If you want to know what God is like, we can’t look only at the resurrected and exalted Christ – we must also look at the manger, and the great love and humility of God which is shown there.

Haere Mai gives us an opportunity to grow in confidence in sharing our faith, to show our communities that church is for everyone, and to extend an invitation to experience the hope and love of Jesus.

“If you were to visit your parish 10 years from now, what words would you use to describe what it will look like?”

Jason Shaw, our ministry coordinator for social services, and Mike Jessop, a Bishopdale College student and former NZCMS intern, share their reflections on what motivated them to get involved in Hīkoi mō te Tiriti.

We are meant to journey together, learning from and encouraging one another – across cultures, ages and stages of our lives.

Philemon reminds us that the gospel must change our lives and attitudes. For leaders, this change will be seen in communication to others, view of others and partnership with others in the gospel.

"The psalms are not a theoretical talk about God, rather a direct line of communication with him. Maybe that’s why many find it helpful to pray the psalms, because they give expression to what’s hidden deep inside us."

Due to the impact of secular cultural background and government influence, many Chinese I meet here in Marlborough are not familiar with Christianity.

Parihaka, founded in the late 1860s, stood as a beacon of peace during a time when conflict and land confiscations were tearing apart Māori communities.

Spring Camp this year was marked by an unexpected twist: heavy rain. But according to Brad, our youth enabler, not even the weather could dampen the spirits of the rangatahi. 

Being among over 5,000 participants from nearly every nation, united in worship and mission, felt like a foretaste of heaven.

"As a Christian I believe that God created this world. So it's pretty amazing being able to capture it and offer that as a service. The business brings a bit of light and hope to people."

If we have healthy families living on mission and supporting one another through the generations – not just within the family unit but including grandparents, aunties, uncles and the church family – then we can really make a difference in society.

"Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

If there's anything that youth need, it's that connection. It’s those people in their lives that believe in them, that they can talk to openly and honestly and not be judged or spoken down to, but actually heard.

He’s a gentle souled creative, and time spent with him revealed a nuggety depth to his person.

When we bless animals, we're echoing the divine blessing. We often forget that God not only blesses humans with the words "be fruitful and multiply".

The Op Shop Ball served as a runway for some truly stunning outfits, from funky jumpsuits and chilli costumes to ball dresses and suits.

The inspiration struck while attending a clubs day at Canterbury University. It was a fantastic way for students to engage with different clubs, and I thought, why not bring that concept to Nelson?

"We don't just want to have ‘mission’ as a programme or ‘social justice’ as an event, we ultimately want it as a lifestyle. But if you want it as a lifestyle, you have to embody it."

We’re trying to build a core group that will invite others, be a place that welcomes non-Christians, and grow from there.

I’ve just started as the new Regional Leader for Launchpad in Nelson, and I’m excited to say that we’re seeing a local resurgence after a decline over the years.

I offer for reflection a poem penned by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat, who teaches theology at Wycliffe College.

"I move, Mr President, that we do not use the word ‘God’ in the prayer book..."

I know that God is at work precisely because this is God’s work – healing, forgiveness and reconciliation is the family business!