12 June 2024

Dear Church members, friends, and supporters,

Last night, I informed our Parish Council of my intention to take a sabbatical next year. This means I will conclude my ministry with you at the end of January 2025.

This decision comes after much thought, prayer, and discussion with my wife Sandy and my mentors. The past nine and a half years of ministry with you have been a time of enrichment and blessing for me. I also realise that this December marks 40 years since my ordination.

It is a cliché, I know, but this time has passed so quickly. I was just 18 when I experienced God’s call to ministry—a call that has been part of my life ever since.

During my sabbatical year, Sandy and I plan to undertake a very long walk around the island of Shikoku and do some other traveling. I will use this time to discern where God’s call on my life and ministry might be heading.

I decided to inform the Council of my plans now to assist with succession planning. Within the next few weeks, the congregation will be asked to nominate representatives to sit on the appointment board called the Ministry Settlement Board (MSB). Their role will be to work with the congregation in finding and appointing my successor. Typically, this process takes between 6 and 12 months. A convener of the MSB will be appointed shortly—normally a minister from the region—who will keep you updated.

The Council has nominated Lynette Burton and Andrew Hill as their representatives on the MSB. As the congregation is blessed with another minister, the Rev. Bruce Graham, the process will be described as finding an “additional minister.” Also, as you may know, our previous Ministry Intern, the Rev. Maugapaia Ropeti-Iupeli (Paia), now the minister at Drury, maintains an active interest and involvement in aspects of our ministry at Clevedon.

Along with the support provided by Bruce and Paia, our congregation is blessed with a depth of skills and gifting among our staff, Council, and church members. Though this will be a time of change, I am confident it will also be a time of blessing and growth.

As I pray for our church now, I would also value your prayers.

Thank you again for all the ways you support our church, its life, and ministry.

Martin

If you would like any further details on this process, please contact me or Lynette (lynette@clevedonpresy.co.nz) or Andrew (a.hill@auckland.ac.nz).