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ABOUT ST NINIAN'S |
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| Our
History |
| The Karori
Northland Uniting Parish was formed in 1994 as an amalgamation of the St
Ninian's Presbyterian Church and Wellington West Methodist Churches, St
John's in Karori and Ward Memorial Church in Northland. |
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| In 1999,
all buildings on the St John's and Ward sites were sold. The funds from
the sale of the Methodist property was utilised to refurbish our facilities
to meet the changing needs of the congregation and the community. On February
23 2003 we opened our refurbished buildings and in March 2003 we officially
became known as the St. Ninian's Uniting Parish. |
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| In March
2003, we also farwelled our minister Pamela Tankersley. Pamela had been
with the Parish for over nine years since it first became a Uniting Parish. |
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| As we look
to the future, we continue to focus on our relationship with the Karori
community, and on the challenge of meeting the spiritual needs of new generations. |
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| Introducing
St Ninian's minister Rev Neil Keesing, a Methodist. |
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| Neil is
in his 21st year of ministry, having served in parishes at Otumoetai, Hamilton
and Tauranga. Before beginning theological studies Neil worked for 5 years
in a bank, and for 9 years in the timber industry, so he came into ministry
with a broad experience of life. |
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| Formerly
a competitive sportsman in athletics, hockey and squash, Neil retains an
interest in most sports and now enjoys tramping and swimming. He is married
to Christine who is a School Dental Therapist. |
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| Neil considers
his main purpose in ministry to be, "Endeavouring to find a Christian expression
of faith that may be relevant both to thinking Christians and those who
have had little or no experience of Christianity." He sees his task as,
" Enabling people to relate to Jesus and to the creative life force of the
Universe who we call "God". |
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| To make
this connexion he is not afraid to question traditional dogma or to offer
alternative ways of understanding the Bible. Neil also encourages an active
faith which expresses itself through Christ-like compassion for others.
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| Neil can
be contacted by phone on (04) 476-3154 or by email at:- stnup@xtra.co.nz
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| About
our beliefs |
| At St Ninian's
Uniting Parish we benefit from the heritages of two great denominational
churches: Presbyterianism, which emphasises the study of Scripture and Methodism
which stresses putting the Gospel of love and justice into practice in the
community.These strengths have been integrated in the life and worship of
our uniting church. |
| We believe
in exploring the Bible with the resources of contemporary scholarship while
at the same time offering loving service to the wider community. |
| We seek
to present the message of unconditional love proclaimed by Jesus Christ
and made tangible through his life of love, faith, compassion, forgiveness,
healing, truth, peace and justice for all. |
| We are
an inclusive community, accepting all people of peace, irrespective of age,
race, culture, creed or sexuality. All are invited to share in the sacrament
of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. |
| Within
our church 'family' children are regarded as being very important and we
provide a safe and happy environment for them to learn and socialise in. |
| As a community
of faith we offer a place of warmth and security, where we can worship God
and enjoy one other's company as we journey together on our search for understanding
and purpose. |
| As a people
we seek the reality of God and the guidance of Jesus Christ. We offer an
environment of acceptance where all are valued, differences respected and
where there is room for the vast diversity that is God's own creation. |
| We would
love you to journey with us. |
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