MOTUEKA ANGLICAN PARISH

PROFILE

St Thomas Church and auditorium

St Thomas – celebrating 100 years

The Motueka Anglican Parish is a loving and caring Parish with a diverse congregation. We are ready to

move to the next level and we are waiting and open to a new Vicar who can enliven us and move us

forward. We would prefer someone who is prepared to make a long term investment in achieving this

vision with us.

Overview Our parish is centred on the church of St Thomas in Motueka and includes the communities of Riwaka and Ngatimoti each with its own church building. There is a vicarage on the St Thomas site. The Parish includes within its boundaries Kaiteriteri and Marahau to the north, part of the Motueka Valley to the south, Tasman Township and Jacketts Island to the east, while the western boundary is flanked by the eastern side of the Takaka Hill. It is an attractive scenic area with beaches, National Parks, and a pleasant climate which attracts both holiday makers and retirees. Historically the parish has been of an evangelical nature and several community ministry programmes are based at St Thomas'. Motueka is 50 kms, or a 45 minute drive, from Nelson. It is a rural town within the Tasman District owing its existence to farming, horticulture (principally apples, pears, kiwifruit, grapes and hops), fishing and tourism. Much of the recent growth in the area has been built around its proximity to both Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

The town has a number and variety of pre-school's, primary schools (both secular and Christian) and a High School of over 600 students.

The town is well serviced by GP's, with well resourced medical centres and a local community hospital providing extensive geriatric care. There are also retirement villas and a rest home. According to the 2013 census the population of the Motueka Parish area was 13383. The Ministry of Economic Development provide regular information on visitor numbers through the Regional Tourism Office (RTO). While the figures do not separate out Nelson and Tasman Districts it would be fair to assume that many of the visitors will come to the Motueka area. Given it is the gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks and host to a number of beaches which are crowded in the holiday season. It is regarded as one of the most stunning parts of the country. A number of those involved in horticulture and viticulture in the region are part of the Recognised Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE) and around 1000 people, mainly from the Pacific Islands, come to this area each year to work. Many of these people attend local churches including St Thomas.

Schools in the area also inform us that they have seen a significant demographic change in recent years with an increase in the number of cultures attending the schools. There is a wide diversity of people living in the area with a number of communes, including the oldest in the country - Riverside, as well as an Exclusive Brethren community. In recent times there has been an influx of European immigrants looking for a rural lifestyle with a benevolent climate. A good range of service and sports clubs are available. There are several churches of various denominations within the town.The town itself has a wide range of businesses which cater to the increasing tourism in the area. Many businesses are dependent on the visitors to be viable and the busy summer period is economically important. The now well established group promoting Motueka is Our Town Motueka which has continued to foster relationship between businesses and other community based groups. Their web site at http://www.ourtownmotueka.co.nz/ provides a great overview of the area.

Property and Plant

Motueka

The property is well situated on High Street, the main thoroughfare of Motueka. The frontage features a large open area used by the public to sit or picnic on. It is the only open green space on the main street

There are large trees, an expanse of lawn and some garden which is well maintained. The church facilities consist of St Thomas Church which is over 100 years old, panelled in Rimu, and can comfortably seat 120. It is used for the 9:00am Sunday service using the NZ Prayer book. The adjoining foyer is used for many day to day functions within the life of the church and accesses a modern kitchen, a parish office and a vicar’s office and toilets. Opening off the foyer, the auditorium is used for the 10.30am contemporary worship service and can hold up to 200 people. The church and auditorium have a modern sound system, a loop system and a data projector. Behind this complex is the Parish Centre which houses the children’s ministry area and ancillary rooms. Beyond the parish centre is the vicarage. This building was built in the early 1960’s and contains 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas and a study. The building has extensive grounds with mature plantings and lawn. Access to the vicarage is via the church grounds. All buildings in the parish are in a good state of repair, with a regular maintenance programme in place.

Riwaka

St Barnabas church is in Riwaka, 5 minutes from Motueka towards Kaiteriteri. It is a small rural community where many of the descendants of the European settlers still live. It has some small commercial outlets and a primary school. It is predominantly a hop growing and orcharding area, but people also commute to work in Motueka. St Barnabas Church is situated on the main road through Riwaka. A useful extension was added a few years ago to accommodate larger gatherings. There is also a church hall containing a kitchen and toilet facilities which is used regularly by an after school painting class. The church has ample off street parking, and there is a fortnightly service at 9:00am followed by a cuppa in the foyer. The local Maori community run a monthly service.

Ngatimoti

Ngatimoti is a small rural community in the Motueka valley some 20 minutes drive from Motueka which boasts a hall, a church and a school. There is a strong community spirit and and while farming is predominant, a number of people work in town with Motueka, Richmond or Nelson being easily accessed.

The church is a picturesque 125 year old historic building and is set to the backdrop of Mount Arthur. The Friends of St James, a group formed to maintain and enhance the church, have worked tirelessly to make this church a special place. There is a monthly service and the church family actively promote the use of the church for weddings and other events. There is also a small hall.

Parish Administration The parish employs a part time administrator who is based in the parish office 3 mornings a week. The Parish Administrator is also secretary to Vestry and prepares the weekly newsletter and manages parish communications.

Finance

The parish currently has a small deficit budget ($3300) for the current financial year, with no foreseeable large costs in the near future. There are 50 regular givers (automatic payment or envelope system payers) at St Thomas church. The parish has a modest reserve fund from bequests.

Ministries

Pastoral Care

Care includes The giving of meals to families in times of emergencies from the parish freezer ministry.

Home based communion for house bound parishioners

Fortnightly communion services at Woodlands Rest Home and Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital.

Community Outreach

Eldercare ministry

The coordinator Matt Beech is working 8 hours per week in this role. The scope of this ministry covers 3 seminars for seniors per year, which Matt coordinates and facilitates. This ministry includes pastoral visitation, hospital chaplaincy within 1 of the 2 local Rest Homes/hospitals, which also has a dementia Unit. Matt has built up a very wide-ranging network of contacts within Motueka.

Messy Church

A new congregation that meets once a month on a Tuesday between 5 – 7pm that includes all age worship, activities, a celebration followed by a free evening meal. Attendance ranges from 50 – 80 people.

Mission

The parish is committed to mission, and mission giving including special appeals which are well supported. The parish sponsors or supports a number of mission projects and overseas missionaries. The parish also supports the work of the local food bank and the emergency night shelter.

Children and Family Ministry

KLICK takes place at St Thomas alongside the 10:30am service. The format is designed to give opportunities for the children to praise and worship together, share in small groups, and to be encouraged to grow and out work their faith in everyday life. There is a rostered teacher and an average attendance of 15 children.

Youth Group

Up until 2014 there has been an active youth group which is currently in recess due to lack of leaders.

Community Services

Tom Thumb’s Playgroup

This programme runs in the crèche within the Parish Centre and meets on Thursdays from 9:30am to mid-day. It receives some funding from the Ministry of Education. The parish pay one staff member who co-ordinates the programme and, along with volunteer members of St Thomas, carries out pastoral visiting with families who attend the playgroup. The group has an attendance of 20 children along with their caregivers.

Pre-school Music and Movement

This is held each Wednesday at 10-11am in the church auditorium. The programme involves approximately 30 minutes of music, dance and songs followed by morning tea for everyone. This group has approximately 12 children attending plus caregivers.

Winning with Words

This is held on Mondays and Tuesdays. We aim to raise the literacy levels of children who have fallen behind and to build their confidence and sense of self worth, hence the name ‘winning with words.’ Teachers work one on one with children. At present we have 9 volunteer teachers teaching 22 children. This is an after school literacy programme for 6-10 year olds. Children who struggle with reading, spelling or writing come once a week for small group tuition with a trained teacher. This ministry is held in high regard by the community.

Ministry to Adults

AAW

This group of women meet on a monthly basis and run various social and spiritual activities. This group is also active in supporting outreach programmes.

Men’s Breakfast

The men run a monthly breakfast which provides a substantial breakfast and offers fellowship and support. It often features a topical guest speaker or bible study.

Study Groups

Currently we have two bible study groups. One group meets on Thursday afternoon in the church foyer and the second group meets on a Tuesday evening in a parishioner’s home. A feature of many of the studies has been a focus for the Sunday sermon.

Prayer Labyrinth

There is an area for contemplative and reflective prayer set in St Thomas’s grounds. This is a quiet and peaceful corner which is open to the public.

Prayer Chain

A co-ordinator receives prayer requests and is supported by a list of 7 prayer chain members.

Intercessory Prayer

This group meets weekly on a Thursday morning after the 11am service and currently focuses on the church community.

Prayer Focus

At a recent vestry retreat a very clear spirit filled message was received that a refocus and prioritising of prayer was required across the parish, corporately and individually. This was explored and encouraged in many ways and part of this is setting aside 12.20pm on a Thursday encouraging all to pause wherever they might be to pray for the parish. A vision was also given at the retreat, of St Thomas’s bell tower as a lighthouse shining into our community. This theme of a lighthouse built on the solid foundation of prayer has continued to be explored as we look to shine our light into the community, providing safe harbour, offering hope and God’s love in action. There is a desire within the parish to pursue the ministry of healing.

Walking for Health

This group meets at the church at 9am on Tuesday mornings. An hour long walk is enjoyed

around the streets and parks nearby, finishing back at a local café for a cuppa together. Both

community and church people are involved.

Worship Services All services have an active roster for readers, leaders, celebrants, assistants and welcomers. It is produced three months in advance.

St Thomas', Motueka

The main parish church has two morning services: 9.00 am N.Z.P.B Liturgy held in the church. Traditional Holy Communion Service, with an older congregation. Steady attendance of 25-35. 10.30 am Family Communion, in the auditorium. A more informal service with a wide age range and attendances average 45-55. KLICK (Children’s programme) is held in parallel with this service. Morning tea is held between the 9.00 and 10.30 services, to allow both congregations to meet and mingle. 11am Thursdays Holy Communion service followed by Parish Prayer Messy Church is held 5 – 7pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month. All age worship followed by a meal.

St Barnabas , Riwaka

9.00 am 2nd and 4th Sundays N.Z.P.B. Service. 1st Sunday Maori mission service This has a small, older congregation.

St James, Ngatimoti

10.30 am 3rd Sunday of the month. Well established Sunday school programme and children’s choir An historical church with good support from the local community overseen by Rev Neil Bowdler and has other ecumenical involvement.

Parish Staff 2 Non stipendiary priests, Neil Bowdler and Pamela Soult (ex-UK, summer period only) 1 priest who has permission to officiate, Matt Beech 1 Retired Priest, Peter Swears A Parish Administrator, Sue Clark, is employed 3 mornings a week.

The Present and the Future

The qualities most highly valued in the parish were identified in a recent survey as being

1. Caring for one another

2. Diversity in worship

3. Having a positive influence in the community

4. Our children, family and eldercare programmes

5. Fellowship

Our vision is as follows

As the Motueka Anglican Parish we are committed to being a spiritually empowered Christian community who are:

totally devoted to God,

reaching out in loving service growing together in maturity of faith

Therefore we are looking for

spiritual growth and extending prayer life

strengthening and expansion of pastoral care

growing our ministries

extending community outreach

Desired Qualities in Our Next Vicar

Our church family looks for a vicar with the following qualities

1. Be a good team leader who understands the value of teams

2. Be enthusiastic and have a vision to grow our congregation both spiritually and

numerically

3. Be able to communicate with a wide range of people on a personal level.

4. Be a good role model and mentor

5. Value pastoral care

6. Comfortable and confident about giving other people room to exercise their skills.

7. Be accessible and available

8. Understanding of the diversity of a rural parish

9. Has a sound understanding of the Anglican church, its traditions and special

celebrations and shows sensitivity to different worship styles

10. Participate with local clergy and become part of other ecumenical activities in the

district.