TheVenerable Megan Herles-Mooar
I wonder what it would like to be a part of a Church where everyone; regardless of where they have come from, what they have done, or who they love, is welcome? This question; which is ultimately about how we share God’s love and generous hospitality, has been a cornerstone of my faith. I grew up only a few blocks away from All Souls Church, and was blessed to be raised in a family where deep questioning and curiosity was encouraged. As a priest in God’s Church I am dedicated to creating a space where people's questions about God are welcome and where a spirit of curiosity may be lived out. As a spiritual director I seek to encourage those around me to encounter God in the wonder and the footnotes of daily life. Outside of Church I am a passionate reader, writer, and icon painter, with a not so secret love of country music. On my day off I can be found having conversations with one of our chickens in the ‘Chickerage.’ or heading off on a road trip with my husband. If I had a favourite saying it may well be “The Spirit is alive and magic is afoot.”
The Reverend Rory Redmayne: Associate Priest
I was born in England and spent the years 1952-1957 in Jamaica where my father was a missionary priest. On return to England, I completed my secondary education at a Christian school, which nurtured my Christian faith. I trained as a Civil Engineer and acquired a degree from Imperial College London. After practising as an engineer for thirteen years, mainly as a power engineer in New Zealand, I decided to answer my call to become a priest and prepared for ordination at St. John’s College in Auckland. My ordained life consisted of a curacy at Dunedin Cathedral and being vicar of Wakatipu, Mornington, Levin, and Akaroa-Banks Peninsula. Although I officially “retired” from full time ministry in 2010, ten years on at the age of 75, I’m still busy at All Souls.
The Reverend Susan Gill: Associate Priest (Tuesdays)
I spent my early childhood years in Canterbury, later moving into Christchurch, and have lived in several different locations in Aotearoa over the years. My background is in community development (such things as crime prevention, budgeting and life skills). For the last 15 years I've carried out ordained work in the church, much of that time as Vicar of Richmond in Nelson but also in parishes in this diocese. Four years ago I and husband Kevin moved to Southbridge, to be closer to our adult children and grandies. I also work with individuals as a Professional Supervisor and a Spiritual Director. I tackle many craft projects (as a jack of all trades and master of none) but such projects bring me great joy, as does walking, reading and spending time with people!
The Reverend Ivan Jones: Priest
I was born in Christchurch, trained here as a primary school teacher and retired from the position of principal at Rakaia School. While teaching, I attended Canterbury University part-time, majoring in Sociology. I then went on to get a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from Massey University. In 1993 I was priested and became Priest’s Assistant at Rakaia and Mid Canterbury, then Vicar of Hororata and Chaplain at retirement accommodation Churchill Courts. I was then the Priest in Charge at Malvern, Heathcote–Mt Pleasant, and Glenmark–Waikari parishes. My particular interest is pastoral care. I trained as a counsellor and worked at Petersgate Counselling Centre, Upper Riccarton.
The Reverend Dr. Geoff Haworth: Priest
I was born in Cambridge North Island, 1948 and educated in Cambridge, at Kings College in Auckland, then at the University of Waikato. I qualified as a secondary school teacher (majoring in English and History.) Married to Jennifer, we have two daughters (Josie and Katie) and now one grand-daughter, Thea, much loved by the 9.30 a.m. congregation. I was Priest Assistant in Takapuna, Vicar of Pukekohe, of Papanui, and of Kaiapoi before becoming Priest Assistant at St Mary's Merivale in 2010. I have authored books on the NZ Anglican Church during World War Two, the Creation of the NZ Prayer Book, and the History of Christchurch City Mission.
As of 23 March, Geoff will become the warden of the Community of the Sacred Name, supporting and encouraging this Anglican order of nuns. The order is involved in teaching, support work in parishes, and hosting retreats and quiet days, both here in Christchurch and in Fiji and Tonga.
Fiona Sard: Office Administrator
I hail originally from Scotland but grew up in the South of England in Wiltshire. I worked for a manufacturing company in UK in various roles before emigrating to New Zealand in 2009 with my husband, two children and Welsh Springer Spaniel. We quickly settled in the Waimakariri district, where I worked until recently as an administrator.
Charlotte Barker: Vicar's Warden
I find myself back at Merivale, where my dad was curate in the 1960s and mum was in the choir. I was raised a Christian, then kept sporadic contact with the church for some years, but have come back to it. I would be lost without my faith and belief that God is always with us 'no matter what'. I became People's Warden on the island of North Norfolk, where I ran a B&B in a converted windmill! I also did a course in lay readership there, and enjoyed being part of the local amateur dramatic society (we did excellent pantomimes!). I'm the eldest of the three children and was raised and educated in South Canterbury and Christchurch. My first job, after completing a secretarial course at the Technical Institute (now Ara), was with the Dominion Electronic Organ Company; it was great and I enjoyed the great music (it's in my genes!). In 1970s I went to the UK and worked as a mother’s help, cook, and general housekeeper in places all over the UK, Germany, Paris, Cyprus and Northern Ireland. I returned to NZ for a couple of years before shifting to North Norfolk, where I eventually bought a house and had a retail and catering business. I came back to NZ in 1996, extended my computing skills, and have ended up working at the Christchurch City Council. My hobbies: I read, cook, garden, walk my two dogs, and generally enjoy life.
People’s Warden - Susan McDonald
I have been elected Peoples Warden for the second time, having previously served in this position during the past for 13 years. I am married to John and have three adult children and one grandson, all of whom live in Australia. I retired from teaching 10 years ago and have continued with relief teaching, which I will finish doing by the end of 2023. I look forward to working with you all.
Emma Tovey: Children & Families Co-ordinator
I'm really looking forward to meeting you and being part of this community. I have worked with children all my life in many different settings, including gaining a teaching degree (although I never taught). My favourite part of working with children is encouraging them in their walks with Jesus. I have been a foster carer for eight years and currently have a 16 year old foster daughter - and two dogs. I also work for the Anglican Diocese supporting others in their children's ministries. I love trying new and creative ideas and connecting with others.
Andy Dickson
Andy is a husband to Beks, and they have three children. He is a bestselling children's author, a recognised performance poet, a musician, a Biible scholar and teacher, and hosts a podcast called Down to Earth Conversations. He is passionate about issues of justice, particularly as it concerns those often dismissed, neglected, or shunned, and is a big advocate for issues of mental health, and an active ally of the rainbow community. He has worked outside the Anglican system as an Associate Pastor, and is currently the Young Adults Minister at St Barnabas, Fendalton, which he will continue alongside his role at All Souls.
Lesley Allan: Mission Motivator
I feel I have big shoes to fill after my predecessor spent more than 6 years in the role! I am part of a Mission Team, which supports and raises funds for various mission work supported by the parish. The team is made up of Susan McDonald, Dorothy Brown, Val Greenslade, and Elizabeth Reeves. If you would like to help us, we'd welcome your contribution and input.
Other ways you can help the work of the missions are:
· Bake items to sell on our regular 'Mission Table' stall
· Bring along other items sell – fresh produce, plants, jams, preserves, books and jigsaws are especially welcome.
- Buy items from the Mission Table stall (donation/koha).
Frankie Roake: Coordinator of The Corner community hub
trained as a nurse in Christchurch then worked in New Zealand and the UK in cancer care. After raising three children in Europe, we returned to NZ in 2004. I worked in general practice, at the Cancer Society as the (support) Groups Coordinator, and at breast-cancer agency Sweet Louise in the support team. I have found all aspects of my career rewarding but particularly enjoy the community aspect of my roles. I am an optimist and in challenging times look to foster hope and companionship. This sits well with The Corner’s values of community, championship, support, encouragement and fun. We have an open-door policy and I enjoy meeting all the wonderful people in this community.
The Corner operates from rooms on the premises of All Souls community church. It runs weekly activities and special events for men and women - from music groups to exercise sessions to off-site outings. Check out this Facebook page for details and to find an activity that suits you!
Jess Hall: Young Adults Coordinator
Kia ora koutou katoa! As the Young Adults Coordinator at this church my role is all about facilitating lively teaching and connection opportunities for our young adults, as well as supporting the existing parish team in seeking the vitality of our services and networks.
A bit about me. My two favourite subjects are theology and art. I have been studying theology avidly since 2017, and have found my hands drawn to the creative arts my whole life. Seeking God and telling stories about her through these passions (often in combination) is a central part of who I am as a human, woman, and being. If I had to add a third favourite subject I would say cats, of which I have three, and yes, I would like you to ask about them. Before this role I was the campus librarian at Laidlaw College, Christchurch, a position I left in 2023 to focus on and finish my postgraduate dissertation in theology, where I explored what bodies can reveal about God.
My husband and I live locally and have been a part of All Souls for a few years now. We have cherished the curiosity and delight that so many at this church have for God and God’s world. I look forward to working together!
... and All Souls' Vestry
The All Souls vestry is the group of people elected to govern and make decisions on behalf of the parish. The vestry is made up of clergy, wardens and lay people. The vestry (appointed at our April 2023 AGM): Ven. Megan Herles-Mooar (Vicar), Charlotte Barker (Vicar's Warden), Theresa Buller, Pat Dolan, Warren Haynes, David Jarmey, Kerry Kearney (Treasurer), Kirstie Koller, Susan McDonald (People’s Warden), Jane Pinney, Lorraine Sharr and Mia Wright. To contact the vestry, or to submit something for their consideration, email info@allsouls.org.nz
