Chartwell Cooperating Church (St Albans) has been a cooperating church of Anglicans, Methodists and Presbyterians since the early days of the Chartwell suburb (history and origin). We seek to blend these Christian traditions in both worship and life and welcome people with different understandings of the Christian faith.

Our purpose is to "know and to share God’s love for all people"

We hope that St Albans will be a place to grow in your faith and to make new friends who can encourage and support you in life. Our ministers are people with whom you can talk frankly about any particular concerns. We hope you will explore the opportunities we offer and in the process we’re sure you will find the Parish has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Our Team:

Rev Ken Olsen- Minister

Rev Ken is the Presbyterian appointment to the Chartwell Cooperating Church ministry team. He is particularly enthused by the exploration of spirituality and our thinking about God in modern day society; how music, cinematography and art raise theological issues and discussion on how we think about and experience God.

 Venerable Anne Mills- Minister

Ven. Anne is the Anglican appointment to the Chartwell Cooperating Church Ministry Team. Anne has a background in education. Her particular interests lie with ministry to families and in how the Gospel, the church and the surrounding culture can be in meaningful dialogue. She is energized by good coffee, conversation, reading and reflection!

 

  

 

Margaret Clow-  Parish Administrator

Margaret has been with Chartwell Co0perating Parish for 4 years. The role is a busy one, coordinating the many and varied activities and groups, as well as the "nuts and bolts" of a vibrant and busy church. Margaret will be the first contact person and can help with, or direct, any enquiries as required.

 

 

Parish Council:

Parish Council is the group who are elected to administer and manage Parish life as oversight of the Church. They meet on a monthly basis. The Chairperson of this Committee is:

Russell Young- Parish Council Chairperson

The Secretary is Ruth Bridge

 

 

 

 

Church Committees:

The following committees are responsible for creating a smooth and  efficient working environment for the parishioners, the ministry team and staff. Each committee is accountable to the Parish Council.

Convenors:

Worship - Evelyn Johnston
Spiritual Development - Mary West
Finance and Administration Committee: Fiona Bennett
Property Committee: Warwick Silvester
Local Mission: Bob Dawson
Care and Support: Gwen Kentish
Overseas Missions: Trevor Bennett

For more information on the role of each committee please click here

If you would like to know how to  become a member of a committee please contact our  office on 855 7434

History and Origin:

St Alban’s parish was first an extension of St Aidan’s Anglican parish, Claudelands. It began in a church hall, built on the corner of Comries and Herbert Roads to serve the new suburbs of Queenwood and Chartwell. It was then the only community building in the area. In 1966, a core group of local Christians from Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian backgrounds decided that if they worked together in one church, pooling resources, they would then provide a natural focus for Christian worship and action in the neighbourhood, and so combined worship began. This concept was in accord with the growing enthusiasm in the national churches for progress towards unity. It was in this context that Chartwell Church became a reality. Community use was encouraged from the beginning: Plunket, kindergarten, indoor bowls, flower shows. There were active women’s and youth groups, a large Sunday School and a Spring Fair.

Because of the need for more space, in 1973, the Anglican building was moved to the large Methodist site on the corner of Comries Road and Bellmont Avenue, Chartwell, and with Presbyterian funds was greatly extended. In June 1975, the parish was reformed under national guidelines as the Co-operating Parish of St Alban’s, Chartwell and in July, St Mary’s, Gordonton [ex Cathedral Parish] became part of the Cooperating Parish. From 1977 – 1983, the Rototuna Methodist Church was also part of the Parish. Ministry through the years has been provided, from each of the denominations. As a response to continuing church growth and needs of the community, the church complex has been enlarged, altered and added to a number of times. In 2000, the completion of a new worship centre gave additional space and more flexible possibilities.