Touchstone

December 2025

Tēnā koutou katoa

Welcome to the December issue of Touchstone, the final for the year.

Many of the reports in this edition relate to Conference 2025 when, over a period of five days in November, members of Te Hāhi Weteriana gathered to make plans for 'a Church on the move'.

The theme, God’s Aroha, A Call to Sacred Transformation informed and shaped discussions as Church leaders and members of the Connexion gathered - some collectively in hubs, or individually - to orchestrate and absorb the online proceedings. During three plenary sessions, people were invited to reflect on the Church we are becoming. I invite you to read the reflections from many of those who participated; it was an inspired and Spirit-led gathering that grappled with some tough issues and decisions, in a space that reflected shared values, aroha and a deep sense of community.

Rev Peter Norman summed it up in his reflection, "This movement of aroha felt especially present at our annual Conference, where sacred transformation revealed itself not as an idea but as a lived reality ..."

As the year draws to a close, I wish all our readers a safe and blessed Advent. May you find time to savour prayer, silence and stillness amidst the 'busy ness' of the festive season - Rev Mary Caygill has sage advice on how to prepare space in your mind and heart to make room for Christ to come afresh.

I hope you enjoy time shared with friends and family, celebrating joys and successes of the year past, as you look forward to embracing new ways of being Methodist in Aotearoa. Conference soundly endorsed a vision for a Church that is responsive and committed to sacred transformation.

Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.