What a thoroughly odd year.
It’s the year of disasters, pandemics, protests, and Karen-memes. On top of this is anxiety around the international impact of COVID-19 and the recent BLM movement which are shielding the news cycle from already existing crises of climate change, inequality and other humanitarian disasters. We live in heavy times.
It has been a challenging year too for many members of our Cityside community. There are a number of us with job uncertainty weighing heavily, various manifestations of cabin fever and guilt with the amount of compromise we have to live with at the moment. Many of us are wrestling with the constant changing of routine throughout lockdown and the “emerging from it only to be heading back into it”. This is not an easy period in history and the struggles are real. Remember that you’re doing better than you think—and that is the truth.
To be writing a report into the middle of this anxiety feels odd but I hope it will leave you with some positive vibes.
The following thoughts flow naturally from last year’s report [link] where I talked about three characteristics of Cityside that seem important and worthwhile investing time and energy into:
These still remain in my mind as being priorities but I do hold them loosely as we embark more fully on a consultation process using the regenerative framework (see the Regen Team’s report later in this document).
As I was thinking about how to imagine how this looks for us I had an image of a pōhutukawa tree growing inside the church building, bursting out of the windows and entrances and flourishing outside. No longer ‘just a building’ but a container of life and a symbol of life in the constraints of the urban setting.
Pōhutukawa trees have a firm place in my own story as I remember climbing on the one at Owairaka Primary school where I grew up. It was so sprawly and strong that you could play tiggy on it without touching the ground (which was lava of course!). The strong boughs, low to the ground, tentacled out from the trunk making for perfect swaying as we pretended to be pirates, astronauts or victims in an earthquake.
I also remember how disruptive the roots are to paving—particularly remembering along Tāmaki drive around Kohimaramara. Or when we stayed in Whangaparaoa for holidays—they had baches up there in those days—and exploring the cliffs of little Manly beach. They are strong and intrusive trees that hold tenaciously to clay cliff faces for decades. They are beautiful too, making a glorious statement every summer with their dazzling crimson flowers that would fall to the earth to form a beautifully soft mat.
Yeah, Pōhutukawa trees are definitely a good symbol for Cityside. Boldly ritualed, sprawling and strong, intrusive and disruptive, sanctuary from the lava of life, a place of imagination and beauty holding on tenaciously as the christian church in New Zealand erodes away. Maybe I’m getting carried away—but that’s what dreaming is about.
On one hand there’s the big bold plans of redevelopment, and all the ideas on how that could work for the church. And then there are the more intimate stories of how Cityside at various stages in the past and present has provided life giving space for people’s faith. Over the years we’ve taken the fairly tired and wrecked insides of the old church space and more modern northern end and carved our stories into the walls through our presence and our art. Purple carpet, veneer wood panels, awkward doorways and entrances, crazy ramps and room configurations form a fascinating evolutionary story—but there are very few spaces today that aren’t being used during the week.
Cityside’s building has a multilayered, deeply storied, quirky and unfashionable, evolved and unique interior, with voices whispering a simple word from every corner: Welcome. These walls have soaked the last 30 years of our history into them, have been infused with the fragrance of people left during tens of thousands of visits, and the dust in the corners becomes taonga made by everybody’s shed skin cells at some time from the past through to the present. All this elicits a profoundly visceral sense of welcome for all who enter and stay.
We provide a sacred space that is a sanctuary to those who use it. And I honour you, the Cityside community, both present and before, for your part in making this so. I enjoy how this story is emerging.
Having regular poetry, music, art class, mens groups, activist groups, drama classes, improv groups and musicians practising in our facilities makes for a dynamic and colourful week when I’m on site. It is wonderful to see these people valuing our space and sensing the wairua of Cityside when they are there.
Some Cityside event highlights have been the Two Artists Present evening, An evening with Brad Jersack and Christmas Eve 2019—Mulled Musings at the Manger. On the last one I was amazed at the beautiful synergy between Advent themes, carols, scripture and poems by Citysiders. It was really nice to have Ri Weal send one of her poems for us to read out too. We also added to our Cityside Saints collection and I’m hoping we can add a couple more in the very near future.
I just feel like it’s all contained inside. Can all this stuff spill out? Just a little? I like my wee picture because it still provides shelter for the life. It’s a safe way to be to show something of who we are. The invitation to come play becomes more explicit than implicit where you have to go through the doors to see the good life-giving sanctuary that we are.
Thanks again to everyone on Council for the work you put into holding our church. Particularly the Management Team who under Richard’s guidance have managed to complete some pretty sizeable projects in the last twelve months.
I have appreciated working with Grant B as chair and also with Mark H as my liaison. I’m mindful that they’ve had some pretty significant responsibilities in their own organisations and I am grateful to them for carving out some time for Cityside and myself.
These have continued to be a core part of Cityside’s life and we’ve enjoyed some spectacular initiatives by the curators. They have been very committed to the idea of ‘more voices’ which is a constant call throughout our annual reports, and we do what we can to facilitate this.
We began the year strongly again with a three week look at biculturalism in NZ around Waitangi Day. We had Brad Haami, John Thorpe and Susan Healy all share with us deep challenges to think about our response to Te Tiriti, decolonisation and systemic racism.
Then as we began looking toward Easter, lockdown happened. Zoom became our goto and sustained our community life well for that period. It was great to exercise some different creativity and build something from scratch. The breakout rooms were a resounding success and it was nice to bring the little animated/music openings to the services. The lo-fi nature of the services works well within the Cityside ethos and it was great to see us join so strongly together to make it work. Great too to see those from outside Auckland be able to join us. Special thanks to Kristy P, Sarah W and Micah F for your assistance in being Zoom techs.
Our services since lockdown were just starting to get into the rhythm again when lockdown v2.0 came along—back to Zoom.
I can’t express enough how much I appreciate our curators, Karen H, Roxie and Kit H, Helen D, Derek M and Fergus have all brought us very different and very creative energy to our services. And of course they can only curate the contributions that you as Citysiders bring to the services.
I express heartfelt gratitude to Bronwyn for curating our music and for each of the musicians who maintain a gentle and authentic song led worship experience. Thank you for your gifts to us Bronwyn, Mark and Brenda, Peter M, Sarah W, Jaimee and Micah.
I’m aware too that without the other aspects of Cityside’s life gathering outside Sundays there would be much less depth as a community. I thank the Monastics group, Sarah O’Brien for organising the “Richard Rohr Universal Christ” discussion group, the BBC (women’s book club), the Skilling’s hosting Silence at Southside, Sarah O and Kirsten M hosting Conversation and Contemplation and Julianne hosting the Centering Prayer services. On top of that there’s always a healthy number who shoot up to TwentyThree after the service for a cuppa and chat.
It was sad that we couldn’t head away for a church ‘camp’ together because of the pandemic, but I am grateful to Kirsten and Mark for organising our group space at Festival One.
What we do together outside of Sunday is really the measure of our community spirit.
I am eternally grateful to Hyunsil for all she does to support the church in administration and help with my shortcomings in the admin side. She’s genuinely amazing and we would be lost without her dedication, insight, patience and competency.
I thank David too for diligently cleaning our premises each week and to our friend Daniel Vale who looks after our garden (and other church gardens) after hours.
This has been a strange time and I believe we made a reasonable attempt as community leaders to reach out to everyone over lockdown. However, that was a big task and I fear that it was a bigger project than I anticipated. My apologies if you didn’t receive a phone call during that time. I’m grateful to Kimberley, Sarah W and Steve T who took on part of this task—you are champions.
There has been a fair amount of activity between Citysiders offering support to each other during this time too—which is exactly how this should work. Though, I do feel like I’m the last to know about issues sometimes so please do let me know if you hear of anyone who could do with a visit, a call or some prayer.
One of the best parts of my role is to meet and see people and I look forward to a time when this becomes more possible. Until then phone calls (admittedly not my strength) and messages will be my modus operandi.
I’m encouraged by the manner in which the the Lockdown Journey series of emails was received. I enjoyed writing it and it was nice to relive the Camino after my tour was cancelled.
Jeannie and the team have done a great job in looking after this space for us. With Jeannie finishing up at the end of this term, we are facing similar challenges to what we have done in the past. Jeannie has done an amazing job at holding our children with enough vision to keep it going forward and yet holding it loosely enough for someone else to take over at any point. Unfortunately this didn’t happen and still Jeannie held the space for us positively and with dedication.
Jeannie I thank you for what you have given to us in the last couple of years. I’ve enjoyed working with you and having your input and guidance in the conversations around the kids. I’ve especially valued you reaching out to them individually and making room during lockdown for them to meet virtually. You have been a tremendous gift to us in filling this important role.
I am grateful to Rosemary D who is leading our conversations into running Children’s Space as a collective into 2021. Typically the responsibility for looking after the kids has rested on the shoulders of the parents. While this worked in the past, the reality of this model is that the more children you have, the more years you have to volunteer. It’s understandable that there are some people who are weary. If you’re not a parent of kids in Children’s Space, you can actually offer something to the collective—even a commitment of two sessions a year from four people covers 20% of the of the sessions. Please consider this, particularly if you’ve had experience with kids in the past.
After the disappointment of Theresa’s resignation just before the AGM last year, the team had to pull together to help Matrix stick together. I was grateful to Maddie for stepping in to provide a consistent presence as much as she could while others came and led the content. Michelle P, Murray and Vince really helped to hold the space while we went through the process of filling the role again.
I’m very pleased that Rosie Fleming has joined us as the co-ordinator. It was a shame that just as the year was kicking in, COVID-19 scuppered Easter Camp and then the rest is history. Once again, just as momentum was being built by Rosie, lockdown v2 cancelled a camp at Mangawhai scheduled for the beginning of September. Nevertheless, I’m impressed with Rosie’s resilience and commitment to our teens. Rosie’s report is a must read.
One thing I need to add here. As with Children’s Space, we need more volunteers. We took Rosie on in the co-ordinator role with the promise of supporting her with volunteer help she requires. For various reasons—and there is no judgement on anyone here—we’ve not been able to follow through on this for the long term. Rosie and the teenagers need us to step up if we are going to resource the teenagers of Cityside for their faith future. Again please consider how you can be part of this.
Quietly behind the scenes a small group of us have been pulling together a process for determining the ‘story lines’ that make up Cityside. It did go off the boil during lockdown 1 but we’ve met again and will be ready to present something at the AGM on concrete next steps. Roxie has been working with Justine S, Damaris, Rosemary and myself to work on this plan. Thank you to the team and I look forward to how this progresses.
I’ve been delighted with our progress in this area with the services at the beginning of the year, the continued support for Reo in our services and the13 people registering for the reading group on Ngāpuhi Speaks.
It feels as though the seeds that have been sown in the last number of years (predating me) are beginning to take root. This is a gentle journey and at times it will be challenging, particularly as our world-views are so different. Accepting difference is, of course, an area in which Cityside excels, and so rather than creating a point of tension it will lead to more growth. It will be interesting to see where God takes us on this pathway and what opportunities will arise.
There is much to be thankful for at Cityside and while there are some who are no longer travelling with us, we are grateful for the time shared together. My hope and prayer is that 2021 will be smoother than 2020 (surely it must!).
Aroha nui,
Stu
At Cityside, we have a group of thoughtful, caring and creative children as part of our community. It would be my hope that they are known and appreciated by the whole community.
At Children’s Space we have a focus on both spiritual formation and connection. Our Sunday morning sessions aim to include both these aspects with social outings / activities organised to continue the connections made on a Sunday morning. Since the last AGM, journeys, justice and the Psalms have been among our themes, along with the usual church calendar events. Our programme for this year was interrupted by the lockdown. There were many appreciative comments about the Zoom service led by the children during this time. We also used Zoom to stay connected with one other during lockdown.
It is always a special occasion when others from our Cityside community share with us on a Sunday morning. We appreciated hearing from Stu about some of his experience on the Camino, Christina shared some photos and thoughts from the special trip she and her adult family made to Jordan and Israel and Pravin came to talk with us about Fair Trade. We also enjoyed another Sunday morning outing by train to the Heeringa’s place where Sarah led us in an up-cycling project.
We have had two giving projects since the last AGM. In December. the children organised a City Mission fundraiser by putting on a movie marathon where we watched Paddington, shared a pizza dinner then watched Paddington 2. We raised $380 for the City Mission. We also participated in the Jammies in June – our third year involved in this very worthwhile cause. The main fundraiser for this is usually a Sunday morning bake sale so initially it looked like that couldn’t happen this year. But we moved to Level 1 just in time for a great array of goodies to be on sale on a June Sunday morning. As a result of the children’s efforts and Citysiders’ generosity, we were able to send 51 pairs of new, warm pyjamas to the Middlemore Foundation.
Currently there are 18 children aged 5-12 on our roll, 13 of whom come on a regular or semi-regular basis. By the beginning of next year, 4 of those children will head off to Matrix, leaving an increasingly smaller group in Children’s Space given that there are no younger children ready to join the group. The weekly attendance varies a lot (from memory the range this year has been from 3-13) so as the numbers of children in this group decreases due to those transitioning to Matrix, I imagine this might present a challenge.
This will be my last term as co-ordinator for Children’s Space. I began the role in Term 1 of 2018, having agreed to take this on for one term. 11 terms later, I know it is now time for me to step down. The role and my connection with the children it has enabled has enriched my life in so many ways and for that I am grateful. I would like to thank Michelle Bedingfield for her contribution of lessons for the youngest children of the group as they have been needed, Hyunsil for her constant help and support in so many way, and Stu, whose support, wisdom and listening ear has made it possible for me to continue in this role longer than I had anticipated.
Jeannie
Back in February before Covid ever really infiltrated everyday life this is how I envisaged Matrix. A group of young people who were keen and willing to attempt difficult things. Those things being crossing and climbing mountains. Being outside of your comfort zone, bonding in the wilderness together. However, now that we are in lockdown those things have changed. While it is difficult to be outdoors together a bit more there is still that sense of longing and wanting from the young people.
This might be a bit of a cliché but I would love to see Matrix go deep, hence the ocean. I would love to see our young people using their gifts particularly in serving others. I was talking with another youth pastor about how wonderful and unique our Matrix youth. I discussed how I would love for them to lead and teach the other youth things they have learned from Cityside. Like contemplation, reflection, meditation to name a few. The youth pastor I talked with was really surprised that young people were gifted and knew how to do this well as it is normally a struggle for other youth ministries.
I personally have a passion for serving the LGBT+ community, particularly the youth. Previously when I have wanted to do this while working for the church it was just awkward. The church was ok with me doing things but if it wouldn’t be traced back to the church. Whereas here I discussed with Stu my recent involvement in a school LGBT+ support group and how I am wanting to do my masters thesis around LGBT+. I was met with encouragement and even told that Cityside would be pleased to hear this. This is a new one for me and I have found it rather refreshing and encouraging.
Growth. I have come a long way in the last two years ago. I was a very broken, bitter, and pessimistic young woman who hated the Church and felt betrayed by it. While I am still rather cynical, being at Cityside has helped me to grow, learn, forgive, and learn to move forward. I know that majority of it is God continually shaping me, but I know I would not have come as far as I have without the community of Cityside.
I want to continue to grow and flourish. I hope to do that at Cityside.
Colour, beauty, and life. I think love how Cityside leans into the creative artistic side of people. Its wonderful and amazing. However, as a fairly newish person (around 2 years coming to Cityside), sometimes it can feel a little pessimistic. I admit that I can feed into that, but it would be nice to see more sparks of hope and optimism during our services. Not necessarily changing everything but maybe a small prayer of thanks here or there or a celebration or two.
In the short span of time I have known the Matrix young people they have taught me a lot and challenged me a lot. They are such justice focused young people. It leaves me both in awe and guilty. They have such a passion for seeing equality and for being people who are honourable particularly to others. I wrote the words around this symbol as these are the words that come to mind when I think of the Matrix young people. They truly are an incredible bunch of people, who I do think will change the world.
Rosie Fleming
The Management Team comprises Sarah Heeringa, Mark Haines, Sarah Woodfield (seconded from March 2020), Richard Taylor and Stu McGregor (ex-officio).
The team meet approximately every 3 months with Damaris Kingdon joining the meeting for the first 20mins to discuss joint matters. This has worked very well and provided time for face-to-face discussion with Damaris on property matters.
No changes have been made to the current commercial agreements. During the Covid-19 shutdown, the Management Team (with Council’s agreement) worked with 8Space (Damaris) to manage the impact of the lockdown. The outcome of this was that due to 8Space not receiving income from the ‘artists’ over approximately 7 weeks, normal lease payments covering this 7 week period were not required of 8Space. This loss of the artspace area lease income, as well as the loss of income from renting other church spaces was offset by the government Covid-19 wage subsidy which the church applied for and received.
It is noted that the existing lease agreements were extended (in 2019) to February 2022 to provide certainty to Damaris (the main leaseholder trading as 8Space) in light of the current discussion around future possibilities for the church building.
These leases and rental agreements have the benefits of greater utilization of the church premises for activities compatible with church life, while also providing important income for the church.
Two key improvements have recently been carried out.
The electrical switchboard in the lobby needs to be upgraded (including the earthing), and some antiquated wiring from this switchboard needs to be replaced in the near future.
Sealing of the small unimproved area adjacent to the footpath (above the ramp) in Burleigh Street is planned. This will provide a new small carpark.
More comprehensive planning for overall building maintenance and improvements is also proposed.
Firstly, thanks again to Simon Yule for all the work he has done over recent years. He has now stepped down from this role, and I would like to thank Ross and David Bedingfield (and Hyunsil) for helping out more recently.
Richard Taylor
2020 is of course unlike any other year before it. Many of you would have read my report from last year. (Click link). In many ways the joy and opportunities that come with managing the rental community have continued in much the same vein so rather than repeat what I wrote last year, I would like to comment specifically on the impact of Covid 19 and the resulting lockdown period in March/April/May.
On the morning after Level 4 lock down was announced, my day began at 2 am and I was grateful that the Cityside Management Team and I had prepared in advance and I had some indication of how I needed to respond. By 8 am, with the support of Cityside Management Team, all rents were cancelled to prevent immediate abandonment of tenancies and to allow for the greatest possibility of return to normal following the lockdown period. The expression of gratitude was an absolute outpouring, with people literally breaking down in tears on the floor of the studio, such was the fear of the financial consequences that could have resulted from being caught having to pay for something without the employment necessary to support the tenancy. Additionally, a member of the Cityside community stepped forward to award each of the weekly residents $100 each in personal financial support anonymously. Not all accepted this support, but for a significant number, this gift was graciously accepted, largely in a spirit of disbelief that anyone cared that much.
During lockdown itself, many of the rentals community stayed in contact and shared the journey over Zoom. People’s creative practice flourished.
The financial impact of lockdown had its way and we were set to reopen with five vacancies, but on the first day of Level 2, all five were filled and since 15th May, the studio has never been busier or more fulfilling in terms of the feeling of community. Once at Alert Level 1, I remember a group hug in the studio. Our humanity never more vulnerable, tears have been frequent, as we have struggled through the recovery period and the inevitable relational road bumps that have manifest.
I have felt tremendously grateful to the leadership community at Cityside and the partnership that we have engaged in to make this place one of true refuge, care and creativity.
As I write this, we are in another lockdown. This one somehow even more shocking because of its more speedy entrance into our lives and the likelihood that this will be an ongoing risk for us, hanging over our heads as long as Covid 19 is affecting our world. Naturally, the stressful impact of lockdown is nothing compared to the stress of an unconstrained outbreak so it is preferable to the alternative but we live with the impacts none-the-less and it’s hard.
I have found myself digging deep into my faith, sourcing the well of Spirit that God has inbuilt within each of us. I remember the scripture when St Paul repeated what he felt Christ say to him in the midst of a relentless struggle. ‘“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” …therefore I am well content in weakness… for when I am weak (in Christ), then I am strong.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9)
This helplessness to control my own and others suffering, brings the people and circumstances in front of me into clear and present focus. What good can I do in this moment? For this moment is all I have.
Kia kaha Cityside friends, we are all in this together. Damaris
8Space Limited
Some interesting facts and figures around Covid 19 impact on rentals below.
Spaces leased/rented by 8Space:
Notes:
Notes:
March 2020 –$506 income loss to Cityside This loss is calculated by counting the actual bookings that had to be cancelled due to the Covid 19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown on March 25th. It does not include the commission amount that would have been paid to 8Space, nor does it include any prediction of additional irregular bookings that may have come in otherwise.
April 2020 – Approximate loss of $2000 income to Cityside based on what is likely to have come in over that month if it had been business as usual. The small amount of income that did continue through the lockdown period is due to a small amount of storage that continued to be paid for.
May 2020 – Approximate loss of $1000 - $1200 income to Cityside we were fortunate that the majority of renters returned within the first couple of weeks of Alert Level 2, reflecting an income rate that is a little below 50% of what Cityside would normally receive.
June 2020 – In June we largely recovered with the remaining regular renters returning in the second half of June.
July 2020 – July is an unconfirmed figure but current estimates have it as very similar to June.
I Damaris, as the director of 8Space, would like to formally thank Cityside, for the goodwill and generosity of relationship that has allowed this rental business to survive the Covid 19 lockdown period. I also acknowledge the generosity of our government with the wage subsidy, which has allowed both Cityside and 8Space to take this impact in our stride.
It is with sincere gratitude that I continue to put my ongoing efforts into making this business succeed.
Damaris Kingdon
Director 8Space Ltd
damariskingdon@gmail.com
Or
damaris@cityside.org.nz
021 662 657
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn Why, why, why?
Love, love, love, love, love
Insanity laughs under pressure we’re breaking
The world is under pressure. Some things & people are breaking.
We’re in a good place. We have money to give away. There are people who could use it. Put pressure on your friendly community leader to love, love, love.
yunsil, doing admin things with a smile (and impressive tenacity when needed).
Damaris saved us. Blessed be Damaris. Without the rental income we would have been....under pressure. You, dear giver. Thank you.
Craig
August 2020.
Tap on the image below for the beautifully designed (thank you Roxie!) 4 page PDF.
I am grateful for playing with other kids.
I liked the games night
Jeannie doing and organising fun stuff for us to do.
I have enjoyed The events and connecting with the other kids my age out side of Cityside.
I am grateful for Jeanie taking children's space because she makes it really fun.
Matrix conversations
Praying to god
Learning about stories that are about people who good helped and knowing god is with me.
Helps me to think about God in everyday life.
I helps me think about Christian values throughout my life.
It gives a chance to connect with people
Having communion
Singing to God.
I think that lighting the candle every time is helpful for me to be aware of god. Also I enjoy the singing before children's space.
The songs
More events
Nothing, I love it the way it is!
Surf trips?
Have more youth events
More events
Nothing, I love it the way it is!
Surf trips?
Have more youth events
Helping me have a calm space out of my busy life to reflect.
A safe God space to be challenged and feel connected.
My weekly stop-for-Christianity-religion in the Christianity-religion-context doing the deliberate-Christianity-religious-activity
Reflective times and spaces. Hearing other people's stories. Sharing communion. Connecting with the Cityside community.
The constancy of having a community that never fails to be authentic about their faith is an excellent anchor for the soul. Thanks guys for being yourselves, and for continuing to honour Jesus.
By bringing me into contact with others who are like minded in their belief systems so I can discuss the questions and challenges that life as a Christ-follower brings.
the thoughts to ponder on from the Bits thinking about spiritual formation for our children and hearing their ideas and thoughts being exposed to issues such as care for the environment, equality and injustice
There have been several inspiring services. The stories that people share in the services and more informally with each other have helped me and encouraged me. It's a network of incredible people that I feel very privileged to be part of. Some have helped me out personally when I've needed people to talk to.
It is a pretty loaded question but I'll have a crack, the church in its present form allows creativity, space and movement of the holyspirit, it's formation is intimate so his body (us) feel close, presence and Aroha.
Great 'sermons' and sharing by so many different Citysiders about their work and life journeys.
I love that the services each week remind me of our story, and encourage me to keep loving. So many voices included - hearing other people's stories is inspiring.
Given me space in my busy life to listen and be challenged.
I have really enjoyed moments to get to know people a bit better. The zoom breakout groups helped a bit with this during covid but also the excitement of coming back together as a cityside whanau made for a great feeling of togetherness and helped me acknowledge how important collectively my relationships with citysiders are. I have also really enjoyed being part of the Nga Puhi speaks reading group and involved in other bits and pieces with other citysiders too.
Hearing others' stories. Always.
I like that the curators are making more opportunities for group discussions and hearing people's stories.
sense of belonging to this sort-of community that sort-of belongs together / each other. Listening to Stu's sermons and reflections.
I liked the discussion about sex and our teens. Book club. Mum's retreat at Mangawhai. C&C. Zoom church-seeing all those faces!
I love it when people play their instruments. Love the Dewerses family band, and when Bronwyn organizes the young ones into a band. Thanks to all those who do music, I appreciate every one of you. And thanks to all those regularly involved in our services. I appreciate you too.
I like it that we have a group doing Ngā Puhi speaks, even though I'm not in that group.
The quality of curation & contributions to services by so many of you has been inspiring - there's great richness amongst us, thank you.
I also appreciate that you still like the songs I bring now and then, and the music that Brenda & I provide. It's very satisfying to know that work you do matters. I'll try to write some more Cityside-friendly worship material in the near future.
The zoom services during lockdown. These were a highlight of my week and a real tonic both emotionally and spiritually. I love hearing from individuals about how they spend their time on an everyday basis and how their faith reflects in that. I loved the show and tell from Kit. I loved the prayer focus from Kimberley and others. Hot text is a favourite too. I think all our curators are exceptional and I feel so blessed to be able to attend Cityside.
the people the freedom to be wherever I find myself on my journey with God
the range of services / styles put together by the different curators
The way Cityside moved to vChurch and how those services really met our needs during lockdown was outstanding.
I haven't been here long but my sense is collectively her voice is heard, holyspirit is knowledged, she(church) is free to be the body that Christ has called her to be in this moment 2020. The pastor leads transparently, passionately and full of empathy, also allows opportunity for expression.
Everything!
Our Zoom services. Coffee time to talk with people. Centring Prayer times before the service. Bookclubs. Te reo becoming more embedded.
All you wonderful people.
The regenerative planning team...
Not walking in front of the speaker when we arrive late to the service. It's disruptive and disrespectful.
Keep connecting
Opt for deliberate Christianity profession rather than (mostly) predominant emphasis on social ethical profession.
We desperately need more energy and leadership for the teens. Rosie is a great resource in this role, but we need others. The basement room needs a solid do-over.
I was sad we didn't get to do Camp at Tawhiranui.
Not much - we seem to be doing pretty well, except perhaps in reaching out more to the community (Christian & secular) with what we have.
More social events for the whole church community? eg day walks, dance night, music nights, camp etc
Connecting more through the week in the midst of everyone's busy lives
We still struggle to get organised for young people's activities. It's a critical mass thing, I know. We just need to keep on keeping on with focus and attention to our young people.
My sense is sometimes 'thinking' could be left for political parties, our position in the world is empowered by holyspirit and incarnated by people, more prayer or revelational moments of love for him, more embodiment of the power of the holyspirit. Spaces dedicated to 'Be' and not 'do' . Gather a family... Make love our aim. Back to basics.... Discipline?
Nothing really comes to mind just now.
I'm challenged by this question. I don't know if I personally need more of Cityside. I appreciate the freedom to not always be present on a Sunday, while still claiming belonging. But I know a lack of participation by many is unsustainable. I think it would be great and prudent to use our assets to provide some financial sustainability to our community.
whatever organically arises
Supporting our youth better!
Camp at Tawhiranui :-)
It's great to see the Cityside spaces getting so well used, and that doesn't hurt our budget either. I'd like to see the building become even more of a community hub, not just for us but for the wider scene. I did a concert in the main space a few weeks ago and many of the attendees weren't believers, but a number of them expressed real pleasure in being in the space, and a strong interest in the artwork and in what happens here. We could do with a descriptive booklet about the artwork similar to what you'd find in a gallery, as people were interested in the symbolism and What does it mean...? A low key, Cityside-type outreach opportunity...
Geographical groups for pastoral care?
Let's keep the apartment conversation going. I thought that had serious promise as a big project that would centre us all on a bit of a cause for quite a few years.
I'd like to be involved in new but ancient rhythms, chants drums old spirituals, discussion groups, collective art piece that represent who we are, made as an offering to God. Th themes? Prayer prayer prayer transformation.
More people sharing about their lives, so we can all get to know each other better.
More sharing of each other's art and passion projects
General opportunities to catch up with each other outside of the Sunday Service. Lunches after church, drinks at the pub, opportunities for us to be together as fellow humans would be cool.
I value our spiritual community, and that speaking aloud is allowed.
Thanks Stu and the curators for sharing your energy and inspiration with us.
great thanks for time, place and context of Christianity in a rapidly Christianity-diminishing country
Thanks Jeannie for your love and attention to our Tamariki. They know you care for them. You've done well holding them.
We wonder how people are feeling about the 10am start time now? It was brought in, as far as I recall, to help families with young children better manage the day. That cohort has grown up a bit now so is it still necessary to start at 10? Up until Stu's recent gentle exhortation to be on time we'd been slipping into late arrival - could that be a signal to revert to 10.30? Probably just my lazy self speaking here... :)
Thanks Stu for the very thoughtful reflections you've brought to us.
I am deeply grateful for our community
I have deeply appreciated being able to be part of Cityside in a free way - freer than I suspect most churches manage. Nice one!
Nga mihi whakapono of te Atua me pononga na te Atua Kaihanga, mauri ora.
I've only been at CS for approx 6 months (I think) and there are three things that have stood out for me:
Bi-cultural assertion- funny but Maori have never had a word for bi- culturalism however, I get the cultural significance of seeking out a way in which Maori and Pakeha might better understand each other. What I think is imperative is Col 3:15 as we continue down this path of bi-cultural "seeking" that is, '...let peace be the arbitrator in all things' even in race relations (the good, bad and ugly). Peace is the divine filter through which we pass all our cultural anxieties and by this we admonish each other as 'brother and sister' in Christ. Ironically, this peace- finding way is the antithesis to nearly 10 generations of activism in my whakapapa from the north and yet as a follower of Jesus, peace- making is our calling (this is different to peace- keeping).
Whanaungatanga- the centrality of relationships is created by deliberate actions of seeking connectedness which endears intimacy to occur which in turn allows us to be vulnerable and honest.
He ako matauranga Maori- open to a Maori worldview including the bodies of knowledge that reside in this world as a revelation to other bodies of knowledge. Maori have a richness about how they construct and reveal "knowledge" and often times it helps squeeze out (wetewete) the complexity of theology, cosmology, the progenitors of ancient practices and beliefs (as examples). This ability to enhance knowledge as an inclusive opportunity requires more opportunity for revelation among CS.
Na,
