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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
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From the Moderator
Warm Pacific greetings.
This greeting is often given at the start of a gathering by people from the Pacific and I use it now as I have just returned from a week in Samoa. I attended a Council for World Mission (CWM) members meeting for the Pacific region, followed by a two-day women’s gathering. And it was very warm temperature-wise!
The Rev Erin Pendreigh, Masele Bakulich Tufeao and I were the delegates from PCANZ. We were hosted wonderfully by the Malua Theological College community and stayed on the campus there. It was good to catch up again with people from around the Pacific islands and especially good to see Rev Collin Kelep and his wife Roslyn from Vanuatu. The earthquake there has left a lot of devastation, and I know our Global Mission Director, Rev Phil King, has been in regular contact with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu. Plans are in place to send structural engineers to help assess damage to PCV buildings in Port Vila. Global Mission recently launched an earthquake appeal and I encourage you to support this.
The theme for the CWM meeting was ‘Together in Transformation’ and we had worship, Bible studies, keynote speakers, reports from the various member churches, and discussion about what the main concerns of the Pacific are to take to the annual members meeting later in the year. Climate change, modern day slavery and gender-based violence continue to be areas of concern. The women’s gathering also discussed gender-based violence and empowerment of women; safeguarding for women, children and vulnerable people; women’s health; and we heard from some women who had participated in the CWM programmes of ‘TIM’ (Training in Mission) and ‘A New Face’ - which Erin has been part of. It was a full programme coupled with cultural evenings, food and conversations which has left us with plenty to think about. A very enriching time.
Coming up
Coming up for me is participation in the Waitangi Day services - you can read my Waitangi Day message to our Church on our website, a meeting with church leaders and the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services advisory group - in preparation for a meeting with the Prime Minister, and preaching at Winton. The months ahead look full of variety and interest.
As we travel into 2025, may we continue to know God’s leading, encouragement and discernment.
Ka kite ano
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
Summer did not make an appearance until I returned to the office this year. My practice of sitting under a Pōhutukawa tree and reading got put on hold.
One of the many gifts the Presbyterian Church has offered me is a deep and lasting interest in, and appreciation of, history. That was not a subject I paid much attention to when I was at school. I do remember at primary school learning something about New Zealand history, and a large (huge actually, it covered most of a wall in the classroom) artwork that we all contributed to of a Māori Pa. I also remember hearing about an extended family member who was in a photo alongside a Sherman tank with other ‘tankies’ of the 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade, after the capture of Cassino, Italy in 1944.
During the summer break, a couple of books on my reading list were Cassino by James Holland and The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi by Ned Fletcher. At the time of writing this I am part way through both.
Holland is an historian I enjoy reading. Cassino is very readable. Maybe a disappointment is the efforts of the 28th (Māori) Battalion at the Second Battle of Cassino which receive a light touch. Maybe I have read more about that and expected more. It’s not a case where one author is right or wrong, or that there is even differing views, more that there are very many valid (and different) perspectives – what you read may change how you judge things.
The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi is over 500 pages and a rich and well researched addition to material so vital at this time in our history. For decades now, the understanding of the Treaty/Tiriti has been framed by Ruth Ross’s argument that the two versions are irreconcilable. Fletcher challenges this and concludes that rather than being at odds, the English and the Māori texts of the Treaty reconcile. In addition he concludes that: British intervention in New Zealand in 1840 was to establish government over British settlers, for the protection of Māori; further, that British settlement was to be promoted only to the extent that Māori protection was not compromised; that Māori tribal government and custom were to be maintained, and British sovereignty was not seen as inconsistent with this plurality in government and law.
This moves beyond matters of Treaty Principals and co-governance!
Last year I found this Dr Paul Moon article a good place to start as we moved towards Waitangi Day. Maybe you might find it helpful this year.
Understanding history helps us to understand how and where we find ourselves today. A better understanding hopefully enables us to engage thoughtfully and respectfully. To quote Paul Moon, “…under international law, treaties are not to be interpreted in an adversarial manner, but in good faith (the principle of pacta sunt servanda). Thus, rather than the parties fighting over the Treaty’s meaning, the requirement is for them to work with rather than against each other.”
Sounds like a great advice at the start of the 185th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty…
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, 4 April 2025. 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 2025
The 2025 General Assembly will be held from 20-23 October at St Paul's Trinity Pacific Church, Christchurch.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2025
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 the Assembly Executive Secretary 5pm Friday, 6 June 2025. Please note – your presbytery will set a date prior to this to ensure that they can comply with this deadline.
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. 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.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Vanuatu earthquake
Most of you will have seen the news reports of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Port Vila, Vanuatu on December 17th. The final official death toll was 14, with over 200 people injured. A recent Vanuatu Daily Post news report stated that 2,800 people have been displaced and need temporary accommodation. The Port Vila CBD is in lockdown, and the demolition of quake-hit buildings is under way. The report said that the CBD will require a Geotech assessment and a new detailed urban design plan. This is sure to be a long-term process. The level of impact on the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu is still unclear, so we have offered to help with providing structural engineers to give building assessments and this is slowly moving forward.
Earthquake Appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu
Global Mission has launched an earthquake appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu. Funds can be banked into the Global Mission account, 02 0500 0086963 10 with the reference PCV Earthquake Appeal. Please email Katrina Graham confirming the donation so a receipt can be emailed.
In other Vanuatu news, for the very first time Talua Theological College has appointed a Vanuatu English teacher. Melvin Lolo (female) will be financially supported by Global Mission so donations towards her support are welcomed. We hope that Melvin’s appointment will be a signpost for the way forward for more ni-Vanuatu to be appointed to teaching roles.
News from Myanmar
I recently participated in a partners Zoom meeting with the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. The meeting heard concerning reports about the high level of internal displacement of Myanmar citizens and the extent of infrastructure damage due to the civil war in the country. Young adults continue to live in fear of compulsory conscription into the Myanmar army. The fourth anniversary of the coup will occur on February 1st, so tensions will be high. Please continue to pray for the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar as they serve in the midst of the profound challenges in their country.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families
Kia Ora everyone and a very happy New Year to you all.
By now, the majority of schools have begun for the year, and no doubt parents will be breathing a sigh of relief having survived another long school holidays!
2025 is looking to be a very exciting yet jam-packed year for PCFM. I am really looking forward to creating some connections with our Church schools, as well as contributing to the formation of our ministry interns through teaching on some key children’s ministry topics at block courses. I will also be travelling to Kentucky in June, to attend and present at Intergenerate Conference, an international gathering of children and families ministry leaders. I am excited to share some insights into the intergenerational journey of the PCANZ and the development of the Whānau Friendly Process. Mandi (Southern Presbytery) and Julianne (Kaimai Presbytery) will be attending with me, and we look forward to sharing the wisdom and knowledge we learn with the wider Church.
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 2025!
PCFM is excited to see what the New Year brings, and looks forward to supporting, encouraging and resourcing those of you who do the hard mahi in the local ministry space! As always, if you are in need of guidance or assistance in any way, please be in touch.
Kia noho a Ihowā ki a koutou (The Lord be with you)
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
Upcoming events
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27 February – Yvonne Wilkie, “A Scripture of Their Own” The Forgotten Voices of 19th Century Women Biblical Interpreters
Through a diverse collection of literature, particularly biographies of biblical women, 19th century women shaped “a scripture of their own”. By reading the “feminine” into the biblical text they created a discourse to empower women to claim “her-story” of spiritual heritage and Christian service. This recent research offers new insight into the lived faith experience that shaped women’s place and role in an era of religious, social, political, and economic change. Co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Research Network. -
20 March – Rev Dr Stuart Vogel, A Disturbing and Ambiguous Encounter: Chinese and Europeans in Aotearoa- New Zealand 1865- 1914
This is a book presentation to Hewitson Library, based upon work funded by the Chinese Poll Tax Fund. Stuart Vogel has served as a missionary and is very knowledgeable about Chinese congregations in New Zealand. PRC is highlighting our RM England Collection on Asian Theology and Culture. -
10 April – Professor Murray Rae, Places Full of Time: How Architecture Reveals the Work of God in History
The nature of time has often puzzled the Western mind. Time seems to slip through our fingers; the present dissolves into the past and is lost, while the future is not yet. In this lecture we will explore the capacity of architecture to resist the elusiveness of time. The resistance offered by architecture to the constant flux of time and to the relentless erasure of the present thus provides a basis for conceiving of time and history as the capacious realm of God’s creative, redemptive and transformative engagement with the world.Murray Rae is a Professor of Theology at the University of Otago. He will be teaching the “Christian Theology and the Arts” course there in July, with attention this year to Theology and Architecture. PRC is highlighting our Chrysalis Seed Collection on Christianity and the Arts.
These talks are Thursdays at 5:30pm, in the Hewitson Wing at Knox College, Dunedin. There will be refreshments from 5 pm. Free and open to the public. See you there.
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Summer Block Course
Our year has commenced with our Summer Block Course in Dunedin (Monday 27 Jan to Thurs 13 Feb). We have two NOM interns commencing: Mark Ambundo (placed at Cashmere Presbyterian Church) and Ola Leasi (placed at St Heliers Presbyterian Church). Six LOM Probationers commence their training and will be present at all block courses in 2025/2026. They are Foliaki Taufa (Riversdale Presbyterian Church), Eli Elikana (Mt Eden Pacific Island Presbyterian Church), Jason Shaw (St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Geraldine), Pepe Reweti (Pt Chevalier Cooperating Parish, Auckland), Isaac Williams (Saint Kentigern College, Auckland), and Siale Talagi (Knox Presbyterian Church, Parnell).
Courses & Resources & Reading Group
This year we are looking forward to rolling out a range of in-person, online, self-directed courses, and resources. We are in close communication with presbyteries about these.
Want to kick off the year with some fantastic spiritual nourishment? We are offering our first ‘Reading Group’ for 2025 which will provide an intentional opportunity to grow with peers in a low-key and encouraging forum. Who is this for? On this occasion, ministers and elders, and limited to the first 10 people to register, starting in March with online sessions held once a week for around six weeks on an agreed evening.
We will journey through Prof Murray Rae’s wonderful new book, “Resurrection and Renewal: Jesus and the Transformation of Creation.” (Said by Alan Torrance to be, “the most important and, indeed, exciting book on the resurrection to have emerged in half a century.”) We may have the privilege of Murray joining us for a session.
Please be prepared to commit to the whole time for group continuity. Participants will be eligible for a book grant of 50% off the price of the title (please utilise retailers with competitive price-points e.g. Amazon.au), or $50, whichever is least. The grant does not apply to postage. Please register interest by emailing Andrew Nicol by 28 February at the latest.
Begg-Dickie Scholarship
The Senatus of KCML is calling for applications for the Begg-Dickie Scholarship. Applicants must have graduated with a Diploma in Ministry from KCML. The scholarship covers expenses related to academic study at either masters or doctoral level. More information on the KCML website. Contact the registrar for application form, completed applications due by 28 March 2025. More information here.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Important dates for 2025
2025 has lots of great training and ministry opportunities from PYM. One of the simplest ways to catch them all is to subscribe to our Google Calendar, with this link you can easily add PYM dates to your own Google (by clicking the + icon at the bottom right of the screen) or Outlook Calendar.
PCANZ Safety WOF Training
If you have got children’s or youth leaders who need to do the WOF training get them to join our online WOF training sessions in March:
Tuesday 4 March 7-9pm - Session 1: Intro and Ethical Practice
Tuesday 11 March 7-8:30pm- Session 2: Health and Safety
Thursday 18 March 7-8:30pm - Session 3: Safe recruitment and responding to abuse
Year 11-13 students Bicultural Discipleship Camp Te Rangatahi Noho Marae
31 May-2 June (King’s Birthday Weekend) @ Ohope Marae. We invite Year 11–13 students to join us for two days of fun, food, faith, and leadership development. This marae stay offers an immersive learning experience exploring: Tikanga Maori;
The emergence of Christianity among Maori and how Te Ao Maori (the Maori worldview) and Christianity can be woven together; The partnership between the Presbyterian Church and Te Aka Puaho; The Treaty of Waitangi; Leadership principles from Te Ao Maori.
This camp had a profound impact on the faith of the students who attended last year, please consider encouraging your young people to this event. For more info see here.
Connect Youth Leaders and Young Adult Conference
Friday 15 - Sunday 17 August at Willow Park Conference Centre, Eastern Beach Auckland. The Connect conference is a fantastic event for junior leaders, youth leaders and young adults. Isolation is one of the most often cited challenges for youth ministry leaders and for young adults trying to follow Jesus. The Connect conference provides the opportunity for attendees to connect, worship and learn with their peers and colleagues. See the Connect website for more information.
Peace
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
Signs of Hope: Young people of our schools
It is well-known that many of our Presbyterian congregations have no young people. In conversations with some of them they lament this lack. Well, do I have good news! This year over 11,000 young people will be exposed to the Good News about God in classes, chapels and daily life in our Presbyterian schools throughout the motu (country).
In addition to influencing preschoolers to 18-year-olds, our Presbyterian schools are also prompting their wider whanau, as well as the many staff who have no Christian background, to be involved in spiritual things. For example, I went to a Christmas Eve service last year at St Andrew’s College, Christchurch. Over 300 people attended this event. While organised by the school’s chaplains it was not something students ‘had’ to attend. Those who participated volunteered to showcase their talents, including some former students. It was, simply, a community gathering.
Our chaplains are also doing an increasing number of funerals and weddings for former pupils, and their extended families because the school is their only connection to a faith community. While we could mourn the breakdown of ties between schools and local churches, we can also see it as a way people who would not normally go to church can choose a faith option.
Our schools were never set up to produce ‘good little Presbyterians’ or ensure conversion to Christianity. Our ethos has always been to invite faith exploration – a “Come and See” method, if you will. But, in an era where the institutional church is declining, our schools are thriving. Families choose to send their children here because they want them to experience and learn from the values promoted. And through living with Christian practices of service and prayer, worship and caring for others, Jesus’ message of love is available for all.
So, please pray for our schools as they continue this amazing work, especially for our chaplains and the other leaders who set the tone for each one of these amazing establishments. And thank God for the signs of hope their work gives to us all.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
Presbyterian Investment Fund - interest rate change
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund will fall from 5.0% p.a. to 4.50% p.a. from 1 February 2025. The PIF On Call rate tends to follow the Official Cash Rate, currently 4.25% p.a., with more cuts expected in 2025. 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. Inflation for the 4th quarter of 2024 was 0.55%, with 2.0% paid to Long Term account-holders as quarterly bonus reserve interest. The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. Rates are subject to change.
Olive Burnett Ministers’ Loan Fund - now interest-free
Ministers’ Burnett Loans will be available interest-free for a trial period of three years commencing 1 January 2025.
The primary rationale is to reduce compliance and management costs. It also has the welcome outcome of benefiting those ministers who need to borrow to support their ministry.
The purpose of the Burnett Loan Fund is to support the borrower’s ministry via making loans to eligible PCANZ ministers to assist them with funding the cost of goods or services, which cannot reasonably be met from current resources. The Trustees will be prudent in considering loan applications. For more details email John White.
Thornton Blair International Travelling Scholarship Fund – proposed changes
The Trustees propose amending the terms of the Fund to provide for scholarships from both the capital and income of the Scholarship Fund for the purposes of assisting those: Training for ministry leadership (both lay and ordained) within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and those undertaking further study, and, in the areas of Children and Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Social Services Ministry, and, With a preference (but not a requirement) for study or training overseas.
Written objections can be made to the General Assembly Commission (via email to Rev Wayne Matheson) no later than 16 February 2025. A final decision will be made at GA2025. Please see the PCANZ website here for more details.
Russell Garrett
Executive Officer
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees
PressGo
Applications close 1 May
The PressGo Board has been meeting to its regular schedule. Applications for grants have been received to the Presbyterian Foundation, the Aroha Fund, and the Mission Enterprise Fund. These are being processed and the Board will report on them in due course.
The cut-off for the next round of applications is 1 May 2025. For guidelines on applying to the various funds, or to request an application form, email PressGo.
CWS Notices
CWS welcomes Domestic Partnerships Lead
Malcolm Sproull has joined Christian World Service as Domestic Partnerships Lead. He joins with a wealth of experience in commercial business, and over 20 years in fundraising and marketing in the nonprofit sector. He is also the author of the book Cracking Generosity: How to build a Fundraising Enterprise powered by Citizen Generosity.
Malcolm is an elder at the Papakura and Hunua Presbyterian Church in Auckland, where he has lived since 1997. Prior to this, Malcolm was a “mainlander” harking from Mosgiel. He is passionate about seeing NZ gospel-centred churches increase their relevance and impact within New Zealand communities. The first nonprofit he worked for was Christian Broadcasting Association. He says, “I was hugely attracted by their mission which was ‘to introduce the essentials of the Christian faith to those who have never understood’.”
Along the way Malcolm has also been involved in fundraising for Oxfam and Childfund, which has given him deep insight into the nature of the work required of effective international aid agencies such as Christian World Service.
Malcolm says he has a few favourite quotes that apply to his new role: “One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests”, John Stuart Mill, 19th century English economist and philosopher (1806-1873). And, “There is only one good reason to make more money than you need and that is so you have more to give away”, Ma Sproull, Malcolm’s grandmother, born in 1888 on the Taieri Plain and who died there in 1984.
Notices
Attend 'Hope Conference', Laidlaw Henderson Campus, 26-28 March
In a world where the toxicity of the contemporary Western church is regularly, and often justifiably highlighted, explore with us how contemporary churches can and should be places of transformation and healing. Gather with theologians and practitioners to explore how contemporary churches are and can become flourishing communities. Speakers include Rev Dr Geoff New, Rev Dr Mark Keown, and Dr Lynne Taylor. Register here.
Apply to attend WCC World Conference on Faith and Order - Oct 24-28 2025 in Egypt, closes 11 Feb
2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a key moment in church history. World Council of Churches will host the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, under the theme, “Where Now for Visible Unity” from 24-28 October 2025, near Alexandria, Egypt. WCC invites nominations from member churches as delegates to attend. Nominees should have expertise in ecumenical theology and be familiar with the work of the Commission on Faith and Order. PCANZ is willing to provide some financial assistance to one successful nominee from the PCANZ. For more information, contact Assembly Executive Secretary, Rev Wayne Matheson Definite expressions of interest need to be received by Feb 12.
Make a submission on the Gene Technology Bill, closes 17 Feb 2025
The Government introduced the Gene Technology Bill in Dec 2024, it proposes ending New Zealand’s longstanding ban on genetic modification removing existing rules around gene technology in New Zealand. InterChurch Bioethics Council (ICBC), of which the Church is a member, prepared a resource last year on the benefits and risks that might surround the many possible and potential uses of gene editing technology today and into the future. ICBC urge us to make our own informed decisions and have your say about the ethical use of gene technology in the many different contexts that are now possible - you and your church have until 17 February to make a submission. See the ICBC resource here and make a submission here.
Artificial intelligence (AI): what is it, where is it taking us, and how does the church respond? Watch a talk by Prof Neil Dodgson
Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken off, with the development of deep neural network techniques inspired by the structure of the human brain. Today, artificial intelligence is used to diagnose cancer, recognise speech, identify people in a crowd and so much more. The rise of AI has made people ask questions: can a computer think? what does it mean to be human? In this Nov 2024 talk, Neil grapples with those complex questions and gives a foundation by outlining where AI has come from, and how it currently works, what it is doing for us today, and where it might take us: the good, the bad, the ugly. What do AI ethics look like? What could the church bring to the conversation? Watch here his presentation for NZCIS.
CWM Training in Mission - applications close February 28
Council for World Mission’s Training in Mission (TIM) Programme 2025 is a fully funded mission studies programme shared with young adults from around the world. Held late April to November 2025 (travel dates to be confirmed). The online (4-5 weeks) preparatory materials will be ready for participants during April. Applicants must be: 20-29 years at the start of programme, single, not an ordained minister; able to spend up to 5 months away from home and commit to time before and after the programme to prepare and contextualize learnings in their own environment; an active member of a CWM member church (PCANZ is), and committed to serve the church upon return. See more info and how to apply here on the PCANZ website.
Lecture/discussion: Mind, God & Spirit with Brian Broom - 22 March, Maclaurin Chapel, Auckland
The experience of Spirit in relationships, in the ‘ordinary and banal,’ and in ‘thin spaces’ with Brian Broom, philosopher-physician. Presentations to open up discussion will include topics like the God with Us who is ‘always already here and there,’ the interior confidence of ‘presence,’ the ‘fundamentalism’ of relationality, and the real problems of ‘things,’ objectivity, categorisation, ‘othering’ and more. March 22, 9am-2pm with lunch provided. Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes Street, Auckland. Registrations essential, register here before March 20 at 6pm.
Lecture: Fear for the future: Eco anxiety and the psychology of climate change (Finding Hope) - 12 March, Maclaurin Chapel & Zoom
Finding Hope in an Uncertain Future - join us for pizza, connection, and conversation on Climate Anxiety. Many people, especially the young, are majorly impacted by a loss of a positive sense of the future. Auckland University Psychology Professor Niki Harre is a leading teacher and researcher in the field of climate anxiety. Learn, discuss, connect. This event is a partnership between NZ Christians in Science, Maclaurin Chaplaincy, and Climate Mental Health Aotearoa. March 12, Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes Street, Auckland, or Zoom, 5 pm for pizza, 5:30 pm for lecture. Register here.
Free 'Worship & Creation' resource from A Rocha USA
A Rocha NZ recommends a free “Worship & Creation” digital guidebook produced by A Rocha USA. It is a resource to help church leaders include eco theology and expressions in their worship and teaching through liturgy, prayers and songs which can “enable and inspire worshiping communities to more faithfully follow Christ, care for creation, and glorify our good Creator”. Download the resource here.
Eco Church gatherings – Hawke’s Bay & Invercargill, Feb 2025
Connect and learn about how we engage with sustainability and Creation Care in our church communities. Gather with fellow church people at the Invercargill Eco Church Gathering, Thurs13 Feb 7-9pm, and Hawke’s Bay Eco Church Gathering, Sat 22 Feb, 10am-12pm. See more details here.
Attend International Rural Churches Association (IRCA) Oceania conference, Fiji 26-30 May 2025
Calling all people with an interest in the church and things rural... if you have a listening ear, and a keenness to be involved as a Christian in Oceania this might be you. Check out the website for the International Rural Churches Association (IRCA) Oceania conference to be held in Fiji. Topics for discussion include: climate change; self-determination; human trafficking; issues relation to RSE workers: drug cartels in the Pacific; abuse of women and children and more. See info and how to send expressions of interest here or email us.
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 – new Maud Hooper house video
Watch new video of Maud Hooper house! 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 and video here.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Licensing
Jono Lange, Kaimai Presbytery, 8 December 2024.
Pauline Hampshire, Northern Presbytery, 8 December 2024.
Tertius Jacobs, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 8 December 2024.
Luke Blackbeard, Alpine Presbytery, 8 December 2024.
John Setu, Northern Presbytery, 15 December 2024.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Jono Lange, ordained and inducted national ordained minister Tirau Community Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 15 December 2024.
Rev Rachael Masterton, ordained and inducted local ordained minister, Coastal Unity Parish, 17 December 2024.
Minister Changes
Rev Kelly Gilson, other recognised minister to minister Hamilton – St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 1 December 2024.
Rev Craig Allan, other recognised minister to minister Mackenzie Cooperating Parish, Alpine Presbytery, 16 December 2024.
Rev Rory Grant, minister Timaru Presbyterian Church, Alpine Presbytery to minister Clevedon Presbyterian Church, 20 February 2025.
Deaths
Rev Roy Christian JP MBE, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 19 November 2024.
Rev Dick Holland, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 1 December 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.