The clergy of the Diocese met this past week at Wainui, Monday to Thursday. We were blessed through the Bible studies led by Bishop Kelvin Wright of Dunedin, on the theme of ‘wilderness’, enjoyed lovely meals and excellent fellowship.
On Wednesday evening we had a very helpful session with Bishop Victoria in which we learned more about the process unfolding for parishes in which we are encouraged to talk with our neighbours about how we might share resources and facilities. This week I will be following up on this process in a meeting with the churchwardens and then with Vestry on Thursday night.
I see on the Diocesan website re vacancies that 15 May is the closing date for applications for Vicar of Bryndwr. Let’s keep praying for a great next vicar to be appointed.
I am away today on ‘Director of Education’ work. I look forward to being with you next week when the Youth Group will be leading the 10 am service.
Blessings,
Peter

Next week we will carry a report on last weekend’s Synod. Suffice to say that it was a very full day, dominated by various questions which would not need answering if this was the 3rd September 2010!
In this morning’s sermon I want to raise some questions about our mission here in Bryndwr. An interim vacancy is an excellent period to think both carefully and creatively about the future of a parish.
I will be away Monday to Thursday this coming week at the annual Clergy Conference. Sue Sinclair will be back in the office. Contact Sue or the wardens for any emergency.

Blessings,
Peter

As I write my mind is focused on our Synod tomorrow which looks more interesting than yesterday because the Wizard has invited people to a protest re the cathedral outside the Synod venue!
During this week the wardens and I have received some preliminary written information from the Church Property Trustees about the buildings here at St Aidan’s. The real news will lie in the next set of documents which will contain engineer’s reports and a geotechnical report. We have been told that these reports should be with us in a few weeks’ time. (The Church Property Trustees, incidentally, are the legal owners of all church buildings and vicarages in the Diocese of Christchurch).
You may also have read an article in the Press this week about ANSVAR, the insurers of our buildings prior to 31 December 2011. I interpret that article to mean that we should be praying that all insurance money is paid out because the insurers themselves lack certainty that they can pay up.
Meantime, Christ is Risen! Our Easter hope is that whatever challenges we face in the present, God is able to meet them and to overcome them.

Blessings,
Peter

Thank you to everyone who took part in our services over Holy Week and Easter. It was very helpful having plenty of volunteers for readings!
This coming Saturday, 21 April we have one of two diocesan synods this year. Pray for myself and for Carol Trotter as we represent the parish. Some challenging matters to do with the post quake situation for all parishes in the diocese will be discussed. By the end of the Synod we should have a clearer idea about the insurance issues consequent on the earthquakes: what kind of payout is available to the diocese, what part of the payout might be required to fund new churches in new housing areas, and what the costs of premiums for the future might be.
Just as the Easter break started the advertisement for the new vicar for St Aidan’s was circulated among the clergy of the diocese. This is an important step in the process. Pray for those considering making a formal application for the position, and for Bishop Victoria, the parish and diocesan nominators as they receive those applications.
Blessings,
Peter

A very warm welcome to St Aidan’s this morning to all visitors. Thank you for joining with us for our service as part of commemoration and celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection this Easter.
As usual some regular worshippers are away on holiday and our youth and their leaders are away at Easter Camp at Spencer Park. Please pray for them that the camp will be both fun and an inspiring encounter with the living God.
A special thank you to all who offered to help with readings for our services – there were so many offers that not all were able to be taken up!
This coming Saturday 14 April at 2 pm we are invited to share with Tom Worner and Victoria Mould in their wedding at the Christ’s College Chapel. Let’s pray for Tom and Victoria and their families as they prepare for this special occasion.
I will be away for a few days this week. Contact the churchwardens or the parish office in case of an emergency.
Blessings,
Peter