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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
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From the Moderator
Tena koutou katoa
I recently attended part of the 150th celebrations of the Knox Presbyterian Church in Waimate. A great occasion as people gathered over the weekend to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the Body of Christ in that place. As Moderator, I conveyed greetings and congratulations from our national Church and planted a kowhai tree in the church grounds – a first for me! At this significant moment in the life of this church, I thought of the words from Ephesians 4:16 “Under Christ’s control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love”.
I found a family connection to the Knox parish. In 1935 my great uncle, the Rev William Couling from the Geraldine parish, and the Moderator of the Timaru Presbytery, opened and dedicated the new church there. It is a small world.
When I was out walking the other day, I pondered what I would write in this column, and I had a strong feeling that there is a real need for prayer for our Church, and for society. I invite you to pray for:
- Our world which is beset with difficulties, violence, conflict, uncertainty.
- Our society which seems to be getting more polarized and conflicted.
- Our Council of Assembly – for wisdom, insight, humility and integrity as we continue to work on responses to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care.
- For our Assembly staff who work hard on behalf of our Church.
- For our presbytery staff and their work in their local contexts.
- For our ministers and elders as they minister to our congregations around the country.
- For all who are suffering in any way through grief, illness, abuse, betrayal, loss of employment, worry, a sense of hopelessness…
There is, of course, so much more we need to pray for. We remember the words from Ephesians 6: 18 “Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people”.
God’s blessings.
Mā te wā
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Kia ora
As sit down to write this column two things are in the forefront of my mind.
First is the work being done to assist us in responding to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. This is challenging and confronting work. The first relates to our response to the findings of the Commission. It will need to strike a balance between accepting specific admissions and not minimising survivors' experiences. We need to acknowledge responsibility when and where it is ours. Your heart can not but be moved as you read the pages of the Report of the Commission. It recounts very dark days and actions that have and continue to have a deep impact on the lives of survivors. Care and attention is required and a posture of listening and considering – before words are formed and finalised.
I invite you to join the Moderator in inviting us to pray for the Council as they grapple with the challenges this work presents.
Second, in a few weeks there will be a gathering at Maungarongo marae, Ohope, by members of the Council of Assembly; members of the Resource Subcommittee and Leadership Subcommittee; members from all our presbytery councils; representatives from the Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga Workgroup; representatives from The Doctrine Core Group; Book of Order Advisory Committee; PressGo Board; and The Church Property Trustees in response to the invitation from Council on behalf the Moderator of the General Assembly, Right Rev Rose Luxford, and Moderator of Te Aka Puahou, the Rev Tamiana Thrupp. It will be an opportunity to be together and be one together. We will take time to retell our story - whose we are – and, using some of the reflections from Te Kāhui Whanaungatanga workgroup model to help us be us. It is hoped to create a space for us to ‘be’ and not just time to debate. This gathering could play an important part as we navigate the space we find ourselves in and as we look forward. I am reminded of the theme of our last General Assembly, Authentic and Hopeful in Christ, and note how this captures well this hui. I know many would value your prayers for this time
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. A reminder that feedback on the Doctrine Core Group’s paper “A Theology of Ordination” is due by 31 October 2024 and 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 to be returned by 28 February 2025.
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 are 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
Presbyterian Church Schools
Connections, Part 4
One of PCSRO’s roles is connecting the schools with our presbyteries. A variety of methods are used, like: subscribing to presbytery media outlets and then sharing interesting items in the PCSRO’s regular Chaplains’ Chat or quarterly newsletter. Thus, schools learn of presbytery youth events or job opportunities in churches for part-time teachers, conferences, and relevant articles etc.
Personal visits with presbytery and Synod leaders, along with staff such as regional youth enablers etc are added to school visits when possible. My goal is to remind presbyteries that they have ministers and church members working in their local Presbyterian schools, as well as people that at least recognise the Presbyterian “brand”. We discuss opportunities for collaboration, and I share inspiring stories about our schools.
In August I was asked to share the Presbyterian Schools’ story at Presbytery Central’s gathering. As well as giving background information, such as naming the six schools in their region, I was able to publicly acknowledge the two school chaplains there. In addition, I was able to thank the Presbyterian representatives on the schools’ boards that were also there.
Most of our schools require a tagged Presbyterian member in their governance structure. Their role is to highlight the school’s special character at every board meeting, to remind other board members that their decisions should be filtered through this lens. In addition, they are a connection to the wider Presbyterian Church. In an era where school governance deals with huge issues such as building maintenance, fundraising, staffing, regulatory demands and so on, being on a school board is daunting. But, without a person constantly calling leaders back to their core values, our schools risk making decisions that do not align with them, or even forgetting them.
Please pray for our current Presbyterian representatives (their job is not easy), for new people to be part of school governance (we need more), for our staff (especially chaplains and senior leaders striving to uphold Presbyterian special character in the face of all the other demands on them). And most of all pray for the over 11,000 Presbyterian school students
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Children and Families
Kia Ora from the PCFM office
Recently, I was in Auckland attending the Carey Baptist College Faith Formation in Children block course. It was a fantastic three days of being with people passionate about doing ministry with children, and I came away with excitement for how I can incorporate what I have learnt into the resources and workshops PCFM are producing.
Safety Warrant of Fitness Training
As part of our commitment to the safety and well-being of our tamariki and rangatahi, we require all people working with children and young people in churches to have completed the Safety WOF training. To make this accessible for everyone, we are running a training series online in October and November. If your ministry team needs to complete this training, we encourage you to join us online. More information and registration details here.
Light Party Resource
We are always on the lookout for new ideas for resources, and this year PCFM is proud to release “Light in the Dark”, a shareable resource designed specifically to hand out to visitors taking part in light parties around the country. With a simple gospel message, cool graphics, and a fun wordfinder, we hope that this resource will be useful for those who are blessing their community by hosting a light party this October. It is a digital resource, enabling churches to download and print as they require. Download here.
Advent Resource
We are currently putting the final touches on this year’s Advent resource. We have revamped last year’s resource, changing the format to make it easy for churches to download and print the resource as required. Please keep an eye out on the PCFM website and Facebook page for the release of this resource.
Blessings to you all as we look ahead to Term 4!
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Global Mission
Vanuatu
A team of students, parents and staff from Saint Kentigern Boys and Girls Schools in Auckland have just completed a service programme at Popowoh School in Vanuatu. With assistance from locals and Popowoh students they constructed a new playground, built toilets, supplied and connected water tanks and painted classrooms. It was a great experience for all involved and helped to further strengthen the relationship between the two schools, and between the PCANZ and the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu. The team was led by Saint Kentigern assistant chaplain Isaac Williams, with key logistical support from Global Mission volunteers Neville and Gloria Jones. See photos and videos of their visit on the Global Mission Facebook page.
A team from Wanaka Presbyterian Church will go to Talua Theological Training Institute, Vanuatu in October. The team will share in the life of the college, spend time with staff and students and their families, assess opportunities for project work, and provide some encouragement to our onsite English teacher, Jae Ahn. Travel conditions are improving so if you or your congregation has an interest in a Global Mission project in Vanuatu, please contact me.
On that note, applications are still open for the position of English teacher at Talua for 2025. Find the minimum requirements and full role description here and contact me for further information.
St. Thomas School in Jagadhri, India
With grateful thanks to generous donors who responded to the note in last month’s Bush Telegraph, the remaining expenses for the construction of the Riddell Block at St. Thomas School in Jagadhri, India have been met. It’s very encouraging to know that PCANZ members continue to nurture a deep commitment to St. Thomas. If you are travelling to India, be sure to let me know as a warm welcome will await if you are able to visit there.
Mingalaba newsletter
In case you have not yet seen it, here is the link to the Mingalaba newsletter which was published last month, with news from Myanmar
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Spring Block Course
We have just held our Spring Block Course in Dunedin. This was the last block course for the current cohort of six NOM interns. This block course also marked the last one for those LOM Probationers who have attended block courses in 2023-2024..
Applications for Ministers Study Grants
Applications are invited for the Ministers Study Grant. The deadline for the next application round is Friday 11 October. Guidelines and the application form can be found here. Please email your application to Susan Peters.
Forge Hui
The next Forge Aotearoa hui, Haerenga Tapu is in Christchurch, 7pm Friday 8th November – 11.30am Sunday 10th 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
Dunedin book launch for Peace is Her Song
Presbyterian Research Centre and Knox Church Dunedin are proud to present Anne Manchester in the local launching of her new book on the life and music of Shirley Murray, Peace is Her Song. This event will be held at 5:30 pm on Wednesday 16 October, at Knox Church Dunedin, preceded by refreshments and book-signing at 5 pm.
Journalist Anne Manchester began her career working on the Presbyterian and Methodist newspaper Crosslink, and later served as editor of the nursing journal Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand. She has published three books and edited others.
Hymnist Shirley Murray wrote more than 400 hymns during a career spanning four decades. Not only is she considered New Zealand’s greatest hymn poet, her international reputation is equally significant, with her hymns appearing in more than 140 collections across denominations, countries and continents.
Peace was the theme she explored most, though issues around social justice, human rights, inclusivity within church and society, and ecology all feature strongly. Using economical and contemporary language, she moved the church away from a diet of hymns from past centuries, and other countries, to hymns that express a modern Aotearoa and Southern Hemisphere identity.
This new biography (338 pages, with two photo sections) covers Shirley’s personal, intimate life story – her student years at the University of Otago, marriage to John Murray, motherhood, life in rural Taihape, and work as a researcher for the Labour Party in the 1980s. Her relationships with composers from New Zealand and around the world are also explored.
There is no admission charge for this programme, and the public are warmly welcomed to attend. For further information, email Jay Robinson.
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
PYM Internship
Do you know someone considering youth ministry or youth work training? The PYM Internship provides a structured learning programme, specific learning experiences around our Presbyterian Identity and access a great learning community. Learn more at PYM Internship.
Key PYM Dates for 2024 and 2025
Please encourage your leaders and young adults to mark these key events in their 2025 calendars:
- Key Leaders Retreat (29 November-2 December 2024, Queenstown): Designed for those heading up youth ministries, this retreat offers refreshment, support, and equipping for this vital role. Find out more here. Queenstown Retreat.
- Rangatahi Noho Marae (31 May- 2 June 2025): Calling all Year 11-13 students! Join us for an exciting and immersive two days exploring leadership, faith, and our bicultural past and future. Hosted by Te Aka Puaho, this is a unique opportunity to grow in faith and learn about Tikanga Māori, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the rich partnership between Māori and the Presbyterian Church. Find more details here. Rangatahi Noho Marae.
- Connect Conference (15-17 August, Willow Park, Auckland): A fantastic weekend of worship, learning, and connecting with youth leaders and young adults from across New Zealand. Be inspired, upskill, and build lasting connections!
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 will decrease from 1 October 2024 from 5.50% p.a. to 5.25% p.a. The Trustees expect the PIF On Call rate will likely continue to decrease over the next period as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowers the Official Cash Rate in an effort to help 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.
Updated Earthquake Prone Building Policy
The 2023 General Assembly invited the Trustees to consider aligning the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy with the requirements under the Building Act 2004. In doing so, the General Assembly noted that the Building Act only required strengthening to 34% NBS and typically provided longer timeframes for building owners to carry out any seismic strengthening required.
After due consideration, the Trustees resolved to align the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy with the requirements of the Building Act 2004. This means that congregations (and presbyteries where appropriate) no longer need to strengthen buildings with a NBS between 34% and 66% (inclusive) or apply to the Trustees for an exemption. And those buildings with a NBS below 34% will only need to be strengthened in accordance with an earthquake prone building notice issued by a territorial authority (and the deadline associated with that notice).
The obligations for compliance with the Building Act 2004 (and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015) rest with the church council. Whereas the earlier policy provided some protection for church councils (by virtue of the earlier deadlines and higher standards), this is no longer the case.
The updated Church Earthquake Prone Building Policy can be found on the PCANZ website here.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
CWS Notices
Giving Climate Hope this Christmas
Join Christian World Service in Giving Climate Hope this Christmas.
Rising sea levels, severe weather events, and environmental degradation threaten the livelihoods and well-being of our Pacific neighbours. These communities are vulnerable to climate change and confronted with challenges including food insecurity, water scarcity, and the destruction of vital ecosystems.
At the heart of this year’s appeal is a focus on Oceania, and the changing impacts of climate. Highlighted in our appeal is a wonderful woman of faith, Mrs Mafi from Tonga. We are delighted introduce this lively grandmother to your congregations and we will share ways that together we can support women like Mrs Mafi to build a more resilient future.
Rev Dr Steve Taylor is writing a set of church service resources, including sermon notes, for each of the four Sundays of Advent, and Christmas Day Service. We hope this offering will help you and you congregations as you partner with CWS and support those facing hardships in the Pacific and around the world.
For further information and to get involved, please email Christian World Service or phone 03 366 9274 or 0800 747372.
Notices
Ocean Deep, Moana Nui retreat with Rev Silvia Purdie - Eastbourne, 5 Oct
Wellington/Hutt folks welcome at a Retreat Day, Saturday 5 October, 9.30am-3.30pm at St Ronans Eastbourne - part of the Season of Creation. Facilitated by Rev Silvia Purdie. Cost: $20. BYO or cafe lunch. Register here or email Silvia.
David Ellison Charitable Trust Innovative Project Grant – apply by 15 October
Preference given to applicants with a Christian focus. Applicants can apply for a three-year innovative project for funding up to $30,000 per annum. Registered charitable organisations based in Christchurch or supporting services in Christchurch are invited to apply. Seeking applicants who are looking to introduce a new programme or project and/or looking to collaborate with other charitable organisations to support in any of the following areas: disadvantaged children, youth, the elderly, at risk families. Closes 5pm 15 October. Read more.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand funding available – closes 11 October
Applications are now open for our 2024 round of Contestable Fund Grants through the CLNZ Cultural Fund. There is $75,000 available and last year the same amount was distributed to 15 applicants. Projects should have clearly defined and measurable project outcomes, including those that develop the professional skills of writers, including in poetry and an education audience; diverse content that encourages Māori, Pacific Peoples and other minority and ethnic groups. See more information and apply here.
Recycling Week 21-27 October
Recycling Week is an annual initiative to raise awareness and educate New Zealand on best practices for waste minimisation and recycling. Encouraging conscious procurement and disposal of items, creating a waste-free future for New Zealand. Launched in 2013, an ever-increasing number of organisations take part including churches, schools and corporates. You can register to download free resources here.
Volunteer Wellington seek volunteers in the Wellington/Hutt/Porirua regions
Do you have some time to volunteer in the Wellington region and meet other compassionate people who care for their communities? Volunteers sought for a number of locations including the Wellington Free Store to hand out food, as a job mentor for non-English speakers, for the City Mission at their social supermarket, lots of groups who need help caring for streams and reserves, or deliver science kits to Kiwi kids. Link here to volunteering opportunities in your area.
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.
Retirements
Rev Perema Alofivae, chaplain Prison Chaplaincy Service Aotearoa New Zealand, Auckland Prison to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 26 July 2024.
Rev Iona Su’a, minister Orakei Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 28 July 2024.
Parish Changes
Invercargill – Richmond Grove Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, dissolved 30 June 2023.
Orakei Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, dissolved 28 July 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.