IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO BUSH TELEGRAPH, PLEASE SEE CONTACTS HERE.
From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Children and Families
Global Mission
PressGo
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church School
CWS Notices
Church Register
Notices
Events
Jobs
From the Moderator
Care for the vulnerable.
“What you did for the least, you did to me,” says the Lord. - Matthew 25:40
The Christian Church is a family. The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is a family. And like each branch of the Christian family, we are bound with our differences and our familiarities. Hence, we divide and separate, calling each other denominations. What an incredible people-power base, if we were all one. Unity, oneness, is next month's message.
The first message for our PCANZ family for this year is our care, responsibility and attention to ministry of the least in our midst - in our neighbourhood, in our presbyteries, in our local churches. We do have ‘the least’, among us. The reference here of least, is not to an individual, but least of a faith church community.
There are faith church communities all around us. In the spectrum of humanity, these church communities are the least in our context today. This is a valid, real mission field. When the Lord Jesus commissioned the Church “to go to all the world” it starts with the neighbourhood, villages, suburbs, and local vicinity. It is an ongoing call. Today look again at your neighbouring church communities.
Let the Spirit lead you, and your local church to be a part, a tool, involved, partake in a neighbouring church near you.
Start with our own PCANZ family, and in time, be involved with other Christian churches in your locality. Work from within. Work with the locals. Walk with them to do their ministry. This is very inspiring and fulfilling.
For the PCANZ family to be well and healthy, we must look out for others. We are as strong as the most vulnerable. Take care of each other. “Love one another, as I have loved you, that the world may know that you are my disciples,” says the Lord. John 13: 34-35.
Blessings
Fakaofo
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
What is truth?
During the break I read a few books, including “The secret life of Bletchley Park” and “Just Mercy”. The former deals with the story of those who worked on deciphering military codes, while in Just Mercy I read of the power of mercy to redeem; an indictment of the justice system and the importance of true justice. Something that links these together is the pursuit of truth. If one is allowed a favourite Gospel – mine is John. In John 18:38 we read, “’What is truth?’ Pilate asked”. A great question!
When I was at university, I took a paper on early American history, and besides the reading for the course and essays etc, I read a little wider and recall reading about Thomas Jefferson. He was known as many things – diplomat, lawyer, philosopher and the 3rd President of America. He is credited as drafting the Declaration of Independence – and the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident”.
Interestingly, Jefferson – and one imagines very methodically – set about to create what is known as ‘The Jefferson Bible’. While he saw in the Bible “the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to humankind”, other parts he could not reconcile to his presuppositions. He set out to edit it. What is truth?
It seems we live in times where truth is stranger than it used to be. Pilate’s question can be found on the lips of many these days; and in a wide variety of settings. I think it was Albert Einstein who is quoted as saying, “Question everything”. Questions are a great way of interacting - they can strengthen rapport and trust, and lead to exciting discoveries.
First round of voting for Moderator-designate
All parishes will shortly receive information concerning the first round of voting for Moderator-designate. There are changes to this process as a result of decisions made at Assembly 2018. It is important parish councils read the background information paper as they prayerfully consider the matter. Names have to be submitted to presbytery clerks by Friday, 9 April. To assist those who are being asked to prayerfully consider offering themselves for this role, a background paper is included in this information.
General Assembly 2021
The 2021 General Assembly will be held from 29 September - 3 October at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch.
Deadline for reports, proposals and recommendations to be considered by General Assembly 2021
Following consultation with the Assembly Business Work Group convener, a deadline has been set for receiving all reports and proposals that will be considered by this year's General Assembly. All material must be received by 5pm Friday, 18 June 2021. This timeframe will enable us to facilitate a consultative process with presbyteries prior to Assembly. In this way, we will be able to fulfil the 2012 Assembly’s decision supporting presbyteries’ participation in the setting of the Assembly agenda.
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters and pass on other news. Our office’s ability to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates of key contact people, changes in email etc. In this season of annual meetings and possible changes to officer bearers, please pass on any changes to Grace so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate people.
As you enter the New Year with the inevitable challenges and opportunities, may God continue to bless and guide you.
Ngā mihi nui
Wayne
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Easter Camps
At the time of writing, it seems that every Easter Camp is planned to go ahead in 2021, which is great news. We have all the information about dates, website links etc on our website.
Connect 2021- 11-13 June @ El Rancho Waikanae...we hope!
Please put the 11-13 of June 2021 in your diaries for Connect at El Rancho, Waikanae. Due to Covid-19 we don’t know if the event will be able to go ahead but please plan on it happening. We will make an announcement on the 5 Feb 2021 if we will be going ahead with the event.
Connect Online
Whether we go ahead with the in-person Connect event or not, we have five online training evenings planned for 2021. These events will happen 6:30pm-8pm, over zoom. So, put them in your calendar today:
- 15 Feb, Starting Well
- 10 May, Young Adults
- 12 July, Intermediates
- 13 Sept, Transitioning well, moving on from Intermediate and High School.
- 8 Nov, Helping parents win
These are our provisional topics, if something big happens, we may bump one of these if we need to tackle it urgently.
Child Protection Policy
Just a reminder churches need to be following the PCANZ Child Protection Policy, which means amongst other things, that everyone working with children and young people needs to be police checked and trained once every three years. Check out the Safety WOF website for full information.
Gordon Fitch
National Youth Manager
Presbyterian Research Centre
A Royal Commission has been keeping PRC staff busy this year with requests from parishes. This work is currently a priority for us, so if you have sent us a non-related and non-urgent request recently, we will respond, however our response may be delayed. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
If you are not on any of our mailing lists and would like to receive emails from the Presbyterian Research Centre about new books, events, project updates or blog articles please sign up here.
Jane Thomsen
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Presbyterian Children and Families
As we start the New Year, we are looking forward to outworking our vision and mission alongside children and families’ ministry workers. How wonderful to collaborate with local parishes, as well as related individuals, groups and organisations.
Research clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of coming together to welcome, hear, support and guide children and their families. Let’s remember about, and reflect upon, the priesthood of believers as all are encouraged to participate in the lives of our faith communities.
Our Vision: we see communities of faith inspired to share ‘God’s Big Story’ by engaging authentically with children and families.
Our Mission: we serve the PCANZ through servant leadership, advocacy and resourcing for authentic engagement with children and families, so that they are woven into the fabric/DNA of the church and are able to fully participate.
Robin and I would like to walk alongside your parish in exploring, developing and implementing our vision and mission in your unique context. See our contact details here.
We have partnered with Mainly Ministries to create some helpful Prayer Pads. These have been created to record and circulate prayer needs while promoting prayer at home and in the wider community. We recommend distributing these to families in your parish. See here for more information and to order.
Here is a blessing for each child in your parish. It could be extended for all!
May you know and understand that the mighty and powerful God who created the heavens and the earth loves you, chose you, and has adopted you into God’s family. When things get hard, may you be strengthened by knowing that you belong to God. Go out today with confidence in the fact that you are a child of God and that you are created in God’s wonderful image.
Diane & Robin
Presbyterian Children and Families
Global Mission
Some challenging news to begin 2021 – a reminder that life these days can be very unpredictable.
A military coup in Myanmar in the early hours of Monday morning, 1 February, has raised deep concerns for the safety and well-being of the citizens of that country - in particular, for the members of the Presbyterian Church with whom we have a close relationship. At the time of writing, information is very sparse as details are still unfolding. All phone and internet communications were down initially, but some connectivity has now been restored, and we have had brief reports from their Church leadership. They are watching and waiting, with grave concerns for the future. There is a strong military presence in the main city of Yangon and the capital, Naypyidaw. So far, there has been minimal signs of the military in the twin cities of Tahan and Kalaymyo, where the main Presbyterian Church activity is. However, this could change.
The military has declared a state of emergency on the basis that the result of the November elections, which delivered a resounding victory to the National League for Democracy, were fraudulent. They have stated that they will take power for one year. The EU, UK and United Nations are among those to have condemned the military takeover. Read more here.
Trusted news sites like the BBC are probably the best way to keep informed. Contact with the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar leadership will be maintained where possible, and relevant news will be shared on the Global Mission Facebook page.
Please keep the churches and people of Myanmar in your prayers. Many of them are known to members of the PCANZ personally. Wayne and Helen Harray, who have been serving in Myanmar and are in New Zealand on extended leave due to Covid-19, will also be watching with serious concerns.
Please feel free to contact me for further information about this or any of our Global Mission partnerships.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
PressGo
In the latter half of 2020, PressGo made a significant grant from the Mission Enterprise Fund to the Pacific Presbytery for a “Pacific Reset” project, which is designed to enhance the capacity and capability of the Presbytery, and builds on learnings from earlier in the year. We also finalised a two-year commitment to Te Aka Puaho from the Mission Enterprise Fund Aroha fund. This is for the Te Taurahere Whatumanawa (Heart Strings) project at Taneatua and Ruatoki. We are excited to be involved with these important projects and look forward to sharing their stories.
Rev Mahaki Albert has been appointed to the PressGo Board, representing Te Aka Puaho.
The Council of Assembly has tasked the Board with developing a plan to implement the recommendations of the PressGo Review 2019, and, after meeting with presbytery executive officers, our new Terms of Reference were submitted to, and approved by, COA.
Key changes are:
a. The purpose of PressGo is now defined as resourcing and equipping innovative mission across the PCANZ.
b. The way this is done is by “working alongside” presbyteries.
c. The membership of the Board is smaller and appointment to the Board will be via the Nominating Committee.
d. PressGo staff (currently the PressGo Catalyst) are members of the Mission Resourcing Team.
e. The Board is required to take a lead in moving the culture of the PCANZ towards a missional imaginative future and a number of new responsibilities to enable this are highlighted in the TOR.
f. We are to help presbyteries set up Mission Funds Teams (where there are none) and help presbyteries be missional and innovative.
g. Applications for funding from the Mission Enterprise Fund will no longer be made direct to PressGo, but by presbyteries on behalf of a parish for projects which have already been funded by presbytery and need an additional “top up”. This new process came into effect on 1 November 2020.
h. Applications for funding from the Presbyterian Foundation (Small Grants) and MEF Aroha funds will continue to follow the current application process.
The PCANZ web pages have been updated to reflect these changes, and new application forms and guidelines will be available in due course. If you have any questions about the changes please contact me.
Lisa Wells
PressGo Catalyst
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
We are currently in the midst of our Summer Block Course for National Ordained Minister interns. This year we have five new interns: Ryan Feng in Cromwell (Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church with Rev Douglas Bradley), Adair Oosterbroek in Napier (St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Napier with Rev Sally Carter), Eric Oosterbroek in Hastings (St John’s Presbyterian Church with Rev Paul Loveday), Brett Reid in Levin (Levin Uniting with Rev Sandra Williams), and Joshua Tepou in Tauranga (at St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church with Rev Dr Jaco Reyneke).
On the eve of our block course, the new KCML team met for two days to be orientated to the rhythms and details of teaching and facilitating the internship programme. This is the first time we have all been in the same room at the same time. The new team comprises: Nikki Watkin, Fei Taule’ale’ausumai Davis, Darryl Tempero, and Paul Prestidge. We are really looking forward to 2021 and how the Spirit will lead us.
Geoff New
Dean of Studies/Acting Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church Schools
We begin 2021 with the next school in my Presbyterian Church Schools series - Scots College in Wellington. Scots is an Independent College split into three schools: Prep School for Years 1-6, Middle School for Years 7-10, and Senior School for Years 11-13. Scots College, initially a school for boys, welcomed girls to their Senior School and boarding in 2020, and this year will become fully co-educational across all three schools. Headmaster Graeme Yule has overseen the College since 2007 and is ably supported by three Principals; Richard Kirk (Prep School), Matt Allen (Middle School) and Christian Zachariassen (Senior School).
Scots College was founded by Rev Dr James Gibb (minister of St John’s Presbyterian Church, Wellington) and the Honourable John Aitkin in 1916. James was heavily involved in political lobbying both within and on behalf of the national Church, including the issue of Christian education. He was the first Chair of the Scots College Board of Governors (1916-1928). John was deputy Chair of the Board until his death in 1921. He had also been Mayor of Wellington (1900-1905), an MP (1902-1908), and a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council (1914-1921).
Initially Scots College was based at 53 Hobson St, Thorndon, moving in 1919 to a much larger site in Strathmore. There they were able to establish purpose-built classrooms and boarding facilities, with playing fields and extensive grounds. Until the advent of an airport next door in 1935, they were almost countrified.
Now in its second century of existence, Scots continues to focus on building all-round character in each student, allowing them the opportunities and support to realise their potential. For further information see www.scotscollege.school.nz
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
CWS Notices
Christmas Appeal
“For I was hungry and you gave me food” Matthew 25:35.
Thank you for generously supporting the 2020 Christmas Appeal. In what will be a challenging year, your gifts will help families struggling to feed themselves and their children. We welcome church donations and encourage treasurers to send in donation information and remittance form promptly so we can send receipts in good time.
Coronavirus Appeal
Thank you for supporting the Coronavirus Appeal. CEPAD (the Council of Churches in Nicaragua) reported they have distributed kits to 1,261 families. The kits contained soap, bleach, sanitiser and facemasks. Radio CEPAD featured 185 one-hour programmes on Covid-19, and staff offered psycho-social support to families, and resources for 504 gardens. This Appeal provides additional resources to partners working in communities where people do not have water, soap, facemasks or adequate food.
Please consider organising a fundraising event so worried families can have protection and food security in the year ahead. Please pray for their protection and access to vaccinations.
World Day of Prayer 5 March
A series of devastating tropical cyclones form the backdrop to this year's World Day of Prayer service, “Build on a Strong Foundation” prepared by ni-Vanuatu women. All are welcome to services hosted by local organising committees throughout the country on Friday 5 March. The National Committee encourages the use of these resources in other services. For more information, contact Zella: zellamcgirr@gmail.com or 03 302 8587.
Remembering Barbara Stephens
CWS gives thanks for the life and contribution of Rev Barbara Stephens, our former national coordinator, 1986-94.
Cheques Disappearing
Cheques Phased Out
With banks phasing out cheques later this year, CWS encourages people to donate by credit card or through bank transfer. Please phone Jordyn for assistance: 0800 74 73 72.
Notices
Webinar - The Selwyn Foundation Ageing and Spirituality, Spiritual strength: does it matter?
Date: 10 February 2021 from 7pm – 9pm. Reverend Caroline Leys, The Selwyn Foundation’s Director of Spiritual Care, and Professor Rod MacLeod, Clinical Advisor Hospice New Zealand, will discuss the five spiritual strengths – Meaning, Connection, Agency, Hope and Faith (as identified by Marc Haufe et al) – and how to support and enable older people to pursue and harness these before they die. Followed by Q&A session with the virtual audience. More information/enrol visit the website.
Webinar - Reweaving the Ecological Mat - Pacific Voices for a New Creation
This World Council of Churches and the Pacific Conference of Churches webinar will lift up Pacific proposals to “reweave the ecological mat” and build a new creation. New resources from the Pacific seek to change the narrative of development from one that exploits human beings and ecology for profit in favour of one that nurtures communities and emphasizes the sacredness of ecology. Date: 4 February, 19:00-20:30 Fiji Time. See more and Register
Seeking new Head of Knox College, Dunedin
Knox College is a privately owned residential college with links to the Presbyterian Church, accommodating 262 residents and sharing a 4.5-hectare landscaped site with Salmond College. The Head is responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of the College, the welfare of its students, and further development of the unique character of Knox College. See more information here. Email application with cover letter and CV to: cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 7400aa. Applications close on 14 February 2021.
Summer course: Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context
From 15-19 February 2021, Dr Paul Windsor and Rev Dr Geoff New will teach an intensive course in Dunedin on "Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context". The course is jointly offered by Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership and the Theology Programme at University of Otago. The course is suited to both new and experienced preachers and a contribution to course costs is available for Presbyterian ministers who are in good standing. Learn more
Presbyterian Investment Fund
Deposits and withdrawals can be processed as normal during current alert levels, observing the requirement to provide advance notice for major (>$100,000) withdrawals. The interest rate paid on the PIF On-Call Fund is currently 1.75% pa and the interest rate on the new PIF Long-Term Fund is 3.0% plus inflation. The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. For further information, email the Trustees’ Executive Officer, Russell Garrett.
Glen Innis holiday home for ministers – video tour
Ordained ministers are entitled to a week's free holiday accommodation each year at Glen Innis Station, south east of Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay. Watch a recent video tour of the property here.
Church Register
Licensings
Robert Williams, to Licentiate, Kaimai Presbytery,13 December 2020.
Ordination and Inductions
Rev Stephen Talbot, Local Ordained Minister, Hope Presbyterian Rolleston, Alpine Presbytery, 8 November 2020.
Rev Lee Kearon, Local Ordained Minister, Kurow Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 19 November 2020.
Rev Matthew Cave, National Ordained Minister, to Stated Supply, St Paul’s Papamoa, Kaimai Presbytery, 13 December 2020.
Changes in Status
Rev Jordan Redding, from Other Recognised Minister & Member of Presbytery, to Minister Knox Church Dunedin (part-time) and Dunedin Tertiary Chaplaincy (part-time), Southern Presbytery, 9 July 2020.
Rev Soloman Premkumar, from Minister, St Giles Mt Roskill, to Other Recognised Ministry, Northern Presbytery, 30 November 2020.
Rev Mario Weyers, from Other Recognised Minister, to Minister St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church., Hamilton, Kaimai Presbytery, 29 November 2020.
Rev Robert Robati-Mani, from Other Recognised Minister and Presbytery Member, to Parish Minister St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Gore, Southern Presbytery, 17 December 2020.
Rev Annie-Kate Williams, from Minister Stated Supply to Parish Minister, Mornington Presbyterian Church, Southern Presbytery, 6 December 2020.
Rev Steve Taylor, from Principal KCML to Other Recognised Minister and Member of Presbytery, Southern Presbytery, 1 February 2021.
Rev Simon McLeay, from Parish Minister Tauranga St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, to Other Recognised Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, 31 January 2021.
Rev Matt Chapman, from Stated Supply St Aidan’s Presbyterian Church Northcote, to Stated Supply St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Howick, Northern Presbytery, 16 November 2020.
Rev Andrew Scott, Stated Supply at Waitaki Presbyterian Parish, term as Presbytery Moderator, Southern Presbytery, ended 12 November 2020.
Rev Anne Thomson, from Presbytery Member to Presbytery Moderator Southern Presbytery, 13 November 2020.
Rev Anne Stewart, Parish Minister The Village Presbyterian Church, term as Presbytery Moderator, Alpine Presbytery, ended 11 September 2020.
Rev Barry Ayers, from Presbytery Member to Presbytery Moderator, Alpine Presbytery, 12 September 2020.
Rev John Daniel, from Transitional Ministry, Coastal Unity Presbyterian Church, to Other Recognised Minister, Southern Presbytery, 1 January 2021.
Short-Term Appointments
Robert Williams, Licentiate to Stated Supply, Rotorua District Presbyterian Church, Kaimai Presbytery, 4 January 2021.
Retirements
Rev Donald Hegan, from Parish Minister St Columba Tauranga, to Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 31 January 2021.
Rev Peter Cheyne, from Parish Minister Mornington Presbyterian Church to Minister Emeritus and Senior Active Minister, Southern Presbytery, 31 January 2021
Rev Maurice Craig, Local Ordained Minister, Ahuriri Putorino Presbyterian Church, to Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central -Nukuhau Tapu, 24 January 2021
Rev Kay Craig, Local Ordained Minister, Ahuriri Putorino Presbyterian Church, to Minister Emerita, Presbytery Central -Nukuhau Tapu, 24 January 2021.
Removals from Roll BOO 10.32 (inactive in ordained ministry within the Presbyterian Church)
Rev Johannes David Kriel, Kaimai Presbytery, removed from roll, 1 December 2020.
Rev Jangwon (Joshua) Seo, Northern Presbytery, removed from roll, 1 December 2020.
Re. Myoungsoo Han, Kaimai Presbytery, removed form roll, 1 December 2020.
Rev Helen Dick, Alpine Presbytery, removed from roll, 1 December 2020.
Rev Jae Sun (John) Park, Kaimai Presbytery, removed from roll, 1 December 2020.
Resignations
Rev Paul Fransham, Other Recognised Minister, Northern Presbytery, resigned and removed from the PCANZ roll, 25 October 2020.
Deaths
Rev Robert (Bob) Foster Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 16 August 2020.
Rev Nio Daniela, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 22 October 2020.
Rev Keith Carley, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 22 October 2020.
Rev Edward (Ted) Body, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 24 November 2020.
Rev Donald Ransom, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 17 December 2020.
Parish changes
Miramar Uniting Church, Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, dissolved 31 December 2020.
Kate Wilson
Compliance Support Officer
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
Jobs
Check out our job vacancies page and the ministerial vacancies table for the latest vacancies available in Aotearoa and around the globe.