E NEWS 18th September 2026
Talofa lava, Kia ora, ko te wiki o te reo Maori.
This week’s e-news comes after a very hectic and full-on ten days of travel and speaking engagements. I would like to share a little of my time away with you, so that you, too, can be part of the journey I have just been on.
The week began last Tuesday when I joined the Queen Margaret College delegation at the Independent Schools New Zealand Conference, held at the new International Convention Centre in Auckland. What a massive and impressive venue it is, with outstanding facilities.
The conference was a refreshing change from the church conferences I usually attend. We heard from some excellent keynote speakers, including an Aboriginal speaker from Australia who spoke powerfully about his people and homeland. He also played the didgeridoo and sang several Indigenous songs. His presentation was simply outstanding. The workshops and keynote addresses were excellent, and the conference concluded with an address from the Minister of Education.
On Sunday morning, I flew back to Wellington to speak at the Dying Matters interfaith presentation at the Wellington Library. It was lovely to see three people from St Andrew’s there to support me and to listen to the other guest speakers.
Afterwards, I dashed across to St Andrew’s to catch up with Prof Jonathon Lemalu (bass baritone) before the Virtuoso Strings concert at 6.30pm. Then it was back onto a plane to Auckland, where I stayed at the Mövenpick Hotel on Customs Street, near the bottom of Queen Street. This marked the beginning of the next part of my journey: presenting three Bible studies for a Council for World Mission Pacific Regional Assembly.
Prof. Jonathon Lemalu and I
The Bible studies were prepared on behalf of the 12 Pacific nations represented within the Council for World Mission. Having served as CWM’s Pacific Regional Secretary some years ago, it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to meet many new friends from across the Pacific.
CWM Pacific Reginal Assembly
The theme of the gathering was Re-envisioning Mission. My first Bible study, “I Have Heard Their Cry,” drew upon the story of Moses and the burning bush—a passage on which I had recently reflected with our congregation.
The second study, “Who Is My Neighbour?”, explored the parable of the Good Samaritan and included some of the issues surrounding the Dawn Raids, which I had also spoken about recently. It was helpful to weave together material I had already been reflecting upon rather than having to reinvent the wheel entirely!
The final study was titled “Behold, I Am Making All Things New.” It invited us to consider what the fullness of life promised by Christ might mean for our churches, our communities and our Pacific region. It drew especially upon the words of John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
And now I am back in the office, preparing for Sunday’s service. As part of our Season of Creation, I will be reflecting on the Pacific context and exploring what we might call the hidden or darker side of Christian mission.
I have some powerful and thought-provoking stories to share. These are stories that need to be told rather than kept hidden, because they are also part of our history and our continuing journey towards truth, healing and justice.
Y Group are also meeting after church on Sunday. So please, if you’re young at heart, bring some food over lunch.
Rev. Dorothy Harvey’s Memorial Service will be held this Wednesday at 2.30pm here at St. Andrew’s if you free to join us.
You are warmly invited to join us in person this Sunday. The service will also be livestreamed for those joining us from home. I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to be with us.
In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful weather we have been given. Ia manuia, and blessings for the week ahead. Fei
Next Sunday Animal Blessing Service at 10:00am. Please bring your pet.
CWM Moderator Dr Natalie Lin Presbyterian Church of Taiwan
PCANZ Assembly Executive Secretary Rev Erin Pendreigh and Natalie and myself
PCANZ Delegation
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/dc1a3fb95419/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-10142547
