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From the Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
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Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Children and Families
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From the Moderator
Tēnā koutou katoa
When I look back on my activities during August the words that come to mind are ‘energising’ and ‘encouraging’. There were three separate events that elicit that response.
Firstly, a road trip I did with the moderator and executive officer of the Alpine Presbytery, Aunty Lyn – Rev Lynmaree Sopoaga - and the Rev Martin Stewart. We visited parishes on the West Coast, Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, Marlborough and back to Christchurch where I led worship and communion at St Mark’s, Avonhead. It was wonderful to meet with the leadership in all these parishes and hear their stories of how they witness to Christ in their communities. The three of us had a lot of fun travelling together and were still all talking to each other at the end!
Secondly, I attended Connect conference, the Presbyterian Youth Ministry gathering, at Eastern Bay in Auckland. What an impressive group of leaders our national Church has. The speakers were excellent, and we were spoilt for choice with the range of workshops; all were stimulating and thought-provoking. And I enjoyed lots of different conversations as we gathered.
Thirdly, I attended the ‘Catalysing Christian Communities’ conference in Dunedin where we were fortunate to hear talks by the Rev Dr Sam Wells from St Martin’s in the Fields, London, as well as some of our own PCANZ folk. ‘God’s Abundance and our Scarcity’ as a theme led to much thoughtful and stimulating discussion.
All of this was energising and encouraging. Gathering together as the people of God is part of our DNA, and something that we need to continue to commit to.
“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” [Acts 4: 46-47]
Ka kite ano
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator
From the Assembly Executive Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
Much of our work at the Assembly Office is clearly focused on our upcoming Assembly. In light of deadlines, time frames, meetings, requests and demands it is easy to lose focus. As reports come in - as all the work required is in danger of becoming all-consuming – it is good to pause to reflect and to give thanks for all those people and the many hours that have been committed to each of the reports.
Can I ask you join with me and many others in praying for Assembly? For our incoming Moderator the Rev Peter Dunn; for the Assembly Business Work Group; the Assembly Co-Ordinator Hayley Payne; Deputy Clerk Heather McKenzie; the many volunteers from St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church who are hosting us and our out-going Moderator Rt Rev Rose Luxford. Also please remember the Finance team processing registrations; the Comms team preparing material; our other Assembly staff also in preparations; and our Assembly Commissioners and observers. Any Assembly requires many people working behind the scenes, working to ensure the smooth running of each day.
Assembly is an opportunity for us to gather and provides the opportunity for thanksgiving and mutual encouragement. It is also a time of discernment for how God may be calling us to mission at this time and in this place. In all that, may we be found as people who say, “Speak Lord, your servants are listening”.
General Assembly
The Assembly will commence with an opening service at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Church at 1pm on Monday 20 October. Assembly will meet at St Paul’s until its conclusion at 1pm on Thursday 23 October. If you are not going to be at Assembly, then sign up here to receive updates from GA25 during Assembly.
Assembly White Book
The White Book is expected to be available in September.
Notices of motion for the Assembly due by 12 noon Friday 17 October 2025
The deadline for notices of motion has been set as 12 noon Friday 17 October. These should be sent to the Assembly Business Work Group Convenor – Rev Dan Spragg at convenorABWG@presbyterian.org.nz After this date, only motions arising from dialogue or debate will be accepted.
In these days and times - Noho ora mai and kia tupato, kia noho haumaru
Wayne Matheson
Assembly Executive Secretary
PCANZ White Ribbon
From Silence to Action: PCANZ’s 2025 White Ribbon Campaign
Wherever violence exists, something sacred is being violated. Powerful words! The 2025 PCANZ White Ribbon campaign challenges us to turn private convictions into public witness, honouring both the spiritual foundations of our faith and the practical demands of justice. Our campaign launches with a bold and compassionate call to action: to transform silence into meaningful steps against all forms of violence.
Anchored by White Ribbon Day (25 November) and the 16 Days of Activism leading up to Human Rights Day (10 December), our campaign invites every parish, presbytery, school, cultural group, church organisation to become active agents of change within their communities. While these dates offer a powerful platform for collective action, I encourage you to carry the kaupapa forward throughout the coming year, embedding the values of safety, dignity and respect into worship, education, and community outreach as part of ongoing mission.
Our 2025 theme connects faith with justice: Sacred Spaces: Every environment - churches, homes, schools, communities - is meant to be a sanctuary of safety and respect. Sacred Lives: Every person is created in God’s image and deserves dignity, protection, and love. From Silence to Action: The Church is called to move beyond passive witnessing and take active steps to prevent violence and abuse. More on our campaign will be added to the Church website here and resources will be sent to churches.
White Ribbon NZ focuses on ending violence against women, our PCANZ White Ribbon expands this commitment to address all forms of violence - to people, animals, nature - as we know they are connected.
PCANZ White Ribbon Tote Bags at General Assembly
PCANZ White Ribbon eco cotton tote bags with PCANZ White Ribbon pamphlet and poster will be free at GA. Please use these resources for sparking conversation and inspiring action for practical steps toward preventing violence and building safer communities.
Note of Thanks
Thank you to the parishes that invited me to share the PCANZ White Ribbon kaupapa. Your openness and hospitality is deeply appreciated. If your church would like to host a conversation or event please email me, I'd be honoured to attend.
Rev Hana Popea
PCANZ Ambassador White Ribbon
Global Mission
Global Mission recently hosted four youth leaders from the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) to attend Presbyterian Youth Ministry’s national youth leader training event, Connect, in Auckland. Prior to Connect, the team enjoyed a week of exposure visits which gave them a good overview of the mission context of the PCANZ. I am grateful to all those who supported this programme and offered generous hospitality to the team. Two team members were hosted by Rev Lorraine Francis and her husband Ian Dittmer. Lorraine was born in Port Vila when her parents Bill and Mary Francis served in mission in Vanuatu (then known as the New Hebrides). The team was able to meet Mary Francis, and this was a highlight for them as they shared stories together. Catch all the latest news regarding our mission partnership with the PCV in the latest edition of the Nambawan newsletter.
Myanmar
In August I chaired a Zoom meeting with the group of ecumenical partners supporting the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM). The meeting received the latest reports from Myanmar and covered earthquake relief efforts and the wide range of ways in which the multi-layered crisis in Myanmar is affecting the church and its members.
The report included these topics for prayer that you are invited to share with your congregations:
• For peace and reconciliation in the Chin State and across Myanmar.
• For protection of young people from forced conscription and trauma.
• For relief from economic hardship and the lifting of blockades.
• For education programmes run by the church and community in the absence of formal education.
• For strength and courage for the church to take peace initiatives, even when the task
seems overwhelming.
• For God’s sustaining grace for all PCM members as they continue to serve in faith and hope.
PCM General Secretary Rev Pek Muan Cuang concluded, “We sincerely thank you for your unwavering support and prayers. Your solidarity strengthens us as we continue to live out our calling in one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history”.
Phil King
Global Mission Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Kia Ora from the office of PCFM!
I recently attended PYM’s Connect conference at Willow Park in Auckland. Whenever I am with a wider gathering of Presbyterians, I am reminded of how vital it is to be God’s community gathered, with all ages celebrating, learning and growing in faith together.
In the children and families ministry space, the image of a table is often used to illustrate the importance of making space for children and young people in our gatherings. Imagine your family gathered for a huge celebration meal - it may be Christmas, or a special birthday, or simply because you are all together in the one place. My memories of this as a child was being put at the children’s table, often in another room within sight of the adults, but distinctly separate. Yes, it was convenient. It meant that the adults could have ‘adult’ conversations and avoid the noise and chaos of the children. But as children, there was a missed opportunity for connection, observation and participation within the wider family.
When we make space at the table for children and young people, we are giving them the best possible opportunity to understand the things that we hold important, to create meaningful relationships with other members of the family, and to contribute to the life and spirit of the gathered family. Yes, it can be challenging, and occasionally accommodations need to be made, but ultimately, everyone benefits when we are all together.
So, my challenge for you in the coming weeks is: Where can you make space at the table for the young people in your faith community? Where can you include children in a way that is meaningful and empowering for them? How might you be blessed by having children with you at the table?
Blessings
Karo Wilson
Director
Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry
Presbyterian Research Centre
PRC talk and resources: Victorian women
On Thursday 11 September at 5.30pm, retired PCANZ archivist, Yvonne Wilkie will give a talk titled, "A Scripture of Their Own" which looks at recent research into the history of 19th century women’s biblical writings. Yvonne will share new insight into the lived faith experience that shaped women’s place and role in an era of religious, social, political and economic change.
This talk is being held in the KCML Seminar Room at Knox College, with refreshments from 5pm.
Women have always played a vital role in the life of the Presbyterian Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and our collections at the Presbyterian Research Centre Archives reflect this. We hold significant collections from Presbyterian women’s organisations including the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union (PWMU), Women’s Fellowship, the Association of Presbyterian Women (APW), and PWANZ. These include the records of national bodies as well as local groups. Younger women are documented in the records of the Young Women’s Bible Class and the PWMU Auxiliary.
Our Presbyterian Deaconess Collection is listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World for New Zealand. It records more than 70 years of service in parishes and communities across the country, as well as in foreign missions. Finally, the papers of female ministers are included among our Minister’s Collection. You are welcome to explore our collections to uncover the witness and service of New Zealand Presbyterian women across the generations.
Correction: July Bush Telegraph article
Ian Breward took the initiative to revive an earlier Historical Records Committee, which eventually became the Presbyterian Archives. It was reported in the July Bush Telegraph that Peter Matheson had that role. The years 1965-1982 attributed to Peter are actually the years that Ian was professor of church history in the Theological Hall (and University faculty). At one stage, late in that period, Ian from Dunedin and Peter from Edinburgh exchanged for a year. Peter returned to Dunedin in 1982 after Ian went to Melbourne. Both Ian and later Peter were the energetic mentors of the project, but Ian was the instigator. PRC regrets the error.
In Christ
Rev Jay Robinson
Director
Presbyterian Research Centre
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Online Learning Opportunities
KCML is running online workshops. These are for anyone in leadership
- Ministering in Today’s (Secular) World. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings 3, 10 and 17 September. This workshop is facilitated by Sebastian Murrihy.
- The Essence and Practice of Worship. This is a three-part workshop running on Wednesday evenings, 1 and 8 October and 19 November. This workshop is facilitated by Darryl Tempero.
For more details and to register your interest – please check out the KCML website.
Study Grants
Senatus is calling for applications for those seeking financial support for presbytery approved study leave and post-graduate study, including the Begg-Dickie scholarship for their next meeting on 29 October. Information and applications as well as guidelines can be found on the KCML website. For more information or to submit an application please contact email the registrar. Applications close 30 September.
Theology Programme Otago University and KCML Summer School 2026
From 26-30 January 2026, Professor Lynn Cohick will teach an intensive course in Dunedin entitled Women in the New Testament and Early Church. Lynn is Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of the Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University. This course will explore women’s participation in and contributions to the Christian story in the first five centuries and discuss women’s participation in the church today. Fees and travel subsidies are available to PCANZ ministers in good standing. The course can be taken for credit or audit. To enrol for credit see here and click on ‘Apply to Enrol’. To register your interest for audit please email the KCML registrar. Ministers studying for credit can apply for a subsidy for fees/travel. Those ministers auditing the course can access a subsidy for audit fees and travel, email the KCML registrar.
Yours in Christ
Rev Dr Geoff New
Principal
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Presbyterian Church Schools
Presbyterian Schools’ Female Chaplains: St Andrew's College
Welcome to the third in a series of columns contributed by our female school chaplains. I am pleased to introduce you thsi month to Jillian Fenton, Preparatory School Chaplain, St Andrew’s College, Christchurch.
As the preparatory school chaplain at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch, Jillian Fenton plays a central role in nurturing the spiritual and emotional development of young learners. Her work combines pastoral care, spiritual leadership, character formation, and religious education, all tailored to the unique needs of children in their formative years.
For the past 20 years, Jillian’s role has been to share the role of taking regular chapel services that are inclusive, age-appropriate and engaging. These moments of reflection help students explore faith, values, and a sense of wonder, while fostering a spiritual rhythm in school life. Her presence encourages kindness, gratitude, and purpose in everyday interactions.
Pastoral care is at the heart of her role. Jillian provides a safe and supportive space for students, staff and families to share their joys and challenges. Through one-on-one conversations, group activities, and her involvement in school events, she offers comfort, encouragement, and thoughtful guidance.
In her teaching of Religious Education, Jillian helps students understand key faith concepts, biblical stories, and moral principles in ways that are accessible and meaningful. Her lessons promote curiosity, respect for diverse beliefs, and the development of thinking strategies that support reflection, inquiry, and personal growth.
Character education is another key focus. Through storytelling, ethical discussions, and service opportunities, Jillian encourages empathy, resilience, and integrity. Her work supports the development of students who are not only academically capable but also compassionate and community-minded.
Above all, Jillian fosters a sense of belonging and connection. Her role strengthens the school’s commitment to holistic education—nurturing both the minds and hearts of its students
Stephanie Wells (Rev)
Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office
Notices
Need solar panels or EV for your community? Meridian grants close 30 Sept
The Meridian Community Decarbonisation Fund supports community group decarbonisation projects in NZ. To be eligible for funding your community-based project will need to: be an electrification project (converting something to the use of electricity - such as an EV or converting a diesel boiler to electricity) or create new renewable generation (such as getting solar panels), or result in a reduction of greenhouse emissions; and be a project that either wouldn’t have happened or will happen sooner because of funding; and contribute directly to communities. More here
GA25 News - sign up for General Assembly daily summary email
Just enter your name and email here to receive during the General Assembly emails with a summary of the latest decisions made by our Assembly and related events. We will update the PCANZ Church website each day too. Sign up now.
Forge Aotearoa Hui - 31 Oct - 2 Nov, Wellington
Planning is coming together for the next Forge Aotearoa Hui, 7pm Friday 31 October - 11.30am to Sunday 2 November, in Wellington. It will be held at Our Lady's Home of Compassion retreat centre in Island Bay, with some of Saturday at the Island Bay Presbyterian Church, which is very close by. Alan and Deb Hirsch from Forge Global are the guests, and we are all looking forward to spending the weekend in kōrero together. We are finalising details regarding cost. Register your interest here.
Visiting minister opportunities Golden Bay and Hokitika
St Andrew’s Takaka (Golden Bay) and St Andrew’s Hokitika welcome from time to time visiting ministers who have their own accommodation ie a caravan or motorhome. These churches welcome ministers to come and enjoy their surroundings, have a place to park up, and take a Sunday service or two. Semi/fully retired ministers welcome. Email St Andrew’s Hokitika, Diane Brockbank and St Andrew’s Takaka, Colin Langford.
Climate Change, Technology, & Attentiveness: Living with Hope in an Age of Anxiety – 7pm, 22 Sept, Taranaki
Join Dr Andrew Shepherd for an evening of thoughtful conversation, shared insight, and reflection, presented by Taranaki Cathedral, A Rocha Aotearoa NZ and Theology at the University of Otago. A growing awareness of the significant ecological challenges the world faces is being accompanied by rising rates of mental illness, particularly amongst young people. For many, thinking about the future fills them with anxiety and despair. What are the conditions that have given rise to this? How might ancient practices from within the Christian tradition help us to live with hope in the face of ecological uncertainties? More here.
Season of Creation resources - 1 Sept – 4 Oct
Season of Creation is a month-long opportunity, from 1 September to 4 October, to renew our commitment to care for God’s creation. This year’s theme is “Peace with Creation” drawing from the promise found in Isaiah 32:14–18. See the Presbyterian Church’s message for Season of Creation that was sent to all parishes in August, it has links to resources that will help you and your church engage in a variety of ways to suit your context. See message here or download as a poster for your noticeboard.
Christian Savings Governance Conference Aug - Sept
Theme is "A Clear Vision for Confident Governance," reflecting the evolving landscape of the New Zealand Church. Christian Savings Governance Conference will be held 3 Sept Auckland and 10 Sept Wellington. Learn from great speakers and be equipped with practical governance skills, Gospel inspiration, and clarity to serve with confidence. Confident governance starts with clear perspective—knowing what and who we stand for, alongside a compelling Gospel vision for the future. Register here.
Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund
Are you a minister considering domestic or overseas travel as part of your study leave? Are you a lay worker or elder in a PCANZ church considering a study course that requires travel? The Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund offers travel grants to church workers wanting to further develop their area of service to the Church. The Fund is administered by the Personnel Workgroup, and the closing date for applications is 30 September each year. Criteria and application form can be found on the Church website here, Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund. Please contact Kate Wilson with any queries.
BCNZ/Laidlaw to celebrate 50 years – Christchurch 12 & 13 Sept
All current and former staff, students, prayer partners, Board members and supporters are invited to celebrate on Fri12 and Sat 13 September 2025 at the Christchurch campus. A weekend of remembrance, celebration, stimulating conversations and gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Attend for just the Friday night, the Saturday, or both. See details and register here.
Stewart, Mackay, Sanderson scholarships – applications closes 30 Sept
Applications for the Stewart Mackay Sanderson Scholarships are now open. Eligible applicants need to have ‘Stewart’, ‘Mackay’, or ‘Sanderson’ (no deviation of spelling) within their name and be undertaking a course of study at a tertiary institution. Scholarships are for a maximum of $6,000 paid over three years. Applications need to be submitted no later than 30 September 2025. For an application form, or for any queries, please contact the Trustees Office, email here.
Glen Innis Holiday Homes – dates available Sept-October
There are two holiday houses at Glen Innis Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, available at no cost (other than refundable bond) for National Ordained Ministers for a re-creational holiday one week each year. One of the houses, Maud Hooper, is now also available for use by Local Ordained Ministers, Amorangi, and Local Shared Ministry team members - outside school holiday periods - at a cost of $200 per week (plus a refundable $100 bond). It's self-contained accommodation for up to seven adults and one baby, with modern facilities (including Wifi and dishwasher) as well as access to a range of onsite recreational facilities (games room, swimming pool, tennis court) in beautiful country surroundings. Info, videos and booking details here.
“From the Heart” a book by Rev Bob Eyles
Rev Bob Eyles has written 50 reflections on life titled, “From the Heart”. Written over the past year when Bob was recovering from bowel cancer, a stroke and Covid. Available in large print. Bob has 200 copies for sale at $20 each. Email Bob for how to purchase.
Online seminar “Moving On: Ministry Transitions” - 17 Sept
An online education seminar introducing the ideas and approaches to healthy ministry transitions in Rev Silvia Purdie's book 'Moving On' is available to join with a $30 fee, running from 1.30-3.30pm on Wednesday 17 September. Read an article in Anglican Taonga on the subject here.
Volunteering Changemakers Hui – 9 & 10 October, Auckland
Volunteering New Zealand’s annual conference is a key development opportunity for those leading volunteers. The community and voluntary sector is facing challenges with a struggle to recruit and keep volunteers, and funding is getting tighter. Keynote speakers and facilitated discussions will focus on volunteer management best practice, volunteer experiences, and approaches to volunteer engagement. See more.
Church Register
For any queries concerning the Church register, contact Kate Wilson.
Minister Changes
Rev Dr Carlton Johnstone, minister Wakatipu Community Presbyterian Church to minister St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church, 1 July 2025.
Deaths
Rev Mika Fa’amausili, other recognised minister, Northern Presbytery, 16 July 2025.
Rev Douglas Earp, Minister Emeritus, Kaimai Presbytery, 4 August 2025.
Church changes
St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church created (previously part of Wakatipu Community Presbyterian Church), Southern Presbytery, 1 July 2025.
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.
Events
Check out details about upcoming events including training workshops, opportunities to serve and more. Learn more
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.
Subscribe to Publications
Self-subscribe to Bush Telegraph, Council News and to PCANZ ministries publications – see details here.