From the Moderator
Council of Assembly members receive an electronic copy of any recent newspaper articles mentioning the word “Presbyterian”.
In my view, an inordinate number of articles are about church fairs, concerts in Presbyterian churches, church buildings or disputes.
The media doesn’t reflect all that happens but as I listen to conversations in churches, too often the topics are similar: church fairs, our buildings, craft events, disputes about some pews that have been moved and so on.
Another common topic is concern about the survival of the church. I wonder if the two are linked.
In some places it seems we are guiltyl of very small thinking. Jesus didn’t call us to run church fairs or concerts, to preserve buildings or to fuss about where the pews should be. It may be no wonder the future of the Church is doubtful when that is the extent of our vision.
In other churches, of course, it is entirely different. The talk is about mission and there are energising conversations about engaging with the community.
We have been called to make disciples of all nations. As disciples live in obedience to all Jesus’ teaching the Kingdom of God is made visible. We reflect the values of the King. We are co-workers with God in the task of redeeming the world. What an incredible privilege!
I suggest our antennae needs to be tuned to detect pettiness so that we can refocus on the exalted mission that is ours. When the conversations are about issues that have little or nothing to do with our calling, let’s ask ourselves and others, “Is that our mission?”
When we obey our calling, we won’t have to worry about the future of the Church and we won’t need to run cake stalls to raise funds to maintain a building.
Peter Cheyne
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear Friends and Colleagues
Perhaps the most heartening part of my role is to hear the stories of congregations engaging their communities in creative and innovative forms of mission and outreach. During our PressGo meeting last week we heard the stories of congregations in rural, urban and central city locations embarking on exciting mission endeavours. These range from ‘green fields’ church planting in downtown Auckland, among newly arrived Mandarin-speaking people, to the development of the church in Te Anau to meet the needs of a burgeoning faith community committed to serve their unique missional context.
I wish you could have been there with the small PressGo team, because I think you would have felt encouraged to hear the stories of what God is doing and how the Spirit is moving in these very diverse situations. The team works hard to encourage, advise, secure funds and brokerage relationships – such as the wonderfully generous commitment by St John’s in Wellington to help fund the extraordinary work of the church in Waitara.
None of our churches would exist if it had not been for the faith, vision and generosity of present and past members. As we seek to grow and plant new churches we need this same uniting vision and generosity. PressGo’s work can’t continue without the willingness of individuals, congregations and presbyteries to share from the richness of their blessings.
If you have a vision for how your church can grow and need advice or support, or you would like to share some of your wealth with churches embarking on new mission, then please contact the convenor of PressGo, the Rev Ray Coster.
Church life Survey – it is not too late to enroll
Every five years we have the opportunity to participate in this nationwide survey of church life. The information gathered can be invaluable for parish and presbytery planning.
The Council of Assembly has fully endorsed this survey and encourages all congregations to participate. For information and details please click here.
Family violence, the Church, Presbyterian Support and Lent
The commitment by the Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Support to express our shared concern about the well being of families in all their diversity, and to support efforts to care for children and young people who are the victims of family violence, is called PresCare.
Over the coming months Thomas Mitchell, who has been generously supported by Presbyterian Support to coordinate this initiative, will be contacting a number of ministers, congregations and some of our Church affiliated schools, to develop a set of resources to help congregations, youth groups, children’s programmes and schools to particularly focus on these issues over the 40 day period of Lent from February 22 to April 7 2012. Our belief that peace and justice and the care of the most vulnerable are central to our Christian faith, lead us to prayer and practical action, as well as supporting a prophetic voice that might speak to the underlying causes of such high levels of family violence in a country which is blessed in so many ways.
Voting for the Moderator-elect, 2014. Stage 1
As the first stage in the election process, all presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho are asked to nominate one person each to enter the voting process coordinated by the Nominating Committee. Parish Councils etc should suggest names for consideration by a meeting of their presbytery, UDC or Te Aka Puaho. Each prebytery, UDC or Te Aka Puaho should send one name to the Convenor of the Nominating Committee, the Rev Ian Hyslop, 10 Cox Street, Geraldine 7930 - hyslops@maxnet.co.nz. The nomination needs to be with Ian by Friday February 10 2012.
2012 General Assembly
The Assembly will open at our national marae at Ohope on the morning of Thursday 4October 2012 and continue from there to Rotorua Boy’s High School from Thursday afternoon until its conclusion on Sunday 7 October 2012.
Ministry Development Programme
In order for ministers to retain their certificate of good standing, it is essential that they participate in the Ministry Development Programme and complete their first ministry review by October 2013. Many have already benefited from the review process. Ministers will not be in good standing if they do not have a review that is less than two years old as at October 2013. This does not apply to retired ministers, unless they are in, or plan to return to, some active, recognised ministry role. Full details here.
Thank you again for your generous support and for all you do for our Church and its mission.
Martin
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
In recent months the Knox Centre has led six presbytery workshops on eldership and distributed about 400 copies of the Elders’ Handbook, which it produced earlier this year. If your presbytery would like us to lead a workshop on eldership, or if you or your parish would like copies of the handbook, please contact us or visit our web site or download here.
This year’s valedictory service for our graduating class of 11 students will be held on Wednesday 30 November at 7 pm at East Taieri Church. All welcome.
Graham Redding
Principal
Global Mission
Centenary of Christian Hospital, Jagadhri
This month we celebrate 100 years since the NZ Presbyterian Church sent Dr William and Mrs Edith Porteous to establish the mission hospital in Jagadhri, known as Christian Hospital. Eleven of Dr Porteous’ grandchildren will make a pilgrimage to North India for the celebrations. Ryhan Prasad and I will represent the Presbyterian Church and the Friends of Jagadhri Trust, and we will be discussing our future partnership in mission with the Church of North India. If you would like to know more on the fascinating history of this work, we still have copies of Light and Life, compiled by the Rev Doreen Riddell. Contact her at doreenr@vodafone.co.nz.
Global Mission Sunday
Thank you for your participation in Global Mission Sunday. The on-line resources were well used and highlighted the role Global Mission has in the life of our Church. Included in the resources is a summary of how you and your parish can be involved in Global Mission there are opportunities for prayer support, participation and for funding.
Tuvalu Water Crisis
The General Secretary of Egalesia Kerisiano Tuvalu (Christian Church of Tuvalu) has responded gratefully to our support during the crisis of water shortage in the Pacific They have plans for working with government and relief agencies and are appealing to us for funds . Read about their efforts, and how to offer financial support here.
Going Global
Last month we announced an exciting mission trip to Lenakel Cove, Tanna Island in Vanuatu in July 2012, for 17-25 year olds . As there are limited places available we encourage you to talk to your young people now. Read more about Going Global here.
Pamela Tankersley
Global Mission coordinator
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Just another reminder that the registration deadline of 8 November is coming up for Going Deeper: in youth leadership.
If you have youth leaders who are interested in this, then PYM is offering a limited number of subsidised places of $30 each. Get in touch with Gordon if you would like a subsided place while they are still available.
If you have 17-30 year olds in your church, think about who you might send and support to Going Further, a discipleship camp for young adults. We will be exploring the Sermon on the Mount together as the main theme for this week. I am grateful to APW, they have provided two scholarships for young women to attend.
CWM Pacific Youth Forum starts this month. The forum includes a field trip to the Waikato where two of our volunteer church youth workers in Hamilton (Mareta Ford) and Tokoroa (Akarere Henry) who work for the Waikato District Council will host us, provide training and site visits with the work they are doing.
I attended a National Youth Ministry convention in Australia recently. There were some top international speakers and quality workshops. What is encouraging however is how well Connect compares as a top quality training weekend for our youth leaders. In areas such as young adults and youth ministry stretching the discipleship and community spectrum we have youth leaders and ministers who are further ahead in their thinking and practice that we get to draw on at Connect.
Carlton Johnstone
Youth Ministry Development leader
Kids Friendly
A kind Church
Telling non-Christians that I work for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand elicits mixed reactions. “It must be a kind place to work,” was an unexpected recent response, but quite apt on consideration. The people of our Church are consistently kind to me and have supported and encouraged me in my work, as well as in my personal challenges with Blake’s (our son) health.
Probably the kindest thing the Presbyterian Church has done for me is to give me permission to dream a vision for children’s ministry in our churches and freedom to realise that vision.
“Vision doesn’t come from corporate leadership (sessions),” says visionary the Rev Mark Chapman. “Churches need to recognise the vision of individuals and give them permission to fly.”
Mark and his session walk this talk as evidenced by the many visionary initiatives of Clevedon Presbyterian, a church committed to “existing for those outside the church”.
Mark suggests Clevedon church is a mission centre, not a parish. “The parish model, (which many of us were trained for) only works in societies where Christendom prevails. A mission centre prioritises the needs of the ‘non-churched’ while honouring and meeting the needs of the existing congregation,” says Mark.
“Is there one key pre-requisite for becoming a Kids Friendly church?” I am often asked. I reply, “If a church fails to connect with and serve its community’s children and families, it cannot call itself a Kids Friendly church”.
There is no one way to be a Kids Friendly church. It differs according to context and culture, but common to all Kids Friendly churches is a missional heart. Kids Friendly churches embrace being Kids Friendly as a value and ethos that guides everything they do and informs and influences their decisions and strategies.
“Our hearts are broken by the things that break the heart of God” says Mark.
Too many of our churches are missing children. This (I believe) breaks the heart of God. I encourage you to address this by giving kind permission to the children’s ministry visionaries in your church.
Jill Kayser
Kids Friendly national coach
Notices
Prayer requests for our Mission Partnership in Myanmar
Sign up to the email newsletter Mingalaba at www.myanmar.stcolumba.org.nz to keep informed on:
- What’s happening with our friends in Myanmar
- Updates on project developments
- Prayer requests
- Information on the upcoming trips to Myanmar
Toolbox Parenting Course, Wellington
For parents/carers of children 0-6 years. Starts 7 November for six Mondays, 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Island Bay Community Centre. For more information phone Liz Bruce (04) 383 5114.
What’s God up to on planet Earth?
Dr Mark J. Keown has produced a booklet titled, What’s God up to on planet Earth? The 16 page tract can be ordered for 80c online at www.castlepublishing.co.nz
Free online theological resources
The Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib) is a multi-lingual global digital library on theology and ecumenism that offers access to more than 200,000 texts, documents and other academic resources. GlobeTheoLib is a project of Globethics.net and the World Council of Churches, with other international partners. Register to access free resources here.
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 November. The Fund accepts deposits from parishes, but it is not open to individuals. For further information email the Secretary to the Trustees, Heather McKenzie.
Is your parish website on the Presbyterian Church website?
Does your church have its website listed here on the Presbyterian Church website? If not and if you would like your site added please email your web address to angela@presbyterian.org.nz
CWS Notices
Don't forget Pakistan's flood victims
Flood relief efforts for the 8.9 million Pakistan flood victims are running out of cash fast - the end of November is forecast for when funding runs out. Christian World Service has stepped up appeal efforts for Pakistan's flood victims after strong evidence that the catastrophic floods have been eclipsed in world awareness by other events. In mid-October the United Nations reported that they had just 9 percent of the ($US) 367 million they had asked nations to provide. CWS's Pakistan partner, Church World Service reports that they are feeling trapped between huge demand and dwindling resources and still increasing needs. In flood ravaged Sindh province they are delivering food, water, shelter and other supplies to 48,000 vulnerable people in four districts. They have organised two mobile health clinics to treat water borne and other diseases, along with meeting the needs of pregnant mothers. Pre flood Pakistan already had a bad record for maternal birth related deaths with 300 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. These rates are tipped to worsen. It is a desperate situation where every donation can help make even more of a difference than is the case with more strongly supported global appeals.
You can support the CWS Pakistan Flood Appeal by: credit card, phone 0800 74 73 72 or go online www.cws.org.nz Direct deposit, name of account: Christian World Service, account number: 06 0817 0318646 00, reference : Pakistan floods.
Email cws@cws.org.nz if you would like a tax receipt. Post to Christian World Service, PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8140
66th CWS Christmas Appeal now available
Christian World Service Christmas Appeal kits and information are now available.
This crucial fundraiser for CWS has been produced this year against a backdrop of the Christchurch earthquakes, the resultant loss of our national office and funding cuts from central Government. The need for solid financial support for this, the main fundraiser that makes much of CWS's work possible, has never been greater.
This year the “Share the Care” theme is about food - the very mixed news on food.
On one hand there is the reality that one in seven people still do not get enough to eat each day. That every five seconds a child dies of hunger related causes. On the other hand there is the hope CWS brings with proven expertise in helping rural people grow better food, naturally and without costly additions to their soil. From this base CWS helps build better economic futures as well. To see the key themes of the 66th CWS Christmas Appeal online, go to christmasappeal.org.nz.You will also find CWS partner stories, worship suggestions for church services, Light the Candle prayers, plus weekly Advent notices for church bulletins.
Church Register
Licensing:
Mrs Judith Katipa, Student Ordinand, Te Aka Puaho, to Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 30 September 2011.
Mr Michael Katipa, Student Ordinand, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi Minister, Te Aka Puaho, 30 September 2011.
Mr Willie Manihera, Student Ordinand, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi Minister, Te Aka Puaho, 15 October 2011.
Reception to the Roll:
Rev Monika Redman, received from the Church of Scotland, 15 September 2011.
Ordination and Inductions:
Rev Judith Katipa, Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, Amorangi Minister, Whakatane Maori Pastorate, 30 September 2011.
Rev Michael Katipa, Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, to Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 30 September 2011.
Rev Willie Manihera, Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, to Licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 15 October 2011
Changes in Status:
Rev Jacqueline (Jacqui) Cavit, Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, to Member, Northern Presbytery, 5 October 2011.
Lay Appointments:
Mr Noel Spiers, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mrs Nardia Livingstone, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mrs Dianne Spiers, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mr Neil Livingstone, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mr David McAllister, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mrs Valda Checketts, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Knox Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 7 September 2011.
Mrs Rose McNaughton, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Church, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mr Ernest Willis, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mrs Heather Stuart, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mrs Marion Ruda, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mrs Anne McCarthy, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mrs Sandra Robb, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mrs Nola Fleck, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Riverton Union Parish, Southern Presbytery, 27 August 2011.
Mr Russell Cloake, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Mossburn Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 29 August 2010.
Mr Gordon McRae, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Mossburn Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 29 August 2010.
Mr Hamish Elder, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Mossburn Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 29 August 2010.
Mr Alister Price, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Pukerau / Waikaka Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 27 October 2010.
Mr George Morrison, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Pukerau / Waikaka Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 27 October 2010.
Mrs Andrina Hunter, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team Pukerau / Waikaka Presbyterian, Southern Presbytery, 27 October 2010.
Mr Alan Hawke, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, completed term, 27 June 2010.
Mrs Marion Partridge, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Maheno / Otepopo Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 22 June 2011.
Mrs Jane Green, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Maheno / Otepopo Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 22 June 2011.
Mrs Janet Chave, re-appointed as a member of the Local Ministry Team, Maheno / Otepopo Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 22 June 2011.
Mrs Bronwyn Beker, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 27 June 2010.
Mrs Margaret Hoskin, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 27 June 2010.
Mrs Elizabeth Shave, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 27 June 2010.
Mrs Debra Clark, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 27 June 2010.
Mr Lindsay Jordan, commissioned as a member of the Local Ministry Team, St Paul’s Presbyterian, Invercargill, Southern Presbytery, 27 June 2010.
Retirements:
Rev David Evans, Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 5 October 2011.
Rev Duk Kyung Kim, Local Ordained Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 30 September 2011.
Rev Karel Lorier, Member, Northern Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 17 October 2011.
Resignations:
Rev Eric Pierce, Other Recognised Minister, Christchurch Presbytery, resigned from the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ, 15 August 2011.
Rev John Franklin, Other Recognised Minister, Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, resigned from the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ, 20 October 2011.
Rev Peter Armstrong, Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, resigned from the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ, 14 October 2011.
Deaths:
Rev Lapana Faletolu, Minister, St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, died 6 October 2011.
Rev Samuelu Poutasi, Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, died 21 September 2011.
Rev William (Bill) McLeay, Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, died 14 October 2011.
Rev Dr Peter Rutherford McKenzie, formerly Minister, Southern Presbytery, died 28 September 2011.
Events
Check out our listing of national and regional events.
Jobs
Check out our jobs vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table.