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Anglican e-Life | 17 September 2025

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My dear sisters and brothers

Following a successful Diocesan Synod and the completion of a host of last-minute tasks, Bishop Peter is now on study leave until 17 November. Deputising for him as Vicar-General, I hit the ground running this week, being rapidly thrust, once again, into the hurly-burly of diocesan life and affairs. I would greatly value your prayers over the next two months, while juggling archdeaconry and parish responsibilities as well as the demands of the Diocese. I deem it a great privilege to be trusted by the bishop with this responsibility, and on the outset, I need to acknowledge the dedication, skill and patience of our outstanding team at Cardale House, without whose kindness I would be overwhelmed. I also want to pay tribute to the Parish of Lincoln and its wonderful leadership group, who recognise that releasing me to fulfil this assignment is a gift to the Diocese.

Last Thursday, the Cathedral Reinstatement Project launched Re:Opening the Cathedral in stages. You can read more in this media release on the Diocesan website. Some youth groups across the Diocese had a fun Games Night in the Cowles Indoor Stadium, led by Rev’d Sammy Mould, Azaria Brooker, and Nathan Muirhead. Soon after The Abbey in Wellington, a group of our young adults connected in Hororata to make woodfire pizzas, build a bonfire, and build new friendships.

Recently, we noted with sadness the death of Melissa Shoaf, a wonderful wife and a great support to Reverend John Shoaf. A service to honour her and commend her to God’s care will be held this coming Sunday 21 September at All Souls Church, Church Lane, Merivale, commencing at 2pm. The service is being live-streamed and may be viewed using this link.

At the recent Synod service, Bishop Peter appointed and licensed Alex Summerlee as our new Diocesan Chancellor. In addition, he signalled that he would be making an appointment to the position of Vice-Chancellor in the near future. I am delighted to advise that Kirsty May (Barrister, and member of the Parish of Avonhead) has accepted the offer to take up this post in our Diocese. Thank you, Kirsty. Your experience as a member of Synod and Standing Committee will no doubt be invaluable in your role.

Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM who was invested in Canberra on Monday as a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, the highest grade of membership in the royal order of chivalry.

This Sunday is the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and erstwhile tax collector. In the Gospel reading (Matthew 9: 9-13), Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice” when challenging certain Pharisees who took exception to his choice to ‘recline and dine’ with tax collectors and sinners. It is very easy for us to be critical of these ‘sticklers for the law’ and thereby to perhaps overlook our own need for honest soul-searching and even repentance, when we recognise our own aversion to ‘sinners’ of any sort. May our hearts, homes and churches be repositories of mercy, this Sunday and always.

Tenei te mihi arohanui ki a koutou katoa!

Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 10 September 2025

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Dear Friends,

Important things have happened in our Diocese since last Wednesday. We had a valuable Rural Ministry Day at Darfield last Thursday, then our Synod began with the Synod Eucharist on Thursday night and concluded mid afternoon on Saturday. Last night, the Reverend Matt Maslin was inducted as the new Vicar of Bryndwr in a service led by our Vicar-General, Archdeacon Mark Barlow.

Our Synod traversed quite a bit of ground. Some important decisions – from my perspective at least – are that we approved Standing Committee having capacity between Synods to make changes to parishes (e.g. merging parishes) when circumstances arise which require this is done with urgency between sessions of Synod. We also approved Standing Committee being the body which determines Leave policy for clergy (in order that such changes can be made more simply and expediently than if we do it by changing clauses in a statute at Synod). We heard from CCRL about progress during the current “pause” mode for the Cathedral Reinstatement Project – and tomorrow there will be public announcement of that progress. We approved a strong motion on the situation in Gaza, and the text of our resolution is available on our website.

The full text of my Presidential Address to the Synod is available also on our website. There is more to say about other decisions and discussions but for this week, let this brief report suffice.

On Monday, the funeral service for my father, Bishop Brian Carrell, was held in a very full Transitional Cathedral and with many people tuned into the service through the Cathedral’s livestream facility. My mother, May, my family and I are grateful for the support we have received before and since the funeral, and for the great love that was present in the service. Thank you to all who have sent messages – they have uplifted us and helped carry us through this first part of our grief. Thank you to Dean Ben Truman and the Transitional Cathedral staff and volunteers who assisted with the service, and to the Reverend Dr Andrew Butcher, Fendalton Parish, for his homily. We have been blessed!

A memorial service for Melissa Shoaf, wife of the Reverend John Shoaf, will be held at All Souls Anglican Church, 30 Church Lane, Merivale, on Sunday 21 September, at 2.00pm. All welcome.

The Diocesan Missions events planned for 27 September: there will be two two events that day, in Ashburton and Merivale. Both will share the same programme, so that people in different parts of the Diocese can more easily participate. Each event will hear from the Reverend David Dell and the Reverend Luca Tovey-Duckworth from Anglican Missions. As well as an update on mission matters, Luca will share some material presented recently at The Abbey.

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.

This coming Sunday, 14 September 2025 is Ordinary 24, and the Gospel reading is Luke 15:1-10. Like a shepherd with one hundred sheep or a woman with ten coins, God treats every human as precious. To lose one to sin is like losing a sheep or a coin. That which is lost must be found. The family made incomplete through sin needs to be completed again.

This is my last Wednesday message until Wednesday 19 November. From this weekend I am back into study leave mode for two months. Archdeacon Mark Barlow will be in the lead role as our Vicar-General while I am away, with Archdeacon Indrea Alexander, our Deputy Vicar-General.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 3 September 2025

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Dear Friends,

Last Wednesday evening, it was wonderful to be able to ordain the Reverend Dr Anne Shave as priest in a service at the Transitional Cathedral. Anne’s ministry will continue at the Transitional Cathedral.

On Sunday 7 September, the Reverend Matt Maslin will conclude his ministry at the Transitional Cathedral, and on Tuesday evening, at 7pm in St. Aidan’s, Bryndwr, Matt will be inducted as the new Vicar of the Parish of Bryndwr. This service will be led by Archdeacon Mark Barlow, our Vicar-General. Thank you, Matt, for your ministry in our cathedral and prayerful best wishes for your new ministry role in Bryndwr.

It was a joy to be at St. John’s, Rangiora, on Sunday morning 31 August, for a wonderful combined parish service and Confirmation, and within that service to confirm, Jacob, Twyla, Megan and Joanne.

On Monday it was a privilege to share in the funeral in Cheviot for the Reverend John Hearne. Please continue to pray for Heather and their family as they continue to mourn the loss of their husband, father and grandfather.

Tomorrow, prior to gathering at the Transitional Cathedral for our Synod Eucharist, there is a Rural Ministry Day planned, which will be held at Trinity church, Darfield, with doors open at 9am, prompt 9.30am start, and ending at 3.30pm. This event is for lay and clergy, Anglicans and Presbyterians, those already travelling for Synod, and anyone else interested from rural parishes across the diocese. Please register your attendance here.

Our annual Diocesan Synod begins with the Synod Eucharist tomorrow night at 7pm, Thursday 4 September in the Transitional Cathedral – all are welcome – and continues with our plenary sessions at St. Christopher’s, Avonhead, beginning at 9am Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September. We expect to conclude by 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Your prayers for our Synod are encouraged and appreciated.

On Monday afternoon, Melissa Shoaf, the wife of the Reverend John Shoaf, Vicar of Halswell-Prebbleton, died in Christchurch Hospital. I give thanks for Melissa’s life, her faith and her encouragement to many people, including myself and Teresa. Please pray for John as he prepares for a memorial service in the next week or so.

On Sunday night the Right Reverend Brian Carrell died, peacefully, surrounded by his family. Brian was ordained deacon in 1956 and priest in 1957, by Bishop Alwyn Warren, and served curacies in St. Mary’s Timaru, and St. Matthew’s, St. Albans, before being Vicar of Hororata (1960-65) and Vicar of St. Matthew’s, Dunedin (1965-71). From 1971 to 1982, Brian was General Secretary of the New Zealand Church Missionary Society, based here in Christchurch, and Honorary Assistant in the Parish of Bryndwr, from which licensed role he was elected to the Standing Committee of this Diocese and as a member of General Synod.

In 1982 Brian became Vicar of All Saints, Palmerston North before being elected Assistant Bishop of Wellington in 1991, to serve the northern region of the Diocese, based in Palmerston North. In 1999 Brian and May retired to Christchurch, where they have served the Diocese, and the Parish of Fendalton in various ways. Brian was a member of the Prayer Book Commission from close to its inception in 1964 until its conclusion in 1989 when A New Zealand Prayer Book – He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa was published. Your prayers for May, his wife of 66 years, for their five children and their families, would be much appreciated as we mourn his loss and prepare for his funeral at 10.30am, Monday 8 September 2025, in the Transitional Cathedral, Hereford Street, Christchurch. All are welcome to this service.

Some further information is available about the Diocesan Missions events planned for 27 September and advertised elsewhere in e-Life: there will be two events that day, in Ashburton and Merivale. Both will share the same programme, so that people in different parts of the Diocese can more easily participate. Each event will hear from the Reverend David Dell and the Reverend Luca Tovey-Duckworth from Anglican Missions. As well as an update on mission matters, Luca will share some material presented recently at The Abbey.

This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025 is Ordinary 23, and the Gospel reading is Luke 14:25-33. This passage is a stringent examination of our profession to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Are we committed? For how long? To what depth of our being? With a will to give up all things for Jesus?

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 27 August 2025

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Dear Friends,

The Abbey – a gathering for Anglican youth and youth leaders in our church – took place at El Rancho, Waikanae, over the weekend with around 50 people participating from our Diocese. Thank you for praying for this event which went well. There were some great speakers, excellent music (led by a band composed mostly of musicians and singers from our Diocese) and stimulating workshops.

This month the ministries of two of our clergy have concluded. At the beginning of the month, the Reverend Jacqui Stevenson concluded her ministry as Vicar of Bryndwr which began in mid 2013. Thank you, Jacqui (and Tim) for your leadership of the parish and support and development for many ministries, especially in connection with children and youth, within the church and in the wider community, including local schools. My very best wishes for the next chapter of your life and ministry – there are things to do after you have enjoyed a well deserved break! At the end of this month, the Reverend Gabriele Anderson concludes her ministry of leadership of the Church of the Resurrection, Rolleston, in the Parish of Lincoln. Thank you, Gabriele, for your enthusiastic engagement with the congregation of this church and the people of Rolleston. Great forward momentum for our work in Rolleston has been achieved, and we wish you well for your return to chaplaincy ministry in Auckland.

In the early hours of Monday morning, the Reverend John Hearne died at his home in Cheviot. I first met John some 20 years ago when he was a student in some of my biblical studies classes at the then BCNZ Nelson branch. Later, John and Heather moved to Canterbury, where John managed the Pathway Trust’s use of the former Motukarara camp for a ministry supporting people reintegrating into society. Through local church involvement in the Mt Herbert Parish, John was drawn into offering for ordination in our Diocese. He was ordained deacon in February 2015 and priested in November 2015 by Bishop Victoria. After a period of curacy in the Parish of Cheviot, John undertook interim ministry in Methven for a short period before being appointed Vicar of Cheviot on 1 February 2020. In Cheviot, John and Heather bought land, shifted a house from Christchurch to that property and settled into life and ministry there. Late in 2024, following recommendation from his doctor, John announced that he was retiring from his ministry role on 31 December. John has been much loved in Cheviot, within the parish and the wider community. His funeral service will be at 1pm, Monday 1 September, at the Cheviot Fire Station, McQueen Road (i.e. the road to Gore Bay), Cheviot. All welcome. Please pray for Heather, their family, and the parish family as they grieve for John and as preparations are made for the service next week.

On Thursday 4 September, 2025, prior to gathering at the Transitional Cathedral for our Synod Eucharist, there is a Rural Ministry Day planned, which will be held at Trinity church, Darfield, with doors open at 9am, prompt 9.30am start, and ending at 3.30pm. This event is for lay and clergy, Anglicans and Presbyterians, those already travelling for Synod, and anyone else interested from rural parishes across the diocese. Please register your attendance at https://forms.office.com/r/YTncxeqmgC

Our annual Diocesan Synod begins with the Synod Eucharist at 7pm, Thursday 4 September in the Transitional Cathedral – all are welcome – and continues with our plenary sessions at St. Christopher’s, Avonhead, beginning at 9am Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September. We expect to conclude by 4pm on Saturday afternoon. This year I will be the preacher at the Synod service and what I will say will be Part 1 of my annual Presidential Address to Synod. This Address will attend to aspects of our progress as a Diocese in respect of the Diocesan Mission Action Plan and our theme of Regeneration through this decade. Our bills and motions, as usual, attend to a variety of matters, some fairly technical in order to update our statutes, and others providing opportunity to think about matters such as clergy well-being, use of our resources, our commitment to overseas mission, progress on the Cathedral Project and notice of change re underlying trust structure for our work in Anglican Care/City Mission. We will also have a report, prompted by motions at last year’s Synod, about insurance for our many properties. Subject to fitting with procedure for bringing a late motion to Synod, there will be a motion on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Your prayers for our Synod are encouraged and appreciated.

This coming Sunday, 31 August 2025 is Ordinary 22, and the Gospel reading is Luke 14:1, 7-14. This passage reveals Jesus as a teacher of practical wisdom. Start low and last and wait to become high and first rather than be embarrassed by assuming you deserve top spot and find yourself walking a walk of shame from the top table to the table by the draughty exit door of the celebration venue!

Arohanui,
+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 20 August 2025

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Dear Friends,

This weekend The Abbey—a weekend gathering for Anglican youth and youth leaders in our church—is taking place at El Rancho, Waikanae, with around 50 people participating from our Diocese. Please pray that this event will be uplifting, encouraging and practically helpful for those attending.

We are just two weeks out from our annual Diocesan Synod which begins with the Synod Eucharist at 7pm, Thursday 4 September in the Transitional Cathedral—all are welcome—and continues with our plenary sessions at St Christopher’s, Avonhead, beginning at 9am Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September. We expect to conclude by 4pm on Saturday afternoon. I will say more about themes for this Synod in next week’s e-Life.

This past week has been busy in our Diocese. On Thursday evening 14 August, at All Souls, Merivale-St Albans Parish, the Reverend Andy Dickson was ordained priest. On Saturday, also at All Souls, Merivale-St Albans Parish, over 100 people participated in a day-long conference with the Reverend Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London. Sam pushed and prodded our theological views as he expounded the major theme of the Bible being “God with us” and proposed the key thing we do when working pastorally and socially with people in need is that we are “with” them more than working “for” them. Sam preached at the Transitional Cathedral on Sunday morning, and I had the privilege of hearing him at the 8am service (YouTube link, start at 30:19). I thank Director, Gareth Bezett and the Theology House staff for organising Sam’s visit to our Diocese.

Accompanying Sam Wells through the weekend was Bishop Jo Bailey Wells, his wife, who works as Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion Office in London. On Sunday, Bishop Jo participated in a service at Te Hepara Pai, Ferry Road, Christchurch in the morning and joined with Teresa and me at the Tongan Congregation service at St Barnabas, Fendalton in the early afternoon.

During this weekend past I learned of the death of the Reverend Angela Hepi, one of the clergy ministering at Te Hepara Pai. Please pray for Rangi, her husband, their family, and the church family at Te Pa o Te Wai Pounamu as they mourn her loss. Angela is being buried today in Ōamaru, after a brief service this morning in Te Hepara Pai, and a funeral service in St Luke’s, Ōamaru this afternoon.

Our third and final ordination service for this part of 2025 is next Wednesday 27 August in the Transitional Cathedral at 5.30pm, when I ordain the Reverend Dr Anne Shave. All are welcome to this service—clergy please robe with alb and red stole. Please pray for Anne as she prepares to be ordained a priest in the church of God.

During the daytime hours of Thursday 4 September, 2025, prior to gathering at the Transitional Cathedral for our Synod Eucharist, there is a Rural Ministry Day planned, which will be held at Trinity church, Darfield, with doors open at 9am, prompt 9.30am start, and ending at 3.30pm. This event is for lay and clergy, those already travelling for Synod, and anyone else interested from rural parishes across the diocese. An invitation has also been extended to Alpine Presbytery lay and ordained ministers, assisted by Moderator Lyn Sopo’aga, who is based at Darfield and will be part of our day’s programme.

We continue to pray for peace in our world, which may be closer for Ukraine, after developments this week, and appears to be some way off still in Gaza and the West Bank. And there are no reports I see of peace emerging in Sudan. It is very disturbing to see the influence of far-right politicians within the Israeli government, with tragic, devastating effects in Gaza and the West Bank. (One reason why I will always vote for a 5% threshold in our own MMP system is seeing the death and destruction wrought by politicians in Israel who cannot command 5% of the vote there). Two things I am glad to draw your attention to in respect of Gaza and the West Bank are, first, a three part video series featuring Archbishop Justin Duckworth and Dr Salim J. Munayer, a Palestinian theologian working for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East; then, secondly, an opportunity to hear Pastor Hana, a Gazan pastor, speak on the theme of “Being the church amidst conflict” at All Saints, 305 New Brighton Road, Burwood, 7pm, Saturday 7 September. All welcome.

This coming Sunday, 24 August 2025 is Ordinary 21 and the Gospel reading is Luke 13:10-17. Is there some way in which we apply rules of church life to restrict Jesus from freeing people from things which ‘bind’ them?

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 13 August 2025

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Dear Friends,

Last weekend included the ordination at St. Michael and All Angels on Friday evening of the Reverend Robert Jamieson as priest. He will continue serving at St Michael and All Angels. Tomorrow evening, at 7pm Thursday 14 August, at All Souls, Merivale-St. Albans, I will ordain the Reverend Andy Dickson as priest. All are welcome—clergy please wear alb and red stole.

On Sunday morning it was a delight to confirm Kathryn Andrews at St James’, Harewood, and Bruce White at St Timothy’s, Burnside, in the Parish of Burnside-Harewood. The service at St James, and a lunch later in the day were part of St James’s patronal celebrations, with special reference to the current church at Harewood being 90 years old this year.

This coming weekend I am looking forward to meeting the Reverend Dr Sam Wells and hearing him speak at an all day conference on Saturday, at All Souls, Merivale-St Albans, organised by Theology House. We have well over 100 people registered to participate in the day.

In early August, the Reverend Dr Meg Harvey concluded her ministry as Vicar of the Parish of Amberley. Thank you, Meg, for your work in this parish which is much appreciated.

The Reverend Shirley Hawke, Vicar of the Parish of Temuka-Te Ngawai, has announced that she will conclude her ministry in that parish on Sunday 2 November 2025. Thank you, Shirley, for your work in this parish, including the achievement of bring the Parishes of Temuka and of Te Ngawai together in a formal merger.

Please pray for the Reverend Anne Shave, as she prepares for her ordination as a priest at 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at the Transitional Cathedral, Hereford Street, Christchurch.

During the day time hours of Thursday 4 September, 2025, prior to gathering at the Transitional Cathedral for our Synod Eucharist, there is a Rural Ministry Day planned, which will be held at Trinity church, Darfield, with doors open at 9am, prompt 9.30am start, and ending at 3.30pm. This event is for lay and clergy, those already travelling for Synod, and anyone else interested from rural parishes across the diocese. An invitation has also been extended to Alpine Presbytery lay and ordained ministers, assisted by Moderator Lyn Sopo’aga, who is based at Darfield and will be part of our day’s programme.

So far the day will include:

International Rural Churches. Highlights from Oceania conference in Fiji in May 2025.
– Presbyterian Moderator Lynmaree Sopoaga (Darfield), and Martin Harrison (Kaikoura).

Rural chaplaincy (Southland style).An introduction.
– Barbara Walker will outline their work, aligned with Rural Support.

Rural Community Needs. Identifying and responding to needs in rural communities eg, loss and grief courses, 1-1 advocacy.
– Alexia Bensemann, Anglican Advocacy South Canterbury.

God So Loved. Live out the love of Jesus globally through rural parish connections with rural Anglican mission, projects, aid and development.
– Member(s) of the Diocesan Council for World Mission.

Flourishing Small Parishes. Learnings from a recent TPMC Flourishing event up north.
– Rev’d Tim Handley (West Coast), Ven. Dawn Baldwin (North Canterbury), Rev’d Margaret Neate (Leeston).

Rural-Imaged Worship. Creating meaningful rural imaged worship and prayers that connect with the community.
– Martin Harrison (Kaikoura).

Part time ministry, full time need. How can part-stipended rural parishes/clergy respond to full time need?
– Rev’d Natasha Glenderran (ex Hanmer Springs and Tapawera).

What buildings do we really need? And what criteria could we use to consider this in rural areas?
– Ven. Indrea Alexander (Ashburton), and Rev’d Sage Burke (Methven).

While I have been absent from the Diocese nothing has improved about the horrific situations in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine and Sudan. In various ways things are much worse as Israel pursues a suite of policies which includes starving Gazans through constraining aid trucks getting through the border, and tolerating the murders of Palestinians in the West Bank. We are all united in wishing the killing to stop and feel powerless to make that wish come true. The power required for the killing to stop seems to lie with the USA and the Israel’s coalition government. One of the best articles I have read in recent times about the continuing tragedy which is Palestine/Israel by Jonathan Dimbleby.

This coming Sunday, 17 August 2025 is Ordinary 20 and the Gospel reading is Luke 12:49-56. This is a bit tricky to respond to in a sentence or two, so my longer thoughts at this link may help. The epistle reading, Hebrews 11:29-12:2. The author’s recitation of the wonderful faith of important spiritual ancestors concludes with a simple and inspiring direction: “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on who our faith depends from beginning to end.”

After most of July, 2025 was devoted to the first part of my study leave, I am back at work, focused on all that needs to be done before our Synod, 4-6 September 2025. I return to the second part of study leave on 12 September. I thank all those who helped with various tasks during July, including those who wrote this message for each week’s e-Life.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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Anglican e-Life | 6 August 2025

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Greetings from the Pegasus Archdeaconry.

Whether you be up at Sister Eveleen’s, by the riverside of the Heathcote or Avon, down on the dunes in South Brighton, you can look from the water to the snow-capped mountains, God’s creation in the beautiful Pegasus in winter can be awe-inspiring. In the life of ministry, whether it be similar to our schools, children and family services, ministry to the seafarers, community lunches in all their busyness, to the heart-wrenching situation of the homeless, the beauty of God’s creation can nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

This winter, we pray that you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are surrounded in care as you too participate in the mahi of the Gospel this season. We pray that all can breathe in some ‘awe’ at God’s creation and be refreshed.

In the cover photo of e-Life, Reverend Sampson Knight and Byron Behm celebrate the graduation of Riccarton – Spreydon Parish St Martin’s Basketball Youth Group Academy.

Coming up, Bishop Peter will ordain the following deacons as priests – all welcome, clergy robing with red stoles:

The Reverend Robert Jamieson, at 7pm, Friday 8 August at St. Michael and All Angels church, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch.

The Reverend Andy Dickson, at 7pm, Thursday 14 August at All Souls church, Church Lane, Merivale.

The Reverend Dr Anne Shave, at 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at the Transitional Cathedral, Hereford Street, Christchurch.

A significant opportunity to hear outstanding theologian, author, and priest, the Reverend Dr Sam Wells, is coming up when Sam leads a full day seminar on Saturday 16 August, 2025 at All Souls Church, Church Lane, Merivale. Sam offers a vision for a renewed sense of what it means to be the Church in mission, grounded in theology and practice. Details are on the Theology House website, and here is the registration link. It will be a privilege to host Sam in our Diocese. All preachers, and Bible study group leaders are especially encouraged to register for this event.

Last week, while sitting in a meeting, we were suddenly interrupted by tsunami warnings coming from nearby cell phones. My first thought was: Do I need to be afraid?

In this week’s Gospel reading, Luke 12:32–40, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s great happiness to give you the kingdom.” It is a reminder that fear is not where we’re meant to dwell – because God has already given us everything we need.

And yet, alongside this reassurance comes a challenge: Am I prepared?

Jesus invites us to reflect on our priorities – to consider whether we are truly centring our lives on God. This is an invitation to attentiveness. We are called to readiness, not anxiety; to wakefulness, not worry; to live as kingdom people who are eager to respond to God’s call on our lives.

The ‘Good News’ is not just something to receive— it is something to be ready to share.

Archdeacon Katrina Hill

East Christchurch.

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Anglican e-Life | 30 July 2025

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Tēnā koutou katoa

Greetings from North Canterbury!

We worship a creative God who hears and answers all variety of prayer offerings along with prayers for Regeneration of our Diocese, across all its ministry units through this decade.

Can you touch a prayer? Can you pull it close and feel its comfort? You can if it’s part of a prayer quilt. Prayers & Squares is an interfaith outreach organisation that combines the gift of prayer with the gift of a hand-tied quilt: each knot represents a prayer. The Reverend Felicity O’Brien says the congregation enjoy being able to tie prayers into a quilt which is then gifted to someone in their community. The first South Island chapter of Prayers & Squares is flourishing in Oxford-Cust. Any donations of fabric are welcome.

In Amuri Cooperating Parish our Welcomers invite Sunday worshippers (including visitors) to put their name into a gift box. At the time of intercessions, we have a lucky dip and commit to praying for our chosen person for the week. Verity, a 4-year-old, chose an octogenarian’s name. Where previously she had been reluctant to pray, she now understood what praying for others meant (she had the slip of paper and knew who that person was). Now it is a regular part of her evening routine. She also loved that someone was also praying for her.

This weekend we remember one such man of creative prayer, the Diocesan Spiritual Director of Cursillo. The funeral for Rev’d Don Pilgrim will be held at 2pm on Saturday 2nd August at St Nicholas’ Church, Barrington St. Parking may be an issue given road works near the Barrington Mall so people should allow time for walking to the church. Our prayers of comfort are with Justine and their family.

On a Thursday during term time, some of our children, youth, and youth adult leaders from our Diocese meet together for a ‘huddle’ with our Under 40’s Ministry Team members at the Anglican Centre. This ‘huddle’ brings a lot of joy and laughter (including prayer, encouragement and discussions) to the Anglican Centre. Above is a photo from last Thursday’s group.

This coming Sunday, 3 August 2025 is Ordinary 18, and the Gospel reading is Luke 12:13-21. The parable Jesus offers in response to a plea for arbitration highlights the desirability of godly character over personal wealth. The prosperous vineyard owner thought only of himself, whereas Christ emphasised that true life and security are found, not in possessions, but in relationship with God and a life of generosity and service for others.

As we go and do likewise…

Ngā mihi nui

Dawn

The Venerable Dawn Baldwin, Archdeacon North Canterbury

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Anglican e-Life | 23 July 2025

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E te whānau O te Pīhopatanga O Otautahi, kia ora koutou katoa

On Tuesday of this week, we remembered Mary Magdalene in the calendar. Mary is one of our most blessed and significant ancestors in the faith. As I reflected on her part in the gospel narratives, three things struck me. Firstly, her life was completely changed by a radical encounter with Jesus. Secondly, she followed him faithfully thereafter; even to her own material cost and even to the very foot of the Cross of Calvary. Thirdly, Mary proclaimed the resurrection, despite the misgivings of others.

My hope and prayer for us all is that our lives will continue to be transformed by radical encounter with Jesus; through the work of the Holy Spirit, through the regular and thoughtful reading of the Gospels, and through our witness, one to another, of lives similarly transformed by our Lord.

Further that, like Mary Magdalene, our determination to be followers of Jesus will be serious and faithful, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves; and finally, also like her, that we will be proclaimers, by word and deed, of the wondrous resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Each month on a Friday, our newly ordained deacons and priests attend their Post Ordination Training (POT), led by mentors Reverend Jenny Wilkens (Diocesan Director of Ordination), Archdeacon Nick Mountfort, Reverend Chris Orczy, and Gareth Bezett (Directory of Theology House). In the cover photo above is the current cohort taken last Friday, with a few apologies.

Our Archbishops and Primates of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia released this Statement of Solidarity on Gaza Church strike last week. A plea for us all to pray for the people of Gaza and those in government in Israel.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the sudden death of Reverend Don Pilgrim while traveling through the North Island. Don was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 and served in the UK and the Diocese of Wellington before returning to his home turf to begin a long ministry in what is now the parish of South Christchurch, as priest-in-charge and then vicar. He also served as chaplain to the WesleyCare complex in Christchurch, and most recently, since December 2020, as Spiritual Director of Cursillo in this diocese.

Please uphold Justine and all of Don’s family as they bring his earthly remains home from Hastings later this week; and as they arrange for a funeral, the details of which will be shared in due course.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

As we give thanks for Don’s more than 40 years as a priest, our thoughts also turn to those whose priestly ministry is about to begin next month:

The Reverend Robert Jamieson, at 7pm, Friday 8 August at St. Michael’s and All Angels church, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch

The Reverend Andy Dickson, at 7pm, Thursday 14 August at All Souls church, Church Lane, Merivale

The Reverend Dr Anne Shave, at 5.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at the Transitional Cathedral, Hereford Street, Christchurch

All are welcome – clergy please robe with red stoles. May the Lord bless them as they prepare for this.

To all of you, members of the priesthood of all believers, and followers of the example of Mary Magdalene, may you be blessed on your journeys of transformation, faithfulness and proclamation.

With love,

Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 16 July 2025

Read more: Anglican e-Life | 16 July 2025
Greetings from Mid Canterbury, where God is at work in the church and community.

At 12.12pm every day since early 2023, Ashburton Parish has been using the Leading Your Church into Growth prayer – for growth in numbers, in spiritual commitment and in service to the community. We ventured an Alpha course last term, and 30 people participated. Now, 20 of those have trained as leaders and helpers for this term’s course.

Participants last term said Alpha:

“Reminded me that Jesus loves me, I think it also made me a calmer person”; “Awakened my desire to know Jesus more and to let me accept his love with open arms”;
“Showed me that even a broken person can have a purpose”;
“Allowed me to welcome the Holy Spirit”;
“Rekindled my faith and awakened the desire to attend church and lead a more productive life.”

God was wonderfully at work!

Across Mid Canterbury, a new after-school club in Methven grew from 4 to 17 children last term. Also at All Saints Methven, a Sunday evening meal is being offered weekly through winter at 6pm with Evening Prayer at 6.45pm – and weekend visitors to the ski field are warmly welcome.

This Sunday there’s the first Pint with a Priest at Mt Somers pub at 3pm; and St Mark’s Rakaia is trialling Breakfast Church at 9am on the first Sunday of the month in the church lounge.

It feels like the wind of the Spirit is in our sails as we seek to keep up with what God may do next.

In news from the wider Diocese, The Rev’d Dr Sam Wells (Vicar of St Martins-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London and Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College in London) will be visiting Christchurch next month. While he is here, he will be presenting “Reimagining the Church in Mission” on 16 August. For more information, see the article below in e-Life, or visit the Theology House website.

The Rev’d Dr Hugh Bowron has been appointed Priest in Charge of Kaiapoi Parish, and he takes up that role for a time from Wednesday, 1 October.

Last weekend I was blessed to be at an Anglican Pacifist conference in Wellington. In the face of ongoing and increasing international turmoil, it is vitally important that followers of the Prince of Peace commit to God’s unceasing work of justice, reconciliation, and peace.

The Anglican Consultative Council’s five marks of mission challenge us “to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation”. Now, more than ever, it is time to step up to this challenge.

God bless you in all that you do, that the reign of God may come on earth as it is in heaven.

Arohanui,
Indrea

The Venerable Indrea Alexander, Deputy Vicar General

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