The Shepherd’s Call - Te Karanga o te Hēpara - Print.
Prayers and liturgies for rural Aotearoa New Zealand By Bill Bennett
10 in stock 16 November 2025
A rich collection of prayers and liturgies crafted specifically for rural communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, honouring the land, seasons, and life on the farm.
This book will help you:
offer authentic, relevant worship resources for rural congregations and gatherings
acknowledge and celebrate the rhythms of rural and agricultural life in Aotearoa
connect Christian faith with the natural world and rural livelihoods
provide culturally sensitive liturgies that incorporate te reo Māori and local imagery
support seasonal services and events such as harvest festivals and blessings of the land
enrich personal prayer and group worship with beautifully crafted language
strengthen the sense of belonging and spiritual connection within rural communities Features
Over 120 pages of original prayers, liturgies, and blessings for rural contexts
Incorporates te reo Māori in prayers and headings, reflecting bicultural awareness
Thematic material tied to the seasons, farming life, and environmental stewardship
Designed for use in rural parishes, home groups, and personal devotions
Created by an experienced Anglican priest with deep understanding of rural ministry
Soft cover 124pp
22.86 cm H x 15.24 cm L x 0.8 cm W (0.23 kg)
ISBN 9781720226949
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2018)
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The Shepherd’s Call - Te Karanga o te Hēpara: Prayers and Liturgies for Rural Aotearoa New Zealand is a heartfelt and practical resource designed specifically for rural congregations, farmers, and those who live and work on the land. Written by Bill Bennett, an experienced Anglican priest and rural ministry leader, this collection offers thoughtful, theologically grounded worship material that honours the rhythms and realities of rural life.
This bilingual collection, incorporating English and te reo Māori, acknowledges Aotearoa’s unique bicultural context and offers language that resonates deeply with rural communities. With over 19,000 carefully chosen words spread across 124 pages, these prayers and liturgies celebrate the land, the seasons, and the work of farming, while offering comfort and hope in times of hardship.
The prayers are suitable for a range of settings, from formal worship services and community events to personal devotions. Seasonal liturgies include blessings of seed and soil, prayers for drought and rain, and harvest thanksgiving services. Special attention is given to themes of stewardship, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
The Shepherd’s Call - Te Karanga o te Hēpara is an essential resource for clergy and lay leaders seeking to make worship relevant and meaningful in rural Aotearoa. It speaks to the heart of rural ministry and provides language that nurtures faith and connection with the land and its people. About the Author
Bill Bennett is an Anglican priest with many years of experience in rural ministry throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. He has served in various roles, supporting rural congregations and communities with pastoral care and worship leadership. Bill’s deep connection to the land and understanding of rural life are reflected in his sensitive and engaging liturgical writing. He is committed to creating resources that are both theologically sound and contextually relevant for today’s church. Contents
Introduction
Foreword
Spring – Kōanga: Season of the Koru
- Beauty of Spring
- Promise of Spring
- The energy of Spring
- Optimism of Spring
- Lambing and Calving
- Lambing Time
- Calving Time
- Care of our Livestock
- Animal Welfare
- Blossom time
- Tending the Soil and Planting Time
- Spring Warmth
- Spring Weather
- Agricultural Machinery
- Rogationtide — (Caring for Creation through Work and Conservation – usually 3rd and 5th October)
- Plough Sunday (August–October)
- The Whitebait Season
Summer – Raumati: Season of growth
- Growth and Enrichment
- Shearing Time
- Dairy Farming – the daily round
- A Shepherd’s Prayer
- Advent – the Coming of God in Christ
- Rural Christmas
- Summer Christ
- The Woolshed Christ
- Children’s Christmas Thanksgiving
- Summer Holidays
Autumn – Ngahuru: Se