Coping with Transition: A Conversation with Richelle Webb

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Ministry Resources, News, Pastoral Care, Self Care

The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic have been far-reaching, forcing people across the globe into sudden and dramatic changes in the way they live. Everything from our work, how we access healthcare, how we shop and consume food, how we learn and experience education, to how we interact with our friends and family has been altered.   How do we cope with change when it is suddenly thrust upon us?   Rev Rob Reynolds, Wesleyan minister and Director of SIM New Zealand spoke with Richelle Webb, partner with cession|community and Wesleyan missionary serving through SIM, about how some of … Read More

Ministers CAN now officiate at Funerals during Level 3

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Funerals & Tangihanga, National Secretary, News, Pastoral Care

As Pastors our call is to support people as they navigate the highs and lows of life. It is hard when we can’t be there in person and whilst that is still the case for most pastoral situations in Level 3 the good news is we can again provide support on the death of loved ones. But what we can do is still very limited. We have updated the Funeral Guidelines for Ministers to reflect the latest advice that Ministers may officiate as celebrants at Funerals, Tangihanga, So mate, Ala, and Putu under the direction of the Funeral Director. They … Read More

Lest We Forget: Anzac Day 2020

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Events, National Superintendent Update, News

Tēnā koutou katoa, Bula vinaka, Mālō e lelei, Noa’ia, Ni Hao, Magandang araw, Greetings to our Wesleyan Methodist whānau,   ANZAC Day follows hard on the heels of Easter in 2020 and it’s another chance to reflect on the unprecedented times we find ourselves in. I’ve taken a few moments to reflect on what we might “remember” in this season in the attached video.   We stand at the threshold of Level 3 wishing it allowed us more freedom but celebrating that we are moving towards a safer community for our nation. In all the important ways, we are free. Loving … Read More

Amazing, Amazing Grace: Letters from Lockdown

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Good News Stories, News, Pastoral Care

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

A glimpse of life at Alert Level 3

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, National Secretary, News

While New Zealand remains at Alert Level 4, the Government has released more information on Alert Level 3. The purpose of Alert Level 3 is to Restrict the spread of the COVID-19 disease in circumstances where the risk of community transmission remains high. It has been described as a “waiting room” where we as a country assess our progress in eliminating COVID-19. The principle remains to act in the direction of Loving Our Neighbours and to limit contact unless it is absolutely necessary. ​ These preliminary general guidelines have been prepared to help us understand what being at Alert Level … Read More

Resources for the journey

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Ministry Resources, National Secretary, News, Stewardship

One of the many things I love about being a Minister in the WMCNZ is that we all support each other. When we face challenges in our ministry there are always others willing to share their God-given gifts, skills, abilities, knowledge and wisdom. I’ve been privileged to see that play out in a special way as we minister during the current challenging time as we’ve all had to find new ways to minister to the people God has entrusted to us in his church.     Stewardship of Resources & People available on the Covid-19 Local Church Resources page Stewardship … Read More

Caring for Youth & Children in the Midst of a Crisis

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, Ministry Resources, News, Pastoral Care, Youth Ministry

Connecting with our children and young people in meaningful ways that speak to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs can be challenging in the best of circumstances. During this season of Rāhui/Lockdown, we find ourselves wading in unfamiliar waters as we respond to new challenges and concerns, as our children and young people wrestle with the realities of life in lockdown.   ARISE Church brought in Richard Black to talk to their team about navigating life with our kids and teens as we walk through the Covid-19 crisis. This excellent webinar has been made freely available and is an invaluable … Read More

Caring for the Self in the Midst of a Crisis

WMCNZ AdministratorCOVID-19, News, Pastoral Care, Self Care

As ministers and leaders, when we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis, our first instinct is to ensure all those around us are being cared for and supported. But in order to sustain ourselves as we provide for others, we need to keep filling our own wells and look after our own spiritual, mental and emotional health.   Ministry leader, Nurse, Counsellor and Psychotherapist Michelle Yates (Shore Grace Wesleyan) has collated some resources for Pastor’s and Ministry leaders to help support them in maintaining good mental health for themselves and those they minister to during this season of … Read More

Chaplaincy: An Essential Service

WMCNZ AdministratorChaplaincy, COVID-19, Good News Stories, Ministry Resources, News

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