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Bush Telegraph July 2005
News
Assembly Office update
It’s that time again. The end of the financial year is a busy time for the Assembly service team and, along with our normal day-to-day activities, we are also preparing for what needs to happen at year-end. By way of an update, please note the following:
<typohead type="4">Focus on the Future </typohead>
Council is in the process of considering a report generated by the Focus on the Future task group.
Information about the outcomes from this process is expected to be discussed with the wider church shortly. You can register to receive future progress updates on Focus on the Future here.
<typohead type="4">Council of Assembly meetings </typohead>
The Council has been conducting its business via email and a series of teleconferences. The latest news bulletin from the Council covers Focus on the Future, the budget for 2005/2006, General Assembly's financial position for 2004/2005 and the proposed sale of Laughton House.
<typohead type="4">Budget 2005/2006</typohead>
This week information was posted to parishes, presbyteries and union district councils about General Assembly budget for 2005/2006, including Assembly Assessment. Read more information here. The budget builds on the finance update issued earlier in June.
<typohead type="4">Relating to Assembly Employees </typohead>
Responses to the Assembly appeal often included very positive messages for Assembly employees. Staff have expressed their gratitude for those comments, and have been heartened by your support for the work they do.
However, recently some of our employees have experienced intolerant and inappropriate verbal aggression, including shouting, from ministers and elders who have phoned. Some emails reflect a similar tone. As a good employer, the Church has zero tolerance for such behaviour - it amounts to bullying. I am concerned about the impact it has on Assembly employees, both personally and in terms of their ability to carry out their work. I encourage people with concerns to express them respectfully and courteously. If you wish to express a concern about a staff member's work, please communicate with me or their manager.
I do not expect staff to tolerate aggressive behaviour, and have asked that discourteous or disrespectful interaction is brought to my attention. The way that we interact with one another is a reflection of how we live out our faith together, and I am hopeful we will not see any further examples of this sort of behaviour.
<typohead type="4">Name change for the Amalgamated Investment Fund </typohead>
The Church Property Trustees have advised that the Amalgamated Investment Fund is now known as the Presbyterian Investment Fund. Although many are familiar with the old name, it’s always been a bit of a mystery to people who see it for the first time. The new name better describes the nature of the Fund, which continues to grow as it gains increasing parish support.
<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.
She may be contacted at 0800 76 2222 or synod.otago.southland(at)xtra.co.nz
Finance update
<typohead type="4">Assembly Assessment for this financial year </typohead>
There continues to be significant underpayment of Assembly Assessment, which is around $420,000 at the end of May. However, there has been an encouraging trend as the level of underpayment reduces and you are reminded that payments received up to 30 June will be recognised in the current financial year.
<typohead type="4">Amalgamated Investment Fund renamed </typohead>
The Amalgamated Investment Fund has been renamed by the Trustees as the Presbyterian Investment Fund. The new name is now on the May statements. For the month ending 30 May, we have not sent out any statements where there have not been any transactions. As at 30 June, there will be statements issued to all parties at the prevailing interest rate of 7 percent.
To minimise postage costs, we are not sending out deposit statements where there have been no transactions in the months between quarters. It is currently a manual process to pull out these statements without movement, so some may still slip through. We will continue to send out all statements in June, September, December and March.
<typohead type="4">Statistics forms</typohead>
These annual statistics forms for the year to 30 June 2005 have been distributed. These forms are due to be returned to the Presbytery Statistics Recorder by Friday 5 August.
Please note, when completing your green P4 "Financial Statistics" form, please note that account 24 "mission and ministry" should read "Assembly Assessment". All payments of Assembly Assessment should be noted here.
That data is due to be forwarded to the Assembly office shortly there after. If your parish has not received the forms, please contact Katrina Graham (04) 381 8283 or email katrinag(at)pcanz.org.nz
<typohead type="4">2005/06 budget and July 2005 Assembly Assessment invoice </typohead>
There has been a substantial focus on preparing the 2005/06 budget. It has been recognised that the current and historical financial setting of operating deficits is not sustainable and needs to be corrected. More information on the budget is available here.
Your July Assembly Assessment invoice is at the 2004/05 rate because the Council of Assembly was evaluating the proposed budget for the 2005/06 year.
Global Mission Office update
<typohead type="4">“Tomorrow, 280 million Africans will wake up for the first time in their lives without owing you or me a penny” – Bob Geldof </typohead>
Andrew writes:
The issue of world poverty has been thrust onto the world stage in recent weeks. Personalities such as Bob Geldof, Brad Pitt, Bono and Nelson Mandela have given leadership to the growing groundswell of popular opinion that our world needs to take decisive action to end poverty. The G8 countries were quick to respond with a large debt-relief package for selected countries. Thirty-eight countries are eligible for debt relief under the highly-indebted poor countries initiative. The first 18 to qualify are:
Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
The debts written off for these 18 countries total US$40bn. The debt repayment they will collectively save each year is about US$1.5bn. Nine more countries will qualify within 18 months, which will take the total to US $55bn. Debt campaigners believe an additional 24 countries, including heavily indebted countries such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, should be added to bring the total to 62.
However, despite this generous gift by the world’s richest nations, the reality is that Africa’s total external debt amounts to US$300bn. (For more information, check out http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4084574.stm). So the work of debt relief has only just begun. For an in-depth analysis of how debt cripples impoverished nations and how debt relief helps, visit the Jubilee USA site.
<typohead type="4">Make Poverty History</typohead>
The Make Poverty History campaign is getting underway in New Zealand. Its website has dates and venues related events. These will be great for your youth group to attend. But don’t leave it up to the youth. The Live 8 concert this weekend is expected to be watched by 5.5 billion people around the world. It can be seen live and commercial free on TV2 between 2am and 12 noon on Sunday 3 July.
In addtion, CWS has a range of study resources and posters for all age groups that cover a range of poverty-related issues. It couldn’t be easier to get involved.
<typohead type="4">Should the Black Caps tour Zimbabwe ? </typohead>
I am interested to know what you think. So I am instituting the first ever Global Mission Snap Survey. Vote by email for one of the following five options:
<typolist type="1">
Sport and politics are mutually exclusive. The tour must go ahead.
It is up to the Black Caps to decide if they are willing to play in Zimbabwe .
The Black Caps should only offer to play the Zimbabweans in South Africa .
The Black Caps should not tour Zimbabwe and NZ Cricket should pay the fine.
This is a matter of national conscience and international importance. The NZ government should prevent the tour from going ahead, pay the fine and suspend all further contact with the Mugabe regime.
</typolist>
Send an email to globalmission(at)xtra.co.nz with the number of the solution you support in the subject line. If you do the survey in your congregation, please send a more detailed break-down.
Check out our website for the latest on the Zimbabwe situation, including the CWS appeal and a statement from the World Council of Churches.
<typohead type="4">Lori writes: </typohead>
Check out some of these quick-links that we have recently added to our website:
Anna Gray in Africa – Anna’s experience in Africa is meeting her expectations and more. She has been overwhelmed by the wonderful support and encouragement she has been receiving from New Zealand and she enjoys giving it all back to the children she is working with. Read more about Anna’s experience
Global Cent$ - We have been greatly encouraged by the number of cheques (and the amounts) being returned. We are also gratified that most ask for more Global Cent$ boxes; we have received requests from new groups as well. Please continue to fill up the boxes and send cheques to the GMO. If you need new boxes or would like to get involved, please contact us
Teresa Curran – Teresa has finished her time in South Africa and has moved to India. This is the second half of her Training in Mission programme through CWM. Read Teresa’s impressions of her experience in SA and watch for more updates as she settles into her India experience.
Roy Pearson – (Project Office in Vanuatu) always keeps us updated on projects and life in Vanuatu for him and his family. He is kept busy hosting New Zealand (and Australian) volunteers and by the struggles experienced by the Church in Vanuatu. Read Roy’s latest update
For more information how you can be a Kiwi “taking mission to the margins” with the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, check out our website and subscribe to our Global Mission Gazette.
Noticeboard
Introduction work group
The 2005 graduating ordinands are entering the final quarter of their time at the School of Ministry. Anticipation of whom they might be working with as Ministers of our church is rising. They bring a wealth of life and ministry experiences, which accompany very evident enthusiasm. We offer you the following mini profiles as an appetizer.
<typohead type="4">David Balchin </typohead>
B.A (Auck), B.D (BCNZ)
Married to Christine and with seven children
Previous Experience
Lay pastor at Waiau Pa, and Pokeno/Mangatangi Presbyterian Churches for a total of five years and Pastor of Northcross Community Church (Brethren) for three years.
Immediate Employment before entering School of Ministry
Lay Pastor
Personal interests/Hobbies/Sports etc.
Reading , writing letters to the editor of newspapers, and evangelism.
<typohead type="4">Nathan Parry </typohead>
B.A., B.Theol., CELTA
Previous Experience
No formal church employment. Has served on Session and Board of Managers; Involvement with children and youth; a foodbank; small group leadership; occasionally preached on request over the last ten years.
Immediate Employment before entering School of Ministry
Deputy Registrar of a District Court.
Personal interests/Hobbies/Sports etc.
Tramping, reading, most sports, swimming, board games, nice cafes, quality films, non-mainstream music, candles, computer games, fine wine and cheese. I enjoy reading about history in general and church history in particular. I am also fascinated by anthropology and sociology, current culture change, post-modernity and the expression of spirituality in popular film and music.
<typohead type="4">Karen Nelson </typohead>
B.A. (Auck.), B.Theol. (Auck.), Dip. Tch. (ACE)
Single
Previous Experience
Children’s Ministry Leader St Columba at Botany Presbyterian Church; Lecturer in Centre for Social Sciences Auckland College of Education; Teacher at Royal Oak Primary School
Immediate Employment before entering School of Ministry
Children’s Ministry Leader St Columba Pakuranga - Botany Presbyterian Church
Personal interests/Hobbies/Sports etc.
(singing/flute), dance, arts and crafts, word puzzles, walking, jogging, cafes, comics and photography.
<typohead type="4">Jeongsoon Shin (Michelle) </typohead>
B.Sc. (Cant.), B.Theol. (Auck.) Postgraduate diploma in Ministry (Otago)
Single
Previous Experience
Youth Pastor (Chaltenhem Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia ); Youth Coordinator; Missionary-teacher in the Philippines (1996-1998) and CWM ‘Face-to-Face’ Mission Programme in Zambia (2004)
Immediate Employment before entering School of Ministry
Postgraduate Student/ teacher aid
Personal interests/Hobbies/Sports etc.
Social justice issues, current issues, global mission, cross-cultural/pastoral ministry. I am interested in science and theology dialogue, ecumenism, inter-religious dialogue, music - chorus singing/piano, listening to good jazz or classical music, and spirituality in film. I like taking long walks. I enjoy getting people together for a forum, chat or fellowship over dinner or coffee.
Boards of Nomination are reminded that we would like Parish Profiles to be with us by 15 July. Please forward us a full copy with pictures etc in an A4 clear file and an electronic copy as a Word or rtf attachment. Further details of what to include can be found in the March 2005 Bush Telegraph.
Geoffrey Skilton
geoffrey.skilton(at)paradise.net.nz
Christian World Service
<typohead type="4">Build a Better World Competition </typohead>
The 50th issue of World Watch, CWS’s magazine for children, is now available. To celebrate the occasion, CWS is holding a competition inviting readers to write a story or design a poster with the theme of building a better world.
World Watch, for seven to 12 year-olds, provides a way for children to explore global issues through stories, games and other fun activities. The latest issue, available now, highlights how disasters such as the Darfur conflict or South Asian tsunami affect children. World Watch is available free of charge and comes with a leader’s kit. Contact youth(at)cws.org.nz to order your copies and get more details on the competition.
<typohead type="4">Make Poverty History </typohead>
Friday 1 July is International White Band Day – when people around the world will be wearing white bands to show their support for the Make Poverty History campaign. It is not too late to get yours – available from CWS. cws(at)cws.org.nz, 0800 747372 or send $2 to PO Box 22652 Christchurch,
There will be actions both nationally and internationally over the next few days as the G8 meets in Edinburgh. The next major actions will be held around the UN Millennium Goals Summit on 10 September. CWS will be preparing resources for churches, available early August, and is calling for a special day of worship in September. Watch out for further details. For more information: www.cws.org.nz or contact gillian.southey(at)cws.org.nz
<typohead type="4">Wipe Out Poverty Week, 5-11 September </typohead>
CWS’s annual week of action by young people is coming up. Time to start thinking about what your youth group, school or family can do to help Wipe Out Poverty. This year’s materials feature House of Passage, Brazil, a CWS partner working with disadvantaged children and teens from the slum communities – building their confidence and providing training and support to find new opportunities. Contact youth(at)cws.org.nz to sign up or get further information.
<typohead type="4">Zimbabwe Appeal </typohead>
CWS has launched an appeal to assist the tens of thousands left homeless and without income in the latest political crackdown by the Mugabe regime.
Zimbabwean police and army personnel have targeted street children, homeless people, street traders, foreign-currency dealers, informal businesses and purportedly illegal houses/structures across the country.
"These people have been struggling to survive in a country facing massive inflation, unemployment of 70 percent and food shortages,” says Jonathan Fletcher, CWS National Director.
“Now all market traders, stalls, temporary shops and informal salespeople have had their livelihoods taken away. Fifty-thousand homes have been destroyed and conservative estimates put the number of displaced individuals at 250,000. Many people have been traumatised by events, particularly children, increasing the general feeling of fear and helplessness. Some children have now been killed in the ‘cleaning up’ process.”
CWS has a local partner, Christian Care, already providing relief. They have issued an appeal through ACT International, of which CWS is a member, to fund immediate shelter needs (June and July are the coldest months of the year in Zimbabwe), cooking utensils, jerry cans, soap, basic food and trauma counselling for displaced people.
Please remember those who have been displaced and pray for a just solution to the situation in Zimbabwe .
To donate: phone 0800 74 73 72 or go to www.cws.org.nz (credit cards only) or send your donation to PO Box 22652, Christchurch .
For background on the crisis in Zimbabwe see the Churches’ Agency on International issues Hot Topic. Available from CWS (international(at)cws.org.nz) or download from http://www.cws.org.nz/Resources/international.asp
Churches’ Agency on Social Issues
<typohead type="4">The fourth world: The rich-poor gap in our society </typohead>
"There exists much fragility and division in societies which, viewed from the outside, are the most privileged," Fr Bernard Ugeux of the Institute of Science and Theology in Toulouse, France, told the World Council of Churches Mission and Evangelism Conference in Greece last month. He was speaking of the growing poverty in the richest societies, and the potentially dangerous combination of a western underclass “who have failed socially or economically” combined with “those who have immigrated from poor countries and who have not received the welcome or hospitality they expected”.
“Many go underground, often with the risk of being exploited. They suffer a sense of hopelessness. A growing number are street people. There are populations in the poor suburbs who cannot find work nor a sense to their life nor a hope to have a place in society.
“Thus results the revolt and delinquency of the youth, many of whom are descendants of several generations of immigrants who do not feel recognised or accepted in western society. In France, more and more are attracted by Islamic fundamentalism or by sects.”
Fr Bernard said this “fourth world” challenges the Christian community. Social, political and economic action is needed to overcome the fragility and division inherent in this situation, he urges. But he also sees in the fourth world a new search for health and growth involving a strong spiritual dimension.
Promoting reconciliation and healing – the themes of the Mission & Evangelism Conference – is a church task, according to Fr Bernard. “But being communities of reconciliation, healing and compassion is a heavy responsibility,” he warns. “Salvation and healing are not identical, they offer temptations - promoting miracles, siding with self-proclaimed healers, proclaiming that coming to us will solve all personal problems. However, for all its complexity, it is still important for the churches to join this spiritual and therapeutic search.”
Some already are. The Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe, founded in 1964, recently expanded its mandate to cover the whole area of migration and integration, refugees and asylum, racism and xenophobia. “Europe’s tradition of protecting human rights, integrating migrants and refugees and cherishing cultural diversity is currently under strain,” the Commission warns, urging churches to be active in their local communities. “The churches are well positioned to promote mutual understanding and acceptance between various communities, and to play an active part in building a just society of cultural, racial and religious diversity.”
CASI has made immigration issues one of its longer-term projects, recognising that New Zealand is not immune to the situation outlined by Fr Ugeux. The recently announced review of the Immigration Act was foreshadowed in a letter to the Agency by the previous Minister of Immigration at least two years ago.
Thinking through Immigration, produced by CASI late last year, is highly relevant to these issues and still available. A 12-page four-part study and discussion guide, it can be downloaded from our website or purchased in hard copy ($3 each) from our office. A large selection of background papers and other resources can be borrowed from the CASI library.
<typohead type="4">Election looming… sometime </typohead>
Church agencies are gearing up for the coming General Election, no matter when it is. We tend to work together in this area, so resources produced by one group complement those by another and are shared among our constituents.
A round-up of news…
CASI is preparing a four-page leaflet for general church-goer use. Content includes summaries of underlying issues – the continuing gap between rich and poor people in this country, sustainability (energy supply, land management, resource consumption), and the tension between a collective community and an individualistic approach to issues. Short prayers, suggested questions and pointers for analysing election rhetoric also feature.
Current plans are to complete the text by the end of June and distribute multiple copies through member church parishes, congregations and meetings.
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services is working on a four-page leaflet highlighting a range of social issues identified by member church ministries and agencies. Suggested questions for candidates and ways of tying the material to local issues are included.
The aid and justice agency Caritas is preparing election material for the Catholic community.
Many parishes are also planning election forums for their communities. St Andrews on the Terrace in Wellington, for example, has scheduled three major lectures in June and July.
Do let us know what you’re planning and/or send us reports of your activities. It’s pretty clear there will be another newsletter from us (scheduled for early August) before Election Day.
<typohead type="4">CASI is working on… </typohead>
Submissions on the New Zealand Day Bill, Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill, and the Sale of Liquor (Youth Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill.
An election leaflet for parishes, congregations and meetings
Race Relations and Community Relationships : publishing the papers and presentations from the March Capital City Forum.
Continuing the work on parenting and child discipline.
Supporting the next Church leaders’ meeting with political parties (scheduled for late June).
Drawing together the wealth of resource material in the CASI office and library into a series of comprehensive packages for browsing, borrowing and/or copying.
Visit our website or contact the office (tel 04 381 8295, PO Box 9049, Wellington) for updates and details.
Resources
New aquisitions in the Hewiston Library
Please remember that any Presbyterian can borrow from the Hewitson Library by simply filling out a registration form. Please email the Library for a registration form: hewitson(at)xtra.co.nz
<typohead type="4">Philosophy of Religion </typohead>
HART, David Bently. Grand Rapids, Mich : W.B. Eerdmans, c2003.
Classification: PAN Har
<typohead type="4">History of Religion </typohead>
SCHMIDT-LEUKEL, Perry. (editor). War and peace in world religions. London : SCM, 2004
Classification: PDA War
<typohead type="4">Theology and Society </typohead>
BOWKER, John Westerdale. The sacred neuron : extraordinary new discoveries linking science and religion. London : I.B. Tauris, 2005
Classification: PLJ Bow
<typohead type="4">New Testament </typohead>
SANDERS, E.P. The historical figure of Jesus. London : Allen Lane : Penguin Press, 1993.
Classification: PJJ San
STEGEMANN, Wolfgang (editor). The social setting of Jesus and the Gospels. Minneapolis , MN : Fortress Press, c2202.
Classification: PLT 78 Soc
<typohead type="4">Ethics </typohead>
MURRAY, Stuart. Post-Christendom. Carlisle : Paternoster, 2004
Classification: PNN Mur
ROGERS, Eugene F (editor). Theology and sexuality : classic and contemporary readings. Oxford , UK : Blackwell Publishers, 2002. Classification: PND The
PETERSON, James C. Genetic turning points : the ethics of human genetic intervention. Grand Rapids , Mich : W.B. Eerdmans Pub, 2001.
Classification: PND Pet
<typohead type="4">Pastoral Theology </typohead>
MACKINLAY, Elizabeth (editor). Aging, spirituality, and pastoral care : a multi-national perspective. New York : Haworth Pastoral Press, c2001. Classification: PUO Agi
VANDECREEK, Larry (editor). Parish nurses, health care chaplins, and community clergy : navigating the maze of professional relationships. New York : Haworth Press, c2002.
Classification: PUF Par
WILLIMON, William. Calling & character : virtues of the ordained life. – Nashville : Abingdon Press, c2000.
Classification: PU Wil
WRIGHT, Walter C. Relational leadership : a biblical model for influence and service. Carlisle : Paternoster, 2000.
Classification: PU Wri
<typohead type="4">Christian Life </typohead>
PREHN, Yvon. Ministry marketing made easy : a practical guide to marketing your church message. Nashville, TN : Abingdon Press, c2004.
Classification: PYF Pre
THOMPSON, George B. Treasures in clay jars : new ways to understand your church. Cleveland : Pilgim Press, 2003.
Classification: PYF Tho
A season of creation
In the seasons of Advent, Epiphany, Lent and Easter, Christians celebrate the life of Christ. We observe the Season of Pentecost to celebrate the Christian life in the Spirit. Now Church leaders in Australia have prepared material for A Season of Creation, to celebrate God the Creator and reflect on our role as God’s creatures on Earth.
Liturgies have been prepared for the four Sundays in September, prior to St Francis of Assisi Day, to celebrate with Christ the wonders of creation. The liturgies follow the lead of the Psalmists and celebrate with creation. We celebrate with the forest, the rivers and the fields who praise the Creator in their own way.
Bible readings are chosen that focus especially on the story of Earth which complements the story of God and the story of humanity in the Scriptures. As we celebrate we are also conscious of the crisis creation faces because of human greed and carelessness, and we commit ourselves to a ministry of healing Earth with Christ and creation as our partners.
A comprehensive web page has been built in recent months – www.seasonofcreation.com You are free to copy the material on it for use in congregational worship and workshops.
You will notice that, as yet, there is no material specifically relating to Aotearoa New Zealand . If you are interested in helping develop such material, or being a contact person for A Season of Creation for your parish or region, please contact Keith Carley at the College of St John the Evangelist, Private Bag 28-907, Remuera, Auckland 1136; k.carley(at)auckland.ac.nz; or phone (09) 521 2725 x 820.
Church Register
The Church Register lists additions to, deletions from, and changes in status on the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Ministerial Roll as advised by Presbytery Clerks as at 1 June 2005.
Please amend the roll in your yearbook accordingly
<typolist>
Rev Geoffrey D Holding of Southland has retired from acitive ministry (Wallacetown Presbyterian Church) to Minister within the Bounds, as of 31 May 2005 .
Rev Tokerau Joseph, formerly of North Shore, was inducted as Associate Minister of the First Church of Otago, Dunedin on 26 May 2005 .
Rev David Coster, formerly of Coastal Unity Parish Dunedin, was inducted as Minister of Cashmere Hills Parish Christchurch on 9 June 2005.
Rev Selwyn C Yeoman has ceased to be Senior Minister at Mosgiel-North Taieri Presbyterian Church on 4 June 2005 – will remain on the Presbytery Roll as Lodged Certificate.
Rev Cameron Sinclair has ceased to be Stated Supply at Otago Peninisula on 19 June 2005. Commissioned to be Minister at the Presbytery Redevelopment Unit in the Mission of NEV on 20 May 2005.
</typolist>
Ministerial vacancies
Click here to see the full table of vacancies
<typohead type="3">Changes this month</typohead>
<typohead type="4">New vacancy:</typohead>
<typolist>
First Presbyterian Church – Invercargill
Full-time, sole charge minister
Contact: Rev Alan Matheson
Vacant from: 08/05
</typolist>
<typohead type="4">These parishes are no longer vacant:</typohead>
<typolist>
Glen Eden Pacific Island Church (Auckland)
Otahuhu – St Andrews (Auckland)
</typolist>
Vacancies
Events
Check out the latest listings on our events page, including information about Make Poverty History events and church anniversary celebrations.