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Update
Pentecost
We're about to celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost signals hope for our Church. It reminds us Jesus Christ is not bound by time or space, buildings or churches. His presence crosses all chasms of culture and language including those we widen with religious language and culture. He generates action in the street - see how the story so quickly moves to what happens beyond the gathered believers. He inspires people to share news of hope and loosens tongues.
Some years ago, for the season of Pentecost, I changed the heading on our parish bulletin and newsletter from "Presbyterian" to "pentecostal". Perhaps it wasn't my wisest move, judging by the reaction. But I believe in the stories of Pentecost are what we need:
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To find the dynamic to bridge gaps between the gathered group and the wider community;
To build the unity across generations and cultures congregations need to engage a wider group;
To seek and celebrate the Spirit out in the streets where Jesus is present;
To find a language that makes sense in people's lives.
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Council of Assembly
<typohead type=3>Budget</typohead>
The Administration and Finance Policy Group has been drafting the Assembly budget. Its focussed on ensuring we further the "strategic plan" (now called Directions) sent for comment prior to Christmas. Council is conscious every dollar must count. The budget is now with Council which will communicate its decisions shortly.
<typohead type=3>Directions (formerly strategic plan 2002-2005)</typohead>
This document which sets five focusses for the next three years has been revised in light of feedback. The key focusses are:
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Creating and building our ability to respond to the changed environment.
Providing an information base to help equip and resource mission and growth.
Revitalising the key qualities which exist at the heart of the Presbyterian Church, for mission.
Strengthening regional structures to support the strategic direction.
Identifying financial resources that may be available to support the new initiatives needed.
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The Service Team have planned how they will help put Directions into effect, as part of the wider group.
Directions raises questions:
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What does a congregation stabilised around a style of an earlier era do to relate to a wider range of people?
Where that is not feasible what new communities of faith could Presbyteries plant or congregations develop?
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Directions can be found on the website.
Service Team
<typohead type=3>Welcome and farewell</typohead>
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The Rev. Paul Kim has been inducted to the Assembly position of Asian Liaison Officer. Congregations and Presbyteries are encouraged to contact Paul when they need advice in relation to Asian peoples.
The Council of Assembly has appointed the Rev. Andrew Bell, chaplain at St Kentigern's College Auckland as Overseas Missions Secretary. Andrew begins in his new role 1 August 2002. Andrew brings experience as leader of a church mission in Zululand, as parish minister in a co-operative venture, and as chaplain in a large Presbyterian School
The Rev. Dr Joe Bush has submitted his resignation as lecturer at the School of Ministry, the resignation to take effect 31 July 2002. Joe has been appointed Associate Professor at the United Theological College in Twin Cities -for kiwis that is Minneapolis and St Paul. He will have particular responsibility for contextual studies. We are thrilled for Joe. Joe has had a major role in the establishment of the Ordination Studies Programme at the School of Ministry.
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<typohead type=3>Other news</typohead>
Neville Emslie, Principal of the School of Ministry, has been visiting Presbyteries and congregations in the South Island as part of his programme of being oriented to working in the Presbyterian Church.
Chris Nichol is in Papua New Guinea for a week as part of his work for the Council for World Mission. Chris and Leigh Bredenkamp, formerly of this office, are auditing communications in the CWM Pacific Churches. So far they have visited Samoa, American Samoa, Kiribati, and the Solomon Islands.
2002 Year Book
The Year book has been posted out. You will notice it does not have statistics included. They are not being published in book form this year but will be available on the web soon. If you would like a hard copy please contact us.
Cook Islands mission
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52,569 Cook Island Maori live in New Zealand.
70 per cent were born in New Zealand.
3/5ths live in the Auckland region.
1/3rd live in Manukau City.
The median age is 19
About 20% speak Cook Island Maori fluently.
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The Church of Scotland is grappling with issues similar to ours. You may like to read their material at www.churchwithoutwalls.org.uk. I find the best site for accessing resources for worship is www.textweek.com.
Noho mai ra.
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