Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

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Assembly office update

<typohead type="4">Focus on the future </typohead>

Council of Assembly's Focus on the Future conversations with the wider church started this month. The South Island meetings in Christchurch, Gore, Dunedin, Timaru and Nelson attracted over 200 people. The meetings have generated much feedback for the Council to consider. The North Island meetings are scheduled to start on 1 April. Written submissions are also invited and should be received at Assembly Office by Wednesday 8 April 2005.

Updates about Focus on the Future conversations can be found at http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/?id=3118

<typohead type="4">Assembly Executive Secretary study leave </typohead>

Council of Assembly has arranged for me to take long-standing study leave. I will be away from 21 April-26 May, including three weeks at New College, Edinburgh. Next month I will advise who to contact in my absence.

<typohead type="4">New faces at Assembly Office </typohead>

This month we welcome Fiona Stenhouse to the Assembly service team as human resources manager. Fiona will be responsible for ministerial support such as police checks, changes to the ministerial roll and questions about terms of call.

March also marks the start of Rev John Daniel's new role as national mission enabler.

<typohead type="4">New Moderator for Te Aka Puaho </typohead>

Millie Te Kaawa has been inducted as the Moderator of Te Aka Puaho. See photos online at http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/?id=3308

<typohead type="4">Council for World Mission </typohead>

The Pacific region of Council for World Mission met in March, and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, together with representatives from eight other churches, worked to set priorities for the Pacific region. Among those priorities are: HIV/Aids, a project to improve communications capacity within Pacific churches, and work on the impact of climate change.

<typohead type="4">Book of Order Update </typohead>

Changes to the Book of Order resulting from decisions made at General Assembly 2004 are being finalised now. The revised version is expected to be available online by the end of April. Hard copies will also be available by contacting Assembly Office.

<typohead type="4">Finance update </typohead>

The Administration and Finance Policy Group has issued an update to the wider church about General Assembly's financial situation. In line with the Policy Group and Council's programme of keeping the church up-to-date in a timely way, the newsletter has been disseminated widely within the church and can also be viewed on the Church's website.

<typohead type="4">Book of Order advice </typohead>

Heather McKenzie, Clerk of the Synod of Otago and Southland, is available to provide advice regarding the Book of Order and Presbyterian procedures and practices.

Contact her on 0800 76 2222 or email synod.otago.southland(at)xtra.co.nz

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