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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Global Mission
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
CWS Notices
Church Register
Notices
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From the Moderator
Tena Koutou Katoa
It was a wonderful experience to take a road trip from Ohope to Waitangi with the Moderator of Te Aka Puahou, the Rev Tamiana Thrupp, and his wife Honey, at the beginning of February. The journey together was fun, and then it was a privilege to be beside each other participating in both the dawn and 10am services on Waitangi Day. A special time.
March is promising to be a full and varied month as I travel to Fiji with our other delegates to the Pacific Regional Pre-Assembly for the Council for World Mission Assembly, which is being held in Durban, South Africa in June. This pre-Assembly gathering is called, ‘Rise to Life: Together in Transformation’ and there will be keynote speakers, plenary sessions, Bible studies, worship and guidance for preparation for the Assembly.
Following this, I will go to the Council of Assembly meeting in Auckland, then to Tauranga to lead a retreat for the Kaimai Presbytery. On my way home from this will be a meeting in Wellington for church leaders (Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican, Salvation Army, Baptist, Methodist) and the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services.
So, there is quite a lot going on! In amongst my Moderator duties, it was good to be able to lead worship on the first Sunday of Lent at my home church of St Paul’s Maheno Otepopo in Oamaru. We heard afresh the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news”.” [Mark 1: 14-15].
Blessings for this season of Lent.
Ma te wa
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
Nga mihi nui.
A few years ago I read the book, If It's Not Impossible.... What a great title for a book!
It tells the story of Sir Nicholas Winton. Back in 1938, he managed to convince the British Committee for Refuges in Czechoslovakia to rescue 669 mainly Jewish children before Nazi occupation would close the boarders. The book has been made into a film, “One Life”. I recommend both!
Nicholas’s story remains unknown until, in the film, when we see him in 1987, sorting through boxes of his old memories, recalling the photos and names of the children that made it out.
Without going into all the details, Nicholas ends up on the TV show That’s Life where his story is told. He is surprised by the studio audience, comprising entirely those who he played a part in saving and their descendants. To watch the 1988 BBC That’s Life show see this link.
This season of the Church year called Lent is a season of reflection. A time to consider our own lives in the light of one life - the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Some engage in spiritual practices during this time – like prayer, fasting, giving up or giving. One Life.
And in response to this? Maybe best summed up by Paul in Romans 5:
“For if by trespass of one, death reigned, how much more will those who those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
PressGo Catalyst
When PressGo was established (2008), the General Assembly provided half the sale proceeds from Laughton House ($2 million) to be known as the PressGo Fund to support this new venture. PressGo Board members were primarily supporting the work – visiting churches on request; providing skills and assistance and sharing from their ministry experiences to assist other churches seeking help and support.
As the need increased so did the workload and more challenging requests for capacity building, board members were no longer able to meet the demand on their own and agreed to employ a Catalyst to lead this work. To enable the funding for the role would primarily be from the PressGo Fund, together with any gifts received for this work.
Lisa Wells was appointed and has served us in this role for the past 10 years.
Acknowledging the demands on the church councils regarding finances and their inability to absorb significant increases in Assembly Assessment and with the Assembly budget already under strain – we do not have the capacity to fund this role from Assembly Assessment.
The PressGo Fund that support the Catalyst role will be exhausted in 2025 at the current level of operations.
In consultation with Lisa Wells, and in ensuring that we (PCANZ) meet all obligations as a good employer, Council of Assembly has agreed that the PressGo Catalyst position will conclude on 30 June 2024.
There will be opportunities to express our grateful thanks to Lisa for her service in this role.
Communication related to the work and processes of the PressGo Board beyond 1 July 2024 will take place in the coming months.
Wayne Matheson Katerina Solomona
Assembly Executive Secretary Convenor Council of Assembly
Staff appointment
Nani Susijanto took up the position of office administrator at the Assembly Office on Monday 19 February. This position was previously held by Grace Webster. Nani will be taking over all of Grace’s former duties, so please direct any relevant queries or correspondence to her, email Nani or phone (04) 801 6000. Nani’s office hours will be Monday to Thursday 8am to 1pm, and Fridays 8am to 12pm.
Council News
The Council News was published in December and can be found here. If you have not self-subscribed to Council News, use this link to do so.
Special Legislation Procedure Responses
Special Legislation Procedure Response to 2023 General Assembly decisions were sent to parish councils last month. Please complete the form and return by email to me by 28 February 2025.
Update your office bearer contacts
We use electronic communication to share information, update on important matters, and pass on other news. The ability of our Office to do this is dependent on church councils advising updates of key contact people, changes in email etc. Please pass on any changes email Nani so that we can ensure we are communicating with the appropriate people.
Noho ora mai
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
Important dates for 2024
2024 has lots of great training and ministry opportunities from PYM. One of the simplest ways to catch them all is to subscribe to our Google Calendar, with this link you can easily add PYM dates to your own Google (by clicking the + icon at the bottom right of the screen) or Outlook Calendar.
Te Rangatahi Noho Marae 26-28 April
Registration is now open for our new initiative for year 11-13 students. This event is a fantastic bicultural leadership and discipleship opportunity hosted at our beautiful church marae at Ohope. For more info on registraion, schedule and travel subsides see here.
The PCANZ Child Protection Policy has been updated
The PCANZ Child Protection Policy (CPP) has been updated. See the latest version here. Included in the new CPP is clarification around the responsibility to report abuse, including the option to obtain advice from national support agencies. The Safety WOF training has also been updated in line with the new Child Protection Policy.
Join our online WOF training sessions
In March of 2024 we are hosting an online version of the Safety WOF Training broken down into three separate sessions over three Thursday evenings, 1.5-2 hours long. If you are leading young people under the age of 18 you need to do the full Safety WOF training once and then do the much shorter Refresher every three years.
7 March 7-9pm - Session 1: Intro & Ethical Practice; 14 March 7:830pm - Session 2: Health and Safety; 21 March 7-8:30pm - Session 3: safe recruitment and responding to abuse. Register for these sessions here.
Connect Online Training
Join us online each month for quality training and engagement around key youth ministry topics
See the topics and dates in March and April here. For information on all training topics and to register please go here.
May the Lord continue continue to draw young people to Godself this year!
Matt Chamberlin
National Youth Director
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Church Schools: Structure, Part 2
In Part 2 of this series on the structure of our Presbyterian Church schools I will use Iona College, our oldest school opened in 1914, as an example.
Rev Alexander Whyte, minister of Columba Church Havelock North, petitioned the Presbyterian Church to set up a girls’ boarding school. In 1911 General Assembly agreed to set up a committee to ‘investigate the support for the establishment of a girls’ boarding school’. However, other Presbyterians were involved too. In 1909 Miss Isobel Fraser, Principal of Wanganui Girls’ College, offered to lead a Presbyterian girls’ school. Hugh Campbell and Mason Chambers donated land in Havelock North and in 1913 the foundation stone was laid. Support from the national Church included organising and fundraising.
From the beginning, Iona has had Presbyterian representatives on their College Council - the governing body that administers the land and buildings. This body has the additional role of being responsible for the school’s special character. However, Iona also has a Board of Trustees who are responsible for all educational matters. While they have representatives from their governing council, they are not always Presbyterian. (Other Presbyterian schools have similar structures.)
Thus, Presbyterian input is officially at the governance level. And only through its representatives who are local ministers and church attenders rather than officers of the PCANZ. Therefore, asking the PCANZ AES or me, as Director of PCSRO, to demand a change to an educational element of a particular school is ineffective, as the connection between the national Presbyterian Church and a school’s BOT is tenuous.
However, as Iona shows, the Presbyterian values of the importance of education, of serving the community, and valuing everyone equally are still impactful. This was the vision of their founders, and each one of us can continue this influence through individual involvement.
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Presbyterian Children and Families
Well, its hard to believe that we are already two months into the year! I trust that our children and families ministry leaders have had a refreshing break, and that ministry programmes have begun well for 2024. I pray that this year would be one that sees new hope and growth for our churches across New Zealand.
Lent and Eastertide resources
While we are already halfway through Lent, you may still want to check out the 40 Days to Lent resource. With challenges centred around prayer, giving and service, this resource is a fantastic way for whānau to be intentionally connecting with God during this season. You can find the downloadable resource here.
We are also in the process of updating our Eastertide resources. These resources follow the format of our Family Faith Moments, and will be available to download from the PCFM website here.
Training Opportunities
Each year, Scripture Union hosts Way2Go, a day-long conference for children and families ministry workers and volunteers. This conference is held in various locations, and covers a wide variety of topics. Way2Go is a great opportunity to get together your children’s ministry team for some valuable training and idea-sharing.
The dates for Way2Go 2024 are: May 4 Tauranga, May 18 Wellington, May 25 Dunedin & Whangarei, June 8 Christchurch, June 15 Auckland, June 22 Palmerston North. More information, and registration details can be found here.
Intergenerational Ministry Podcast
Last year, I was involved in the creation of ‘Around the Table’ a 3-part podcast series looking at Intergenerational Ministry. The podcast focuses on the themes of belonging, welcome and hospitality, and reflect the knowledge and experience of children’s ministry leaders from several New Zealand church denominations.
Blessings as we continue to journey together through the Lenten season
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Global Mission
Resources
Sundays with the Council for World Mission (CWM) is a useful devotional that can be used in a variety of different settings either for personal use, or when you need to lead a short devotion somewhere. This resource can be downloaded here.
“God Speaks Our Language” is the title of a book about the life and work of Bill and Sue Camden, Australian missionaries who served in Vanuatu for many years. Although Bill died in 1994, his wife Sue wrote this memoir many years later and it was launched in 2018. Copies are $15 and can be ordered through the Global Mission Office. If anyone is interested in a copy, please contact me.
Vanuatu
In February the PCANZ hosted the new Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu Finance Manager, Melten Ataur. He was here to learn more about the PCANZ and build important connections that will help him in his role. As well as his visit with the PCANZ Assembly Office finance team, I‘m grateful for the support of a team of volunteers in Auckland, Hamilton and Blenheim who hosted Melten and his wife Stacey throughout their two-week stay.
English teacher Jae Ahn has had a good start to his role at Talua Theological Training Institute in Vanuatu. It’s been a busy time since his arrival but it’s encouraging to know he has settled in well. Please pray for Jae as he serves there for the duration of 2024.
Myanmar
We have received disturbing news from the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar, where the military junta has introduced compulsory conscription. This means that young people from the age of 18 can be forced to serve in the army – the very army ethnic groups have been resisting since the coup three years ago. If they refuse, they will be served a jail term of at least three years. We have heard from church contacts that young people have been targeted and forcefully taken by the military already. It is a situation of serious concern. The General Secretary of the church said to me, “This is creating panic among us. We need prayer support”. Please remember our partners in Myanmar as they endure yet more suffering.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
We have just completed our Summer Block Course. Six NOM interns and three LOM Probationers were in attendance. The time was deeply engaging and highly effective.
Presbytery Workshops 2024
We have been planning a series of training events in all presbyteries for 2024. Please keep an eye out in your presbytery communications for details. The first events will be at Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu’s gathering on 9 March and in Northern Presbytery (Whangārei) on 16 March.
NOM Interns 2025/2026
If your church is interested in hosting a NOM intern for 2025/2026, we are now beginning to gauge interest. Please email Geoff for an Expression of Interest form. We will begin the process of considering where interns will be best suited for their placement mid-year.
Begg Dickie Scholarship – Applications Invited
Applications for study funds for ministers and also for the Begg Dickie Scholarship are being called for. Applications are invited which enhance the diversity and mission of the PCANZ. Details can be found here. The deadline for applications is Thursday 28 March 2024.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Research Centre
Become an Archives volunteer
Do you have an interest in history and an eye for detail? Presbyterian Research Centre now has fresh openings for help in our Archives. We have several volunteer roles available in data entry/ transcription, research, and working with photographs. Full training will be provided. If you can commit two or more hours per week, we would love to hear from you. Please email Archives. Thank you.
Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
CWS Notices
Sharing Climate Hope
Oneida and Ramona are better prepared for the warming climate thanks to your help. Our local partners have trained them to grow new food crops using eco-agricultural techniques and provided plants and seeds. Like the Dalit women and children planting trees in South India, they are doing what they can to improve their livelihoods and future. Please support the Climate Appeal.
Gaza Palestine Emergency Appeal
Thank you for supporting the Gaza Palestine Appeal. CWS has sent an initial $59,000 to our partner the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees providing practical support in Gaza. By mid- February, DSPR staff had reached more than 4,546 people with psychological support. In southern Gaza its mental health team of 13 is organising entertainment: drama, puppet games, sports games, art activities for children in groups big and small. The sessions included music, movement and relaxation exercises. Mothers practise breathing, play games and learn stress management skills. The medical team saw more than 8,654 children and adults at its Rafah Primary Health Clinic which normally cares for mothers and children up to 6 years old, including with dental care. DSPR has distributed hygiene supplies, run health awareness workshops as and made 620 emergency cash transfers to eligible families. Please pray for the war to end and support justice for all people. Donate today.
Church Treasurers
Thank you for processing donations for CWS especially to the Christmas Appeal or emergency appeals. Please send your donations before March 31. For more details email Italy. CWS will send all annual receipts in early April.
World Day of Prayer
Join with your local community for this global event on March 1. This year’s resources have been prepared by Christian women from Palestine and can be used in church services.
Notices
Free book to equip church leaders on the climate & biodiversity crises
A Rocha International’s Head of Theology, Dave Bookless, worked with Renew Our World to create a free short book, "Making a World of Difference" to equip church leaders around the world to respond to the climate and biodiversity crises. Launched at the COP28 climate summit Faith Pavilion with the hope that this resource will be a catalyst for Christians to become part of the solution. Download here
Presbyterian Investment Fund
The interest rate paid on the PIF On Call Fund is currently 5.50% p.a. A reminder to please provide advance notice (of at least 3 days) for major (>$100,000) withdrawals. The interest rate on the PIF Long-Term Fund remains at 3.0% pa plus inflation. Rates are subject to change. The PIF is open to parishes, but not to individuals. For details on the Long Term Fund or further information, email the Trustees’ Executive Officer, Russell Garrett.
Sign up for weekly Carbon Fast for Lent 14 Feb - 30 March
Climate Stewards / Arocha invite you to join the Carbon Fast for Lent. In the Bible, caring for creation is God’s first instruction to humans. This Lent, they encourage you to take up their Lent challenge – living more simply and finding new ways to cut your carbon footprint. Each week features a different theme designed to help take climate action. From 14 Feb – 30 March you receive a weekly email containing some key facts, suggestions for how you could reduce your carbon footprint, and a prayer. Sign up here.
Trustees Office – New Phone Numbers
The Trustees office team have changed from landline to mobile phones. This will help make sure that anyone can get in touch with them, whether they’re working in the office, from home, or out and about. Contacts: Russell Garrett, Executive Officer, 022 5484 903; John White, Property and Administration Manager, 027 3616 733; Tracy Setter, Office Manager, 027 3865 708; Robyn Taylor, Accountant, 027 3134 249. You can still call 04 381 8296, which will allow you to select whoever you wish to speak with. Email contact details remain unchanged.
NZ Christians in Science lecture & pizza – 20 March Auckland
Dr Luke A Barnes from Western Sydney University will explore “A Fortunate Universe” the fascinating science behind the fine-tuning of the universe to support life. Discover how even slight adjustments to cosmic properties could make life as we know it unattainable. March 20, Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes Street, Auckland. 6.30pm for pizza, 7pm lecture. RSVP here.
Need guidance on hacked email & increasing your email security?
Has your email been hacked? Have you received fraudulent email and you aren’t sure what to do? See the Church website for guidance on what you can do to keep you and your email contacts information safe, here.
Book now for first term holiday in Hawke’s Bay: Glen Innis
Maud Hooper house is available for either week of the first term holiday 2024 so get your booking in early! Those with school aged children are urged to book soon for the 2024 school holidays. See the Glen Innis page for available dates March - April 2024, plus see the booking criteria and other details.
Read past editions of Treasurers’ News and subscribe
Current and past editions of Treasurers’ News can be found on the PCANZ website here. Treasurers’ News is sent to all parish treasurers, however, anyone in your parish who is interested can subscribe to receive the latest edition, email Katrina.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Minister Changes
Rev Dennis Flett, other recognised minister to stated supply New Plymouth - Knox Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 1 September 2023.
Rev Ivan Martinez, from minister Remuera – Somervell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery, to Dean of Studies, Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, and other recognised minister, Southern Presbytery, 8 January 2024.
Rev Raymond McKie, from other recognised minister to chaplain Te Whatu Ora Taranaki, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 24 January 2024.
Rev Grant Ridout, from minister Ponsonby - St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Northern Presbytery to minister New Plymouth - St James Presbyterian Church, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 29 January 2024.
Rev Dan Spragg, from minister The Village Presbyterian Church to Ministries Coordinator – Kaihautu Whakatipu, Alpine Presbytery, 1 February 2024.
Non-PCANZ Ministers in Co-operative Venture Ministries
Rev Julia de Groot (Methodist), minister Oxford District Union Parish, Alpine Presbytery, ended 31 January 2024.
Rev Neti Petaia (Methodist), minister Masterton – Crossway Church, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, inducted 1 February 2024.
Non PCANZ Ministers in PCANZ Parishes
Rev Bangeun Choi (PCK), ended at Lord’s Church of Auckland (Korean), Northern Presbytery, 26 November 2023.
Retirements
Rev Malutafa Fruean, minister Tokomairiro Cooperating Parish to Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 28 February 2024.
Deaths
Rev Fogatia Levi, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 28 November 2023.
Rev Eric Caton, Minister Emeritus, Te Aka Puaho, 11 December 2023.
Rev Dr Bruce Deverell, Minister Emeritus, Northern Presbytery, 22 January 2024.
Social Media
Check out in one handy place the links to the social media of the Presbyterian Church and its ministries including websites, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and video.
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 and featured ministerial vacancies for the latest vacancies available in Aotearoa and around the globe.
Subscribe to publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.