From the Moderator
Greetings!
Churches are increasingly looking for opportunities to serve their communities. Some of our people will be interested in combining their desire for community ministry with their love for rugby. The Rugby World Cup offers a range of ways to serve the touring teams and their families, supporters and local communities. There are opportunities to host people, to provide chaplaincy services, to have special services of worship or to help keep events safe. Further information on the possibilities can be found on the Engage web site.
Anything associated with the Rugby World Cup must be approved and Engage has been established to coordinate the efforts of the churches, liaise with the World Cup organisation and meet their requirements so that churches can be involved without worrying about the legalities. Engage has been endorsed by the leaders of the churches.
Volunteers are still required by the Rugby World Cup organisation. Volunteering for an international event like this can be highly memorable and satisfying. While evangelism cannot be approved there remain opportunities to serve and to provide explicitly Christian events.
I will endeavour to put more information as I receive it on the Presbyterian Church web site. However, I encourage you to visit the Engage web site to see what is possible. Look particularly at the videos. You can also subscribe so that you are kept up-to-date. There is also an Engage facebook page.
Cities and towns hosting teams have greater opportunities but even those in other towns can serve their own community. This may be an opportunity for churches and individuals to be visible in their community and may lead to further ideas.
Potentially it is fun and ministry. I’ll try to keep you informed but please do engage with Engage. Let’s get involved, brainstorm ideas and get your people involved.
God bless,
Peter Cheyne
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear Friends
Welcome back after the holidays.
I recently returned from my holidays spent partly with a small group of dedicated Christians working in the slums of Rajahmundry in the eastern part of India. Faithfulness and grace, coupled with the tenacity to address the causes of poverty and injustice, were heartening and uplifting ministries to witness. It would be impossible not to come away from such an experience without some change in perspective.
This year will see the majority of those who worship in Presbyterian churches in New Zealand become part of one of three new presbyteries. It is new territory for all involved but there is some real excitement around how larger regional entities can use their shared resources to focus on supporting the mission and outreach of their congregations and leaders. Other smaller presbyteries are working on the challenges to fulfilling Assembly decisions on reforming our presbytery structures.
This year will see continuing work to enhance our relationships with congregations whose members immigrated here from various Asian nations, especially from Korea.
New initiatives
We are working to develop new working relations with Presbyterian Support, and also with schools sharing a historic relationship with our Church. The PresCare initiative is an important expression of the concern we share with Presbyterian Support for the well being of our nation’s children and their families. It is early days in the development of this shared commitment but I do hope congregations will get behind this and use the Lent resources and other material we will shortly send out and make available on our web site. Your feed back on this initiative is really important for both our Church and Presbyterian Support so please let me know what you think.
Farewells
Sadly, the start of this year begins with some significant changes in our Assembly staff. We recently said farewell to our communications manager, Amanda Wells, who served the Church for the last six years. With the closure of the Dunedin-based National Mission Office at the end of this month, we acknowledge the faithful work of the Rev John Daniel, national mission enabler, and his team of Mike Crowl and Heather Simpson. A special service of thanksgiving and acknowledgement for their work was held at the Knox College chapel last week.
Special legislative procedure
The General Assembly decided that all parish councils as well as presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho should be given the opportunity to discuss and decide on proposed changes in our Book of Order. There were a number of proposed changes and significant background information given to Commissioners explaining why some of these changes were important. All parish councils and presbyteries have now been sent this documentation and will need to set aside time to discuss and vote on the proposals. Download these documents: Memo to Presbyteries and Parish Councils and Information presented to General Assembly 2010. If you are a presbytery clerk, UDC secretary, or parish council convenor and have not received these documents please contact me. The deadline for replies is 31 August 2011.
Please note that there is a fresh copy of the Kupu Whakapono and the Commentary laid out in a clearer format and corrected of typos available on the web site. You might find it easier to use this copy in your considerations under the relevant special legislative procedure.
Attending the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
We have once again received a generous invitation to send a delegate or official visitor to attend the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. If you are planning to be in Edinburgh 21 - 27 May 2011 and would enjoy attending, then please let me know as soon as possible. It’s quite an event! Unfortunately we cannot meet any of your costs.
Confessions of Faith
As requested by the General Assembly we now have a collection of these in both downloadable and printable forms. You can download the 1MB file. The document is over 300 pages long, so if you want us to print you out a version could you send us your request with $40.
New Moderator of Te Aka Puaho
On 25 February 2011 at our national marae at Ohope we celebrate the induction of the Rev Wayne Te Kaawa as the new Moderator for Te Aka Puaho. The powhiri is at 2 30 pm.
New Northern Presbytery
On Saturday 26 February 2011 we celebrate the inauguration of the new Northern Presbytery. This will be an important occasion for our whole Church and I know the new Moderator, clerk and executive team will greatly appreciate your prayers and encouragement.
Thank you again for your support. I wish you God’s blessing in your ministry over 2011. Please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone on the Assembly service team if you have any questions or concerns.
Martin
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Last year, for the first time, we were able to offer a number of theology scholarships to Presbyterians doing part-time or full-time theological studies through the University of Otago, University of Auckland, Laidlaw College, Carey Baptist College and the Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies. A limited number of scholarships will be available again this year. If you know of anyone who might benefit from such a grant, please encourage them to apply. They should send to me a letter of application detailing their course (and costs) of study, and what church they’re involved in. They should also include a brief letter of support from their parish minister (or equivalent person). The deadline for applications is 31 March 2011.
The deadline for the next round of applications for ministers’ study grants is also 31 March 2011. Information about applying can be found on our web site.
We are pleased to announce that Carolyn Kelly has been appointed to the newly formed position of Director of the Presbyterian Church Schools’ Resource Office. The position was advertised last year in the Education Gazette, Candour and Bush Telegraph. Carolyn is a qualified teacher who served from 1998 to 2000 as chaplain and Director of Religious Education at St Oran’s College in Wellington. Her husband Mark Johnston is a Presbyterian minister, currently serving as the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership’s Auckland coordinator. Carolyn has a Master of Arts (Hons) through University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Divinity through University of Otago and a PhD in Theology and English Literature through the University of Aberdeen. We believe that Carolyn is eminently qualified for this position and has the experience and personal attributes to build good working relationships with principals, chaplains, religious educators and boards. She will commence her employment 1 February 2011. She will work from an office at St Kentigern School for Girls – Corran in Auckland.
Graham Redding
Principal
National Mission
As you have probably heard, the National Mission Office closed at the end of January. Thanks to those who participated in the service of recognition held last week. The Rev John Daniel will continue with National Mission commitments till the end of March, while Mike finishes at the end of February. Heather continues her internship in Wanaka, Central Otago, over the next year.
We would like to give thanks especially to those who have prayed with us and for us, and for the many opportunities you have given to us to share in your mission journeys. While the office is closing each of us will continue to serve the church of God in our own inimitable ways.
With sadness and also with anticipation we say goodbye.
John, Heather and Mike
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Holidays seem like a distant memory! It does not take long for the New Year to get under way. The Going Further event for young adults kicked off on 31 January 2011 on Great Barrier Island. Please pray for this event if you get the chance.
We have close to 10 vacancies for youth workers in our churches around the country; see these on our web site. They range from internships for people wanting to study youth ministry through to full time roles. We clearly have a shortage of trained youth workers out there. We need to be shoulder tapping people who are, or might be, interested in pursuing youth ministry as a vocational calling. Then we need to find ways to support them in this pursuit. A few churches have created internship opportunities which fund someone studying full time while offering them a practical placement. If you know of someone interested in exploring this, please ask them to email me.
If you are thinking about advertising for a youth worker, or a review process for your youth ministry, then PYM national office can offer advice and assistance. We also have four regional youth coordinators who can do the same. PYM is in the process of updating our Youth Workers Employment Kit, to assist those of you thinking about employing a youth worker, including how to go about it and writing a good and realistic job description.
Your church will be getting information regarding Connect, our youth leaders’ conference, in the mail sometime in February as well as an email flyer. Please make sure that the right people get it, and support your youth leaders in coming to this fantastic event from 1 – 3 July 2011 at Living Springs, Christchurch.
Carlton Johnstone
Global Mission
Opportunity for ministers: overseas mission experience with the Council for World Mission
Applications are invited from ministers for 10 places in the “A New Face” programme from September to October 2011. The programme is designed to introduce ministers to a ministry context different from their own, to stimulate theological reflection and cross-cultural experience. Six weeks will be spent in Guyana, hosted by the Guyana Congregational Church. Week one is for orientation, then four weeks on placement in a Guyana congregation and one week of reflection, evaluation and debriefing. CWM will pay for participants’ international travel and for accommodation and food costs and give participants a small expenses allowance.
Download more information. To apply or for enquiries contact Pamela at Global Mission, or see the Global Mission web page.
Pamela Tankersley
Global Mission coordinator
Presbyterian Women
2011 Commission on the Status of Women session
On 18 February 2011, the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley, Presbyterian Women United Nations Convenor, and Mary McIntyre, Presbyterian Women National Convenor, will travel to New York to attend the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Attendance is a responsibility of all NGOs, such as Presbyterian Women NZ (APW), with consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The priority theme for this year is access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. Following interactive events during the first week of the Commission, member states will negotiate agreed conclusions (new policy recommendations) to accelerate implementation of existing commitments, including those in the Beijing Platform for Action.
The emerging issue for discussion is gender equality and sustainable development. The review theme for discussion is, “the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child”.
A programme of parallel events provides an excellent opportunity for member states, UN entities and NGOs to discuss themes of the Commission and other critical gender equality issues.
Presbyterian Women is grateful for CWM funding the costs of a second representative to the Commission this year as Pamela begins her role as United Nations Convenor. A report on the session will be available, contact pamela@presbyterian.org.nz
Mary McIntyre
National Convenor
Notices
PresCare
You may already have heard of PresCare, a partnership between the Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Support that encourages us to draw on our shared faith and commitment to support the wellbeing of children and families.
As part of the project, specially prepared electronic resources for Sunday worship in Lent will be available through the Church website, and copies of a small booklet with 40 day-by-day reflections will be sent to all congregations and should arrive later this month.
Presbyterian Support will also be sharing a DVD of advertisements drawing attention to the needs of too many of our children and families. These advertisements will screen on television in March.
These resources can help us focus, as we travel with Jesus from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, on ways our community of faith can better demonstrate the love of God in and for the lives of our country’s children and families.
Presbyterian Investment Fund
The Church Property Trustees advise that the interest rate paid to Presbyterian Investment Fund depositors will remain at 5.25 per cent for February 2011. The Fund accepts deposits from parishes, but it is not open to individuals. For further information, email the Secretary to the Trustees, Heather McKenzie.
Epworth Books have Lent and Easter books
They are for help with services, group study, personal reading and reflection and children’s ministry, including crafts and activities. See www.epworthbooks.org.nz/featured_books/lent_easter.htm
Christian writing competition for new anthology
The small team from the Albury/Pleasant Point Presbyterian Parish, who produced the successful 2009 "Fuel for the Soul" anthology of spiritual writing, are calling for new submissions of poetry, fiction and non-fiction on the theme of love. They will select a 1st prize ($500), 2nd prize ($250) and 3rd prize ($100). They will select 50 or more pieces of writing to publish. The new anthology will be launched October 2011. For entry form and more details email or phone Karalyn Joyce (03) 6147858, karalynjoyce@xtra.co.nz. Karalyn is holding a limited number of basic writing workshops around the South Island.
Limited numbers of "Fuel for the Soul" are still available Send a cheque for $15 and your postal address to: Yvonne Gray, 16 Runa Terrace, Pleasant Point, South Canterbury.
World Day of Prayer Friday 4 March 2011
In over 180 countries and regions worldwide World Day of Prayer services will be held. Each year a committee in a different country prepares the basic service which is used throughout the world. The 2011 service has been prepared by women in Chile. The theme of the 2011 service echoes the words of Jesus in the story of the feeding of the five thousand, ‘How many loaves have you?’
For more information about World Day of Prayer in New Zealand, and where over 300 services will be held, see www.worlddayofprayer.co.nz or email wdpnz@xtra.co.nz
National Not For Profit Conference
17-18 March, 2011
Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland
This conference will focus on providing practical management / leadership skills and learning how they can be applied in your own organisation, along with some sound thinking what to do as resources get tighter while demand for services increases. More information at www.nfpconference.co.nz.
Free seminar on using social media
12 - 1 pm, 2 February 2011
WCC Council Chambers Town Hall, Wellington
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter provide an excellent opportunity to reach out into the community via the web. This seminar will discuss some of the platforms popular in New Zealand and some guidelines on how to use social media to promote your organisation and connect with people in the community. Places are limited. Email your name and church to Rebecca Ray: webrider@wellingtonict.org.nz
Institute of Policy Studies, Victoria University, Wellington
Two free symposiums:
Resilience in the Pacific conference: addressing the critical Issues
16 - 17 February 2011
Will address the nature, relevance and implications of resilience. The aim is to encourage debate about, and critical analysis of, some of the key economic, social, environmental and political challenges facing the Pacific and facilitate dialogue amongst researchers, officials, the diplomatic community and non-governmental organisations. Note, if you would like to attend this event for Global Mission please email Pamela
The costs of crime: toward fiscal responsibility
21 February 2011
Crime causes much harm and is also very costly for the state. These costs depend not only on the nature and level of crime, but also on how governments choose to respond. Some interventions, such as lengthy prison sentences, impose significant fiscal costs. This forum will consider the available data on the fiscal and other costs of crime, and will identify the most cost-effective ways of responding to crime and addressing the harm it causes. A key focus will be on public expenditure in the criminal justice system. But other costs will also be considered, including those borne by non-governmental organisations, the victims and others affected.
Venue: Government Buildings Lecture Theatre One, Wellington.
To register: email ips@vuw.ac.nz or phone (04) 463 5307 or see http://ips.ac.nz/events/Upcoming%20events/Index.html
National Interfaith Forum, Wellington 26 to 28 February 2011
The Wellington Interfaith Council will be sponsoring the 8th National Interfaith Forum in Wellington 26 and 28 February 2011. There will be a separate youth and a women’s component. The National Youth Interfaith Forum will be held on Saturday 26 February and the National Women’s Interfaith Forum will be held on Sunday 27 February. The National Interfaith Forum will start on the evening of Sunday 27 February with the opening ceremony and a guest speaker, and will continue all day Monday 28 February in the Legislative Council Chamber in Parliament. More details on their website or contact Dr Pushpa Wood, email pushpa.wood@gmail.com
Study tour to Israel, 14 July - 2 August 2011
The Tour, Treading the Biblical Stage, is organised in conjunction with the University of the Holy Land focusing on the land of Canaan (west of the river Jordan). Tour will visit most of the well known sites as well as a number normally off limits. If you, or anyone in your congregation, are interested please contact the Rev Bob Reid, revbr@ihug.co.nz or write to 37a Sneyd St, Kaiapoi as soon as possible. Minimum number needed by mid March.
Spiritual Growth Ministries
Copies of the Programme of Events (Quite Days, Retreats etc) and Resources for 2011 are now available from the Administrator, Carole Hunt, email sgm@clear.net.nz.
Church Register
Licensing
Mr Hamuera (Samuel) Rangiahua, Student Ordinand, to Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 5 December 2010.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Simon Cornwall, Licentiate, Kaimai Presbytery, to Associate Minister, St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Tauranga, Kaimai Presbytery, 16 December 2010.
Rev Ngatokoturu (Toko) Ine, Other Recognised Minister, Wellington Presbytery, to Minister, Mt Eden Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church, Auckland Presbytery, 11 November 2010.
Rev Hamuera (Samuel) Rangiahua, Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi Minister, Ruatahuna Maori Pastorate, 5 December 2010.
Rev Puhi Koia, Amorangi, Whakatane Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, to Associate Amorangi, Taneatua Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, 26 November 2010.
Changes in Status
Rev Leslie (Les) Solomona, Minister, Stated Supply, St Anselm’s Church, Karori West, Wellington, Wellington Presbytery, to Member, Wellington Presbytery, 31 December 2010.
Rev Martin Dickson, Assistant Minister, St Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Remuera, Auckland to Other Recognised Minister, Auckland Presbytery, 7 December 2010.
Rev Vivian Coleman, Member, Auckland Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, Auckland Presbytery, 31 December 2010.
Rev Tukua Tuwairua, Amorangi, Heretuanga Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, to Chaplain, Turakino Maori Girls’ College, 1 January 2011.
Rev John Rush, Minister, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Mt Maunganui, Kaimai Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, 5 December 2010.
Transfers
Rev Matthew Jack, Other Recognised Minister, North Shore Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, Southern Presbytery, 17 January 2011.
Rev Ian Bayliss, Minister Emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, 31 December 2010.
Rev Desmond Botting, Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 1 December 2010.
Changes in Co-Operative Venture Ministries
Mr David Baird, Lay Appointee, Methodist Church of New Zealand, St John’s Co-operating Church, Opotiki, Kaimai Presbytery, completed term 30 November 2010.
Short-Term Appointments
Rev Desmond Botting, Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery, to St David’s Presbyterian Church, Otorohonga (Stated Supply – part time), Kaimai Presbytery, 1 December 2010.
Rev Dr James (Jim) Cunningham, Minister Emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, completed term at St Andrew’s on The Terrace (Assistant Minister), Wellington Presbytery, 19 January 2011.
Rev Robert (Bob) Franklyn, Minister of the Congregational Federation of UK, to Stated Supply, Hutt City Uniting Congregations, Wellington Presbytery, 1 October 2010, for up to 9 months.
Rev Patricia Koia, Amorangi, Whakatane Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi, Taneatua Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, 26 November 2010 until February 2011.
Retirements
Rev Ian Bayliss, Chaplain, Kenepuru Hospital, Porirua, Wellington Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Wellington Presbytery, 31 December 2010.
Parish Register
Taneatua Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, was established on 26 November 2010.
Events
Check out our listing of national and regional events.
Jobs
Check out our jobs vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table.