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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
Presbyterian Church Schools
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From the Moderator
Tena koutou katoa
It has been quite a full-on start to the year with a variety of gatherings taking me around the country. Participating in the two Waitangi Day services alongside the Moderator of Te Aka Puahou, the Rev Tamiana Thrupp was once again a privilege and an enriching experience. I have just returned from a trip into Southland where I preached at Central Southland Presbyterian Parish in Winton. It was good to share with them, renew some old acquaintances, meet new people and enjoy the brilliant weather and countryside.
Messages for Lent and Children's Day
I recently sent out two messages to our Church for March, a Lenten message which you can download here, and, with Karo Wilson of PCFM a Children's Day message for Sunday 2 March, which you can read here. Messages are emailed to every church and presbytery.
Coming up
Looking ahead my diary is filling up with commitments to presbytery gatherings, meetings, retreats, preaching at different parishes and so on. I am conscious that my term as Moderator concludes in October, so if there are parishes who might like me to visit, please get in touch to see how that might be facilitated.
In my travels, meetings, and conversations I continue to be encouraged by the faithfulness and creativity of people in our denomination as they seek to make Jesus Christ known in their particular place and context. We are blessed with having people of deep faith and commitment who share the love of God in their communities.
Let us continue to walk into the future as people of hope, faith and trust. ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119: 105)
Ka kite ano
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
The year has started at quite a pace. Challenges and opportunities… seems to be a bit of a theme.
My Anglican friends have a phrase in their liturgy following the Scripture being read, ‘Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church’. It invites a posture of listening, of allowing space for God. It averts attention away from our need to be in control, to have all the answers before we have determined the question. It invites us to engage. It reminds us who we are and whose we are. It is often followed by a period of silence. It is about noticing…
There is also a saying that goes, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics”. It is often attributed to Mark Twain, who popularized the phrase. The phrase's origin is unclear, but Twain attributed it to British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. However, the phrase does not appear in any of Disraeli's works.
We use statistics – information we have disclosed about ourselves – to determine the number of people that could be Commissioners of our Assembly for example. Every Assembly this tells us we could commission less people than the previous Assembly. Even a cursory look at these stats shows us a trend… our membership is declining. So too the number of people who are part of our worship services. A more detailed examination shows that the number at worship has more than halved in the last 20 years. Churches of all sizes grow and decline. About three-quarters of our churches have less than 75 at worship. The average church had 60 people at worship. In 2013, the average was 83, while in 1951 it was 308. While we have seen a number of churches dissolved, the pace of falling attendance has also increased.
Are we noticing?
Before we jump to making comment and seeking to share our view and either solve, dismiss or ignore or pretend, we cannot see and/or hear or provide the answer to all this by being part of some programme – might we pause to ask what the Spirit is saying to the church?
Challenges and opportunities…
First round of voting for Moderator-designate
All parishes have information concerning the first round of voting for Moderator-designate. There are changes to this process as a result of decisions made at Assembly 2018. It is important parish councils read the background information paper as they prayerfully consider the matter. Names have to be submitted to presbytery clerks by 5pm, 4 April 2025. To assist those who are being asked to prayerfully consider offering themselves for this role, a background paper is included with the information sent.
General Assembly 2025
The 2025 General Assembly will be held from 20-23 October at St Pauls Trinity Pacific Church, Christchurch. More information will be shared in coming weeks. Information about the number of commissioners available to each presbytery has been forwarded to presbytery executive officers. Presbyteries will be engaging in their process to determine those who will be commissioners. In addition, each presbytery may commission up to six (6) young adult commissioners.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2025
Following consultation with the Assembly Business Work Group convener, a deadline has been set for receiving all reports and proposals that will be considered by this year's General Assembly. All material must be received by the Assembly Executive Secretary 5pm, Friday 6 June 2025. Please note – your presbytery will set a date prior to this to ensure that they can comply with this deadline. This timeframe will enable us to facilitate a consultative process with presbyteries prior to Assembly. In this way, we will be able to fulfil the 2012 Assembly’s decision supporting presbyteries’ participation in the setting of the Assembly agenda.
Vacancy
Our representative on the Defence Force Chaplaincy Board has resigned following a move overseas. We are seeking expressions of interest to serve on this Board. You will be a member of the Presbyterian Church, and if a minister in Good Standing. We are looking for people with a demonstratable interest in chaplaincy and a willingness to learn the requirements associated with this role. As we want to widen the pool of people in this area, ideally, we want to receive expressions of interest from those who have not served in similar roles in the past; from a younger cohort and warmly encourage these from across the ethnicities of Aotearoa New Zealand. Please send your expression of interest to by email to me.
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.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Earthquake Appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu
As mentioned last month, Global Mission launched an earthquake appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu following the earthquake that hit Port Vila in December. Funds can be banked into the Global Mission account, 02 0500 0086963 10 with the reference PCV Earthquake Appeal. Please send an email to Katrina Graham confirming the donation so a receipt can be emailed. Thank you to those congregations and individuals who have already donated funds for this.
This month, Global Mission has facilitated the visit of two structural engineers to Port Vila to conduct post-earthquake assessments on the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu’s buildings. Global Mission volunteer Neville Jones is accompanying engineers Allen Spring and Kim Wealleans, who are also volunteering their time for this project. After this, the PCV will be able to prioritise work that is needed.
Global Mission Update
A Global Mission Update newsletter was produced recently, and this can be found on the PCANZ website here.
St. Thomas School in Jagadhri
Jo Ffowcs-Williams is the daughter of PCANZ missionaries George and Jean Gray, who served in India in the 1930s. Jo was born in Landour in 1938 and lived between there and Saharanpur until the age of six. She recently made a pilgrimage to visit the region where she was born. She travelled with her son and enroute they were welcomed at St. Thomas School in Jagadhri where they were treated to a day of overwhelming hospitality, describing it as “a day like no other”. It’s a reminder that a warm welcome will await any members of the PCANZ in Jagadhri if the opportunity for a visit ever arises.
USAID funding
The sudden suspension of USAID funding has had a massive impact on the aid and development sector worldwide. For those interested, this International Council of Voluntary Agencies' (ICVA) report gives detailed analysis of some of the potentially disastrous humanitarian outcomes of this decision. This New Humanitarian article gives specific information about how this decision will affect Myanmar. Let us remember our mission partners and all those suffering in many different contexts as we continue to hope, pray and work for a just and equitable world for all.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families
Recently, I spent time with our latest cohort of ministry interns at KCML. We discussed the taonga that our children and young people are, and the importance of children knowing a sense of belonging in our faith communities. Children are present throughout Scripture, observing the faith practices of the community. Festivals were held each year, to commemorate significant events, to remember and to teach emerging generations of God’s goodness and deliverance. Children are often witnesses to key events throughout the Bible, and in some cases, are right in the middle of the action.
As churches, it’s our privilege to help the children and young people in our midst to witness, understand and remember the goodness of God, and the sacrificial love of Jesus. When I think of the liturgy and sharing of communion, I see this same act of remembering and teaching lived out. When people share testimonies of God’s provision, I see the opportunity for young people to witness genuine faith in action.
Be encouraged, knowing that the faith formation of children happens in many ways, in many contexts.
Online Safety Warrant of Fitness Training
Beginning March 4 is Online Safety WOF training, which is important for anyone working with children and young people. This is a free training provided by PCFM and PYM. More info, including how to register, is available here.
Save the Date
Scripture Union are once again hosting their annual Children’s ministry leaders conferences in 2025. Kia Tipu (formerly known as Way2Go), is a fantastic training day, where there is great wisdom, knowledge and ideas shared.
- Wellington: 10 May, The Street Church
- Auckland: 24 May, Mt Albert Baptist Church
- Christchurch: 7 June, St Aiden’s Church, Bryndwr
Blessings
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
An Update, A Reminder, and Some Good News
Update
The PRC talk on 27 February by Yvonne Wilkie has been postponed until 11 September. Please mark the date for your diaries, and apologies for any inconvenience.
Reminder
The Dunedin book launch of “Rich Treasure in Alien Soil” by Stuart Vogel will be held at Hewitson Library, Thursday 20 March, from 5 pm. All are welcome.
Good News
The Presbyterian Research Centre is pleased to share that we have recently digitised140 seldom-seen images from the Ng New Zealand Chinese Heritage Collection, which is listed on the UNESCO Memory Of The World for Aotearoa New Zealand. Most of these images, taken by Rev Alexander Don - missionary to the New Zealand Chinese, are from his 1900-1901 “Inland Tour” and document the Chinese goldmining communities and Chinese people in Central Otago.
Many of these 140 images were used by Dr James Ng in his seminal, four-volume books set, “Windows on a Chinese past”, which remains the most comprehensive work on the history of Chinese in New Zealand. The added photos highlight goldminers’ homes, their mining techniques, the Chinese communities, and, most importantly, the miners themselves.
These new photos can be found on the PRC Recollect site, in collaboration with New Zealand Chinese Heritage Research Charitable Trust, under the New Zealand Chinese Collection here.
Susan Garwood
Digital Content Curator
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Block Course, Noho Marae & Presbytery Events
We have just completed a wonderful three weeks in our Summer Block Course for NOM interns and LOM probationers. Strong relationships were formed, and we enjoyed life-giving engagement with the taught material.
This month we will be at Te Maungarongo marae for the first noho marae event of the year for Amorangi trainees. This year is their second and final year of training.
The KCML faculty are also engaged in a number of presbytery events at this time; facilitating a workshop in Alpine on ‘Healthy Teams’, meeting with those interested in ordained ministry training in Northern, and conducting a spiritual retreat in Kaimai.
Begg-Dickie Scholarship
The Senatus of KCML is calling for applications for the Begg-Dickie Scholarship. Applicants must have graduated with a Diploma in Ministry from KCML. The scholarship covers expenses related to academic study at either masters or doctoral level. More information can be found on the KCML website. Applications can be obtained from the registrar and are due by 28 March 2025. For more information see here.
I commenced study leave on Monday 24 February. Rev Dr Darryl Tempero is acting principal in my absence
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church Schools
In the May 2015 SPANZ publication, my predecessor Rev Sharon Ross Ensor said this, “Pew Research Center’s recent report on the future of global religion projects that ours will be a world which will see a ‘vibrantly religious planet, not the withering away of religion predicted by some futurists’. I think faith-based schools have something significant to offer students, particularly within a country like New Zealand with its increasing secularism, as they grow up in this ‘vibrantly religious planet’ of the future.”
Ten years later our Presbyterian schools promote themselves as places where students can learn about religion, be part of service-centred cultures that embed values that will make them caring global citizens, and develop spiritual practices that promote personal well-being. School boards continue to put money aside to employ chaplains to embody the importance of faith. Their curriculum and staff also strive to follow an invitational method of presenting Christianity through regular RE classes and chapels, community outreach and personal witness.
In an increasingly polarised world, the invitation to “Come and See” is counter cultural. But, as Ross Ensor’s article also said, this follows “their founders’ vision of a holistic education within a Christian ethos, communities of learning which have Christ-like attitudes woven into their underlying fabric.” In this environment questions are encouraged, as is exploration of possible answers, and in some cases, lives are changed.
Schools, like churches, play the long game. Many times, staff do not see the fruition of those lunchtime conversations or passionate prayers, meaningful classroom discussions or spirit-filled silences while the student is in school. But sometimes you hear of a former student having a lightbulb moment at university (as I heard last week) or someone seeks out a Presbyterian church in a time of crisis because that is a name they associate with divine help.
Many of our Presbyterian schools are holding Open Days soon. Consider going to one near you and observing what they are doing. And please pray for our Presbyterian schools as they seek to live and teach in ways that prepare young people for this vibrantly religious future
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund - interest rate change
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund will fall from 4.5% p.a. to 4.0% p.a. from 1 March 2025. The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate, currently 3.75% p.a., with more cuts expected in 2025. A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals.
The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation. The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. Rates are subject to change.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Christian World Service
Christian World Service reacts to US AID funding declaration
Much heated debate has occurred amongst international aid agencies as a result of President Trump issuing an Executive Order of on January 20, pausing U.S. foreign development assistance for 90 days to foreign countries, NGOs, international organisations and contractors.
On Thursday, February 13 (US), a federal judge ordered the Administration to resume foreign aid payments. The ruling by Judge Amir H Ali of the Federal District Court in Washington found that the Executive Order was likely to cause “irreparable harm” to those assisted by aid groups, and the aid groups themselves who face devastating financial shortfalls and, in some cases, shutdown.
With partners distributed across the globe who are undertaking aid work with some of the most vulnerable. We at Christian World Service are convening a meeting with the New Zealand Churches Humanitarian Emergency representatives to dig deeper into the facts of this matter. We will report back as soon as possible to supporters across New Zealand about any negative impact that might emerge within projects we are affiliated with. This will include information on what we need to address and what steps we can take to mitigate these new challenges.
Notices
General Assembly Review Workgroup seeks feedback on future shape of Assemblies draft proposal
The General Assembly review workgroup is seeking feedback on a draft proposal regarding the future shape of Assemblies. The proposal can be found in full on our website along with a form to provide feedback. We are also providing an opportunity for kōrero (conversation) and questions on the proposal in March and April. More information on this can also be found on the website. We look forward to hearing from the wider body of the Church and to the sharing of whakaaro (ideas) so that we can craft an expression of our life together that is more representative of the context that we find ourselves in. You can view the full draft proposal here.
A Rocha free six-week online Lent group - "The Whole Easter Story" - 5 March-9 April
You are invited to be part of a six-week online Lent group exploring what the Bible has to say about the whole story of the cross, based on "The Whole Easter Story" by Jo Swinney. The 40-day Lent devotional explores how the cross transforms not only our own individual connection with Jesus, but also our relationships with each other and our world. Hosted by Jo Swinney and Jo Herbert-James, with guest contributors from others in the A Rocha family and beyond. See more and sign up here.
The Lent Encounter - sign up for Bible Society’s free daily devotionals
Take the book of Exodus as your guide on a journey through the Red Sea and into the wilderness. Receive daily Bible readings delivered to your inbox throughout Lent; Inspiring, thought-provoking devotional prompts written by Bible Society writers; Access to the Lent Encounter podcast so you can listen wherever you are; Be part of the Lent Encounter Facebook group and join others on the journey. Sign up here ready for 5 March.
A Rocha NZ Eco Church national hui, Living Springs Christchurch - 15-17 August
The long awaited A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand (and Eco Church) National Hui is back! To be held at Living Springs in Christchurch. The hui will run for three days, from 15 to 17 August 2025... so save the dates! More details to come, updated on the A Rocha Facebook events page here.
Online 'Mental Health & Faith' Conversations ISCAST—NZCIS, Thursday nights, 20 Mar-22 May
What does Christian faith have to offer those struggling with mental illness? With mental illness projected to become the largest global healthcare burden by 2030, how might Christians think and respond? Join ISCAST and NZCIS, in collaboration with the Centre for Theology and Psychology at Melbourne School of Theology, for a 10-week series exploring Christian perspectives on some of the greatest mental health challenges of our time. Since 2020, ISCAST and New Zealand Christians in Science have run the Conversations series, to promote a dialogue between the sciences and the Christian faith. See more.
Apply for PressGo funding - closes 14 May
The cut-off for the next round of applications is 1 May 2025. For guidelines on applying to the various funds - Presbyterian Foundation, the Aroha Fund, and the Mission Enterprise Fund - or to request an application form, email PressGo.
Rangatahi Noho Marae Year 11-13 students - 31 May- 2 June 2025
Join us for an exciting and immersive two days exploring leadership, faith, and our bicultural past and future. Hosted by Te Aka Puahou, this is a unique opportunity to grow in faith and learn about Tikanga Māori, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the rich partnership between Māori and the Presbyterian Church. Find more details on the PYM website here, Rangatahi Noho Marae.
Online Eco Church Conservation Kōrero with Anna Yeoman - 31 March 7pm-8.30pm
A kōrero to provide inspiration to anyone passionate about conservation and caring for creation, including our Eco Church community. Especially relevant to church members wanting to get involved in biodiversity work and conservation projects in their local places. Hear from Anna Yeoman as she shares her journey into conservation, her work with Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary in Central Otago, and her book, Geckos & Skinks: The remarkable lizards of Aotearoa. Register here.
Free online Pacific language classes in 9 languages during 2025
The Centre for Pacific Languages will offer over three terms this year free online Pacific language classes in nine languages, including Realm languages like Tokelauan, Niuean and Cook Islands Māori, as well as Rotuman, Tuvalu and Kiribati languages. Whether you want to connect with your heritage, learn a new language or just brush up on your skills, online courses can be completed in just 10 weeks. Spaces are limited. See info here on the next two terms and set your diary reminder to enrol as places fill fast.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – new Maud Hooper house video
Watch new video of Maud Hooper house! There are two holiday houses at Glen Innis Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, available at no cost (other than refundable bond) for National Ordained Ministers for a re-creational holiday one week each year. One of the houses, Maud Hooper, is now also available for use by Local Ordained Ministers, Amorangi, and Local Shared Ministry team members - outside school holiday periods - at a cost of $200 per week (plus a refundable $100 bond). It's self-contained accommodation for up to seven adults and one baby, with modern facilities (including Wifi and dishwasher) as well as access to a range of onsite recreational facilities (games room, swimming pool, tennis court) in beautiful country surroundings. Info and video here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Licensing
Winston Timaloa, Northern Presbytery, 6 January 2025.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Luke Blackbeard, ordained and inducted national ordained minister, The Village Presbyterian Church (Christchurch), Alpine Presbytery, 26 January 2025.
Retirements
Rev Andrew Peter Bell, other recognised minister to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 29 October 2024.
Deaths
Rev Bill Moore, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 13 December 2024.
Rev Jim Soper, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 23 January 2025.
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.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
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.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.