LoginHome » News » Bush Telegraph » Issue archive » April 2003 » Noticeboard
Noticeboard
CWS Appeal for Iraq
CWS, together with its partners in Iraq and the Middle East, is launching an appeal for the millions of Iraqi people suffering in the wake of the US led invasion. Donations can be made on 0800 74 73 72.
'The impact on Iraqis and other people in the region will be devastating' says CWS National Director Jill Hawkey. 'The people of Iraq are already vulnerable from 12 years of harsh sanctions and as they flee the bombing and attacks they will put a huge burden on host communities in Iraq and neighbouring countries'. CWS expects there will be huge numbers of casualties and massive movements of population, all in need of food, safe water, bedding and shelter, health care and sanitation.
'Working through partner groups already in Iraq and the Middle East means we can get funds raised in New Zealand to the people who need it quickly and effectively'. As the crisis has escalated, CWS partners have been engaged in emergency preparedness - stockpiling foods, medicines, medical supplies, shelter and bedding, and organising emergency responses. More is required.
This appeal will assist with the distribution of food, medicines, water and water purification equipment, first aid kits, stoves/heaters, blankets, tents, sanitation packs, and school kits for children. Churches and Mosques in Iraq will give shelter and basic supplies to the people in their areas, whether Christian or Muslim, and CWS partners will support refugee camps in neighbouring countries.
Getting aid to those in need will be complicated by mines and unexploded ordinance (UXO). Plans are in place to minimise the risk. CWS partner ACT International has teams ready to demarcate danger areas and provide mine risk education for local people as the threat from mines will last a long time after the conflict ends.
'The first priority is to help those fleeing the war to sustain life, reduce suffering and prevent disease and make sure the communities they escape to are not over burdened' says Jill Hawkey. 'We also need to offer long term development support as the people and country try to recover and rebuild from the devastation of this war'.
Donations: 0800 74 73 72
Friends of Turakina Maori Girls Association
Turakina Maori Girls College is part of the mission of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. Friends of Turakina is the organisation that over the years has raised money for Turakina. Most of the money has been used for scholarships to enable some girls who would otherwise not be able to attend the college, to take advantage of the unique education offered at Turakina. At times money raised by Friends has also been used to improve facilities in the boarding establishment.
In recent years the college has grown until now it has reached its full capacity for numbers of girls attending. This has meant a need for increased boarding facilities, bigger and more classrooms, and such things as a computer suite to keep up with advances in modern education. Only very recently has the school been able to have its own swimming pool and it is still without a gymnasium. An increasing number of girls are returning for the seventh form.
Because of these factors more scholarships are required. So the funds available through Friends are severely stretched and they are appealing for a larger membership to help deal with this.
Subscriptions to Friends are just $5 a year. Members get a regular newsletter, keeping them in touch with the college end Friends, and the satisfaction of supporting a very worthwhile cause. A number of old girls hold prominent positions in New Zealand and within the Church.
For more information on how to join the Friends of Turakina Maori Girls College visit the School website; www.tmgc.school.nz
Ecumenical Documents Available
1. A summary of the major programmes of the Christian Conference of Asia in 2002 is available in "Narrative Report 2002"
2. CCA News, Vol 38 # 1, March 2003
3. "Building Communities of Interfaith Relations", a 103 page book edited by V. S. Lall of the Church of North India
4. "Called to Communion and Common Witness", the report of the joint working group between the Lutheran World Federation and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
5. "Christianity in the African Context", the report of the international theological dialogue between the organisation of African Instituted Churches and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
6. # 100 (2002/III) of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity Information Service Anyone interested in a copy of these papers please contact:
Chris Nichol,
Ecumenical Relations Secretary,
PO Box 9049,
Wellington
chrisn(at)presbyterian.org.nz
Ecumenical Resources
The theme for Asia Sunday (June 1st) is "For We Are Neighbours". A 36 page resource is available from the Christian Conference of Asia with liturgical ideas, Bible studies, sermons, Sunday school lessons, stories and quotes on breaking down walls of hostility, songs, hymns, pew sheets for children through www.ccanz.godzone.net.nz
Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Ascension to Pentecost in June) are available from the World Council of Churches on the theme of Immigration. They have been adapted for use in the NZ context by Bishop Murray Mills from the CCANZ Presidium.
To help churches engage with the Decade to Overcome Violence, the study guide "Why Violence, Why not Peace" has been developed for individuals and small groups. The guide invites people on a spiritual journey through bible study and prayer. It is available on the World Council of Churches website Decade to Overcome Violence page.
Disability Awareness Sunday
Has your church remembered to mark June 15 on its planning calendar? Since 1994 an increasing number of denominations and congregations have been marking the third Sunday in June as Disability Awareness Sunday. As well as citywide celebrations in some of the larger centres, each congregation is encouraged to observe this special occasion in some way.
The Christian Ministries with Disabled Trust has several booklets available, including one called "Some ideas you might find useful for disability awareness Sunday".
For further information contact CMWDT, PO Box 13-332, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph 09 636 4763 or email cmwdt(at)clear.net.nz or the CWMDT website.
Amnesty on Hewitson Library Books
Quite a number of books are currently missing from the Knox College Library - some have been missing for a long time (several years in some cases).
Please check your shelves for any of the Library's books. All books returned will be gratefully received with no questions asked. Amnesty is in operation during April and May, 2003.
Please return books to: Hewitson Library, Knox College, Arden Street, Opoho, Dunedin.
Conference for Seniors
'Silver Service', described as a seniors conference with a difference, is to be held at Scots Church in Hamilton on May 4,5 and 6, 2003.
Sponsored by the Waikato Presbytery and led by Rev Stan Stewart and team, the conference will explore a new way (actually an old way) of looking at fulfilment in the senior years. People who have undertaken radical ministries or developed exciting growth opportunities in their senior years will share their stories. The role of seniors and the respect given to them in ethnic and traditional societies will be discussed and the focus will be on cross-generational relationships.
The conference is being advertised nationally to encourage like-minded seniors across the country to support each other and resource each other.
Billets will be available for everyone or motel accommodation can be arranged. The full conference fee is $110. For more information on how to register contact; Stan Stewart 07 862 9603 or Rev Jean Cotter 07 847 9642 email jeanc(at)xtra.co.nz.
SPAM
Spam is that annoying junk mail that arrives in your email inbox. Wouldn't it be great to have a 'no circulars' sign that worked for your computer... We've issued a handy guide to spam, how you get it and ways to stop it. Some of the advice will be of particular help for people who have a public computer with an internet connection who want to ensure that the content is kept clean.
A full version of the advice about spam is on the website here.