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Overflow July 2025

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Kingdom Dreams OverflowIssue: July 25 ISSN 2815- 9322Auckland Prayer BreakfastReflections of a MissionaryOne Year On - God Moving through his ChurchKomanawa Wesleyan ChurchPhotos: Komanawa Wesleyan Message

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Tēnā koe, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, , Fakaalofa lahi atu,Kia orana, , Noa‘ia, Kumusta, Hello! Throughout Scripture, stories are central to how God reveals Himself—stories of deliverance, faith, failure, and redemption. Jesus Himself taughtin parables, using everyday language and relatable situations to openhearts to truth. Your story—your experience of God’s goodness and grace—is part of this divine tapestry. We are called not just to know God, but tomake Him known. Sharing your God story is a powerful, Spirit-led way todo that. It bridges generations, speaks hope into pain, and brings light tothe darkest places. Your story, grounded in your lived reality, has a uniqueauthority—it cannot be argued or dismissed because it is a testimony ofwhat God has done in you.1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to always be ready to give an answer for the hopewe have. This requires intentional reflection: What was your life likebefore Christ? How did you encounter Him? What has changed since?Prepare and pray over your story. When the opportunity arises—in a café,at work, during a walk—trust the Spirit to guide your words.Evangelism isn’t about slick presentations; it’s about authentic encounters.Your story might be the seed that God uses to grow faith in someone else.This year we have been sharing stories from those who have beeninvolved in WMCANZ to celebrate the 25 years anniversary. Peoplesharing their God Story with us as we celebrate what God is doingamongst us. This edition we have the reflections of a missionary.So, pause. Reflect. Write down your story. And when the Spirit nudgesyou, be bold. Someone needs to hear what God has done in your life.The power of your God story, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell theirstory…” – Psalm 107:2 (NIV).In prayer,Rev. Denise BarringtonFrom the editor

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Palmerston North2025AUCKLANDPRAYERBreakfastThursday 23 October 2025rdJoin us for the$40 per ticketBook your seat by emailing office@wesleyan.nzWMCANZ Table of 106 - 8 November 2025Registrations Open Mid-August 2025Go to www.wesleyan.nz/connexion-2025for more information. FREE EVENT

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Have you ever had a dream so vivid that waking up leaves youunsure what’s real? Dreams where a loved one is still with us, and wewake up hopeful—only to realize it was just a dream. Or nightmaresfilled with fear and failure, leaving us anxious, until we rememberthey aren’t real.Kristen once had a dream where dream-me made her furious. I’m stillnot sure what dream-me did—because dream-me isn’t me. But thedream lingered, and Kristen woke up angry. Eventually, real-me wasable to prove I wasn’t at the scene of the crime (I’d been sleeping),and that dream-me was a very bad dream-husband.Some dreams linger so powerfully they shape our waking lives. Godhas spoken through prophets about His dream for His people. In Luke4, Jesus recalls one of these dreams—His “I have a dream” moment—and invites us to wake up and dream with Him.The setting matters. Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, is whereexpectations are clear: follow in Joseph’s footsteps, play theexpected role in the synagogue, and live within the cultural norms.But in Luke 4, Jesus disrupts that dream. He reframes the culturalvision of the Messiah:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me tobring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release tothe captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressedgo free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”Then comes the seismic shift: He sits down and says, “Today thisscripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The prophet’s dream hasbecome reality. But it’s not the Messiah they expected, nor theagenda they imagined.Kingdom DreamsBy Rev. Brett Jones, National Superintendent

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We face the same challenge. The cultural dream is not the Kingdomdream. And it’s not just hard to live both—it’s impossible.Jesus came to proclaim Good News to the poor—materially andspiritually. Luke emphasizes material poverty; Matthew, spiritual. Thecultural dream is full hands. But to receive Jesus, our hands must beempty. And when we do, we become good news to the poor inwhatever way they are poor.Jesus proclaims freedom for prisoners—those behind real bars andthose trapped by their own choices, chasing the wrong things to copewith pain.He proclaims sight for the blind—those physically blind, and thoseblind to life’s purpose, to themselves, to others. Cultural blindnessprefers safety over truth.He came to set the oppressed free. And oppression is often driven bycultural dreams of power and greed. Freedom means confrontinggreed—in society and in ourselves. Will we stand against injustice?Will we examine our own hearts? I’m convinced the Wesleyan church must become relentlessly drivenby this dream. A waking dream of carrying the Good News of Jesus tothose in need of his love, grace and healing. A dream that promisesthe transformation of people, churches and communities. A dream thatpropels us on mission as we seek to Reach, Grow and Serve. I dreamof churches filled with disciples who are making disciples in pursuit ofthe Great Commission. The people called Wesleyan Methodist, wakingup and dreaming.

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KOMANAWA Our vision: Seeing lives transformed by Jesus, the Spring of LivingWaterWe know what it is like to try to build lives of self-reliance and security.The reality is that it doesn’t work; the cisterns we dig cannot hold waterfor long and when we choose to ‘go it alone’ we miss out on the sourceof life (Jeremiah 2:13). We want to be John 4:14 people, with Jesusbecoming in us a spring of water welling up to eternal life. We’ve seenthis in our own lives, and we long for others to discover the goodness ofGod and be transformed by the living water. Welcome home.Wesleyan ChurchKōmanawa WesleyanKōmanawa literally means “a spring of water”.The deeper meaning is the heart of something.We understand it to embody the biblicalconcept of the heart or source of the livingwater. This source is found in Jesus. Drawing onthe living water of Jesus is central to the visionof our church.Using a te reō name means a lot to us as tangatatīriti. We want to honour the relationship wehave with tangata whenua in the area, and arecommitted to embracing the use of te reo andtikanga as appropriate. We have the support ofmembers of the Māori community who havecommitted to guide us as we grow.

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Including Wesleyan in the name states that we are part of the widerWesleyan Methodist Church of Aōtearoa New Zealand (WMCANZ),whose vision is Transformed People, Churches and CommunitiesOverflowing with the Grace and Holiness of Jesus Christ. We are wellsupported by a network of churches across the mōtu.Our Story: The Sinclair whānauJennie and Andrew have been married for 18 years and have twochildren at primary and intermediate schools. Jennie has abackground in teaching in secondary schools across Ōtautahi with afocus on History and the Performing Arts. Andrew’s background is inengineering and youth work. They are both about to be licensed aspastors in the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aōtearoa New Zealand..Andrew and Jennie are engaged withtheological study through LaidlawCollege. Together they have served andled teams in Alpha, youth, children’schurch, worship, life groups, and prayerministries. Jennie and Andrew bringdifferent styles that complement eachother, resulting in well-roundedleadership together.The Sinclair whānau are called to serve God and His church with theirlives. The current expression of this is in planting and leading a churchin the North-West of Christchurch.The Well Church(resourcing church)engaged and invested inplanting- Church plantingresidency and training- Recruit/build team of 25+adults- Prayer meetings, walkingcommunity, daily rhythmsBuild prayer culture andformation groups- Serve our community -Breakfast club at Te Kura o Matarangi(Northcote School)- 4 x Alpha courses- Sunday worship withlaunch team- Weekly publicworship services- Continue to growformation groups,community serving,Alpha. Jan 2023 - April 2025Conception and buildMay 2025 - October 2025Pre-launchOctober 2025 +Public launch- Send nextplant team (weare plantingpregnant!)- Global missionpartners.October 2026 +MultiplicationTimeline

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KOMANAWA

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When Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand, as it was called at thetime, was being established I was actually ministering as a Methodist ministerout of Auckland, in Taranaki.. All of the other ministers were in Auckland andthey were getting together and talking. As a minister in Taranaki at the time Irealised that my stand was the same as their stand, because of the strongliberalisation of the Methodist Church, I was in total agreement with them.I had mixed emotions at this time. I knew that my stand was biblical and so Ihad the assurance from that, but there was a bit of discomfort in theconfrontations with other Methodists around. All the other ministers - lookingto do the swap - were in Auckland. My journey was a little bit different toothers because I can remember the first meeting, a dedication service Iattended. I was inducted along with the others. At the same time as thetheology of the Methodists was changing so much, I felt the call of God to domission work, to go overseas and at a Methodist conference before as part ofthe transition period, I said to them, I feel the call of God to go and do somemissionary work in India. And through the newly established Wesleyan Methodist Church of NewZealand I was able to establish my ministry overseas. And so right from thebeginning, I was supported in my call. And I think that was a great thingbecause churches should have a missions. outlook. I became the first Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand'soverseas missionary. The Methodist church did not support that call, givingme further reason to opt out. I really appreciated the call from God to serveoverseas. I feel really blessed to have that opportunity, and all the wonderfulmemories I now have, both from serving in India, and then jointly inBougainville for 10 years.Reflections of a MissionaryNow, I really appreciate how WCANZ leadershipoperates and guides us, helping us to remain true,encouraging new people. The diversity of age andexperience really gives us hope and a promise for the future.

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This month marks one year since I became National Director ofAlpha New Zealand, and I’m deeply moved by how God is usingHis Church to reach Aotearoa with the gospel of Jesus Christ.At its core, evangelisation is not about programs, it’s aboutembodying the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus andintroducing people to Him as the source of that love.What inspires me about Alpha is its beautiful simplicity and itsfocus on authentic relationships. Sharing a meal, watching a video,and having an honest conversation may seem small, but God workspowerfully through these moments. As we share life with others,we can also share the source of life. Often, it begins with a simplequestion: “I’m going to an Alpha course, would you go with me?”That personal invitation, given in love, can change a life. It is oneway we can fulfill the Great Commission — Jesus sending Hisfollowers to make disciples of all nations. Throughout history, Godhas used everyday people and His Church to change the world,one life at a time.Caring for people authentically has always been close to my heart,and it’s been incredible to see that same authenticity bearing fruitin churches across the country. As 1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Dearchildren, let us not love with words or speech but with actions andin truth.” My prayer is that we continue stepping out in love andinvitation, trusting God to do what only He can.By Mike TurinskyONE YEAR ONGod Moving Through His ChurchRegister to run an Alpha course Here

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Commoners - a Wesleyan Methodist Community - isseeking a new Minister for our Hamilton congregation.We are seeking a mature and suitably trained person who can continue ourexploration of a reflective liturgical approach to worship in Hamilton. OurSunday mornings are a chance to pause, breathe and reflect; whilst utilisingour collective insights into the scriptures (there is no sermon).We want our creativity and energy to be focused on the lives we live in thecommunity, rather than on church programmes and activities. Because ofthis focus we do not currently have a music team, children’s programme, orother such activities. This person will need the ability to “create space” for atheologically and politically diverse congregation, whilst maintaining thecentrality of our risen Jesus. Simplicity, mission, hospitality, and worship areour key values. It is expected that any new Minister would continue todevelop and encourage these values. We welcome expressions of interestfrom candidates, both inside and outside of the Wesleyan MethodistChurch, with the expectation that the candidate will have alignment with thekey values at Commoners and the wider Wesleyan Methodist Churchcommunity.Outside of our Sunday morning service, we encourage participation in ourfortnightly Eucharist Groups that meet in people’s homes. In time it isexpected that the Minister will also lead or co-lead a Eucharist Group.This role is paid for 3 blocks of time (3-4 hours per block). We envisage thatthe 3 blocks of time would be broadly focused as follows:Block One Sunday morningBlock Two Preparation for Sunday morning + Eucharist GroupsBlock Three Pastoral care / Community connectingPlease email your expression of interest by Friday 25 July. Also, pleaseprovide a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and yoursuitability for the position, plus your latest CV and the completed applicationform by Friday 8 August. All correspondence, including any questions youhave should be submitted tothe Commoners Search Committee atinfo@commoners.church

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SUBSCRIBE TO OVERFLOWMAGAZINEWe invite you to make donations to the Wesleyan MethodistChurch of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Join us to make a differenceand reach the lost with the grace and holiness of Jesus Christ.Using the WMCANZ bank account number below, please includeyour first initial and surname in the particulars field and 'donation' inthe reference field.03-0206-0380248-000 Particulars: e.g. 'J Smith' Reference: e.g. 'Donation'Please email accounts@wesleyan.nz with your details to receive a donation receipt.Thank you!Event CalendarDonationsLooking for your localWesleyan Methodist Church?Click here to find your nearestWesleyan Methodist church.Services are held in English,Fijian, Rotuman and Tonganwith several churches usingmultiple languages in theirworship.Scan the QR Code tosubscribe to OverflowTongan Language Week | 17-23 AugustFather's Day | 7 September

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National Resource CentreTuesday | 9am-2pm219 Burswood DriveBotany, Auckland 2013Ph: (09) 271 6460National Support AssistantSian SidwellEmail: office@wesleyan.nzOverflow EditorDenise BarringtonEmail: overflow@wesleyan.nzNational Church ContactsNational Superintendent Rev. Brett Jones - natsuper@wesleyan.nzAss't National SuperintendentRev. Atu Lagi - pastoralcare@wesleyan.nzDirector of OperationsRev. Peter Benzie - dirops@wesleyan.nzNational TreasurerKerrin Thomson - treasurer@wesleyan.nzDirector Church HealthRev. Jo Verkerk - training@wesleyan.nzDirector Global MissionsMichelle Yates - missions@wesleyan.nzDirector Ministerial FormationRev. Melissa Powell - nbmf@wesleyan.nzDirector MultiplicationRev. Mike Yates - churchdevt@wesleyan.nzDirector Next GenerationsRev. Stephenie Couch - nextgen@wesleyan.nzwww.wesleyan.nzOur Values | Enduring Foundations | Embracing Grace | Embodying OnenessFlourishing Churches | Celebrating BelongingInterested in news from GlobalMissions, Wesleyan MethodistChurch of New Zealand? Get in touchwww.wesleyan.nzmissions@wesleyan.nz

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