Spring Creek – otherwise known as St Luke’s – is a country parish about 10 minutes north of Blenheim.
We don’t hear about them often. They’re a quiet congregation with an independent spirit, but that doesn’t mean they’re not active. St Luke’s is one of the oldest continually operating church buildings in the region, consecrated in October 1890.
I asked Alistair Matthews, bishop’s warden, about what’s been happening in Spring Creek lately.
Though the parish has been without a full time vicar for 16 years, the vestry keeps things running “with sage advice from various quarters”. Weekly services are led by a number of parishioners. “We very much govern our own destiny – with a lot of help from God!” Alistair said.
With the church’s 136th year since its consecration by Bishop Suter, the parish is planning a birthday party on 18 October, open to the public. Dress up in period costume is encouraged, and the service will be followed by a “lavish morning tea” on the grass. “Perhaps a horse and cart will turn up?” Alistair wondered.
“We are always looking out for ways to communicate and help the surrounding Spring Creek population.” One recent highlight was feeding and entertaining a visiting girls’ hockey team one evening. They’re hosting a musical event next month, involving local children and artists.
It’s clear the congregation love to decorate. Alistair showed me photos of the church dressed up for Pentecost celebrations.
“The church is also well lit up and decorated at Christmas time ready for our Christmas Eve service,” he added. “This year we will be opening the church for a few evenings beforehand to share more with the locals.”
When I asked what he felt God might be leading the parish into, here’s what Alistair said:
A sense of calling is perhaps starting as we have a conversation with Picton Parish, who are now without a vicar and find that they will now need to do everything themselves. Our rural parish reflects how collaborative ministry (co-labouring with God) can be effective, and God expects us to share our experience with others to help them stop reinventing the wheel.
As Rev Derek Harding, a member of the parish, once told me: collaborative ministry is about finding out where God is and joining in. Spring Creek Parish is a heartening example of people relying on God and working together to keep the fire burning in their community. Keep an eye out for what the people of St Luke’s might be up to next.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Spring Creek – otherwise known as St Luke’s – is a country parish about 10 minutes north of Blenheim.
We don’t hear about them often. They’re a quiet congregation with an independent spirit, but that doesn’t mean they’re not active. St Luke’s is one of the oldest continually operating church buildings in the region, consecrated in October 1890.
I asked Alistair Matthews, bishop’s warden, about what’s been happening in Spring Creek lately.
Though the parish has been without a full time vicar for 16 years, the vestry keeps things running “with sage advice from various quarters”. Weekly services are led by a number of parishioners. “We very much govern our own destiny – with a lot of help from God!” Alistair said.
With the church’s 136th year since its consecration by Bishop Suter, the parish is planning a birthday party on 18 October, open to the public. Dress up in period costume is encouraged, and the service will be followed by a “lavish morning tea” on the grass. “Perhaps a horse and cart will turn up?” Alistair wondered.
“We are always looking out for ways to communicate and help the surrounding Spring Creek population.” One recent highlight was feeding and entertaining a visiting girls’ hockey team one evening. They’re hosting a musical event next month, involving local children and artists.
It’s clear the congregation love to decorate. Alistair showed me photos of the church dressed up for Pentecost celebrations.
“The church is also well lit up and decorated at Christmas time ready for our Christmas Eve service,” he added. “This year we will be opening the church for a few evenings beforehand to share more with the locals.”
When I asked what he felt God might be leading the parish into, here’s what Alistair said:
A sense of calling is perhaps starting as we have a conversation with Picton Parish, who are now without a vicar and find that they will now need to do everything themselves. Our rural parish reflects how collaborative ministry (co-labouring with God) can be effective, and God expects us to share our experience with others to help them stop reinventing the wheel.
As Rev Derek Harding, a member of the parish, once told me: collaborative ministry is about finding out where God is and joining in. Spring Creek Parish is a heartening example of people relying on God and working together to keep the fire burning in their community. Keep an eye out for what the people of St Luke’s might be up to next.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
