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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
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From the Moderator
Tena koutou katoa
Gathering at Te Maungarongo marae in Ohope
What a joy it was to gather with others from around our national Church at Te Maungarongo marae in Ohope – ‘our’ marae as we were reminded by Te Aka Puahou. Relationships are very much at the heart of our communal life together and gathering in this way at the marae enhanced the building and strengthening of those relationships. We spent time with Te Kahui Whanaungatanga workgroup who are looking at the strategic direction of our Church. This was a rich time together as we sought to discern what the Spirit is saying to the Church as we go forward. We experienced great hospitality and were encouraged through conversations, devotions, worship and ‘being’ together.
Our gathering also provided the opportunity to honour the Very Rev Fakaofo Kaio on his award of ONZM and to pray for him and his wife Ruth. It was a special moment in our time together. We value so much all the work they do for the church and the community.
Dialogue for Christian Unity
I have just chaired the annual forum for the Dialogue for Christian Unity in Wellington. This was the first ‘in-person’ meeting there had been for some years due to the pandemic and lock-downs. It was good to sit around the table with people from other denominations and discuss ecumenism, to hear what is going on in their space, and what we might do together. We also had a very interesting talk by Dr Alistair Reese (author of He Tatau Pounamu – The Treaty of Waitangi: A Covenant of Reconciliation). He reflected on the Treaty and the Gospel in Aotearoa New Zealand and this elicited good engagement and discussion.
Travels around the motu
My visit to Wellington coincided with a gathering of ministers for lunch in Petone and it was fun to catch up with them all. A ‘road trip’ to visit some ministers and church leaders around Southland and Central Otago is next on the agenda and I am grateful to the Southern Presbytery Mission Advisor, the Rev Erin Pendreigh, for helping to facilitate this.
We have such an amazing number of faithful, creative, visionary, pastoral, prayerful, fine people within our denomination. Treasures. Taonga. This gives a real sense of hope and promise.
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’. [Romans 15: 13]
God’s blessings.
Mā te wā
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Kia ora
Royal Commission
By the time you read this, our - the Presbyterian Church - response to the Findings of the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care will have been published, read the 22 October response here. Work on the response to the Recommendations will be continuing with the desire of meeting the Commission timeline of 24 November to have these published. As I mentioned last month, this is challenging and confronting work. In addition, our Moderator Rose is working on an apology which is also a requirement from the Royal Commission. While an apology was offered when we appeared before the Royal Commission, we note and take seriously the recommendation that our Moderator issue an apology.
In all this we must not lose sight of those who were victims of abuse in care and the deep and lasting impact of this upon them. Maybe you have used the liturgy from the Moderator’s pastoral letter of 29 July 2024 in your church services or small groups or even as a resource for your personal spiritual journey. I warmly commend it to you. I am sure you will join with me in keeping our Moderator Rose, members of the Council, and those who are assisting in this work in your prayers.
I have been reflecting...
A few years ago a book was published titled, The Road to Character by David Brooks. Maybe you have read it. The introduction speaks about the difference between résumé (or CV) virtues and eulogy virtues: résumé virtues are the ones we list that show the skills that we bring to the job and contribute to external success; eulogy virtues are deeper, these are the virtues that are spoken about at your funeral, the ones that exist at the core of your being. This is about who you are – and go deep to whose you are.
In these days, many have clear strategies how to achieve ‘external’ success. I like the way the Psalmist sums these up, ‘life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.’
Profound character comes from an inverse logic. It might be called a moral rather than economic one. One with a focus on humility, sympathy, and honest self-confrontation, which are necessary for building character - build integrity. Keeping close to God and to those we love helps develop, and show, who we are at the core of our being.
Staff News
Bela Shmatko, a member of our Financial Consolidation Team, leaves us this month. We thank her for her contribution and wish her well for the future.
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. Voting papers relating to proposals accepted by the 2023 General Assembly and referred to church councils and presbyteries under the special legislative procedure are referred to be returned by 28 February 2025.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Church Schools
Connections, Part 5
The PCSRO works with national office departments to provide resources to the Presbyterian schools of Aotearoa. This month I want to highlight our work with Global Mission and Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry (PCFM).
PCFM serves “by encouraging and supporting children and families ministry workers in a variety of contexts, including the parish”. With over half of the twelve schools having students under 12 years old, information about PCFM resources is shared regularly with chaplains and religious education teachers. I often make the point that many of the ‘childish’ ideas are also loved by others, no matter their age, or can be adapted to fit.
Due to the success of Right Rev Rose Luxford’s visits to our Church schools during her current Moderator term, and the Very Rev Hamish Galloway’s previously, Karo Wilson PCFM Director and I are planning visits in 2025 with heads of junior departments and their chaplains. This is an opportunity to share resources, exchange learnings about this age group and to explore faith-based training opportunities. The school staff I have spoken to are excited about the concept, we just need a viable itinerary.
Global Mission has been working with Presbyterian schools for many years. Rev Phil King, Global Mission Director, has facilitated many introductions for service trips - Vanuatu in particular. Phil and Rev Sharon Ross-Ensor, previous PCSRO director, also collaborated on a Service Mission Handbook which is still used by schools. It has proved invaluable in ensuring that students and caregivers are well prepared for every trip in a way that has value for all participants, particularly the locals. Schools also regularly receive information from Global Mission’s newsletters that inspire, challenge and encourage ideas beyond their own school’s concerns.
Chaplains from Vanuatu have attended Presbyterian Schools conferences through Global Mission resourcing. This has facilitated conversations and connections between schools in both countries resulting in things like the 2024 Chaplains’ Conference held in Vanuatu.
My hope is that these PCANZ collaborations connect both schools and churches to resources and people across the entire Presbyterian movement in Aotearoa and beyond.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Children and Families
Kia Ora
It’s hard to believe that we are in Term 4! And, while it feels far too early to be thinking about this, it is time to start planning for Advent and Christmas!
The Advent and Christmas season is a fantastic time to explore intergenerational ministry ideas. Whether it’s a big event, like holding a church family meal in the lead up to Christmas, or a small act such as inviting a child and adult to light the Advent candles together, any opportunity where generations are interacting will have a positive impact. We’d love to hear how your faith community has been intentionally intergenerational this festive season!
Advent resources
The PCFM website has just been updated with this year’s resource offerings. With some familiar favourites and updated resources, there’s something for a wide variety of contexts. During a tidy up of the ‘digital filing cabinet’, I came across a fantastic resource prepared by Kids Friendly a number of years ago. The Christmas Prayer Journey gives ideas of how to set up a series of Christmas-themed prayer stations, for people of all ages to experience. I have updated the resource, including providing new graphics, all of which are available to download free from the PCFM website.
I have also reformatted the Little Book of Advent, which is available here for parishes to download, print and share amongst the families in their community. Churches may use this resource as they wish (including professional printing if they so choose!) I just ask that the content is unaltered, including any PCFM branding or copyright information. If your church does print and distribute this resource, we’d love to hear about it! Get in touch by emailing me.
As always, I am available for any questions or help you need related to ministry with children and families.
Blessings
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Global Mission
Vanuatu
It’s been a busy few weeks for our partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV). In October a team from Wanaka Presbyterian Community Church visited Talua Theological College and had a week sharing in life on the Talua campus. They met our PCANZ English teacher Jae Ahn, learned about his work there and shared in his classes. They engaged with staff, students and their families and contributed to the college’s community life. The Wanaka congregation will now assess how they can develop their support for our work in Vanuatu.
PCV and CWM
I have just returned from a very positive visit to Vanuatu myself. I met with the PCV Assembly staff in Port Vila, reviewing programmes and planning ahead. This included feedback on the chaplains training programme held in June, attendance of PCV youth leaders at July’s Connect, and a visit to Popowoh school where Saint Kentigern Presbyterian School in Auckland has made an impressive contribution. I also had the honour of preaching at Paton Memorial Church in Port Vila on Sunday 20 October. However, the main purpose of this visit was to accompany Council for World Mission (CWM) General Secretary Rev Dr Jooseop Keum in conversations with the PCV about their prospective CWM membershi. Established through the work of the London Missionary Society in the Pacific, the PCV belongs within the family of CWM but for various reasons did not become a member when CWM formed in 1977. This process is now moving forward and as well as correcting an historical anomaly, it should bring considerable benefits to the PCV in the future.
Due to well-documented travel issues, there has been limited opportunity to share in projects in Vanuatu this year. Fortunately, flights to and within Vanuatu are now improving and so if you or your congregation is interested in learning how you can contribute, please let me know.
Opportunities to Serve at Talua, Vanuatu in 2025
We have requests to fill two positions at Talua Theological College in Vanuatu. Click on the links if you are interested in more information about either of these mission opportunities:
- Teacher of English for Academic Purposes
- Business Manager (with responsibilities in Finance, Policies and Strategic Planning)
The latest version of the CWM magazine Insight is available online here.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Forge Hui
The next Forge Aotearoa hui, Haerenga Tapu, is in Christchurch from 7pm Friday 8 November to 11.30am Sunday 10 November. Information and registration can be found here. This is for anyone interested in new expressions of church and missional initiatives.
University of Otago/KCML 2025 Summer School: Trauma-Informed Ministry by Dr Karen McClintock
(Minister’s study and travel subsidy available).
Dr Karen McClintock will teach an intensive course in Dunedin entitled Trauma-Informed Ministry. The course is jointly offered by the Theology Programme, University of Otago, and the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.
This course familiarises students with origins, definitions, and treatment of trauma from multiple disciplines. Trauma’s impact on the body, soul, relationships, and spirituality will be highlighted, along with congregational and community care. The course explores individual mental health concerns in the contexts of family of origin, intergenerational trauma born by repeated oppression and injustice, and community-wide traumas. Students will learn key principles of trauma-informed pastoral care in multi-ethnic contexts and discuss and develop their own ethical standards for trauma care.
The block course will start at 1pm on Monday 27 January and conclude at 1pm on Friday 31 January 2025. Classes will be held on the University of Otago Campus, Dunedin.
A generous subsidy for PCANZ ministers who either audit or study for credit is available upon application. Details can be found on the KCML website homepage here - scroll down to “Events and Notices”.
Yours in Christ
Geoff New (Rev Dr)
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Research Centre
Te Aka Puahou Collection at PRC
Recently, Te Aka Puahou (formerly Te Aka Puaho) deposited an incredibly rich collection of documents and images with Presbyterian Research Centre Archives. We have begun scanning, processing, and uploading these images to our Recollect website thanks to seed money provided by a grant from the Environment and Heritage Fund of New Zealand Lotteries.
So far, we have added 179 photo slides, 39 image of synod workers, 20 images of North Island synod buildings, and we have started to add 400 additional images. Yet, although adding over 600 images online is impressive, what is most important is that many of these images came to the archives with details that were missing on other previously donated images of the same people and places, allowing us to add these names of places and people. Although we are delighted to identify some previously un-named details, we want to identify more. So, we have begun to reach out to the community for help.
Recently, we posted an image taken in the late 1950s of the Piripari Wharenui on our Facebook page and asked for help. The results have been inspiring. Initially, we only knew the name and location of the building in the photo. But now, thanks to our followers, we have the names of 15 of the 22 people in the image. Additionally, we now know that the photo was taken to celebrate several baptisms and the opening of the new wharekai (dining hall) at Piripari.
This is why we do what we do. People and places matter.
As Rev Dr Wayne Te Kaawa said in the book, “Unsettling Theologies: Memory, Identify and Place”, Chapter 12, ‘Archives: From Places of Silence and Silencing to Place of Regeneration’, “For Māori, there is a deep connection between the people viewing the archival material and those who are depicted in the images. Even when the people who are photographed have passed away, the connection between people living and dead remains.”
We are honoured to be the stewards of this collection and are grateful to Te Aka Puahou in trusting us with the care of these taonga.
Susan Garwood
Digital Content Curator
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Key Leaders Retreat (29 November - 2 December 2024, Queenstown)
Research consistently highlights the critical role key leaders play in the health and success of youth ministries. Ministries thrive when a key leader has been in place for 5 to 7+ years. With key leader longevity in mind, this retreat is designed to gather, recognize, refresh, and equip key leaders from across the PCANZ. Please urge your Youth Ministry Key Leader to attend this event. The price is heavily discounted and there are generous travel subsidies available. Find out more at Queenstown Retreat.
The Four Big Ideas of Discipleship
Making disciples of the people who attend our churches is one of our most important tasks. This short video highlights four key, practical points around good discipleship that can be implemented in any church setting.
Employment Guide
Thinking about employing someone to work with young people? FANTASTIC! This resource provides step-by-step guidance for a parish looking to hire staff working with young people.
Sustainable Practices for Youth Ministry
Good youth leaders can be hard to find. This resource provides simple steps that any church can take to help retain and support a youth leader or worker.
May the Lord continue to draw young people to Godself this year!
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund is currently 5.25% p.a. The Trustees’ Investment Committee meets in November to review the interest rate. It is likely that the PIF On Call interest rate will need to fall following recent and expected future cuts by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to the Official Cash Rate as it attempts to revive the fragile economy. 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.
Property transactions and GST
Please note that from November 2024, congregations or presbyteries that are registered for GST and are selling or purchasing property, must use their GST number on the purchase and sale agreement, and include the transaction in their GST return and payment. This applies for all new transactions, i.e., if you already have a draft purchase and sale agreement in place, please continue as is (with the Trustees’ GST number). The Trustees remain the purchasing or selling entity and must sign the agreement.
Please contact John White at the Trustees office if you have any questions. As always, we recommend congregations and presbyteries seek professional tax advice for all property transactions.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PressGo
Apply for a MEF grant
Following the Council of Assembly announcement that the MEF fund is once again available for PressGo grants for mission projects, the next round for funding is as follows:
Deadline for grant applications is Friday 9 November. The PressGo board will consider applications at their meeting on Thursday 21 November and will advise outcomes thereafter.
Please note that funds available through the MEF are available for new mission initiatives. The application needs to come from presbyteries for a top-up grant for parish initiatives that have already received a Presbytery Mission Fund grant. Presbyteries that do not have a Mission Fund established may also make an application on behalf of the parish. Application forms with details on what can be funded can be obtained from PressGo, email here.
CWS Notices
Preaching Advent hope in a climate emergency
What does the climate emergency mean for our Christian life?
At the General Assembly in 2018, the PCANZ acknowledged the important role that Christians play in being stewards of God’s creation. Four years later, the General Assembly in 2022 called for tangible action to weave creation care with Christian worship and teaching. Since then, climate change events have continued to cause damage in Aotearoa and among our neighbours in Oceania.
Christian World Service (CWS) has responded to these challenges by commissioning an original and distinctly Oceanic set of worship and teaching resources. CWS is Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest-serving home-grown development and aid agency. It began in 1945, when the National Council of Churches made its first Christmas Appeal for overseas relief to assist in addressing the aftermath of a post-war Europe.
Aware of this long history of connecting congregations with global challenges, CWS asked scholar and researcher Dr Steve Taylor to read the 2024 Advent and Christmas Bible texts through an ecological perspective. Formerly principal of Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, Steve drew on his upbringing in Papua New Guinea and his recent research with Pacific communities to produce a creative and compelling set of worship and teaching resources.
Steve is also interim moderator and regular preacher at Port Chalmers Presbyterian Parish. “I wrote the resources conscious of faithful and globally minded Christians in small congregations with limited musical resources and a heart to be hospitable to children and grandchildren.”
Presented to congregations over five weeks, the CWS Christmas resources explore being good news as stewards of God’s creation. New insights into the Gospel of Luke emerge in conversation with restless seas in Advent 1, soil habitats in Advent 3 and Jesus being wrapped in cloths at Christmas.
Endorsing the worship outlines and preaching resources from CWS, the Right Rev Rose Luxford, PCANZ Moderator, said, “The effects of climate change are very real for our neighbours living in the Pacific Islands. This CWS Christmas Appeal talks of hope and provides a way in which we can give tangible support. I commend it to you”.
The resources include climate collects, sermons, intergenerational activities and ways to pray for the earth, available here on the CWS website
Notices
Eco-Advent Wānanga Sustainable Christmas service online workshop, 18 Nov
Join Eco Church for an Eco-Advent Wānanga, a practical and inspiring online workshop to help churches and individuals integrate sustainable practices into their Christmas services and events. Reduce environmental impact while embracing spiritual rhythms of the season. Celebrate the coming of Christ with a heart for creation, discover how small, intentional changes make a lasting difference. Monday 18 November 2024, 7 - 8.30 pm via Zoom. Register here for zoom link.
Theology and Science online course University of Otago: 11 Nov - 14 Dec 2024
Dr Nicola Hoggard-Creegan, New Zealand Christians in Science (NZCIS) director, will teach a Theology and Science online course at University of Otago. Explore the historical and contemporary relationship between Christian theology and science, focusing on key interactions, historical landmarks, and current issues in biology, physics, ecology, bioethics, and AI. Read more and enrol here.
Our Future with AI by Matt Ensor - Somervell Presbyterian, 7 Nov
Matthew Ensor, a leading expert in Generative AI in New Zealand, will give an engaging presentation on the future of AI. He’ll take you through what AI can already achieve, what’s just around the corner, and how these advancements could perhaps touch everyday life. Followed by a time for questions and discussion. Somervell Presbyterian Church, Remuera, Auckland Thursday 7 Nov at 7.15pm.
IRCA Oceania Network ZOOM, 7 November
International Rural Churches Association (IRCA) kitchen table type conversation as we introduce ourselves and share news and challenges. Update on IRCA Oceania 2025 Fiji Face-to-Face Conference, with local hosts the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma 26-30 May 2025. Connecting together, breaking into the busyness to reduce the sense of isolation prevalent in rural church leadership. Email us to be sure you are on the list for regular links to our ZOOM meetings. ZOOM 7 Nov, 1300 NZDT.
Download Lectionary 2024-2025 Year C Luke
The lectionary starts in December with the 1st Sunday of Advent and is the calendar of the liturgical year, including Scripture readings for each week. Download it from the Church website here.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – book for summer holidays 2024/25
Get in fast and book now for the 2024/25 summer holidays. There are two holiday houses at Glen Innis Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, available at no cost (other than refundable bond) for National Ordained Ministers for a re-creational holiday one week each year. 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). It's self-contained accommodation for up to seven adults and one baby, with modern facilities (including Wifi and dishwasher) as well as access to a range of onsite recreational facilities (games room, swimming pool, tennis court) in beautiful country surroundings. Info here.
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 Christine Sorensen, other recognised minister to minister Papatoetoe – St John’s Church, Northern Presbytery, 22 February 2024.
Rev Arii Taimataora, chaplain PCSANZ Christchurch Men’s Prison and Rolleston Prison to other recognised minister, Alpine Presbytery, 1 May 2024.
Rev Iona Su’a, minister Orakei Presbyterian Church to other recognised minister, Northern Presbytery, 28 July 2024. Please note that this was previously notified in the Bush Telegraph as Rev Su'a changing from minister Orakei Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus.
Rev Dr Bruce Hamill, community minister Island Bay Presbyterian Church to other recognised minister, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu, 2 September 2024.
Retirements
Rev Rachel Judge, minister Mosgiel – East Taieri Presbyterian Church to Minister Emerita, Southern Presbytery, 22 October 2024.
Deaths
Rev Opati Kavana-George, Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 9 October 2024.
Parish changes
Wellsford Cooperating Church, Northern Presbytery, dissolved 31 August 2024.
Kaikorai Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, dissolved 23 September 2024.
Woodlands Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, dissolved 30 September 2024.
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.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
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.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.