PITT STREET METHODIST CHURCH CONGREGATION REPORT

Since the arrival of our new Presbyter Rev. Metuisela Tafuna in February 2024, the Pitt Street Congregation has continued to grow in strength and spirit, embodying a strong sense of community, service, and faith. Our members have remained deeply engaged, bringing energy, passion, and commitment to a variety of activities that contribute to the ongoing vitality of our church. We are thankful for the dedication of each individual, and this report highlights key events, initiatives, and contributions that have enriched the ministry of Pitt Street.

 

Rev. Metuisela Tafuna leads our services with deep spiritual insight and a nurturing, gentle presence. His sermons are thoughtfully crafted and engaging, calling the congregation to reflect on Christ’s teachings and apply them to our everyday lives. Metui creates a welcoming atmosphere through his warmth and pastoral care, making everyone feel valued and included. His storytelling, insightful prayers, and ability to weave scripture with the life of the church foster a spirit of unity and harmony that draws the congregation into a deeper connection with God and with one another.

Women’s Fellowship

The Women’s Fellowship at Pitt Street plays a vital role in the life of our congregation. Through regular meetings, members gather to support one another in faith, prayer, and fellowship. It is a space where they can share their stories, form meaningful relationships, and grow spiritually. The collective strength of the members involved, and the broader community that supports them, continues to make a significant impact in our church and in the lives of those they touch.

 

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Hone Tafuna for her exceptional commitment and dedication in helping create the 2024 Women’s Fellowship at Pitt Street. Hone's vision, tireless work, and unwavering passion have played an integral role in bringing this fellowship to life.

Through her leadership and tireless efforts, she has not only shaped this important initiative but also demonstrated what it means to serve with heart and purpose. Hone’s hard work, creativity, and devotion have created a vibrant space for connection, support, and growth within our community.

 

As the new Convenor of the Pitt Street Women’s Fellowship, Hone continues to inspire us all with her steadfast commitment to this mission. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and look forward to the continued growth and impact of the fellowship under her guidance.

Thank you, Hone, for all that you’ve done and continue to do. Your dedication is truly a blessing to us all

White Sunday Service: Youth-Led Celebration

One of the standout events of the quarter was our White Sunday Service, which was fully led by the youth of Pitt Street. The service was vibrant and full of life, with the youth participating in dancing, singing, and other creative forms of worship. Their leadership not only showcased their talents but also demonstrated their deep commitment to the life of the church. It was a beautiful expression of faith, as our young people led with passion and creativity, inspiring all who attended.

 

Following the service, we enjoyed a congregational lunch that provided an opportunity for fellowship and connection. The meal was a wonderful feast, and many members of the congregation generously contributed food. This shared time together was a joyful occasion that strengthened the bonds of our community

Youth Evenings: Building Community Across Congregations

Our Youth Evenings, held on the last Friday of each month, have been a great success. These evenings are now a joint effort between Pitt Street and Mt Eden youth groups, providing a space for young people from both congregations to come together in fellowship, engage in activities, and deepen their faith. The youth evenings have helped build stronger relationships across both churches, fostering a sense of shared community and purpose. We look forward to continuing this ministry and hope to see it grow even further in the months ahead.

Sunday School: A New Ministry for Children

This quarter, we launched our Sunday School program, which has already begun to make a positive impact. The program provides a space for children to learn about the faith, engage with Bible stories, and grow spiritually. It’s been heartening to see the children’s enthusiasm and participation, and we are excited about the foundation this ministry is providing for the next generation of church leaders.

Easter Youth Camp Planning

Looking ahead, we are thrilled about the possibility of hosting an Easter Youth Camp for all the youth across our parish. While still in the planning stages, the camp promises to be an exciting opportunity for young people to deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and engage in team-building activities. This event will aim to inspire spiritual growth and provide a safe, enriching space for our youth to explore their relationship with God. We are working hard to finalise the details and look forward to offering an experience that will have a lasting, positive impact on everyone involved.

 

Youth Group 2024

On behalf of the entire Pitt Street Church family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the incredible work done in reawakening the spirit of youth participation within our church.

 

At the beginning of 2024, we found ourselves in a difficult place, with no youth attending church or involved in our community. But thanks to the leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment of Rev Metui, David Tapu, Becks Tupa’i and Shantell Nair that has changed.

Metui, your initiative to bring the youth back to the church has been nothing short of inspiring. Your heart for the younger generation has rekindled a sense of hope, unity, and excitement among them. Your dedication to creating a space where they feel welcomed and valued has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for your passion and determination.

 

David, Becks, and Shantell, your continued leadership and involvement in the youth group have been vital in maintaining and nurturing this growth. Your support, guidance, and mentorship provide the foundation for our youth to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The energy, enthusiasm, and faith you bring to the group has been an encouragement to everyone, and we are blessed to have such dedicated leaders who lead by example and inspire our young people every week.

Together, you’ve all created a thriving environment where our youth not only attend church but also become active, engaged members of the congregation. The positive changes we've seen in their lives are a direct result of your hard work, dedication, and love.

 

Thank you all for your selflessness, your leadership, and your commitment to our youth. We are incredibly grateful for each one of you and the difference you continue to make in the lives of our young people.

 

The Bi-Cultural Journey of the Church & Commitment to Climate Justice

Pitt Street Church is on a profound bi-cultural journey, one that celebrates and honours our Māori, Pākehā, and Pacific heritages, while embracing the rich diversity within our congregation. This journey is rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and a deep commitment to living out the gospel in ways that uplift and include all peoples. It is a journey of learning and reconciliation, where we come together to reflect on our shared history and move forward with a common vision of unity and peace.

 

At the heart of this journey lies our commitment to climate justice, which calls us to care for the earth and address the pressing environmental challenges that threaten our world. Through the leadership of Marion and others, we have become more aware of the urgent need to protect God’s creation, particularly in the Pacific region, which faces unique environmental challenges. Marion has been a tireless advocate for creation care, dedicating her time and energy to raise awareness within the church and beyond about the need for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

 

This commitment to climate justice is not just an external action, but a deep expression of our faith. We are reminded that as Christians, we are called to be stewards of the earth, caring for the environment in a way that reflects God’s love and care for all creation. With the support of Anne, Ivan, and many other dedicated congregation members, we have been working to reduce our environmental footprint and to live more sustainably. These efforts include raising awareness through educational initiatives, engaging in prayer and action for the environment, and advocating for policies that protect our planet.

 

As we continue this bi-cultural journey, we are also inspired to connect the protection of creation with our broader ministry, recognising that our responsibility for the earth is inextricably linked to our call to love and serve one another. By embracing our diverse cultural identities and fostering environmental stewardship, we are working together to create a church that reflects both our shared faith and our shared responsibility to the world around us.

 

Lay Preachers: Uili Misa, Eric Laurenson and Judy Robinson

In the absence of our minister, we are immensely grateful for the leadership provided by our lay preachers, Uili Misa, Judy Robinson and Eric Laurenson. They have stepped in with great dedication, leading services, delivering thoughtful sermons, and offering spiritual guidance to the congregation. Their service to the church has been invaluable, ensuring the ongoing rhythm of worship and spiritual care during this transitional period. We appreciate their commitment to our church and their faithful ministry.

 

Upcoming Events:

• Youth-Led Christmas Service: Our annual Christmas Service, led by the youth, will once again showcase the creativity and leadership of our younger members. This service offers a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth and gives our youth an opportunity to play a central role in the worship experience.

• Christmas Carol Service (Led by the Choir): We also look forward to our Christmas Carol Service, led by our talented choir under the direction of Robert and Colin. The choir’s beautiful music will create a festive atmosphere, and the service will be a time for the entire congregation to come together in song and celebration.

 

Safeguarding: Protecting Our Youth and Congregation

In the coming weeks, we are in the process of implementing a safeguarding policy to protect our youth and congregation members. This policy will help ensure that our church remains a safe and supportive environment for all, particularly the most vulnerable among us. We are committed to providing the necessary training, resources, and accountability to ensure that everyone in our church is treated with dignity and respect.

 

At the youth evening on Friday, 22nd November, we had an important conversation with the children about safeguarding, ensuring they understood how to stay safe both in person and online. We explained what safeguarding means, highlighting that it’s about protecting them from harm, listening to their feelings, and making sure they know where to go for help if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We talked about trusted adults they can reach out to, both within our group and beyond, and encouraged them to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. The discussion also covered topics like respectful behavior, setting boundaries, and how to be kind and supportive to each other. It was an engaging and open conversation, designed to help the children feel empowered and confident in knowing they have a safe space to express themselves

 

Community outreach

The Orange Sky service continues to serve those in need in our community by offering hot showers, laundry services, and a place for tea, coffee, and biscuits. This initiative meets both practical needs and provides a space for dignity and connection. We are deeply grateful to Lifewise Methodist Mission, who generously provide tea, coffee, and biscuits for this outreach, making the service warm and welcoming for all.

 

A heartfelt thank you goes to the following Pitt Street members who have been instrumental in facilitating the Orange Sky service:

Sene Grant, Colin Waters, Barbara and David Davies, Pheobe and Neil Muller, Stranz Schaumkel, Shantell Nair and Gabby Tafuna

Additionally, we would like to acknowledge Michael Aufai for his past support.

 

This year, the Pitt Street Church congregation came together in a spirit of generosity and service to host a wonderful Matariki Outreach Lunch, feeding 130 people from our local community. In the true spirit of Matariki, we celebrated not only the Māori New Year but also the values of unity, sharing, and renewal. The event was a beautiful reflection of our church’s commitment to reaching out and supporting those in need, as well as fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging. With the help of volunteers, the congregation prepared and served delicious meals, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their background or circumstances—could enjoy a warm, welcoming space. One of the highlights of the day was a heartwarming performance by the Street Choir, whose music added a special touch to the celebration, bringing joy and a sense of community to all who attended The Matariki lunch was not just a meal; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, hospitality, and the joy of giving. We are incredibly grateful to all who contributed time, resources, and love to make this event a resounding success.

 

Conclusion and 2025 Vision

 

The Pitt Street Congregation is thriving, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our members. From the leadership of our youth to the commitment of our volunteers, from the warmth of our fellowship meals to the impact of our outreach programs, our church is growing in faith, service, and community. We are excited for the upcoming events, particularly as we approach the Christmas season, and we look forward to continuing our shared ministry in the months ahead.

 

As we look toward 2025, Auckland Central Parish envisions a thriving, dynamic community that actively nurtures its youth while fostering a deeper understanding of our bi-cultural heritage and Methodist identity. Central to our vision is the creation of engaging workshops and programs that explore key areas such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our bi-cultural journey, and the Connexional Property Strategy, ensuring our church’s resources are aligned with the needs of the wider community. These initiatives will also provide opportunities for deeper engagement with the structure and procedures within the Methodist Church, enabling our members—especially the youth—to understand the foundations of our faith and practice. Recognising the diverse cultural backgrounds within our congregation, we are committed to creating a space that celebrates and integrates these differences, fostering a sense of belonging for all. Above all, our focus remains on empowering our youth, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow in faith, leadership, and service, so that they can continue to shape the future of the church and our shared journey as a community.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support, prayers, and commitment to the ministry of Pitt Street Congregation.