From the Moderator
Recently I was to fly from Auckland to Palmerston North, then drive to Dannevirke. The timing was reasonably tight. However, the flight was delayed for half an hour. When we did board, we sat on the runway for a long time. The hostess began handing out water – not a good sign when you are still sitting on the ground. A bit later she handed out sweets which, of course, normally come at the end of the flight. At some point the pilot apologised for the heat in the cabin but the air conditioner that operates when the engines are not running didn’t work.
Apparently we were waiting for one last passenger. If he wasn’t found, his bags would be unloaded and we would depart – which is what eventually happened.
I then heard the hostess say that this gentleman had checked in and had gone through the departure gate, that is, he had gone out onto the tarmac but had then disappeared. Other planes on the tarmac had been asked to check whether they had him but he hadn’t been found. The hostess then said that one plane had reported that it had the right number of passengers but that doesn’t mean it had the right passengers. She suspected that our friend was on his way to Nelson!
Even when we think we know where we are going, it pays to check the signs along the way.
As churches, we might think we know where we are going but are the signs indicating biblical faithfulness?
More frighteningly, Jesus talked about people who were confident about their destination but would be surprised to find they were wrong (for example Matt 7:21-23). How much better to have read the signs and know that we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).
Peter
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear Friends and Colleagues
It took me about as long to get to Tuvalu as it would for me to drive from here in Wellington to see my sister in Hamilton. I had the privilege of spending a little over a week there last month. Each year a Council for World Mission (CWM) Pacific nation hosts a regional meeting, and this time it was in Tuvalu.
Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest independent nations and one of the smallest by land mass. As it is over two hours flight north of Fiji, it is also one the most isolated. But what identifies Tuvalu perhaps the most in world media is the fact that it is very low lying and consequently is extremely vulnerable to rising oceans and even just tide changes. Significant portions of the main island where I was staying were in fact inundated by salt water at every high tide.
How can we embody the radical challenge of hospitality which we find in Scripture and in the example Jesus sets for us? The people of Tuvalu and Kiribati and Tokelau are in many ways, our people. They are our neighbours, we worship alongside some of them and their children in our churches and they are part of our unique mission family of CWM. These neighbours of ours may well lose not only their homes but their countries within our lifetimes. Perhaps welcoming these neighbours, and all that that might mean, may be the defining focus for our mission as a church together in the 21st century.
Voting for the Moderator-elect, 2014. Stage 2 – deadline Tuesday 22 May 2012
The Nominating Committee have received the names of five nominees who are prepared to be considered for the role of Moderator-Designate. Presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho will have received information about each of these five people.
All presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho are asked to nominate one of these people and to send that name to the Convenor of the Nominating Committee, the Rev Ian Hyslop, 10 Cox Street, Geraldine 7930 - hyslops@maxnet.co.nz. The nomination must be with Ian by Tuesday 22 May 2012 (one week later than previously notified).
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 till its conclusion on Sunday 7 October. Any proposals for legislation or any other matter that a church council or presbytery might like to bring to the General Assembly will need to be the Assembly Office by June 1 2012.
Commissioners to Assembly
Our Assembly Administrator, the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley has now sent out documents to all presbytery clerks, UDC secretaries and Te Aka Puaho detailing commissioning processes, costs and other important information. If you have any queries please contact pamela@presbyterian.org.nz
Youth Representatives at Assembly
Orientation day for youth representatives will begin a day before the formal start of the Assembly. Presbyteries may send two youth representatives, but note that the 2010 General Assembly ruled that amalgamated presbyteries may appoint two representatives per pre-amalgamation presbytery.
Looking for a newly trained minister?
In November of this year seven trained, enthusiastic and committed interns will be available to be called to a ministry. These students bring with them a range of experience, skills and gifts. Several of them have many years of church ministry experience and all draw from a range of backgrounds which will contribute to the richness of their ministry and leadership. Information about all current interns, including those in their final year, can be found here.
If you are the convenor of a Ministry Settlement Board and would like more details about the students who are completing their training this year and wish to view the full profiles here please contact the Rev Allister Lane who is providing the liaison between interns and ministry settlement boards.
Council of Assembly
The Council of Assembly meet 14-16 June in Wellington. Please have any correspondence to the Council at the Assembly Office by 1 June.
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. Minister 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 the ways you help our Church and its mission.
Martin
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Congratulations to the following people, who were recently awarded Theology Scholarships by the Knox Centre. These scholarships are given to encourage (mainly young) people to undertake biblical and theological studies. This year’s recipients are: Heather Bruce, Kirstin Harray, Peter Johnstone, Christine Johnstone, Joel McGeorge, Lorraine Morgan, Philippa Necklen, Thomas Noakes-Duncan, Angela Norton, Marty Redhead, Mary Somerville, Joy Tereora and Andrew Torrance.
In recent years the Knox Centre has offered music scholarships to folk (aged 18-30) who have an interest in composing worship songs and want to improve their ability to lead music in worship. The scholarships consist of a cash grant and a two-day music and worship workshop here at the Knox Centre, led by Malcolm Gordon and Darryl Tempero. Past recipients of these scholarships have enjoyed getting to know each other and becoming part of a growing network of singer-songwriters and music leaders. Several of them have gone on to make significant contributions to Malcolm’s One Voice music project. The deadline for applications was originally 30 April, but we have decided to extend this to 30 June. Please encourage your young, gifted musicians to apply. All they have to do is send me a letter of application, supported by a reference from their church minister. For further details, check out our web site, www.knoxcentre.ac.nz
While you’re visiting our web site, feel free to download some resources. Over the past year the Knox Centre has produced an Eldership Handbook, a Leadership Handbook and a Study Resource on Inclusive Language in Worship.
Graham Redding
Principal
Global Mission
It was a delight to welcome elder Ann Karie, President of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union, and secretary Cyrilline Bani, to the gathering of Presbyterian Women in Christchurch. We heard about their well-formed plans to train young women in all the presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, to enhance skill levels and employment opportunities. Our grateful thanks to those who hosted Ann and Cyrilline, especially the Pacific Island Presbyterian Women.
We are also grateful to PSDS for a grant to make some alterations to St John's Presbyterian Church in Mt Roskill, Auckland, to provide an Asian Ministry Centre from which the Rev Kyoung-Gyun Han will minister.
A fantastic team from Wairau in Marlborough has made repairs and spruced up Sutherland House in Port Vila where many NZ Presbyterians make a temporary home while serving in missions in Vanuatu. Thank you Neville Jones and team!
Pamela Tankersley
Global Mission coordinator
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
I had a wonderful and encouraging time being part of the Easter camp run by Epic Youth Ministry in Hawke's Bay. I was very impressed with the work and thought that went into making this weekend happen. It is always exciting seeing God work in people's lives. I have heard good things about a number of our other Easter camps that went on around the country. Thanks to all of the people that make these such a valuable and fun way to participate in the Easter story.
We received numerous positive comments about the text-based experience of Kiwieaster. Young people through to people 60 plus participated. It provided a fresh take and telling of a familiar story to many. PYM is exploring a text-based telling of the Christmas story.
PYM has been positively covered in the media over the last month with Kiwieaster being picked up by a number of newspapers and a TV interview with Gordon. We also featured in an encouraging article on young people and faith.
Registrations have stated to come in for Connect. The early bird price ends at the end of this month so encourage your youth leaders to register before this ends.
I attended the youth rally part of fono Samoa up in Auckland. What an event! So much energy with over 400 young people and young adults worshiping God, performing songs and dance, workshops, and some inspiring stories shared during the main sessions. There were over 600 people for the night youth rally event.
Gordon and I will be running a Going Deeper youth leadership training weekend with Steph Readhead for Otago Southland May 11 to 13.
Carlton Johnstone
Youth Ministry Development leader
Kids Friendly
Casting the Kids Friendly net
This month we launched the “ecumenical” Kids Friendly Network and website. Extensive interest in our Church’s Kids Friendly vision, process and practices by other denominations in New Zealand and abroad led the Council of Assembly to agree to share our story and resources.
The website www.kidsfriendly.org.nz introduces Kids Friendly and invites any interested people or churches to join the Kids Friendly Network (formerly restricted to PCANZ and Uniting churches) and access Kids Friendly resources, news and stories.
The website has been developed by my colleague Lucy Davey who looks forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions. It is very much a work in progress and will be updated regularly.
The launch coincided with my leading a Kids Friendly 24 hour workshop in London earlier this month with representatives from Council for World Mission European churches interested in introducing similar initiatives in their churches.
When explaining what it means to be Kids Friendly I stress that Kids Friendly is a practise NOT a programme and that becoming Kids Friendly is a journey NOT a destination. The journey often involves a change of culture and participants were interested in knowing what is necessary to establish a Kids Friendly culture in a church.
Change occurs most readily when:
The church leaders grasp the urgency of declining participation by young people and prioritise ministry to children and families to build healthy congregations.
The whole church leadership commit to become Kids Friendly (not just one or two interested people).
The church leadership nominate and support a Kids Friendly “dream team” including the minister, to review their current children’s ministry and develop a Kids Friendly vision and mission (including achievable goals).
The church leadership equip the dream team to achieve their goals.
A strategy for communicating and sharing the vision and celebrating the small and large wins with the congregation is planned.
Kids Friendly is adopted as a core value of the church.
What hinders Kids Friendly change?
When church leaders see Kids Friendly as a programme, not a value.
When church leaders are uncommitted to the journey.
When there is a lack of understanding and appreciation of generations and their needs.
When the congregation ignores the biblical emphasis on valuing children.
When self-centredness is the enemy ie the congregation are more interested in serving their own needs than those who don’t yet belong.
When becoming Kids Friendly is deemed as just too hard.
God bless.
Jill Kayser, Kids Friendly Coach
Jill is currently on study leave at Cambridge University. To follow her research and reflections at www.thekidsfriendlycoach.blogspot.com
Notices
Study Leave Reports needed – now!
Have you undertaken study leave at any time during the past 10 years? Do you have a study leave report languishing on your desk or filed in your study, or almost completed on your computer? If so, NOW is the time to share it with the rest of the Church. Please find it, dust it off, give it last finishing touches if required and send it to us – we will be happy to accept them in whatever format you have them - paper copies or electronic versions. The reports can then be made available online, and will be a wonderful resource for many. We will also be interested to receive copies of relevant dissertations, theses and doctoral research. As is the current procedure, hard copies will continue to be filed with the Presbyterian Archives Research Centre. Study leave reports already filed with the Archives are listed here.
The postal address is The Registrar, Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, Knox College, Arden Street, Opoho, Dunedin 9010. Email: registrar@knoxcentre.ac.nz
World Fair Trade Day 13 May
On 12 May 2012 there will be a “global party” in Trade Aid shops throughout the country. More details on what is happening in your area here.
CWS will celebrate all things fair trade with community actions promoting shopping choices for good. Churches are encouraged to hold A Fair Cuppa on Mother's Day, 13 May 2012 or on a day that suits. CWS has worship and other resources here.
Volunteer Awareness Week, 17-23 June
Volunteering New Zealand encourages everyone to celebrate Volunteer Awareness Week by acknowledging the volunteers in our churches and communities. This year, the week is built around the theme: Building communities through volunteering. More information here.
South Island Ministry Conference – 8-10 May 2012
Hurry to register for the South Island Ministry Conference, information brochure and registration form at www.etchurch.co.nz. Because of the popularity of the keynote speaker Dr Rod Wilson, spaces are limited, so be in quick.
Presbyterian Investment Fund
The Church Property Trustees advise that the interest rate paid on Presbyterian Investment Fund deposits remains at 5 percent. This rate became effective from 1 February 2012. The Fund is open to parishes, but not to individuals. For further information, email the Secretary to the Trustees, Heather McKenzie.
Glen Innis vacancies
The next vacancies at Glen Innis, for ministers only, are:
May 7-14 Homestead
June 18-25 Homestead
June 25-July 2 Homestead
July 2-9 Homestead
July 16-23 Homestead
Spiritual Growth Ministries Aotearoa New Zealand Spiritual Directors’ Formation Programme 2013-2014
Are you interested in helping people grow in their relationship with God and already have people approaching you to talk about their spiritual life?
Our well regarded and comprehensive, 2 year part-time course will inspire and form you as an effective spiritual director. The programme involves a blend of: Engaging in study of the theology and practices of , Christian Spiritual Direction, deepening personal spiritual formation, regular workshops conducted by experienced practitioners, supervised one-to-one spiritual direction practice. For details contact, The Coordinator, Barbara McMillan: sgmtp@xtra.co.nz or visit the website http://www.sgm.org.nz Expressions of interest are welcome. Applications due by 20 September 2012
Late applications may be considered.
PCANZ Yearbook 2012
The Church’s 2012 Yearbook has been updated to include recent changes to contact details. Please download the most recent version here using the username and password emailed to you in March. Starting this month you will be able to download at the beginning of every month from this page the most recent changes to Yearbook contact details.
Faith Funding applications sought
Applications are open for Faith Funding. Presbyterian Support New Zealand is a Faith Funding Manager for The Tindall Foundation for projects undertaken by Presbyterian parishes for supporting families and communities. Applications close 29 June 2012. Email admin@ps.org.nz for more information or see http://www.tindall.org.nz/presbyterian-support/
1000 days to get it right for every child: the business of nurturing children, Wellington, 10 May
A discussion series by Every Child Counts and Business New Zealand
7-8.30pm at the Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, Wellington.
For more information visit our website www.everychildcounts.org.nz
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
Volunteer required for the newly rebuilt Christian Retreat Centre, Te Waiora
This interdenominational Christian Retreat Centre will be rebuilt and reopen in Spring and requires a single person or a married couple who see the ministry of Te Waiora as something they are called to. This will be initially a volunteer position. Anyone interested is welcome to contact the Trust Chairperson, Lois Patrick for further information.
Ph 03 318 7322 or 027 2828413 email jimlois@compassnet.co.nz
Women leaders sought for Sylvia Michel Prize
Nominations are invited for the 2013 Sylvia Michel Prize for women’s leadership projects. The prize promotes projects preparing women for leadership positions in Reformed churches worldwide. The prize of USD5000 is awarded every two years by the Reformed Cantonal Church of Argovia in Switzerland in cooperation with the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).The deadline for receiving entries is August 31, 2012. Email gender@ref-aargau.ch or SMP@wcrc.ch
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.
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
Hymn books for sale
For sale, 30 copies of the With One Voice hymn book (pew edition). $35 each (incl GST). Enquiries to: Mornington Presbyterian Church, PO Box 7108, Mornington, Dunedin. Phone (03) 453 5357 or email mpc@ihug.co.nz.
Talking to Kids about having two homes, Skylight workshop, Wellington 8 May
For many children, the reality of their parents’ separation is that they now have two homes. This Skylight workshop will include discussion and tips and strategies to support children and young people going through this time.
8 May 2012, 9.30am-12.30pm at Skylight, 2A Green Street, Newtown, Wellington. Cost $70. Email pd@skylight-trust.org.nz
New acquisitions at the Hewitson Library
For all the latest acquisitions, click here.
CWS Notices
A Fair Cuppa
CWS invites your parish to take part in Fair Trade Fortnight from 5-20 May by hosting A Fair Cuppa on May 13 after Sunday worship or on a convenient date. Worship and other materials for parishes are available here. Watch out for other activities in your area. By choosing fair trade, help 1.2 million farmers and workers earn a better income for their families and communities. Every choice matters.
Sahel Food Crisis
Over 15 million people in the Sahel region of West Africa are facing growing difficulties in finding enough to eat. CWS has launched an appeal to provide immediate food and water supplies to those in need through the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together). More stories and appeal information here.
Special Project
CWS is grateful for the help of Methodist and Presbyterian Women currently raising funds for this year's Special Project, providing vital healthcare for mothers and children in the Gaza strip. In 2011 the three health clinics doctors examined 38,356 patients, more than previously. Growing numbers of new mothers are recognising the need for antenatal care and are attending the clinics, and the government service has fewer resources. Supporting the Special Project will help the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) meet their needs.
A Gift for Mothers
Want something special for your mother that will change people's lives rather than clutter up the house? Maybe help a mother set up a small business in South India or be a medical volunteer in Uganda. Try something from the Gifted range.
Church Register
Licensings
Mrs Pane Matthews, Te Aka Puaho, to licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 6 February 2012.
Mrs Shirley Wiki, Te Aka Puaho, to licentiate, Te Aka Puaho, 6 February 2012.
Receptions to the Roll
Rev Jae Hyun Kim, received from Presbyterian Church in Korea, 3 April 2012.
Rev Falkland Gary Fereti Liuvai, received from Ekalesia Kerisiano Niue, 8 December 2011.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Hilary Beresford, St Kentigerns Burwood United Parish, Presbytery of Christchurch, to National Ordained Minister, Birkenhead-St Andrew’s & St Philip’s Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, 29 March 2012.
Rev Kyoung Gyun Han, Presbyterian Church of Korea, was inducted into the position of Asian Ministries Coordinator and is a member of the Northern Presbytery, 16 March 2012.
Rev Sun Mi Lee, Northern Presbytery, to National Ordained Minister, 70% part-time, New Lynn-St Austell’s Co-operating Parish, 27 March 2012.
Rev John Malcolm, First Tahunanui Presbyterian Parish, Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery, to National Ordained Minister, Mt Eden-Greyfriars Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, 15 March 2012.
Rev Pane Matthews, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi Minister, Te Taitokerau Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, 6 February, 2012.
Rev Alistair McBride, Kaimai Presbytery, to National Ordained Minister, 50% part-time, St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church Hamilton South, 22 March 2012.
Rev Shirley Wiki, Te Aka Puaho, to Amorangi Minister, Te Taitokerau Maori Pastorate, Te Aka Puaho, 6 February, 2012.
Changes in Status
Rev Chris Bedford, Birkenhead-St Andrew’s & St Philip’s Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, 22 January 2012.
Rev Keith Hooker, Northern Presbytery, has completed his term as stated supply at Mt Eden-Greyfriars and is Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, 26 March 2012.
Rev Alistair McBride, full-time, Scots Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, to 50% part-time, Scots Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 22 March 2012.
Rev Anna Norrish, Waikato Hospital Chaplain, Kaimai Presbytery, has resigned her position of Chaplain and remains as Other Recognised Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, 30 March 2012.
Rev Dr Christine Sorensen, Northern Presbytery, has completed her term as stated supply at Ellerslie-St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, 1 January 2012.
Transfers
Rev Roy Pearson, Other Recognised Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, to Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, 1 February 2012.
Rev D Robert Reid, Ministers Emeriti, Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery, to Ministers Emeriti, Presbytery of Christchurch, 1 January 2012.
Changes in Co-Operative Venture Ministries
Rev Brian Turner, Methodist Church, has completed his term as full-time minister at Kaiapoi Co-operating Parish, Presbytery of Christchurch, 9 February 2012.
Rev Philomena Kinera, Methodist Church, started her term as full-time minister at Kaiapoi Co-operating Parish, Presbytery of Christchurch, 9 February 2012.
Short-Term Appointments
Rev Nio Daniela, Ministers Emeriti, Wellington Presbytery, was appointed to 50% part-time Stated Supply, 6 months, The Cook Islands Presbyterian Church, Wellington Presbytery, 1 December 2011.
Lay Appointments:
Mr Lee Robertson, Baptist Church, has concluded his term as lay appointee, St Aidan’s Putaruru, 31 January 2012.
Mr Philip Warner, Manawata-Wanganui Presbytery, has started his six month term as Lay Appointee, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church-Marton, Manawata-Wanganui Presbytery, 1 February 2012.
Removals from Roll (inactive in ordained ministry within the Presbyterian Church)
Rev Dr Christine Sorensen, Northern Presbytery, has resigned from the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and returned to Uniting Church of Australia, 1 January 2012.
Events
Check out our listing of national and regional events.
Jobs
Check out our jobs vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table.