Rev Dale Peach with President Peter Taylor by .
The inaugural service of the newly formed South Island Synod and the induction of Rev Dale Peach
Lyn Heine — February 7, 2024
On Saturday 27 January the inaugural service of the newly formed South Island Synod and the induction of Rev Dale Peach as Superintendent was held at Aldersgate, Durham Street, Christchurch.
With a wonderful musical beginning, hymns reflecting the various parts and hopes of the Synod, and finishing with the unaccompanied ‘Ma te marie a te Atua’ the service was filled with words and actions of meaning. President Peter performed the induction of Dale and then delivered the sermon speaking to the call and demands of leadership and then having us sing ‘When You Lead Us’ that he wrote.
Synod was followed by the first School of Theology for the Synod, Te Kete Aroha o Waipounamu, and what a challenging, inspiring, stretching time that was. Our theme was Theology on the Edge and our four keynote speakers presented into this topic.
Dr Peter Lineham’s presentations were titled Christianity on the Margins: Globally and Locally, and Life on the Edge: Discipleship in a New World.
Rev Tara Tautari spoke into the current decade theme of Te Haari Weteriana of Rekindling the Vā of Papatuanuku: Faith and Climate Justice.
Dr Kathleen Rushton pushed at the edges of our thinking and understanding with her presentation Using the Prologue of John’s Gospel to uncover how we are called to participate with Jesus in “finishing the works” of God.
Dr David Tombs took us into the dark space of Jesus’ suffering speaking to Jesus Experience of Sexual Abuse: Biblical and Pastoral Perspectives.
In addition to the keynote speakers there were also four workshop presentations: Exploring Mental Health Through Pastoral and Theological Perspectives with Dr Matthew Croucher and Dr Lucy D’Aeth; Theology at the Edges: Being Church But Differently with Rev Darryn Hickling and Heather Simpson; Looking at the Second Testament Through a Jewish Lens with Rev Janet Marsh; and Liturgy at the Edge with Rev David Poultney.
Generous support from the Methodist Prince Albert College fund ensured that costs were kept low and the setting at Aldersgate with its amazing catering was appreciated by all. Feedback overwhelmingly supports the continuation of Te Kete Aroha o Waipounamu and the organising committee have a desire to do this.
