- Contact those who contribute to Bush Telegraph here.
- Subscribe to Bush Telegraph and other ministry publications here.
From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Children and Families
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Research centre
CWS Notices
Church Register
Notices
Social Media
Events
Jobs
Subscribe to publications
From the Moderator
Tena Koutou Katoa
It has been another full month which has included leading the retreat at Long Bay for the ministers of the Northern Presbytery, preaching at Knox Church in Dunedin, the Sylvia Jenkin hui in Waikanae, and a visit to Queen Margaret College in Wellington.
Sylvia Jenkin hui
The late Rev Sylvia Jenkin left a bequest in her will specifically for ordained women in the PCANZ. It was decided last year, in a video call of many women ministers in the PCANZ, that part of this would be used to provide a gathering for a time of reflection, teaching, rest, worship and looking to both the past and future. We enjoyed three days together at El Rancho conference centre in Waikanae which included biblical studies by Professor Joan Taylor and Rochelle Stewart-Allen talking on governance. It was a rich time and there will be ongoing work together as we go forward.
Study Leave Report
As I travel around our cChurch I am impressed by the calibre, commitment, and creativity of our people. We are a great resource! While in the Alpine Presbytery I heard a talk by the Rev Phyllis Harris on her study leave report, “Given a voice to speak - breaking the silence of childhood sexual abuse”. I have since read the report and found it to be informative and compelling, with biblical and theological reflection woven through it. I believe it is a timely resource and can be accessed through the KCML website under resources, study leave reports.
Belonging in this Land: Treaty Basics from a Christian Perspective video resource
Some of our churches might find it helpful to engage with a free two-session video resource recently produced by Common Grace Aotearoa, in which a number of Anglican people (especially Jay Ruka) give an accessible introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its aftermath, and its implications for today. The videos are interspersed with opportunities for group discussion, see them here.
I sought feedback on this video resource from a few people, including from Te Aka Puahou. I asked historian Rev Dr Stuart Lange to review the two videos. He commented, “This resource contains a range of useful content, and everyone who uses it will likely learn something new. They will also encounter some viewpoints they are not sure about, or some things they may find quite confronting. In the first video, the interpretation of Article 1 of Te Tiriti is not accepted by all historians. The second video contains a passionate, hard-hitting summary of colonial injustices against Māori, and touches on issues of justice, redress, reconciliation, and Māori Christian identity. All this could helpfully raise awareness and spark some soul-searching”.
Coming up…
Soon I will attend the 150th celebrations of St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Feilding, followed by a little road trip which will be a mix of visiting some ministers and spending time with family. After that comes the trip to Durban in South Africa for the Council for World Mission Assembly.
May the God of grace and peace continue to journey with us as we seek to be the Body of Christ in this place.
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
We have an interesting relationship with change. On the one hand it is inevitable – it can also be very uncomfortable. Some folk find they become stuck and struggle to be able to move on, while others seem to take things in their stride. It is not easy to let go of the past but a failure to do so threatens us to the very core of our being. Those that avoid getting stuck seem to be able to acknowledge the past – but are not bound by it – and at the same time embrace the current and look forward to the future.
We have moved our office in the past month. As advised, we are sharing space with the Church Property Trustees and enjoying being in one space together. We had a ‘move’ team between us who worked on a plan: communicated about what was happening; what was required; what we could expect; included people who I might say were change champions (were positive and saw opportunities rather obstacles); listened; managed expectations and reminded us we were in this together.
I am not saying it was all plain sailing and that there were not challenges along the way! We learnt as we went, stayed focus on the journey and together we avoided becoming stuck – took things in our stride and gave thanks for the past and looked forward to the future.
I want to acknowledge each of the staff of the Assembly Office and the Church Property Trustees office for all they contributed to preparing for, participating in, and working through our office move. It went far beyond packing and unpacking, rather there was a modelling of something far deeper: our values. I am privileged to work with these folk. Thinking about this I find myself reflecting on these words from The Message*, changing the personal pronouns from ‘I’ to ‘we’:
We are not saying that we have this all together, that we have it made. But we are well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for us. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do we count ourselves an expert in all of this, but we’ve got our eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. We are off and running, and we’re not turning back.
Assembly Office move
We are now operating from our new office – Level 4, Orbit House, 94 Dixon Street, Wellington 6011. Contact details can be found on the website.
Staff News
As announced by the Council of Assembly, the PressGo Catalyst Lisa Wells concludes her role at the end of June. On behalf of the wider Church, I thank Lisa for her 10 years of service to the Church in this role and express our grateful thanks and appreciation for her wisdom, insight and mission focus she brought to the role and offered to the whole Church. Lisa will be farewelled following the PressGo Board meeting later this month.
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters and pass on other news. Our office’s ability to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates to key contact people, changes in email etc. Please pass on any changes to Nani from our office, so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate office bearers.
Matters for consideration by presbyteries and church councils
General Assembly 2023 follow-up information for, and actions required by, presbyteries and church councils has been sent out. If your church council has not received this, please advise our office.
Calling a newly trained minister
This year six people will complete their training as interns. They represent a range of backgrounds and experiences. All are eager to commit themselves to ministry within the life of a congregation. Profiles for each of them will shortly be available from Rev Dr Carlton Johnstone and Very Rev Richard Dawson who are coordinating introductions and discussions between final-year interns and ministry settlement boards.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
*The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson.
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Connect Online Training in June
Understanding Sexuality: A respectful conversation on two views of sexuality and the church. With Mark Maney and Jordan Redding.
- Session 1 – Why do I believe what I believe regarding sexuality and the Christian Faith? Tuesday 11 June, 7-8:30pm.
- Session 2 - How would your view inform how the church responds to and cares for people who are grappling with issues of sexuality? - Monday 17 June, 7-8:30pm.
Click here for more info and to register.
Connect Conference 26-28 July - Forrest Lakes Camping & Conference Centre Otaki
Information is out for our Youth Leader and Young Adult Conference. We continue to hear how life-giving this event is for those who attend. Please encourage youth leaders and young adults in your congregation to attend and encourage your session to set aside funding to make it easier for them to do so.
Take 15 – Prayer for the 1.6 million Young People of Aotearoa New Zealand
Join us for 15 minutes each week as we pray for the 1.6 million young people in New Zealand. Kicking off in term three, we are inviting you to join us on zoom each week. See here for more
May the Lord continue continue to draw young people to Godself this year!
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Children and Families
Kia Ora everyone
Well, we are already well into Term 2 and there have been some exciting things happening in Children & Families Ministry in the past couple of months.
In April, I was privileged to spend time on a retreat with other national CFM leaders from various denominations. This time together is incredibly valuable, as it allows space for us to talk about the highlights and challenges of our roles, to discuss trends and new research that is emerging in the CFM space, to pray together, and to simply spend time with others who understand the demands and joys of the roles we each hold.
WAY2GO
Each year, Scripture Union hosts Way2Go throughout the country. With a focus on equipping and encouraging children’s ministry teams, Way2Go is a day-long training day well worth going to. By the time this newsletter is published, I will have just finished being involved with the Dunedin event, however there are more chances to get involved! Head over here for more information about upcoming events in Whangarei, Christchurch, Auckland and Palmerston North.
CWM GA
It's with joy and excitement that I will be heading to Durban to participate in the Council for World Mission’s General Assembly in early June. Late last year, I was invited to join a workgroup focussed on developing worship resources for the Assembly. As part of this, I have been asked to be present at the Assembly, helping to lead prayer and worship during the week. I’m very much looking forward to the experience, however it does mean that I will be out of the office June 10- 21.
Noho ora mai
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Church Schools: Structure, Part 5
As I have stated before, every one of our 12 Presbyterian schools has a governance body. They are variously called a Trust Board, Board of Governors, Proprietors, etc. But they are all responsible for the oversight of their school. State-integrated schools’ governors are legally called ‘Proprietors’ under the Education and Training Act 2020. And along with their obvious role of being responsible for the buildings they are also obliged to determine the special character of the school. (Our independent schools also have this aspect in their governance role.)
To fulfil this special character role, most Proprietors have at least one Presbyterian representative on their board. These people can be a local minister or church member, a presbytery appointee or an old collegian or parent with Presbyterian connections. Many schools send such board appointees to presbytery for approval to continue the original connection between the school and presbytery.
Our Presbyterian representatives are doing the vital job of connecting the school with the wider Church. They are often the holder of special character in this forum – tasked with questioning every governance decision through the lens of how it fits with the schools’ special character. In an era with so many competing needs they are called to question. As you can imagine this role can be very intimidating at times.
Sadly, our schools are struggling to get Presbyterian representatives. People asked to do this role argue they do not know enough about schools to contribute but as one Proprietor stated, “Your only role is to ask whether this fits our Presbyterian special character”. Thus, any other contribution is a bonus.
So, please pray for our current, wonderful Presbyterian representatives. And consider whether you or someone else would be a good fit for the next vacancy.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Global Mission
Vanuatu
The collapse of Air Vanuatu in the past month has added to the challenges of doing Global Mission. We have a team of four chaplains and ministers heading to Vanuatu in early June to lead a chaplain’s training event for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV). Flights were booked and everything in place – suddenly it was chaos - but we managed to salvage the situation and the programme will proceed as planned. This programme was a request from the PCV, as their chaplains have no training, and is a new step forward in our partnership. We hope the programme will provide valuable encouragement and support to the PCV and those who serve in chaplaincy.
Jae Ahn continues to do an excellent job teaching English at Talua Theological College in Vanuatu. Because he has skills in other areas, he is also providing ICT support and media training as well, which has included the donation of his personal media equipment to the college. If anyone has spare smart phones or laptops to donate, please contact me, as Jae said these will be usefully deployed at the college.
We are hoping for successful visa applications as we are currently planning to bring some youth leaders from Vanuatu to attend Connect in July, to provide training and support at youth ministry level.
Taiwan
The following message was received from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan after we sent a solidarity grant following an earthquake that destroyed some of their property in April:
“Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, solidarity and practical expression of support in the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake which struck Taiwan on 3 April 2024. With appreciation for our continued partnership in the Lord”.
Prayer for Papua New Guinea
The devastating landslide in Maip Mulitaka, Papua New Guinea, caused the loss of hundreds if not thousands of lives, with many more injured and homeless. Papua New Guinea is a Pacific neighbour, and the PCANZ shares membership with the United Church of Papua New Guinea in the Council for World Mission (CWM). In response to the landslide, CWM prepared this prayer of intercession on behalf of the victims. Please feel free to use this in church services and prayer groups and share with others who may also find it helpful.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Matariki
Matariki is just around the corner. So it is a good time to reflect, and to take stock of our new resources at Hewitson Library. Check these out:
Theology as Threshold, by Brian Fiu Kolia (ed.)
This book contains essays that interrogate the purposes of theological studies (locally and globally), identify gaps due to the Western heritage and blind spots of “traditional theology,” and provide examples of how those gaps may be bridged when local concerns are engaged. Available in print and ebook.
The Forgotten Prophet, by Jeffrey Sissons
Tāmati Te Ito Ngāmoke led the prophetic Kaingārara movement in Taranaki from 1856. Te Ito was revered by tribal leaders as a prophetic tohunga matakite; but others, including many settlers and officials, viewed him as an ‘imposter’, a ‘fanatic’. Despite his influence and leadership, Te Ito’s historical importance remains largely unrecognised today. Initially perceived as a rival to the Parihaka leaders, Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai, he eventually joined the Parihaka community.
Subverting Hatred, by Daniel Smith-Christopher (ed.)
In the spring of 1998, the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century commissioned this series of essays to investigate the theme of nonviolence in the sacred texts, the oral teachings, and the traditions of major world religions. Includes a chapter by Donald Tamihere: “The struggle for peace : subverting hatred in a Māori context”.
Turning the Hearts of the Children, by Setwyn Katane
History of Church of Latter-day Saints involvement with Māori in NZ, with chapters based on 12 early prominent Māori figures.
Unsettling Theologies, by Jione Havea
How can we understand and respond to past and present entanglements of Christianity with colonisation? What kinds of theological perspectives and approaches are needed in the wake of colonisation and its impact? Unsettling Theologies includes responses to these questions from Aboriginal, Māori, Pasifika, and White scholars.
These titles can all be found and requested here. To sign-up for library membership, or for any questions, please email us.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Block Course
This month we are running our Winter Block Course with six NOM interns and three LOM probationers in attendance. We welcome a range of adjunct and guest lecturers joining us including Rev Alofa Lale, Rev Ed Masters, Rev Dr Hyeeun Kim, and Rev Nikki Watkin.
Presbytery Workshops
In July, we are running two workshops in Northern Presbytery. We are running a preaching workshop in Whangārei (Thursday 25 July) and a discipleship workshop in Auckland (Saturday 27 July).
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Christian World Service
Faith in Action: Refugees
Honour refugees - people displaced by war, conflict and persecution - on Refugee Sunday, June 21. CWS is preparing a slide, prayers, stories (including from Aotearoa) that can also be used in services on July 7. Organise a special morning tea or other fundraising activity for Operation Refugee. We uphold refugees and displaced people in our work and prayers.
CWS is delighted to introduce you to Dori Lloyd who is running this year’s Operation Refugee which will be launched on June 20, World Refugee Day. She is promoting the education and fundraising programme in schools and youth groups. If you can help, please email her.
Hope Begins with Water
In Uganda, Mbabazi and Doreen who have both lost parents to HIV, worked hard to complete school. They had to make up for time lost collecting water for their families. With your help their families got their own rainwater tanks early last year, leaving time for school and study. They topped their classes and won scholarships to High School and University respectively. Hope begins with Water tells their story. Please share the story with your people and pass on their thanks. Printed copies are available from Italy ph 0800 74 73 72. Please support the CWS Water Appeal to help some of the many families who need water.
Palestine Gaza Update
Thank you for your prayers, actions and gifts for the people of Gaza. Earlier this month, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees closed its primary health clinic in Rafah when the evacuation was announced. Staff have organised a van which is now operating as a mobile health clinic for some of the displaced people. The CWS Gaza Palestine Appeal will help fund humanitarian support for Gaza. Donate today. We pray for peace.
Notices
Prepare for Matariki 28 June - resources
See the PCANZ website for church resources for Matariki including ideas for church services, video, resources to download, and links to further resources.
Presbyterian Investment Fund
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund is currently 5.50% p.a. (where it has been since 1 January 2024). A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals. The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation. Rates are subject to change. The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. For details on the Long Term Fund or further information, email the Trustees’ Executive Officer, Russell Garrett.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – now available to more ministers
There are two holiday houses at Glen Innis Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, available at no cost for National Ordained Ministers for a re-creational holiday one week each year (other than a refundable bond). One of the houses (Maud Hooper) is now also available for use by Local Ordained Ministers, Amorangi, and Local Shared Ministry team members - outside school holiday periods - at a cost of $200 per week (plus a refundable $100 bond). The fee is to cover the cost of making the house available and offers a great value holiday. Maud Hooper House offers self-contained accommodation for up to seven adults and one baby, with all the modern facilities (including Wifi and dishwasher) as well as access to a range of onsite recreational facilities (games room, swimming pool, tennis court) all set in beautiful country surroundings. Info here.
Invitation to participate: The Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians, Malaysia
The Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS - X) will focus on, ‘Echoes of Nicaea: Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity - Asian Ecumenical Response'. Applications are invited from those interested to participate 24 to 29 October 2024 at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. CATS is a triennial event that brings together Asian theologians stimulating new and innovative thinking. Apply here. Applications close 15 July 2024.
Lecture: Religious Internet memes, and how they can spread miss/diss information about religion, 12 June, Auckland
NZ Christians in Science lecture series presents Prof. Heidi Campbell on 12 June, Maclaurin Chapel, University of Auckland at 6.30 pm for pizza and lecture. Heidi is Professor of Communication, and affiliate faculty in Religions Studies at Texas A&M University. She is also the director of the Network for New Media, Religion and Digital Culture Studies, and a found of Digital Religion Studies.
Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund
Are you a minister considering domestic or overseas travel as part of your study leave? Are you a lay worker or elder in a PCANZ church considering a study course that requires travel? The Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund offers travel grants to church workers wanting to further develop their area of service to the Church. The Fund is administered by the Personnel Workgroup, and the closing date for applications is 30 September each year. Criteria and application form can be found on the Church website here, Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund. Please contact Kate Wilson with any queries.
Subscribe to receive the Church's Treasurers’ News
Treasurers’ News is sent to all parish treasurers, however, anyone in your parish who is interested can subscribe to receive the latest edition, email Katrina. Current and past editions of Treasurers’ News can be found on the PCANZ website here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Minister Changes
Rev Rob Williams, minister Rotorua District Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, from 0.8FTE to 0.5FTE, 21 January 2024.
Rev Cate Williams, minister Rotorua District Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, from 0.2FTE to 0.5FTE, 21 January 2024.
Rev Dr Andrew Callander, Minister Emeritus to other recognised minister, Alpine Presbytery, 20 April 2024.
Resignations from the PCANZ roll
Rev Je Cheol Cook, other recognised minister, Northern Presbytery, 14 May 2024.
Deaths
Rev Selwyn Haporonga Pryor, amorangi, Rotorua Maori Pastorate, 13 January 2024.
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.