INVITATION

Their remaining members make choices about driving long distances or attending services of a different denomination in local churches which still have open doors. Those choices aren’t available for people who live on an island.

Stewart Island once had two vibrant churches – St Andrew’s Anglican and Oban Presbyterian. There is now no local congregation at St Andrew’s and only an occasional service there round Christmas and Easter. Oban Presbyterian still has regular services and a small core of devoted members who welcome both visiting tourists, and ministers –lay and ordained – from a variety of denominations. They can no longer afford the travel fares for volunteer worship leaders, but they do offer an amazing accommodation perk. This is two free nights in a well-equipped manse, which sleeps four, and a suggested $25 per person donation for any extra nights.

Stewart Island is a very attractive tourist destination and a night even in a basic DoC hut in the wilderness there costs 2 or 3 times that – with no electricity, laundered sheets, friendly pick-up service, etc

So if you could lead worship some Sunday and enjoy several days on New Zealand’s third and very beautiful island, do get in touch with the Interim moderator, Rev Nyalle Paris, (or phone 03 218 0663). You would be so very welcome.