Celebrating Milestones and Unity

Diamond Jubilee Anniversary and Conference of The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma

In the last week of August, I, along with Talatala Qase (Synod Superintendent) Alipate Livani of Wasewase Ko Viti kei Rotuma and inaugural Wasewase Talatala Qase Peni Tikoinaka, attended the 60th Jubilee Anniversary and Conference of The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma. Held in Suva, Fiji, this event marked the church’s first full Conference in many years, following both Covid-19 and previous government sanctions. The Conference attracted over a thousand delegates from Fiji, Rotuma, and around the world. Participants engaged in the business part of the Conference and enjoyed choral singing each evening, featuring various church district, circuit, and ecumenical choirs.

 

The Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations included tributes to past Presidents, presbyters, deaconesses, and lay leaders whose contributions have shaped the church’s aspirations and journey over the last six decades. This was a timely opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of many of the same people, who served and made a significant impact in both the Fiji and New Zealand Methodist Churches. I particularly remember their Past Presidents, Rev. Dr. Ilaitia Sevati Tuwere and Rev. Dr. Jione Langi, whose exemplary ministries and leadership here in Aotearoa remain unmatched.

As representatives, who also serve as church leaders in Fijian and Rotuman congregations in the Tauiwi part of our Hāhi, attending this Conference “back home” was a true blessing. It served as a reminder of the opportunities to be nurtured, to learn, to grow, to serve, and to lead at various levels of our Hāhi. Most importantly, it was a reminder of our responsibility to respect and uphold the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tangata Whenua in our Hāhi and in this land.

Re-opening Service and Celebrations at Wesley Broadway Methodist Church

In mid-September it was a sheer delight to attend the Re-opening Service and Celebrations at Wesley Broadway Methodist Church in Palmerston North. This momentous occasion marked the coming together of the English speaking and Tongan language congregations, which are part of our Lower North Island and Vahefonua o Aotearoa Synods respectively, on a beautifully renewed and well-constructed site.

 

Although President Peter and I had the privilege of leading the service, themed “Renewal of the building, renewal of the people,” the success of this event and the four-and-a-half-year rebuild project is a testament to the continued dedication, hard work, and leadership of Reverends Ian Boddy and Sesipā Mausia, Building Committee Leader Eileen Longley, and the members of both congregations and respective parishes. Their collective efforts ensured that both the celebrations on the day and the extensive rebuild project were highly prosperous.

 

Sinoti Samoa Mission Choir’s Continued Success

Following a successful first place in the Open Gospel Category at the World Choir Games 2024, held in Auckland in July, our very own Sinoti Samoa Mission Choir has continued to touch hearts, soothe souls, and delight ears. Their recent participation in the Musika Moana Choir Competition, which I had the pleasure of attending, definitely stirred emotions and inspired many.

 

Beyond their musical achievements, the Mission Choir is deeply committed to community outreach and service. They spread the ‘Word of God’ and share a beautiful testimony of healing and hope through music.

 

I acknowledge the leadership, organisation, and stewardship of Reverends Fatu Tufuga and Ieremia Amituana’i, Suvania Tufuga, Corinthian Ieli, Matila Amituana’i, Lise Oloi-Shriyan, and Fau Lemoa. Their dedication, along with that of each choir member, has been a source of strength and comfort, especially in recent months.

 

Looking Ahead

In the coming month, as President Peter and I prepare to “hand over the reins” to our incoming Presidential Team, we still have numerous services, celebrations, engagements, and duties to attend to. These events continue to immerse us in the vast and vibrant tapestry of our beautiful Hāhi.

 

Serving as Vice President over the last two years has been a phenomenal experience, and I am deeply grateful to everyone I have had the blessing to meet along the way. Meitaki Ma’ata & Faiakse’ea 'e hanisi! Thanks be to God.