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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
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From the Moderator
Tena Koutou Katoa
CWM Fiji meeting & Travels throughout NZ
In late February I travelled to Fiji for the Council for World Mission pre-Assembly meeting. Our PCANZ team consists of Masele Bakulich-Tufeao, Simon Parkes, Rev Phil King, and me.
It was stimulating and interesting to meet with the other delegates from the Pacific region. There are diverse issues which affect the different members, and it was helpful to hear first-hand of those challenges and how they are seeking to go forward. It was good to meet up again with the General Secretary of CWM, the Rev Dr Jooseop Keum who was at our Assembly last year. Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, CWM Mission Secretary for Education and Empowerment and Pacific Region, led a number of our sessions and helped prepare us for the Assembly which meets mid-June in Durban, South Africa. The Assembly theme is, ‘Rise to Life: Together in Transformation’.
I have been travelling quite a bit: I attended the opening of the Hope Rolleston church in Christchurch; Council of Assembly in Auckland; led a retreat for the Kaimai Presbytery in Tauranga; attended a meeting with Church Leaders and the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services Advisory Group regarding an upcoming meeting we will have with the Prime Minister; and I enjoyed some time in our national office with staff before flying home. We have some great people within the PCANZ, and I value all the connections made as I travel. See some images from my travels above and on my Moderator FB page.
Easter message
I have prepared an Easter message for our Church, “Hope Resurrection”, read it on the Church website here. Easter is at the heart of our faith, and I pray that it will be a time of joy, thankfulness, and celebration of our life-giving faith in the Risen Christ.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24: 30-32)
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
I write this as we approach Easter. As I thought about this edition of Bush Telegraph, I was drawn to words that our Moderator has chosen for her theme: ‘Authentic and Hopeful in Christ’. It picks up about being real people – realistic about the joy and challenges we face. People who walk through and recall the suffering and death of Christ on Good Friday. Authentic. And people of Easter Sunday, who celebrate the empty tomb, the risen Christ – “He is not here; he has risen” - and who live out that and share that Good News in words and deeds. Hopeful in Christ.
It is to transform us.
Paul writing to the Church at Philippi (from the Message) says:
5-8 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11 Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of God the Father.
Authentic and Hopeful in Christ…
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters and pass on other news. Our office’s ability to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates to key contact people, changes in email etc. Please pass on any changes to Nani from our office, so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate office bearers.
Matters for consideration by presbyteries and church councils
General Assembly 2023 follow-up information for, and actions required by, presbyteries and church councils has been sent out. If your church council has not received this, please advise our office.
Calling a newly trained minister
This year six people will complete their training as interns. They represent a range of backgrounds and experiences. All are eager to commit themselves to ministry within the life of a congregation. Profiles for each of them will shortly be available from Rev Dr Carlton Johnstone and Very Rev Richard Dawson who are coordinating introductions and discussions between final-year interns and ministry settlement boards.
Assembly Office closed for Easter
The office will be closed from Friday, 29 March and will re-open on Wednesday, 3 April.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Year 11-13 students Bicultural Discipleship Camp - Te Rangatahi Noho Marae 26-28 April
Earlybird pricing for this exciting event closes end of March. This event is a fantastic bicultural leadership and discipleship opportunity hosted at our beautiful Church marae at Ohope. For more info on registration, schedule and travel subsides see here.
Important dates for 2024
2024 has lots of great training and ministry opportunities from PYM. One of the simplest ways to catch them all is to subscribe to our Google Calendar, with this link you can easily add PYM dates to your own Google (by clicking the + icon at the bottom right of the screen) or Outlook Calendar.
Connect Online Training
Join us online each month for quality training and engagement around key youth ministry topics. Our next training is on Supporting Neuro-Diverse Young People on Monday 8 April. For information on all training topics and to register please go here.
Connect Youth Ministry and Young Adults Conference 26-28 July - Forrest Lakes Camping & Conference Centre Otaki
More information on our national Youth Leader and Young Adult Conference to come shortly. We continue to hear how life-giving this event is for those who attend. Please encourage youth leaders and young adults in your congregation to attend and encourage your session to set aside funding to make it easier for them to do so.
May the Lord continue continue to draw young people to Godself this year!
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Church Schools: Structure, Part 3
Our Presbyterian Church schools were all set up with trust deeds detailing their purpose. This has deeply influenced the way they have since been organised. For example, some documents demand connections to presbyteries. Others, that there will be no formal ties. A common relationship was having presbytery representatives on boards. Many of our schools continue this practice.
The trust deed also defines the ‘special character’ of the school. This special character is a core part of the legal agreement between integrated schools, of which we have six, and the government. In exchange for the Ministry of Education paying their running costs, integrated schools guarantee to provide education that fulfils their special character mandate. Rudolph Steiner schools, for example, must teach using that educational philosophy. Catholic schools must include elements that set them apart as Catholic – e.g. Religious Education, visits by a priest, etc.
However, the Presbyterian special character is not prescribed by the national or regional Church. It is developed by each school, based both on their founding document and the need to be relevant now. Clues as to their current understanding can often be seen on their websites.
Saint Kentigern’s website, for example, states that their education is based on the founders’ desire to provide learning based on Presbyterian principles of service to others, and the acquisition of knowledge for the glory of God, in order that students would benefit humanity (scroll to the bottom for the original statement here). Thus, Saint Kentigern has structured its organisation to provide an expansive education, bountiful service opportunities and robust Christian education. This is what makes up their unique ‘special character flavour’, which has the added advantage of attracting parents who want the same values to enrol their children.
These founding visions make our schools unique and to be valued.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Children and Families
Easter resources
I often wonder about the challenges of sharing the Easter story with children. The crucifixion can be disturbing and uncomfortable to think about as an adult, let alone for a child. Yet, the events of Easter are so very central to our faith. Thankfully, there are some fantastic resources out there that faithfully retell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a sensitive way. I particularly recommend the Jesus Storybook Bible, which recounts the events of Holy Week over a series of chapters, alongside beautiful illustrations. Crossroads Kids Club and Saddleback Kids have also produced some quality videos on Easter, which we have linked on our website.
Safety WOF training online
Recently PCFM supported PYM in running the Safety WOF training online. This 3-session event saw a really good number of participants complete the training, which is required by anyone who works with children and young people in the PCANZ. It is our hope that in doing this training our leaders and volunteers are better equipped to work safely with tamariki and rangatahi. If you or your team missed out keep an eye out for future online opportunities to complete the Safety WOF or check out the Safety WOF website for more information.
Messy Church Road Trip
Many of you will have heard of Messy Church. Some of you may even run Messy Church at your parish. But for those who have yet to encounter it, Messy Church is a relaxed, creative approach to worship that is intergenerational and Christ-centred, and suitable for all ages. Throughout May, the Messy Church NZ team are doing a Road Trip around New Zealand. With international experts joining them, it’s a perfect opportunity to find out more about Messy Church or further train leaders already facilitating Messy Church in their local setting. For locations, dates, more information see here.
I trust that as we contemplate the sacrifice, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this Easter, we would each know deeply the love of Christ. May His peace always be with you.
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
PressGo
PressGo Board
The PressGo Board met in Auckland on 21 February, with a full agenda including induction for the new Board members and a planning session for the year ahead. The Board undertakes a self-review each year at this time, but this year it was more extensive as the COA will also be doing a Review of PressGo later in the year. The Board noted that the position of PressGo Mission Catalyst is to be disestablished on 30 June.
Mission projects
Applications for person-to-person mission projects are still being accepted under the Presbyterian Foundation criteria email Lisa. Remember that church projects can apply for a grant up to $10,000 however the amount you are asking PressGo for must be matched by the same amount raised or budgeted from your church.
Give it a Go Grants
Give it a Go grants have been popular, and we have now made almost 70 of these grants. They are for a one-off grant of $500 and can be applied for any new step in mission with your community. Current applications have been for Easter, Neighbours’ Day, Mothers’ Day, and other events. It is helpful to work in with national events, or local ones, as you will have wider publicity to connect in with. We will consider no more than two applications from each church in a financial year. If you are applying, make sure you have given us feedback on your last grant and show how the new application builds on what has been accomplished in the last one - contact as above.
Forge Aotearoa
PressGo is excited to be again supporting Forge Aotearoa as they move to a different format, starting with a Haerenga Tapu (Sacred Pilgrimage) at Ōhope Marae on 24-26 May. The cost is $180+GST for the full weekend and registrations will open soon – watch social media for the links, including the PressGo FB page which has the event flyer.
Lisa Wells
PressGo Catalyst
Global Mission
Vanuatu
Our English teacher at Talua College in Vanuatu, Jae Ahn, is continuing to make steady progress in his work and is contributing well in other aspects of college life. Please contact me if you are interested in learning how you or your congregation can contribute to our Global Mission partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu.
Myanmar
In 2019, the PCANZ’s Spanz magazine (Nov, pg 9) covered a story about a former refugee family from Myanmar who were worshipping with a PCANZ congregation and making a new life in Wellington. In the past month this family received the news that their 25-year-old son and stepson, Ngaihzuala, was killed in a clash between an ethnic defence force and the Myanmar military. Ngaihzuala had been training as a mechanic but like many young people in Myanmar he sacrificed his career after the military coup in February 2021. Although protests were initially peaceful, the army’s brutal response to peaceful demonstrators and the lack of support from the international community led to armed resistance creating civil war throughout Myanmar. This desperately sad story illustrates how even those who manage to escape oppressive regimes find it hard to be free from the reach of the violence that caused them to flee their homeland.
Last week I chaired a meeting with global ecumenical partners for the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. The church is ministering in crisis conditions and the meeting allowed partners to hear the situation firsthand and consider how they can offer support in this context.
I Love Taiwan applications are open for 2024
I Love Taiwan is a two-week programme hosted by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in July each year. Participants meet with youth from Asia and around the world, learn about life in Taiwan, and share in youth outreaches in both urban and rural settings. Global Mission supports the participation of PCANZ youth in this programme, including a travel subsidy for up to four participants. Find the information and application form here. Please note: email applications to me first – don’t email Taiwan directly. Global Mission will only provide subsidies for applications sent through and endorsed by PCANZ. Please contact me for further information.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Applications for Ministers Study Grants
Applications are invited for Ministers Study Grants. The deadline for the next application round is Friday 31 May. Guidelines and the application form can be found here. Please email your application to Susan Peters.
Workshops in presbyteries
We have a range of workshops being held in presbyteries this year. Keep an eye out for details in your presbytery communication.
NOM Interns 2025/2026
If your church is interested in hosting a NOM intern for 2025/2026 we are now beginning to gauge interest. Please email Geoff New for an Expression of Interest form. We will begin the process of considering where interns will be best suited for their placement mid-year.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Christian World Service
Gaza and the Middle East
Thank you for your prayers for and generous support to the Gaza Palestine Emergency Appeal. The Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees is providing psychosocial and medical assistance to a few of the many people who are suffering. DSPR Gaza began in 1948 when local Palestinian churches began to help the first refugees.
“The destruction of our premises, the limitations of our resources, the poor connection and fragmentation have never prevented DSPR Gaza from keeping a light in the middle of darkness and trying to help people live with dignity,” says DSPR Gaza. The people need our help. Please donate today
A Message to Ukraine
Your gifts have helped the people of Ukraine for the last two years - thank you. Read our report and watch the ACT Alliance video. CWS has sent over $314,000 firstly for relief in Ukraine and then to assist refugees in Poland. Please prayer for peace. Support the Ukraine Appeal.
End of Year Tax Receipts
CWS will send annual receipts after March 31. Donate to one of our appeals on or before March 31 and then claim your tax credit. Receipts are immediately available for Online donations.
Climate Appeal
CWS is appealing for a further $25,000 to help more people prepare for the fast-changing climate. Many need to learn new ways to grow food so their family can eat. Read Sharing Climate Hope.
Share the Love
Are you willing to make a monthly donation so people can exchange poverty for life? As a Partner for Life, you will know that you are putting words into action and sharing God’s love for our world. You can donate through your bank account or online. Find out more or email CWS or phone 0800 74 73 72.
Notices
2024 South Island Ministry Conference - 14 & 15 May
Join us for “Relevant” the 2024 South Island Ministry Conference, aimed at helping to reveal Jesus in a resistant world. This event is designed to equip and inspire church leaders like you! Keynote speaker is Mark Keown, Director of Evangelistic Leadership, who will lead thought-provoking sessions. This year we bring back practical workshops tackling real issues churches face. More info and registration link here.
Scripture Union WAY2GO 2024 - May & June
Come explore and celebrate ways children's ministry is having a ripple effect in churches and communities. Registrations are now open for venues in May and June - Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin, Whangarei, Auckland, Christchurch, Palmerston North. Email or phone 0508 423 836 for more information and register here.
Abide 2024 Church Leadership Conference, Auckland 8-10 Oct
Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership invites you to Abide 2024, a national gathering for church leadership teams to learn with and from each other about best practice for church leadership in Aotearoa. There will be more than 20 New Zealand pastors and leaders contributing to the various sessions this year. See more here.
Mentoring opportunity for science and theology enthusiasts: mid-2024 to July 2025
Are you a science or theology student, undergrad/postgrad, or a young professional/post-doc? New Zealand Christians in Science is excited to announce the second year of its Mentoring Program - in-depth discussions on science and theology literature with peers and NZCIS mentors, from mid-2024 until July 2025. Ready to delve into the intersection of science and theology? Email Nicola asap to apply.
Subscribe to receive the Church's Treasurers’ News
Treasurers’ News is sent to all parish treasurers, however, anyone in your parish who is interested can subscribe to receive the latest edition, email Katrina. Current and past editions of Treasurers’ News can be found on the PCANZ website here.
Book now for first term holiday in Hawke’s Bay: Glen Innis
Those with school aged children are urged to book soon for the 2024 school holidays, don't miss out. See the Glen Innis page for available dates April to June 2024, plus see the booking criteria and other details.
SUNZ Camps 2024 - April & July
For boys in School Year 9 -13 in 2024, Ponui Island Fishing Camp, 15-20 April. Weather and tides permitting a week of sustainable fishing including; boat, land based (beach and point), barge fishing off the Pōnui cattle barge, long lining in the bay and kayak fishing, more here. And in July, SU Adventure Lodge, Mt Ruapehu Year 11 — Year 13; SU Adventure Lodge, Mt Ruapehu Year 7 — Year 10; Lakeland Christian camp, Queenstown Year 9 — Year 13. Register here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Minister Changes
Rev Solomon Premkumar Rajan, minister South Kaipara Presbyterian Church to Papakura and Districts First Church, Northern Presbytery, 15 October 2023.
Rev Boaz Ko, minister Good Neighbour Church to other recognised minister, Northern Presbytery, 6 November 2023.
Resignations from the roll
Rev Blair Stirling, other recognised minister, Alpine Presbytery, 29 February 2024.
Deaths
Rev Shirley Simmers, Minister Emerita, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 3 March 2024.
Parish changes
Good Neighbour Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, dissolved 6 November 2023.
Titirangi Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, dissolved 3 March 202.
Social Media
Check out in one handy place the links to the social media of the Presbyterian Church and its ministries including websites, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and video.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
Jobs
Check out our job vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table and featured ministerial vacancies for the latest vacancies available in Aotearoa and around the globe.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.