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Free Books and CDs
Now that we have your attention, how would you like to review a book or CD for national Presbyterian magazine, sPanz?
You get to keep the book/CD in return for writing a small article of around 200 words telling us what you thought. Your comments will be published either on the Presbyterian Church’s website or in sPanz magazine.
If you are interested in doing a review, please reply to commsmanager(at)presbyterian.org.nz with your name and postal address.
Books will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis, so be quick!
<typohead type="3">CDs</typohead>
1. Surely He was the Son – A Musical Presentation of the Easter Story by Matthew F Raymond.
2. The Overflow Taylor Sorensen (2004, Rocketown Records).
3. The Listening presented by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus (2004, I-Town Music Group)
<typohead type="3">Books</typohead>
4. The New Thematic Concordance edited by Geoffrey Stonier (2004, Christian Focus Publications).
5. Shattered and Restored by Elsa McInnes (2003, Castle Publishing Limited). This is a personal account of the author’s journey and changed relationship with God.
6. Generosity – Big-heartedness as a Way of Life by Micheal Wakely (2004, Inter-Varsity Press).
7. Streets Paved with Gold – The Story of the London City Mission by Irene Howat and John Nicholls (2003, Christian Focus Publications).
8. The Dynamics of Effective Leadership – Learning from Nehemiah by Cyril J Barber (2004, Christian Focus Publications).
Centenary for Somervell Remuera
One hundred years old by the grace of God – Somervell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Remuera, Auckland is celebrating its centenary on 24-26 June 2005.
Centenary organisers are inviting anyone with a connection to the church, no matter how remote, to register interest in receiving centenary information.
Those interested can forward name, address and contact details to Centenary, Somervell Presbyterian, 497 Remuera Rd, Auckland or by phoning Barbara at the church office, 09 5245379 on weekday mornings. Email church(at)somervell.org.nz or fax on 09 5246059.
Fifty Years On
At the inaugural lecture for the School of Ministry, on Monday, 21 February 2005, those ministers who entered the Theological Hall, Knox College, in 1955 and earlier will be recognised and celebrated.
The School has written to those from 1955 that have been listed in the Yearbook, but any others are welcome to attend. The School would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact The Registrar, School of Ministry, Knox College, Arden Street, Dunedin, or email registrar(at)knoxcollege.ac.nz for more details.
Rural Ministry News
The latest edition of Rural Network News, the NZ ecumenical rural church newsletter, can now be viewed at the rural ministry web site: www.schoolofministry.ac.nz/RuralMinistry.
International rural news, including information about the International Rural Church Association (IRCA) can be found on Global Mission’s website at http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/2848.0.html
Rev Dean Drayton resources available
Following keen interest in the addresses made by General Assembly’s keynote speaker, a package featuring Rev Dr Dean Drayton is now available.
Drawing on the theme of Assembly 2004 – mission-defined, mission-driven church – Rev Drayton spoke about mission in today’s world by posing a series of questions: Which God? Which Gospel? Which Mission and Which Life?
A 25-minute video featuring Rev Drayton and a booklet exploring these themes is now available for purchase from Assembly Office.
The resources could be used during parish planning sessions, elders’ retreats or study, or at a parish or session council meeting.
Parishes, presbyteries or union district councils wishing to purchase this inspirational resource should send their contact details to Hazel Smith at Assembly Office including a cheque for $35. Orders should be received no later than 28 January 2004.
Orders will be dispatched in early February 2005.
Help broadcast the true Christmas story
CBA (Christian Broadcasting Association) exists to communicate the Christian faith to those outside the influence of the church.
They have secured 12 hours airtime this Christmas Day on two of New Zealand's leading secular commercial radio networks, NewstalkZB and the Radio Sports network.
In short, they’re reaching those outside the Christian faith, in their masses.
The airtime is free. However, CBA’s production costs need to be covered by donations. NZ On Air has agreed to fund half, on the understanding that the Christian community cover the other half.
To that end CBA is asking churches throughout the country to distribute special appeal brochures with their Sunday notices to members of their congregation.
If you're willing and able, here's what to do:
Email info(at)cba.org.nz with the name of your church, postal address, phone number, contact persons, and number of pamphlets required. Alternatively, you can also place an order for brochures by calling CBA on 0800 PRAYER (0800 772 937).
More information about the work of CBA can be found at their website: www.cba.org.nz
Spiritual Growth Ministries
The Spiritual Growth Ministries 2005 events programme and next edition of Refresh, a journal of contemplative spirituality, will be available in the next few weeks. The theme of Refresh is ‘Pilgrimage’.
PCANZ no longer mails these direct to all Presbyterian ministers and churches, so if you would still like to receive copies, please contact the Administrator of SGM, Carole Hunt, at sgm(at)clear.net.nz.
Police Checks - Clean Slate Act 2004
<typohead type="3">Note for all Ministers and others applying for Police Check Clearances.</typohead>
From 29 November 2004 there is a change to the vetting process, in regard to the release of criminal records (of convictions) and information about criminal records. From this date all vetting requests will be treated as if the person were eligible to have their full criminal record concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, unless you believe that an exception applies.
The most likely exception is under section 19(3)(e), where the role of the person agreeing to have the police check done and for the information to be disclosed to the Assembly Office, is to be one which predominantly involves the care and protection of a child or young person. eg. foster parent or caregiver. In this case, an additional letter requesting this information will need to be sent to Assembly Office, along with the signed Consent to Disclosure form.
Please note there are now new forms that must be used. Any old forms should be destroyed, and new ones requested. A reminder that all consent forms must be on original Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand letterhead (coloured) – no photocopies please.
Ecumenical training
Thinking of furthering your training? The renowned Ecumenical Institute of Bossey has confirmed its academic programme for 2005/06. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Institute’s mission is to educate and form ecumenical leaders, both clergy and lay, for service in parishes, classrooms and ecumenical centres around the world.
During 2005 – 06 the following academic programmes are available:
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Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies: Grace, Healing, Transformation: Exploring the theme of the ninth Assembly of the World Council of Churches (1 October 2005 – 25 February 2006)
Master of Ecumenical Studies (1 October 2005 – 30 June 2006)
PhD programme
Seminars:
- Science, Faith and Convergent Technologies (23 – 29 April)
- Orthodox Theology and Spirituality (25 April – 4 May 2005)
- Ecumenical Leadership Workshop (22 – 27 May 2005)
- The Bible and Human Transformation: A Milieu of Spiritual Ecumenism? (13 – 16 July 2005)
- Ecumenical Renewal of Worship and Music (31 July – 6 August 2005)
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For more information including costs, deadline for applications and admission procedures, please visit www.wcc-coe.org/bossey/ or contact School of Ministry Principal, Neville Emslie.
News from CWS
<typohead type="3">Plant Seeds, Plant Hope - Support the Christian World Service Christmas Gift Appeal</typohead>
Share the Advent message of hope, peace, love, and joy with poor communities around the world by supporting this year's CWS Christmas Gift Appeal. As the official development, justice and aid agency of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Anglican Churches, CWS's annual Christmas Appeal is a strong tradition for many parishes.
Don't forget to put out your appeal leaflets and share CWS partner stories from Timor Leste, South Sudan, India and the Philippines as you light the advent candles.
Contact CWS for more information or check out resources on www.cws.org.nz. Copies of Plant Seeds, Plant Hope, a five-minute video on the Christmas Appeal theme featuring CWS partners in action are still available for use in December. Contact cws(at)cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72 for more information.
<typohead type="3">New CWS Youth and Schools Co-ordinator</typohead>
Liz Whitehead has joined the CWS national office in Christchurch to take up the position of Youth and Schools Co-ordinator. She has taken over from Michael Wallace, who is moving to Geneva in his new role as General Secretary, World Student Christian Federation.
Liz is familiar with New Zealand church youth networks having previously worked as the Auckland Presbytery Youth Ministries Co-ordinator. She says, "I'm really looking forward to working for CWS, meeting people and encouraging them to engage with global justice." Contact Liz on youth(at)cws.org.nz to order your free copies of the latest World Watch magazine (for 7-12 year olds) and Youth Topics (for youth groups), or to send in your Wipe out Poverty week donations. You can meet Liz at the CWS stand at Parachute 2005.
<typohead type="3">CWS Video Study Series 2005</typohead>
A video and study relating to the work of CWS's partner in Palestine, the Middle East Council of Churches' Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, will be available from 14 February 2005. This study will be especially useful for the APW/MWF special project. Contact CWS for more information or to book a copy of the video. Contact cws(at)cws.org.nz or phone 0800 74 73 72 and ask for Althea (ext 105).