Thought For The Week 11 May 2025

Welcome to our service today. I have just returned from a busy 3 days in Christchurch and Rangiora attending the Alpine Presbytery gathering and a   special dialogue meeting hosted by current Moderator Rose Luxford and previous Moderator Hamish Galloway, looking into the divisive issue of sexuality, biblical morality and leadership. This issue has dogged our church for decades and has been raised regularly at General Assemblies. At the heart of it is the question of who can be ordained to ministry with the current ruling being “ …session, parish councils, presbyteries and district councils shall not accept for training, license, ordain or induct   anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman”. The dialogue meetings, held around the country, are an attempt to find better ways to discuss this thorny issue than arguing on the floor of Assembly.

The Presbytery gathering was held in the newly rebuilt John Knox Church in Rangiora. We installed a new moderator; Rev Lynmaree Sopoaga (known as Aunty Lyn to many), heard update reports from the key initiatives in our region such as the establishment of an      Enterprise fund, the Hamner Springs project. We approved the budget for the year ahead. We had a very interesting keynote address from visiting American theologian Andrew Root and a highlight was a special recognition of some elders who have shown           outstanding service in our church. Our very own Lois Shipley was acknowledged with this group (much to her embarrassment!).

Congratulations to those parish councillors re-elected last week and to Max Muldrew, new to the council and to Janie Hart who is approved to be ordained as an elder. A date for her ordination will be forthcoming.

Nga mihi nui,

Brent