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Update

Inspiration

Over Queen's Birthday I shared in the annual national celebrations of Cook Islands people in the Presbyterian Church. Many hundreds of people from 10 congregations around the North Island gathered at the Pukapuka Community Centre in Mangere. Different ages and styles, and lots of laughter. Rap was heard alongside hymns. Drama was used. Every group sang contemporary and traditionally styled hymns they had written specifically for the event, using a text from 1 Peter. The Community Centre is itself testimony to the vitality of this part of the Church. Formerly a factory this large venue is used for providing support, training, and networking among Pukapuka Islands people in Auckland. As the result of outstanding and sacrificial leadership the community is being built up. The gathering was incredibly inspiring, encouraging, and positive.

Assembly issues

Assembly bodies have been meeting and considering issues to be reported to the General Assembly. Themes considered include:

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Strengthening Presbyteries;

Subordinate Standards;

Pacific Islands Synod;

Membership;

Lay Ministry;

Revised sexual misconduct procedures;

Ecumenism;

Guiding Presbyteries about prioritising resources;

Funding Assembly operations;

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Reports will be finalised by early July for distribution to Session Clerks/Parish Council Secretaries and ministers not in parishes late August.

Service Team Changes

Following the announcement of Joe Bush's resignation at the School of Ministry the School is beginning the process towards making a new appointment. It is hoped the position will be advertised in July.

A new Accountant is being sought in Financial Services following the concluding of Shawn Mander's appointment. In the meantime Bill Armour, treasurer of Wadestown Presbyterian Church, is helping.

Mo Mansill, Youth Ministry Co-Director, is enlisting the active involvement of Wellington youth leaders. Their growing presence in the office is encouraging. Mo continues to visit Presbyteries and meet with youth leaders to help build stronger networks of youth leaders.

The Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall is about to advertise the Librarian's position at the Hewitson Library, Knox College. This is an important position because we want the resources of the Library to be helpful and more available to the whole church. Contact Knox College for further details at email: schoolofministry@knoxcollge.ac.nz or ph: (03) 473 0109

Allan Paulin concludes his term as Mission Resource Team Co-Director Southern South Island at the end of August. However as the Council of Assembly is considering a Mission Resourcing Review it is not presently in a position to fill the vacancy. Allan has agreed to continue on an interim half-time basis through to the end of February 2003. That means from September 2002 he will not be able to provide the level of support presently provided.

Neville Emslie, Principal School of Ministry, is visiting Pacific Theological College in Suva, and Malua in Samoa with a view to building stronger relationships with the Presbyterian Church.

Dick Hubbard

I heard Dick Hubbard speak to a group of about 150 business people. Dick's central point was that politics used to have the greatest influence on our lives, now it is business. Business leaders make decisions which have the biggest impact on our society. Business leaders then have a responsibility to act morally, ethically, and with soul. They need to help build a sustainable future for our environment and for our society. Dick made the point that when he and others began saying these things five years ago business leaders tended not to hear. Now they were more receptive, evident from how people responded to his talk.

What struck me was that this man exhibited a clear belief business leaders could act ethically, morally, and with soul. He did not berate or highlight what business was doing wrong, but in a positive way held out possibilities for a different approach. His approach was credible and positive, although distinctive, which meant people were more likely to listen. He was transforming society from within, part of our calling as well.

Noho mai ra,