It was with some trepidation that I boarded my plane from Dunedin to Wellington for Connect 2005 in Otaki. Although I’d heard rave reviews about past Connects I was the only student from the School of Ministry able to go, so I was slightly paranoid that I wouldn’t know anyone! But, I had a great time. There was a friendly and welcoming buzz about the place, and I left with new friends. 200 Presbyterians involved in working with youth in the same place at the same time, many of them teenagers themselves… it was a high-energy experience!

I was really moved by the sense of unity expressed over that weekend. People had come from all over the country, and from many theological and ethnic backgrounds (I was impressed with how many PIC youth groups were represented) to gather together to worship God and to learn how better to see his kingdom come in our land, and the young people of this nation served through the work of the PCANZ. It was good to see those from more trad churches able to join in and groove down to the funky sounds of PIC Newtown as they led us in singing.

Two things really stood out from the weekend for me.

1) The good food and the great coffee. Camp cooking has certainly improved since I was a kid, and I’m all for getting young people addicted to real coffee while they’re young! If they can spread an ethic of good coffee back to their home churches, maybe more people would come on a Sunday morning?!?

2) The teaching. Justin Duckworth of Urban Vision is a truly life-changing speaker. He reminded us of God’s concern for the weak and marginalised in the world, he called us to costly discipleship including our attitudes to materialism and the stewardship of our money. He challenged us to actually do something! God was truly present in the teaching that weekend. I nearly cried. Several times…

I left Otaki inspired, full of hope for the future and proud to be a member of the Pressie tribe. We have great young people, great leaders coming through, and great individuals already serving in our church. I see no reason why the PCANZ should not catch this new wave of God’s spirit moving in the hearts of the young, bringing the gospel of Christ in relevant ways to those who have not heard it.

I’m already looking forward to Connect 2006!

Nathan Parry

SOM Ordinand