I just thought I’d fill you in on what’s happening over the next few months.

One of the cool things about ministry is, every now and again we are able to take some time to regroup, reflect, pray and do some study or research of some sort. Its called a sabbatical and clergy and licensed lay ministers qualify after ten years of service in the Diocese of Auckland. Well, I’ve been serving for twelve years in the our Diocese, and before that, as many of you know I studied & volunteered in the Presbyterian space, and before that seven years in my family church which was a co-operating church.

Ministry is joy-filled, and challenging. It is hard work, late nights & early mornings. It is managing others pain, while setting our own aside and it is creative and interesting and a deep honour. I am so grateful to have been called into this ministry and to have been held in it over the years.

As we all probably realise, the last six years in ministry have been particularly challenging and to be honest I think it will continue. Our communities have shifted and changed in ways that require different things of us. For me, I’m aware the challenges young people face and how they face them is shifting. There’s been heaps of research released over recent years, and I have barely had time to read and digest it fully.

In addition, our AYM youth leaders and I met in August to reflect on our ministries. We looked back on what has been, reflected on where we are now, and prayerfully dreamed about what could happen in the future. The dreams that emerged were big! And awesome for young people, and not just the ones we can see in front of us, but with tender care for those we don’t. So, there’s some work ahead, there’s some preparation work to do, some fellow trailblazers, prayer partners, resource angels and more to find. Most importantly, we need our why… why Anglican youth ministry (when the big church down the road has a big youth group) why young people, why this way?

So, over the next few months I’m doing some reading, some travelling, some asking questions of people. I’m also planning to rest, swim, create, pray and restore my soul for the adventures ahead.

Ministry is about people, and I love our people, our youth leaders, every one of them bring something precious and different and they are awesome! Our young people are delightful, filled with energy, with curiosity and complexity ! Our vicars, wardens and vestry members are caring, faithful leaders who care for the whole church. This is ministry space is a special place to be. So thanks for giving me space for a short season.

So, when you come along to The Forge, to The Hub, or to our end of year Picnic, enjoy and cherish each others company, laugh heaps, pray heaps, learn heaps, and I’ll catch you all in the new year.

With deep aroha

Steph

 

Some arrangements for while I’m away – 21st September – 21st December 2026

Safeguarding questions please contact Angela Blundell

General youthwork questions, including registering for the end of year picnic, camp planning day and applications for the Priory please contact our assistant National Youth Facilitator, Sami Smart

Emergencies please contact Rev Sarah Moss in the first instance through Jennifer (MFT Administrator)

 

When I was studying

we were encouraged

to reflect on our practice

and come up with something

to remind us of it.

This was mine