Supporting Regeneration and Mission

Hi friends and colleagues in the Christchurch Diocese,

I trust you've had an encouraging Christmas and have had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family and to recharge. The season of Epiphany is now with us with its focus on the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the nations - a wonderful missional focus to begin any year but especially 2023!

This is my first newsletter for the New Year and you will notice the new format. I'm now using the 'Hail' platform - I hope you'll find it attractive and easy to read. It has many benefits compared to the simple email I used last year - and don't forget to click on 'View the full publication' if the email doesn't display nicely!

I am sending this to Vicars, Priests-in-charge, Wardens and members of the Doi Ministry Team as I did last year. However, if you don't want to receive this email go to the bottom of the newsletter and un-subscribe. Conversely if you think my content is worthwhile, interesting or useful, don't hesitate to share it with a friend or colleague ;-).

I am seeking to achieve three things; resource our churches and key leaders for our task of mission in our communities, tell stories of missional initiatives happening around the Diocese and finally letting you know about the things that I've been up to - partly to be accountable and partly to prompt you to reach out to me for any support you think I can provide.

I'll also include YouTube clips and podcast recommendations that I have found helpful as well as links to other online resources and memorable quotes.

Finally, if you have a story you want to share or a resource you found encouraging, please let me know. I can use this platform as a clearing house for hints, strategies and ministry tools. As Anglicans in central Te Waipounamu, we are participating in and carrying forward the mission of God. We are in this together. We need each other. And by God's grace we will become more effective at sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with our respective communities and enable our churches to reach out and to thrive.

Grace and peace,

Ven. Mark Chamberlain

Archdeacon for Regeneration and Mission.