Wellington Parish Welcome New Ministers

As new parish superintendent, Rev Joeli Ducivaki and the Minister in charge of the Samoan congregation, Rev Suiva’aia Te’o were confirmed in their new roles.

Rev Ducivaki and his family were traditionally welcomed on Thursday, 30 January by the Fijian congregation, after they were presented to the congregation by the members of the Pitt Street Parish Fijian congregation. The following day, both Ministers were officially inducted and blessed in their new positions.

The induction service was presided over by the Superintendent of the Lower North Island Synod, Revi Petaia, the Sinoti Samoa Superintendent Rev Paulo Ieli, Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa Synod Superintendent Rev Kalolo Fihaki and the Wasewase ko Viti ke Rotuma Synod Superintendent  Rev Alipate Livani.

Members of the Wellington Parish witnessed the induction ceremony, which also included the gifting of ministry gifts to the two new Ministers.

In his induction sermon, the Rev Ieli shared the message of the people of God also needing to rest and be refreshed so that they can continue to do the work they are called by God to do.

Following the induction service, guests and parish members witnessed traditional ceremonies performed by the Fijian and Samoan congregations.

That included the traditional Fiji ceremony of sevusevu and ivakasobu, where a whale’s tooth was presented to the two Ministers along with kava, welcoming them in the traditional manner to the parish and also re-affirming the parish members commitment to helping the two newly inducted ministers in serving the ministry.

A Samoan ceremony of gifting was then presented where Rev Te’o and her family presented gifts to all the ministers and church leaders present at the event. After, a sumptuous meal was enjoyed by all.

In thanking the parish, Rev Ducivaki, who spoke on behalf of the two ministers, said they were touched by the love and unity shown by parish members in welcoming and receiving them at the parish.

He said they will work together with the pastoral team and the parish members to ensure that the call of God is carried out within the parish and the greater Wellington communities.

Rev Ducivaki is the first Fijian Minister to be appointed Superintendent of the Wellington Methodist Parish.