veronica Cross, bishopsea@anglicanlife.org.nz, by 5pm Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
The 175th anniversary of the arrival of the First Four Ships to Lyttelton, and thus the official founding date of the European settlement of Canterbury is 16 December 2025. At 5pm Sunday 14 December, Evensong in the Transitional Cathedral will celebrate this anniversary. I am the preacher.

The Transitional Cathedral Carol Service will be at 7pm, Sunday 21 December.

Last week Teresa and I were privileged to attend two events connected with 2025 being the 175th anniversary of the European settlement of Canterbury at which the honoured guests were Viscount and Lady Cobham – the Cobham family’s connection to Canterbury being through an ancestor, George Lyttelton, Chairman of the Canterbury Association which organised the settlement in 1850, and whose family seat, Hagley Hall, furnished the name of Christchurch’s largest park. (Viscount Cobham’s father was a very popular Governor-General of New Zealand, 1957-62).

On Wednesday, an event organised by Ken Clearwater and others, acknowledging the first anniversary of the publication of the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the Abuse in Care in State and Faith-based Institutions, was held at Validation Park, Birmingham Drive. The theme was “our day, our voice.” I salute the courage of those who gave testimony that day to their experiences of abuse. We should continue to be appalled at the dark stain on our history as a country and on the histories of our churches because of the abuse vulnerable persons have suffered when in care. We should also continue to press the Government to follow through on the recommendations of the report. I cannot speak for other churches, but the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia continues to work on the recommendations which were made applicable to our past, present and future.

At the weekend, Teresa and I were able to be in Hanmer Springs, where a fine Saturday (without the hail and heavy rain other parts of Canterbury suffered) saw a wonderful and well-attended annual parish fair take place in the grounds of the Church of the Epiphany, and an even finer Sunday saw locals and visitors gather for worship and fellowship.

This coming Sunday, 23 November 2025 is Ordinary 34 but celebrated by many churches as “Christ the King” or “The Reign of Christ Sunday”. It is the Sunday before Advent begins and a traditional collect, “Stir up, O Lord…” gives the Sunday yet another name, “Stir Up Sunday”. It may also be celebrated as “Aotearoa Sunday”. The Gospel reading is Luke 23:33-43 which may seem odd, since it is a passage taken from the story of the crucifixion of Jesus, but in this passage, Jesus is declared by his executioners to be “The King of the Jews”. Through other New Testament passages (including our epistle for the day, Colossians 1:11-20) we are invited to think of Jesus being exalted as king of the whole world. On the cross, King Jesus dies. Through Advent, we seek the return of our king.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 12 November 2025

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From Vicar General, Mark Barlow:

Last weekend, there were four baptisms at Woodend-Pegasus Parish on Pegasus Beach. Acting Deacon-in-Charge Reverend Sammy Mould, and Reverend Stephanie Clay, with Youth Minister Nadia Fox baptised Melissa, Jane, Saffron, Neve and Temprince. Meanwhile at Sumner Beach, Vicar Reverend Harry Newton and the Parish of Sumner-Redcliffs celebrated David’s baptism. Let us pray for each of the newly baptised, asking God to bless them (and their loved ones) in their journey with the Lord.

One of the many blessings that we enjoy as a Three Tikanga Church is the opportunity to learn from and be blessed by fellow Anglicans from different cultures and traditions. One of the things that I have always loved about Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Pasifika is the way in which elders are held in such high regard and treated with respect and honour. Sadly, in the Pakeha world, we do not always follow suit.

In a culture that is heavily focussed on novelty, innovation and youth—not bad things in themselves—it can be easy to overlook or forget the importance of the contributions made by those who have trodden the path before us.

I am writing this on 11 November, Armistice Day, when we remember those who laid down their lives in the horror that was the Great War and honour those who survived subsequent conflicts. For many old soldiers, it may be one of the few occasions when their existence is acknowledged and celebrated in any meaningful way. We truly have a lot to learn from other cultures when it comes to honouring and respecting our elders every day.

I was greatly blessed and privileged to break bread at the altar and in the dining room with a goodly number of retired clergy, spouses, and widow(er)s last Thursday. It was a joy to catch up with some that I hadn’t seen in a while, to renew contact with old friends, and to honour the achievements of some celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination. May the Lord God bless, preserve and keep them, every single one.

On Saturday 29 November 10.30am at the Transitional Cathedral, Wanjiru (Ciru) Muriuki, André Muller and Bruce White will be ordained deacons. All are welcome – clergy are asked to robe with red stoles.

This Sunday, the second before Advent, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. Now in chapter 21:5-19, Jesus warns his followers of significant events to come; specifically, in terms of the destruction of the Temple and generally as regards earthquakes, famines and pestilences. Why is he warning them about things that will be beyond their control? Surely, he didn’t expect them to try to prevent these? No, the call on them, as it remains for us, is to remain faithful throughout. In the first place, not to be deceived by fake messiahs, and secondly to endure hatred, betrayal and even disaster for his name’s sake!

It was a genuine blessing and a wonder last Thursday to spend time with many who, in their 70s, 80s and even 90s, have inspired me with their single-minded devotion to our Lord and their endurance in the face of trials and tribulations. As I prepare to travel through Advent and Christmas again, I am resolved to follow their example. Hopefully, you will determine to join me for the journey.

Arohanui

Mark

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 5 November 2025

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Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

In the cover photo collage, we have the fun-filled Ellesmere Parish Fair, and Deeper 2025 with over 95 people across our Diocese gathering at Woodend for deeper fellowship, worship, kai, and indoor/outdoor activities. Many thanks to the organisers, leaders, helpers, and participants who made Deeper a wonderful family-friendly gathering for our Diocese last Saturday.

We are pleased to announce that from Sunday, 1 February 2026, the Venerable Nick Mountfort will join the Diocesan Ministry Team based at the Anglican Centre. Bishop Peter has appointed Nick to be Archdeacon for Ministry Education.

Earlier this week I took a stroll along the banks of the Liffey, which runs through Lincoln, on a warm and sunny afternoon. As I walked along, I was giving thanks to God for the many blessings in my life, of which there are many.

We had a very successful Parish Plant Fair on the weekend, raising more than $15,000.00; there was a wonderful baptism service the next day with a full church, and I was having an actual day off! I have to confess that it would have been easy to have become a bit smug about these ‘blessings’ were it not for some others that awaited me along the path.

My reverie was interrupted by the approach of a very large Muscovy duck which, without any fear, waddled right up to me wagging its tail feathers, as if in greeting. Naturally I replied, marvelling at its trust. Within a few paces, my gaze was distracted by a large rhododendron bush, utterly festooned with pale pink flowers. I had to stop to admire it. As I stood there transfixed by its beauty, a magnificent golden monarch butterfly fluttered by above me with the casual ease of a creature in no particular hurry but seemingly enjoying its journey. “Are you just showing off, Lord?” I prayed. “Absolutely!” came the reply, “Were you?” Somewhat chastened and purged of any trace of smugness, I had the blessings of the weekend put into perspective and became truly thankful to the One who graciously bestowed them.

This Sunday’s gospel is Luke 20:27-38 which contains another challenge to see things from God’s perspective rather than our own. Like the Sadducees, we can become smug about the rightness or logic of our own theological positions, and even want to use them to test or defeat another, as they did. Like us, they didn’t know what they didn’t know until Jesus enlightened them, opening their hearts to the greater priorities of the one who is not the God of the dead but the God of the living.

With love

Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 29 October 2025

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Kia ora from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

Around our Diocese: Sumner-Redcliffs parishioners and Vicar, Rev’d Harry Newton celebrated Leah’s baptism on the beach with her family and loved ones two weeks ago. The following week, Dame Sue Bagshaw was the guest speaker at the annual Christ’s College Pink Lunch for the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.

Yesterday in the calendar we remembered Saints Simon and Jude, two apostles who were disciples of Jesus during His earthly ministry. The reason that we remember them on the same day is that, according to church tradition, these two travelled and ministered together, carrying on the principle of two-by-two in Persia. Eventually, they were even martyred together, apparently in what is now Beirut.

Reflecting on the significance of such a faithful ministry partnership, I could not help but remember and give thanks for the people with whom I have shared partnerships in ministry. Sometimes fellow clergy, sometimes lay leaders, sometimes wise and mature mentors in the faith, sometimes new believers fuelled by the zeal of their recent conversions.

Whether they be short or long, we are all blessed to have had these associations, all of which are good to remember and to give thanks for. Unlike the two aforementioned apostles, ours have not (as yet) led to martyrdom, but I pray for all of us, and for the partnerships that we are in now, that they may be as faithful, devoted and effective as that of Saint Simon and Saint Jude.

One way that we can all partner together is in the business of being people of prayer. I hope that we can commit together to praying in these days for all who have been adversely affected by the recent stormy weather, especially for those who are still without electricity, and face the prospect of remaining so for days to come.

In the gospel for this coming Sunday (Luke 19:1-10), we have the chief tax collector Zacchaeus, despised by many but loved by Jesus. As I reflect on our Lord’s actions, I cannot help, like Zacchaeus, to be amazed and moved by Him. Here is what struck home. Jesus knew His man. Whether by reputation or by inspiration of the Holy Spirit He discerned the one in greatest need and, rather than scorning or avoiding this arch-sinner, the Lord revealed to him, and to the crowd, the true nature of God. A God of mercy who triumphs over judgement, a God who isn’t fazed by the condescension of others but brings salvation to the houses of sinners when they look into His face and see their worth to the God of Abraham.

This is the Master in whose footsteps we walk and whose ways we seek to emulate. May we be blessed and be a blessing as we do.

Arohanui ki a koutou katoa

Vicar General Mark Barlow

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Anglican e-Life | 22 October 2025

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Greetings to all from the Deputy Vicar General, Indrea Alexander.

In the cover photo collage: We were blessed to have the Reverend Jemma Allen lead our Safe Ministry and Boundaries workshops in October, while Sister Eveleen Retreat House hosted its final ‘Clergy Retreat’ for the year last week.

On Saturday 29 November at the Transitional Cathedral, Wanjiru (Ciru) Muriuki and André Muller will be ordained deacons. Following their ordinations, Ciru has been appointed Assistant Curate in the Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon, and André will work as Assistant Curate with Archdeacon Katrina Hill in the parishes of Linwood-Aranui, East Christchurch and Avonside.

It was estimated 100,000 essential public service workers could be on strike this week in a protest for better pay and working conditions – 50,000 teachers, 36,000 nurses, plus senior doctors, dentists, social workers, healthcare workers and more. We pray for all who are affected by workplace disputes, that wisdom, fairness, and peace may prevail.

We are sad to advise that the Reverend Hugh Paterson died on Saturday at Darfield hospital, surrounded by his family. Hugh was ordained deacon in 1960, then priested in 1962. He served as Assistant Curate in Highfield Parish, before serving in Kumara, Hokitika and Malvern. Hugh then served as Director of Rural Ministry and as Regional Dean in North Canterbury. Hugh retired to the Old Sheffield Vicarage and was a familiar much-loved personality in the Malvern Parish in his retirement years. Hugh’s funeral will be held on Thursday 23 October, 11am at Trinity Church, Darfield.

Monday, 27 October is Labour Day, a public holiday in New Zealand. In the 1800s, New Zealand workers sought the right to limit their work to eight hours a day. Labour Day was officially celebrated from 1900, though the eight-hour day was still not a legal entitlement. At one time, the chant was “eight hours work, eight hours play, eight hours sleep and eight bob a day.” The Living Wage movement, guided by the Lower Hutt Anglican Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit, currently calculates $28.95 an hour as the level of income required to provide fulltime workers with the necessities of life and allow them to participate with dignity as active citizens in society. Many workers receive less, with the minimum wage currently $23.50. According to the Retirement Commission in 2019, 12% of over 65s are still trying to pay off a mortgage.

At Synod there was discussion about how to better care for clergy, and it was asked whether to explore providing health insurance. That would benefit clergy, but I yearn to hear the church’s clamorous cry for a well-resourced public health system that will benefit all.

Due to the red weather warning, the AAW Social Concerns/Overseas and Outreach roadshow in Timaru on Thursday, 23 October will be postponed until further notice.

Arohanui,

Indrea.

Indrea Alexander, Deputy Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 15 October 2025

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Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

October seems to be the month of ‘fairs’, celebrating the spring season. We have photos from the Garage and Car Boot Sale at St Peter’s, Upper Riccarton-Yaldhurst Parish. All are warmly welcomed to visit the parishes across our Diocese – see more in Upcoming Events (& Fairs) of this e-Life.

In Bishop Peter’s absence, I occasionally have the privilege of representing the Diocese at meetings, gatherings and events. One such instance occurred last week when I attended a meeting of the Christchurch Heads of Denominations group. This gathering is known as ‘Te Raranga’ (in English, ‘The Weaving’ or ‘The Net’). Leaders from most of the various denominations in our region gather three or four times a year to discuss matters of the moment for the church and to pray together.

This time we were hosted at Te Hepera Pai in Ferry Road by the Venerable Susan Wallace, Archdeacon in Te Pihopatanga O Te Waipounamu and Bishop’s Commissary following the death of her dear and much-loved father, Pihopa Rihari Wallace.

Susan gave the assembled leaders a brilliant and gripping summary of a Māori view of the outworking of the gospel in New Zealand, from the first sermon preached by Reverend Samuel Marsden at Oihi Beach on Christmas Day 1814, to the current strategy of the Te Waipounamu diocese for sharing the Good News. We were told that, from the moment when Māori decided to follow Jesus, the Gospel became part of this land; ingrained in the soil! The strategy is to take three ‘pou’ or posts and drive them into this gospel soil as strong anchors for the message.

The first pou is ‘Aroha!’–an unconditional, all-encompassing love that welcomes all. This, of course is redolent of αγαπη (agápē or pronounced as ‘aga-pay’) in the New Testament.

The second is ‘Rongo!’ –Peace. Peace with God through our Lord, with each other and with the earth. Again, reminiscent of a biblical concept familiar to us, namely Shalom, which is so much more than the mere prevention of conflict by a third-party force, but the removal, by God’s grace, of the things that cause division, which brings healing and unity such as we continue to pray for in Gaza and the Middle East.

The third is ‘Hari!’ –Celebration or joy. When people love one another and live in peace, celebration follows, usually involving singing and food! I think that we have a lot to learn from this Tikanga Māori mission action plan.

One way to start is to make time to attend the following:

Prayer Vigil for Peace

This Sunday evening, 19 October,

7pm to midnight at the Transitional Cathedral.

This is an opportunity to thank God for the advancement of the peace accord between Israel and the Palestinian people and to pray for its success, as well as for healing of hurts; the comforting of griefs, and the planting of hope in the Holy Land.

Deeper camp is a space for families and intermediate youth groups to grow deeper in relationship with each other and God. See the new promotional video in the Deeper article of this e-Life. Saturday, 1 November 2025 is a day full of activities and fun! There will be music, talks, waterslide, bouldering wall, archery, air rifles, competitions, crafts, a preschool space and lots more. It is a great opportunity to connect with some fun community and faith. This is a dedicated space for whānau and intermediates to create connections in your parish and across our Diocese. Any questions: please email Azaria Brooker. Book in for Deeper through this link.

This Sunday we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. In recent weeks, we have focused on the matter of faith; the mustard seed in 17:5-10; the faith of a healed, gentile leper in 17:11-19. This week, in 18:1-8, Jesus asks the question in verse 8:

“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Maybe a strange question to be asking, following a story about an oppressed widow and a diffident judge – or maybe not? How easy is it for us, despite our faith, to miscast our life of prayer and relationship with God along the lines of that between a put-upon individual on the one hand, and an apparently disinterested God on the other?

My prayer for us is that we will grasp our mustard seed of faith and trust that our prayers reach a God who loves us utterly and boundlessly, caring deeply about the people who concern us and things that trouble us. In addition, we can trust the Almighty One, who sees ahead, not only to hear us, but to act as may be best for us and for those for whom we pray!

Arohanui ki a koutou katoa

Vicar General Mark Barlow

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Anglican e-Life | 8 October 2025

Read more: Anglican e-Life | 8 October 2025
From Vicar General, Mark Barlow:

E te whanau O te Pihopatanga O Otautahi, kia ora koutou katoa!

Springtime is in full swing across our Diocese. From Pet Blessing Services, fundraisers like plant sales, Sunday services, to the renewal of Franciscan vows, we celebrate the richness of parish life together as a diocese. Read more in this e-Life.

This week we have read the news about the appointment of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally is a significant choice for our world-wide Anglican Communion, and sadly, one that is not universally well received. In some quarters, Dame Sarah’s appointment is seen as potentially leading to a further fracture of the already fragile integrity of our denomination, especially in the so-called Global South where her convictions about same-gender relationships are deemed to be unbiblical and doctrinally unsound.

I am heartened and encouraged by the joint statement published by our three tikanga archbishops, and in particular a communique from Archbishop Don Tamihere which reads:

“Archbishops Sione Ulu’ilakepa, Justin Duckworth and I celebrate and unequivocally support the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE as the 106th Archbishop-designate of Canterbury. Throughout her vocation, she has led through care and servanthood, serving as Chief Nursing Officer for England while also living out her call to ordained ministry, a path marked by deep integrity.

Honoured as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her service to nursing and midwifery, she has also redrawn the map of possibility within the Church of England. She became the first woman to lead an ordination service, the first to serve as Bishop of London, and now stands as the first Archbishop-designate of Canterbury. Each step in her calling is both her achievement and a sign of God at work, breaking barriers and empowering women in faith.

All through scripture, in every generation, there is significant and crucial female leadership. This is nothing new to us. The call of God upon women has always been present and powerful, and to ignore it is to misrepresent the truth of our faith.”

Please pray for archbishop-designate Sarah as she prepares to begin this crucial ministry at such a critical time in the life of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

Reverend Mark Chamberlain has finished his role as our Parish Mission Impact Review Coordinator. Nine MIRs (Mission Impact Reviews) have been completed this year with very positive responses from both clergy and parishioners. To date, 18 people have served in the MIR team, with five of them having received training are new this year. Thank you, Mark, for all your contributions and work in our diocese. Archdeacon Nicky Lee continues to do a marvellous job with the administration of MIRs. Questions relating to MIRs should be directed to Archdeacon Nicky Lee from now on.

I am saddened to advise of the death of Reverend David Hastings on Thursday, 2 October, aged 84. David was ordained deacon in 1979 and priested the following year in Blenheim. He served as Curate in Blenheim, before serving in Cheviot, 1982-1985, Tahunanui 1985-1991, Awatere Joint Venture 1991-1995, Picton 1995-2001 and Ashburton 2001-2005. He also served at various times as Police Chaplain in Nelson and coordinating Chaplain for Police HQ, Archdeacon for Rural Ministry, Regional Dean for Marlborough and Chaplain for Palliative Care at CDHM Ashburton. A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at St Columba’s Anglican Church, 452 Main South Road, Hornby at 11am on Thursday, 9 October. The funeral service can be viewed live here. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Please uphold Reverend Graham Button in your prayers. Graham has had a serious fall which has led to an extended stay in hospital.

Deeper camp is a space for families and intermediate youth groups to grow deeper in relationship with each other and God. Saturday, 1 November 2025 is a day full of activities and fun! There will be music, talks, waterslide, bouldering wall, archery, air rifles, competitions, crafts, a preschool space and lots more. It is a great opportunity to connect with some fun community and faith. This is a dedicated space for whānau and intermediates to create connections in your parish and across our Diocese. Any questions: please email Azaria Brooker. Book in for Deeper through this link.

Last Sunday in our gospel, the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. This week in Luke 17:11-19, we read about people who had no extended connection with Jesus and suffered terribly compared to the 12 because they were lepers. These men, one of whom was a Samaritan, had no need for increased faith in order to cry out to the Lord for mercy. Their desperate plight and the nearness of Jesus were all that their ‘mustard seeds’ needed. Sadly, most of them were so intent on fulfilling the terms of the law, that they failed to give thanks to and for the one who had healed them.

Once again, it would be easy to look down my nose at the ungrateful 11 and even to judge or condemn them. Instead, however, I find myself examining my own life and, I confess, finding ample evidence of my own ingratitude for the many blessings and mercies that God has lavished upon me. Like the Apostles last week, I desire a life more deeply characterised by faith, but even more, one that is marked by gratitude.

With love,

Ven. Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 1 October 2025

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Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

My dear sisters and brothers,

This is a week of celebrating our animals and all the joy they bring! Come along with your beloved pet[s] to Christ Church Cathedral from Monday, 29 September to Friday, 3 October for a tour inside with a professional photo, and an optional blessing. Bookings via Humanitix. A special service will wrap-up Pet Week celebrating St Francis of Assisi (the Patron Saint of animals) Feast Day behind the fences on Saturday, 4 October at 10.00am — or at the Transitional Cathedral if it rains. Pets are very welcome.

A couple of Sundays ago, I had the distinct blessing and privilege of admitting a long-standing member and dear friend into full communion with the Anglican Church. This isn’t something that we normally do but in this case, it was highly appropriate. Many decades ago, my friend came to the end of his desire and capacity to remain in the denomination of which he was a part. This led to a more creation-centred faith, expressed in the natural world.

Recently, however, my friend chanced to read an article on, of all things, The Shroud of Turin. This piqued his interest to the point of ordering and devouring a book which detailed all of the latest research carried out on the Shroud. As a result of his research, he came to the conclusion that this was indeed the genuine article. Further reflection led him to rediscover his faith and belief that Jesus was and is the crucified and resurrected Son of God and so, in his eighties, and for the first time in over 40 years, my friend received Holy Communion in church on Sunday, 21 September!

This was a joyous occasion for him, the many members of his family who were present, old friends who came along to support him and the whole congregation at Tai Tapu. I had my share of joy as well as I subsequently reflected on the lengths that the Good Shepherd goes to in order to gather lost sheep.

We have received word that the Reverend Eunice Penman has died in hospital in Timaru early this morning. Eunice was a well-loved member of St Philip and All Saints’ Church, Marchwiel. She was ordained as an LSM Priest for Marchwiel Parish in 2007 but has been unable to offer ministry for a number of years due to ongoing health and mobility issues.

I am pleased to announce that the Reverend Kay Webster has been appointed to the position of Senior Associate Priest in the Parish of Fendalton. Kay takes up her new role on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

This Sunday’s gospel has the ‘apostles’ wanting more faith! I can sympathise with them, and particularly when I examine my own track record when it comes down to it. Thankfully, like The Twelve, I don’t really need very much. A tiny morsel, the size of a mustard seed is all that is required. Clearly, the problem that the disciples faced, which may be familiar to us, was not how much they had, but what they did with it.

A few years back, I had a parishioner who had had a massive heart attack. I visited her in the ICU where she was in a coma, on a respirator and not expected to live. As I laid my hand on her to pray, my mustard seed felt very small indeed. My prayer went something like, “Well Lord, my mustard seed is indeed very small, but I am grasping it in my hand and offering it to you on behalf of my friend. Please restore her to her family.” She was in church last Sunday, a picture of robust good health. May we be willing to risk grasping and exercising our mustard seeds, knowing that it isn’t what you have, but what you do with it that counts.

Ven. Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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