I am delighted to announce that the Otago Peninsula and Taieri Parishes, with the churches of Southern Coastal Deanery, are funding an Interim Priest Missioner. This will be for an initial period of 12 months, and I am equally delighted that the Rev’d Dr Tony Martin has been offered and accepted this post. Tony is currently employed in Civil Defence Emergency Management, and is a non-stipendiary priest at the Cathedral.

I would like to thank the three church communities for making this happen: to provide both pastoral care to the existing congregations, and to look outwards with the intention of bringing the good news of God’s love to the wider community.

Tony’s starting date is still uncertain, but expected to be in early September, though how this will work out practically is dependant on the COVID restrictions.

Please join with me in thanking God for this opportunity to serve in church and neighbourhood, and pray with me for Tony and Katherine as they prepare for this.

+Steven