Its amazing the people you meet when you're stuck on a plane! This year I have found myself on planes more often than usual. Everyone on a plane has an interesting story to tell...actually I'll let you in on a little secret - everyone (full stop) has an interesting story if you'll just take the time to listen! 

It makes me think, how often do we really take the time to listen to some-one else's story? How much attention do we give to others, valuing their journey, hearing their dreams and concerns? 

I think it's true to say that this comes more naturally to some than it does to others, but does our comfort level really give a legitimate reason to opt out of engaging in heart felt listening? Much of the time I think not. 

In a world which is obsessed with me-ism, we have an opportunity as Christians to model an alternative way. We can buck the trend and seek to truly engage with the story of other's lives. We can show that we care by having a genuine interest in people's journey. Who knows, maybe we might even get a chance to share some of our journey of faith in Jesus with someone because we have first earned the right to share by listening. 

Or maybe we could just stick our heads in the koru magazine or a book, filling our lives with more of me! The choice is ours to make. 

Blessings, Pastor David 

It seems like forever since I wrote my last “blurb” in the newsletter. Now that our Vision Night/ AGM is over for another year we can get back to me and my 5c worth—what fun :) 

Talking about the Vision Night. I was so encouraged by the turnout again this year. It’s so important to have buy-in and involvement from as many as possi-ble at a time when we are talking about the future. One of the most exciting things about the meeting for me was the fact that we voted in two new El-ders—a woman, and a relatively young man. Congratulations Yvonne and Brendan! 

What is so exciting about that? Well it speaks of where we are as a Church. We are not afraid to recognise leadership wherever it comes from. We are confident enough to entrust ourselves, as Christ’s church, to those He has raised up for the task—without favouritism (sound familiar from our series in Acts?). Well done Church! 

Now we must go about the task that lies ahead: Establishing stronger “Community Involvement” and building for the future through “Capital Devel-opment”. These notions are no small feat, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the determination of a people set aside for the Kingdom of God, then we can achieve this and even more in Jesus’ name. 

Let’s get ourselves up off the couch. Let’s not sit on the sideline. Let’s get in there “boots and all” so that we can see “significant Kingdom impact in South Taranaki”. 

Do I hear an Amen? 

Rich blessings, Pastor David Auty