The Gathering – Belonging
We’re looking forward to gathering again as Presbytery Central in March 2026, this time centred on the theme of Belonging — Every Person. Every Story. One Body.
Our Gatherings are a chance to strengthen connections across our regions, share learning, and encourage one another in ministry. In March, we’ll be exploring what it means to be churches where people of all ages, abilities, and experiences can truly know they belong.
We are delighted to welcome Karo Wilson as our keynote speaker, sharing wisdom and experience around Children and Families Ministry, helping us reflect on how we nurture faith across generations.
Workshops will explore practical and theological aspects of belonging in action, including:
- How and why churches can get involved in local conservation projects
- The Big Six — key ministry essentials helping young people flourish in faith
- Revisiting The Priesthood of All Believers
- Identity and Purpose: Baptism and Communion
- Faith through Climate Change
- Creating safe spaces for neurodiverse people
Join us at St Alban’s, Palmerston North, at 10:30am on 21 March 2026 for a day of learning, conversation, worship, and encouragement as we continue growing together as the Body of Christ.
The Worship and Keynotes will be available via livestream HERE. Sadly current technology doesn’t permit us to transmit lunch electronically.
We give thanks for the gifts each community brings, and we look forward to gathering again for a Spirit-filled day of connection and shared purpose.
Friday
| Time | What’s happening |
| 1:30pm – 4:30pm | Ministers’ Muster A time for ministers to connect, reflect, and be encouraged. This time will include welcomes, updates and prayer; Karo Wilson helping Ministers to know about safeguarding children; shared Study Leave about short courses for churches; sharing experiences of presenting words for worship in print and on screens. |
Saturday
| Time | What’s happening |
| 9:30am | Register and enjoy a hot drink |
| 10:30am | Worship with a team from St Albans! |
| 11:00am | Keynote Speeches: Karo Wilson, Jordan Redding, John Howell |
| 11:45am | Workshop 1 |
| 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm | Business Matters, Strategic Plan Implementation, Slideshow created for GA25, Presbyterian Support Central |
| 2:30pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 2:45pm | Workshop 2 |
| 4:00pm | The story of Te Hāhi Police Referral Programme – Rev Rodney Ramsay |
| 4:15pm | Conclusion and Blessing |
Workshop 1 – 11:45am
| How and why churches can get involved in local conservation projects | This workshop will have inspirational stories from different churches, and practical advice on how to get involved as an expression of Creation Care and a great way to be missional in your neighbourhood! | Irene Parminter Irene helps lead Christian environmental action in the Wellington region through A Rocha and serves as Eco-Church ministry lead at Kāpiti Anglican. With studies in horticulture, economics, and theology, she connects faith and creation care, volunteers at her local reserve, and lives on a bush block near Paraparaumu, grounded in daily experience of the natural world. |
| The Big Six- Key ministry essentials for churches to help young people flourish in faith | Our hope is to see young people flourishing and growing in their faith, and for our churches to be communities that encourage our Tamariki and Rangatahi in faith that lasts a lifetime. In this workshop, we will look at 6 key ministry essentials that play a major part in discipling young people, and creating a faith community that will flourish and grow together. | Karo Wilson Karo serves as Director of Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry, helping churches value the faith, voice, and contribution of tamariki and rangatahi, and connect their stories with God’s bigger story. She also leads community-focused children’s ministry at Weston Community Church in the Waitaki region, supporting families and nurturing young faith. |
| Identity and Purpose: Baptism and Communion | How do these events deeply and vitally depict and enable Christian identity and purpose? What considerations might help us to reflect faithfully and theologically on their place and significance? What do we mean by ‘sacraments’, ‘means of grace’? |
Andrew Nicol Andrew serves as Lecturer and Ministry Formation Coordinator at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, drawing on many years of theological education and pastoral ministry. A passionate teacher and mentor, he significantly enriches Presbyterian church leadership through rigorous formation, Christ-centred theology, and practical ministry wisdom. |
| Faith through Climate Change | John Howell recently attended an international conference on the Cryosphere held in Wellington. The Presbytery subsidised the cost and asked him to report to the gathering. Presbytery members are asked to watch the short video before the gathering to familiarise them with the issues. Watch video |
John Howell John has long combined Christian ministry with environmental leadership. He served 12 years on a national Environmental Council, led a review on Indigenous forestry, and edited a book on environmental ethics. He convened a church Assembly committee on environmental issues and continues engaging parishes and conferences on climate change. |
Workshop 2 – 2:45pm
| How and why churches can get involved in local conservation projects | This workshop will have inspirational stories from different churches, and practical advice on how to get involved as an expression of Creation Care and a great way to be missional in your neighbourhood! | Irene Parminter Irene is the key contact person for A Rocha conservation projects happening in the Wellington region. She and her husband, Terry, live on a 5 ha bush block near Paraparaumu and are thankful every day for being able to live amongst God’s gifts of bush, garden and sea. She is the eco-church ministry lead at Kapiti Anglican Church, has studied horticulture, economics and theology, and volunteers at her local reserve. |
| The Big Six- Key ministry essentials for churches to help young people flourish in faith | Our hope is to see young people flourishing and growing in their faith, and for our churches to be communities that encourage our Tamariki and Rangatahi in faith that lasts a lifetime. In this workshop, we will look at 6 key ministry essentials that play a major part in discipling young people, and creating a faith community that will flourish and grow together. | Karo Wilson Karo is the Director of Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry. She has a passion for encouraging faith communities to recognise the value and contribution of our Tamariki and Rangatahi, and seeing young people find their story within God’s Big Story. Karo also works for Weston Community Church in the Waitaki region, focusing on community-based children’s ministry. Her hobbies include musical theatre, quizzing, and playing the drums in a local pipe band. |
| Revisiting The Priesthood of All Believers | Exploring the implications of ‘priesthood’ as being thoroughly communal and also categorically dependent on the active priesthood of Christ. Appreciating that the church is created and sustained by the Spirit. The focus of leaders as servants of the whole body is on encouraging and supporting the community becoming the gospel. | Andrew Nicol Andrew serves as Lecturer and Ministry Formation Coordinator at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, drawing on many years of theological education and pastoral ministry. A passionate teacher and mentor, he significantly enriches Presbyterian church leadership through rigorous formation, Christ-centred theology, and practical ministry wisdom. |
| Making Space for our Neurodiverse | Want to make your ministry more welcoming and accessible for all? This workshop will equip you with practical strategies to support people that are neurodivergent, helping them feel valued and engaged. Learn how to create an inclusive environment, adapt activities to different needs, and foster a sense of belonging for every person in your group. | Kyle Hastelow Kyle is the Associate Youth Enabler for Presbytery Central and has been involved in youth ministry for over two decades. Passionate about creating spaces where all young people feel welcome and included, he works alongside youth leaders to make ministries more accessible and engaging. |