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Children at Assembly 2004

There will be a special programme for children during Assembly in Christchurch on 19 – 24 September.

All children aged 8 to 14 years, from anywhere in New Zealand, are welcome to apply.  Only 24 can be accepted so apply by 25 June.

The children’s programme will include some connection with the Assembly programme, especially during worship times, but also activities that will encourage them to understand more about the church and mission, as well as about themselves and their relationship with God.

Interested children are invited to write a letter or email explaining why they would like to come to this special event and send it to Mary Petersen, National Co-ordinator Ministry with Children and Families, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, 45 Motuhoa Road, Tairua 2853, email: mjpetersen(at)xtra.co.nz

Reminder: CWS Sudan Appeal

Christian World Service (CWS) partners say the situation in Darfur, West Sudan is critical and worsening. Over a million people have been forced to flee for their lives to escape the fighting between Government forces and militias. International agencies fear a humanitarian crisis on the scale of the Rwanda genocide. CWS is calling on New Zealand churches to help.

The Sudan Appeal will help with emergency distribution of blankets, kitchen utensils, seeds and other non-food items, as well as health programmes. The needs in the region are enormous. Sanitation services are urgent because the rainy season has already begun. Children need normality and to return to school, and women who were raped need counselling. Hunger and famine are expected. People will not be able to survive without outside assistance.

To donate: phone 0800 74 73 72 or post a cheque to Christian World Service, PO Box 22652, Christchurch. Appeal leaflets are available for distribution to your parish, family and friends.

Have you seen the Global Banquet?

CWS's latest video, with accompanying study material, is still available. The Global Banquet explores the dramatic changes in rural agriculture in recent decades. Millions of small farmers have been forced off their land and others into growing crops they cannot eat. These changes affect farmers throughout the world and make food more inaccessible for the world's poorest people. The study that accompanies the video includes stories from CWS partner Monlar (Movement for National Land Reform) in Sri Lanka.  Monlar is working for greater food security, and against the policies and programmes that further impoverish local people.  Contact CWS to borrow a copy of the video with the study material by emailing cws(at)cws.org.nz or ph 03 366 9274.

Civil Unions

A short background paper and discussion guide for church people and groups considering new legislation.

A paper placing the upcoming legislation in context, including a Biblical look at marriage, the civil union option, statements by church groups and questions for discussion.

Four A4 pages, easily copied for individual use.

Does not (yet) include a summary of the (as yet unseen) legislation, but will as soon as the Bill is tabled.

Prepared by the Churches Agency on Social Issues (Presbyterian, Methodist, Churches of Christ, Quakers), P O Box 9049, Wellington, ph 04 381 8295, email casi(at)casi.org.nz

Introduction Work Group

The first round of Introductions is in the process of completion. The challenge was that we had four parish profiles and nine ordinands to consider! Since May when we met to discern possible introductions one profile has been withdrawn and another come in. Two ordinands have asked that their personal information forms and referee statements be forwarded to a Board of Nomination for consideration; one ordinand was asked for a profile back after the Board was approached to revisit an earlier approach to a minister; and a fourth returned a profile after not discerning a call.

Sessions and Parish Councils who would like to help influence and be influenced by one of our talented and experienced ordinands should encourage their Board of Nomination to have their parish profile to the Convener by 13 August 2004.

Continue to pray that:

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ordinands and Boards of Nomination will clearly discern God's purpose

more Boards will forward profiles

people from the breadth of the church will explore their call to national ordained ministry.

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Convener
Rev. Geoffrey Skilton (03) 454 5357
geoffrey.skilton(at)paradise.net.nz

Study Leave Reports

Notice from the Mission Resource Team

Ministers will be aware that, when you have completed your study leave, a copy of your study leave report is to be sent to the Continuing Ministry Formation Workgroup.

Please note that from 12 April 2004 that copy is to be mailed to:

Continuing Ministry Formation Workgroup
Assembly Office
P O Box 9049
WELLINGTON

Spiritual Growth Ministries Trust

Spiritual Directors’ Formation Programme 2005 - 2006

This comprehensive two year course is open to Christians of any denomination. It offers:

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systematic study of spiritual direction

regular workshops conducted by an ecumenical team of qualified leaders

supervised practical experience

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For details contact the coordinator:
Rev Sue Pickering  
83 Vivian St 
New Plymouth  
Ph/fax:  06 759 2331 
Email: sgmtp(at)xtra.co.nz or visit our website www.sgm-nz.org
Applications close 20 August 2004.