LoginHome » News » Bush Telegraph » Issue archive » September 2002 » News
News
Assembly
In mid October a special Assembly Reportback will be mailed to all congregations. This will contain an outline of key decisions and some of the discussion that lay behind them. For parishes who receive sPanz, numbers will be based sPanz distribution and the supplements sent to the sPanz distributor. For parishes who don't receive sPanz, the supplement will be sent to the parish clerk and numbers will be a best estimate, based on parish statistics.
For those who'd like to be in touch with Assembly electronically there will be regular information posted on the Assembly web site.
For further information contact Communications Coordinator Kirsten Dale, ph 04 381 8292.
Association of Presbyterian Women
"BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS through..."
is the title of the Special Project for 2002 - 2003 for the APW /MWF groups throughout New Zealand.
This year two thirds of the funds raised for the Special Project will go towards projects in New Zealand and one third will go towards an overseas project.
In New Zealand the funds will be shared in a partnership between Presbyterian Support and the Methodist Mission or Wesleycom.
Presbyterian Support will be using their third in maintaining and extending the services they offer to families throughout their seven regional areas. Each region is autonomous and delivers services it knows are required in its local communities. A theme running through all the services provided to children and families is a strength based approach.
Methodist Missions or Wesleycom will be using the other third to be spent in New Zealand on their People in Partnership building Community programme. This group have been working to "Break the Cycle" of dependence, injustice and poverty, and the aim is to widen the vision so that Wesleycom will work with Parishes as they develop links with their communities.
Through the Christian World Service (CWS) the overseas third of the funds raised will go towards the People to People Peace Programmes being organised by the New Sudan Council of Churhes. War is still being fought in the Sudan especially in the South. The result has been catastrophic loss of life, a complete breakdown of the infrastructure and constant movement of refugees both within Sudan itself and to neighbouring countries, particularly Kenya. CWS will apply to the government for funding for the programme from the Voluntary Agency Support Scheme -VASS.
Mission Conveners in each Presbyterial have received the Information Pack, Posters and Brochures. A "parakeet green" poster per parish, and brochures for members will be given to parishes, while the Information Packs need to be requested from the Mission Convener.
Encourage your APW members to use the Information Pack, not only for their meetings but in taking Church Services.
Marva Dawn visit to Christchurch
Marva Dawn is an author, educator and theologian with Christians Equipped for Ministry. She holds a Ph.D in Christian ethics (as well as four masters degrees), and teaches internationally on topics such as worship, community, ethics, spirituality, and pastoral ministry.
She will be presenting a seminar at Spreydon Baptist Church in Christchurch on Friday September 20th, 2002. The topic is Lying Fallow: The Role which Sabbath and Suffering Play in Ministry. Times are 9:30am (registration) - 4:30pm. Registrations to Jeff Whittaker, bryndwrb@ihug.co.nz. Costs are $35 (or $25 for registrations before August 30th).
Marva Dawn will also present the Latimar Fellowship Presentationon Thursday September 19th 2002. The topic for the presentation will be Worship at the Crossroad. This will be held at St Barnabas Anglican Church at 7.00 pm (koha will be taken).
Nationwide quest for Organ
A 2nd year music major student is trying to track down an organ so that he can pursue a major in jazz organ. The specific type of organ he is trying to track down is a Hammond B3, C3 or A105. If your church has one of these instruments or knows of any who has one he would very much appreciate letting him know. Even if you do not wish to sell it he would love to be able to practice on it, touch it or even just look at it!
If you have any information on these organs please contact: Nigel Patterson, 52 Cleveland Street, Brooklyn, Wellington. Telephone: (04) 934-9875.
Cloud and Fire CD
Natalie Yeoman from the Mosgiel-North Taieri Presbyterian Church has recorded 13 original Christian songs on CD with accompanying music book. The CD was recorded by award-winning engineer Phil Yule and produced by Natalie and Phil. The Synod of Otago and Southland funded production of the CDs for distribution to all the parishes of Otago and Southland and it is also offered for sale to others.
The CD includes performances plus separate instrumental backing tracks to aid teaching songs. The companion book has music score, guitar chords and lyric sheets (photocopiable for OHP use).
The book and CD package costs $50 or you can order the CD or book on their own for $25 (prices include postage and packaging). To order a copy or for more information contact: 'Pick and Mix' Productions, 7 Dey St, Mosgiel, Dunedin. (cheques should be made payable to Mosgiel Presbyterian Church).
Regional Church Conference Reminder
A reminder that Ministers, elders and local church leadership teams are invited to attend the 'Regional Church Conference', to be held at the new St. Columba Church complex, 440 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Downs, East Auckland, on 17-18 October.
Sponsored by St. Columba, in association with the Presbyterian Mission Resource Team, it offers an exciting opportunity to explore new configurations of team ministry and a regional approach to the church's mission to the wider community.
Speakers include St Columba's minister Andrew Norton, Simon McLeay, newly-appointed Northern co-director of the Mission Resource Team, and Dean Drayton, Moderator Designate of the Uniting Church of Australia.
Registrations and inquiries to St. Columba, PO Box 64136, Botany Downs, Auckland.