Rev’d Natalie Milliken was installed as Vicar at Caversham Parish, Dunedin, on Friday 6 May 2021.
A well-filled St Peter's Church in Caversham with people from the Parish, other denominations in the Southern part of Dunedin and Anglicans from throughout the Diocese joined in welcoming Natalie into her new post.
Natalie spoke of seeing the advertisement for the post twice before being prompted by a third reading to wonder "could this be what God is calling me to do?"
The Parish and wider church community have responded to help Natalie settle in, as (just like the disciples being sent by Jesus to go and spread the good news of the Kingdom) she arrived with only a suitcase, leaving house, possessions and (for a short while) husband Dan back in Australia.
Bishop Steve reflected on the four readings chosen (Isaiah 6: 1-8; Psalm 23, Acts 9: 1-19 and John 21: 1-4) using Isaiah 40: 9 to link them together:
Climb up a high mountain, you messenger of good news to Zion! Lift up your voice with strength, you messenger to Jerusalem! Lift it up! Don't be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!'
All of the above readings talk about ways that God and Jesus Christ was revealed to people, and one of the key tasks of any ministry is to be able to say to the people of God and the wider community "Here is your God!" in ways that make sense.
Natalie was asked questions about her faith and commitment and received symbols representing her new ministry in the parish before the whole congregation competed the service by sharing the Eucharist together.
A recording of the entire service (courtesy of Caversham Parish) is included below:
