News
From the Moderator
My time and energy this month has been focussed on a trip to Vanuatu. Andrew Bell of Global Mission and I were scheduled to meet with the Assembly Executive of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu in Port Vila, we both took the opportunity to take with us teams from our congregations (from St David’s, Palmerston North and St Andrews, Otahuhu), and establish relationships with local peoples.
So, ten of us from St David’s (from a two year old to one who was 80 plus) boarded a plane for Santo Island then made the 45 minute drive to Talua Ministry Training Centre. We were determined that the focus of this trip was not to be “what can we do for you and give to you” but rather “how can we share faith and companionship.”
We were hosted by student families at the campus and spent much time sharing faith and talking about our life styles. We did do some teaching in the college and worked in the library and set up what we hope will be a long term relationship with the local primary school, Tata School. It was (as many others have found who embark on such programmes) a life enhancing experience.
The faith and commitment of the Ni-Vanuatu people offers a great comparison to the take-it-for-granted Kiwi attitude and the simplicity of their life style challenges our affluence enormously. It was at times a great adventure (on the back of utes and in dugout canoes) but great fun too.
One of the topics of conversation at the Assembly Executive meeting was reports of alleged exploitation of Ni-Vanuatu workers in New Zealand for fruit picking and pruning. This is of great concern. The workers come to NZ with high expectations and on too many occasions seem to be greeted with less than adequate living conditions and expectations of contributions to costs (often costs they did not expect). Unfamiliar with Employment Agreements, with limited English skills and often cold and hungry, these are very vulnerable people. On the other hand we have heard of some parishes in NZ who have taken the workers under their wing and offered warm hospitality and a welcome to local worship. As a new round of worker migrants arrive this summer, can I ask you to keep an eye out for them? Many are members of our partner church in Vanuatu. Please share not only faith and hospitality but make sure that they are being treated justly and not being exploited.
Earlier in the month I went to my second “Connect” Youth Workers Conference. I need to say our enjoyment was not impeded by the huge snow that surrounded us at Living Springs on Banks Peninsula, though our young visitors from Taiwan were hard to keep inside. The PYM team did a splendid job in arranging a challenging programme to encourage and inspire the youth leaders and we all went home equipped for another year.
If you are in Whakatane this month, a visit to the local Museum is a must. The team there have mounted an exhibition called Hihita and Hoani: missionaries to Tuhoe.
This month I will complete my visits to the Presbyteries, Waikato will be number 22! I will also attend the Church Schools Conference at Rangi Ruru in Christchurch.
One upcoming week will be spent taking advantage of a course being offered by the Knox Centre, Ministry as White Water Rafting: Rethinking Ministry & Leadership When the Only Constant is Change: A ministry intensive for those over 50. Maybe I will see some of you there? I hope you are all taking advantage of the great opportunities offered for training through this new programme of workshops around the country.
In the meantime, the peace and light of Christ be with you
Arohanui
Pamela
Assembly Office update
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
There are some places I stand, and things that I see, that help me place everything else in perspective, (the psalmists knew this all along of course). There is a special spot, half way up Treble Cone (near Wanaka) looking up the Matuktuki valley that is so beautiful it leaves me speechless. It can be hard coming back down from the mountain but we need these times. Having just come back from holiday I hope that you too are also finding some time for “re-creation”.
We recently held our final Council meeting before the General Assembly (staff and volunteers are working hard to prepare for the big event in October). We have also just held our Assembly Business Committee meeting to finalise planning details.
Commissioners to the General Assembly
Thank you to all the presbytery clerks and UDC secretaries who have indicated the names of elders and ministers attending Assembly 08. We are still awaiting some forms listing the names of those attending. There should be four lists: ministers, elders, youth and observers.
If you are coming to the Assembly please register on line after you receive your registration packs. We agreed some years ago that the General Assembly needed to be self –funding, which means that every commissioner needs to negotiate with the group they are representing in terms of meeting attendance costs.
Nominations for Moderator-designate
Thank you to all those individuals, presbyteries/udc’s and congregations who participated in this process. The votes have now been counted and the result passed to the Nominating Committee. This was a new process for all of us and I would value your feed back on any changes or positive suggestions which you might have. With around 60% of congregations voting, I would especially welcome ideas on how we can get an even higher level of participation.
Bringing issues before the General Assembly
August 7 2008 marks the last date that reports and proposals (replacing overtures, memorial and petitions) can be included for the General Assembly. Late reports and proposals can only relate to matters that arise after this closing date. Notices of motion can be sent to the Business Committee via this office with those that have been received two weeks before Assembly being printed with the late reports.
Working Safe Training Programme
I am pleased to announce that the Working Safe training programme is now free to all parishes. This programme trains one person in your parish to develop a health and safety plan. We’ve made the programme free because we don’t want cost to be a barrier to any parish in undertaking this important work. People are our biggest asset, and it’s important that we do everything possible to keep them safe. Those parishes that have already taken up and paid for the programme will be reimbursed. If you have any questions, please contact Margaret Fawcett on margaret@presbyterian.org.nz. At some stage over the next two months the providers of this programme will contact your parish requesting that one person be nominated to participate on the web based training programme.
Spanz magazine
Spanz is now available for free to all congregations. This high quality quarterly magazine contains information important for keeping up to date with happenings around our Church. If your congregation would like to receive Spanz, please contact our communication manager, Amanda Wells, email amanda@presbyterian.org.nz
Prayers
We continue to receive reports from the churches in Myanmar and Zimbabwe about the special challenges and the suffering facing the people in these countries.
Please pray for those preparing for the General Assembly, the current Moderator, the Rt Rev Pamela Tankersley and the moderator-designate the Rev Dr Graham Redding. For the Business Committee and local arrangements committee as they finalise details for the event and also for the staff and volunteers involved. Please pray also for members of the church of North India as they plan for their travel and celebration with us at this time.
Thank you for your generous support of the work we do together as a Church.
Martin
GA08 News
How to enrol for GA08 online
If your attendance at GA08 has been confirmed by Assembly Office and you have received an enrolment pack, you can now enrol online. Please visit the GA webpage for more information.
If you're not attending, you can sign up to receive an email every evening of GA08, which starts on Thursday 2 October and concludes on Monday 6 October. This daily email will summarise decisions and events, as well as providing links to fuller information. If you'd like to subscribe, please visit (link removed). Visit the GA webpage for more information on GA08.
Global Mission update
Hot Topic
For the past six years, one of the standard GMO appeals has been for a Disaster Relief Fund. The strap line was quite catchy even if I say so myself. ‘Your gift today will help us respond when disaster strikes tomorrow’. I think I am right in saying that we never received a donation. However, when we have made appeals when disaster has struck, we have had differing responses. A tsunami in the Solomon Islands did not raise a cent but a cyclone in Nuie raised several thousand dollars. Our current appeal for the people of Myanmar, devastated by Cyclone Nargis, has been good by our standards raising over NZ $10,000. However we have already sent more than that to the PCM and need further donations urgently.
Doubling our work in Vanuatu
What if the disaster is the result of human error? What if it is caused by governmental meltdown or the impact of the global economy? I have just returned from a week in Vanuatu and like many of our Pacific Island neighbours, Vanuatu fall’s into this category. If ever our partner church needed us to ‘stand up and be counted’ it is now. The challenges they are facing are huge. Our time is now. I am reminded of the Elisha’s response when Elijah asked ‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ to which Elisha replied ‘give me a double portion of your spirit’. (2 Kings 1:9).
Talua Ministry Training Centre – urgently required the services of an English teacher, preferably ESOL training for term 3 (Sept – Nov 2008). But this position could be a full two year appointment for 2009/10. Ideally the English teacher would be married to either a farmer (with livestock expertise) or an accountant / administrator to assist both Talua and Navota Farm next door. Full sponsorship available
Onesua Presbyterian College – we urgently require a person with carpentry skills to go and ‘project manage’ the renovation of the carpentry workshop and other buildings. One month’s work at very least.
Myanmar Update
Myanmar as a whole, and particularly north of Yangon, is returning to some sort of normality. We were able to send US$10,000 in disaster relief for the Yangon congregation as every member had their home destroyed. We hope to send more as life is still extremely difficult. Rice is at least six times more expensive than it was even in the Chin Hills. Thus, the wisdom of investing in the Church’s capacity to grow their own rice and chickens / eggs has proved to be very valuable. We are continuing with our programme of providing US$10,000 investment to each of the eight Synods. We have just sent more funding to grow this micro-enterprise project in the first Synod. We are about to embark on the third, having just completed the second which was the rebuilding of a worship centre and manse which was torched. We have sent more funding to the Agape Clinic for mattresses for the beds we bought through the generosity of St Columba, Botany.
We have also been successful in setting up a new Theological Scholarship programme in conjunction with Payap University in Chiang Mai which is run by the Church of Christ in Thailand. Two students have just arrived to commence an MA programme. The scholarship is funded by the APW National Executive; to promote equality one student is to be a woman.
Rev Lal Chhandama successfully graduated from Trinity in Singapore in May with an MA and has returned to a very rural mission in Myanmar. The GMO supported Lal for three years. We continue to provide a full scholarship to Rev Zam Khan Lam who is studying in the Philippines.
As some of this work is part of the Moderator’s Special Appeal for Myanmar, if your congregation has not yet made a donation and would like to please send it before GA08.
In hope
Andrew
Carrying on from what Andrew has said, there are a number of ways to be part of God’s Mission. However some of you might be thinking, “Does being involved in Global Mission Office have anything to do with proclaiming the Gospel?”
I had the recent privilege of running a youth exchange programme with a group of youth leaders from Taiwan (held from the 2nd to the 17th of July). Below is some of the feedback from the last day that they wanted to share with you:
“Thanks for your acceptance and hospitality; I’ll remember the goodness and behaviour of you. I hope that after I come back to Taiwan, we can still work together in God’s Kingdom, and I’ll try my best to share what I have learned.”
“For me, the experience is really amazing. First I found out the creation of God is quite awesome because of a small flower or magnificent hill. Second, I learned a lot from my team partners. I know what I have to improve and to do because of their sharing and presentation. Third, I got to know more about my church and the issues of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand; so I found out what I can do and how I can serve God.”
When I was talking with one of the young men of the group at the Connect conference, we were having a time of prayer and he said to me; “When I go back home I want to renew my faith, I want to take what I have learnt here and share it with others.”
A few days after the programme I was talking with some of the hosts: One of them said to me, “our understanding of God’s mission has been challenged, we want to know more. They were so lovely, and although they were different in many ways, so much was the same.”
So much was the same. The more I travel and experience the churches around the world I see that people are the same everywhere. I see the church facing similar challenges. Again this was highlighted with the exchange programme. To share our faith is hard work, to be involved in God’s mission is risky, takes energy and perseverance, but as a world wide faith community we can support each other, challenge each other and strengthen each other. We will realise that not only does God go ahead of us, but that He is already in those different places doing mighty things. We can support our brothers and sisters in Christ as we are all take part in proclaiming the Gospel through word and action. This is why we offer the opportunities below.
Opportunities
Taiwan: Are there any young adults that feel called to go and become involved with the faith community of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan, in Taiwan? They’ve been here and now they want us to go there. Fourth Term 2008 for two weeks
Nepal: Time is running out, so youth leaders interested in going on a mission trip to Nepal please let the Global Mission Office or Rev Ken Williams know as soon as possible.
Zambia and South Africa: Are you interested in going to Zambia and South Africa for a short term mission in January 2009? Let us know as soon as you can.
Zambia: An appeal to raise funds for a classroom block in Zambia. Messiah Ministries, which has established a children’s home for AIDS orphans and a community school, is asking for financial help to extend a classroom for grade 8 and 9 pupils: Can you help?
Global Mission Intern: Are you interested in serving in Global Mission but don’t want to leave New Zealand straight away? Come and work at the Global Mission Office, which includes training and two mission trips later in the year: Start is early 2009.
Urgent request: Could all ministers who received our survey please complete it as soon as possible and send it back to us, we require the information for the Global Mission Summit.
Many Blessings
Stuart
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership update
Workshops
By now, parishes and presbyteries will have received the workshops brochure, which offers over fifty training workshops to the Church. An electronic version of the brochure is available on our website www.knoxcentre.ac.nz. To prevent the workshop leaders being overworked we would ask that requests for workshops be made by presbyteries or regional clusters of churches rather than by individual parishes. Please make your requests through the Knox Centre rather than by direct contact with the workshop leaders.
Staffing
Recently we were pleased to announce the Rev Mark Johnston’s appointment to the position of Auckland Co-coordinator. We are now pleased to announce the Rev Jason Goroncy’s appointment to the position of lecturer (in Dunedin). Jason replaces John Roxborogh, who retired earlier this year. Like Mark, Jason will take up his position in January 2009. He is currently completing his PhD in theology at St Andrew’s in Scotland. Before commencing his PhD studies he served as a Baptist pastor in Australia, and spent two years on secondment to a Uniting Church in Australia parish. Jason brings to the position strong academic credentials and a good mix of parish and international mission experience. His appointment concludes our recruitment search, and we look forward to starting the New Year with a full complement of staff
National Mission update
In May 2008, Carolyn Sims of the Flagstaff Parish in Dunedin, produced a profile of the parish area with statistics relating to the area’s ethnic make-up, religious affiliation, income and other demographics. Beside these stats, the profile gave some background to the parish, showed what community facilities were available and made comment on important local industries.
This profile has now been uploaded to the National Mission Resources section of the Church website, along with some introductory notes from a brief interview with Carolyn, and a template showing how other parishes might approach making a similar profile for their own area. National Mission Office is happy to provide statistics for such profiles.
In the next week, a work-in-progress version of the package on Asians in New Zealand will be uploaded.
John Daniel is on annual leave (except for one week in August). The National Mission office remains open with activities as normal.
APW update
United Nations Committee invitation to take part in global advocacy and outreach work.
In 1998 The Association of Presbyterian Women (APW) Aotearoa New Zealand was granted special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations body responsible for initiatives for the advancement of women.
Since gaining this status APW has given full support to the work of ECOSOC and has had the opportunity to contribute and influence discussions and development relevant to gender equality and the advancement of women and girls. Each year an APW representative attends the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session at the United Nations in New York to meet with other representatives of member states to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide. The CSW is a functional commission of ECOSOC and reports to the Council on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields.
During the last few years APW has been building a close relationship with the Ecumenical Women Coalition at the CSW and this is providing APW with a stronger, combined voice which focuses on religion and human rights from a gender perspective. Each of the Ecumenical Women’s member churches and organisations are working within their own traditions to raise the status of women.
Alongside this work at the international level, APW promotes these same principles nationally and regionally: Regional groups have been supporting and promoting the Prevent Family Violence Campaign run by family and community services. APW supports White Ribbon Day, the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November. An HIV/AIDs brochure with the focus on value and respect for life has been printed and is currently being revised for further distribution. Throughout NZ APW groups are encouraged to lobby in support of the Pointseven campaign, calling on the government to honour its promise of increasing overseas aid by 2015.
APW has a United Nations Committee, currently convened by Mary McIntyre. This committee extends an invitation to anyone interested in the United Nations work to contact Mary. The work that the UN committee is involved in is of interest to women in all fields of life, it is not exclusively for APW members and the committee would be delighted to hear from others who may like to be part of this global advocacy and outreach work.
Contact Mary McIntyre, Convenor APW United Nations Committee, 18 Hall Road, Bannockburn, RD.2., Cromwell. Phone 03 445 4709 or email: bbmacs@xtra.co.nz
Noticeboard
Council News July 2008
Council News July 2008
Council met between 10-11 July at Island Bay Presbyterian Church in Wellington. This was the final full meeting of the current Council; those members who had completed their four-year term were thanked for their service. Much of the meeting was concerned with discussing proposals that will be put before General Assembly 2008. Read the full Council newsletter.
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
The recent storms may have caused damage to Church properties. If you need to make a claim please call 0800 502 020 and advise that you are part of the Presbyterian Insurance Group. The excess is $1,500 per claim per event. This means that if any other Presbyterian insured properties within the same region have been damaged in the same storm the excess will be charged once and shared between all the claims ie each church will not pay the full excess. This may mean that if your parish sustains damage of $500 it may still be able to claim this amount (even though it is lower than the normal excess).
Parishes are also reminded to check premises after the storms to make sure there are no hazards that may cause injury to the public.
For further information contact Margaret Fawcett 04 381 8291 or email margaret@presbyterian.org.nz
The Introduction Workgroup
The Introduction Workgroup seeks further church / parish profiles for the exiting ordinands from the Knox Centre of Leadership and Ministry.
Please consider an ordinand for your vacancy.
Although this will be their first fulltime post, they bring life-skills from previous employment, church experience and fresh ideas and knowledge gained from their training that could be beneficial to your setting.
Please contact: Amanda Guy, IWG Convener, 4 Mount Street, Wakari, Dunedin.
Ph: (03) 476 6559 or email amanda.guy@healthotago.co.nz
Presbyterian Foundation Grants
Applications are now open for this year’s Presbyterian Foundation grants. Guidelines and applications forms are available on the Church’s website. View the Foundation grants webpage. All information on the Presbyterian Foundation is located in the Resources for Parishes section. The deadline for presbyteries to endorse and forward applications is 15th September.
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership Ministry Study Grants
Are you a Presbyterian minister planning on further study? Do you know that you can apply for a study grant from the School of Ministry?
Applications are invited in March and September each year for post-ordination study grants for ministers in good standing of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. These grants are made possible through the generosity of the Mary Ann Morrison and M S Robertson estates and are administered by the Senatus of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.
What are the rules?
1. The proposed course of study will aid the applicant's professional development.
2. There is a potential benefit to the Church and the probability of significant service to the Church.
3. Parish and presbytery approval has been obtained for the study, where appropriate.
In normal circumstances grants do not exceed one-third of the study costs involved and may be held in conjunction with other scholarships and grants other than the Postgraduate Scholarship. Grants are not made retrospectively and relate only to costs to be incurred by the scholarship holder themselves.
How do I apply?
Applicants are asked to address the criteria and set out their expected costs including conference fees, tuition fees, basic accommodation and travel, and to supply any other information that may be relevant.
Enquiries to:
The Registrar, Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership, Knox College, Arden Street Opoho, Dunedin. Email registrar@knoxcentre.ac.nz Due date: 30th September 2008.
Mercy Hospice Auckland, and The School of Nursing (University of Auckland)
jointly present:
Professor Mary Vachon
The soul’s wisdom: stories of living and dying
& Alchemy, compassion and the healer’s art
1-day workshop, Monday 8th September 2008
Mercy Hospice Auckland, 61 College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland
Dr Mary Vachon is a nurse, psychotherapist, author and cancer survivor who has given over 1,600 lectures around the world on issues related to occupational stress, cancer, bereavement, survivorship and spirituality. She is currently a psychotherapist and consultant in private practice; Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Public Health Sciences at the University of Toronto and clinical consultant at Wellspring.
Mary is the recipient of many awards including the Mara Morgenson Flaherty Lectureship of the Oncology Nursing Society for Excellence in Psychosocial Oncology in 1985; the Dorothy Ley Award for Excellence in Palliative Care received from the Ontario Palliative Care Association in 1997; the National Hospice and Palliative Care Distinguished Researcher Award, 2001 for her continued contribution to the field of palliative; and the Lifetime Achievement Award of 2008 of The International Journal of Palliative Nursing.
Early bird registration is $180.00, close-off date is Monday 25 August 2008.
Registrations received after are $200.00.Register online at www.mercyhospice.org.nz or contact Angie Poi at Mercy Hospice.
Election Year Social Justice Forum
Saturday 9 August, 11am to 5pm
St. Andrew's Hall, 30 The Terrace, Wellington
Forum open to all those who hope for a world where justice and peace can be made real.
Social justice people from mainline Christian churches, including Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, will lead workshop presentations and discussion of the “burning issues” for social justice in 2008. Issues of children and families, environmental justice, poverty, international food crisis, housing affordability and social hazards are some of the issues likely to be covered.
A political panel will conclude the day, where politicians from the parliamentary parties will be invited to discuss the social issues with the forum participants.
Please register for catering purposes at admin@nzccss.org.nz
A light lunch is included and we welcome any koha/donation towards costs of the day.
Contact: Paul Barber paul.barber@nzccss.org.nz ph 473 2627 or Peter Cowley pcowley@paradise.net.nz ph 934 6224
Association of Presbyterian Women (APW)
Please note this is the same event APW told you about last month. Same place, same time, same wonderful speaker, same warm welcome - only the topic has changed.
Invitation to Northern Regional Day hosted by Auckland Presbyterial.
All women are warmly welcomed to share a day with us in the company of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Rt. Rev Pamela Tankersley.
Pamela has prepared a programme: ‘Jesus calls us each by name’.
Come to:
St John’s Presbyterian Church,
422 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Roskill
Saturday 30th August 2008
9.30 am – 4.00 pm.
cost is $10 including lunch.
We are happy to offer beds for those who need to stay over.
“I have your name written on the palms of my hand,” says our God,
“You are honoured and precious in my sight and I love you.”
RSVP. 15th August 2008.
Mary North,
6 A Corta Bella Place, Golflands, Manukau 2013
Phone: 09-2770201 Email dagme(at)xtra.co.nz
For the South Island
A Regional Conference hosted by women of the Ashburton District will be held at:
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Ashburton.
5th - 7th September 2008
“Many Branches, One Burning Bush” Conference is open to all women in Presbyterian and Union Parishes. Every parish has a copy of the brochure. If you require an email copy of the brochure please contact Dellwyn Moylan, Convenor, email dgmoylan(at)clear.net.nz
Programme
The Conference theme is "Many branches one burning bush". This reflects that though we are from many different APW groups and parishes we are all one in the Church. The conference will look at the diversity we as a Church, and as communities, now face.
Friday
3.30 pm - 5.00 pm Registrations
6.00 pm - 6.30 pm Registrations
7.30pm Welcome, and opening Worship Service in St Andrew's Church to be followed in the church by key note speaker Very Rev. Michael Thawley former Moderator of the Church. The evening will conclude with a high supper in the Sinclair Centre.
Saturday
8.45 am pre-conference singing in the church.
9 am devotions to be followed by Maori welcome. Day will have speakers and workshops from the Samoan and Asian communities. Our study programme has been written by Mrs. Almond Royds. This part of the conference will conclude at 4.30 pm
6.30 pm conference dinner beginning with Scottish dancing, the “Piping of the Haggis”, followed by a two course meal interspersed with key note speaker Rev Dr Graham Redding Moderator Designate of the Church and Principal of the Knox Centre for Leadership, then a performance from the Cook Island community.
Sunday
10 am Worship at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church led by Rev David Brown, Minister of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Ashburton followed by morning tea and lunch in the Sinclair Centre.
Cost
The total cost for the conference is $55 per person this includes supper on Friday evening, Saturday morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and conference dinner and Sunday morning tea and lunch. We are not providing an evening meal on Friday night. We are able if you request it to provide you with information about transport to and accommodation in Ashburton. The costs for these are not included in the registration cost. Full payment is requested at the time of registering. If your partner would like to attend the partners' programme on Saturday including morning and afternoon tea and lunch it will be “pay your own way”. Partners are welcome to join us for dinner on Saturday evening at a cost of $30 per person.
All registrations are due in by Friday 22nd August 2008.
Contact Dellwyn Moylan, Convenor, 5 Oxford Street Ashburton, 7700.
Ph (03) 3086598 Email dgmoylan(at)clear.net.nz
APW Study Grant
APW is pleased to offer a grant, to help with course costs, to women in our Church seeking Christian training in 2009.
Application Forms may be obtained from:
Jill Little, National Secretary, APW, PO Box 489, Feilding.
or Phone: 06 323 -8218 or Email jlittleapw(at)orcon.net.nz
Applications close on 30th September 2008
CWS notices
Darfur Appeal
The humanitarian situation in Darfur is one of the most desperate in the world. The number of people affected by the continuing violence is equivalent to the population of New Zealand. 2.5 million people have been forced from their homes. They are living in displaced persons camps, dependent on international aid for their survival. Without it, the UN estimates 100,000 people could die every month. CWS has launched a joint appeal with Caritas to assist relief efforts. An appeal leaflet, poster, backgrounder and worship resources have been sent to all churches. If you did not receive a copy, please contact cws@cws.org.nz phone 0800 74 73 72. We urge you to support this appeal and pray for the people suffering in Darfur. Vigils have been held around the country on August 1 and the agencies ask that others join them in praying for the people of Darfur every Friday throughout the month. If you would like to organise an event in your area or need display materials please contact the CWS office.
Peace Sunday
Peace Sunday is 10 August, the first Sunday following Hiroshima Day. This is an opportunity to remember the victims of the atomic bomb attacks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 as well as celebrating and supporting efforts for peace today. CWS worship resources focusing on Darfur are now available. Contact cws@cws.org.nz or download from www.cws.org.nz/resources/church
Wipe Out Poverty Week
It’s that time of year again – time for young people in your parish to Wipe Out Poverty. This year’s CWS youth fundraiser focuses on the emergency appeal for Darfur and will be held 1-7 September, although you can hold events at any time. Resources will be sent to youth leaders and can also be downloaded from the CWS website. These include: fundraising ideas and tips, poster and backgrounder on Darfur. Please give your support. Contact youth@cws.org.nz or phone Liz Whitehead on 0800 74 73 72.
New website
CWS has launched a new website. Watch out for a fun online competition during August and remember to check out www.cws.org.nz for information on emergencies, worship materials, resources on CWS partners and campaigns and ways you can take action against poverty.
Youth Topics
Youth Topics 14: Who will pay the price of peace? will soon be sent out to churches. Make sure you are on the mailing list to receive this free poster resource aimed at 12-17 year olds. One side features a compelling image; the other has a range of fun activities to raise awareness of international justice issues with young people. The latest issue looks at some causes of conflict, the cost of war and efforts towards conflict resolution. Contact youth@cws.org.nz or phone Liz Whitehead on 0800 74 73 72.
Resources
Hewitson Library latest acquisitions
Click here to see the new acquisitions list for March 2008.
Church Register
Licensing:
Mr Jono Ryan, Wellington Presbytery, was licensed on 17 July 2008.
Ms Sue Fenton, Wellington Presbytery, was licensed on 17 July 2008.
Ordination and Inductions:
Rev Darryl Tempero, Licentiate, Christchurch Presbytery, to minister Hornby Presbyterian Community Church, Christchurch Presbytery, 9 December 2007.
Rev Alan Missen, minister Cromwell Parish, Central Otago Presbytery, to minister Rangiora Presbyterian Church, Christchurch Presbytery, 7 February 2008.
Rev Mahendran Nair, other recognised minister, Auckland Presbytery to local ordained minister, Presbytery Development Unit (Hindi Fellowship), Auckland Presbytery, 9 April 2008.
Changes in Status:
Rev Si’itia Si’itia-Asi, minister Samoan Presbyterian Church, Onehunga, Auckland Presbytery, to member Auckland Presbytery, 26 June 2008.
Transfers:
Rev David Clark, member Wellington Presbytery, to other recognised minister, Dunedin Presbytery, 17 July 2008.
Rev David Douglas, other recognised minister, Bay of Plenty Presbytery, to other recognised minister, Wellington Presbytery, 17 June 2008.
Rev Dr Alan Kerr, minister emeritus, Mataura Presbytery to minister emeritus, Dunedin Presbytery, 15 July 2008.
Changes in Co-Operative Venture Ministries:
Rev Michael Jones, Anglican Church, Ecumenical Chaplain Wellington and Wakefield Hospitals, Wellington Presbytery, retired 31 December 2007.
Rev Norman West, Methodist Church, minister St Albans Uniting, Christchurch Presbytery, finished his term, February 2008.
Rev Stanley Barnes, Methodist Church, minister Lincoln Union, Christchurch Presbytery, finished his term December 2007.
Rev Brian Turner, Methodist Church, minister New Brighton Union, Christchurch Presbytery, finished his term, January 2008.
Rev Paul Eden, Baptist Church, to minister Ellesmere Co-operating Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, 18 March 2008. This charge is under Presbyterian oversight.
Rev Dr Murray Gow, Associated Churches of Christ, minister, St Paul’s Uniting Kamo, Whangarei, will finish his term on 31 August, 2008.
Rev Vilma Loader, Methodist Church, minister Sumner/Redcliffs/Lyttelton Union Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, retired from charge January 2008.
Rev Hugh Perry, minister St Stephen’s Parish Hamilton, Waikato Presbytery, to minister St Alban’s Uniting Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, 1 May 2008. This is a Methodist appointment.
Retirements:
Rev Winston Baker, Chaplain Burnham Military Camp, Christchurch Presbytery, to minister emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, 10 June 2008.
Rev Rachelle Brown, minister Halswell Union Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, to minister emerita, Christchurch Presbytery, 8 April 2008.
Rev John McKean, Principal Rochester/Rutherford Hall, Canterbury University, Christchurch Presbytery, to minister emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, 31 January 2008.
Rev Winston Marshall, Chaplain Burwood Hospital, Christchurch Presbytery, to minister emeritus, 8 April 2008. Note he continues as Chaplain at Burwood Hospital.
Rev Dr Jim Cunningham, minister Tawa Union Church, Wellington Presbytery, to minister emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, 25 May 2008.
Deaths:
Rev Stuart White, minister emeritus, Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, died 25 June 2008.
Rev Boyd Glassey, minister emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, died 1 June 2008.
Rev Alister Dunn, minister emeritus, Churches Together in Northland, 25 June 2008.
Ministerial vacancies
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General Vacancies
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