The Ever-Widening Cirles

At every stage of her rich and varied life, Marg Schrader has responded to God’s call. Join her as she tells her remarkable story. Marg was born in Melbourne. She trained as a primary school teacher and taught at two schools in Melbourne. Her first call was to become a Methodist Deaconess. She was ordained in 1965. That year Marg also met and married Warren Schrader, a widower with seven children, and moved to Christchurch. Marg is a lifelong learner. She has taken opportunities to train whenever they arise. She has been co-director of the Wellington Marriage Guidance council, a spiritual director and a parish minister. Following Warren’s death, Marg set up The Still Point community in Palmerston North. She shared responsibility for leading it with two catholic sisters. Marg became the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand. As Moderator, Marg’s theme for the 1995 Assembly was One Bread, One Body. Her leadership was both strong and caring as the church discussed topics like embracing LGBT people in leadership roles and sexual abuse. This book includes Marg’s reflections on how sexual abuse affects women’s image of God, spiritual abuse, interpreting dreams, and her experiences of spiritual retreats. In recent years, Marg has been called to support interfaith ministry. She has explored Buddhist and other types of spirituality. And she has served as Pastoral Minister with local L’Arche communities in the Kapiti area. When asked about her life, Marg says, “The most important thing I have done is bring up eight children. They are all amazing, good citizens, excellent partners and parents of their children, and all in really worthwhile jobs. I am so very proud of them.” Throughout her ministries and life, Marg has always been willing to change and try new directions. God’s call has underpinned each step. Marg has blessed all who have met and worked with her by spreading God’s love in ever-widening circles.