Methodist Church of New Zealand|Touchstone May 2022

A Mighty Tree has Fallen

May 8, 2022

Ady Shannon

Supplied

Paul and Margaret Sotutu with long-time friends Frank and Vanessa Leadley.

At a service of thanksgiving and remembrance at St Johns Golden Church, Whangarei, whanau, friends, former colleagues, fellow Methodists and ministerial officials from NZ and Fiji gathered to reflect on Paul Sotutu’s life and ministry.

This month our feature article reflects on the life of Paul Sotutu, a remarkable man who made a huge impact on church, community and the lives of many leaders throughout the Pacific and around the Commonwealth.

We look at plans for Conference 2022 when Methodists from all over Aotearoa will come together to celebrate our past and determine a strategy for the future. A number of commemorative events in places of special significance will set the scene for the conversations and mahi ahead as church representatives set a direction for MCNZ. Committees are currently reviewing plans, procedures and processes across a range of areas, from allocation of resources, to disciplinary procedures, to determining a vision for MCNZ that responds to changing times ahead.

Reflections on the past and responding effectively to the ever-changing demands of the future are a common theme this month. Rev Setaita Veikune encourages churches to look beyond the horizon for support and resources to achieve great outcomes. She illustrates with a community garden initiative undertaken by the Dominion Road Tongan Methodist Congregation which is working collaboratively with government agencies to feed their local community and address need. It is an inspiring read.

It was with sadness that I received a message in April from long-time reviewer and Touchstone contributor Rev John Meredith, advising that he is terminally ill and no longer able to write for this publication. John reflects on his life, his prognosis and the deep faith and spirituality that influences his response to the future.

I hope you will enjoy the content and find interest in and inspiration from the articles.

Warm regards
Ady Shannon, Editor Touchstone

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