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Resources
The Presbyterian Foundation
You are reminded that all parishes and presbyteries/UDCs received information kits and application forms for grants from The Presbyterian Foundation earlier this year with a closing date of 15 September 2002.
This is an exciting way of seeking funding for innovative, collaborative, mission oriented plans. More information is available on the website.
Seasons of the Spirit
Mary Petersen, Co-ordinator - Children and Young Families, writes about the new education and worship resource "Seasons of the Spirit".
Seasons of the Spirit is lectionary based and also strongly emphasises the seasons of the church year. The Congregational Life package contains material each week that refers to all possible special days and events internationally and the worship resources within that are built around whatever the special days are.
For example:
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for 3 November, the worship resources focus on All Saints Day; the learning resources page includes background to All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve and also about Ramadan and Diwali which both fall on 6 November this year.
for 10 November the worship resources include a Remembrance Affirmation ... and the learning resources include material about war and peace ... and background information about why the Orthodox Advent begins on 15 November ... and in the Serving resources there is a section on Prisoners and Restorative Justice because in the northern hemisphere 17 November is Prisoners Sunday or Restorative Justice Sunday. There are also references to links to websites providing more information like Amnesty International and the World Council of Churches.
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Those are especially emphasised in the Youth and Adult resources for that day too ... with an amnesty story about "it is better to light one candle ... " and a candle making resource sheet.
There will be special reference to Anzac Day and other southern hemisphere events as well as the northern ones and the internationally recognised days.
This is one of the great strengths of Seasons: it makes very clear the international connections for churches and provides the resources to celebrate and honour them.
Also in the worship resources material for every Sunday there is a reminder to go to www.spiritseasons.com and click on SpiritSightings for international current events links to this week's theme, discussion questions and intercessory prayer suggestions.
This is really exciting venture and provides fresh and relevant resources for every week.
Special Days
Special Days during the next six months include:
21 July National Bible Sunday - The Bible Society provides materials for worship, Christian education and display, available from the Society, Private Bag 27-901, Marion Square, Wellington. www.biblesoc.org.nz e-mail: bibles(at)biblesoc.org.nz
4 August Peace Sunday - Feast of the Transfiguration (Sunday nearest Hiroshima Day, the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki)
18 or 25 August Youth Sunday Encourage youth to join in celebrating the gifts and promise of youth. Material available from Youth Ministries Association through the Bible Society in N.Z., Private Bag 27-901, Marion Square, Wellington. www.biblesoc.org.nz e-mail: bibles(at)biblesoc.org.nz
1 September Council for World Mission Day resources are available from the Presbyterian Church Office, PO Box 9049, Wellington or e-mail: hazels(at)pcanz.org.nz or www.cwmission.org.uk
15 September Churches Education Day - remember all those who work in teaching about Christianity and God in schools throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Churches Education Commission provides materials for worship and display. PO Box 9049, Wellington.
6 October World Communion Sunday - we emphasise locally the worldwide oneness of God's people as they gather round the Lord's table and we also share in remembrance of World Missions.