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Bush Telegraph August 2005
News
From the Moderator
“The images have stayed in my mind: poor women begging on the streets, children with few clothes and few opportunities, large families crowed into single room dwellings, subsistence farming communities on the edge of survival. These heart-wrenching experiences I've had in Ethiopia convince me of the need to work together to Make Poverty History. This is a global campaign to bring pressure on those with resources and power to eradicate poverty and its causes. The Presbyterian Church has always affirmed the priority of social justice and compassion for the poor, and therefore on your behalf I have endorsed this Campaign. Together - right across the world - we can make a difference.”
Rt Rev Garry Marquand
Words from Moderator of the General Assembly about the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand ’s support of the Make Poverty History campaign. See the Global Mission Office page for more information about this campaign, which aims to end poverty in Third World countries. The September issue of Spanz and the Presbyterian Youth Ministry magazine, Fuel, also cover the issue in more detail.
The Moderator’s recent address to the Vision Network conference can also be found on the Presbyterian website.
When leaders of the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army churches met with the Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers recently, they presented this paper. At this meeting, the Church leaders noted that there had been an improvement in the position of some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable families, but counselled that the task of eradicating poverty and social disadvantage was not yet complete. To read “Towards a Robust Society” click here.
Assembly Office update
<typohead type="4">Pacific Islands co-director </typohead>
The decision has been made to disestablish the General Assembly position of Pacific Islands mission director.
The Rev Don Ikitoelagi has been in this role since September 1998 and during that time has made a significant contribution to the life and mission of the Church through his liaison and support of Pacific Island congregations throughout New Zealand .
His contribution in the areas of building bridges between Pacific Island congregations and other parts of the Church, as well as his commitment to supporting ministers and elders, encouraging the multicultural life of the Church, and resourcing the establishment phase of the Pacific Islanders’ Synod, have made Don a valued member of the Assembly Service team.
Several factors contributed to this decision to disestablish the Pacific Islands mission co-director position, including the need to reduce costs across a range of areas. The change also brings about consistency with the decision made last year to disestablish the regional co-director positions of the mission resource team.
Don is expected to finish up at the end of December 2005, and in making this decision Council has extended its thanks to Don for his work over the past seven years.
<typohead type="4">Presbyterian Foundation </typohead>
Please check out the website for information about details for how to apply for a grant from the Presbyterian Foundation. Applications must be received by 15 September 2005 .
<typohead type="4">sPanz </typohead>
The July issue of sPanz is now in parishes. The magazine continues to be published on a quarterly basis with the next issue due in parishes in late September.
<typohead type="4">Focus on the Future </typohead>
Focus on the Future was guided by the 2004 General Assembly decision for Council to engage in urgent and focused conversation with parishes and presbyteries about what tasks should be conducted nationally, regionally and locally. After much deliberation, the Council has made a series of decisions (some with immediate effect, others with more long-term implications) to get the ball rolling on changes that will help build a strong platform for the future. This information was made available to the wider church earlier this month, but if you haven’t caught up the with changes yet, please read the full report on the Presbyterian website.
<typohead type="4">Council of Assembly </typohead>
Council of Assembly will be meeting in Wellington on 13-14 August.
Council’s five existing policy groups have been disestablished as a result of decisions relating to Focus on the Future. In making the decision to disestablish the policy groups, Council recognised the contribution of conveners and members to the life of the Church. Members of the Overseas Mission and Partnerships, Connecting with Society and Resourcing for Mission policy groups have been thanked and discharged, while the Administration and Finance and Equipping the Leadership policy groups are continuing in an interim capacity until mid-August. This allows these two groups to complete work that is currently in process.
More information about the status of policy groups will be available following the August Council meeting.
<typohead type="4">Laughton House </typohead>
As previously advised, Council of Assembly entered into a conditional agreement in May to sell Laughton House in Wellington, in response to an unsolicited offer. That sale became unconditional as of 20 July 2005
The building has been purchased by a private company for the sum of $3.9 million. Settlement will occur on 20 March 2006. Council will consider how these funds could be used to support the mission of the Church. The sale is expected to contribute to mission by making resources more accessible.
The location of Assembly office will be considered as a separate issue over the next few months.
Please note that the name “Laughton House” has been excluded from the sale. The building is named after the late Very Rev J G Laughton, Superintendent of Presbyterian Maori Missions [the precursor to Te Hinota Maori and then Te Aka Puaho], and past Moderator of the Presbyterian Church General Assembly. The “Laughton House” name represents spiritual as well as symbolic covenants within our Church, and it was a gift from Te Aka Puaho. Also note that stained glass windows gifted to General Assembly will be removed from the building and continue to be owned by the Church.
<typohead type="4">Budget 2005/06 </typohead>
A balanced General Assembly budget was accepted by Council at a teleconference meeting in late June. This information has been posted to every parish along with information about Assembly Assessment for the 2005/06 financial year. Click here to read more.
<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
Kerry Enright
Assembly Executive Secretary
Finance update
<typohead type="4">Council of Assembly has approved the 2005/06 Budget </typohead>
The 2005/05 budget has been approved by the Council in late June. It was a balanced budget in that income and expenditure were equal. This is a step on the pathway to a financially sustainable setting. As part of the ongoing financial monitoring management statements will be sent to all budget managers monthly.
<typohead type="4">Assembly Assessment 2005/06 </typohead>
Details of Assembly Assessment have been sent to parishes based on the budget decisions made by Council. Assembly Assessment included a 2.8% increase for inflation. The provisional July invoices sent out with the June statements (based on the 2004/05 Assembly Assessment) have been credited and new invoices have been issued for July. 3. 2004/05 Year end accounts
We are getting into the year- end accounting process. There is some extra work to be done but we have a plan and are aware of the issues that need to be addressed. The audit is due to commence at the end of August with the audited accounts expected to be available early October 2005.
<typohead type="4">Underpayment of Assembly Assessment 2004/05 </typohead>
The provisional figure for the underpayment of Assembly Assessment is $400,000. This is still a substantial sum, but a lot less than the $500,000 that was unpaid at December 2004.
<typohead type="4">Statistics forms as at June 2005 </typohead>
This is a reminder that completed forms are due to be returned to the Presbytery Statistics Recorder by Friday 5 August 2005
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 on this line.
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 katrina.graham(at)presbyterian.org.nz
<typohead type="4">Presbyterian Investment Fund (previously called Amalgamated Investment Fund) </typohead>
The Amalgamated Investment Fund has been renamed by the Trustees as the Presbyterian Investment Fund. The new name is now on the statements. As at 30 June, there were 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">Beneficiary Fund </typohead>
As you have been advised the new Minister’s stipend has been increased by 2.8 percent from $35,832 to 36,832 from 1 July 2005 .
As a consequence, in terms of the Trust Deed, Aon will be increasing the monthly Direct Debit deduction for Minister’s Member contributions from $149.30 to $153.48, effective 20/7/2005 .
For members whose contribution accounts are in arrears, Aon will be contacting each such member to request payment. Should no payment of arrears be received or no special arrangements be made with the Plan Secretary, then in terms of the Trust Deed the Beneficiary Fund Trustees may adjust Service History in respect of such periods of contribution shortfall.
Any such Service History adjustment will result in a reduced Retirement Benefit when the member retires.
Any queries/changes relating to the Beneficiary Fund should be directed to Aon, who can be contacted on 0800 266 4636 or by e-mail: mcmahon(at)aon.co.nz
Your Parish Contributions to the Beneficiary Fund, which are included in your monthly Assembly Assessment, should continue to be paid to the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. Co-operative Ventures should pay their Beneficiary Fund assessment directly to Aon.
Andrew Jackson
Assistant to AES (Finance)
Youth ministry update
Over 180 youth leaders from Kerikeri to Gore made the trek to Otaki for Connect 05.
Justin Duckworth challenged us in his keynote sessions, PIC Newtown inspired us in worship, there was a lot of fun, a lot of "connecting" and lots of people feeling re-invigorated to go out and make Jesus Christ known again with the young people in their community.
Mo Mansill
National youth co-ordinator
Some photos: (click on each image to see a larger version)
Global Mission Office update
Andrew writes:
<typohead type="4">Black Caps to play cricket with Mugabe </typohead>
Despite protests in the streets and petitions being signed, the Black Caps left for Zimbabwe on schedule. Last month I ran a snap survey to gauge what Presbyterians thought of the tour. I received 12 responses. Not exactly a representative sample and I don’t think I can deduce a corporately held opinion from it. The fact that as a Church we had not added our voice to the volume of public outcry was strongly lamented by two respondents. One respondent felt it was impossible to vote as the five options all ignored the realities of the commercial contracts already in place.
For the record - nobody voted for options 1 or 2
1. Sport and politics are mutually exclusive. The tour must go ahead.
2. It is up to the Black Caps to decide if they are willing to play in Zimbabwe. 3. The Black Caps should only offer to play the Zimbabweans in South Africa.
One person voted for 4:
4. The Black Caps should not tour Zimbabwe and NZ Cricket should pay the fine.
The majority (9 people) voted for 5:
5. 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.
There was one abstention.
A delegation from our CWM partner church, the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (UPCSA), will visit Wellington from the 21–26 August 2005. The UPCSA spans South Africa , Zimbabwe and Zambia and the Wellington Presbytery will be hosting a public gathering.
<typohead type="4">Focus on the Future</typohead>
August marks the start of my fourth year as Global Mission secretary. This anniversary coincides with the release of the long-awaited final report on the findings of the Focus on the Future process as well as the 2005/06 General Assembly budget. There is not much detail about the future of the work of Global Mission in the report. Comment is limited to the following statement:
Church relationships: connecting the church here and overseas
Ecumenical relationships were seen as important by about half of those who made submissions. Council recognised that the national position of ecumenical relations secretary was disestablished in 2004. The global mission secretary position has also undergone change in 2005, with this role reduced to part-time rather than full-time as has been the case historically. The matter of how we connect with other churches and agencies here and overseas will continue to be monitored in the future. There is much less support for policy development in response to social issues and the Church’s contribution to world mission. These are seen as the task of individual congregations, with the national church effort going into the provision of resource materials.
Not surprisingly, the budget makes bleak reading for the GMO.
The Global Mission Office has historically received funding from General Assembly, trust income and donations. Effective from 2005/06, the Global Mission Office is funded solely from trust income and donations.
One of the catch phrases I have used almost from the outset is “global is local”. There is no doubt that the work of Global Mission is undertaken by local congregations and individuals working in a local context “somewhere over there”. This is a missiological given. However, what the 2005/06 budget did was place the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of our local congregations. Gone are the days where a portion of a parish’s national giving goes to support overseas mission as well. Without the extraordinary giving of previous generations, there would be no national budget for Global Mission at all. Of course nothing can release the current generation from the Gospel imperative to reach out to the lost, the lonely, the blind, the refugee – no, not even our own financial hard times. So we will be working hard to bring the stories of “our” work in Global Mission to your attention. I would urge you to ask your session to reconsider who your parish supports in mission and to prayerfully consider adding one or more of our programmes to your list. If Presbyterians do not support Presbyterian programmes, nobody else will.
Lori writes:
In keeping with providing you information that is “just a click away”, check out some of these links:
<typohead type="4">Latest gazette</typohead>
Feel inspired by the work being done by Kiwis serving in the Pacific including stories and news from Vanuatu , Fiji and Samoa. Read more…
<typohead type="4">HIV/AIDS in the PACIFIC</typohead>
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The United Church in Papua New Guinea has established a new HIV/AIDS Desk to co-ordinate the church’s response to the PNG epidemic. The project desperately requires funding for office equipment and computers. If you are interested in supporting this project, contact the Global Mission Office.
“Time runs out on South Pacific HIV/AIDS crisis” is the headline of an article put out by SCOOP Independent news. In short, the report says that “HIV/AIDS in the South Pacific is insidiously working its way into isolated communities with an infection rate that threatens cultural, economic, and community stability. Experts say, ‘HIV/AIDS, not global warming, is the number one problem threatening Tuvalu ’s survival’.” Read the full report…
</typolist>
<typohead type="4">Zambia</typohead>
Read about the current people and projects we are supporting through our partnership with the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) – Synod of Zambia. How about adopting a Tie-Dye project for the women of the Garden Church in Lusaka or provide more sporting equipment for the Youth Centre at Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church. If education is your passion, Mtendere Presbyterian Mission School is in desperate need of more classroom materials and teaching aids. Most classrooms don’t even have a map of the world or of Zambia to hang on the wall.
<typohead type="4">Work with us</typohead>
We have numerous other opportunities for local congregations and individuals to give to projects in the Pacific, Asia and Africa . There are also opportunities for people to serve in places like Vanuatu and Thailand . Read more about these opportunities to work with us…
Keep checking in with our website for more up to date information on how to join Kiwis taking mission to the margins.
Noticeboard
Introduction work group
By the time you read this, we will have interviewed the 2005 graduating ordinands (David Balchin, Karen Nelson, Nathan Parry and Jeongsoon (Michelle) Shin) with the purpose of offering each of them a parish profile to consider as they discern the next step of their call to national ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Aoteraroa New Zealand .
It is possible that not every graduating ordinand will be offered a parish profile from those received. It is equally possible that those who have received a parish profile to consider may not discern a call that would lead to a conversation with a nominator and board of nomination. Therefore, we continue to welcome enquiries concerning the availability of ordinands for particular parishes.
A reminder to nominators that it is helpful for the workgroup to receive a print copy of the parish profile in an A4 clear file, AND a Word or rich text version attached to an email.
Geoffrey Skilton
Convener
geoffrey.skilton(at)paradise.net.nz
Ph. 03 453 5357
Christian World Service
<typohead type="4">Wipe Out Poverty Week - 5-11 September </typohead>
It’s not too late to get involved! This year promises to be bigger and better, with new suggested activities and more groups taking part. Wipe Out Poverty Week is the annual CWS youth fundraiser in support of groups like House of Passage, Brazil. House of Passage gives young girls from poverty-stricken, violent communities a new chance at life - with food, health care, a safe place to spend the day, vocational education, counselling and training opportunities. Girls gain confidence and receive the respect and affection they need to find a more hopeful future. NZ youth groups, churches and families can give them a hand - have a cake stall, car wash or overnight wipe-out. Join Wipe Out Poverty Week. Contact youth(at)cws.org.nz or ring (03) 366 9274 and speak to Liz Whitehead. Full fundraising kits available now.
<typohead type="4">Make Poverty History Sunday </typohead>
On Sunday 11 September 2005, CWS is asking churches to take a Sunday to explore the issues behind the Make Poverty History Campaign in light of the United Nations meeting on the 10th and hold a special day of worship and prayer for the millions of people trapped in poverty. We will have resources available for churches by 21 August. Some banners are available for your front fence and CWS has white Make Poverty History bands to sell. For more information and copies of the resources call Liz on 366 9274 or check out www.cws.org.nz from August 21.
Presbyterian Foundation
The Presbyterian Foundation distributes money to support the ongoing mission of the Church. Applications for these grants close on 15 September. You can read the instructions for applicants and download an application form, as well as check out the guidelines for presbyteries/UDCs/UCCs.
Questions about eligibility and the application process should be directed to Heather McKenzie, synod.otago.southland(at)xtra.co.nz.
Receiving Candour
To continue your Candour subscription, ministers need to return the form sent out with the July issue. You can choose whether to be emailed Candour or to receive it in the post but if we do not receive an indication of your preference by 3 August, we will assume you no longer wish to receive the magazine. Thanks to all those who have returned their forms or emailed their feedback to amanda.wells(at)presbyterian.org.nz.
Hymn books
St Andrew’s, Otahuhu, has numerous hymn books that we are willing to send to a congregation for a donation to cover postage.
<typolist>
50 x The Church Hymnary & Psalms. (Many are in reasonable condition and a few are the larger type version)
20 x The Oxford Easy Anthem Book (very good condition)
Variety of the ‘Scripture in Song’ series.
</typolist>
Please contact Rev Andrew Bell
1/22 Station Road
Otahuhu
Auckland
New Zealand
+64 9 276 4313 (office)
+64 9 276 4316 (fax)
+0272712306 (mobile)
otahuhupresby@xtra.co.nz
<typohead type="3">Parish websites project </typohead>
An update has been issued to parishes that have indicated their interest in this project, which will provide a template, web-hosting and support so that a website can be created and maintained with minimal effort. To be sent a copy, email amanda.wells(at)presbyterian.org.nz
<typohead type="3">Pews for Disposal </typohead>
The Waiwhetu Uniting Church in Lower Hutt will have pews for disposal in September 2005. The pews were new in 1963, and seat about 150 persons. They are 3 – 4 metres long and are made of rimu frame with rimu plywood seats and backs. If anyone is interested, please contact Arthur Davis, Phone 04 569 5338, or email arthur.davis(at)clear.net.nz
<typohead type="3">Spiritual Growth Ministries retreats </typohead>
SGM is offering a seven-day silent retreat from 9-16 September, Friday 7pm to Friday 1pm.
The venue is a new one for SGM - EN HAKKORE, a retreat centre high on a hill with wonderful views overlookinng the Maniototo Plain, Central Otago .
A gift for busy people to meet the Lord in stillness, renew or deepen relationship, hear again the call and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
Closing date August 26.
Cost: $496.00.
Spiritual Growth Ministries is also offering a seven-day, self-catering, Wilderness Retreat from 14-21 October (Friday 5pm to Friday 1pm)
The venue is – HOUGHTON’S BUSH CAMP, Muriwai, Auckland. It is set in the deep quiet of unique bush behind Muriwai beach and near Lake Okaihau.
Rugged coastline, sweeping beaches, forestry, streams, gannet and seal colonies make this a varied countryside, ideal for retreats.
Closing date 31 September.
Cost: $295.00
For more information, brochures or registration forms please contact Carole Hunt, 1A Ogilvy Tce, Plimmerton, Wellington 6006.
Email: sgm(at)clear.et.nz. Phone: 04 233 0714
<typohead type="3">Synod of Otago & Southland's Mission Advisor</typohead>
Bruce Fraser, has this week taken up his fixed term appointment as Synod of Otago & Southland's Mission Advisor, and is based in the Synod offices.
Until recently, Bruce was the lay minister at Katiangata Stirling Lovell's Flat Parish. Bruce is working under the direction of John Daniel, but his responsibilities are with parishes, not presbyteries.
Contact details:
Synod Mission Advisor
Mr Bruce Fraser
Level 5, Evan Parry House, 43 Princes St, Dunedin
P O Box 1131, Dunedin
phone: 03 477 7362 fax: 03 477 6735
email: synod.mission(at)xtra.co.nz
Resources
Before You Vote: a backgrounder on the coming General Election from the Churches’ Agency on Social Issues
This four-page leaflet explores some of the principles and values underlying policies being put forward in the election on 17 September. Contents include:
<typolist>
Faith and community action
What sort of society do we want?
Is there still a rich-poor gap?
Sustainability – a challenge for churches and voters.
</typolist>
Also included are suggested questions for voters and for candidates and short, specially written prayers. A covering note offers some brief pointers for those holding election meetings, and a guide to “analysing the rhetoric” of political messages.
Depending on their size, parishes are being sent 10, 20 and 50 copies of Before You Vote in the first week of August. The format is such that part or all of the document can be easily photocopied, or further printed copies can be ordered. It is also available in PDF format on the web, www.casi.org.nz.
CASI is also gathering more detailed election material from a variety of sources to create an election pack.
Email inquiries to casi(at)casi.org.nz, or phone 04 381 8295, or write to CASI, PO Box 9049, Wellington.
<typohead type="3">Believe and Belong booklet </typohead>
Want to help your young people journey towards baptism, confirmation or other forms of commitment? The Presbyterian Youth Ministry team has created a guide to six sessions and a celebratory service that you can work through with your youth group. To be sent a copy of Creating a Pathway to Believe and Belong, contact the PYM office by emailing mo.mansill(at)presbyterian.org.nz, telephoning 04 381-8299 or writing to PO Box 9049, Wellington. Copies cost $5 each.
<typohead type="3">Lectionary resources </typohead>
“In some lectionaries, this time after Pentecost is called Ordinary Time, and in one sense the selected readings are sustaining and building up of our faith, just because of their ordinariness.” Read more of the preaching kit compiled by Pamela Tankersley that covers 3 July to 14 August. You can also download the entire lectionary calendar (in pdf format).
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 August 2005.
Please amend the roll in your yearbook accordingly
<typohead type="4">Inductions </typohead>
<typolist>
Rev Derrick Grant Hills, formerly of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Te Puke, was inducted as Minister to St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, on 27 January 2005.
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<typohead type="4">Retirements </typohead>
<typolist>
Rev Lester W Simpson, formerly of St James Presbyterian Church, Waihi, to Minister Emeritus, as of 18 July 2005.
</typolist>
<typohead type="4">New Presbytery Moderator </typohead>
Wellington Presbytery
The Rev Peter MacKenzie
12 Dr Taylor Tce
Johnsonville
Wellington
Ministerial vacancies
Click here to see the full table of vacancies
Vacancies
Events
Check out the latest listings on our events page, including information about the 2005 Geering lectures, the futurechurch conference and church anniversary celebrations.