Remember in your Prayers

It is with much sadness that we inform the Connexion that Rev Ashley Ian Corlett passed away at the age of 82.

Ashley attended the School For Christian Workers at Trinity Theological in 1964 prior to his successful candidature for ministry in 1966. After which he undertook a three month supply at Te Aroha following the death of Rev Jamieson.

His probationary appointment in 1969 was to the North Hokianga circuit based in Kohukohu, and it was while he was there that he completed his Licentiate of Theology Diploma.

In this Anglican Methodist Community he shared with the vicar Rev Neil Fuge, to prepare the way for a Co-operating Parish which was formalised in 1971. Ashley stayed on to be the first Presbyter of the combined congregation.

Following ordination Ashley was stationed to Taumaranui with the added responsibility to supervise the Ohura Circuit. During 1973-4 this opened up the Chaplaincy at Ohura Prison, an opportunity that was to change Ashley’s direction and ministry.,

Ashley decided to make a career shift: he gained the position of Probation Officer based in Taumaranui. He was thus able to establish a self-supporting ministry, meeting preaching appointments and retaining oversight of the parish. He trained and prepared dedicated lay people to manage the pastoral concerns and the management of the Parish. To assist this process the Parish provided opportunity for theological students to fulfill three-month supply placements.

Ashley continued to work for the Probation Service in the Waikato and in Auckland, and in 2001 after completing 26 years with the service retired from the Justice department.

Ashley’s ministry has been one that was community facing. It often took him right outside the normal activities of the Church. It touched many lives with wholeness and vision and was firmly based upon the Christ who lived and worked where the need was greatest and among those who felt most unloved.

Ashley's funeral will be on Friday Nov 24, 1.30pm at the RSA, 28 Belgium St Ostend, Waiheke Island. Contact with Ashley's family can be made through daughter Erica Wright, email bandewright@xtra.co.nz

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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Te Taha Māori wish to advise the Connexion of the sudden passing of Elaine Dell, sister of the late Rua Rakena and for many years a stalwart of Te Taha Māori, Ōtautahi Rohe. Born into Methodism with whakapapa links to Mangamuka in the North and Rāpaki in the South, Elaine served the Hāhi in Rohe affairs as well as in connexional committees: Hui Pōari, Council of Elders, Council of Conference, convening Council of Conference and Te Taha Māori Hui Tōpu. Elaine, you have been a good and faithful servant!

Te Taha Māori mourn with Elaine’s whānau. God’s blessings be upon you Elaine as your wairua ascends to the heavens and your earthly remains return to Paptuanuku, may God’s faithful enduring love also enfold your loved ones.

Tū noa ana ngā maunga whakahī i te riu o te whenua i a koutou rā ka ngaro i te ao. Aue! Ko koe tērā e te whaea, tō tātou hoa i te hāhi, Elaine. Takoto mārika koe i te mārietanga o tō marae, i waenganui i tō whānau. Aini ka ngaro atu i te tirohanga kanohi, nā reira e hoa, takoto, moe mārie i raro i ngā parirau atawhai o tō tātou mātua nui i te rangi. Aue! Taukiri e!

Funeral arrangements to be advised.

Ngā mihi

Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha
Tumauki