In their five years at the helm of Omokoroa Community Church, Reverend Canon Don Moses and his wife, Reverend Lynda Moses have become highly respected and valued pillars of our community. So it is with mixed feelings of joy for the future ahead of them, yet also of sadness for the void they will leave, that we say goodbye to this couple who have woven themselves into the history and the fabric of Omokoroa and its people.

Returning to their ministerial roots where he was initially ordained, Don and Lynda leave in early September for a new role as Vicar Elect of a small rural parish in Wakefield, in the Anglican Diocese of Nelson. Some would ask why after such a short term? In short, Don explains, “because God has told us to. It is not something we planned or saw coming. In February, any thought of leaving was far from our minds. Since then we have tested this call and have no doubt that this is God’s will for us.”

He goes on “This is for us a bittersweet experience. Bitter in that we will be leaving OCC and our local friends, as well as our children and grandchildren who live in Tauranga. Sweet in that we will be returning to the Nelson Anglican Diocese from whence we came; to the rural setting that we love; and to our mothers and other family there. There is also an element of coming full circle in that the small town of Tapawera will be a part of our new parish, which was the first parish we led after graduating from Bible College in 1991.”

Don and Lynda moved to Omokoroa from Blenheim in 2015 and Don was formally installed as Vicar of Omokoroa Community Church on 20 August 2015 at a service hosted by Anglican Bishop, The Right Reverend Andrew Hedge. At the time OCC was a co-operating venture between Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists with oversight by the Anglican Church of New Zealand (officially the Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand (UCANZ)). Separating OCC from the UCANZ governance has been one of the most significant redirections and changes for the church under Don’s leadership.

Don expounds “another reason for leaving now is because we have completed the task God appointed for us in Omokoroa – that being the rebuilding of OCC and guiding its exit from the UCANZ governance structure. New informal denominational partnerships have also been firmly established with the Church of Confessing Anglicans, The Wesley Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Affirm. These are like minded churches and groups that are theologically orthodox in belief and practice. They will help OCC charter its own path in the years ahead, so the future of OCC no longer requires our guidance.”

During their time at OCC, Don and Lynda have also been involved in some of the more memorable occasions including an African themed dinner, an Indonesian themed dinner, and the Church Gala. Don also contributed frequently to the Omokoroa Omelette and has become locally renowned for his inspirational messages. Their presence has certainly seen worship numbers at OCC’s services grow strongly, especially at the contemporary 10.00am Sunday services over the past year.

Lynda’s role as Vocational Deacon and Community Chaplain has seen her very engaged in the community, leading Mainly Music and iGirlz, and as Assistant Children’s Minister for the church. More recently she has been actively involved with the local In This Together programme, supporting isolated and struggling families and individuals during the lockdown and its after-effects. She has been an inspirational leader for many women and families in the wider Omokoroa area, coming alongside, sharing wisdom and praying with them during their difficult seasons.

In an old issue of The Beacon published when they first arrived in Omokoroa, Don stated his vision and goals for the Omokoroa Community Church were “to build a caring and growing vibrant Christian community, to develop a positive Christian culture and be the church we're meant to be.” Many in the church and wider community would agree they’ve certainly done that.

Shortly after arriving here a few years ago, Don reflected on living in Omokoroa after a return visit to their home town to take a family wedding (“Preserving Paradise”, Omokoroa Omelette, May 2016). He said “The wedding was in our old church where we saw lots of old friends and familiar places. We even spent some time in our old house. But none of it ‘felt’ like home anymore. We have lived in Omokoroa for a grand total of nine months and we both concluded that Omokoroa has captured our hearts. Many of you told us this would happen because we do live in such a great place… Our church family at the Omokoroa Community Church has been the heart of that for us. I love the sense of extended family care that I find there… Omokoroa’s greatest asset are its people and the atmosphere they create here. People who will greet each other as they pass. People who will stop and talk if you want to. People who will tell you a good fishing spot, or social spot. People who will look after your place if you are away. People who care about the community beyond their own back yard. What are you and I going to do to pass on these types of values to newcomers? What are we going to do to preserve and nurture this great place? This is a question I’m asking of myself, and my Church. Why not join us as we strive to make Omokoroa an even better place.”

A final farewell service was held with Don and Lynda at OCC on 2 August with a shared lunch. Many members of the congregation spoke of the impact Don and Lynda have had in their lives and we all agree they’ll be very much missed and fondly remembered for their contribution, influence and love they have given to so many here in Omokoroa. At present, a replacement minister for Omokoroa Community Church has not yet been appointed but we believe God will bring along the right person to lead the church at the right time. When He closes one door, He is faithful to open another.

In the meantime, the church has secured a combination of local and visiting ministers for preaching at our two Sunday services with all slots filled until the new appointment. Please join us and enjoy the varied program we are looking forward to over the next couple of months.

Finally, the questions Don posed in 2016 when pondering his newly found paradise still sing out to us today. With Don and Lynda no longer here to fan this flame, the calling is ours to fulfil, as a church and as a community. Especially in times such as these.