The Revd Val Riches has been a Councillor for Anglican Women's Studies for many years. She stepped down recently to take up the position of Vicar General in the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki, adding to her role as the Vicar of Morrinsville, and with NZ Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Beneath these pictures you can see some of the tributes from Council members. From Bettina Maxwell E taku tuahine i roto i a te Karaiti, e taku hoa Val, Ka nui te mihi me te maioha mo o mahi whakaihiihi katoa mo te Whare Wananga mo nga wahine Mihinare. I tino harikoa ahau ki te mahi tahi me koe me te huarahi hihiri I whakapuaki ai koe I o wheako ki a matou Ma te … [Read more...]
20 women, 3 tikanga, 2 days, several languages, many prayers, thousands of words, new directions.
Anglican women from New Zealand, Aotearoa and Polynesia met in person to discern a contemporary expression and vision for the Anglican Women’s Studies Centre. Skillfully guided by facilitator, the Revd Caroline Leys, this kanohi-ki-te kanohi gathering was the culmination of many Zoom calls and emails. The group met first at St John's College, welcomed by Dr Moeawa Callaghan, then joined in with midday prayer in the historic Chapel, shared lunch in the Dining Hall with current students, and used the spaciousness of the Wesley Hall for small and large group discussions. The evening and the next day were spent at St Francis Retreat Centre, in Hillsborough- an excellent venue. Like … [Read more...]
The Challenge of Saying ‘No’
Helen Roud recently made the tough decision to step down from her position as Convenor of the Anglican Women's Studies Council. The Revd Canon Helen Roud says NO, in order to say YES It happened on a Sunday morning, not long ago, Passion Sunday. As I took a gentle walk to the local river (while recovering from strained back muscles and unable to preside and preach at Eucharist), I reflected on the gospel of the day: photo: Luca, Unsplash ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’ John 12:24 The effect of these words was both powerful and confronting. It was time to let some of the seeds … [Read more...]
Council and Links hui, February 2021
Tapita Ching, Val Riches, Mila Fong Toy, Tulimata'i Smith Celebrating our three tikanga richness as we move forward AWSC Council and Links gathered for two very interesting days of sharing experience, leadership training, theological reflection, personal growth, and local facilitation. The setting was the hospitable St Francis Retreat Centre, in Hillsborough, Auckland, right beside the beautiful old Pah homestead and Monte Cecilia Park. Council and Links worked together to construct the program for the Provincial Leadership Hui to be held 13-16 October 2021, in the Waikato. It was an exciting and creative process Who's Who? Present back row: Val … [Read more...]
Handing over -a new Council for AWSC
AWSC Council 2018-2020 Nai Cokanasiga, Ceridwyn Parr (administrator), Bettina Maxwell, Evelini Langi, Val Riches, Helen Roud, Numia Tomoana (Convenor). It was farewell to Convenor Revd Numia Tomoana, and Pasefika Councillor, Revd Evelini Langi when the Council met in March. Both Numia and Evelini have made a wonderful and purposeful contribution to the life and direction of the Anglican Women's Studies Centre. At General Synod, held by ZOOM in July, three new Councillors were appointed by their respective tikanga. Tikanga Pasefika announced the selection of Genevieve Reid of Samoa, and Kelera Oli from Fiji. Tikanga Maori appointed Ruihana Paenga. The AWSC looks forward to … [Read more...]
Why was the Council in Morrinsville?
The AWSC Council held its first meeting of 2020 in early March in Morrinsville. This is the home and parish of Council member, Revd Val Riches. Apart from Council business it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Waikato warmth , to join in the weekly shared meal at St Matthews, to be part of the World Day of Prayer and to visit Café Frock, home and studio of the famous designer Annah Stretton. Nai Cokanasiga, Ceridwyn Parr, Bettina,Maxwell, Evelini, Langi, Val Riches, Helen Roud, Numia Tomoana Hui.The Council discussed the three hui in 2019, which were all very successful and productive. From the strength of the tikanga hui, the Council began planning for the 2020 Hui. This … [Read more...]
