Bush Telegraph June 2010

From the Moderator

Many of you will have read or heard the recent news of the sudden stalling of the Tuhoe iwi settlement process, and some of you may be aware of the press release that was issued by the Moderator of Te Aka Puaho and myself, you can read it on the Church website. The Presbyterian Church has a relationship with Tuhoe that dates back over 100 years and is currently embodied by and expressed through the work of Te Aka Puaho. Tuhoe history is a history marked by considerable suffering and injustice, and this makes the settlement process even more significant. The integrity of the process will be just as important as the final settlement. Please uphold the Tuhoe people and the parties to the settlement negotiations in your prayers. Pray that the twin goals of justice and reconciliation might be well served.

Last month I was asked by the Sunday Star Times, along with 49 other New Zealanders, to submit a question to the Prime Minister. The questions and the Prime Minister’s answers were published in a recent article. Out of all the questions I could have asked, I decided in the end to ask the Prime Minister what more he thinks could or should be done to tackle the high rate of criminal reoffending in this country and better serve the goals of restorative justice and the rehabilitation of offenders. That question and his answer have since opened up several lines of conversation with people and organisations keen to get more churches involved in the process of prisoner rehabilitation and restorative justice initiatives such as the Sycamore Tree programme profiled in Spanz last year. A few months ago I attended a graduation ceremony for prisoners who had completed the Sycamore Tree programme. I was most encouraged by what I saw.

Keep an eye out in a couple of months time for the next Church social issues resource booklet on Crime and Justice. It will be a useful resource for discussion within parishes.

Graham Redding

From the Assembly Executive Secretary

Dear Friends

Last Sunday I took part in a simple worship service held with the teenagers who had built a miniature ‘slum city’ in Frank Kitts Park, downtown Wellington, as part of the 40 Hour Famine. They were a very impressive group of young people, from a number of denominations, who gave up their weekend to witness in a very public way their concern for those who live in poverty.

Few experiences in our Church fill me with more hope than the time I spend with our young leaders. Many of our young people are making connections between an evangelical faith and a genuine concern for matters of poverty and injustice. They are used to working in a multicultural environment and are enthusiastic and positive about our Church and its future. Even though many are technologically savvy and very wired in, they also have a profound concern for the integrity of relationships and for working in cooperative ways to resolve issues and challenges. Let us give thanks for the blessings they bring and pray for those who are preparing for Connect next month.

Overseas Mission Coordinator

I am very pleased to inform you that the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley has been appointed as our new Overseas Mission Coordinator. Pamela brings with her a passion for mission, a breadth of experience and knowledge of the Church, and significant experience in supporting our Church’s intentional relationships. A letter about the appointment was sent to global mission supporters. We look forward to Pamela starting this two-year role from mid August 2010.

General Assembly 2010

The General Assembly will be held in Christchurch from 11 am on Thursday 30 September to no later than 5 pm on Sunday 3 October in Christchurch.

A memo was recently sent to all presbytery clerks regarding the presbytery reform decisions made at the 2008 Assembly, as well as a reminder of the process whereby proposals may be brought to the Assembly.

In preparation for the General Assembly:

1. All parishes sending elders should have received from their presbyteries (etc) a commission form to be completed and returned to the presbytery. These completed forms should be sent back to me.

2. All presbytery clerks, UDS secretaries and Te Aka Puaho should have received a request for the names and contact details of all ministers, youth representatives and observers who will be attending the Assembly. Please could you ensure that all these names are returned to me by the end of this month.

3. In order to comply with the Standing Orders of the General Assembly, all presbyteries/UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho should appoint an auditor to check the minutes of their meetings. The name of the auditor should be sent to me.

4. Presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho should have received a list containing nominations for the 2012 Moderator-Designate. You need to choose one of these names as your nomination and post it by 18 June 2010 to the: Convenor of the Nominating Committee, Ann Owen, 12 Aongatete Road, RD2 Katikati 3178. Please use your own processes to ensure that every presbytery that existed following the last General Assembly gets a vote. Once Ann and her team process these returns, our office will be sending to every congregation a list of the highest polling nominations to be voted on by each, using a preferential system.

5. Any church council, presbytery/ UDC or Te Aka Puaho planning on bringing any proposal for legislative action need to have this notice and a certified extract from the minutes of the appropriate court to me by 29 July.

6. All committees and groups who write reports for the General Assembly need to have these to me in Word format by Friday July 2.

Connect

This is the most important youth leadership training, networking and support event of the year for us. It is happening just out of Wellington on 2-4 July 2010. Please make every effort to identify and encourage youth leaders from your congregation to attend. These are our present and future Church leaders and we very much want to encourage and support them; check out the details.

Press Go

The Press Go Board will meet on 16 June in Auckland to look at potential new Press Go projects. More updates next month.

Focal Identity Statement – Kupu Whakapono

Please take the opportunity to engage with the completion of this important faith statement. The deadline for responses closes very shortly. Use the website for responding if at all possible but the FIS Workgroup are quite happy to accept email responses to: comments@webelieve.org.nz

They will accept responses based on hard copy and posted to:

Presbyterian Confession
C/- Leith Valley Presbyterian Church
267 Malvern St
Leith Valley
Dunedin 9010

Fathers’ Breakfast and free National Parenting Forum

Congratulations to Jim Bruce and Brian Poole who were successful in our draw for tickets to attend the Parents Inc Fathers' Breakfast held in Wellington today.

There is still time to enter church goers involved in parent/children’s education in the draw to attend the National Parenting Forum in Wellington.

“The Changing Face of New Zealand Parenting” will be hosted by Parents Centres New Zealand Inc at Te Papa Museum from18-19 September 2010.

We are making eight free places available at the forum and we will pay an allowance towards travel and accommodation. Morning teas, lunches, afternoon teas and the forum dinner on Saturday evening are included in the free registration.

To enter the draw, email the name of your church and church goer to Angela by 15 June 2010.

Thank you again for your prayers and your generous support of our Church.

Martin

Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership

A brief dedication ceremony for the new Knox Centre and Archives facilities will be held on Tuesday 6 July at 5 pm. We hope as many people as possible will join us for this happy occasion.

The link between the new Knox Centre and the former School of Ministry and Theological Hall is important; what takes place here now has a context and history. This is being documented by the Rev Dr Simon Rae who is writing a history, building on that written by Ian Breward on the occasion of the Theological Hall centenary in 1975. A lot has taken place between 1975 and now. We hope the book will be available around this time next year.

We’ve been fielding some enquiries about the next Going Further event for young adults. Our Auckland coordinator, Mark Johnston, has begun planning this event with Carlton Johnstone. Details will be out shortly. Do encourage your young adults to apply. This year’s event was highly successful. In the meantime, Mark and I will both attend the Connect conference in July. The Knox Centre is committed to supporting these sorts of events in any way it can.

Graham Redding
Principal

Presbyterian Youth Ministry

I had the privilege of attending the South Island Pastors’ Conference where Paul Windsor delivered the keynote on being a people who live-out the tension between being salt and light and people of grace and truth.

I got to spend some purposeful time with the wonderful KCML lecturers discussing various matters pertaining to young people - vocational pathways for youth leaders and cultural change within our churches. I shared on youth participation at the South Island conference and at two youth leaders networking breakfasts as well as at Wanaka Presbyterian Church. If you are a youth worker, or have one based in Dunedin or Southland, get in touch with Stephanie Redhead who organises these excellent breakfasts, email synod.youth@xtra.co.nz

The lead up to Connect is going extremely well with registrations coming in every day. This year offers a fantastic line up of over 40 workshops (see jymc.org.nz for a full list) that first-timers, seasoned vets, everyone in-between, and ministers will be equipped, challenged and refreshed by it.

So without further ado I will let Gordon introduce himself:

Hi, I am Gordon Fitch, the new National Youth Coordinator. I have just moved to New Zealand after 12 years of youth ministry in the States and the UK. I’ve been blessed to watch and be part of God doing some great work, and lucky enough to see the youth ministries grow exponentially.

I am British and I am married to an amazing American, Amanda. We had twin girls while we were living in the UK, and another boy and girl while living in the US. God has always been faithful to our family in our globe trotting life, and we are excited to see what God is up to in this new adventure of our life. I look forward to getting to know you, to learn about your ministries, and to be a resource.

Carlton Johnstone (with special guest Gordon Fitch)

Presbyterian Women

Here are the remits and nominations for the Presbyterian Women’s new National Coordinating Group as taken to the National Business meeting held Saturday 29 May. The results will soon be reported on the APW website.

National convener: Mary McIntyre, Bannochburn, Central Otago.
Deputy convener: Jan Harland, Dunedin.
Secretary: Valerie Andersen, Alexandra, Central Otago.
Treasurer: Ngaire Pearse, Timaru, or Norma Olliver, Northshore, Auckland.
Resources convener: Lois Diaper, Nelson.
Missions convener: Rae Simpson, Northshore, Auckland.
Communications convener Fotu Lualua, Newtown, Wellington or Faatali Leiua, Porirua, Wellington.
United Nations convener: Pamela Tankersley, Palmerston North.
Pacific Island representative: Faaolataga-Ola Leasi, Porirua, Wellington.

Recommendations were as follows: That the APW mission statement be:

“Serving God locally and globally with love”, and that APW include a Pacific island representative on the NCG.

Kids Friendly

A glee-full week

I was in the Waikato last week catching up with Jackie Coleman the newly appointed Kids Friendly advisor to the churches of Te Aka Puaho. Jackie is a qualified early childhood teacher with a real heart for children and enormous enthusiasm for working with her people to encourage them in their ministry to children and young people. In July, Jackie will be running a holiday programme for children aged 5 to 15 years at the Ohope Marae - a positive first step to realising Te Aka Puaho’s vision of building a church that contributes positively to the growth and development of children.

I was invited to share with the Synod of Te Aka Puaho last year and I am so encouraged to see the Kids Friendly seeds planted then germinating in this way. Te Aka Puaho’s dream is to find funding to employ Jackie full time in this important role. Exciting stuff!

I next spent an evening sharing the Kids Friendly vision with the elders and people of St Andrew’s, Matamata. I love visiting our churches and having the opportunity to hear and share Kids Friendly stories of hope. One of their stories gave me much “glee”. Six years ago some of the church grandparents decided they would meet at the church each Friday for morning tea and to play with their grandchildren, giving the mums or dads some time off to attend appointments, go for a run etc. Soon they were having such fun that they decided to extend the invitation to all the young mums in their community to bring their children to Glee. Some of the mothers choose to stay for fellowship and morning tea, while others leave once their children are settled. St Andrew’s has wonderfully warm and comfortable Kids Friendly facilities, with a toy library, making it a perfect environment for such outreach. This and outstanding hospitality and friendship is communicating the love of Christ to the young families of Matamata. What glee!

Jill Kayser
Kids Friendly Coach

Notices

Presbyterian Foundation Grant

Applications are now open for this year's Presbyterian Foundation grants. Guidelines and applications forms are available on the Church's website here. The deadline for presbyteries to endorse and forward applications is 15th September 2010. (Parishes in Kaimai and Southern presbyteries do not send their application via their presbytery; instead they should send it directly to the Presbyterian Foundation by this date.)

Presbyterian Investment Fund

The Church Property Trustees advise that the interest rate paid to Presbyterian Investment Fund depositors will remain at 5.00 percent for June. The Fund accepts deposits from parishes, but it is not open to individuals. For further information email the Secretary to the Trustees, Heather McKenzie.

Parish Profiles sought

The Leadership Sub Committee are seeking Parish Profiles for the exiting interns from the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership for 2010. Please forward to the Rev Ian Guy, 4 Mount Street, Wakari, Dunedin. For more information phone 03 476 2967.

Taitokerau 2010 Gen-I Leadership Summit

Waitangi Marae
18,19,20 June 2010

The i-Pod Generation: What Is The Future Of Our Young People If We Don’t Invest?

Guest Speakers: Brownie (Prisoner Serving Life, Ngawha Corrections), Hon Dr Peter Sharples, Hon Shane Jones, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding, the Rev Diana Tana, Bishop Kitohi Pikahu, the Rev Wayne Te Kaawa, the Rev Steve Millward, Kids Friendly Coach Jill Kayser, Te Rito Peyroux and Nau Epiha.

Register for the early bird special: conference, accommodation (Friday and Saturday nights), meals plus special Matariki dinner and entertainment,

See the website to register, email gen.i.summit@gmail.com or phone 09 4026709 or 0210324755.

Spiritual Directors' Formation Programme 2011 - 2012

This comprehensive and proven two year part-time course is open to mature Christians of any denomination.

The course offers:

Systematic study of spiritual direction, regular workshops conducted by an ecumenical team of qualified leaders, supervised practical experience and a ‘spiritual companion’ option in Year 2.

For details contact:

The coordinator, email or visit our website or phone the administrator 04 234 1992.

Applications due by 20 August 2010. Early applications are appreciated and late applications may be accepted.

Volunteer Awareness Week 20 – 26 June - "Volunteering Across The Generations”

The theme for Volunteer Awareness Week this year is "Volunteering Across The Generations”. The week will highlight the opportunities for volunteering across all generations, how different forms of volunteering appeal to particular generational groups and various examples of intergenerational volunteering, including family volunteering. Highlighted programmes include Supergrans where experienced and knowledgeable older folk provide practical tuition in household management to younger people and families, and high school students becoming involved as visitors with aged care services such as those provided by Presbyterian Support Enliven.

Local Shared Ministry Gathering, Cambridge

1-3 July, 2010

An opportunity to share stories, ask questions, learn from others and support each other. Invited are all local shared ministry teams, parish councils and interested members from Methodist, Presbyterian, Union and Co-operating parishes, congregations planning to enter into or learn more about local shared ministry.

Where: Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre, 116 Finlay Rd, Hora Hora, RD2, Cambridge

Register by 18 June with the Rev Mary Petersen, E mjpetersen@xtra.co.nz Ph 07 869 5356 or Ngaire Southon E ngaire@southon.net Ph 07 578 7119

Supported by Methodist Mission Resourcing. Cost: approximately $110 for two days.

World Environment Day 5 June 2010

World Environment Day (WED) is for environmental public action. This year the theme is “Many Species. One Planet. One Future.” and the 2010 project is The Last Stand of the Gorilla, an opportunity to come together worldwide to support the protection and conservation of gorillas in Rwanda. We all face the potential loss of the gorillas from most of their present range in as little as 10 years!

For every World Environment Day activity registered here $10 will go to gorilla protection in Rwanda.

Want to attend a Parenting Toolbox course in Wellington?

Six Mondays from14 June.

Island Bay Presbyterian Church facilitates Parents Inc Toolbox parenting courses. Their next course is for parents/carers of children 0-6yrs, six Mondays starting 14 June, from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the Island Bay Community Centre, 137 The Parade, Island Bay.

Cost: $90 double; $67.50 single. Subsidy available. Book with Liz phone 04 383 5114.

Samoan Language Week till 5 June 2010

The 2010 theme is “O le Tātou gagana Sāmoa I Niu Sila – Our Samoan language in New Zealand.” English, Maori and Samoan are the three most spoken languages in New Zealand.

The aims of Samoan Language Week are to promote the learning of the Samoan language, and raise awareness of it as one of the most widely spoken languages in New Zealand. See events in your area.

World Refugee Day, 20 June 2010

The theme this year is “Home - They have taken my home but they can't take my future”. While most refugees want to go home, some cannot safely return. World Refugee Day asks us to remember that in the future any one of us could be knocking at a stranger's door hoping to find a safe shelter and we should extend refugees the same kind of hospitality we would like to receive. More information here.

Pacific Council of Churches internship for Pacific youth

The Pacific Council of Churches is offering a one year internship from October 2010 – September 2011 in Suva, Fiji. Expenses are covered and a living allowance will be provided.

This is an opportunity for a young pacific person (aged 18-25) to learn and get work experience in a professional environment. There are four internship offered in the areas of: HIV and AIDS; good governance and leadership; environment and climate change; and globalisation and trade. If you are interested, or know someone who could be, you can download further information and application form from the PYM’s webpage.

Matariki (Maori New Year) 14 June 2010

Matariki is the Aotearoa Pacific New Year. It takes its name from the seven star constellation which reappears over the horizon in late May. In Western astronomy this constellation is called The Pleiades. For Matariki services see our Worship Resources.

Youth wanted for volunteer workshop in Wellington

9am – 3pm, 22 June 2010

Youth are needed to take part in a Wellington during Volunteer Awareness Week. This will be a one-day event with the CEOs of some of the country's biggest non-profits – they want to hear your opinions about volunteering. Applications to participate close 26 May 2010. Register online.

Maori Language Week, 26 July – 1 August 2010

“Te Mahi Kai” - The Language of Food”

Food will be the theme for Māori Language Week 2010. The key message this year is encouraging use of Māori language in communities with a focus on food gathering and preparation activities.

It is hoped that there will be a liberal interpretation of the theme because “te mahi kai” means not just partaking in a meal, but includes all the activity undertaken to create that meal, traditional as well as contemporary.

For more information see the website.

Holy Trinity Cathedral Organ Recital Series 2010

Sundays at 2 pm, monthly from Jun

20 June James Tibbles, 18 July Philip Smith, 15 August Paul Tarling in St Mary’s, 19 September Philip Smith, 24 October Philip Smith in St Mary’s, 21 November Jennifer Chou (Melbourne, Australia).

$20, $15 (seniors), $5 (students with ID)

Holy Trinity Cathedral, cnr St. Stephen’s Ave & Parnell Road, Auckland.

Sunday 27 June is Community Support Sunday:

A day of inspiration, community action, reflection and prayer

Community Support Sunday will be held on Sunday 27 June in Presbyterian parishes around the Northern region. Presbyterian Support Northern challenge you to start thinking about the community you live in and ways in which you as an individual and as a church can better connect with your community.

PSN want Community Support Sunday to have a different focus than usual – they want churches to concentrate on their local communities, identifying the needs their particular community may have and how they can reach out and meet those needs. PSN’s role is to support parishes in their community missions, by using their networks and strong heritage in providing effective social services.

Order National Standards for schools explanation leaflets

National Standards are being introduced into primary and intermediate schools this year and the Ministry of Education has put out an information leaflet explaining what they are and why they have been introduced. The leaflet outlines the process of assessment and reporting, and has some questions that parents can ask teachers to find out more about how their child is doing at school.

You can order leaflets and make them available, email orders@thechair.minedu.govt.nz (quote item number 700012) or see the website.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June 2010.

Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention services, other providers and Age Concern New Zealand mark this international day with a range of events and activities to combat elder abuse and neglect. Activities you can take part in in your region are on their website.

4th International Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Conference:

“Kei muri i te awe kapara he tangata ke – Recognising, engaging, understanding difference”

6-9 June 2010, University of Auckland

Nga Pae o te Maramatanga will be holding its conference at the University of Auckland to discuss strategies for generating social, educational, intellectual, and economic opportunities by building relationships that overcome the adverse effects resulting from failure to understand the differences among indigenous and non-indigenous communities and societies. See the website or phone 09 373 7599 x82376 or x84220.

New Zealand Faith Community Nurses Association Conference 2010

3-4 September

Salvation Army, 92 Vivian St, Wellington.

Expand and share your knowledge of supporting others through both difficult and joyous transitions of life, learn more about the ministry of Faith Community Nursing, network and enjoy fellowship with other Christian nurses. Supported by the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Hardship grant available. For more information see the website, or email or write to New Zealand Faith Community Nurses Association, P.O.Box 64, Kaiapoi.

Pasifika Church Disability Toolkit available

On 28 May 2010 the Ministry of Health's Lu'i Ola launched the Pasifika Church Disability Toolkit. The Pacific church engagement toolkit will be distributed to regional Pacific church communities. This toolkit aims to shift negative entrenched views on disability and inform Pacific disabled peoples, their aiga, carers and the community, about disability and available services. See the website or email.

Red letters, 22 to 24 July, 2010

Hear speakers Ron Sider, Ash Barker, Jim Reiher, Denise and Dave Timms share their views on politics and money, evangelism and social justice. $20 per session/$50 all three. Venue: Carey Baptist College, Mt Eden, Auckland. RSVP MICK@MICHAELDUNCAN.ORG or see the website.

Volunteer training workshops nationwide

July and August 2010

Volunteering NZ and Volunteer Centres nationwide are hosting a training tour by international trainer in volunteer management, Australian Andy Fryar. The theme for a number of the workshops will be “Make your Organisation a Volunteer Magnet”. Workshop bookings and costs from your local Volunteer Centre.

Want to intern at the World Council of Churches in Geneva?

The WCC will soon be looking for applications for their next intake of interns to work at their offices in Geneva. The WCC covers travel to and from Geneva, visas, work permits, shipping of personal effects, accommodation and living allowance. Read more about WCC interns.

Voice for Life Song Writing Competition

Over $5000 in cash prizes. $25 entry fee per song. Finals held in Tauranga 2 October. Entries must be received by 10 August 2010. See website or email donbrebs@xtra.co.nz

CWS Notices

World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel

CWS is inviting churches and concerned people to take part in the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel. Supported by the World Council of Churches, it is a week of action and advocacy for a just peace in the region, read more.

Give some certainty in an uncertain world

CWS is looking for supporters who can make a commitment to long term change by becoming a CWS Regular Giver. By signing up to monthly or quarterly contributions, Regular Givers help CWS guarantee funding to our partners and better plan for the year’s activities. Email cws@cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72.

Funding changes

The New Zealand government has decided to axe the KOHA and HAF funding schemes at the end of the financial year (30 June 2010). This will have a significant impact on the work of CWS. Due to the excellent quality of our partners and programmes, CWS had received 4: 1 funding for community development and special grants for emergency aid. All development and aid agencies are now awaiting the decision on the new model. This has created a great deal of uncertainty for our partners, and with the government indicating a preference for funding in the Pacific and an economic development focus, we are concerned about the futures of some of our long term partners. We are hopeful of securing ongoing government funding in some areas and will rely on our partner churches to fund other groups. Please continue your support.

Church Register

Ordination and Inductions:

Rev Mark Wun, Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan and a recognised Partner in Mission, was inducted as Minister, Taiwanese – Auckland Presbyterian Church, Auckland Presbytery, 9 February 2010.

Rev Jennifer Doyle, Minister, Kawerau Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, to Minister, Huntly Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 6 May 2010.

Rev Keith Nisbet, Other Recognised Minister, Auckland Presbytery, to New Generations Leader, Howick Presbyterian Church, Auckland Presbytery, 29 April 2010.

Rev Young Jun You, Hospital Chaplain, Kaimai Presbytery, to Hospital Chaplain, Auckland Presbytery, 28 April 2010.

Changes in Status:

Rev Glenn Livingstone, Minister, St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru Presbyterian and St James Presbyterian, Spreydon, Christchurch, Christchurch Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, Christchurch Presbytery, 28 March 2010.

Transfers:

Rev Russell Denne, Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, 15 March 2010.

Rev Glenn Barclay, Minister Emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery, 16 March 2010.