Ethos Café in Hillcrest welcomed a number of women clergy at the end of September for an informal time of table fellowship at the Ethos Café in Hamilton. It was hosted by Ceridwyn Parr on behalf of the AWSC who kindly covered the costs of drinks and encouraged us to enjoy both the food and the conversations which arose during our time together. We renewed old friendships and introduced ourselves to those we were meeting for the first time which led on to further discussions regarding life and ministry. There was some significant energy generated during our time together and a definite desire to not only meet again, but to further explore some of the topics and issues raised. These … [Read more...]
Dangerous words: Women, Bible, Earth
You are invited to another opportunity to hear Emily Colgan, this time in person, in Hamilton. Friday 29 April 2022 10.30 am -1.30pm Chartwell Cooperating Parish 124 Comries Rd, Chartwell, Hamilton Dr Emily Colgan, Biblical scholar, reveals the dangers of dualistic thinking about women and earth in sacred text. Feminine and land-based metaphors in sacred texts can influence real world assumptions, attitudes and behaviours towards women and the earth – without the readers’ knowledge. At the heart of the problem, said Dr Colgan, is a mindset formed in ancient times and perpetuated in ‘the West,’ that categorises everything into an ordered list of … [Read more...]
Hope is the melody of the future; faith is dancing in that melody right now
Blythe Cody Existing in the space of liminality can be disorienting, scary and lonely. It is a bit like being dropped in the wilderness with no map, no compass and no idea how to get back to civilization. Anne Franks and John Meteyard. “Liminality: The Transforming Grace of In-Between Places, Hope is the melody of the future; faith is dancing in that melody right now.[1] I am not a big fan of change. I recently moved house and was reminded again of how much I dislike the disruption of life; the change of what has become comfortable for what is unfamiliar and strange. I still go to the wrong side of the kitchen to find the microwave; and there are boxes in my garage filled with … [Read more...]
Towards a Theology of Land, with Jekheli Singh
photo by Sharad Kumar Rev Dr Jekheli Kibami-Singh - Leviticus, Land & Jubilee. Presented to the Tikanga Pakeha Ministry Council, May 2021. https://youtube/wIBfiBQXOZI Jekheli Singh is a tribal Christian woman from Nagaland in the North East of India. She came to New Zealand about 15 years ago, and is currently vicar of Te Kuiti. In this talk about the theology of land, she incudes Biblical theology, God the Creator, Land and identity, land as Go’s gift to be shared, and land as new community. She references Leviticus: 25and the concept of Jubilee. Used with permission from Stephen Black, Diocese of Waikato … [Read more...]
A space for you- the Bryant Retreat for Women, in Raglan
https://youtu.be/fLNBtX8Lyyg The Bryant Retreat is an environment where women can rest and relax in quiet, calm surroundings. This tranquil place is situated on the waterfront of the inner Raglan Harbour, and has been a haven for over 5o years. The Retreat accommodates up to six women at any one time, for a stay of 11 nights. www.bryanttrust.co.nz Sunset in autumn, photo: Ceridwyn … [Read more...]
From Nagaland to Aotearoa, New Zealand: A Sulimi’s Story of Ordination.
The Revd Jekheli SIngh Jekheli Kibami Singh read from her contribution at the launch of our latest publication.[1] My story begins with my Sümi context of Nagaland and continues in my current ministry context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Brief Context of Sümi I am a woman of the Sümi Naga tribe (aka Sema), one of various ethnic groups found primarily in Zunheboto district, Nagaland, in the northeast of India. The majority of Sümi profess to be Christians. There is a strong connection between reading and understanding the biblical texts and understanding gender roles and relationships. Women often navigate around these societal, gendered parameters. Despite the male-priority … [Read more...]
Mum said, ‘I think you need to be a priest.’
Mele Prescott It was unheard of- a young single Tongan woman moving away from home. After working in travel and tourism for eight years, Mele Prescott left home in South Auckland to take a degree in theology. She saw this as a chance to wrestle with her thoughts and beliefs, as a young Christian follower in the Church. Her study led her to a position in Taranaki, where she was asked, What is a curate? Do you cure it?” Working in tikanga Pakeha, Mele has a wonderful story to tell. You can hear her being interviewed on Sweet Talk on Radio Taranaki https://www.accessradiotaranaki.com/player?ShowID=1316 … [Read more...]
Congratulations Wendy Scott
The karanga rang through the warm evening to welcome the arrival of the new Dean of Waikato. The Revd Wendy Scott escorted by many friends and whanau walked up the aisle of the Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter, in Kirikiriroa , Hamilton. Suddenly a lone voice sang out - I thank you Lord for this amazing day The Revd Wendy Scott congratulated by the Revd Val Riches (left) , AWSC COUncillor,and Ms Ceridwyn Parr (right) AWSC administrator, at the reception after Wendy’s installation as Dean . Everyone joined with great enthusiasm as Wendy took her place up the front of the packed Cathedral. It was an amazing and historic event. Wendy is thought to be the first Maori to be … [Read more...]
