This month, the Assembly Executive Secretary the Rev Martin Baker talks about why we should all be encouraged by the work of the Kids Friendly and PYM teams, and reveals the difficult position our Christian brothers and sisters in Fiji find themselves in. Martin also reports on the Council of Assembly meeting held in Auckland during the last weekend of July.
Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding talks about successfully hosting the event “Auckland Matters”; and shares with us the inaugural winners of the Knox music scholarships and awards.
Other highlights include the forthcoming 2009-10 General Assembly operating budget, new relationships being built by Global Mission, APW’s launch of its Turakina Appeal, a baby boom at Assembly Office, and lots (and lots) of notices.
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Assembly Office update
Dear Friends
We can take huge encouragement from the work being done by our Kids Friendly Coach, Jill Kayser. I attended a presentation at Wellington Presbytery where we heard from Jill about how congregations nationwide are responding to the challenge of engaging with, or re-engaging with, the children of their community. There is consistent correlation between those congregations that are growing and those that have placed their outreach to, and ministry with, children as an intentional priority. Please contact Jill or access her range of very high quality resources.
Carlton Johnstone, our national youth ministry development leader, has recently received the good news that the oral defence of his PhD thesis was successful. While that is great for him, what is really beneficial for us is that his thesis represents the most up-to-date research on the faith journeys of New Zealand younger people who have chosen to remain within, or become part of, the worshipping life of a congregation. I think every presbytery and UDC should be planning to invite Carlton to present some of this material, as well as engage with the resources he is currently developing to assist you to address the challenge of embracing teenagers and young adults in the life of your congregation. Contact Carlton.
Resources to support national activities are far more limited than they once were, yet I believe that placing a priority on resourcing congregations to engage with children and young adults is fundamental in supporting our future growth. Even if you have no teenagers and children in your congregation, I would still urge you to actively engage with the message that Jill and her Kids Friendly team, and Carlton and the PYM Team, are bringing to our Church. I think it important to keep in mind that beneath these two teams’ stories is the challenge to be the welcoming, flexible and creative communities of faith most likely to attract and embrace those seeking to hear the Good News of God’s love for them and the whole world.
Presbytery Reform
The General Assembly agreed that Presbytery Reform Teams be established by the beginning of 2009, and that presbyteries are to begin operating within the new presbytery structure as soon as practicable, and that the new presbytery boundaries be formalised by the General Assembly. The Very Rev Garry Marquand is the Convenor of the Presbyteries Task Group and you can contact Rev Garry Marquand for more details. This reform is seen as being critical if we are to provide the structures most able to support and resource congregation’s to grow and develop.
Special legislative procedure.
There are two matters which needed be dealt with by presbyteries, UDCs and Te Aka Puaho before this month under our special legislative procedure (formerly the Barrier Act). You can download a memo regarding these decisions. Please let me know your voting on these matters if you have not already done so. Write to me or email me a copy of your meeting’s decision.
Welcome Bay Church
I reported to you a few weeks ago about negotiations with the group of people who have been worshipping at a Church-owned facility at Welcome Bay in Tauranga. The leaders of this group decided last month to move out of this facility and continue their worshipping life as an independent congregation elsewhere. The Bay of Plenty Presbytery is now working to establish a worshipping community based at this facility. All concerned would greatly appreciate your prayers over this difficult time.
Press Go
We will soon launch a bequest brochure inviting all Church members to consider supporting the mission of the Presbyterian Church in their wills. Copies of this brochure will be distributed in Spanz, and in the forthcoming social issues booklet Giving and Getting, and can be requested directly from this office, phone Sandra 04 801 6000.
Fiji
I have received several reports verifying the bullying and intimidation tactics the current regime in Fiji are resorting to in relation to the leaders of the Methodist Church. Their national conference has been forced to be cancelled and leaders have been temporarily imprisoned and interrogated. Please consider ways that you can provide support and solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters as they are confronted by what appears to be becoming and increasingly oppressive and paranoid regime.
View the Presbyterian media release.
Council of Assembly
The Council met in Auckland last weekend; you can read about the meeting in detail in the Council News. Council also approved this year’s budget, which you can read about in detail. The budget continues to show our national finances and processes are sound. However, our overall operating result will be down, primarily because of reduced returns on investments and the cost of the Archives developments. There will be no overall increase of Assembly Assessment and we will continue to work hard to further reduce national expenditure. Assembly Assessment is now below an average of 10% of each congregation’s income, with 40% of this 10% representing support for the Beneficiary Fund. I know what it is like to sit in a parish finance committee meeting discussing this commitment alongside all the other demands, and I really do appreciate your readiness to support the national Church in this way. Thank you.
2010 General Assembly
A reminder that the Assembly will be held in Christchurch from Thursday 30 September to either Sunday or Monday the 3 or 4 of October. I am very grateful to the Business Committee, and especially the small team in Christchurch, who have agreed to provide much of the administrative and organisational support for the event.
Office news
Our congratulations to our Finance Manager Brendan, and wife Phillipa, on the birth of their daughter Caitlin. Father stunned, but mother and daughter doing very well. Carlton and his wife Sarah are expecting their first child later this year. Clearly we are putting the Kids Friendly ethos into practise!
Thank you again for your prayers and your generous support of our Church
Martin
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership update
Calvin celebrations
Everything is gearing up for the Calvin celebrations in a few weeks time. It’s not too late to register for the two-day conference that is on 23 and 24 August. Visit the web site to find out more about the conference and other events that are planned, including a celebratory service of worship, and a stunning sound and light performance at the First Church of Otago.
Auckland Matters
A few weeks ago the Knox Centre hosted an “Auckland Matters” event for the Presbyteries of Auckland, South Auckland and North Shore. About 75 people attended a complimentary dinner at Grafton Hall, and heard keynote speaker the Rev Jacky Sewell talk about ministry and spirituality among young people. The timing of this event coincided with one of our ministry block courses in Auckland - all of our ministry interns were there. A strong focus of this course was on ministry in cross-cultural contexts. Our students spent a couple of days at Te Maungarongo Marae in Ohope, and a couple of days visiting a variety of Pacific Island and Asian ministry contexts in Auckland. This was the first of our block courses to be held in Auckland and is the direct result of having the Rev Mark Johnston in place as our Auckland coordinator.
Winners of music scholarships and awards
We are pleased to announce the inaugural winners of our music scholarships and awards. The recipients of the six music scholarships are: Yi Yoon Park, Hamish Mepham, Matt Potts, Sam Bennett, Talia Carlisle and Tim Scott. They will attend a two-day music and worship workshop at the Knox Centre and each receives $500. The winner of the worship song composition award is Tom Mepham for his song, “Shout Your Praises”. The winner of the music project award is Dunedin Pulse, a musical charity gig involving several bands, with the proceeds going to the Aotearoa Development Cooperative in Myanmar under the auspices of the Global Mission Office of the Church.
Graham Redding
Principal
Financial Services update
Since March, the Financial Services Department has had a busy few months with the following processes completed or nearing completion:
Setting and approval of the 2009-10 General Assembly operating budget
In April I met with each of the GA functional managers to prepare budget submissions. These were reviewed by the Assembly Executive Secretary and the Resource Subcommittee and a final draft, with amendments, was then approved by the Council of Assembly. Functional expenditure budgets were based on last years actual expenses and any new or increased expenditure was scrutinised by Council prior to approval. This resulted in a significant decrease on budgeted administration costs this year. The new budget took effect from 1 July. Details will soon be released by Council.
The setting of the 2009-10 Assembly Assessment and revised basic stipend
The ministers’ stipend increased by 3.3% in line with inflation, view for further information. AA was maintained at last years level and represents 9.2% of accessible parish income, view for further information.
General Assembly Annual Accounts
FSD is responsible for preparing annual financial reports for General Assembly and the Presbyterian Investment Group. These reports are now in final draft form and are due to be audited by Ernst and Young in early August.
FSD staff levels remains stable at three people (me, Margaret Fawcett and Katrina Graham). I am planning to reduce my input to part-time or flexible hours over the summer months as staff can assume much of the reporting function of the Church in addition to their own duties. For the remainder of the year, much of my time will be taken up with three projects: the reintroduction of a voluntary, centralised parish payroll function; updating the Treasurers’ Manual and improving contact with treasurers; upgrading the ministers’ and Church contact database.
Brendan Sweeney
Finance Manager
Global Mission update
Recently, I was privileged to attend the General Assembly of the Council for World Mission, held in Chennai, South India. One of the most valuable aspects of the Assembly was the building of relationships. Whilst in India I reflected on the number of long term, valuable relationships the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, has. These relationships were formed through the commitment of many faithful Kiwis, including: William McLeod (Hew) who served in the state of Punjab, North West India in 1958; Margaret Horwell who served with her husband in Vanuatu from 1948 to 1968; Lesley Gray who joined the New Hebrides Mission, along with her husband Ian L Gray, in 1953; and the Very Rev Michael Thawley who served God’s mission in our Church. All have recently passed away and we thank them for their faithfulness to God’s mission.
Over the years relationships have been made and strengthened in Myanmar, Thailand, Madagascar, and Southern Africa. Last year the Church celebrated our 100 year relationship with St Thomas School and Christian Hospital in Jagadhri, North India. We have seen some of our relationships transformed; some are very new and need careful nurturing. One such relationship enabled five Presbyterian school groups to go to Vanuatu in 2009. It has also enabled the principal of Talua Ministry Training Centre, and the principal of Onesua College to come to New Zealand, and for two kiwi families to go and live and work on the islands of Efate and Santo.
Over the last few years a relationship has been formed with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar. This relationship has enabled a congregation in New Zealand and an orphanage in Antananarivo to work side by side to care for street children. Another key partnership we have is with NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of Nana/Sukhumvit.
The list goes on, so if you would like to know more about these relationships, and how to become involved in them, please contact the Global Mission Office.
God Bless
Stuart
Youth Ministry update
Bush telegraph seems to roll around faster than a caterpillar spinning a cocoon!
I continue to be encouraged as I travel around, meeting people committed to serving young people within Presbyterian churches. I have had the pleasure of meeting some dedicated long-term youth leaders in some of our Pacific Island and Asian churches. It was also insightful to hear some of the challenges they are facing in their context, in relation to young people. Later this month I have the privilege of attending Te Aka Puaho’s AGM. This is a reminder of the wonderful ethnic diversity that makes up the Church.
Connect 09
Connect 09 was excellent and a good opportunity to meet some of our youth leaders from around the country. A big thanks to Emily Wotton (and her sidekick Sharon) who took on the task of organising Connect. Thanks also need to go to the PYM focus group (a youth think tank strategy group made up of our regional youth coordinators and a number of youth workers from around New Zealand), who helped provide direction, and who rolled up their sleeves to serve over the weekend. Howard Carter was the main speaker, his theme was YOU TOO 360 based on U2’s new stage set up. This fitted with one aspect of PYM’s vision - In, Around, Out - of looking out, and being missional in what we do. An important challenge, one that Howard delivered in style.
There was a selection of 40 workshops this year to choose from, they covered new timers to youth ministry to those that have been serving in youth ministry for ten years plus (we had a number of such long-term youth workers). It was also encouraging having members of the national service team with us (the Rev Martin Baker, Jill Kayser, and the Very Rev Dr Graham Redding); this helps provide a bigger picture of the Church and the investment in, and commitment to, young people that the denomination is making.
Carlton Johnstone
National Mission update
Mission Possible has three focuses: mission tools and practice; mission thinking and mission people and projects.
Mission tools and practice covers the development of, and communicating and coaching in, the use of strategic tools, information and innovation in contemporary missional practice.
This development is assisted in a number of ways, including information provided in the National Mission section of the website, and through our monthly ezine and our blog. Highlighted in each are materials produced by the National Mission team, as well as books, articles, research, recent statistics, demographics, and social trends that have a relationship to mission.
If you would like to receive the monthly Mission Possible ezine, please email.
Apart from the various media mentioned above, communication includes: visits from the National Mission Enabler and the wider Mission Possible team to parishes and presbyteries; presenting workshops, such as mission planning, leadership wellness; and networking and connecting people and/or parishes of like-mind and vision.
Coaching and innovation includes: identifying and walking alongside key people involved in mission initiatives and encouraging their vision; creating contexts in which mission-minded people can be released to get on with their calling, and identifying the resources for them to do so; and activities such as finding host churches for spiritual and moral oversight, integrating any new ministry and raising the awareness of the whole church.
Presbyterian Foundation Grants
You can find information about Presbyterian Foundation Grants on the website.
Presbyterian Foundation Grant applications close on 15 September 2009.
Kids Friendly update
Children as servant leaders
I am just finalising copy for my next Kids Friendly newsletter, “Hands On”. I love this task because it enables me to share the many wonderful stories of the way our churches minister to, and with, children. This issue focuses on the ways we develop and encourage leadership in our young people. Calvin Community Church in Gore shares an inspirational story of how their children ministered to their church elders by preparing and serving them dinner before a session meeting. During dinner the children questioned their assigned elder on their leadership role, and how Jesus and their faith have influenced their leadership and life. Children also shared something of their life using photos and props. After dessert, children and elders shared their highs and lows, and then the children prayed for their elder. Allan Grace, an elder at Calvin, sent this note to the children:
“To the cool kids of Calvin. Thank you. It was a great thing you did for us on Tuesday night. You honoured and served us in such a wonderful way. I’m sure that has never been done before. You thought of everything. You met us at the door, led us to our seat and looked after our every need. You talked with us and asked us really good questions about why we serve. I was really touched and blessed when we shared our highs and lows and then you prayed for me. Well done and thank you. May you continue to serve God and others and be blessed. Allan Grace.”
Kids Friendly churches encourage children’s contributions and leadership. “Transformers – Raising Up Young Leaders” is a Kids Friendly initiative that aims to inspire and equip churches to develop leadership skills in intermediate age children. For more information on this, contact Jill or download an information brochure from the Kids Friendly website.
Blessings
Jill
APW update
APW Turakina Appeal
Last month in Bush Telegraph the Moderator the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding commended to you the Association of Presbyterian Women (APW) Turakina Maori Girls’ College Appeal.
The Appeal is to raise funds for boarding scholarships to give more girls a quality education in a Maori context, and will run throughout August and September 2009.
Information packs were mailed out towards the end of July, so all churches should have now received them.
Worship resources have been prepared by the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley, the Worship resources can be viewed on the website. Please uphold in prayer the Appeal and the staff and students at Turakina Maori Girls’College.
For any queries please email Jill Little
APW Study Grant
The Association of Presbyterian Women is pleased to offer a grant to help with course costs for women seeking Christian training in 2010.
Applications close 30th September 2009 and application forms are available from:
Jill Little
APW National Secretary,
PO Box 489,
Feilding.
Phone 06 323 8218
Email jlittleapw@orcon.net.nz
APW website
Notices
The Introduction Work Group
The Introduction Work Group would like to hear from any North Island parishes that would consider an exiting intern from the Knox Centre of Ministry and Leadership.
Please forward profiles to: The Convener - Amanda Guy, 4 Mount Street, Wakari, Dunedin, or email: For more information phone (03) 476 6559 or (03) 476 2967.
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership Minister Study Grants
Are you a Presbyterian minister planning on further study? Do you know that you can apply for a study grant from the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership?
Applications are invited 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.
The rules
- The proposed course of study will aid the applicant's professional development.
- There is a potential benefit to the Church and the probability of significant service to the Church.
- 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 to apply
Applicants are asked to address the criteria, and set out their expected costs including conference fees, tuition fees, basic accommodation, 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: The closing date for the next round of applications is 30September 2009.
Expressions of interest from parishes required
The Personnel Advisor is seeking expressions of interest from parishes able to offer a fixed-term placement for an ordained minister alongside their existing minister/ministry team. The purpose is for the minister to gain experience in a New Zealand congregation. If this sounds like something that interests you, please email Juliette Bowater.
Ecumencial Rural Ministry Newsletter
The latest edition of the rural ministry newsletter Rural Network News is now available.
2009 Ferguson Lecture
“Mind the Gap: Inequality, theology, and the quest for an inclusive society,” is the title of the 2009 Ferguson Lecture to be presented by Professor Andrew Bradstock, Howard Paterson Professor of Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago.
7pm, Friday 7August at St David’s Presbyterian Church, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland. Refreshments will be served and entry is by donation.
Volunteer your time or old computer for eDay
This year eDay will be held 12 September, the event is the only free nationwide community recycling event for disposing of computer items and mobile phones in an environmentally sustainable way. If you would like to volunteer on the day at a drop-off area in your community, or would like to volunteer you parish as a drop-off place, sign-up online at the eDay website.
Hiroshima Day commemoration
The 64th commemoration of Hiroshima / Nagasaki will be held on Sunday 2 August at the Hiroshima Peace Flame in the Rose Garden Peace Park, Botanical Gardens, Wellington. From 1.30 pm speakers will include local school students, the Mayor of Wellington Kerry Prendergast, Charles Chauvel Labour MP, Sue Kedgely Green MP and Mitsue Sandom from Victoria University.
Signatures required for Pacific Conference of Churches climate change petition
The Pacific Conference of Churches is seeking signatures for its climate change petition. The PCC asks you to print the petition, fill it with as many signatures as possible, and then mail it to them by September 1, 2009.
The petition will be sent to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to impress upon the international community the urgent need to set an ambitious limit to the release of greenhouse gases to protect our fenua and moana (terrestrial and marine ecosystems), and to safeguard the health and welfare of the Pacific peoples.
Please mail full petitions to: Pacific Conference of Churches Secretariat, GPO Box 208, Suva, Fiji.
You can access more information and download the petition.
WCC Youth Internship Programme 2010-2011
World Council of Churches is seeking five interns aged 18 to 30 years to be based at their offices in Geneva, Switzerland, from February 2010 to January 2011.
They are looking for interns committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement, who will bring their energy, commitment and fresh vision to a specific work assignment. The WCC Internships Programme prepares young people to continue their ecumenical involvement beyond the internship.
Closing date for applications is 30 September 2009. Applications must be written in English.
More information on the WCC internship programme and application forms.
Boys’ Brigade launch ICONZ
Boys’ Brigade (BB) has been rejuvenated through the launch of a revitalised 21st century programme called, ICONZ. ICONZ is similar to the traditional BB programme, except there is a significant decrease in military terms. There are 37 traditional Boys’ Brigade companies, and 37 ICONZ units throughout the country. Churches that would like information on starting an ICONZ unit can contact the national office or telephone 09 448 1157.
Martin Sullivan memoir
Joyce Harrison has written a short memoir titled, “Martin Sullivan: Student Christian Movement Chaplain Wellington 1946”.
Dean Martin Sullivan was appointed as the first chaplain to the NZ Student Christian Movement (SCM) in 1946, and was based full-time at Victoria University College, Wellington, before he became Dean of St Paul’s, London.. Author Joyce was a SCM member at the time.
Copies are available for $10 + $2 p&p from the author, Joyce Harrison, 13 Blakey Avenue, Karori, Wellington. Phone 04 476 9034 or email
50% discount on new “Creation in Crisis” book
Professor Bob White (recently interviewed in Spanz) is offering at half price the new book he has edited, “Creation in Crisis: Christian Perspectives on Sustainability”. Bob’s author discount reduces the book to £6.50 + postage.
Bob has brought together a distinguished collection of scientists and theologians who provide a compelling account of why Christians should play a significant role in the struggle to transform societies towards sustainability.
Bob White is Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge, a director of the John Ray Initiative and associate director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion.
If you would like to order the book contact Bob White.
Robert Paterson memoir
Robert Paterson has written his memoir titled, "Kowhai and Orchid: Life on Two Islands". Robert has been a parish minister, and a lecturer in biblical studies at Knox Theological Hall, Dunedin, and the Theological College for Eastern Indonesia.
The book is available from Robert at $39.50 plus $3 for postage and packaging.
Contact: R M Paterson, 740B George Street, Dunedin 9016. Email or phone 03 477 7950.
International Day of Prayer for Peace 21 September
On 21 September, churches and communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Peace through prayer. For 2009, the World Council of Churches for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) proposes prayers and liturgical resources related to this year's focus on the Carribbean and its theme "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean".
The prayer for peace day coincides with a United Nations' initiative that encourages "global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict".
Responding to swine flu
Please keep an eye out for regular updates from the Government on Swine Flu, and take note of any warnings that are put in place. It is important that parishes comply with any public health notices as to ignore them can put people’s lives at risk. Please comply with the ways to reduce the possibility of infection, such as good hygiene practices and staying home when sick. If you require more information contact Juliette Bowater, Personnel Advisor.
The Ministry of Health has information to assist community groups to deal with pandemics. You will find a link here to download posters and brochures in the resources section.
United Nations “Our World, Our Climate, Our Food” competition for youth
“Our World, Our Climate, Our Food” is a project of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. One facet of the project is a competition for young people aged six to 25 years, to draw, photograph, produce a video clip or describe ways to fight climate change. Prizes will be awarded and the best entries will be used throughout the world.
Competition closes 12 September 2009.
For more information visit the United Nations website.
CWS notices
Free resources for children and young people
World Watch: Clean up the Climate. Learn about 10 year old Lerma’s life on a Philippines island and the impact climate change has on food, water and land. Aimed at 7 to 12 year olds, this magazine shows some actions the local community is taking.
“We don’t wish for things to get any worse,” says Lerma. “That is why the children of Tabon are doing many things ... to stop climate change.”
The magazine includes fun activities and comes with a leader’s guide.
Youth Topics: Are you free tonight? This is the question asked by the latest youth topics for young people. It explores political freedom and individuals who stand up for their people and principles; it features a story from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines that highlights political killings. Since 2001, over 800 people have been killed by militia or other groups in the Philippines.
Order by email or phone 0800 74 73 72.
Have you signed on?
Things are heating up in the countdown to the UN climate change conference in December. Lots of petitions are circulating but CWS is supporting the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) petition. This includes Pacific concerns for resettlement rights. Many communities will be forced to move as their homelands become inhabitable. Please help collect signatures and return to CWS. Download forms.
CWS is sending out background information, worship materials and petitions to churches, including a ‘clean up the climate’ postcard. These will be presented to the Prime Minister by New Zealand church representatives later in the year. CWS is arguing for a fair deal for developing countries – visit the website. Contact CWS for additional supplies of the postcard and PCC petitions or a speaker on climate change, email or phone 0800 74 73 72.
Church register changes
Reception to the Roll
- Rev Adrian Skelton, received from the United Reform Church in the UK, inducted as Minister, St Andrew’s Hastings, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, 1 August 2009.
- Rev Richard McLean, received by the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa, to Stated Supply, St Andrew’s Parish Hastings, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, 2 March 2009.
Ordination and Inductions
- Rev Kent Potter, Other Recognised Minister, Bay of Plenty Presbytery, to Minister, Drury Presbyterian Church, South Auckland Presbytery, 21 June 2009.
- Rev Richard McLean, Stated Supply, St Andrew’s Parish Hastings, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, to Stated Supply, St John’s Parish Hastings, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery 1 July 2009.
Transfers
- Rev Alastair Taylor, Minister Emeritus, Southland Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, 8 July 2009.
Lay Appointments
- Mr Poul Andersen, lay appointment, St Mark’s Tokoroa, Waikato Presbytery, to lay minister St John’s Waipawa, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, 29 March 2009.
Short-Term Appointments
-
Rev Noel Butler, Minister Emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, appointed as Stated Supply for three months at Columba Presbyterian Church, Oamaru, Dunedin and North Otago Presbytery, 1 June 2009.
Resignations
- Mr Alan Hawke, member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Southland Presbytery, resigned from the Local Ministry Team, 20 April 2009.
Deaths
- Rev Dr Alan Kerr, Minister Emeritus, Dunedin Presbytery, died 30 June 2009.
- Rev Norman Sheat, Minister Emeritus, Dunedin Presbytery, died 26 May 2009.
Parish Amalgamation
- The Korean Parish Development Unit amalgamated with St Mark’s / St Andrew’s Presbyterian, Manawatu-Wanganui Presbytery, March 2009.
- St Mark’s Wanganui has amalgamated with St Paul’s Wanganui and the new name is St Paul’s – St Mark’s Parish, Wanganui-Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, 1 July 2009.
Jobs
The latest jobs and ministerial vacancies are available online and regularly updated.