Update from Bishop Andrew

Greetings all,

Last weekend we celebrated the ordination to the Diaconate for the Rev’d Donna Cruickshank at Waiapu Cathedral. Donna was supported by her children Ysabella, Eve and Jamie, wider family and the community from Takapau and the Parish of Central Hawke’s Bay. It was a festive celebration in the Cathedral held on the eve of the feast of Pentecost, such an appropriate time for an ordination. The Rev’d Sybill Gibson was the preacher and preached with wonderful insights about the ministry of those called to vocational Diaconate. We wish Donna every blessing as she embarks on this next journey in life and faith, offering diaconal ministry within the communities of Central Hawke’s Bay. 

Over the first part of this week the Ven Christopher Tweddell has been spending time in the Waiapu Anglican Centre with all the teams here as part of his orientation to the Diocese of Waiapu. Christopher has spent time with the Shared Services Team, Rawhia and the ACW Senior Leadership Team, learning how all the teams work together and how the various parts of our Diocese relate to one another through ministry, mission and governance as well. Yesterday my leadership team spent the day with Christopher and the Ven Dr Deborah Broome looking at all the aspects and responsibilities of the Ministry Educator roles. It was a very full day looking at what has been, and what could be as we move ahead into the future. The discussions throughout the day were shaped by our reference to the strategic vision, values and priorities and also the feedback received through the survey. It was a very full day of discussion and there is much more ahead of us, but I’m very pleased to have Christopher and Deborah in these roles working side-by-side to delivery Ministry Education. 

This weekend I’ll be in Hastings at St Matthew’s parish for a confirmation service and then enjoying some time to relax on Monday over the King’s Birthday holiday. I hope that day brings some extra rest for you all as well. Our congregations often look a bit different on those long weekends as some regular parishioners head away for a long break, and visitors from other parts of the motu come to worship with us. It’s good to be able to be mindful of the extra effort to be hospitable to visitors of the long weekend. 

At the Cathedral on Sunday there will be a liturgical farewell to acknowledge the Rev’d Alister Hendry as he concludes his ministry as Acting Dean after the last year and a bit of offering transitional ministry. Alister has held many positions in the life of our church and has developed great experience and skill in helping parish communities to navigate the interim spaces between appointments of clergy. I’m grateful for the ministry Alister has held at Waiapu Cathedral since May last year and for the ways in which he has supported and encouraged ministry at the Cathedral to flourish. I hope to be able to share an update on the appointment process for a Dean in the coming weeks. 

After a short break Alister will be taking up the role of Priest-in-Charge to continue the interim ministry at Taradale Parish, which the Rev’d Christine Scott has held for us over the past few months. I’m grateful to Christine for her willingness to accept this responsibility and for the ways in which Christine has helped the Parish of Taradale since her appointment at the start of March. We had arranged for Christine to offer that ministry for 3-4 months until Alister was available to continue throughout the interregnum. On that note, I’m very grateful for all the clergy in the diocese who in their retirement continue to make themselves available to God and the Church to serve in various ways in ministry. You are a blessing!

Next week I’ll be around the office for a series of meetings before heading to Christchurch at the end of the week with Raewyn, so that we can attend the consecration of Bishop-elect Susan Wallace. Please continue to hold Bishop-elect Susan in your prayers, and also the Amorangi o te Waipounamu and all those travelling to join the service and celebration. 

Take care all

 Ngā mihi

+Andrew