We extend to all readers of emessenger our warmest greetings.

Following Conference we were privileged to send greetings to supernumeraries and widows of supernumeraries as well as those who have reached the milestone of 50 years since their first appointment and to Bob Andrews who celebrated 50 years since his ordination.  We give thanks for the significant and unique contribution made by each of these people.

Jill attended and preached at the Trinity College service of transition.  This was a great occasion where David Poultney,  Joohong Kim, Metuisela Tafuna, Ikilifi Pope and Hiueni Nuku were farewelled from the College and given support and encouragement as they move to probation.  We wish them well for what is a big change in their lives and the lives of their families.

Ron had surgery on his hand the week after conference, which has cramped his style a little, but he has used the time well to begin planning for his role as convenor of the Task Group looking at the structure of the Church and seeking input from people within the Connexion as he prepares the brief for the group’s work.

We were saddened to learn of the death of Rangi Wood the week after Conference.  Jill was privileged to attend the tangi with members of TeTaha Maori, Waikato Synod and other members from the Connexion.  It was a wonderful occasion where a warm-hearted and talented lady was honoured from within the Church as well as the community.

We also sent greetings to Sue Spindler and her family as her Mother also died the week after Conference.  We were pleased that Ex- President Brian and Ex-Vice-President Barbara were able to attend Margaret Spindler’s funeral service representing the Church.

Jill attended the final Synod meeting of the Waikato Synod.  A beautiful buffet dinner was enjoyed and Lindsay Cumberpatch and his band from St Francis Church provided great entertainment with songs we all knew and could sing along to.  The more formal part of the evening acknowledged Alex Webster with a delightfully creative PowerPoint including greetings from George Bush and Barack Obama and welcomed new Superintendent Susan Thompson.

On Sunday Jill shared the Advent service At Wesley Tauranga followed by a shared lunch with congregation members.

We would like to acknowledge the wonderful contribution that Alex and Janet have made to the Church over the years they have been in full Connexion.  We will miss the humour, wisdom, skills and friendship so generously shared and we wish them well as they spend family time in Australia for a few years.

Jill was pleased to attend her home Synod (Central South Island) for their final meeting and was glad to have the opportunity to thank Synod members for the support they have offered to her over the past ten years.  This Synod also was in relaxed mode and shared a delicious supper with time to move around and talk.

On 7 December Ron attended the Mornington Church where he engaged with his brother, Colin, in a dialogue concerning a number of issues raised in the Presidential Address. Prior to this Ron enjoyed a dinner and concert held in the Church to raise funds for the South Dunedin project. Two stars of the concert were the musically talented son and daughter of Rev Martin Oh from Alexandra.

On the same weekend Jill was privileged to share in the Wesley Taranaki St farewells to Lynne Frith.  Saturday afternoon included wonderful entertainment and presentations to Lynne followed by a feast. 

On Sunday morning the two hour celebration included eight confirmations, three baptisms, and the presentation of eight “Lead Worship” certificates and communion followed by lunch.

On Sunday 14 December we both travel to Palmerston North to inaugurate the new Lower North Island Synod, induct Tony Bell as Synod Superintendent and commission the synod executive.  This is the culmination of several years of conversation and careful planning.  We applaud their focus on mission.

As we move through the season of Advent we wish that all may experience hope, love, joy and peace in the midst of the pressures of the world around us and that we catch afresh the wonder and promise of the birth of the Christ Child.

Grace & peace