Community was the focus of Bishop Tom Brown's Charge to the Wellington Diocesan Synod being held in Palmerston North, 17 and 18 September 2011.

After the service the children prepared for the congregation earlier this year, and to which the Bishop came, some of the children wrote cards to him. Here are some of them with Liz’s descriptions and/or explanations the children wanted Bishop Tom to know.

All ideas etc are totally the children's.

The Bishop of Wellington, Dr Tom Brown, has today announced his intention to retire in March next year.

“With the diocese in good heart,” he says, “and after serving as long as I have done, now seems to be a good time to lay down my staff and let the diocese move ahead with a new bishop.”

Bishop Tom, who is 68, will have completed 14 years as Diocesan Bishop of Wellington when he steps down – and 21 years as an ordained bishop.

The depth inherent in the simplicity of a child - and the future of the church - was clear when fourteen members of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ran every aspect of the St Andrew's in the Paddock's service on the first Sunday in Lent (27 March 2011), with Bishop Tom Brown in attendance.

In place of a sermon, Bishop Tom and Liz had a "Show and Tell" about what bishops wear. And Liz got a chance to show off her new chasuble.

At 10 am, with a lengthy procession waiting in the paddock, the service got under way with the hymn, God is here, as we his people.

By 9 am, with the temperature a bit on the chilly side, the paddock was a hive of activity.