Auckland Deanery gathered at St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth, on Saturday 12 September for an Away Day to welcome the start of the new triennium and bring together new and returning Deanery members.
Under the theme ‘United in the Spirit’, inspired by Ephesians 4:3 - “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” - the day offered an opportunity to celebrate the different gifts, skills and experiences across the Deanery.
Although the churches and ministries within Auckland Deanery are varied, the day highlighted the common purpose and vision shared by those seeking to serve God and their communities.
Fabulous music, worship, laughter and a range of activity stations provided opportunities for members to get to know one another, build new relationships and discover the gifts already present across the Deanery. Participants also reflected on skills they would like to develop and how their gifts might be used in their own parishes and across the wider Deanery.
A particular feature of the day was the creation of a new Deanery frontal. Members each contributed a piece, which will be stitched together to create a shared piece of artwork incorporating the Auckland Deanery logo. The finished frontal will be used and displayed across the Deanery, providing a fitting symbol of its many different parts being woven together as one.
The day concluded with a Eucharist, with bread and wine shared together in a circle. The Revd Barbara Hilton gave a reflection with a message from the new Archdeacon of Auckland, Stephen Edmonds, drawing on John 17 and Jesus’ prayer that his followers may be one.
The reflection brought together the theme of the day, offering a powerful reminder of the unity that had been celebrated - and quite literally stitched together - throughout the day.
Those who attended spoke positively about the experience, describing it as “a fun day, a good format to aid talking to each other”. Another participant said: “The worship was lovely and I got to know and chat to people I had not met before.”
One attendee added: “The live music and singing enhanced the worship and warmed the day and the activities allowed real time together.”
As the new triennium begins, Auckland Deanery will continue to seek ways to share its gifts and work together in the spirit of Ephesians 4:3, “making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”