Conference 2023 Comments Worth Sharing

Conference Chaplain Rev Tovia Aumua addressing Conference participants; “We are united as we come together for action. There is gravity in our mission ahead.”

Rev Keita Hotere at morning tea after the opening online pōwhiri; “This is so much better.”

Nan Russell in response to suggestions that Professional Development Grants limit of $10,000 is inadequate for training purposes. “We have a finite amount of money and an infinite amount of need.”

Nan Russell when asking that the report be received and offering to answer questions after the delivery of Rev Dr Susan Thompson’s report whose presentation was unexpectedly bombed by her dog Felix – to the amusement of everyone watching; “Felix is not taking any questions.”

Nicola Teague-Grundy on presenting options going forward for Mission Resourcing, “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith without having all the answers.”

Carol Barron responding to tributes from Methodist Alliance personnel; “It has been a great privilege to have been in the role. The work has been varied, challenging and absolutely rewarding.”

Rev Siosifa reflecting on his past and particularly his time at 409, thanking many people for the support, love, laughter, leadership that he has received in his ministry; “The church today is so diverse, culturally, theologically and in languages. My aim has been making resources more connexional to serve the many and varied needs of the connexion.”

TeRito Peyroux-Semu thanking Michael Lemanu; “What a blessing to be witness to the last eight years. Thank you for your honesty, care, determination, passion, drive, support and knowledge. And for your cultural competency, generationally and socially. Michael you are a leader, but you are engaged in the grass roots, making it more authentic. ... We are so blessed for your service and ministry, your care in your role and mostly for your mana. … Thank you for your parents who laid the foundation that prepared you for this role. We are fully blessed and grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge this path in your journey. Thank you for all you have done thus far and we look forward to the journey ahead for you.”

Michael Lemanu in response; “Thank you for reading the brief I sent to you! I acknowledge the opportunity of working alongside colleagues from across the Connexion and getting an understanding of what a connexional church really is by working at 409. I want to recognise as well all the unsung, invisible volunteers and acknowledge the leadership, pastoral care, knowledge, mentoring and support of Setaita and Siosifa.”

In reference to the decisions regarding Mission Resourcing Michael Lemanu asked Conference; “Are we jumping off the titanic before we hit the iceberg?”

And Michael posed a challenge to Conference; “I want to encourage us to look at ministry to children and young people and uphold the values and service to young people”.

Rev Setaita reflecting on her past term as President; “It was an experience and a blessing that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. I gave it my all. I am grateful to God for all that was done. I give God the glory. I am grateful to Nicola for all the time we spent together, we cried together, prayed together and we ate together. And to the church for giving me the opportunity to learn to listen. For the love, trust and support I received. I apologize for all that was done that was not what you expected or liked.” 

 “It was a blessing to represent MCNZ and apologize and say sorry to those survivors who have been abused in the care of the Methodist Church. To witness first-hand the reconciliation power of God and the healing was one of the most important moments of my life. I salute the present General Secretary for going further, deeper, wider into bringing healing.” 

 “I thank our chaplains Jill van de Geer and Te Aroha Rountree who did more for us than the church expects. They were always there for us. With us.” 

 Nicola Teague-Grundy reflecting on her term as past Vice President; “I was proud we were the first female team leading our church. We were two very different women from very different backgrounds. We struggled, laughed and cried together. My advice to the new team is, Get to know each other well, then you will back each other up. … Leadership roles in church bring hard times and good times. “

Rev Kathryn Walters’ pre-recorded interview with So’otago Misikei was a highlight as she talked about key moments in her spiritual and ministry journey. At Bible College she realized that she was “not just a Pentecostal, evangelical Christian. It turned out I was an enthusiastic Methodist” and those principles of Methodism have guided her life and ministry. The interview highlighted her remarkable gift for bringing sensitivity and humour to all aspects of her work. “I love to laugh. Humour is a leveller.” Her advice to those considering ministry, “Take risks. Take chances. If you do that in faith and discernment, even if you are wrong you are right if you do it with God.”