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CONNECT 2002

Connect 2002, the bi-annual national youth workers/leaders gathering was held at Silverstream on 18-20 September.The focus of the weekend was to build relationships with each other and to be refuelled in our ministry to young people.The theme was ‘connecting’ and speakers included Silver Fern Linda Vagana, NZ rugby player Mark Ranby, Caleb Hardie and Mark Johnston.

<typohead type=2>It was also a time where we articulated our common vision</typohead>

<typohead type=2>Vision</typohead>

"To offer young people opportunities to grow in their faith in God"

<typohead type=2>Strategy</typohead>

CONNECT: nationally, regionally, locally
PREPARE: dream, research, plan
ACT: intentionally, effectively, with passion

The vision spiral has evolved as I have travelled around the country this year and talked to people working with youth. While different churches have different mission statements, this statement provides a place for us to find common ground. The strategy recognises that in ministry relationships come first, we must take time to reflect, understand our context and ask ‘What would Jesus do?’ before we act – intentionally, effectively and with Passion (with a capital P.)

Some brave punters also stayed on as youth representatives for the National Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ which took place during the following week. Rt. Rev Michael Thawley was instated as the new moderator and among the significant decisions made, was the establishment of a Pacific Island Synod.

Allister tells it like it was...

In September youth leaders from around New Zealand met at ‘Connect’ the first national gathering for those working with youth within our church in four years. Having been at the last such gathering in Ashburton, I was greatly encouraged to meet a lot of hugely dynamic and motivated people working in various contexts to share the love of God with young people. As a Wellingtonian (from way back!) I was particularly impressed by the people who travelled long distances to join together for the weekend. People really made a huge effort to come to this event, even if they had not been to such a national gathering before and weren’t so sure what goes on. I certainly believe that the weekend was very worthwhile for all who attended.

We grounded the weekend by beginning on the Friday night with worship and a message from Caleb Hardie. We had input over the weekend from Linda Vagana, Mark Johnston, Mark Ranby and Mo Mansill. On Saturday night we celebrated the launch of Lisa Smith’s photographic research of how young people express their faith in Aotearoa. We also joined together for Communion and watched the movie ‘Chocalat’. The lure of the golf driving range proved strong enough for some to get them down the road to swing a five iron.

I was encouraged to share a weekend with many others who also have this calling of God to be involved with young people in PCANZ. It was a very special time of building. We built new friendships. We built a sense of vision. We were built up as we gathered together in an act of worship -simply by being together in Wellington that weekend. The encouragement that comes from a shared sense of purpose is life-changing and life-enhancing. I am fully committed to seeing regional connection with youth workers and compelling people to join in the next CONNECT weekend next year.

Things I took away from the weekend were simple truths and achievable goals that will enhance what I do in youth work and allow us all to achieve more together. Let’s meet for coffee more. Let’s talk with other leaders to share success. Let’s thank God regularly for placing us where he has.

Allister Lane
Many Wellingtonians in the Presby youth network and beyond have been inspired and encouraged in their faith by Allister, who has been committed to serving Christ for years and has recently been accepted as a candidate for ordained ministry.