December Newsletter
If Jesus returned today...
Last Sunday, I preached on the second coming of Jesus. It’s not a topic I claim much competency in, but the lectionary readings required it. I have tended to shy away from end times discussions since overdosing as a young teenager on Hal Lindsey’s Late Great Planet Earth, watching Patti’s struggles in ‘A Thief in the Night’ and then trying to figure out which world leader was the anti-Christ. Screwtape, the older devil in C S Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters would cite me as an excellent example of what his young nephew and aspiring devil Wormwood should cultivate:
“We do not know … when the end will come. “What we must prevent is that he should ever think of it as something that may happen at any moment. We want him to think of it as a far-off event, or else as something he can predict by studying the signs.”
While Scripture warns against speculating on when and how Jesus will return, what is clear is that it will be sudden, dramatic and unexpected. We are encouraged to be watchful, not to slumber, and to be ready.
So, if Jesus returns in my lifetime, what do I hope to be ‘caught’ doing? I would like to think I will be caught doing the very things we celebrate as a Wilberforce community – daily acts of justice, mercy and peace. My secret hope is Jesus ‘catches’ me planting a tree, and I am caught in the act of helping restore creation in anticipation of his return. Were my children a few years younger, “playing with the kids” would have come first.
What would you like to be caught doing … or maybe becoming? We will include your responses in our February 2026 newsletter.
Finally, as the end of the year draws near, thank you to the many organisations and many more leaders and scholars who are a part of the Wilberforce Community. It is our privilege to play a very small part in your ministry. Thank you for the way you have engaged with us and shared both joys and challenges. We hope that in some way we have contributed to your personal and organisational flourishing.
And as many of us turn off laptops and close up offices, we (the board and staff of Wilberforce) pray this Christmas, each of you experiences a fresh encounter with Jesus and the good news of Emmanuel God with us always. For those of you working through, thank you for carrying the load on all our behalf.
Chris Clarke
Chief Executive, Wilberforce Foundation
An evening (and a workshop) with Mark Elsdon
Mark Elsdon — author, speaker, and social innovator — is coming to Auckland and Christchurch this February for a masterclass in resourcefulness for church leaders. He’ll explore how to uncover hidden assets and leverage them for mission and growth.
Each evening event will challenge attendees to identify the untapped resources in their own contexts, with a panel of local experts grounding the conversation in Aotearoa’s unique culture.
Targeted follow-up workshops on design thinking will equip participants with practical tools for problem solving, church resourcing, impact investing, and redemptive property development. Funding the church’s work takes creativity — come ready to unlock new possibilities.
Tickets are available for the evening only, the workshop only, or both together. Get yours and come prepared to be inspired and connect with other change makers.
Auckland event
Mon, 16 Feb, 6:30pm - Tue, 17 Feb, 12:30pm
Christchurch event
Wed, 18 Feb, 6:30pm - Thu, 19 Feb, 12:30pm
Lunch and Learn:
Discussion with Praxis
Wow, what a great discussion! If you missed it, don’t worry — you can now watch the recording. In this Wilberforce Foundation webinar, James Beck will interview Murray Shearer from Praxis, exploring the journey Praxis has woven creation care into their organisation.
Lunch and Learn: Jay Ruka in discussion with Chris Clarke
Did you miss it? A recording is now available of Jay Ruka and Chris Clarke discussing the vision behind Te Manu Hononga: Sir Paul Reeves Centre. Jay is the pioneering director of the centre, an education initiative inspired by the life and work of Sir Paul Reeves.
The centre is located in a refurbished vicarage and works in partnership with the Taranaki Cathedral to develop educational work and foster peace and reconciliation. A major part of the initiative is the creation of Te Whare Hononga, an education centre built in partnership with Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, to tell the church’s history honestly and give precedence to mana whenua.
You can watch the recording now
The perfect Christmas present: Pilgrimage Aotearoa
A couple of months ago, we put a call out to the Wilberforce Community for authors who were working on something special. Jenny and John Hornblow answered with a beautiful gift: a copy of their remarkable book, Pilgrimage Aotearoa.
This book is an invitation to explore haerenga—pilgrimages that weave across the motu—revealing places rich with history, beauty, and meaning. Each journey is brought to life through thoughtfully crafted maps, stunning photographs, evocative poems, and heartfelt anecdotes.
Pilgrimage Aotearoa is more than a travel guide; it’s a collection of stories that help us see Aotearoa with fresh eyes and deeper appreciation. It’s inspiring, accessible, and a wonderful companion for anyone wanting to journey with intention.
It truly is a fabulous read—and the perfect Christmas present for friends, whānau, or anyone who loves exploring the soul of our land.
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
If you have any announcements, stories, or events you’d like to share with our community, please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
Deadline for article submissions: the 12th of every month.
The newsletter will be distributed on the third Wednesday of every month.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you.
