By walking the same ground as Jesus walked, Christians are reminded that God is not just a distant figure from history, but a living and active God who is still working in the world today.

"Convergence" means a junction, a merging, different things joining and flowing together as a new whole - and that’s pretty much what happened.

"I’ve been in some great services and felt the presence of God, but never like that," he said, between tears. "It wasn’t really emotional or hyped, it was just a tangible presence."

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.

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!

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.

When people are colonised – whether we’re talking about the Israelites, tangata whenua here in Aotearoa, or countless people groups throughout history – their minds are often colonised as well, creating a hostility towards their own culture.

I wonder how the Department of Conservation might describe the number of kids in our churches. Perhaps they’d say that our kids have become an endangered species: rare sightings, dwindling numbers, vulnerable and in need of recovery.

Have you checked out the latest courses on our very own Discipleship Pathway website?! There are over 10 courses available on a variety of topics, and more on the way.

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.

We came to Jesus to be healed, to be transformed... and yet, so often, that transformation seems like an elusive dream.

When we hear the story of Zacchaeus, how often do we pay attention to the tree he climbed? In Jesus’ day, the sycamore fig tree was considered a “sin-spreading tree” because of its wide canopy.

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.

Do you ever long to have been IN the Gospel stories? To have been there when Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree. To have seen him touch a leper, or heard him speak to a storm.

Did you know that there are different stages in the journey of faith? What works for us at one stage of life, often doesn’t work at a later stage.

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.'

We’re approaching the end of the Season of Creation. Many churches around the world celebrate Francis of Assisi day with a Blessing of the Animals service. At St. Peter’s in Kaikoura, it’s a highlight of the year.

We have a hole in our bucket in the diocese. Does that capture the sense of what you’ve experienced in the last year or two?

This weekend felt like a journey into the attic of the Anglican Church, exploring the hidden treasures of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer - which have been a part of our culture since its inception.

In the story of Babel, we often conclude that the scattering of people that results from the confusion of tongues is divine punishment. But is there a better way to read that passage?

Our expressions of worship only largely represent the dominant pakeha kiwi middle class culture. Does this sound like your church? Our churches can enjoy glorious worship enriched by different cultural expressions.

Faith-sharing isn’t an optional part of being a Christian. What is optional, though, are the ways we give those answers.