2009 Forum

Weaving The Threads Biennial Forum 2009

Forum 2009 was held at Ad Astra, the hostel for Wanganui Girls College, from 1- 4 October. Over 60 people attended from all parts of New Zealand and had the opportunity to celebrate, organise and witness.  Forum's have always been more than business meetings and this year provided plenty to think about building on the theme of weaving threads.

Keynote Speaker Bishop Philip Richardson

The keynote speaker was Bishop Philip Richardson from New Plymouth and he shared with us some of the exciting things that are happening in the Taranaki District, with both Anglican and ecumenical emphases.  People were able to reflect on some of the ideas and real examples of what could be done.

Workshops

A series of workshops allowed people to inact with a broard range of topics, including music, spirituality, community mission, mixing generations, dealing with change and even a practical time of learning to weave.

 
Making braid in the weaving workshop.

There was also some input from Education of Ministry (EFM) and Fiona Prestidge (Christian Cops Network).

Fiona Prestidge (Christian Cops Network)

Worship

Worship was ably led by Marilyn Welch and Graeme White, assisted by a number of puppets from Te Atatu who proved a bit of a handful.

Links for Worship
Saturday Worship
Warp and Weft - Graeme White
Closing Worship
The warp and the weft- Peter MacKenzie

Business Session

In the business session a new Standing Committee was elected, with co-chairs Geoffry Donovan and Marilyn Welch, and members: Winston Baker, Beverley Deverell, David Dittmer, Catherine Dunkley, Lyn Heine, Neville Price, Rilma Sands, Stuart Sinclair, and Graeme White.  They are joined by partner representatives and will meet three times a year.  Discussion was also begun on the concept of parish oversight and a discussion paper is available and comment is sought before march next year.
Oversight Discussion Paper
Minutes of the Business session

Janet Taege being thanked by Geoff Donovan as Janet ends her time as Co-Chair

Youth and Parish Stories and other Stuff

The group of young people experiencing Sevent-Hood first hand led by Wanganui City Missioner Shirley-Joy Barrow


Taking Part in the youth evening on Saturday night.

Cathrine Dunkley and Peter Norman telling the Motueka Union Parish Story

Group enjoying a new hymn in the music workshop.

Executive Officer Peter MacKenzie wearing the tartan on Sunday Morning