Home » News » Bush Telegraph » Issue archive » September 2002 » Resources

Resources

The Presbyterian Foundation

By the time you receive this mailing the deadline for applications for grants from The Presbyterian Foundation will be upon us (15 September 2002).

However, as this is an exciting way of seeking funding for innovative, collaborative, mission oriented plans we decided to print a couple of stories about groups who received funding for this year to encourage you. More stories are available on the web site.

<typohead type=3>Paeroa's Peace Garden and Peace Pavilion and Video Production</typohead>

The Rev. Stan Stewart from Paeroa Co-operating Church writes: "A grant from The Presbyterian Foundation has made a number of exciting things possible in the Paeroa Parish.

Over the last year we have been steadily working towards the establishment of a Peace Garden and a Peace Pavilion. Very extensive planning has been undertaken and information has been gathered from around the world. Stage one of the Peace Pavilion will be complete in November 2002.

The Peace Pavilion is based on a concept the Stewarts saw in action on their Study Leave in the USA. It is an interactive experience for children and junior teens. In the course of a ninety-minute programme the children are sensitised to the awful consequences of violence and exposed to the wonderful benefits of co-operation and mutual respect. It helps children realise that there are always alternatives to aggression and violence.

The Paeroa Church has a fledgling Video Production company. In June 2001, the Mercury Bay Historical Society approached the Company with a request that they make a documentary on Captain Cook's visit to Mercury Bay. Without the help of The Presbyterian Foundation the Company would have not had the resources to undertake this project. After 12 months the documentary is now complete and has been enthusiastically received by audiences young and old.

The documentary tells of Cook's visit from the Maori perspective as well as being based on records from Cook and Banks. Humour is used to confront the ongoing issues of race and land."

<typohead type=3>Playgroup at St Columba, Pakuranga/Botany Downs </typohead>

Karen Nelson writes:

"St Columba, Pakuranga/Botany Downs, seeks to be a relevant Christian witness in the heart of the community. Towards the end of 2001, the Children's Ministry Team of St Columba was grateful to receive a generous grant of money from The Presbyterian Foundation to establish a new approach to mission with the 'under-fives' and their caregivers.

Playgroup Co-ordinator, Viona Schulz, and her team of helpers run a quality, fun programme in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Development Unit. A typical morning session includes free play and adult directed activities. There is painting, play dough, dress-ups, fantasy, water play, blocks, puzzles, a mat time, songs, stories and heaps more. While the young are exploring, discovering and socialising, adult care-givers are unwinding over a coffee and chat.

From very small beginnings, Playgroup has grown to three morning sessions per week, one of which now has around forty children attending. The many smiling faces and regular inquiries reflect the great need for such an outreach to this community.

Print Resources

Pre-Order of Preaching Notes and Prayers Kits

Now is the time to pre-order the 2002/03 Preaching Notes and Prayers Kits. We are very pleased to tell you that the Kits for next year will be priced the same as this year - $70, including G.S.T. and postage.

Writers for these kits are: The Revs. Edwin Clarke of Palmerston North, Martin Baker of Auckland, Gloria Zanders of Blenheim, Graham Millar of Wellington, John Franklin of Palmerston North, Harry Swadling of Wellington, Alan Judge of Maniototo and Warren Deason of North Shore.