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Update

Writing, writing, writing

It's all go as Council and Policy Groups finalise reports for the General Assembly. Where would we be without e-mail?

You've got mail - not

Exactly! Our e-mail system stopped functioning around 15 June. If you sent me an e-mail between 15 and 25 June I probably never received it. Could you please send it again. We linked again on 26 June.

A missionary worker from Zambia

Council for World Mission have offered our church the chance to receive a Missionary worker from Zambia. Elizabeth Chirwa is an ordained minister of the United Church of Zambia, she currently pastors a church of 2000 members and is interested in coming to serve in New Zealand. Elizabeth has experience as a trainer of trainers. She is also a nurse and has experience of HIV/AIDS counselling.

We believe that CWM may be able to help with part of a stipend for her to work here, but the Mission Resource Team are looking for a congregation who might receive Elizabeth and support her as she shares her gifts with them and the wider church.

Contact: simonm(at)pcanz.org.nz

Act safe

There has been much publicity about the consequences of sexual misconduct in the Church. The articles remind us of the importance of being aware of and respecting boundaries. Since 1996 we've had 13 sexual harassment cases against 11 people, both clergy and lay leaders. All those complaints have been or are being processed. This includes a case that is currently before the courts involving a lay leader.

The publicity also highlights the need to ensure complainants know how to make complaints. You should have the requisite notice in the church foyer or somewhere people can see. It also highlights that if your Session or Parish Council receives notice of a complaint it must follow the process outlined in Appendix E-9 in the Book of Order. Remember too that there is a strong expectation that the police will deal with cases involving complaints of a criminal nature (eg. against a minor)

Messages to Presbyteries

Messages have gone to Presbyteries and Union District Councils regarding:

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The Directions paper - a developed version of what was circulated to parishes and presbyteries prior to Christmas. The paper sets out priorities for the work of the Service Team and Task Groups. A copy is available on the website under Who We Are>Presbyterian Church>Directions, and a copy is with the Presbytery Clerk or can be obtained from this office. A copy is also going to all those who made submissions

Nominating Review process. Through my mistake the Council overlooked consulting presbyteries and union district councils prior to considering the report of the Task Group on the Nominating Review, as Assembly asked. They wish to ensure consultation occurs so have sent the report to presbyteries and union district councils seeking feedback by 13 September 2002. A copy is with the Clerk or Secretary, or can be obtained from this office.

Hospital chaplaincy - Council has received correspondence regarding hospital chaplaincy funding. To keep people informed a memorandum describing the national Presbyterian situation has been distributed. If you would like a copy please contact your Presbytery Clerk or Secretary or this office.

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Noho mai ra,