Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Home » News » Bush Telegraph » Issue archive » August 2004 » Noticeboard

General Assembly Worship

We would like to use some indigenous songs during worship sessions at General Assembly this year. You may use songs for worship that are written by members of your congregation. If so, we would like the chance to be able to use them at Assembly.Please send in the words, chords/music, and a simple recording of it to:

Darryl Tempero
Hornby Presbyterian Community Church
27 Amyes Rd
Hornby
Christchurch
For any further information, please contact Darryl at darryl(at)hornby.org.nz

Church leaders call for international action on sudan

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Rt Rev Michael Thawley, is amongst six church leaders calling on the New Zealand government to support effective and peaceful action to resolve the tragic humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The statement endorses a joint church appeal for Sudan through Christian World Service (CWS) and Caritas.

Read the full statement at www.cws.org.nz/Emergencies/Church-Leaders.asp and watch for the Sudan Appeal posters being distributed to churches throughout New Zealand.

Contact CWS to support the Sudan Appeal. Phone 0800 74 73 72, donate on line at www.cws.org.nz or post donations to P O Box 22652, Christchurch.

Wipe Out Poverty Week 6–12 September

Is your youth group signed up? Join in the nationwide fundraising week for CWS partners taking action against poverty in their own communities. Lots of fun ideas from an overnight challenge to preparing breakfast for the parish, being sponsored for cleaning, mufti days, or selling fair traded chocolate and muesli bars. This year's event is supported by Hip Hop star Feleti Strickson-Pua of Nesian Mystik, Trade Aid and Mo Mansill, the National Youth Coordinator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Contact youth(at)cws.org.nz or ring Michael (03) 366 9274 for more information.

Bangladesh Floods

Bangladesh has been in the grip of floods for more than a month following heavy monsoon rains and a torrent of water from the hilly regions across the border. Already about 33 million people have been affected by the floods, with the numbers still growing. The weather forecast shows no respite and all signs point towards a prolonged flood.

The deluge has washed away thousands of houses leaving people homeless and exposed to the elements – drenched by the monsoon rains or scorched under the sun. People are facing an acute shortage of food, shelter, clothing, medicine, safe drinking water and other essential life support. Damage to crops and livestock is extensive.

CWS is accepting donations for relief efforts in Bangladesh. Partner groups through ACT International (Action by Churches Together) are providing basic necessities such as food, shelter, mosquito nets, livelihood support and grants for house repairs. Phone 0800 74 73 72, donate on line at www.cws.org.nz or post donations to P O Box 22652, Christchurch.

Introduction work group

It's that time again. We are about to link parish profiles with graduating ordinands. We still need profiles to consider. To date we have received three profiles and indications of a couple of others that might come our way. We ask that Boards of Nomination give urgent consideration to the potential offered by God to the church in the nine ordinands we are seeking to introduce.

If you are wondering about the process, or if we have someone who might be a possibility for you, please call me on 03 453 5357. Alternatively email me geoffrey.skilton(at)paradise.net.nz  

Boards that would like to be in the process are asked to send an electronic copy of the profile minus photographs etc as well as a full print copy for offering to an ordinand.

We value your prayers at this time as we seek to discern the Holy Spirit's leading in our conversations. Pray also for the ordinands as they seek to find a call in the profiles we offer.

Geoffrey Skilton
Convener

Spiritual Growth Ministries

The winter edition of Refresh – Spiritual Growth Ministries' Journal of Contemplative Spirituality – is now available. The subject this time is Meditation.

If you would like to receive a copy please contact the administrator, Carole Hunt, at sgm(at)clear.net.nz

International Day of Prayer for Peace

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches has asked all churches throughout the world to observe 21 September 2004 as an International Day of Prayer for Peace.

He writes:
‘Observing together an International Day of Prayer for Peace is one way to combine the strength and witness of churches and faith communities with the strength of the many forces in the international community who are also striving to promote peace and justice in our troubled world.’

Prayers, stories and concerns for intercession will be available on the DoV website www.overcomingviolence.org

Study Leave Reports

<typohead type="3">Notice from the Mission Resource Team </typohead>

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