Touchstone

May 2026

Welcome to the May edition of Touchstone.

Methodist Mission Northern has been in a state of flux over the past few years. Based on the recommendations of a report from a Church appointed Commissioner, major changes have been implemented including a restructure of the Board and new personnel appointments. New Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair Pam Elgar shares what prompted the changes and her vision for the future of the organisation that is committed to serving the individuals and communities it works alongside.

Our Presidential team, Te Aroha Rountree and Rev Peter Norman, has recently returned to Aotearoa after participating in the 2026 Pacific Church Leaders’ Meeting in Suva, Fiji. Their reports on the events and the korero amongst leaders, theologians and participants from many Pasifika nations capture the shared lived realities of so many communities; the challenges of climate change, economic uncertainty, migration, the legacy of colonisation, and questions of identity and belonging. Drawing on the image of a Household of God, reflections, prayer, korero and devotions revolved around the concept of a house, not as a building, but as a series of relationships.

Te Aroha writes, “For Pacific communities, this resonates deeply. We understand ourselves as whānau, aiga, kainga—not isolated individuals, but relational people shaped by connection. The household is not abstract; it is lived in daily acts of care, obligation, and love. It includes not only people, but also whenua (land), moana (ocean), and Atua (God). This expansive vision challenges narrow understandings of church. It calls us to see the household as an interconnected system of life—spiritual, social, and ecological.”

The articles are rich, profound and speak of hope and unity.

Following on from Easter Camp articles in the April edition of Touchstone, this month ‘Amelia Takataka-Kaur writes about Epworth Easter Camp.

Since the first Easter camp was held at Epworth in 1951, Methodist rangatahi and leaders have been gathering to worship and celebrate fellowship. The day-to-day programme, worship style, sporting activities, music, and cultural diversity of attendees have changed markedly over the past 70+ years but the joy, commitment, connection and shared faith experiences remain constant.

Rev Kesi Filiai, a chaplain at Auckland’s busiest hospital, provides insight into the emotional challenges of supporting those experiencing grief, trauma and adversity. Called by God to move from parish ministry to Auckland City Hospital, the change has deepened his sense of purpose, and strengthened his vocation. In a fast- paced environment where no two days are the same, he witnesses tragedy, joy, drama and pain. The ministry is rewarding, challenging and always a privilege and a blessing.

I invite you to take time to read the articles in this edition of Touchstone that share the transformational work being undertaken by the people of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa.

As always, I welcome your feedback.