Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

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Update

<typohead type="3">Book of Order Help Desk</typohead>

My workload is such that Book of Order advice is now available from Mrs Heather McKenzie who is Clerk of the Synod of Otago and Southland. 
Heather has extensive knowledge and experience of the Book of Order.  She was Clerk of Presbytery and Assistant Clerk of the General Assembly.  She has produced handbooks for presbytery and parish clerks. Please contact Heather if you need advice about Presbyterian processes including the Book of Order.  She may be contacted at: synod.otago.southland(at)xtra.co.nz, ph 0800 76 2222.

<typohead type="3">General Assembly</typohead>

Preparation is well advanced for the Assembly on 19-24 September 2004. Nominations for Moderator-Designate closed Monday 12 July. We will be welcoming several overseas visitors including representatives from the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu and of India, the Uniting Church in Australia, probably the Reformed Church in America and, hopefully, the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. Please keep praying for the Assembly and our incoming Moderator Garry Marquand.  Find out more: www.presbyterian.org.nz/707.0.html

<typohead type="3">World Alliance of Reformed Churches’ General Council</typohead>

The seven-yearly council meeting is being held in Accra Ghana from 30 July to 13 August.  About a thousand representatives from Presbyterian and other Reformed churches worldwide will be meeting for discussion, Bible study and interaction with each other and the local church.  Fakaofo Kaio, Marcelle Orange and I are attending on behalf of our Church.  On the way we are visiting the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa with which we have had a close relationship for a number of years.  Find out more about the World Alliance meeting: www.warc.ch/24gc/index.html

<typohead type="3">Youth Ministry</typohead>

Things are happening in youth ministry.  Connect, a national gathering for Presbyterian youth leaders, was held in Wellington over the first weekend of July.  One hundred and fifty seven youth leaders from Whangarei to Mosgiel participated and were inspired by excellent speakers, great music, substantial interaction, and a great programme. Credit is due to our Youth Coordinator, Mo Mansill, intern Monica Yeoman, and others who helped make the weekend a success.  In Dunedin and Wellington eight-week youth leadership training concluded with “Yay for You” nights. In Wellington over 30 people graduated.  Watch out for these and other training events, and for Connect which is held each year.  Find out more:  www.presbyterian.org.nz/20.0.html

<typohead type="3">Abuse</typohead>

The Church takes complaints about abuse and inaction in dealing with them extremely seriously.  We are especially concerned for people directly affected.
In June the Holmes programme ran two stories regarding alleged abuse in a former Wellington children’s home run by Presbyterian Support (Central).  Although the home is the responsibility of Presbyterian Support, some complainants alleged inaction by the Church.   There has been an initial review of how the one complaint we know about was handled.  The review indicates the responsible body appeared to have acted appropriately according to the agreed process.  As we have very limited information about the other allegations, we have sought further information from the complainants via the Holmes programme.  If you have any information please contact the Wellington Police.

In late June one of our ministers, David Richards, was convicted of abusing a child under twelve.  As this is a very serious matter and it was reported through the media, a statement was sent to every minister.  The Police ask if you can assist further to contact Detective Jane Searle of the Tauranga Police at phone 07 5788199. 

<typohead type="3">In my absence</typohead>

Prue Neild, with Ken Irwin, will be attending to matters in my absence from the Assembly Office from 24 July to 16 August 2004.  Please use the aes(at)presbyterian.org.nz address if you need assistance.

E noho ra