Revd Anne Priestley Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (Matthew 13:33) Bread became one of the themes of life in lockdown. Even before Level 4 arrived, loaves were disappearing fast from supermarket shelves - flour and yeast likewise. But I’d managed to lay in basic supplies, because for medical reasons our little family went into lockdown early. I planned to bake most of our bread - and can report success! Beautiful loaves, golden brown, hot from the oven, scenting the kitchen. They’d be eaten up within a couple of days, and then the … [Read more...]
Hold us close in your arms
photo: Anne Nygard, Unsplash A Covid-19 liturgy for young people. Lesley Mouat, Chaplain at St Matthew's, Masterton, prepared DIY chapel services for students at home during the lockdown, and sent them out through their school app. Be sure to watch the video! Put yourself into a space where you can be still and quiet for 5 to 10 minutes. If your parents will allow – light a candle (please remember to put it out carefully before you leave your chapel service) and settle into silence for a moment. A Pilgrim Song 131 God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain.I haven’t meddled where I have no … [Read more...]
Social Drama and Christchurch Cathedral
Patricia Allan analyses the years of debate about the future of the earthquake damaged Christchurch Cathedral in terms of Social Drama Rebuild or pull it down- why was the future of Christchurch Cathedral such a controversial issue? Was it a contest of power between ‘the old boys’ network’ of Christchurch and the Anglican Church? Was it because the Bishop was a Canadian woman? Were misogyny and xenophobia the underlying themes? Was it about the identity of Christchurch being closely tied to the Cathedral as ‘icon of the city’? Was this a contest of power- economic, political, cultural and ecclesiastical power? Patricia Allen believes it was a contest of … [Read more...]
Lock down Bread 2020
photo: Unsplash Revd Anne Priestley: Every loaf has turned out well with this recipe! 5 cups flour (3 wholemeal/rye, 2 white: or use all white) extra flour for kneading 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon dry yeast 2 cups lukewarm water 2 tbs vegetable oil * Reactivate the yeast with sugar and one cup of the water. * Meanwhile, in a large bowl sift and mix the flours and salt. * When yeast is frothy, add to the bowl, along with the other cup of water and the oil. Stir well, then tip out the dough onto a floured surface and knead it till the dough has become resilient (springs back if … [Read more...]
Loving Leaders
The strongest call from this hui for me was the message we as kin are called to be peacemakers, co- creators with God and that loving leaders are a very powerful thing. A reflection on 2019 Hui by Jenny Campbell He iti he pounamuIt may be small but it is very precious Renewing friendships and forming new relationships was a highlight for me as women shared from their strengths and vulnerabilities. The fun activities at the beginning to build connections did just that and set the scene for much laughter, thought provoking and stimulating talks by leaders and varied worship opportunities. Jenny Campbell The chance to reflect on our own ministry and leadership style was a … [Read more...]
Inspiring Leadership
Tikanga Pakeha Hui 2019 - Empowering Leadership. - Reflections by Rev Kaye Dyer Nelson We gathered at the St Francis Friary in Hillsborough, Auckland over 10-12 November 2019 What a magnificent setting and we were so well looked after. Kaye Dyer with Victoria Askin In our sessions we were treated to the combined wisdom and experience of three leaders who have navigated the power structures as women. Rev Dr Sue Burns, Vicar of St Stephen's, Tamahere spoke on the topic of Pondering Power in Life, Ministry and Leadership. Heather McRae, principal of Auckland Diocesan School for Girls and the Rt Rev Dr Ellie Sanderson, assistant bishop of Wellington, led a session each … [Read more...]
Empowering Leadership Hui Tikanga Pakeha
Twenty four Pakeha women from around New Zealand gathered for two days to learn from some outstanding women leaders, and from each other in Hillsborough, Auckland, November 2020 Nyasha Gumbeze Heather McRae Bishop Ellie Bishop Ellie Sanderson, assistant Bishop of Wellington attended for the whole time and provided an inspiring story, laced with deep spirituality and real life experience. Ms Heather McCrae, principal of Diocesan School for Girls spoke of following her own instincts in pursuing both leadership and vision. Her years working and innovating in schools in New Zealand and overseas provided her with a strong foundation for leading a large girls’ school in the 21st … [Read more...]
