We are delighted to announce that Andy Dickson will begin as our Young Adults Worker with our Antioch community in February 2023.

Andy and Beks and their children are part of our lifestreams congregation, we asked them a few questions:

Kia ora, Andy. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family…

We're a family of five. Beks and I have been married 15 years and we have three kids, Sophia 11, Mackenzie 9, and Korah 4.

My parents are local and Beks' family are in Nelson, which is one reason why we came back to Christchurch from Auckland when we started having kids.

We’ve enjoyed having you along to lifestreams as a family for the past few months. What drew you along to St Barnabas?

We were looking for somewhere that was intergenerational, where our kids were just as called as we were. We also were looking for a space that allowed for a range of differing beliefs while still being committed to one another. We feel like we found that at Lifestreams.

We’re delighted that you’ll be joining us as our Young Adults Worker in the new year. But that’s part-time…What will you be up to the rest of the time?

Beks and I run a cake decorating supplies company called Sugar Lips, with our own brand of sprinkles and a wide range of other baking and decorating products. We run it out of home where we are rapidly running out of room as the children and the business all keep growing! The children also keep us fairly busy!

I also run a podcast called Down to Earth Conversations, where I interview people about the good they are doing in the world, or as I say, how they are helping to bring a bit of heaven "Down to Earth". I've released over 60 episodes since early 2020. [Check them out at downtoearthconversations.com or wherever you get your podcasts] or click here:

What are your hopes as you come alongside our Young Adults of the Antioch community next year?

I'm really looking to come alongside what is already happening and helping it to grow and flourish by supporting those involved. I'm also keen to dream with the Young Adults about what new things could emerge.

Ultimately, though, I really just want to help our young adults to continue to know they are loved, and to live out the love of God in their lives.

And what are some things you really enjoy doing when you have some leisure time?

I love sport. Playing it, watching it, talking about it. I enjoy a good detective novel. I love to learn so I listen to podcasts a lot... While I'm working, driving, running. I'm told my most common phrase is "I was listening to a podcast the other day..."!