At our AGM in March, members of Vestry were appointed. We asked them to tell us about themselves.
Rebecca Sewell, known as: Becca attends Antioch. I have a passion for serving God and the community and particularly enjoy seeing the growth of Antioch and youth and young adults developing a relationship with God. I’m passionate about seeing the church in the wider community through engagement, openness and understanding and see Antioch as a place where young people feel understood, nurtured, valued, and welcomed. Unknown Fact: I was in the Air Training Corp as a teen.
Steven Marshall attends 9.30am congregation on 2nd and 4th Sundays. I love the ‘feeling of belonging and fellowship’ experience at St Barnabas. With a long experience in marketing and communication, I appreciate that some older folk struggle with technology. I bring an enquiring mind to Vestry meetings, often asking simple questions to help understand what we’re doing and why. A recurring New Year’s resolution is to learn to yodel, but I still haven’t started.
Steve Wakefield attends the Lifestreams services with wife Helen, and has been a parishioner at St Barnabas for over 50 years, except when we lived overseas for 12 years. We have three sons in their 20’s. I have served on Vestry for over 20 years bringing more than 40 years of financial and commercial experience. I completed my Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 2020 and recently I have been involved in several land development and construction projects, including Ravenscar House. I am also a Director on the Cathedral Reinstatement Company Board, board member of Church Property Trustees and represents the parish at Synod.
Don Rowlands, As a fisherman, I love John 21:15 after the resurrection when Jesus persuades his followers to cast their fishing net into deeper waters to harvest the catch of their life. Consistent with his call to service and manaakitanga, Jesus barbecues the fish before calling them to mission: “Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep.” Since my wife Olive and I left New Brighton parish and our earthquake damaged house by the sea, we have found our new body of Christ at St Barnabas. In 2016 I was blessed by baptism in the river Jordan and a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. I have experience as a City Councillor, Vestry member at New Brighton and St Peter’s, and a family Counsellor at the Home and Family Society and Petersgate. I have a Chaplaincy role at Hillmorton hospital and a post graduate Diploma in Theology. Our 5 adult children and 11 grandchildren are great teachers to Olive and I as “Boomers.” After our holiday trip to Hanmer with them in April the 14 year old said, “Grandad and Olive are good to be with because they are not at all embarrassing.” I look forward to further supporting the pastoral, youth programmes, Lifestreams plus Faith in Film. With Maggie Paton standing down from Vestry I will be able to support the Outreach Committee which she continues to chair.
Corinne Haines has been on Vestry for around 16 years. She worships at 8.00am, 5.00pm and 8.00pm Zoom. Corinne leads Parish Hospitality, is on the Parish Strategy team, is Vestry Secretary, and a Parish nominator. Corinne is on Diocesan Standing Committee, is a Diocesan Nominator, and is assisting with the Diocesan Ministry Action Plan. Recently retired from Trimble, she is interim CEO at the Christchurch City Mission.
Marcus Read (Chair) attends Lifestreams with his wife Emma and their four boys who are also involved in Youth Group and Children’s ministries. Marcus is the Vicar’s Warden and currently Bishop’s Warden while we are on the search for a new Vicar. He brings with him project management, and planning skills along with a passion for the church and our community.