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Community Focus for New Presbyterian Moderator

12 September 2002

Media Release for Immediate Issue

Incoming Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev Michael Thawley, practices his philosophy of 'the church going to people where they are' in his own parish where church-run computer courses have helped groups such as the unemployed and the profoundly deaf.

Rev Thawley will be installed as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand for a two year term, on Sunday 22 September at St Patrick's College Upper Hutt. He succeeds the Right Rev Rob Yule.

For the last three years, Mr Thawley's Christchurch congregation, has helped fund a 'computer in the crypt' program (FamilyNet) which sees church volunteers teach computer skills to anyone from the community who wants to learn. The computer suite is also made available during the week for people to use for their own purpose.

"I believe the church must come out of its doors and be involved in its community in real ways, whether that's offering social service, ministry or support," he said.

" Our 'computer in the crypt' programme has over 100 active members, more than half of whom are not church members. The programme has seen profoundly deaf people learn to use email as a means of communication and helped unemployed people who were unable to learn skills in larger groups."

In addition, Mr Thawley's congregation who are committed to ministry with children and families, have made regular grants to local primary and high schools, and a large part of their recently appointed young minister's time will be spent working with local schools.

Mr Thawley began his work as a Presbyterian minister over 34 years ago, coming to the church from a career in pharmacy. Apart from 12 years as Assembly Executive Secretary, he has worked as a local minister in places such as Invercargill, Stokes Valley, his home town of Havelock North, and Christchurch. He also has a keen interest in ecumenical organisations overseas, stemming from volunteer work in Indonesia in the 1960s.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Rev Michael Thawley, ph 03 337 5695, email thawley@attglobal.net
(note: from 22 Sept Michael Thawley will become the Right Rev Michael Thawley)

Media liaison: Mary Macpherson, ph 04 381 8284, mob 021 353 020

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