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Easter Camp 2023

Epworth Easter Camp 2023 is a great opportunity for all young people from Year 10 upwards.
FUN-FELLOWSHIP-FRIENDS-FOOD at Epworth Camp.

REGISTRATION FORM: reg.planetreg.com/E218177377880

FACEBOOK PAGE: (with great photos of previous camps.)
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064731787520&mibextid=LQQJ4d

If there are youth that have trouble paying the registration costs, please contact the WWU Executive ([E-Mail not displayed]) by Friday 24th March.

Waikato/Waiariki Methodist Synod invites you to …

Dates: Fri 28th & Sat. 29th April 2023
Where: Camp Epworth Karapiro
Who for: Everyone!!!
What’s happening? A time to refresh mind, body and spirit.

Friday: Workshops, guest speakers, fellowship & time to refresh.

Saturday: Celebrating 40 yrs. of the Bi-cultural journey with key note speakers Rev Dr Arapera (Bella) Ngaha & Rev Norman Brookes.

Stay for the whole time or be a day tripper.

Registrations are open information on the brochure or contact:

Rev Bob Franklyn: [E-Mail not displayed] or 021 2628275

  • 2023 - Super Team

    Super Team at Morrinsville

     Super Team - Viv Whimster, Rev. Tau Lasi, Deacon Margaret Birtles

    Super Team: Viv Whimster, Rev. Tau Lasi, Deacon Margaret Birtles

  • 2022 - Super Team

    Super Team at Te Awamutu

     

    Super Team: Viv Whimser, Shelley Walker, Margaret Birtles

  • 2022 May - Epworth Refresh

    As first-time attendees at a Refresh event, my wife and I had little idea of what to expect.

    For me the atmosphere of friendship and personal openness was a large contributor to the “refreshment”, amongst clergy and lay people, the majority whom I had never met before.

    The shared studies had us digging deep into our personal attitudes and understandings with plenty of opportunities to do so as individuals in our own quiet space.

    Beginning with paths we may explore, with promptings from selected Bible readings gave us a good stimulus for reflections on our past and future.

    Reaching into all our senses, discovering fresh ways of experiencing the divine through them, was a time that I found truly enriching and lasting. Something beautiful to link to our surroundings at Epworth.

    To the leaders who prepared these explorations and gave us the opportunities to share together our honest feelings, and find our own private pathways, my heartfelt thank you.

    - Michael and Barbara Templer

  • 2021 December - Zoom Synod

    Synod gathered on December 3rd by Zoom, with up to 50 members attending.

    Highlight:-

    Tribute to Rev Norman Goreham read by Jeremy Whimster. Norman was remembered for his hymn writing,  his academic abilities, and his leading of retreats at local and Connexional levels. 

    Good news:-
    • Brian Eagle, 50 years since ordination; Peter West, 50 years since 1st appointment; 
    • Peter Taylor and TeRito Peyroux, the new President elect and Vice-President elect for the Methodist Church.
    • Shirley Rivers has been appointed as Director Mission Northern.  Although she was unable to join us -  Viv Whimster congratulated her on behalf of Synod and wished her well in her new position.
    • Alipate Livani  has been appointed as Synod Superintendent of Wasewase ko Viti Kei Rotuma. Metui Tafuna spoke on behalf of the Synod.
                                             ----------------- 

    Trudy Downs, the Connexional Health & Safety Coordinator, talked about the new Traffic Light system and Vaccine passes. Opportunity for discussion was given using breakout rooms for 10 minutes where issues were discussed and questions asked.  After this, Trudy was able to answer many of the questions that had been raised. 

    The following are completing their term as Supply and thanks and good wishes of Synod are extended to:

    • Graham Colley  from Western Bay of Plenty Parish
    • Jan Fogg from Hauraki Plains Parish
    • Alistair McBride from Cambridge Union Parish


    Farewells

    Margaret Giles was thanked her 24 years of work and what she has contributed as Synod Treasurer. Margaret will be remembered for her positive support, her ready smile, and her ability to help people look outside the square. Margaret replied by thanking  everyone she had worked with. 

    Alison Molineux has been the Presbyter on the Super Team for the past year. Alison's wisdom and experience had been appreciated and valued as she worked with the Super team to develop this new way of leading Synod.  Alison responded that the Super Team had been great to work with and thanked them and all the Synod

    Wishing everyone  the hope, peace, joy and love that we celebrate through Advent and the Christmas season.
  • 2021 October - Super Saturday Vaccinations

    The Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa strongly supports the NZ vaccination programme and encourages everyone who can, to get vaccinated.

    Super Saturday was a success with many Covid-19 vaccine doses administered on 16th October.

  • 2021 September - 'Virtual' Induction

    News from Chartwell Co-operating parish.

    Synod members as well as those from St Alban, Chartwell Co-operating parish have been pleased to be able to join in a service of celebration for the  'Virtual'  Installation and Induction of the Rev Dr Jekheli Singh this afternoon (12th Sept).

    Jekheli was recently appointed to this position, and the service was led by Archbishop Philip Richardson; assisted by Rev Ron Mills (Presbyterian church) and Deacon Margaret Birtles (Methodist Synod), as well as members of the St Albans congregation.

    About 140 people joined by Zoom & Facebook, including Jekheli's family from India.

    We congratulate Jekheli,  look forward to the ministry she has to offer, and welcome her into the Waikato/Waiariki synod.

2023 - Inductions

  • Rev. Asaeli Tulagi

    Rev. Asaeli Tulagi inducted in February 12, 2023 at St Johns Parish, Hamilton East

  • Rev. Tau Lasi

    Rev. Tau Lasi was inducted to Synod Superintendency Team in February 7, 2023 at Morrinsville Methodist Church

February 2023

Induction of Rev. Asaeli Tulagi at St Johns, Hamilton East, Tabacakacaka (Fijian Congregation) Waikato/Waiariki

Rev. Asaeli Tulagi was inducted in February 12, 2023 at St Johns Parish, Hamilton East.

welcome slide for Induction of Asaeli Tulagi Rev Asaeli Tulagi  Rev Alipati Livani

Rev. Asaeli Tulagi     Wasewase Superintendent Rev. Alipati Livani 

Rev. Asaeli and sponsors   Rev. Tulagi's son, Esira, sharing reading  Presbyter Induction - laying of hands
Rev. Tulagi, and his sponsors.   Esira, Rev. Tulagi's son, sharing reading.  Presbyter Induction

Symbols presented  Symbols presented  Rev Tulagi and Rev Griffiths cutting cake

Symbols presented included Balloons from young people

Rev. Tulagi and Rev. Anne Griffiths cutting cake

 

Induction of Rev. Tau Lasi at Morrinsville Methodist Church

Rev. Tau Lasi was inducted to Synod Superintendency Team in February 7, 2023 at Morrinsville Methodist Church

Welcome by Viv Whimster Welcome by Neville Westbury Rev. Taylor inducts Rev. Lasi
Welcome by Viv Whimster and Neville Westbury

Induction conducted by President Rev. Peter Taylor

Response to Welcome and Affirmation by Rev. Lasi   Viv, Tau, Margaret - Waikato-Waiariki Super Team 2023
Rev. Lasi responds to welcome and affirmation.

Waikato-Waiariki Super Team 2023 - Viv Whimster, Rev. Tau Lasi, Deacon Margaret Birtles

Family sing musical item  Rev. Lasi's Whanau and Support
Family sing musical item     Whanau and Support of Rev. Tau Lasi

 

 

2022 - Inductions

December 2022

Matamata Union Parish 50th Anniversary

Matamata Union Parish, Matamata, 11 Dec. 2022

The present congregation, and visitors gathered on this day to celebrate the anniversary. Elaine Diprose shared some thoughts of Events leading to amalgamation of Methodist and Church of Christ Congregations.

Prior to Dec 1972, the Methodists required a bigger church, and several buildings were purchased in Tainui St, alongside the old Methodist parsonage (which had been converted to a coffee bar.) with plans to build there.

However, the resident minister, Rev Eric Eastwood asked members to consider amalgamation with Church of Christ, as they were needing some assistance.They had a building and land in Peria Road, and subsequently, after much discussion, this merger came about, and for a period of time the morning services were held in the Methodist church in Broadway and the evening services in Peria Road.

The old Methodist Parsonage, and 2 sections were sold and money used to upgrade the Peria church site. The old Methodist church was donated to the Firth Tower museum and it resides there to this day, being used for weddings. The Methodist women's groups combined into the Afternoon fellowship which included Church of Christ ladies.

cake for 50th Anniversary of Matamata Union Parish cutting Cake - Matamata 50th Anniversary

The development necessitated many working bees, and it is noted that the concrete driveway was all mixed by hand. All those involved recalled them as being times of great fellowship as well as hard work.

Elaine - On the day when we all met for the first time, in the present church in Peria Road, most of us marched from the old Methodist church led by Rev Eastwood carrying the bible donated to the Matamata Methodist church, by the Firth family .

I think it worthwhile to pause and reflect as we celebrate 50 years, on a quote from Marty Rubin “Time does not pass, it continues”.

And quoting from that well known Methodist hymn:- 'We thank him for all that is past,and will trust him for all that to come'. 

BICENTENARY METHODIST CONFERENCE 2022

Saturday 19 November - Wednesday 23 November 2022

Kerikeri, Northland

https://www.methodist.org.nz/whakapapa/conference/2022  

METHODIST CONFERENCE 2022 Streaming Schedule PDF Livestream links for weekend services – all are welcome to view
PDF document which has the livestream links you will need to view the weekend services.

Watch Methodist website for information about online services, and up to date reports.

 

Atawhai Assisi Villas in Hamilton

10 November a significant gathering was held for the Blessing of the first Atawhai Assisi Villas.

A Powhiri was led by the Kaumatua, with a special welcome from Tamahere/Atawhai Assisi Village CEO Louis Fick. There was recognition of all those involved in the planning, development and building of the Villas.

Those attending, first gathered at the chapel and after prayers, were invited by the Kaumatua to walk around the villas as the blessing. The village is looking forward to welcoming the new owners.

Photos on Tamahere Eventide website.

August 2022

Wesley Methodist Church (1923 - 2022) Celebration, Hamilton

Wesley Methodist Church, Fairfield, Hamilton had an amazing time of celebration on Sunday 28th August.
It was a time for the final English Speaking Service, and to pass to the Fijian congregation, the responsibility of sharing the work of God in the church & community.
A brief History & Memoirs were available in a booklet shared with those who attended
The church was built in 1923, and it has served for 2 years as a United Evangelical Congregation, and 97 years as a Methodist congregation.
There were opportunties to share memories by Rev. Anne Griffiths, Paul Jensen, Eti & Tina Foisaga, David & Jacquie McGeorge, Rev Mervyn Dine, Rev Leigh Sundberg, & Asaeli Tulagi. The service was led by Rev. Alipate Livani, and the preacher was Rev. Alisa Lasi. A powerpoint of memories called 'A River runs through it' was also shared.

Photos on the Hamilton East Methodist website

July 2022

Induction of Rev. John Carr, Western Bay of Plenty Parish, Tauranga

Rev. John Carr inducted on July 3rd 2022 at Wesley Church, Tauranga

Intro slide of John Carr and family Wesley Church Parishioners at Induction 

Deacon Margaret Birtles, Rev. Shelley Walker,
Rev. John Carr, Paul McMahon, Rev. Siosifa Pole

Rev. John Carr and son, Deacon Birtles, Rev. Walker laying on hands of Rev. John Carr (COVID distanced version)

Laying on of hands at Induction with other church and Synod leaders

   Rev. John Carr and Abigail, Moses, and Hosea

Symbols presented to John by Parish members

John presented his gift to Parish ("What is God Like" book)   Carr Family - John, Abigail, Moses, and Hosea

Choir - Wesley Church afternoon tea at Wesley Church 

Wesley Choir                       Afternoon tea after the service

June 2022

Confirmation Service, Chartwell Cooperating Parish, Hamilton

 Confirmed children at Confirmation service

At Chartwell Cooperating Parish, a Confirmation Service and Patronal Service was held on Sunday, June 19th.

Visitors from Partner Churches; Deacon Margaret Birtles (Waikato Waiariki Methodist Superintendency Team), and The Most Reverend Philip Richardson (Bishop of Waikato and Taranaki Anglican Diocese); were welcomed by Rev. Jekheli Kibami Singh.

Rev. Shona Bettany, Executive Office, Kaimai Presbytery, was unable to attend

Rev. Jekheli Kibami Singh Deacon Margaret Birtles Rev. Philip Richardson, and Deacon Margaret Birtles

We were so thrilled to be celebrating with Harris Chaney, Sophia Chaney, Beckey O'Leary, Laura Bennett, Hayley Bennett, Michelle Bennett, Kelera Luvu, and Te Ano Tane Harrison, at their Confirmation this year, and continue to pray for them and their families.

Confirmed children at Confirmation service

 

Synod, All Saints Church, Hamilton

Synod held at All Saints Church, Hamilton Synod Discussion - Climate Change - Our Responsibility

Synod held on June 11th at All Saints Church, Hamilton. Discussion was "Climate Change - Our Responsibility"

Devotions by Paul Jensen

Devotions by Paul Jensen  Synod Parishioners

May 2022

Wesley Sunday, 22 May 2022

Wesley Sunday is always a special celebration when we remember our founders.

Wesley Sunday, Wesley Parish, Tauranga, 22 May 2022

President Andrew Doubleday preached at Wesley Tauranga in the morning and Hamilton East in the evening. Both services were live streamed, which meant a wider group of people could take part even if they were unable to attend in person.

   

 

Western Bay of Plenty service, at Wesley Tauranga, was led by Rev Peter Taylor (Supply).

Parishioners attended from across the parish, and were surprised by a visit of Susanna Wesley who told some of here story in an interview with Viv Whimster. Other members also took part, including the Wesley choir and Viliame Naliva. An enjoyable social time was held as those attending gathered for morning tea.

 

Wesley Sunday, Hamilton East parish, Hamilton, 22 May 2022

  

In the evening Hamilton East hosted the Waikato celebration - led by Rev Alisa Lasi.

 

A large group of younger people entertained, and items were shared by the church choirs.

 

A special part of the evening was celebrating the 16th birthday of Mele & Ma'ata Pouono.

 

Deacon Margaret Birtles, President Rev. Andrew Doubleday, Rev. Shelley Walker, and Rev. Alipate Livani enjoyed sharing in the celebrations.

Epworth Refresh, May 2022

Epworth Refresh, 3rd & 4th May 2022

A small number of clergy and lay people gathered at Epworth for a time of refreshment, which was needed by everyone.

The church is fortunate to have such picturesque grounds to meet in, as well as an asset to share with our communities. We are grateful for the photo and report from Michael and Barbara Templer.

 

Epworth Refresh, May 2022

As first-time attendees at a Refresh event, my wife and I had little idea of what to expect.

For me the atmosphere of friendship and personal openness was a large contributor to the “refreshment”, amongst clergy and lay people, the majority whom I had never met before.

The shared studies had us digging deep into our personal attitudes and understandings with plenty of opportunities to do so as individuals in our own quiet space.

Beginning with paths we may explore, with promptings from selected Bible readings gave us a good stimulus for reflections on our past and future.

Reaching into all our senses, discovering fresh ways of experiencing the divine through them, was a time that I found truly enriching and lasting. Something beautiful to link to our surroundings at Epworth.

To the leaders who prepared these explorations and gave us the opportunities to share together our honest feelings, and find our own private pathways, my heartfelt thank you.

- Michael and Barbara Templer

Induction of Rev. Lorelle Chapman at Hauraki Plains

Rev. Lorelle Chapman inducted at Hauraki Plains Co-operating Parish for Presbyterian appointment

  

Lorelle Chapman signing letter of appointment.  Presentation by Parish. Rev. Lorelle Chapman.

Super Team at Te Awamutu 

Rev. Shelley Walker was inducted into the Superintendency team by President Andrew Doubleday.

  

Team - Viv Whimster, Shelley Walker, Margaret Birtles

 

Induction of Rev. Mohukelisi Lolohea at Cambridge Union Parish

Rev. Mohukelesi Lolohea was inducted to ministry in February 2022. Synod was pleased to welcome Mohu to this position, and pray that this will be a fulfilling ministry for Presbyter and Parish.

Fungani (daughter) and Mohukelesi & Saimone Mohukelesi and Rev. Shelley Walker Rev. Mohukelesi Lolohea

Mohukelesi and Saimone, with their daughter Fungani.  Rev. Shelley Walker and Mohukelesi.  Mohukelesi speaks to her congregation.

 

Induction of Rev. Alipate Livani at St Johns Parish

Rev. Alipate Livani was inducted to Wasewase Superintendency in February 2, 2022 at St Johns Parish, Hamilton East.

 

June 2021

Commissioning of Heather Major 1

Commissioning of Heather Major to Hospital Chaplaincy at Waikato Hospital.

With Margaret Birtles.

2021 May - Putaruru - Messy Church

Sir David Moxon

Super Team visit to Putarararu

St Pauls have a wonderful community in Messy Church. With funding from "Let the Children Live" they organised a Pilgrimage to Tararoe's Grave in Waharoa, and heard her story from Archbishop Sir David Moxon. The Messy Church programme was based on this pilgrimage - story told again by Sir David.

Mary Rose

Mary Rose, One of the team

Karore Flax

Making the Peace Garden

2021 April Easter Camp - Epworth

Tik Tok Easter Camp was held at Epworth.
For more information please visit Epworth's Facebook page.

 

2021 March Taupo - Synod

Synod was held at St Paul's Union Parish on March 12th. 
Ministerial Synod welcomed visitors - Rev. Adrian Skelton from UCANZ, and Semisi Pohiva from Royal Commision of Enquiry into Historical Abuse in Care - who gave a report on work the Pacific Investigation team is doing. After a lovely meal, provided by the Taupo Parish, the full Synod met.
We were reminded about UCANZ Forum to be held in Waikanae 16-18 April. The youth sent us a message via YouTube and it is hoped that Synod youth will attend Easter Camp 1-5 April.

  • BICENTENARY METHODIST CONFERENCE 2022

    Saturday 19 November - Wednesday 23 November 2022

    Kerikeri, Northland

    Watch Methodist website for information about online services, and up to date reports.