Stuart Lange
Senior Minister
Stuart became the minister of Massey-Riverhead Presbyterian Church back in 1992, as the leader of the ministry team. Stuart has a strong Bible teaching ministry, with a warm, down to earth style. Besides his church ministry, Stuart has a PhD from Otago, and for many years has taught the history of Christianity at what is now Laidlaw College (and also at other theological colleges in New Zealand and overseas). He is the co-chair of Presbyterian AFFIRM, and the National Director of the inter-denominational New Zealand Christian Network. Stuart and his wife Rose live in rural Swanson. His first wife (Christine) passed away in 2014 after a long illness. Stuart has four sons and eight young grandsons.
Mark Maney
Associate Minister & Youth
Mark grew up in Edmonton (in Alberta, Canada), and was once a trumpeter in the Canadian Army! After theological studies, he has been involved in ministry since 2007, initially in Korean and Chinese churches. He became an ordained Presbyterian minister in 2017, and joined the ministry team at Massey Presbyterian Church in 2020. Mark is passionate about proclaiming the Christian faith in the context of our contemporary culture. He is a thoughtful and lively presenter. He has sometimes been a speaker at Thinking Matters. Mark’s wife, Charlotte grew up as a missionary child in India, and is a high school English and Economics teacher. They have three school-age children who are all very involved in the life of MPC. Mark is currently also leading the MPC youth.
Jo Huggins
Children & Families
Jo, a former PE and science teacher, has been our Children and Family staff worker at MPC since 2009. She is enthusiastic and creative, and has a great heart for children (and adults too). She does a wonderful job of leading Kidztime, speaking to the children in church, and overseeing other MPC children’s ministries. She also fronts our Tuesday mainly music sessions, leads mainly mums, helps lead Iconz4Girls, and heads the Launchpad programme at a local school. Jo and her husband Paul both enjoy serving the Lord together at MPC. They have three young adult children.
David Cooper
Pastor of Riverhead Family Church
David has been the pastor of our Riverhead church since 2018. He has previous involvement in pastoring and church planting in Australia in the 1990’s. He has a degree in theology, an advanced diploma in professional counseling, and is an accredited community chaplain. David loves to lead worship, and has been married to his wife Lucy since 1995. The heart and call of David’s ministry is “to connect people with Jesus” and shepherd God’s people. He is very grateful to be a part of the parish ministry team, working together for the Lord.
Valerie Tracy
Administration
Since 2008, Valerie has been our capable and dedicated Church Administrator, and has an in-depth knowledge of MPC. If Valerie can’t answer your question, she will know who to ask! She has a background in administration and information technology, and has also studied in theology and ministry. A New Zealander, Valerie was brought up in Africa, and has also lived in Britain and France. Valerie leads a Bible Study group, and is a key person in our church’s prayer ministry.