> ABOUT ST NINIAN'S
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.
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.
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.
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.
 
Introducing St Ninian's minister Rev Neil Keesing, a Methodist.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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".
 
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.
Neil can be contacted by phone on (04) 476-3154 or by email at:- stnup@xtra.co.nz
 
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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