Ordination of Aaron Johnstone
Aaron Johnstone Now Ordained and Begins Hawea Ministry
On Thursday 21st March, well over a hundred people squeezed into the quaint St Ninians church in beautiful Hawea Flats for the licensing, induction and ordination service of Aaron Johnstone. Aaron and his wife Laura, along with their young kids, are moving into the Hawea community to lead a new ministry in this growing region. Having just completed his internship with the Upper Clutha parish in Wanaka, and with the church looking to have a renewed presence in Hawea, Aaron was a natural fit to be placed as a minister in Hawea.
The licensing, induction, and ordination service was led by Presbytery Moderator, Rev Andrew Scott. Rev Douglas Bradley, minister in Cromwell, preached from Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Mark 6:6-13. In his message, Douglas Bradley reminded us all of what it means to be called as a minister; that it is Christ who calls us; and of the important place that preaching the gospel has in the role of the minister. Rev Carlton Johnstone, who was the MSB convenor for Hawea, shared the narrative of how Aaron came to be called to Hawea and how Aaron was a natural fit and an easy choice for the MSB to make.
Many other people shared words of encouragement and support for Aaron and his family. The level of enthusiasm and support shown for Aaron was a true testament to his character and his ability as a minister to build quality relationships within the parish. There is nothing but excitement and joy for his new ministry role in the Hawea region and we are all excited to see what God has in store for Hawea!
Congratulations Rev Aaron Johnstone!