Forward Progress at The Well (Christchurch)

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On Sunday, 9 August 2020, The Well Church (Christchurch) celebrated the induction of David Graham as their new Assistant Pastor. After a prolonged hiring process (extended due to Covid-19), David started into this new role at the beginning of August. It has been very encouraging to see the many ways God has actively been guiding this process with David from the very outset. There is a clear sense of call, a strong sense of ‘fit,’ and an answer to prayer. Please read on (below) for a bio of David, Sydney, and Norah Graham. It was an encouraging time of forward … Read More

Back in the Pulpit

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This past Sunday represented a significant milestone in Rev Dr Richard Waugh’s recovery journey as he preached his first message at East City Wesleyan since Christmas 2019!  Taking Luke 10:25-37 as his text, Rev Waugh drew comparisons between the parable of the Good Samaritan and the life and ministry of TV show host Rev Fred Rogers aka “Mister Rogers”.  “A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood” was part of East City Wesleyan’s “At the Movies” series where popular movie themes are interwoven with the timeless truths of scripture, to present gospel challenges for the 21st century. The day was made special … Read More

Homeless in Lockdown

WMCNZ AdministratorChildrens Ministry, Community Ministry, COVID-19, Good News Stories, Homelessness, NewsLeave a Comment

For most of us, lockdown came with a silver lining – homes to be locked down in!  Not so, for a number of people in our communities for whom homelessness is a daily reality. Prior to lockdown cession|community, a Wesleyan Church in the eastern suburbs of Auckland became involved with the work of Humanity NZ. Humanity NZ ministers to the homeless in the Auckland CBD through the provision of food, clothing and support to get off the street. When the call went out for assistance, cultivate|kids, the children’s ministry for cession|community, answered. Families were in lockdown but here was something … Read More

Healing Waters: Working with the Leprosy Mission in Nepal

WMCNZ AdministratorGood News Stories, Healing, Missions, News, Youth MinistryLeave a Comment

At the beginning of 2020 Halamehi ‘Akau’ola from Joyful News Wesleyan spent two weeks working the Leprosy Mission in Nepal. Today, Mehi shares her life-changing experience with us. ‘A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.’ Matthew 8:1-4 reveals one of Jesus’ many miracles where he heals a man with leprosy, a disease that many who live in developed countries would not believe still … Read More

Amazing, Amazing Grace: Letters from Lockdown

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Good News Stories, News, Pastoral CareLeave a Comment

During Aotearoa’s Nationwide Level 4 Alert, many of our WMCNZ whānau have found creative ways to express God’s mission by serving as Christ’s hands and feet in their local communities.   This week one of our ministers, Rev Semisi Kailahi of Amazing Grace of Gethsemene Wesleyan, wrote us this beautiful letter to share with us the way God has been working in and through him as he seeks to serve God and the people of his community.   Rev Semisi has taken the challenges of adapting to being the church during lockdown in his stride, embracing new digital technologies to … Read More

Chaplaincy: An Essential Service

WMCNZ AdministratorChaplaincy, COVID-19, Good News Stories, Ministry Resources, NewsLeave a Comment

The Wesleyan Methodist Church has a number of chaplains working in hospitals, mental health facilities, rest homes and within the media sector. Some are continuing to offer face-to-face services; others are working remotely. We asked Rev. Yvonne Fisk to share about her experiences in the current season – demand is on the increase and Rev Yvonne is running 5-6 services per week!   I became a Chaplain two months ago at a Christian based Rest Home and Hospital in Auckland. Since my childhood, I have had a great affinity for working with our elderly or Seniors(!) as some people prefer … Read More

Ministering to the Media: Rev Frank Ritchie

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The relationship between the Church and news media is often fraught with tension and misunderstanding. It’s a relationship that Rev Frank Ritchie from Commoners Wesleyan Community is seeking to reshape through his work as a chaplain with Media Chaplaincy NZ.   Frank is no stranger to the work of news media, having worked in radio broadcasting in New Zealand for many years. His insight into the demands of the industry and his skill in communicating have allowed Frank to fuse his passions for both media and ministry in a unique way, allowing him to come alongside media professionals to offer … Read More