Phil Strong.
I read with intrigue the recent public announcement acknowledging Reverend Julie Guest as she transitions from her local vicar role into a more regional, arch deaconing focus. As I enjoyed her warm, convivial smile in each photo in the online News, I could almost hear the friendly embrace of laughter that always accompanied her smile.
Zion Church pastor Phil Strong
Rev. Julie’s passion for our community has been far reaching and will, without doubt, continue beyond this transition.
Rev Julie Guest
I remember once sharing a coffee with her—“Black, please,” she asked—and learning about the farming of crickets as an alternative protein source. “No thank you,” I responded promptly.
She frequently welcomed small touring parties at St John’s, and on one occasion this included me and some colleagues. We were spellbound by her vivid telling of local history, especially her explanation of unity between Māori and Pākehā, and the church’s commitment to supporting all people. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
You may not agree with every aspect of her exposition, but you cannot argue with her passionate commitment to unity. I believe this very reverent leader was a component in the gifting of church-owned land to iwi for the purpose of housing and feeding their people, who — as Julie would add brightly — “are our people, too.” Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.
The rich history of the local church and the art housed in “Old St John’s” are taonga we must protect and preserve.
Several community initiatives launched from Julie’s imagination into our region — none more famous (or infamous) than the “Death Café.” A marketing person’s nightmare, perhaps, but a brilliant idea, nonetheless. She championed feeding the hungry and homeless, marched through town with banners of hope, and established a group of local writers who now contribute to these columns each week. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
I have a treasured gift, procured by Julie and offered to me with generous spirit. It sits beside my bed, filled with promise, inviting me often to drink deeply. It is an Anglican prayer book, and when I read the prayers and scripture in te reo Māori, it fills my eyes with tears and my heart with hope.
There is no more powerful demonstration of Julie’s Christian faith than her open-hearted promotion of the Christian church. Regardless of, and indeed fully accepting, denominational colours, creeds, tenets, and traditions, she welcomed all and encouraged me to do the same. E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū.
Rev Julie Guest
Far too often the church builds fences instead of bridges, rules instead of relationships, and elevates elitism over humility.
The Jesus I know walked with lepers, dined with prostitutes, and challenged the religious establishment whenever necessary. Why? Because His message was one of love, grace, and mercy. And in my mind, that is the same inclusive message broadcast through Julie’s leadership in our community. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
A true champion of the church and for the church, I stand and applaud Rev. Julie Guest—not that my recognition matters. There is a great cloud of witnesses adorning the grandstand of heaven who will, one day many years from now, welcome Julie into a well-deserved celebration.
Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
