The Gathering – Being Presbyterian
We’re looking forward to gathering again as Presbytery Central on 15 August 2026, this time exploring what it means to be Presbyterian in today’s world. Centred on the theme Cooperation – working together, this Gathering will celebrate our shared identity, tell stories of collaboration from around the Presbytery, and consider how we can faithfully serve God’s mission together in Central New Zealand. We are honoured to welcome Right Rev Peter Dunn, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, as our keynote speaker. Peter will reflect on the strengths of our Presbyterian tradition and the opportunities before us as we seek to be churches that are connected, discerning, and hopeful. Throughout the day we’ll hear inspiring stories of cooperation between congregations, ministries, and communities, before concluding with a panel conversation featuring Peter, Rev Erin Pendreigh, and Rev Allister Lane, exploring what it means to be Presbyterian today and where God may be leading us next. Join us at St Alban’s, Palmerston North, from 10:30am on Saturday 15 August 2026, for a day of worship, encouragement, conversation, and vision as we reflect on Our Story. Our Calling. Our Future. Whether you’ve been part of the Presbyterian Church for decades or are newer to our community, this Gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another, and be inspired for the journey ahead.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. |
Saturday
| 10:30am | Opening Worship led by Mo Morgan and the St Alban’s team. |
| 11:00am | Keynote: Right Rev Peter Dunn – reflecting on our Presbyterian identity, our strengths, and our future together. |
| 11:45am | Stories of Cooperation A series of Pecha Kucha-style presentations showcasing churches and ministries working together across Presbytery Central. |
| 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm | Annual General Meeting, Business Matters, General Assembly legislative vote, Press Go, Presbyterian Support Central, and Presbytery finances. |
| 2:45pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:00pm | Panel Discussion: Right Rev Peter Dunn, Rev Erin Pendreigh and Rev Allister Lane exploring what it means to be Presbyterian today—our shared identity, calling, and future. |
| 4:15pm | Closing reflections and blessing. |
This Gathering replaces our usual workshop programme with a series of short, visual presentations highlighting churches and ministries that are discovering new ways of working together.
Using the engaging Pecha Kucha format, each story will share practical examples of collaboration, mission, leadership, and discipleship from across Presbytery Central, offering ideas that can inspire and encourage other congregations.
Presentations include:
- The Coastal Hawke’s Bay Learning Community
- Dynamite Bay children’s outreach
- The Hub
- Pathways – celebrating 150 years of Presbyterian witness in Palmerston North through cooperation
- Other stories from around the Presbytery
Each presentation will ask not only “What happened?” but also “What can the rest of us learn?”, helping us imagine fresh possibilities for ministry together.