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Sending the Kereru flying round the Country
Almost two years ago CCANZ employed Rev Robyn Cave on contract as Decade to Overcome Violence Coordinator. She has a brief to build networks and resources in support of the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence. She has made significant strides in this work and the Presbyterian President on CCANZ, Gaynor Larsen, wants us to support her in that.
Robyn has prepared a kit which includes posters, instructions, ideas, activities, promotional cards, an introduction to the website, liturgical resources and the WCC study series ‘Why Violence? Why not Peace?’ One of these resources, The Kereru Kit, is an adventure in itself with a CD and stories plus instructions for sending the Kereru ‘flying’ around the country.
Amongst other things, Robyn has been involved with Timaru and their Violence Free Charter and the introduction of Playback Theatre as a contribution from the churches to their community.
Gaynor says ‘not only does Robyn need our support but our churches and our children could benefit greatly from the resources and ideas she has produced’. For more information see the CCANZ DoV website: www.ccanz.net.nz/dov
The decade has been described as:
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an opportunity to discover afresh the meaning of sharing a common humanity; to confirm our commitment to the unity of all God's people and to the ministry of reconciliation.
a call to repent for our own complicity in violence, and explore from within our faith traditions, ways to overcome the spirit, logic and practice of violence.
a forum in which to work together for world peace with local communities, secular movements, and people of other faiths.
a time to analyse and expose different forms of violence and their interconnection, and to act in solidarity with those who struggle for justice and the integrity of creation.
an idea that will take shape through your involvement in your issues, working together as churches, communities, organisations and as concerned individuals.
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Feeding our future
The Angelslight Breakfast Club was started in response to a need in the community and a desire to follow Jesus' example. Those involved see Jesus as the founder. Bronca Fox writes about the club:
Angelslight first opened its doors to the children of Takanini Primary School on 8 October 2001. It begins each morning at 8am and the children have a choice of weetbix, toast with peanut butter, jam, vegemite or honey and a cup of hot cocoa. The servers are all volunteers from within our community and come each morning armed with love and compassion – there is no room within the walls of Angelslight for scepticism and judgement. The breakfast room closes at 8.45am, in time to go to class with a full stomach, ready to learn.
The need is so great that since opening at Takanini three other schools have requested Angelslight. About 190 children daily are having a nourishing breakfast before heading off to class. Sadly due to the lack of volunteers we can’t provide breakfast every day. The feedback from the schools has been very positive, they note changes in behaviour, concentration and, even in some cases, raised academic levels. In term 3 we will be opening in another school making a total of five schools. We are funded through grants, sponsorships and donations including money from The Presbyterian Foundation.
Angelslight is more than feeding hungry children; it is also instilling in them some basic but important living skills, which will be of value both now and in their future. The children also see that there are wonderful people who care for them in a very simple way.
It is every child’s birthright to be fed, loved, protected, sheltered and respected. Angelslight's aim is to make sure children who are in need within our community are given the opportunity to have breakfast. There is an overwhelming need and this is a simple yet important way of helping. I feel it is developing a community spirit within the schools. We are being Jesus' hands and feet.
If anyone is able to volunteer or knows of anyone please contact: Bronca Fox on 09 296 2699.
Resources for Worship and Study
<typohead type="2">Preaching Notes and Prayers Kits </typohead>
<typohead type="3">Preaching Kit 7</typohead>
Pentecost 12-18 for 22 August – 3 October
has been written by the Rev Shirley Fergusson of Hamilton and is now available both in printed form ($4 plus postage ) and on the web page.
As with all the preaching notes, which cover every Sunday and special day of the Church year, these are based on the three-year Common Lectionary readings. They are suitable for both lay and ordained preachers or can be used by groups either preparing worship or wanting to do some Bible study.
The notes contain exegetical material on each of the lectionary readings, preaching suggestions and prayers. These and other lectionary resources are available on our web page.
We have a wide range of authors lined up for the new lectionary year and if you are interested in receiving the kits as they are produced in print form please pre-order by sending $40 which includes Gst and postage.
Writers include Revs Mark Chapman, Mua Strickson Pua, Roger Wiig, Pamela Tankersley, Martin Stewart, Judy Bedford, John Currie, Frank Glen and Graham Millar.
<typohead type="3">Baptism Liturgy </typohead>
This kit contains a range of resources for each part of a baptism ceremony and also contains a booklet Christian Baptism – God’s Gracious Invitation. It is useful for giving to parents so that they can select what they like and help them compile a service tailored to their needs. $9 plus postage.
If you are seeking a resource for a particular occasion please feel free to ask. Verity Doak is in the office on Tuesdays and can help – phone 04 381 8294 or email verityd(at)presbyterian.org.nz