Stirring Anglicans to Renewal and Mission 28 July, 2023

Greetings everyone. I especially welcome lay leaders from Halswell-Prebbleton and Rangiora who have just signed up to Stirring - welcome! If you find an article interesting, I urge you to forward it to others and they're able to sign up to Stirring themselves. It is so encouraging to see the days lengthen somewhat and even see spring flowers begin to bloom. My broad beans are looking great, but I still haven't done my fruit tree pruning yet!

Archdeaconry Meetings

It's been a pleasure visiting a number of archdeaconries recently to hear what's going on and to promote the Leading your Church into Growth conference. I particularly value hearing so many encouraging accounts of new people exploring church, new ministry initiatives and a sense of renewal amoung our parishes. In spite of our many challenges God is good and God's mission is unfolding in many and unexpected ways!

LyCiG Update

Registrations are beginning to trickle in for the Leading your Church into Growth conference and this is encouraging. Remember that the Lay Training Fund is available to subsidise members of your team. Please submit an application - we want as many lay leaders as possible to attend this important conference - as well as clergy of course. Click here to register.

Biblical Literacy in our Diocese

Thanks so much to the 19 clergy who have responded to my recent survey seeking information about Biblical Literacy in the Diocese. The results of this research will help us understand how people are engaging with the Bible in our parishes. There will be a report on our research at Synod which will be interesting and contain some important recommendations. I urge clergy who haven't engaged with this survey yet to please complete it as soon as possible - thank you!

Missional Learnings from the C of E

I have now written a report on my learnings from my recent trip to the UK. I will be presenting this report to Standing Committee next week and including it in my next Stirring newsletter. Let me know if you'd like a preview ;-).

Blessings and grace to you all,

Ven. Mark