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Update

<typohead type="2">Ghana</typohead>

Early August saw the seven-year gathering of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches Council in Accra, Ghana. WARC represents over 75 million Christians in over 200 countries. Marcelle Orange, Fakaofo Kaio and I were fortunate to be there as representatives of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.

The gathering is both essential and productive as it allows us time to:

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further strengthen international relationships with secretaries of our partner churches - no other gathering brings so many together in one place

tap into the new life among African Christians - the African Presbyterian Church is experiencing significant renewal as their life and worship is indigenised. This is most evident in their dancing, criticised 30 years ago as ungodly but now an integral part of their services.  Africa is offering outstanding leadership in many areas and we can learn much from their experiences

link with key trends among Reformed Christians. The current emerging theme is “economy and empire”. Christians from Latin America, Africa, and Korea highlighted the damage done by globalisation and prevailing economic theories – a developing area for biblical reflection

increase our engagement with the wider church. The Dutch Reformed Church (with three congregations already in New Zealand) wants to build a partnership with us and we are discerning ways we can establish this for mutual benefit.

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As an exciting aside, Marcelle Mafi (nee Orange), a youth leader from North Shore, was elected as one of seven vice-presidents of the World Alliance. At 24, she is the youngest serving executive member in WARC’s history. Congratulations Marcelle!

Find out more from Marcelle, Fakaofo, or me. See also Warc’s website www.warc.ch for further information.

<typohead type="2">General Assembly</typohead>

There seems to be some confusion about start times for Sunday so I’d like to clarify this for everyone.

The powhiri starts at 1.00pm Sunday 19 September and the opening service follows at 1.30pm.

See you there!

<typohead type="2">Communications Manager</typohead>

Jose Reader, our new communications manager started work last week. We are delighted to have her on board, especially in time for Assembly. If you see her there, please introduce yourselves and make her very welcome.

<typohead type="2">Financial Services</typohead>

Andrew Jackson has been appointed as Assistant to the AES, Finance for a 12-month period. During his time with Assembly Office, Andrew will be working on recruiting staff and addressing backlog issues for finance.

E noho ra

Balinese Church

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. And I’m sure they’re right. However, I have stumbled on the next best thing….

If you are a visitor to Bali you can financially aid the Balinese Church and get a cheap holiday all at the same time.

Here’s how: The Dhyana Pura Hotel at Seminyak about one kilometre west along the beach from Legian is owned by the Protestant Church of Bali. The facilites include 125 attractive rooms scattered around a two hectare park-like complex right on Kuta Beach, a swimming pool and two restaurants. The tariff is $US60 per night (double) including breakfast.

But – and this is the good bit – if you are a church member the price is reduced by 40%. If you go as a group the price is reduced by 50%. The address is:

Hotel Dhyana Pura
Seminyak
Kuta
P O Box 1010
Interport Ngurah Rai
Bali
INDONESIA

Email: dhyana-p(at)indosat.net.id
Ph: (0361) 730 442 Fax: (0361) 730 463
Web: www.indo.com/hotels/dhyana-pura

There it is! All you need to know! Tell your travel agent. Tell your friends and just go! There is a church onsite which has an Anglican service at 8am Sundays and two local English-speaking churches available. Just ask the office and they will put you in touch with the pastors.
Doug and Iris Phillips Tauranga

News from Churches’ Agency on Social Issues

(Presbyterian, Methodist, Churches of Christ, Quakers)

Act Locally – a short guide to the October local body elections

Four easily-copied A4 pages, covering: The Election Process (who, what, where, when and how), Asking Your Questions, Reflecting on the Rhetoric, Making Your Choices, and Staying Involved.

Hard copies are available free from CASI (casi(at)casi.org.nz ) or can be downloaded in .pdf format from the website: www.casi.org.nz/publications/LBElectionGuide.pdf

The Social Issues Resource Kit will be available at Assembly, where representatives can collect the free copy for their parish. Provided in a folder containing eight sections (2-8 pages) plus two appendices, all easily photocopied, it contains:

Background and reflection:

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theology of social justice

history of social justice in New Zealand churches

comments on spirituality and justice.

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Practical aspects:

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worship resources

some ideas for children & young people

social issues in the local community including:
- forming a social justice group in the parish
- selecting one action from many 

organising for advocacy, including:
- notes on political action and interaction
- letter-writing and lobbying
- media relations.

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A short section on doing your own research introduces the topic, and a special 12-page research work-book is available for those wishing to embark on a particular project.

The practical section is illustrated with case studies from New Zealand church communities, summarising how different ideas work out in practice. Suggestions for follow-up and feedback, and further reading, complete the package.

Extra copies are available from CASI for $12.00 including P&P.

Assembly Bingo

And for those of you who want to stay focused at Assembly, “Tina from Taumarunui” offers the following to keep you riveted to the proceedings….

Healthy Congregations	Mission Resourcing	Financial Services	Sexual Orientation	Move to the next business	Assembly Assessment
Focal Identity Statement	Theological commitment	Biblical Interpretation	Personal Integrity	Point of Order	Young People’s Perspective
Talofa	Whanau	Slippery Slope	Unsustainable Deficit	Right of Call	Subordinate Standards
Consultation	Christian Marriage	Declaratory Act	Asylum Seekers	Barrier Act	Destiny Church

<typohead type="3">How to play Assembly Bingo</typohead>

It’s easy! Just tick off each square when you hear the phrase spoken within the body of the Assembly. (Dialogue Groups don’t count!) When all squares have been ticked off, stand and shout “Bingo” to collect your prize.

What previous players have said…

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“Assembly has been transformed for me. Now I’m riveted to the debate”. (Mildred from Mataura)

“I never realised Assembly discussions could be such fun. I’m even listening to the local arrangements committee now”. (Tony from Taranaki)

“The first time I screamed “Bingo” at the Assembly I had no idea what a difference it would make for the people around me. Assembly Bingo is about all of us being focussed on what we’re saying.” Harvey from Hawkes Bay

“Assembly Bingo means I’m listening to every word. I’ve hardly slept a wink this Assembly.” (Nancy from Nelson)

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