Chris Clark is the pastor of Snells Beach Baptist Church in Auckland. In this reflection, he shares his experience of Hui u0101 Mu0101ori, the annual gathering of New Zealand Baptists exploring and celebrating Christian faith through a kaupapa Mu0101ori lens. Hosted by Ngu0101i Iriiri Mu0101ori, this year's hui took place in u014ctautahi, Christchurch, from 3u20135 July, bringing together people (Mu0101ori and non-Mu0101ori) from across Aotearoa for a time of learning, listening, worship, leaning into what God is doing and eating together.
This year I attended the Hui-u0101-Mu0101ori in u014ctautahi for the first time and I was quite nervous about it before arriving. My reo Mu0101ori is extremely basic and I havenu2019t really been in many Mu0101ori spaces throughout my life. But when I reflect back on what I was able to participate in and experience at the hui, I am deeply grateful. It was the most welcoming and refreshing hui I have ever attended in Baptist circles. Each person was given opportunity to share, everyone was listened to and everyone present was woven into the story of the hui.
We worshiped through opening the Word together.
We worshiped through singing together.
We worshiped through eating together.
We worshiped through sharing our stories with one another.
We worshiped through learning a new waiata together.
Through all of these things we were able to see one another and experience a beautiful expression of unity. I was able to connect with many new people for the first time u2013 some who I have seen in the distance for years. Now we are whu0101nau.
My nervousness wasnu2019t necessary. The language neednu2019t have been a concern. This was a place of refreshment, of laughter and fun, of lots of great kai, and a place of real connection. If you are on the fence about going next year u2013 just do it. Whether you are Mu0101ori or Tangata Tiriti there is a seat for you and you are most welcome.
In case you were wondering why I am writing this reflection and what business I have in this space, I have recently discovered my whakapapa Mu0101ori. This was the first Hui-u0101-Mu0101ori that I could attend since having my whakapapa confirmed so it was special to me on that front as well.
Ko Piripiri te maunga
Ko Waitohi te awa
Ko Raukawakawa te moana
Ko Arapaoa te moutere tapu
Ko Waikawa te marae
Ko Te u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-Mu0101ui te iwi
Ko Chris Clark toku ingoa
Photo credit: Troy Renata-Paul
