Dot Muir writes…Dot Muir, NZAAW President

The NZAGM for our Association of Anglican Women (AAW) was held at St John’s Church in Roslyn, Dunedin, on Saturday 21 March. It was a wonderful gathering where positions were confirmed, and we spent valuable time discussing the way forward for our organisation. After open and honest communication, we reached a positive and hopeful outcome.

 

Time fore change image by Alexa from PixabayHave you completed the AAW survey?
It’s open to all Anglicans – men, women, clergy and and lay.
(The survey questions are listed in full in the next article..)

 

Background:
Following the AGM, a SWOT analysis survey has been sent out for you to discuss with your committees and wider communities. We truly need your help to understand what is happening in your area and how we can work together to strengthen our aims, support one another, and encourage more women to join AAW. Please send your completed form to Anne Gover , NZAAW Secretary, or do the on-line survey.  (Accessed on our Home Page via the blue font on the pop-up).. Survey deadline: 24 July 2026. 

 

There is such a deep need within our church communities for women to feel connected, valued, and part of something meaningful. AAW can be that place – a space to serve others, to grow spiritually, and to find friendship and purpose. But it begins with us. We must be the ones who reach out, invite, and inspire.

 

The NZAAW Executive being commissioned at St Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin
On the Sunday of our AGM, we gathered for the commissioning service at St Paul’s Cathedral. There was a strong sense of unity, excitement, and renewed purpose among us all.

 

Here in Southland, we have been blessed with beautiful autumn days – crisp mornings, light frosts, and calm evenings. Our fire glows warmly at night, and I am reminded how fortunate we are to enjoy comfort and safety. At the same time, my thoughts turn to the many in our own neighbourhoods and across the world who do not share these comforts or freedoms. As members of AAW, we can offer support through prayer, time, and financial giving.

 

Themes for the Next Three Years
Our guiding themes are:
– Joy
‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit’ (Psalm 51:12)

– Jubilation
‘It will be to me a name of jubilation, a praise and glory before all the nations’ (Jeremiah 33:9)

– Justice
‘Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.’ (Amos 5:24)

For this coming year, let us focus on **Joy – rediscovering it, sharing it, and moving forward with willing, open

 

My Readings Today
‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’  (Lamentations 3:22–23)

God’s compassion is not something we earn – it is freely given because of His great love. This truth can soften our hearts, draw us closer to Him, and inspire us to pray for others.
Today, I encourage you to intercede for our AAW groups across Aotearoa, asking that they be filled with the Holy Spirit and blessed in their work.

How might embracing God’s renewing mercy today help you pray with greater confidence and peace?

Blessings, Dot

Dot Muir
NZAAW President

 

 

 
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