Te Haerenga ki Kanatapere
Zhane Tahau Whelan, one of our promising young ordinands currently studying at St John’s, Auckland, attended the annual Canterbury Scholar’s conference in England this year. He shares some of his reflections here:
In June, I was privileged to attend the 2019 Canterbury Scholars Conference. Hosted by the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral. 28 Anglican ordinands & newly ordained ministers from across the globe are invited annually.
With the group representing the the broad range & diversity of our Church around the globe - with reps from Africa, the Americas, Asia, England, &, of course, Aotearoa - the course showcased the breadth & depth of the Anglican Communion & what it means to be in reciprocal relationship with one another as a global family. We were led by several outstanding Priest-scholars with sessions on a range of topics such as liturgy, mission, & evangelism. They were aided by experts in these fields which allowed for fruitful discussion & loving dialogue as the group held various theological views & convictions.
One of the first things we were told by the Dean of Canterbury was, ‘Welcome to a place that belongs to you & your brothers & sisters from around the world, welcome to a place that you can call home.’
A special moment for me was joining in karakia with the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday & being asked to lead prayers in Te Reo. Joined by 9 others praying in their own languages, this experience gave me great affirmation of the words of scripture: ‘ano te pai, ano te ahuareka o te nohoanga o nga taina, o nga tuakana i runga i te whakaaro kotahi!.’
It was a marvellous experience to come together with people from different backgrounds, each with our own distinct & beautiful culture, but woven together by our mutual call to follow Christ.
Redshirt, USA: Kawea Te Rongopai
Aotearoa has been in relationship with the whanau of Red Shirt Table on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation since 2006 when we first sent reps to spend time with the Oglala Lakota people; in more recent years Tairawhiti has recommited to this kaupapa which in 2019 celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Beginning in California, the journey takes young people on a 3 day pilgrimage across half of the USA to a small settlement in South Dakota where, through cultural exchange, loving service, & intentional community the pilgrims & the people of Red Shirt seek to live out the calling of the gospel to love & to serve.
9 people, led by our Bishop, made the journey this year & were fantastic ambassadors for Te Tairawhiti - sharing the best of our haahi and culture, taking part in their Wacipi (Pow Wow), and connecting with felow tangata whenua. To reciprocate their manaakitanga, the karanga has been made for them to join us in Te Tairawhiti in future.
Hui Amorangi 2019
From 12-14 July, delegates from rohe & pariha across Te Tairawhiti gathered at Hiruharama Pā for their AGM. It was a fun & relaxed hui, with some serious korero about the challenges that our whānau & communities face, & plenty of encouragement for minita & lay-people who serve our marae & whanau so tirelessly.
Emerging from the hui, the focus for the next year is simple: “Arohaina. Manaakitia. Kawea te Rongopai ki te pani me te rawakore, ki te ao katoa. Kia tipu te mahara, te whaihanga, me te oranga.” Hui Amorangi for 2020 will in the Turanga-Whangara rohe.
UPCOMING DATES
14-17 Aug: Kura Takurua, Turanga
23-24 Aug: Wananga Heipu: Resourcing Ministry (Treasurers), Turanga
12 Sep: Ordination & Installation of Bishop of Upoko o Te Ika, Wairarapa
12-15 Sep: TPOA Runanganui, Wairarapa
20-21 Sep: Postulant Interviews, Turanga
11-12 Oct: Wananga Heipu / Sustaining Ministry (Governance), Turanga
30 Nov: Tairawhiti Ordination Karakia
HAERENGA KI KANATAPERE: KAI HAPA ME TE KUINI
On his last day in London, Zhane got an invitation he couldn’t refuse: an offer from the Queen’s Personal Chaplain to attend Kai Hapa at Buckingham Palace.
‘Days earlier I walked outside the Palace admiring the majesty, pomp & ceremony’, said Zhane.
‘I’d never have thought days later I would be invited inside to take communion.’
After clearing security, Zhane was led to the Queen’s private chapel; as part of karakia he read the Gospel.
‘I was honoured to take part in such an intimate & sacred service, drinking from the same cup as Queen Elizabeth II, & monarchs from the past 300+ years.’
‘It is a memory I will treasure forever.’