Touchstone captures just a few gold nuggets picked from the extensive talanoa and korero at Conference 2022 …

Ø Rev Keita Hotere during her sermon at Māngungu

“Reflecting on the past and retracing our journey; it’s dangerous work. We never know what we might find.”

Ø Rev Tovia during the Covenant Service

“I thank God for the last three days and for the opportunity to learn a lot about who we are. There are a number of covenants we have signed. Brothers and sisters we come to this special place to celebrate the covenant that God has given us by offering Jesus Christ.”

Ø When torrential rain disrupted plans at Kaeo, Rev Saikolone suggested those present might visit the cairn visible from the church across sodden paddocks

“If you have gumboots, you will be okay getting there. If you have no gumboots you will be the first one there.”

Ø President Peter, reflecting on the vast difference between two words humility and humiliation that share the same roots; in relation to our past when the British crown sought to impose its superior culture, governance and religion on its colonies.

“Just imagine what it would be like if we showed an attitude of humility - and rather than seek to impose ourselves on others - if we could find a common pathway. To change the path of humiliation to one of humility … Following Christ who came not to be served but to serve others.”

Ø General Secretary in passing, after a challenging facilitation session.

“Wow, I am really earning my stipend today.”

Ø President Rev Peter Taylor thanking retires for their enormous contribution to church, community, whenua and ministry acknowledged the pain and joy of retiring

“The laying down of a treasured burden can be hard.“

Ø Sui Williams-Lemi introducing the retirees

“We are all in awe of your ministries.”

Ø Rev Alofa Asiata when asked to share practical advice

“My message to the oldies in the audience, everyone aged 35+, believe in the rangatahi. Culture can be a real barrier to our young people. Give them some opportunities.”

Ø Rev Mark Gibson when asked what he would like to see going forward in church

“We need to learn to walk in this land. My Sabbath Jubilee idea is to encourage every parish to let at least one seventh of your land be regenerative with no buildings or carparks.”

Ø Rev Jill van de Geer When asked about the most influential people she has met in her ministry

“Maurice, my husband. He enabled me to be what I wanted and needed to be. And my children and their families. I am so proud of them and grateful for a life that I never ever imagined.”

Ø Rev Leigh Sundberg (via video) during an interview recorded by Michael Lemanu, when asked to comment on the greatest challenge facing church right now.

“Relevancy! There are still people who just want a nice service and a piece of apple pie.”

Ø Vice President TeRito on the opening day of business and plenary sessions.

“It has been significant over the past three days to share our learnings. Ours is a servant ministry; Go and Do. God is a verb as much as a noun. Don’t Tell Me; Show Me.”

Ø Hoana Flay Council of Elders TTM during her opening prayer on the first day of business.

“Be kind. Be loving. Be respectful. That is all I ask. And we will be the same to you.”

Ø Te Aroha Rountree on business opening day

“Methodism is a movement, not a denomination. We are always journeying and seeking. Our people are wayfarers and explorers. It is important to recognise the wrongs and to seek redress but it is important to keep moving forward.“

Ø Bachelor of Theology Graduate So’ótaga Tamana P. Misikei addressing Conference.

“Because we work together, does not mean we walk together. Because we walk together, does not mean we stand together. Because we fellowship together, does not mean we worship together. My hope for the future is that we can stand in the rain and share an umbrella. ... The bi-cultural journey is the little light of Conference. Let it shine.”

Ø Co facilitator Corinthian Ieli discussing the future of the church, moving forward in faith and transformative memory.

“We need to meet halfway. We are trying to meet you halfway but you are not meting us halfway.”

Ø Rev Donald Phillips (90) when offered a ride down the steep gravel path from Mission House to the bus on the roadside below.

DP “Is the bus departing now?”

“No, in about 10 minutes.”

DP “In that case I will happily walk and I will pop over to see the cemetery on my way.”

Ø Rev Donald Phillipps during his book launch.

“I was carried into the Methodist Church before I was born, I will be carried into the Methodist Church when I die and I have been committed to the Methodist Church every day of my life.“

“John Wesley did not found a church, he founded a movement for reform. I see that as our future. That we may be a source of challenge, action, change and even perhaps a threat. We are a church within a secular state. … John Wesley was part of a long tradition that starts with scripture. He was part of a new world of learning … We belong to the past but we must be leaders into the future.”

Ø Rev Dr Mary Caygill Trinity Methodist Theological College graduation address

“Personally, I am delighted that your graduation is here at Methodist Conference as it showcases the taonga of Trinity Methodist Theological College – 178 years of presence and development, in response to the challenges and demands that church and society have thrown up thus influencing the forms and shaping of the theological programmes offered to best educate, resource, and form people for ministry. “

… “I hope you have been disturbed – creatively so – by your new learnings and explorations. I hope you have developed a hunger for more, a hunger to keep exploring, a hunger to keep learning, and to find fresh innovative and relevant ways to connect biblical and theological narrative to ever present diverse living narratives of individuals, communities, the narratives of the local and the global, the narratives calling out with great urgency from God’s created earth.”

Ø Sharon Hollis, President Uniting Church Australia, addressing Conference

“Thank you to the people of this land who welcomed all of us on Saturday. It is a joy and privilege to be a guest at the Conference.

There is much in the life of Te Hāhi Weteriana that I both admire and am challenged by. The most significant for me is your bi-cultural journey and the way that you seek to honour the sovereignty of Te Taha Māori and allow them to be self-determining. We in the Uniting Church can learn much from this as we seek to honour the sovereignty of the First Peoples in the life of the Uniting Church and find ways to strengthen their capacity for self-determination.”

Ø Hoana Flay presenting the Council of Elders recommendations.

”The business days have been far too long. We need to consider the wellbeing of our elders. Adding one more day for business is better than one less kaumatua during Conference.”

“The bicultural Journey is not just a journey. It is a relationship.”

Ø Deacon Margaret Birtles at the Service of Affirmation

“The Bible should end with a comma, not a full stop. The story is not finished.”