Locals filled the church hall at St Paul’s in Brightwater on Sunday 1 February to welcome Reverend Brad Wood as the new vicar of Brightwater Anglican Churches.
Ministers from other local churches, including Spring Grove’s Church of Christ and Whakatū Presbyterian, came to offer their personal welcomes, as well as vicars past and present from neighbouring Anglican parishes as far as Golden Bay.
Rev Brad Wood brings his wife Claudia and their two children, Trixie and Zee, to his new appointment.
Brad began his role after a decade of youth work in the Anglican Diocese, developing leaders and supporting youth ministers across the top of the South Island.
“There was always a sense that God was preparing me for parish-based ministry, at the right time.”
He will lead services and ministry at St Paul’s and the historic St Michael’s, both on Waimea West Rd, Brightwater. The parish is known for serving the practical needs of the community alongside their church services and ministry groups.
Bishop Steve Maina presented Brad to the parish during the induction service, before members of the parish leadership team presented gifts that represented aspects of the church community and the local region.
“There's a sense of rural hospitality in Brightwater that reminds me of growing up on the West Coast,” Brad said afterwards.
“I'm really excited for what God has planned for Brightwater. I come after a long line of vicars that have done faithful work here. I’m so thankful for the work they've done and that I get to participate in the continuing of that.”
