General Synod / Te Hīnota Whānui
Worship and Bible Studies


Well General Synod couldn't have had a better start to it's first day of business then to be led by young people in worship and in bible study. The Opening morning's study focused on a reading from John 21:15-17, where Jesus tells Peter to "feed my sheep."

The study was led by Wade Aukett (Diocesan youth coordinator in Waikato) and Emma Parkinson (Chapel prefect, Hukarere Maori Girls College).

Emma spoke about what the reading meant to her, noting that Jesus first instructed Peter to "feed my lambs".

"We need to give the word of God to the lambs first ... to the young ones, so that they will grow and be able to pass the word on. I believe that God is asking us to look after and support our young people.

Wade reminded the Synod of how important this reading was to the business of the day. Synod will be discussing the leadership of the whole church in Aotearoa-New Zealand and Polynesia, and will seek to put forward nominations for the position.

Synod delegates discussed the reading in small groups, with most focusing on the responsibility of church "shepherds" to ensure the wellbeing of the sheep. Bishop Pikaahu stated later in the week that the bible studies presented by the young people at this General Synod were amongst the best he has ever seen, anywhere in the world. His sentiments were also echoed by all of the members of General Synod who applauded the calibre of young people present and also for their clarity and confidence in leading the studies.

Earlier on Monday morning, Synod was led in worship by a team of young people from the Hui Amorangi ki te Waipounamu, led by Rev Terry Timutimu, youth enabler for Te Māra Rangatahi Ministry School. This group did an outstanding job, and along with Ema and Wade, really set the right platform for Synod to think about just how their work "feeds Christ's sheep".


 

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