From the Moderator
What an amazing event it was - to go to Maungapohatu, deep in the Ureweras, and return the mission land to the Tamakaimoana Hapu. And the welcome was overwhelming - in spite of the pouring rain. About a hundred people from the early mission families joined us for the weekend: the Fletchers, the Henrys, the Laughtons, the Carters, the Pettigrews, the Ashers and many others. Some were born in Maungapohatu and Ruatahuna and for them this was very much an emotional homecoming and reunion of those Mission families. The local iwi spoke of how they knew of no other similar gesture in New Zealand where land had been simply returned, without lengthy negotiations or payment.(See the article in the September issue of sPanz for more about the event)
Also in August, Martin Baker and I attended the Presbyterian Church Schools Conference hosted jointly by Lindisfarne and Iona Colleges in the Hawkes Bay. There are 13 secondary schools whose “special character” is defined by their Presbyterian roots and ethos. I like to think they are one of our most significant interfaces with young people. Certainly an interview held with 10 year 13 students revealed a maturity and depth of thinking about faith matters that was very moving. I have found it a great pleasure to visit our schools up and down the country. Each school has been challenged to raise money for the Moderator’s Project - a pair of bullocks and a cart for the farmers of Myanmar. They have risen to the challenge: the Global Mission Office tells me that this has been their most successful project this year.
While in the East of the North Island, I worked with the Presbytery of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Perhaps the most impressive community-facing mission I saw here was with Presbyterian Support. In nearly all of the Support regions I am encouraged to find a new sense of partnership with local Presbyterian parishes and with each other. Look out in September for the first of our Public Issues resources, prepared in partnership with Presbyterian Support Otago, “Coming of Age – bring on the Baby Boomers”
Some of you have been asking how the public voice of the Presbyterian Church is currently being heard. As well as endorsing the above paper, this month I have written on two occasions to Government officials, firstly asking for consideration of the appeal of Iranian Ali Panah and secondly about the release of the Korean hostages in Afghanistan. Later this month I will join with other mainline church leaders at a meeting the Prime Minister to raise issues with her and cabinet members on a range of social issues.
As I write, I am in Auckland, visiting the North Shore Presbytery. The week began at Mairangi Bay Presbyterian Church with a service to launch the Alan Brash Memorial Appeal. The Very Rev Dr Alan Brash was one of the New Zealand church’s greatest men. He was a foundational member of the staff of the East Asian Christian Conference (which became the Christian Conference of Asia – of which I am currently a general committee member) and made a huge contribution to ecumenical affairs in Asia. The funds raised in honour of Alan will contribute to an Endowment Fund set up by CCA to run programmes, especially those that help contextualise Asia’s own theology. For more information, see this page link to the Alan Brash appeal
Let me finish with a quote I found in a rest home in Christchurch,
I sought my soul – my soul I could not see;
I sought my God, but God eluded me;
I sought my neighbour – and there I found all three.
Blessings,
Pamela
Assembly Office update
I used up my air points taking the family with me to the handing back of Presbyterian Church land at the centre of the community at Maungopohatu earlier last month. The 45-minute drive down a mud track in the middle of the Urewera was a highlight for the kids. But really what made it an extraordinary day was the welcome onto the marae of the 100 or more guests, sitting in the wharenui surrounded by photographs of the Maori and Pakeha who gave their lives to service in that community and the extraordinary hospitality of the local iwi as they provided a wonderful banquet. The mystique, history and future of this place is a great story for both Pakeha and Maori and one that is deserving of a central place in our understanding of what it means to be Presbyterian in Aotearoa New Zealand. There are some photos on the website here to give you a sense of what happened on the day.
Church Schools and Chaplaincies
The number of children and teenagers attending the schools who identify with the Presbyterian Church approximately matches the total number of children and teenagers attending worship on any given Sunday at a Presbyterian Church in New Zealand. Unlike the latter group, for the former, attendance at worship and participation in some form of religious education is compulsory! Not only do our chaplains strive to make worship a significant experience for these students but they are also engaged with providing pastoral care for staff, families and others associated with school community. We need to support and encourage our chaplains and to recognise the significance and unique challenges of their ministry. I have come away from the Church Schools conference with a strong desire to ensure that we see these schools as types of congregations. We need to provide special training for chaplains and also opportunities for their schools to engage with ministry and mission beyond themselves.
Pacific Island Synod
Several recent enquiries have alerted me to the fact that we need to remind ourselves of the important role of the Pacific Island Synod. Please have a look at the regulation contained in Chapter 13 of the New Book of Order here. Presbyteries (regulation 13.10ff) have an obligation to consult with the Synod Executive when making decisions that affect the lives of Pacific Island congregations or individuals.
General Assembly 2008, Wellington
I know 2-5 October 2008 seems like a long way away, but I also know that some of you like to plan well in advance. Shortly we will be beginning the process of gaining nominations for the next Moderator but it is important if you are planning to bring matters to the Assembly to start thinking about the new processes and deadlines that were agreed to at General Assembly 2006.
Reminders
A response to the Presbytery Task Group paper needs to be back with the Very Rev Garry Marquand by the end of October. This is a very significant document and deserves time for consideration and response.
Some presbyteries have still to vote under the Barrier Act for or against the adoption of the new Book of Order. If your Presbytery has not voted, please put it on the next agenda and send a copy of the result to me.
May God bless and support you in your ministry
Martin
Global Mission update
A number of people have made contact with me in recent weeks to highlight that the centenary of the commencement of our mission work in the Punjab will be in 2009. This of course is when Dr Porteous left Cashmere Hills in Christchurch to travel to India. Many, many people have followed in his footsteps since then. I am pleased to report that Council of Assembly concurred with the Moderator Designate who has agreed to commence the year of celebration at General Assembly 2008. The Church of North India will be invited to attend Assembly as the Moderator’s special guests. I would also like to hold a banquet just before the Assembly and gather together all the friends of mission in India. If you are interested in being part of a committee to arrange this, please let me know. The Assembly will be held in Wellington on 2-5 October 2008.
As the end of the year begins to loom on the horizon, there is always the return of overseas staff to consider. We have once again been served so well by those in Vanuatu. If we do not replace them, our ability to do several other tasks will be severely hindered.
Ebule
Rob and Barbara Meier have done an outstanding job at Ebule. VSA has agreed to continue to fund this placement and is currently advertising. We would really like to get one of our own into that position again. Do you know of somebody with carpentry/engineering/wood or metal work teaching skills who would be interested? Please ask them to contact VSA or the GMO if you do. This is a two-year appointment and fully funded by VSA.
Onesua
This is one of the success stories of our mission endeavours over the years. Onesua is always looking for suitably qualified staff to teach the core curricula subjects. As they have now introduced Year 13 classes, they are particularly interested in people who can teach in the senior school. It is important that the person can serve for a whole school year.
Talua
Jon & Viv Parkes and their family will return at the end of 2007. They have also done an outstanding job in so many ways and will be sorely missed. Lecturers in Church History and Theology would be welcomed. Again a commitment for at least a whole year is required.
Overseas Minister
We have received an expression of interest from a minister from the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa - Zambia Synod to serve in NZ. Rev Henry Mbambo is currently completing an MA in the USA. He would like to extend his ministry experience through a six-month to two-year interim appointment. If anybody would be interested in learning more, they can contact either the GMO or Juliette Bowater in the Assembly Office.
I will be making an official visit to the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar and the Church of Christ in Thailand during September. I will also take the opportunity to visit our longest-serving missionary, Kathryn McDaniel in Thailand. I have never done an official visit to any of our partners churches in Asia in the five years I have served as Global Mission Enabler so it is long overdue. I am grateful to CWM who has helped with sponsorship for the travel costs. I will be accompanied by Rev Andrew Norton (from St Columba at Botany) and his daughter Angela who have self funded to accompany me to see how they may be involved as well.
Kerry Jones (GMO office manager) has just returned from a CWM forum on child trafficking and the abuse of women in Darjeeling, India. Being so close, she also visited Jagadhri Hospital and St Thomas School.
If you would like to know more about our endeavours and are not on our mailing list, please let us know. The September edition of the Global Mission Gazette is hot off the press.
National Mission update
A new age?
In his speech at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 4 July 1994, Vaclav Havel, first president of the Czech Republic, described what he observed as the birth of the postmodern age:
“Something is on the way out, and something else is painfully being born. It is as if something were crumbling, decaying and exhausting itself, while something else, still indistinct, were arising from the rubble… We are in a phase when one age is succeeding another, when everything is possible.”
Havel could well have been describing much of Aotearoa New Zealand, or the Church, or even the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2007!
Some of the ‘crumbling’ in our context:
Firstly, the recently released OECD statistics on child/family welfare. These are child wellbeing indicators compared to 24 other OECD countries:
- For material wellbeing NZ stands 16th out of 24
- In health and safety NZ is 23rd/24 (NZ is rated third highest for child homicide through maltreatment)
- In education NZ appears 17th/24
Add to this:
- Family violence: in 2006 - 16,738 women and 12,701 children used refuges run by the National Collective of women (and this doesn’t include refuges run by other organisations)
- Youth suicide is among the five highest in the OECD for males and females
- Police info just released (2006 figures) indicate
- 63,000 recorded family violence events involving more than 200,000 people in 2006
- Comparison between 2005 and 2006 recorded crime stats show an increase of 9 percent in sexual attacks
- Economic: our households are the second most indebted in the OECD, with net debt more than 160% of disposable income (up 60 percent from 15 years ago)
And the Church…
Apparently declining, certainly ageing, and purportedly becoming less relevant and more distanced from our communities. All at a time when New Zealanders’ interest in spirituality is on the rise, with questions about meaning and purpose, life and death, loss/grief and suffering, hope, hell and heaven.
What does this mean for us in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand?
Rising from the rubble: Mission Possible
"'Cheshire Cat,' Alice began, rather timidly...' would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?' 'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the cat. 'I don't much care where...' said Alice. 'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat." - Lewis Carroll, Alice
If you were to visit the Middle East and traverse the desert with a Bedouin guide, at some stage in the journey the guide will stop, pick up what seems like a grain of sand and placing it on the palm of his hand, will spit on it. Then…a miracle. Within minutes, the grain (actually a small seed) begins to sprout before your eyes and grows into a seedling – a tiny symbol of hope - a sign that the desert will bloom again with the sparsest rain.
The Church and our communities of faith are such a symbol. We find ourselves among neighbours experiencing the heat and dryness of contemporary life. We too have felt it. Yet, we are blessed with great ministers, talented leadership, and many thoughtful, gifted people in our congregations. We have significant opportunities to “rise from the rubble” together and fulfill the hopes and needs of the communities we serve. The thoughtfully and professionally organised KidsFriendly, Studentsoul, and Connections@Opoho initiatives are some ways in which we have responded. Encouragingly, many such innovative and significant initiatives are springing up in and through the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
What other ways might we respond; who are the people in our own community, our neighbours? What are their needs and to which of these are we called – personally and together? Our response may be a significant art/musical event, or collaborate with another congregation in setting up an annual romantic “dinner for busy parents”. It might be a regular, warm “good morning” to a grumpy neighbour. It might be a silent prayer for someone. Perhaps we have been called here for such a time as this…
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand - God’s people, God’s church, in God’s world, participating in God’s Mission “in the flow of God’s love to the world” – Mission Possible.
John Daniel
Youth Ministry update
Mission Possible gathering
On Wednesday 8 August the Mission Possible team under the leadership of John Daniel and Heather Simpson met together in Auckland for a day of bonding, synergy and dreaming.
Leaders from all over the country and from all different ministries and positions throughout our national Church make up the mission possible team, which meets twice a year at various locations. This time we were hosted by the Rev Geoff New at Papakura East Church in Auckland and we were looked after very well as we moved our way through the day’s agenda.
The devotions from Geoff and the Rev Mark Chapman were inspiring and challenging. We spent time connecting with each other by sharing stories of what is happening in our patches. We talked about some of the challenges that we are facing in our context and some of the things we need help with. John spoke to us about looking ahead to the future and “catching the next wave” and of course we spent time in prayer for each other, for our Church, and for all of you who serve with us.
It is encouraging to hear the stories about what is happening in the life of our Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand as we continue to step forward making mission possible. May you all be encouraged and know that there are a team of people who are serving you, who are praying for you and who believe in what you are doing. The future is looking bright as we endeavour to turn the seemingly impossible into mission possible!!!
Steph Redhead
PYM Team Leader
Noticeboard
The Alan Brash Memorial Appeal
On Sunday, 30 Sept parishes around New Zealand are being invited to join together to celebrate the life of one of the country’s great ecumenical leaders – the Rev Dr Alan Brash.
Dr Brash is being remembered with an appeal in his name, and funds raised will contribute to CCA-funded aid, development, peace and justice programmes abroad.
Click here to donate
https://secure.godzone.net.nz/CWS/donations/ProcessDonation.cgi. More information about Dr Brash and the appeal are available at here.
To top
A Kids Friendly opportunity for presbyteries
Passionate and skilled lay and ordained leaders committed to ministering to children and families will meet in Auckland in September at the first Kids Friendly Coaching Clinic. The coaching clinic will give leaders around the country an opportunity to learn more about the resources and processes of becoming a Kids Friendly church and equip them to share the Kids Friendly vision in their regions. Kids Friendly is an initiative of our church that encourages and resources churches to intentionally minister to children and families in their communities. Over the past 18 months, Jill Kayser, the Kids Friendly Coach, has visited 12 Presbyteries and connected with 150 churches. Twenty-five churches are now “branded” Kids Friendly and 45 are working to become Kids Friendly. The growth of and demand for Kids Friendly creates an opportunity for more passionate children’s ministry people to become involved. Presbyteries are invited to nominate one or more representatives to attend the clinic. Criteria for potential coaches include a yearning to learn more about Kids Friendly, the coaching process and resources; a willingness to offer some voluntary time to work with churches in their Presbytery to help them become Kids Friendly; and a desire to create a supportive and sharing network of children’s ministers in their region.
If your Presbytery would like to participate in this “seed planting” event on 14-16 September, please contact Jill Kayser at (09) 585-0959.
More information can be found here http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/3952.0.html#c12686
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Wairau Presbyterian Jubilee
Wairau Presbyterian is holding a Jubilee in Blenheim celebrating 50 years of Mission over Labour Weekend 19 – 21 October 2007. You are warmly invited to attend and share these celebrations with us, everyone welcome.
For further information contact the Jubilee Convener: Rita Paynter Ph/Fax: (03) 5788637 or E-mail: rita.paynter(at)nettelnet.nz
Christmas Card Special
At the Leprosy Mission we have a selection of Christmas cards in stock for sale. The cards come in a packet of 10 including envelopes and are currently on sale at the special price of $2.50 per packet of 10.
This special price provides you with the opportunity to sell the cards on at a slightly higher price and the proceeds can then be allocated to your church funds.
Contact Carolyn Currie: Carolyn.Currie(at)leprosymission.org.nz
World Council of churches
WCC Internship Programme 2008
The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2008 to January 2009. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning.
The next 12 months' internship period begins in February 2008. In Geneva, the interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. They will carry out their tasks in co-operation with programme staff and under individualized supervision. During their stay in Geneva each intern is expected to plan an ecumenical project to implement in his or her home context when they return in February 2009.
The next generation of interns' areas of work will be
- The Decade to Overcome Violence;
- youth and ecumenical relationships;
- visitors programme/media relations;
- faith, science, technology and ethics
- just & inclusive communities.
Successful candidates are people committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement, who will bring their energy, commitment and a fresh vision to their specific work assignment. Applicants must send, along with their application, background information about their church or Christian youth network that will help them in implementing their proposed ecumenical project.
Closing date for receiving applications for the five internships is 20 September 2007.
More information on the WCC internship programme:
http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=3187
Flooding in Kaeo
The 1922 church itself has been subject to flooding for some decades and cannot be raised. The locals are well used to lifting hymnbooks and cleaning up afterwards; but this time even the big pulpit floated and turned over and the new buildings above the previous flood levels were drowned.
Plans are being made to enable these to resist future floods and it would an encouraging act of solidarity if CVs wished to contribute: Contact the Parish Treasurer: PO Box 166, Kerikeri 0245. alp45(at)xtra.co.nz
CWS notices
South Asia
35 million people are affected by severe flooding in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. China and Pakistan have also suffered torrential rains and floods in the past month. CWS partners through ACT International are currently assisting 270,000 vulnerable people with food, safe water, clothing, shelter, health needs, housing and agricultural reconstruction, and future risk reduction. The flooding has been more severe this year, with increased deforestation, the closer proximity of homes to water and earlier and heavier monsoon rains contributing to the crises. Normally people would return to their homes a week or two after such flooding, but just as the waters start to recede in their villages, more heavy rains begin pouring down. People remain stranded on higher ground, dependent on emergency assistance.
Donations can be made online www.cws.org.nz, by ringing 0800 74 73 72 or by post to PO Box 22652, Christchurch
Wipe Out Poverty
September is the month when CWS encourages young people to take part in a fundraising action to Wipe Out Poverty. The focus of this year’s efforts is long time CWS partner, Neythal, working with fishing people on the south coast. Neythal is trying to help them secure their food source and traditional livelihood against outside intrusion from shrimp farmers and other industries made worse by the impact of the 2004 tsunami. Efforts to rebuild their communities and to ensure justice for the vulnerable fishing communities have made some progress but they need more help. CWS has more information and a kit with lots of fun ideas available. For more information contact youth(at)cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72 and ask to speak to Liz Whitehead.
Tom Tuma Visit
CWS is pleased to be hosting Rev. Dr Tom Tuma, Coordinator of CWS partner, the Planning Development and Rehabilitation programme of the Church of Uganda. He will be in New Zealand 2-15 October with events planned for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson. This is a great opportunity to hear first hand about life in Uganda and the community development and HIV and AIDS work of the Church of Uganda. This will be of special interest to APW members, as the Church of Uganda has benefited from the APW/MWF Special Project. For more information contact cws(at)cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72 and ask to speak with Mary.
Trade Week of Action
Churches are encouraged to support the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance’s Trade Week of Action,14-21 October, with worship and action. CWS sees this week as a significant opportunity for churches and concerned people to learn more about how current international trade rules keep poor people in poverty and to support global actions to ensure the right to food for all people. For a copy of the kit or information of local action, contact cws(at)cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72 and ask to speak to Gillian.
CWS Calendar 2008 - People at Work now available
The new CWS calendar is a smaller than usual square format which retails for $6.00. It features “People at Work” in CWS partner projects. A great gift. Order your copies with payment to CWS PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8142 More information from emailing: cws(at)cws.org.nz or visit www.cws.org.nz
School of Ministry Scholarships
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 School of Ministry.
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, School of Ministry, Knox College, Arden Street Opoho, Dunedin. registrar(at)schoolofministry.ac.nz Due dates: 31 March, 30 September.
A New APW Study Grant
The Association of Presbyterian Women is pleased to offer a grant to women seeking Christian training to help with course costs.
Application Forms may be obtained from:
Mrs Jill Little
APW National Secretary
PO Box 489
Feilding
Or by phoning 06 323 -8218
Or by emailing jlittleapw(at)orcon.net.nz
Applications close on 30 September 2007
Introduction Work Group
The IWG still has five students to place for 2007 so please could Settlement Boards consider engaging with an Ordinand from the School of Ministry. Contact Amanda Guy, Introduction Work Group Convener. Ph: (03) 476 6559.
The Introduction Work Group is still seeking viable parish profiles for the 2007 Ordination Studies Ordinands. Our Ordinands are of high calibre experienced in many areas of the national Church and are ready to serve you at the completion of their studies this year. Please email profiles to the Convenor Amanda Guy or phone for further information on (03) 476-6559.
Important dates for National Assessment
There has been a significant change to the date for the national assessment weekend in 2008.
You will be aware that under the new training model for National Ordained Ministers, ordinands will be required to enter a two-year internship in a local ministry situation. Given that some candidates will present at the assessment weekend having already completed their academic requirements we will need to be able to place them into internships immediately. The School of Ministry advises that an August date for assessment simply does not allow adequate time to source and prepare suitable locations and supervisors. Therefore from 2008 the national assessment weekend will be held during May at a time and place to be advised by the NAWG.
Thus from August this year the following applies.
|
20 December 2007 |
Presbytery recommendations and student papers to be sent to the Registrar, School of Ministry, Knox College, Arden Street, Dunedin 9010. |
|
May 2008 |
National Assessment weekend. Location and dates etc to be advised. |
Please note: these details can be found on the School of Ministry website at www.schoolofministry.ac.nz/nationalassessment.htm
Ian Guy
Convener - Leadership Sub Committee
Resources
Churches’ Agency on Social Issues
Local Body and District Health Board Elections 2007
These elections include all city, district and regional councils, as well as the District Health Boards (DHBs). The people elected here will be making decisions that will affect every one of us in some way or other. They will influence the directions that are taken by every local community in the coming years.
Nominations closed on 24 August. September is the time to find out what policies are being proposed by the candidates. This is an opportunity to organise meetings where communities can meet the local candidates. Voting papers are issued later in the month and have to be returned by election day on 13 October.
CASI has updated their Local Bodies Election resource, with information on the process, and links to help you find out local information. Think globally.. Act Locally! is available on the CASI website, or order copies by emailing us: casi(at)casi.org.nz.
Environment and Climate Change
CASI’s climate change resource, Outlook – Still Unsettled has been very popular. All the copies that we printed initially have been distributed, and we are getting it reprinted. It is available as a free download from the website (pdf file, 1 MB), otherwise contact us for printed copies.
Broadsheet
CASI’s bimonthly newsletter Broadsheet will be out in early September. This issue will be on Family matters. If you are not on the mailing list, find it on the website, or contact us for a copy.
Office Move
CASI has moved office. We are now in Spinks Cottage, which is part of the facilities of St John’s Presbyterian Church. This is on the corner of Willis and Dixon Streets, in Wellington city. Telephone, postal and email contacts are changed:
Phone: (04) 384 3587 (Ext 3)
P O Box 6469, Wellington
casi(at)casi.org.nz
Church Register
The Church Register lists additions to, deletions from, and changes in status on the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Ministerial Roll as advised by Presbytery Clerks as at 25 June 2007 Please amend the roll in your yearbook accordingly.
Ordinations & Inductions
Rev Hilary Beresford, Minister within the Bounds, Central Otago Presbytery to Minister Burwood United St Kentigerns Parish, Christchurch Presbytery on 2 August 2007.
Changes in Status
Rev Keith Hooker, Minister St Peter’s Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Presbytery, to Lodged Certificate, Bay of Plenty Presbytery on 15 July 2007.
Rev Les Solomona, Minister Hoon Hay Presbyterian Parish, Christchurch Presbytery will transfer to St Christopher’s Seatoun-Strathmore Parish, Wellington Presbytery on 27 September 2007.
Changes in Co-Operative Venture Ministries
Ms Julie Calton ordained for the sacraments and commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Tutukaka Coast Community Church, Churches Together in Northland, on 19 August 2007.
Translations & Appointments
Rev Lance Thomas was appointed Moderator, Bay of Plenty Presbytery, on 14 August 2007.
Short Term Appointments
Rev Sheena Dickson, United Reformed Church of United Kingdom, to Minister non Presbyterian, St George’s Iona Parish, Christchurch for a term of 3 years on 5 August 2007.
Retirements
Rev David Connor, Executive Manager Prison Chaplaincy Services, Auckland Presbytery to Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery on 17 August 2007.
Removal from the roll:
Deaths:
Rev Ian Provan, Minister Emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, died on 4 August 2007
Rev Struan Robertson, Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery, died on 2 August 2007.
Ministerial vacancies
Click here to see the full table of vacancies