KERIKERI MISSION DISTRICT Priest-in-Charge The Position This is a Bishop’s appointment for a fulltime position in line with the Diocesan Clergy Remuneration Package with rental housing proivided in the Kerikeri area. The priest in charge will work with the people of the Kerikeri Mission District who are still transitioning from being a Local Shared Ministry Unit as defined by the Diocese. 1 Kerikeri Mission District Profile St James’ Church Kerikeri is Northland’s favourite subtropical town with its historical significance, stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere — just a great place to live Kerikeri deserves this accolade with its exciting and ever-growing community, cosmopolitan residents, first class amenities and stunning location. Nestled in the heart of the historic Stone Store Basin reserve is the historic church of St James. Kerikeri Mission District is seeking a Priest in Charge to lead us into the next phase of our Mission and Ministry future, within the Bay of Islands, therefore we are offering an exciting opportunity to come and serve in this warm-hearted community. 2 1. Our Mission We, the people of St James, are a joyful Anglican Community. We believe Our Lord calls us beyond membership to become His true disciples and live as one body in Christ. Therefore, we choose to use our unique gifts to build a welcoming, interconnected gathering of the faithful that will be a beacon, a light to the community and world beyond. 2. Where we are located Steeped in history, Kerikeri is a beautiful, vibrant, and progressive town of around 7500 inhabitants, boasting something for everyone, from outdoor activities and award-winning wineries to delightful restaurants, cafes, and galleries. We are fortunate to have the Turner Centre, a community owned and operated performing arts and cultural facility, and the Cathay Cinema, a state-of-the-art theatre complex. There is a thriving high school (around 1400 students), two primary schools, and two private primary/secondary schools. A number of pre-school facilities and day care centres cater for the very young. Kerikeri has two fully staffed medical centres providing caring and professional family medicine. There are several visiting specialists who work from the practice. A number of dentists and opticians are located in town as well as an array of chiropractors, massage specialists, acupuncture providers, etc. With its warm, sub-tropical climate, Kerikeri is the fastest growing town in Northland and is quickly becoming a centre for active retirees, with several retirement villages currently operating and more in the planning stages. The Bay of Islands micro region is known for its stunning beauty and history. For those who love beaches and water activities, it is simply paradise. The newly expanded airport, located only five minutes from the town centre, offers frequent daily flights to Auckland and beyond. 3. Who we are Most of the approximately 150 people on our roll come from the Kerikeri township. The congregation is typically New Zealand Anglican, largely middle aged and elderly, however we do have a small children’s ministry which has a capable and dedicated leader. We have many visitors throughout the year, particularly at Christmas and Easter time. It is a busy Mission District with lots of potential. St James has four local licensed clergy and a vocational deacon assisting with ministry. All are prepared to continue to offer assist ministry if and as required. Pastoral care is undertaken by many of the congregation members. 3 4. Our History Kerikeri has been a part of the European history of New Zealand from the beginning. This year sees the 200th Celebrations of the birth of Christianity here in the heart of the Bay of Islands. The first sermon in New Zealand was preached by Samuel Marsden on Christmas Day in 1814 on the beach at Oihi north-east of Kerikeri. In 1819 a mission station was established at Kerikeri and the first church built in 1823 behind the Stone Store. This building also served as a school. The Mission station was a thriving community with a large congregation. In 1829 a new Chapel was built on the rise where the present church is situated. By 1840 the population of Kerikeri had declined as the community moved inland to Waimate North and the Mission Station was closed. When the population again increased, a new church was built and opened in December 1878. Named St James, it cost $235! An extension was added in 1963. Beautiful stained-glass windows have been gifted to the church over the years, including an Anzac memorial window. There are memorial tablets remembering its founding families, and in the early 1980s a large donation enabled the purchase of a fine pipe organ. St James was added to the NZ Historic Places Trust register in 1985. In 1982 the then Vicar, Rev. Bill Law, arranged for the unused church building at Kapiro to be moved to St James to be used as the church hall. The James Kemp hall facilities provide an office, is used for hospitality and for other social activities. Kerikeri was inaugurated as a Local Shared Ministry Unit in April 1999. Although this has been a wonderful journey for us all at St James, in 2017 the congregation felt the time was right for us to move to having a Priest to lead and guide us again. We became a Mission District in 2018 with a half-time Priest in Charge. 5. Outreach at St James We network and link with the wider community in many ways: • Monthly services and pastoral visits to the Kerikeri Retirement Village • Prison visiting (The Northland Region Corrections Facility at Kaikohe) • Financial support to: Kerikeri Foodbank, Angel Tree, Bible in Schools, Duffy Books (Pakaraka Primary School) and other national and international charitable organisations • Order of St Luke, Week of Prayer for World Peace • Use of the church hall by the Pre School Music Group, Brownies and Guides, Floral Art and other community groups • Open social events, e.g. a Christmas Bazaar, Annual Patronal Lunch and other gatherings • Use of the church facility by the Tongan community on Sunday mornings • Ecumenical links with monthly meetings and other shared events 4 Social gathering in the hall 6. St James ’ Church Properties The Church is a timber construction built in 1878 on the site of the earlier missionary church. It was extended in 1963 and holds around 100 people. The St James’ Kemp Hall is located next to the church and is hired out to various groups and organisations. The church office is located in the hall which has wi-fi connection. The Vicarage at 128 Kerikeri Road was built for the Bay of Islands Parish on land bequeathed to St James’ Anglican Church Kerikeri. It is a large brick building on a substantial block in central Kerikeri. It has not been used as a vicarage for many years and up until recently was let on a commercial basis. It is now let as a residential property, managed by a Kerikeri property agency in town on an annual (renewable) lease. 5 7. Life of the Mission District – what we do St James’ has regular weekly Sunday services for both adults and children. These are an 8am and 9am service with Holy Communion; a Healing Ministry once a month after the 9am service; a Family Service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10:15am; and Holy Communion at the Kerikeri Retirement Village on the 2nd Sunday at 4pm. We have a well-attended morning tea after the 9am service in the St James’ Kemp Hall. The church is a wonderful setting for weddings and baptisms. Funerals are led by the ministry team. St James values its emphasis on pastoral care, which includes home, hospital, and bereavement visits. Many church members provide transport for non-drivers. We also enjoy frequent social events, including a Wednesday “coffee group”. 8. Support we can offer Administration: The church office is run by our Administrator/Treasurer who works up to 15 hours per week or as required. Her role is to organize and address the Church Office administration, clerical and financial tasks, which include dealing with all payments and communications with the centralizing accounting system of Trust Management, Auckland. Ministry Team: Four local licensed clergy, a vocational deacon, pastoral assistants, worship assistants and a sexton. Other ministries: As a former Local Shared Ministry Unit, the congregation has a strong tradition in continuing to be involved the various roles needed within our Mission District ministries. Around 70% of regular attendees participate in one way or another. There is a team of flower arrangers and a very active music team of four organists and a regular and much loved choir, which assembles for special occasions. Much of the maintenance and upkeep is done by church members. St James’ Choir The current membership of the Church vestry: There is a vestry committee of nine members plus two- minute takers. Since becoming a Mission District, we have still to appoint our two church wardens. We employ someone to clean the church and hall, and a contractor to mow the cemetery and vicarage lawns. We are a strong team of willing volunteers. Local ministry group/ecumenical links: Monthly meetings with other church leaders in Kerikeri. Support from the Diocese through the Bishop, Archdeacon and finances through Trust Management. 6 9. Our needs – Priorities and Challenges Developing and stabilising our ministry personnel. We seek an inspired and strong leader who can make the most of our ministry and congregation’s spiritual gifts and galvanise us to grow St James for the future. Development of family, youth, and singles ministry. We understand the importance of connecting with young people, as we do our seniors, and therefore we have a responsibility with a new leader to plan for our church’s future.