Clergy and representatives from every parish gathered last week for Synod, opened by a compelling address from Bishop Steve. “It was more prayerful, Scripture-focused, and 'spiritual’ than other Synods I have attended,” says one member.

My job as your bishop is to do everything I can to make sure our diocesan family – our ship and our crew – are supported, equipped and encouraged to set sail for the journey God has for his Church. 

Churches across the region came together to make the ever-popular Op Shop Ball happen – it was a great show of community as everyone did their part to make the night a roaring success.

When Ian's visiting grandson asked if they would be going to church on Sunday, he blinked a bit – thinking, "I haven’t been there for a few years"...

It doesn’t take long when chatting with Maureen to discover there are not many folk in the local surrounds she doesn’t know. Her generous heart finds her checking in on this one or that, to offer a word of advice or encouragement.

People may not be walking into our church on a Sunday morning, but they’re passing by our church sign every day of the week.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a set of simple, everyday actions that can make a world of difference. They're like little tricks to building resilience, boosting your wellbeing and reducing the chances of facing mental health challenges.

For eight years “others” took care of my father as he lived in and out of rest home facilities. I knew that at some point in time I wanted to be another family’s “other”.

"Of course we should expect to see te reo in our churches. We are part of this place, where long ago we pledged to protect our Māori culture."

Evidence shows that one in three kiwis experiences mental health issues. Don wanted to make a difference. But he's not a therapist – he's a gardener.

Our Season of Discernment is coming to a close. I’d like to share some insights from what was an extraordinary time for our diocese.

I had the joy of taking nine young adult leaders to The Abbey in Wellington over the weekend. It was exciting to see God move in our young leaders in the unique ways each of them needed.

The desire was to provide a connection point for guys both inside and outside the church, and it would be a place where we would find mutual support and edification. We hoped gathering around a pint would foster that and so we embarked.

"It's not the building that has made the ministry so successful, it's the myriad of leaders over the years who have supported us in building a culture of unconditional love, respect, community, opportunities to grow, and a place to explore faith."

In removing distractions and being present, we can just be, and God meets us in that space so gently and lovingly. 

St Christopher’s in Blenheim celebrated their diverse, multicultural church whānau on Sunday with a lively service, shared lunch and cultural performances.

We all have the chance to be involved in running our churches and being part of significant decision-making processes. Let's shape the future of the Anglican Church together.

"I love these little old church buildings because they're a physical picture of Christian fellowship. These are the places where people come together to worship their God and to encourage one another towards Christ."

I was simply bursting with pride at the sound coming from the choir and organ and wanted the whole of Nelson to come in and let us show off to them. Slowly, they got the idea.

I signed up my family for our first diocesan Leadership Camp, ready for a fun winter family holiday while I refuelled for church work and refreshed my relationship with Jesus.

We’ve noticed that the diners’ hunger for relationships and being heard seems greater than their need for food. The meal and the company together provide a sense of community.

It was magical, with all the chandeliers lighting up the nave and candles illuminating the stained glass window recesses. At the rear of the church, fairy lights added another sparkling effect that promised the treasures to come.

Throughout the year, these kids have been connecting in various ways, all with the aim of building a strong bond and nurturing their faith journey. And you know what? It's working!

I had an unshakeable conviction that I had to interview Edric before he left New Zealand. Edric’s life posed deep questions that I wanted to answer.

Parishioner Marjorie Quinney had a vision even before Wakefield Parish's Worship Centre was completed – to provide food to those in our community.

We're fostering a culture where everyone in our congregation is encouraged to share faith and invite others to experience the transformative power of Jesus.

Connect with the wider Anglican whānau at the beautiful St Arnaud. Join us for some great worship, supportive prayer, deep Bible study, a dynamic speaker and engaging workshops.

There's a time for joyful celebration and fellowship as the body of Christ, and there's a time for outward-focused ministries.

It’s one thing to hear exhortations from a trusted leader, and it’s another to see their faith and leadership in action. I’m seeing Bishop Steve’s phrases of “being family” and “being in this mission together” coming to life.

Often campers come to Bridge Valley hoping just to have a fun week of activities, but leave with an inspired faith and a fresh outlook on what following Jesus can look like.

I see my role as an ambassador to foster dialogue and champion the importance of both faith and science. I want to act as an advocate for both – to show that they are compatible.

Being ordained doesn’t have to look like leading a church, but simply leading people on the journey of discipleship.

Every Sunday afternoon, St John’s opens its doors to the community to shine their light. This space is so warm and non-judgmental that it’s easy to see why the community responds to it so well.

"If I can walk with people who are interested in faith in a petrolhead environment, I reckon the rest of us can do that in our areas of interest too."

Easter Camp in Christchurch continues to be one of the most profound spaces for young people to encounter Jesus. Four rangatahi and a leader from St B's shared their stories with us.

People gathered together all across our diocese over the weekend to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and rejoice in his resurrection.

This past Friday, I celebrated my graduation from Bishopdale College with a dozen other students at All Saints in Nelson.

My heart goes out to the first responders in Picton after every incident they attend to. So, we held a Service of Thanks to honour their bravery.

May God open our eyes to see how we can receive and embrace the gifts of the global Church and by doing so experience something more of this beautiful glimpse of heaven!

"How could our church help?" wondered a group of women from Hills Community Church in Māpua, half a thousand kilometres away from the cyclone's epicentre of destruction.

Kākano is a 9-month journey to form, equip and empower mission-minded leaders to intentionally explore discipleship, mission, calling, and what it means to "gather the ungathered".

There has been some confusion in answering the census section on religion. Can I encourage those of you who identify as part of the Anglican Communion to answer "Anglican" or "Christian: Anglican" to this question.

The campers loved all of Bridge Valley's different activities, but most of all, they loved making new friends and learning about Jesus.

From kōwhai fairies to quilted native birds, the halls were most certainly decked! The Nelson Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival brought joy and the spirit of Christmas to over 12,000 people from all over the world.

We’re in a season of time to reflect on the past and prayerfully consider the future. The question isn't whether we will make changes – the question is what kind of changes we must make to bring revitalisation and growth through effective mission.

Victory Church, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Te Piki Ora, and The Male Room have partnered together to supply temporary accommodation in the Victory community, helping to alleviate the Nelson housing crisis.

It was awesome to hang with a bunch of 35 intermediate aged kids and leaders from across the dio on Sunday afternoon to battle it out at laser tag in Tāhuna - a great way for these kids to connect and feel they belong to our dio whānau!

On Sunday St Barnabas Stoke celebrated the baptisms of four rangatahi. It was a fantastic day, including one baptism at the church and three at Tahunanui Beach.

There’s something really special about gathering as the wider Nelson Anglican family. Coming out of your own place and being part of something bigger to be uplifted, encouraged, and equipped as God’s people.

In September I announced a renewed focus on looking at how we can revitalise our churches through new evangelistic efforts and engage with real needs in our communities.

Spring Camp 2022 was another amazing year of the Nelson Anglican youth groups coming together to worship, learn about Jesus, build connections, and have an awesome time.

'So, what’s your position on church growth?' I was asked. And my response? 'I don’t have one. It’s not my church. Jesus said he would build his church. If you ask about my approach to things of the Kingdom, I can answer that.'