By Rebecca Paton

In the upper South Island parish of Awatere / Flaxbourne Rev Miriam Taylor runs innovative programmes aimed at building community and networks in isolated rural areas. Miriam describes the programmes as spiritually and socially refreshing, just what was needed when parish members approached her.

"About six years ago three women, within one week, from three different areas of the parish, indicated that they would welcome the stimulation of discussion with other women on matters related to life in general. There was also a strong expression of interest in exploring the Bible and discovering what it has to say on various issues." The first of several social gatherings became known as 'Women at the Well'.

Says Miriam, "We decided upon 'The Women at the Well' because in olden times women's excursions to the communal well were an opportunity to socialize with other women. And in the Bible, (John 4), the story of The Woman at the Well tells of a woman's meeting with Jesus at the well, which completely changed her life and renewed her spitritually, mentally and socially."

Travelling the parish is a full timejob for Miriam who runs programmes in all corners of the district. Miriam describes the parish as "extensive with a widely scattered population." Many families within the parish live in isolated areas with no near neighbours.

The women's groups have discussed topics ranging from grief, stress and cancer to angels, "matters of the mind - our internal commentary", and new age philosophy.

Miriam also organises a 'drop-in centre' cum opportunity shop in the township of Seddon. The clothing exchange is open two hours each week during the school term at the St Andrew's Church Centere. Local women run the centre. Another initiative called the 'UFO group' started recently. This enables women to meet and complete unfinished items of craftwork or handiwork.

"This UFO's (Un-Finished Objects) Group is proving a very popular weekly opportunity for women to have 'timeout' and ejoy a sense of accomplishment, as knitting, embroidery, darning, patching and even photgraph albums get finished. The group meets in a home, (around a fire in winter), with soft music, fresh flowers, and yes even candles to help give an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. It's great!"

Other groups that Miriam runs include 'Mainly Music' in Kekerengu, a half hour programme of music, singing and actions for preschoolers and their caregivers; Hot Tips for Parents, Hot Tips for Marriage and Alpha.