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John Graveston
 
Photo by John Graveston

Appointment of Diocesan Child Youth & Family Educator

Andrew Metcalfe —

Bishop Steven Benford has great pleasure in appointing John Graveston as Diocesan Child Youth and Family Educator.

John is currently located in Christchurch where he has been a  Social Worker since November 2017 at the Open Home Foundation, where he organises and manages children's care and supports them in foster care. Prior to this he  completed his Bachelor of Theology at Otago University , majoring in Biblical Studies (2015) and a Bachelor of Social Work (2017).

John has been brought up in the Anglican Faith, as part of the St Michael's Anglican Church in Christchurch and then Dunedin North Parish while undertaking his studies. He has been very involved in Parish and wider Christian Leadership, ranging from leadership in the World Student Christian Federation and President of the Student Christian movement in Dunedin, through to licenced lay ministry at Dunedin North Parish, taking on role of head server and as a youth representative on Vestry.

John says:

"I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the life of the Dunedin Diocese while I was studying, so I am thrilled to be returning in this role. Coming from a background in Social Work I am planning to bring the experiences and skills I have gained to walk alongside those leaders already providing great ministry to our children, youth and families. I looking forward to meeting many of you and supporting the outreach of the church."

John will start his work in the Diocese on 1st April 2019. He will be based in Dunedin as well as travelling throughout other parts of the Diocese.