Kia ora e te whanau
We’ve recently been reminded that the 2025 UCANZ Forum establishing the UCANZ Review Commission was charged to:
· Consult widely with Cooperative Ventures and the UCANZ Standing Committee to listen to their experiences and insights, and to interpret these in light of the current and emerging context.
We’ve had Parish concern expressed at the lack of information, or contact from the Commission. There is little we can respond to such concerns with – it’s out of our hands. While we recognise that the clock is ticking, we remain hopeful for a Spirit inspired, forward-looking Commission response – one we can all affirm as a positive way forward for Co-operative Ventures.
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
Warren Buffett Says Most Leaders Ignore the Asset That Determines Their Success
Working too hard? Making too many personal and family sacrifices – all in pursuit of success? Buffett recently retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (though remains chair of the Board). Coming up 96. In this article he lists the priorities that have helped him go the distance. Successfully. This INC article by Marcel Schwantes can be engaged with here: https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/warren-buffett-health-wellness-body-advice/91364423
The leadership discipline many high-performing teams forget
This one speaks loudly into Kiwi Culture. It reminded me of an encounter with a tourist on a beach some years ago. We ended up talking about different national distinctives – as portrayed through a whole series of jokes, then current, about the world’s shortest books. She offered one that floored me – ‘The New Zealand Book of Compliments’. Ouch! So apposite – we’re not good at praising, honouring, or even acknowledging others when they have done well. And when we do, it often comes with a barb. This article emphasises not just the importance of acknowledging and celebrating success, but also of analysing it – what were the factors that made it work, and what can we learn for the future. The article can be read here: https://www.theceomagazine.com/business/management-leadership/celebrating-team-success/
How to Fix Your Team’s Procrastination Problem
We’ve all had plans and projects that just seem to drag – never get going. We have them on the meeting agenda and they keep coming up month after month with little apparent progress. This article offers insight on why teams procrastinate, and what we can do about it. It turns out that most of the remedy is in the hands of the leaders. The article can be read here: https://davidburkus.com/2026/06/fix-your-teams-procrastination/
10 Signs That Someone Is Gaslighting You
We’ve heard the expression ‘GasLighting’. And so few understand what it means or where it comes from. As quoted in this article:
The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1944 movie Gaslight, where a husband manipulated the gas lights in his and his wife’s home so that they would flicker. But whenever the wife would ask about the flickering, he would deny that anything was happening. Over time, this, in combination with other deceptive tactics, helped convince his wife that she was going insane.
Once we’re aware of what ‘Gaslighting’ is, it’s much easier to recognise. And we discover how common it is. This ‘Psychology Today’ article aptly lays out 10 of the characteristics of Gaslighting behaviour: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-funny-bone-to-pick/202606/10-signs-that-someone-is-gaslighting-you
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 5th of July, – based on Matthew 11 vs 16-19, 25-30 is titled ‘Created for Relationship – not Autonomy’ . It can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrDZooNw5KQ
Gospel Conversations – out of the Dunedin Anglican Diocese. They host a conversation of (usually) 4 Theologians / Practitioners. The site with all its options can be accessed here: https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/gospel-conversations/. Led by Michael Godfrey, rather than the Gospel text, this year they are generally focusing on other parts of the Lectionary. For this coming Sunday they ‘explore Zechariah’s vision of a king who comes not with military power, but with humility and peace. In an uncertain world, they reflect on what it means to live as “prisoners of hope”, trusting that God’s eternal kingdom is already breaking into our lives and will one day be fully realised’. The ‘Conversation’ can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSafzq4dT4w
Rev Darryn Hickling (Methodist colleague leading the Rolleston Project) has posted an Instagram reflection titled ‘Context is Important’. Darren includes the part omitted by the Lectionary Gospel text for the coming Sunday – Matthew 11 vs 16-30. It can be accessed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaKZVGbhKEq/
Rev Dr Trevor Hoggard has posted a Matariki sermon acknowledging the coming event. In fairness, it’s more a look at cosmology, the amazing Universe in which we find ourselves. Done with warmth and self-deprecating humour, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Trevor’s offering can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cJO1MWlXo4&t=901s
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Once again, use the videos as you will.
Yes, There’s More – Curating Worship
We’ll give this one more outing before we review its future – 10am, next Tuesday morning (7th July) is the 4th of our ‘Curating Worship’ sessions.
The Gospel Text for the 12th of July is Matthew 13 vs 1-9, 18-23. It will help if some time has been spent, even just sitting with the text, before joining the call.
The zoom is open to whoever is willing to participate.
To repeat, our next Curating Worship encounter will be at 10am, next Tuesday the 7th of July. The same zoom link as today should work: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83470352829
A Reminder – UCANZ Biennial Forum 2027 – to be marked in your diaries!
Yes, while it does not meet universal approval, we used Kings Birthday for our last forum, and we’ll be doing the same next year. We recognise this is a much coveted long weekend for many. We need the extra time that the long weekend offers. We expect to receive the report of the Partner’s Review Commission into UCANZ, and will want to give some time for ‘next steps’. However, we’re also planning to make this a resourcing event, and are currently exploring themes around what it means for church to be ecumenical in our local settings.
What we’ve settled on
When: Opening – 7pm on Friday the 4th, and Closure with lunch on Monday 7th of June 2027
Where: St Marks / Wesley Uniting Church, 58 Woburn Road, Hutt City Uniting Parish, Wellington. This is handy to an extensive public transport system, so booking for accommodation leaves open a broader series of options.