Bush Telegraph June 2009

From the Moderator

Greetings all,

Visiting presbyteries around the country, I am both conscious of the challenges that many parishes face, and encouraged by the many pockets of revitalisation and growth that I see. South Canterbury is a case in point. I began my visit to the region in Twizel, where I enjoyed an evening at Pukaki Cooperating, a vibrant community church resourced very effectively by a local ministry team.

The following morning I stopped over at Tekapo and Fairlie, where I was hosted by transition minister, Bert Schoneveld. Bert spoke enthusiastically of a cooperating parish that is making significant progress grappling with the question of how best to utilise its resources to serve the life and mission of the parish.

From the Mackenzie Country I traveled to Timaru, where four Presbyterian churches are bravely exploring the possibility of forming one parish. And finally on to Geraldine, where I was privileged to take part in a worship service during which we commissioned the new part time national Kids Friendly Coordinator, Lorraine Morgan. How energising it was to be in a church that was nearly full, and in a congregation that had so many young people.

If there are two things that these different church settings grappling with change have in common, it is firstly the need for a biblically and theologically informed vision for worship and mission that is also deeply contextual (no ‘one size fits all’ formula); and secondly, a leadership and ministry team that is trusted and doesn’t rush things. As in so many things, the process is as important as the end result.

At the beginning of May I enjoyed attending “God’s Call: Touching the Earth Lightly”, the APW Triennial Conference. Once again I was impressed by the breadth and depth of missional engagement by the APW through the issues they discuss, the activities they are involved in, and the causes they support both here and overseas. This year is the 45th anniversary of the formation of the APW. In one of the conference sessions, Nan Burgess suggested that a written history of APW should be commissioned for their jubilee celebration in five years. I agree with her. It would be an inspiring, multifaceted story of faith and mission in action.

Grace and peace,
Graham Redding

Assembly Office update

Dear Friends
I know that many of us share a concern for the care of God’s Creation; I was reminded of a broader understanding of the special contribution the Christian Church can make to this commitment during last Saturday’s celebration of the publication of the first New Testament in the Tokelauan language.  We share the proclamation of the Gospel here in New Zealand, with those who speak some of the most endangered languages in the world; peoples whose cultural identities and stories (not to mention in the case of low-lying Tokelau their very nation) are especially threatened. There was something special about the celebration of Pentecost, hearing the Gospel in each of our own languages, affirming together the unity we find in Christ. As I listened to the various speeches, I wondered whether our Church might have some special ‘conservation’ role to play here.

Presbytery Reform

The General Assembly agreed that Presbytery Reform Teams be established by the beginning of 2009, and that presbyteries are to begin operating within the new presbytery structure as soon as practicable, and that the new presbytery boundaries be formalised by the General Assembly. The Very Rev Garry Marquand is the Convenor of the Presbyteries Task Group and you can contact him at gmarquand@clear.net.nz.

Charities Commission

Just a further reminder to include the Presbyterian Church’s number CC33597 on all donation receipts your congregation issues, and in all correspondence with the Charities Commission.

Website redesign

Some technological issues mean we must shift our website, www.presbyterian.org.nz, to a new software platform, and we’re taking this opportunity to also update the site’s design. The redevelopment of the site is going well, and we hope that you’ll find it much easier to find the content that you need. I will let you know when the new site goes live (the old website will remain live until the new website is launched). If you have any queries about this, please email amanda@presbyterian.org.nz

Welcome Bay Community Church

You might have heard about a property issue we have in the Tauranga area. If you haven’t, here’s some background. In 2007 the Bay of Plenty Presbytery invited the Council of Assembly to establish a small commission to resolve long-standing issues associated with the relationship between Welcome Bay Community Church and our Church. The congregation at Welcome Bay has declared their independence of the Presbyterian Church but occupies land and buildings owned by us. 

We are saddened by Welcome Bay Community Church’s decision to leave the Presbyterian Church. Our preference was and is for this church to recommit as a Presbyterian Church; we have invited and strongly encouraged the congregation to do this. We will continue to extend this offer to them.

Our commission dealing with this issue is being led by the former Convenor of the Council of Assembly, the Rev Rhys Pearson. Rhys and his team have explored many different options with the leadership of Welcome Bay Community Church as we seek a solution. I know that all concerned would greatly value your prayers at this time. 

Special legislative procedure

There are two matters needing to be dealt with by presbyteries, UDC’s and Te Aka Puaho before August 2009 under our special legislative procedure (formerly the Barrier Act). View the memo regarding these decisions.

Class of ’84.

Ministers who graduated from “The Hall” in 1985, please contact the Rev Laurie Ennor. Laurie is coordinating a 25 year reunion to be held later this year in Christchurch.  Have you thought about organising a reunion for your year?

Connect ‘09

It is especially important that congregations support their youth leaders to enable them to attend our national youth training and encouragement event in early July in Auckland. If you are setting your budgets now, please consider this as a priority. For information and registration forms contact Emily Wotton, email ycfministry@xtra.co.nz

Press Go

Under the leadership of the Rev Ray Coster, the Press Go Board held its second meeting last month. The Board agreed to focus on some specific areas of work, more about these shortly. In summary, the Board recognised the need to actively encourage congregations to develop new and innovative forms of outreach and mission. The Board also acknowledged the changes that all congregations would need to make in their financial planning in order to be open to the possibility of committing to the Press Go initiative (the Assembly guideline is for each congregation to provide a 1% return on their investments, for example, if 5% interest is received, the congregation agrees to keep 4% and provide 1% to the Press Go Board to support new mission initiatives.)   

National Assessment

The Rev Geoff New, the Rev Helen Martin and their team of assessors met ministry candidates during the National Assessment Weekend at the end of last month. A huge ‘thank you’ for the hard work and energy of this work group in fulfilling this challenging task. 

It is not too early to think about identifying those in your congregations who you discern may have the calling and leadership skills we need for our Church, now and in the future.  Check out the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership website for more details.

Thank you again for your prayers and your generous support of our Church.
Martin

Kids Friendly update

Hopeful stories from the South

It was wonderful to be included in, and lead workshops at, the South Island Ministry Conference in Dunedin last week. Dunedin, my “Vatican City”, holds a special place in my heart as it was the first presbytery to embrace Kids Friendly.

Four years ago I was contracted to coach churches to self-review and become Kids Friendly. This work continues with the Kids Friendly Dunedin coach Cheryl Harray. Today Dunedin still has the most Kids Friendly churches in a presbytery.

I was encouraged at the conference to see almost every hand in the room rise when John Daniel asked, “Who knows about Kids Friendly?” I certainly felt among friends, and the welcome and warm embraces were typical of South Island hospitality.

The Rev Martin Macaulay, of East Taeiri, asked the panel of service team representatives to share some stories of hope and encouragement with the audience. I hear so many encouraging stories that it’s sometimes hard to know which ones to pick. Again, at this conference, I was blessed to hear stories of hope. For example, I heard about the Invercargill intern and his church members who are serving their local school, building friendship, trust and reaping the rewards.

“We now have 12 children in church on Sunday, and the school keeps asking if they can bring their children to our church for special services,” said Nyalie Paris excitedly.

The Kids Club ministry at Columba in Oamaru, youth worker Michael Frost said he has many enthusiastic volunteers from the church, and almost more children than they can handle wanting to participate and befriend the elderly leaders.

Flagstaff community worker, Carolyn Sims (and her wonderful volunteers), are having a huge impact on their community, and Carolyn has had tremendous support from a real estate agent promoting her services to the community. “I can’t understand where she heard about me” says Carolyn, (who is renowned throughout Dunedin, and the country, for her weekly “Nitbusters” programme at the local school).

Churches all over New Zealand are catching the Kids Friendly vision of being “communities of inclusion, belonging and nurture”, for children and families. And the impact of their efforts to intentionally let the children come is exciting and encouraging.

Global Mission update

Hot topic

India and Thailand

Each year 300,000 to 450,000 people are trafficked within Asia, generating a profit of 5 billion US dollars for the traffickers. Trafficking is a reality and it is a major focus of two of our partner churches - the Church in North India and the Church of Christ in Thailand. Both are running programmes to combat this devastating evil. One example is “Nightlight”, an urban ministry in Bangkok that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of Nana. This programme provides economic and educational opportunities such as life skills training, public awareness, outreach, shelter, assistance and intervention of trafficking. If you want to know more, and would like to support this work, then please contact us at the Global Mission Office.

Madagascar

In Madagascar political crisis, three cyclones and a famine are just a few of the issues they are facing. In the midst of these crises, an orphanage and half way home called “Akany Avoko” has been caring for orphaned girls and other young girls who would otherwise be in prison because of committing petty crime. Because the country is struggling more than usual, many more young girls are being abused. If you are interested in knowing more about Akany, and how you can support the work done there, please contact GMO. Some examples of this work are: caring for babies and toddlers, education, life skills training and generating alternative energy for running the centre.

Myanmar

A rat plague has caused a famine in Myanmar. Our relationship with the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar ties us deeply to the people of this nation, in recent years they have suffered greatly. The rat plague has caused 40 children to die, and more than 100,000 are seriously affected by the crisis. One local, from the Chin Hills said, “We catch more than 50 rats daily, and we eat the rat meat for survival”.

Our Church has assisted in Myanmar with micro finance programmes, water buffalo for villages, bicycles for ministers, and helped to support chicken farms. Now with another crisis taking place, can you help? To find out how, please contact Global Mission Office.

If you want information on some of the other places we are in partnership with, then don’t hesitate to contact the GMO. We would love to hear your stories.

In Hope
Stuart

Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership update

Auckland Matters

Please note two upcoming events: The first is a gathering on 6 July for members of Auckland, South Auckland and North Shore Presbyteries, called “Auckland Matters”. Come and enjoy a free meal at Grafton Hall (Seafield View Road, opposite Auckland Hospital) at 6.30 pm; meet the Knox Centre staff and students, and hear the Rev Jacky Sewell speak on the engaging topic of, “Spiritual Pilgrims: Youth, Church and the Quest for God in Aotearoa New Zealand”.

Calvin Conference

The second event is the Calvin Conference at Knox College on 24 and 25 of August. Visit the conference website to find out more and to register. Preceding this event, there will be a church service at First Church on the evening of Sunday 23 August. And from 20 to 23 August there will be a daily son et lumiere (sound and light) performance at First Church. This multi-media show aims to let a multitude of voices be heard, ‘the anger and the frustrations and the hope’, to recreate the ‘emotion around the kitchen table, and the reverence around the communion table’. The show attempts to project images of a possible Eden - First Church as a green oasis in the heart of the city - to illustrate how central the Psalms (and Burns’ songs) were to ordinary people, ‘practical dreamers’.

First Church’s neo-Gothic towers underline the loftiness of the intentions. The social, the educational, and the religious, are envisaged as a seamless whole; life with a rhythm to it, rotating around the Sabbath; anti-privilege, anti-hierarchical; Bible in the hand, Burns in the hip-pocket. It will be a new take on the theme of the settler, revisiting the myth of origins. Neither nostalgic nor deconstructionist but (hopefully) imaginative, humorous and critical. Implicit will be the questions: What makes a city healthy? What are our networks today? What vision drives us?

The scriptwriter and director is Richard Huber, one of New Zealand’s best known theatre people. Martyn Roberts will apply his genius to the sound and lighting dimension. It will be an occasion not to be missed.

Hope to see you there.
Graham Redding (Principal)

National Mission update

CAIRA Supervision Course

In May, the National Mission Office enabled two introductory meetings, in Invercargill and Dunedin, during which Marilyn Welch (from Auckland), outlined the CAIRA approach to supervision. There was positive feedback from all those who attended, and several people expressing interest in looking further into supervisory training.   

The CAIRA programme was formed by two New Zealand ministers. The CAIRA National Advisory Group meets twice a year, they coordinate the programme, and ethics and standards; the Auckland-based Executive Group meets regularly to handle annual licensing and day-to-day running. Trainee supervisors work through two-year formational training in pastoral supervision, with 80 hours of group work and at least ten hours working face-to-face with supervisees.  The CAIRA model develops collegiality, authority, identity, responsibility and accountability, and explores the way these interconnect with one another.

The South Island Ministry Conference

The South Island Ministry Conference took place 19 to 21 May at East Taieri Church. National Mission Enabler, John Daniel, was pleased to see tangible evidence that various National Mission initiatives are well on their way to becoming “entities in their own right”. John conducted a workshop on wellness, he met with the new national Youth Ministry Development Leader, Carlton Johnstone, and he spent time in strategic planning.

Last month, a number of people opted to receive the monthly National Mission ezine.   This has information on new books, church, leadership, wellness issues, resources, and other relevant material. To receive the ezine, send an email to: missionadmin@maxnet.co.nz

Mission Possible: We do the possible, and God does the impossible!

Youth Ministry update

Connect Update

A reminder that the special early bird rate for Connect ends this week. Registrations must be postmarked 5 June or earlier to qualify for the cheaper price. Youth leaders are coming from all over the country – make sure that yours experience this fantastic networking and training event!

Connect is for youth leaders from Presbyterian & Uniting Churches. All volunteers, youth workers, youth pastors, elders, and ministers who are working with young people are welcome. Both new and long serving vocational leaders will be catered for in workshop options. The new enhanced options cover a wide range of interesting topics to both inspire and resource leaders. There will be a whole host of workshop contributors from the Church, as well as fantastic youth ministry leaders from other denominations and organisations. There will be something for everyone.

Plans are progressing well for this exciting weekend. Here are some of the other features we’re looking forward to for Connect ’09:

  • Catching up with PYM people from around the country and meeting new ones.
  • Being challenged and encouraged by the keynote speaker.
  • Soaking in worship and ministry time with God.
  • Becoming inspired and equipped by the variety of workshops available.
  • Contribution of ideas and opinions in small group time.
  • Being treated to a special Saturday night dinner.
  • Enjoying the community atmosphere, fireside chats, inspiring art(space) exhibition and play(space), hot cuppas, helpful information in the expo area and resource exchange.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the PYM website.
Please get in touch with Emily Wotton if you have any questions. Telephone 09 524 5379 / 021 161 4794 or email ycfministry@xtra.co.nz

APW update

Butterflies, Book of Ruth, burning of fossil fuels were all part of APW’s Triennial Conference and 45th birthday.

Approximately 120 people attended the APW ”Touch the Earth Lightly” Conference in Palmerston North from 1 to 3 May.

Highlights on the Saturday were the guest speakers and workshops, including international speaker Linda Bales Todd, from Washington DC, who gave an inspiring keynote address. Linda told the Biblical story of Ruth, skilfully and compassionately interweaving the different issues affecting women and children living on a rapidly changing planet. Dr Kevin Tate also delivered an address on the science of global warming, with clearly presented facts that were both graphic and sobering.

The conference business sessions reflected that APW is indeed alive and well, despite some churches being unaware of the role, and outcomes, of the APW.

Two remits carried by the conference that will be of interest to the entire Church:

  • That, after consultation with the Council of the Inter Church Hospital Chaplaincy, the APW National Coordinating Group* write to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health requesting an increase in Government funding for Hospital Chaplaincy.
  • That, the APW National Coordinating Group initiate a “special project” within the entire Church, to obtain funds to increase the number of scholarships for, and refurbish the hostels at, Turakina Maori Girls’ College.

Full report can be downloaded at the Association of Presbyterian Women, APW website.

* The APW National Coordinating Group is responsible for policy, administration and national leadership in various areas.

Noticeboard

Signatures required for Pacific Conference of Churches climate change petition

The Pacific Conference of Churches is seeking signatures for its climate change petition. The PCC asks you to print the petition, fill it with as many signatures as possible, and then mail it to them by September 1, 2009.

The petition will be sent to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to impress upon the international community the urgent need to set an ambitious limit to the release of greenhouse gases to protect our fenua and moana (terrestrial and marine ecosystems), and to safeguard the health and welfare of the Pacific peoples.

Please mail full petitions to: Pacific Conference of Churches Secretariat, GPO Box 208, Suva, Fiji.

For more information, and to download the Pacific Conference of Churches petition.

The Introduction Work Group

The Introduction Work Group is in urgent need of Parish Profiles for existing students, and is seeking Parish Profiles for the 2009 graduating interns from the Knox Centre of Ministry and Leadership. Please forward the profiles to:

The Convener - Amanda Guy, 4 Mount Street, Wakari, Dunedin or email: children@kaikoraichurch.co.nz. For more information phone (03) 476 6559 or (03) 476 2967.

Volunteer Awareness Week

14 to 20 June 2009

Volunteers are the back bone of parishes, so this Volunteer Awareness Week why not acknowledge your volunteers with a “thank you” morning tea!

Volunteer Awareness Week is also great time for first-timers to give volunteering a go in their parish or community. To find out more about volunteering, visit www.volunteernow.org.nz or call 0800 VOL CNTR.

Volunteer Awareness Week 2009 will be celebrated throughout New Zealand with a range of activities and events, perhaps your parish could host an event?

Spiritual Growth Ministries Trust offers Spiritual Directors’ Formation Programme 2010 - 2011

This comprehensive two year part-time course is open to mature Christians of any denomination.

The course offers : systematic study of spiritual direction, regular workshops conducted by an ecumenical team of qualified leaders, supervised practical experience and a ‘spiritual companion’ option in year two.

For details contact: sgmtp@xtra.co.nz, phone (04) 234 1992 or visit our website www.sgm.org.nz

Applications are due by 20 August 2009. Late applications may be accepted.

Conference for Rural Churches

25 to 28 June

In June, Balclutha will host the Conference for Rural Churches - the theme is “Mission in the New Millennium”. The conference is being organised by the Otago Southland Synod. Guest speakers are David and Linda Webber, ministers in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia, Canada. Their congregation is made up of house churches scattered across of 80,000 sq kms. 

The Webbers began their ministry 19 years ago and now share it with three other ordained ministry partners.

During the conference participants can take part in workshops covering leadership, worship, community, and looking at trends in farming with implications for rural churches.

For more on David and Linda see: http://www.cariboopresbyterianchurch.bc.ca/ministryteam.html

To book, contact conference registrar Zona Pearce, telephone 03 214 9414.

Institute of Policy Studies Symposium, Victoria University of Wellington, on climate change and migration

9 and 10 July 2009

Migration has long been a means by which peoples respond to changes in their natural environment. However, despite the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warning in 1990 that human migration and displacement might be the single greatest impact of climate change.

The aim of this conference is to bring a multi-disciplinary focus to bear on this issue. International, regional, and domestic speakers will examine the potential drivers of regional migration in a climate change affected world, its potential impacts, and possible policy responses.

Keynote speaker:

Phillipe Boncour, Head of International Dialogue, International Organisation for Migration, Geneva.

To register (there is no cost) contact:

Institute of Policy Studies E: ips@vuw.ac.nz T: +64 4 463 5307  F: +64 4 463 7413

Paeroa Co-operating Parish

You are warmly invited to join the Paeroa Co-operating Parish to celebrate one hundred years of worship in the same building!

Paeroa Co-operating Parish, formerly St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, request that you join them on the weekend of 1 and 2 August, 2009.

The cost is $50 per person. Motel and B&B accommodation is available (at your own expense), and there are also limited billets.

Registrations close 10 July 2009

Contact:

Paeroa Co-operating Parish Church office, Centenary Celebrations, P.O. Box 54, Mackay Street, Paeroa 3600.
Phone or fax (07) 862 6110

Presbyterian Foundation Grants

Applications are now open for this year’s Presbyterian Foundation grants. Information on the Presbyterian Foundation, grant guidelines and applications forms are available through the Grants section on the website.

The deadline for presbyteries to endorse and forward applications is 15 September 2009.

CANZ Conference

Ceremony - Creating The Experience conference
24 to 26 July 2009

Ministers and other interested people are warmly invited to attend the Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ) conference at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland.

The Conference offers a wonderful opportunity to join with celebrants and others who are interested in ceremony and ritual in contemporary society. Keynote speakers include Joy Cowley and Cyril Schafer. A wide range of workshops will be available.

Please visit our website to view the programme and to download a registration form:

http://www.celebranz.org.nz/

For further information, please contact the conference secretary Jan McCallum on 021 303 342 or the conference convenor Kerry-Ann Stanton on 027 474 5003.

Conference examining the problem of evil in evolutionary perspective

Laidlaw College, Auckland .
25 to 27 June

Dr Christopher Southgate, University of Exeter, will be the keynote speaker at this conference. He is a theologian, poet and author of The Groaning of Creation (Westminster/John Knox). Prof Grant Gillett, and historians John Stenhouse, Ruth Barton and Peter Lineham, will also be speaking, together with theological input from Laidlaw and Carey Colleges.

Email Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan at nicolahc@laidlaw.ac.nz for more information or visit www.tyndale-carey.ac.nz

Calvin Rediscovered conference website

To mark the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, and the Theology and Religious Studies Department of the University of Otago, are organising a two-day conference (24 - 25 August 2009). Visit the new conference website: http://calvinrediscovered.wordpress.com

The Lombard Essay Competition 2009

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches is pleased to announce that entries can now be submitted for the best theological essay (in English) on: “John Calvin: Creation, Christ and the Stewardship of Life. What Would Calvin Say? Responsible Stewardship in the Face of Today’s Ecological and Financial Crises.”

Prize is open to all theology students or pastors 35 years of age or younger. Please submit no later than 1 September 2009.
1st prize US$1,000
2nd prize US$600
3rd prize US$400
For further information visit www.warc.ch or email: warc@warc.ch

CWS notices

Emergency Appeals for Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Christian World Service urgently needs your support for the tens of thousands of civilians displaced by conflict in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. CWS is appealing for funds to provide food, shelter and medical care for people caught up in the recent fighting in north-east Sri Lanka as they have fled with no belongings and are suffering trauma and severe injuries. The extent of the crisis is worsening.

Meanwhile, fighting between the Pakistani army and Taliban militants in north-western Pakistan has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee for their lives. CWS is appealing for donations to help meet urgent needs for food and shelter.

Church fliers can be downloaded from www.cws.org.nz Please see the website for further information and to donate online. Please also keep the people of Sri Lanka and Pakistan in your prayers.

For sale: The Jandal Band DVD

Due to popular demand, CWS is now selling a short DVD featuring the inspirational Green Acres Jandal band of Lauru, for $15, to raise funds for local schooling. For copies contact cws@cws.org.nz or phone 0800 747372. This lively children’s group features in the documentary on the Lauru Land Conference of the Solomon Islands, the current APW/MWF special project.

New Resources

The Churches Agency on International Issues has released its ninth Hot Topic. Exceptionally Inhumane Weapons looks at the devastating impact of land mines, cluster munitions, and depleted uranium; profiles the movements to ban these weapons and questions the ethics of investing in the arms industry. Copies are available from the CWS website. Go to www.cws.org.nz/resources/churches-agency-international-issues to download the PDF or contact CWS for a free copy.

Refugee Sunday 21 June

CWS has some worship material available focussing on the situation in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Download from the website www.cws.org.nz or contact 03 366 9274.

Church Register

Church Register Changes for Bush Telegraph as at 20 May 2009

Reception to the Roll:

  • Rev Peter Jackson, from Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), to Other Recognised Minister, Wellington Presbytery, 18 November 2008.

Ordination and Inductions:

  • Rev Arii Taimataora, Licentiate, Auckland Presbytery, to Minister, Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 18 January 2009.
  • Rev Phyllis Harris, Licentiate, Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery, to Minster, Lincoln Union Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, 8 February 2009.
  • Rev Karen Nelson, Licentiate, Auckland Presbytery, to St Aidan’s: Conifer Grove/Takanini, South Auckland Presbytery, 30 April 2009.
  • Rev Russell Thew, Other Recognised Minister, Dunedin Presbytery, to Chaplain, Aged Concern Presbyterian Support, St Andrew’s Home, Taieri Court, Dunedin & North Otago Presbytery, 29 April 2009.
  • Rev Howard Carter, Ahuriri/Putorino Parish, Gisborne-Hawkes Bay Presbytery, to Minister Student Soul, Auckland Presbytery, 5 March 2009.

Changes in Status:

  • Rev Karl Lamb, Local Ordained Minister, Te Anau Presbyterian Church, Southland Presbytery, to National Ordained Minister, Te Anau Presbyterian Church, Southland Presbytery, 2 October 2007.
  • Rev Nancy Parker, Local Ordained Minister, Waiareka-Weston Parish, Dunedin and North Otago Presbytery, to National Ordained Minister, Waiareka-Weston Parish, Dunedin and North Otago Presbytery, 11 November 2007.

Changes in Co-Operative Venture Ministries:

  • Rev Joohong Kim, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, to Minister, North Avon Presbyterian and Shirley Methodist Joint Agreement, Christchurch Presbytery, 3 February 2009.
  • Rev Andrew Donaldson, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, to Minister, Sumner/ Redcliffs/Lyttelton Union Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, April 2009.
  • Rev Norman West, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, completed term at Kaiapoi Co-operating Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, March 2009.
  • Rev Barbara Stephens, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, completed term at Oxford District Union, Christchurch Presbytery, 31 January 2009.
  • Rev Graeme McIver, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, completed term at Sumner/Redcliffs/Lyttelton Union Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, 31 January 2009.
  • Rev Brian Turner, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, to Minister, Waimakariri Shared Ministry (Oxford District Union, Rangiora Methodist, Kaiapoi Co-operating Parishes), Christchurch Presbytery, 4 February 2009.
  • Rev Neil Keesing, Minister of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, to Minister Mt Pleasant/ Heathcote/Ferrymead Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, 25 January 2009.

Short-Term Appointments:

  • Rev Peter Jackson, Minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, appointed to Stated Supply for 4 months, Tawa Union Church, Wellington Presbytery, 1 July 2008.
  • Rev Peter Jackson, Other Recognised Minister, Wellington Presbytery, to Minister, Stated Supply for 6 months, Kaiapoi Co-operating Parish, Christchurch Presbytery, March 2009.
  • Rev Rodney Ramsay, Minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, appointed to Stated Supply for 10 months, St Andrew’s College, Christchurch Presbytery, 1 February 2009.
  • Rev Vivian Coleman, Member, Auckland Presbytery, seconded for 6 months, to Eastview Baptist, 8 May 2009.

Retirements:

  • Rev R F T (Tala) Simanu, Minister, Manakau – Pacific Islanders (Samoan), South Auckland Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, South Auckland Presbytery, 3 May 2009.
  • Rev Neil Johnston, Minister, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Hamilton, Waikato Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Waikato Presbytery, 30 April 2009.
  • Rev Alastair Taylor, Minister, Windsor Community Church, Southland Presbytery, to Minister Emeritus, Southland Presbytery, 30 April 2009.

Deaths:

  • Rev Ronald Simpson, Minister Emeritus, Christchurch Presbytery, died 17 January 2009.
  • Rev Graham Mansell, Other Recognised Minister, Christchurch Presbytery, died 11 February, 2009.
  • Rev Reita Linklater, Minister Emerita, Dunedin and North Otago Presbytery, died 9 April 2009.
  • Rev Leslie Brame, Minister Emeritus, Auckland Presbytery, died 14 April 2009.

Parish Register

Ministerial vacancies

Visit the Ministerial Vacancies page for a complete list of the latest regional vacancies in New Zealand.

General Vacancies

For the latest job vacancies, visit the Job Vacancies page.

Vacancies closing soon:

  • Part-time youth and family worker - Mairangi & Castor Bays
  • Whangarei - St Andrews Church - Assistant Minister
  • Camp Columba - Manager

  • Browns Bay Presbyterian Youth Coordinator (10 hrs/week)

Events

Visit the Events page for upcoming events near you

Upcoming events

  • Paeroa Co-operating Parish - Celebrating 100 years
  • Calvin Rediscovered – New Zealand and International Perspectives
  • Connect 09
  • Christian singles ball - Auckland and Wellington
  • Call for Papers for a Conference on The Ethical Foundations of Public Policy