Peter Norman
Superintendent - Takapuna Methodist Church
A Journey Beyond the Horizon Upon the open sea, where a solitary sailboat ventures beneath the sun’s nurturing glow, we see more than a vessel—we see a metaphor for the expansive journey of life. This vibrant yet serene seascape recalls the narrative of Jesus calling his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, a timeless call to seek a profound purpose beyond familiar shores.
The Call to Sail with Heart and Soul Just as the fishermen were called to embrace a new adventure, the winds of potential beckon to us. Amidst the whisper of the wind and the rhythmic dance of the waves—a manifestation of the Spirit of God—we hear the invitation to become kaihao tangata—caretakers of the spirit. This journey transcends the mere crossing of waters; it’s an odyssey of the heart and soul, calling us to unfurl our sails with aroha, to reach out with compassion and to touch lives with love.
Navigating Life’s Swells with Courage and Faith The sailboat, solitary against the moana’s vastness, symbolizes our passage through life. The ocean, with every rolling wave, offers myriad challenges and opportunities. Inspired by the disciples’ resolve, we ready ourselves to adjust our sails, to seek out new horizons, and to courageously navigate the changing tides under the guidance of the divine wind.
United by a Shared Vision Our voyage is not solitary but a shared endeavour, echoing the collective path of the disciples, propelled by a common dream. It is faith and whanaungatanga that fill our sails, moving us to nourish the wairua within and to connect with those we encounter on this journey.
Sailing Forth with Kotahitanga The image of the sailboat, cutting through the water with grace, serves as an emblem for our shared haerenga. Let it inspire us to sail forward with love, to chart life’s rhythmic currents with empathy, and to embark on the grand adventure of life with the spirit of kotahitanga. As we navigate this ever-changing sea of existence, we respond to the divine call to be nurturers of the soul, with the Spirit of God as our wind and aroha as our compass.