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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Church School
Presbyterian Research Centre
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From the Moderator
Greetings for 2023! Hopefully this finds you rested and rejuvenated for the year ahead. I enter the year feeling excited about plans for the New Year and also buoyed by encouraging stories from around the motu about well attended and vibrant Christmas services.
Waitangi Day 6 Feb
I am excited to represent the PCANZ at Waitangi this year, at the dawn Karakia at 5am, and at the Ecumenical Service at 10am. This is such a special day in our life as a nation and will be fantastic to be able to be there on behalf of our Church. Read my Waitangi message to our Church here.
Moderator's Appeal for Te Maungarongo
Prior to Christmas we launched an appeal for urgent earthworks needed to retain a slope to the side of the national marae in Ohope. Thank you for all those who have contributed. We did get some feedback that Christmas was not the best time for this appeal. The appeal is still live, and the need is still real - contributions received so far only cover 1/10 of the cost. I would love your parish to consider promoting this for the New Year, here is the link.
Trip to Jagadhri and Delhi
In February, I am accompanying our Global Mission Director Phil King to India for the opening of a new classroom block, to be named after Doreen Riddell, at St Thomas School, and for talks with leaders of the Church of North India. I look forward to reporting on this upon my return. The PCANZ has a long history in this area of India.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
Politics have been in the news in recent weeks! One of the interesting things that Church Leaders get to do is connect with the Prime Minister and government officials on a regular basis. We are preparing for a meeting in March, the overarching thrust will be intergenerational leadership.
Resource for churches for supporting survivors of sexual harm
I would like to commend a new toolkit for churches about accompanying survivors of sexual harm. The production of this resource is very timely. It is free to download from the Shiloh Project website.
God bless
Right Rev Hamish Galloway
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues.
Nga mihi nui.
The images that we saw on Friday evening of flooding in the Auckland region were dramatic, they showed the power and force of water. The destruction and dislocation was plain to see. Homes red and yellow stickered; growing piles of waterlogged belongings destroyed by the water - piling up in front of house-upon-house in some streets. The horror and anguish on the faces of the people who waded through deepening water to seek safety and to ensure wider whanau were safe. And the deep sense of loss as news broke of people killed.
Throughout the weekend images continued to fill our screens, of not only the Auckland region but further afield. Stories of those rescued by emergency workers, Surf Life Saving Northern Region volunteers, and neighbours, started to become known.
The bad weather continues and clean-up has only just begun and will go on for some time – considerable time in some places.
I found myself drawn to words in Luke 10…
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
I suspect we all know what comes next, so to the end of the parable where we find these words…
Jesus said, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Love God; love people. May Jesus' words resonate as you walk through these days: “Do this and you will live”.
Staff update
Welcome Rev Dr Darryl Tempero
As advised in December, we welcome Rev Dr Darryl Tempero to the role Lecturer/Ministry Formation Coordinator (part-time) at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership. See more details here.
Farewell Lu Tang
At the end of January, we farewelled our website assistant Lu Tang who had worked for us part time over a five-year period helping to keep our website up to date. We wish Lu all the best in her IT career.
Council News
The Council News was published in December and can be found here. If you have not self-subscribed to Council News use this link to do so.
First round of voting for Moderator-designate
All parishes will already have, or will shortly receive, information concerning the first round of voting for Moderator-designate. There are changes to this process as a result of decisions made at Assembly 2018. It is important parish councils read the background information paper as they prayerfully consider the matter. Names have to be submitted to presbytery clerks by 5pm, 31 March 2023. To assist those who are being asked to prayerfully consider offering themselves for this role, a background paper is included with the information sent.
General Assembly 2023
The 2023 General Assembly will be held from 27 September - 1 October at Saint Kentigern College, Auckland.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2023
Following consultation with the Assembly Business Work Group convener, a deadline has been set for receiving all reports and proposals that will be considered by this year's General Assembly. All material must be received by 5pm Friday, 16 June 2023. This timeframe will enable us to facilitate a consultative process with presbyteries prior to Assembly. In this way, we will be able to fulfil the 2012 Assembly’s decision supporting presbyteries’ participation in the setting of the Assembly agenda.
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters, and pass on other news. The ability of our Office to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates of key contact people, changes in email etc. Please pass on any changes to Grace so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate people.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Church Schools
Choosing a Presbyterian school
As schools open for business again I thought it timely to offer some information for those thinking about future learning options for children they know. The 12 Presbyterian Church schools throughout the country all have excellent educational outcomes as well as having a special character that sets them apart. But how do you find out which one may suit?
First, you need time to plan and research. Fortunately, all the schools have excellent websites including online Open Days and such. That old joke about enrolling children at birth, or before, is a seriously good idea too, especially if the school you are interested in has a preschool. However, spaces may be available right up to Year 13 (Form 7 for us oldies).
Second, you need to assess which school fits your child’s needs and aspirations - based on education and co-curricular offerings, size, etc. Remember too that 11 of the schools have boarding facilities, useful if you live rurally or if you foresee several moves in your future.
“But isn’t this really expensive?” you may ask. Well, it depends. State-integrated schools, of which we have six, are supported by government funds so the fees are lower. Uniforms can be bought second-hand and so on. Most schools also have scholarships (although the tale that all Presbyterian minister's children can attend for free is false, sadly. Some generous benefactors have sponsored some such children in the past, but it is not a school regulation).
Even if you don’t have a child or grandchild who may benefit, consider learning more about our Church schools. I find most Presbyterians do not know much about the schools that bear their name. I also invite you to pray for the staff and students, especially the chaplains as they work at this cutting edge of theology.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Children and Families
Greetings to you all from the PCFM Team!
We trust that you all had a refreshing and meaningful summer break and are excited for 2023!
While it seems a long time ago now, we have been incredibly blessed to see how churches and families have celebrated Advent and Christmas! We were especially encouraged by the feedback we received regarding the Advent Postcards, as well as the way ministry leaders have been inspired by each other to try new things and think intentionally about creating space for intergenerational connections during this season.
Back to School Family Faith Moment
Going back to school for a new year is always a time of mixed emotions! To help families begin the school year with a focus on God, we have developed a Family Faith Moment for you to use and share. You can find it here.
Save the Date
We’ve had such good feedback from our Zoom Connect events, that we’re already planning the next one! So be sure to mark the evening of Thursday, 9 March on your calendars, and keep an eye on Facebook for updates. If you aren’t already following us on Facebook, you can find us here.
At this time of year, we tend to find ourselves thinking about the ‘big picture’, and planning where we might take our ministry in the next 12 months. We pray God’s wisdom and guidance for those who are in this stage - may you know the way God is leading your church and ministry in 2023!
PCFM are excited to see what the New Year brings, and look forward to supporting, encouraging and resourcing those of you who do the hard mahi in the local ministry space!
Kia noho a Ihowā ki a koutou (The Lord be with you)
Robin Humphreys and Karo Wilson
Presbyterian Children and Families
Global Mission
Belated New Year greetings as we emerge out of the great Kiwi shutdown and build momentum for another year. Actually, January has been quite busy already in the Global Mission office. I returned to work on 9 January and spent time finalising arrangements for supporting on-site English teaching at Talua Theological College in Vanuatu. No one was available from New Zealand but towards the end of last year we managed to find someone from Australia who was both willing and available. So, Global Mission will be supporting Brianna Snowdon from Canberra as the English teacher at Talua this year. Her brother Elisha will also be living at the college as a volunteer and support for her.
Much of January was spent putting all the logistics in place for this. I am grateful for a regular donation which is already supporting this ministry, and for a generous donation recently received for Talua. We have a staff house there which we maintain and so I have also been negotiating with Talua’s maintenance manager to arrange refurbishment so it will be ready for Brianna and Elisha to live in.
Other project work will be resuming in Vanuatu this year involving PCANZ congregations and Church schools, so it’s good to see activity building up again after the loss of momentum during the past three years.
Myanmar
Today, 1 February, is the second anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. We are in regular contact with the church leadership there and continue to receive reports of violence and unrest as they live with the reality of ongoing resistance to military rule. Global solidarity and support is vital for them and we are still able to send funds for various projects, something we have done recently.
Anti-trafficking ministry
It’s encouraging to know that there has been some response for Alex and Liz Preotesea-Wagner from Palmerston North who are hoping to serve in an anti-trafficking ministry in Romania. You can still follow this up here and email them directly here.
Leprosy Mission
We are helping the Leprosy Mission as they raise the profile of World Leprosy Day and put out a call to prayer – read more here.
Please feel free to contact me about any aspect of PCANZ Global Mission.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Our year commences with our Summer Block Course for NOM Interns. In 2023 we welcome six new interns. The interns (church placement and mentoring minister) are: Tertius Jacobs (Knox Church Lower Hutt with Rev Marcell May), John Setu (St Andrews Henderson with Rev Gary Mauga), Luke Blackbeard (Timaru Presbyterian with Rev Brent Richardson), Jono Lange (Crossway Community Church Christchurch with Rev Joohong Kim), Winston Timaloa (Onehunga Co-operating with Very Rev Fakaofo Kaio), and Pauline Hampshire (Hope Whangārei with Rev Howard Carter). Sian Scannell (Kenepuru Community Hospital Porirua with Rev Amy Finiki) will join us this year for block courses as part of her LOM training.
For the introductory lectures at our block course, we will be joined by LOM Probationers: Jess Dreadon (Hope Presbyterian Rolleston), Inge de Kruijf (Windsor Community Church, Invercargill), Lynne Hall (Knapdale-Waikaka Presbyterian), and Rachael Masterton (Coastal Unity Parish, Dunedin).
Staffing
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rev Dr Darryl Tempero to the permanent faculty of KCML. Darryl will be 0.5 commencing in July. You can read more about Darryl’s appointment here on the Church website and on the Church Facebook.
We still have 2.5 FTE positions to fill. Applications close on Friday 17 February. Click on the links to read about the Dean of Studies, and two Ministry Formation Co-ordinator/Lecturer positions available.
Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Women
Future of PWANZ
Following declining membership of PWANZ in recent years a motion was put at the 2021 AGM that a Futures Review Group be formed to consider ways forward for PWANZ. From that group, a recommendation was put at the PWANZ AGM on 24 September 2022 that PWANZ be closed. The following recommendation was moved and accepted by those present at the AGM:
That Presbyterian Women Aotearoa New Zealand (PWANZ) be closed down. In liaison with the National Executive all parishes to be notified that their support for our continuing mission in Aotearoa are welcome but the current model of the organisation is unsustainable. The Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council will lapse.
At the PWANZ AGM on 24 September 2022 a motion was agreed to progress this recommendation, which has brought up a significant number of issues (outlined below), a Special General Meeting is required. Issues include:
- Ageing membership and declining finances (currently only 111 financial members).
- Vacancies on Executive (including President).
- How to maintain a woman’s voice with the Presbyterian Church, especially at a local level.
- Lapsing of Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
- Loss of a dedicated missional outlook.
A Special General Meeting will be held 25 February 2023 from 10 am to 12 noon at St John's in the City, Wellington. Please see more details on here.
Ruth Steven on behalf of
Presbyterian Women Aotearoa New Zealand
Presbyterian Research Centre
Hewitson Library
Check out the Hewitson Library catalogue to find lists of recently added books and of books that are on KCML course lists. These lists are publicly available from the “Lists” pull-down menu on the upper right of the Hewitson Library homepage here. You’ll also find there a list of Christian Theology and the Arts books, to help support the February course at University of Otago, with our Chrysalis Seed collection.
Of course, anyone can search anytime for any individual books they want by using Author, Title, or Keyword searching in our catalogue. But for classes, these lists are convenient in that all the given course books that we hold are in one list. Books can be ordered straight off the entries on any list. Reserves can be placed there as well if the book is already checked out. University of Otago students can place an interloan request for any of these titles, at any of the University’s libraries.
Becoming a member at Hewitson Library is free and easy to do. For non-local members across NZ we offer shipping of books, with the only cost being return postage. We also have e-books available to members on tens of thousands of titles through our catalogue. Just hit “Click here to access online” on any record displaying that option.
Thank you to our current members, and welcome to those interested and yet to join. Check it out!
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
CWS Notices
Best wishes for 2023 from the team at Christian World Service. We hope you have had time over the break to connect with family and friends and enjoy some sunshine.
Christmas Appeal
Thank you so much for your support of Let Hope Flow our 2022 Christmas Appeal. Your prayers and donations for people who urgently need safe, clean water can be life-saving, especially as the climate continues to get hotter. We have appreciated the interest and response from churches, schools and individuals. It has been encouraging to hear how the appeal resources were used – feedback is welcome.
If you have not done so, here is a gentle reminder to send in your Christmas donation as soon as possible so we can keep hope flowing. Donate online or through your bank: Christian World Service, ANZ, Account number: 06 0817 0318646 00. Email us your postal details to if you would like a tax receipt. Phone 0800 74 73 72 during office hours to make a credit or debit card donation.
Tonga
On January 15, we remembered people affected by last year’s eruption in Tonga. Thank you for your prayers and donations. Please keep Tonga in your prayers. Read our report to see how you are helping families with livelihoods and community-based psychosocial support.
Join our Board
CWS is seeking people interested in serving on its Board. Read more here. If you would like to talk about this, please contact Murray.
Operation Refugee 2023
We are planning for Operation Refugee 2023, starting around June 20, World Refugee Day. As you consider events for your family or congregation we would love to have you take up the challenge to raise awareness and funds for the many refugees and displaced people. Refugee Sunday is June 25.
If you would like someone to speak, please contact Murray Overton our National Director via email Murray.
Notices
Neurodiversity and the church discussion forum, 2 March
Free forum on how churches can better serve and support neurodiverse (ASD, Dyslexia, ADHD etc) individuals and families inside the church and in the community. 2 March 2023, 7- 9pm, Revolution Church, 442 Tuam St Phillipstown, Christchurch. See more.
Christian Conference of Asia Youth Internship Programme in Thailand, for young adults aged 23–29
CCA is looking for three young adults committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement to intern in Thailand. In the first instance, please contact the PCANZ Global Mission Director Rev Phil King as applicants must first be selected and recommended by the PCANZ. Selected candidates will be assigned to work with a specific area from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. This may be extended for a second term. For more information please download the information sheet: CCA Youth Internship 2023–2024. The deadline for submitting completed applications to CCA including supporting documents is 28 Feb 2023.
Apply for World Council of Churches ecumenism online course: 20 March-11 June 2023
Applications are open for the Bossey online course, “Together Towards Unity: Being Church in a Fragmented World.” In an international cohort of students, participants will explore the biblical, theological, ethical, societal, interreligious, and missiological dimensions of ecumenism. To qualify for the course, a minimum of six university semesters of study in theology or a related field is required. Deadline for application is 28 Feb 2023. Read more.
Book Launch: “NAFANUA Theology; Empowering Women in Leadership/Ministry” Auckland, 8 March
Attend the launch of this new book by Rev Dr Marie Ropeti-Apisaloma on the Samoan-Christian argument for women in ordained ministry. Launch is 6pm, 8 March, Mangere Arts Centre. RSVP to Maugapaia 027 7242100.
New book by Rev Bob Eyles, ‘From the Heart’
Rev Bob Eyles offers 50 reflections on life, written over the year past while he was recovering from bowel cancer, a stroke, and covid. The book is in large print. He has 200 copies available at $20 each. Email Bob or ph (06)3688813 or write to: 118 Gladstone Road, Levin 5571.
Leprosy Mission New Zealand - No Child with leprosy by 2035
World Leprosy Day is 29 January and World Leprosy Sunday is any Sunday between Jan- March 2023. Be a part of a global movement dedicated to ‘No Child with leprosy by 2035’. For more information, please see their website or email Nadia.
Auckland Council wants your views on improving cemeteries & crematoria rules
Auckland Council is reviewing the Cemeteries and Crematoria Code of Practice 2014 which sets rules about activities at Auckland Council cemeteries and crematoria. You are invited to tell them, by 17 Feb, about issues you or your community experience relating to council cemeteries and crematoria, or how the rules in the Code could be improved. Share your view.
Subscribe for free to INSiGHT the CWM bi-monthly publication
Council for World Mission invite you to subscribe free to Insight, their publication that aims to provoke thought, and challenge stereotypical worldviews. CWM says that all views are given space and everyone is encouraged to share her/his personal thoughts, views and insights on pressing issues. Subscribe here.
Glen Innis holiday home for ministers
See dates available for the original homestead (now known as James McNutt House) and the former gardener’s cottage (Maud Hooper House) for Feb/March 2023 here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Licensings
Rev Brett Reid, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 4 December 2022
Rev Joshua Tepou, Kaimai Presbytery, 4 December 2022
Rev Adair Oosterbroek, Kaimai Presbytery, 4 December 2022
Rev Eric Oosterbroek, Kaimai Presbytery, 4 December 2022
Ordinations and inductions
Rev Margie Rea, ordained and inducted local ordained minister, Kiwi Church Crookston West Otago, Southern Presbytery, 27 November 2022
Rev Adair Oosterbroek, ordained and inducted minister Hamilton Nawton Community Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 8 January 2022
Rev Eric Oosterbroek, ordained and inducted minister Hamilton Nawton Community Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 8 January 2022
Changes
Rev Philipp Potgieter, stated supply Greerton - St James’ Union Parish to minister Greerton - St James’ Union Parish and Papamoa – St Paul’s Cooperating Parish, Kaimai Presbytery, 13 August 2022
Rev Solomon Premkumar Rajan, stated supply minister to parish minister South Kaipara Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, 24 September 2022
Rev Andrew Cox, other recognised minister to parish minister Auckland - Chinese Presbyterian Church (English-speaking congregation), Northern Presbytery, 16 October 2022
Rev Lorna Clarke, local ordained minister Carterton – St David’s Presbyterian Church to Minister Emerita Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 30 November 2022
Rev David Dell, minister stated supply Upper Hutt Uniting Parish to other recognised minister, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 30 November 2022
Rev Ken Harray, minister emeritus and senior active to Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 3 December 2022
Rev Mark Maney, stated supply minister to additional minister Massey Riverhead Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, 4 December 2022
Rev Chris Purdie, chaplain NZDF Burnham Alpine Presbytery to NZDF Trentham Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 9 December 2022
Rev Tengaru Paniora, minister stated supply North Dunedin Pacific Island Presbyterian Church to other recognised minister Southern Presbytery, 22 December 2022
Rev Bruce Graham, other recognised minister to minister Clevedon Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, 22 December 2022
Rev Martin Macaulay, minister East Taieri Church, Southern Presbytery to other recognised minister Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 10 January 2023
Rev Christine Harding, other recognised minister to stated supply Hamilton St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 1 February 2023
Transfers
Rev Nimarota Lale, other recognised minister Southern Presbytery to Northern Presbytery, 3 June 2022
Rev Sylvia Purdie, other recognised minister Alpine Presbytery to Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 9 December 2022
Non-PCANZ Ministers in Co-operative Venture Ministries
Rev Indrea Alexander, Anglican Minister, ended at Waimate District Cooperating Venture, Alpine Presbytery, 20 November 2022
Retirements
Rev Dr Kerry Enright, minister Dunedin Knox Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus and senior active Southern Presbytery, 25 December 2022
Rev Paul Loveday, minister Hastings St John’s Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 1 January 2023
Rev Michelle Loveday, minister Hastings St John’s Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 1 January 2023
Deaths
Sr Margery Dwerryhouse, deaconess, Northern Presbytery, 3 April 2022
Rev Ross McDougall, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 4 April 2022
Rev Samoa Mavaega, Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu,
24 August 2022
Rev Ian Robertson, Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 19 October 2022
Rev Ian Crumpton, Minister Emeritus, Alpine Presbytery, 7 December 2022
Rev Ian Fleming, Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 15 December 2022
Rev Dr Ian Breward, Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 30 December 2022
Rev Ewing Stevens MBE, Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 15 January 2023
Parish changes
Trinity United Parish (Whangamata, Tairua, Pauanui), Kaimai Presbytery, dissolved, and two parishes created, Trinity United Parish (Whangamata) and Pauanui Presbyterian Parish, 1 January 2023
Social Media
Check out in one handy place the links to the social media of the Presbyterian Church and its ministries including websites, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and video.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
Jobs
Check out our job vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table and featured ministerial vacancies for the latest vacancies available in Aotearoa and around the globe.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.