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Web Site Address: www.methodist.org.nz
“Our Church's Mission in Aotearoa New Zealand is to reflect and proclaim the transforming love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and declared in the Scriptures. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God in the world. The Treaty of Waitangi is the covenant establishing our nation on the basis of a power-sharing relationship, and will guide how we undertake mission”.
Official Communications ........................................ 2
- A message from the President & Vice President - A message from the General Secretary
Remember in your Prayers .................................... 4 News from Around the Connexion ................... 5 Public Issues Network News ................................. 8 Job Vacancies............................................................. 8 Methodist Mission & Ecumenical ..................... 10 Ecumenical News & Views ................................ 13
Amendments to the Yearbook ........................ 16
CCOONNTTEENNTTSS::
ee--MMeesssseennggeerr The Methodist Church of New Zealand ~ Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa
NNoovveemmbbeerr 22001133
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Official Communications
A Message from the President and Vice President
Greetings from the Presidential Team… An excellent Conference 2013 has ended and we now look forward to the next major event on the Christian calendar with Christmas rapidly approaching.
At labour weekend Vice President Jan celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the church building with the congregation of the Church at the Seashore at Clarks Beach. The church first started with the locals gathering at the bach of Rev Everill Orr and his family, members of whom attended the service and presented the congregation with a framed photo of this very early beginning in the late 1930’s.
The Presidential team have a few visits to make in the next few weeks prior to Christmas.
Firstly, the Commissioning of the Greymouth Uniting Church Shared Ministry Team at the Greymouth Union Church.
Next we go to Pitt St Methodist Church Auckland for a festival of song and worship – Methodism was born in song, as the combined Synods of all the various nationalities that make up the whole Methodist family in Auckland come together to celebrate our unity in Christ.
Then we are off to Palmerston North Parish for a goodwill visit and worship with the combined congregations.
To end November we visit Kawhia Memorial Methodist Church and worship with the local community.
As we travel to various places, we give thanks to God for safe travel and guidance. We also give thanks to all the people who host and care for us during our visits.
Grace and peace Rex and Jan A Message from the General Secretary
From David’s Desk...
I am enjoying having more time and space post Conference to both reflect on what we did together and begin to process decisions. Our usual November meeting time leaves little time before we become preoccupied with end of year and holidays. A reminder that Conference reports, decisions and photographs are available on the Methodist website http://www.methodist.org.nz/conference/2013.
I have recently read two interesting books. Incognito - The secret lives of the brain is an exploration of the subconscious brain. I found the later chapters especially thought provoking where author David Eagleman considers the role of brain damage in improper and illegal behaviour. Interestingly this was discussed in an article in The Press recently where it was noted that a very high percentage (up to 80%) of prisoners in New Zealand have suffered damage to the part of the brain which controls impulse behaviour. Eagleman proposes that sentencing reflects the capacity of a person to change or modify behaviour rather than the type and severity of the offence. He also suggests that medical treatment rather than prison in some situations would be more appropriate.
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The book is far more wide ranging than brain damage. I found it a fascinating and thought provoking study of what makes us who we are.
What do you buy the children of the terrorist who tried to kill your wife? - Is a warm and inviting journey. David Harris-Gershon finds his world turned upside down when his wife is severely injured in a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem. Nine people are killed including two close friends. This is the story of his not coping with the impact on their lives, and the journey to understanding and reconciliation.
It is also a very illuminating reflection on Israeli – Palestinian relationships. Harris – Gershon, a Jew, finds himself having to confront his prejudices towards Palestinians and then reaches out, against all advice, to those who have sought to hurt him. It is a beautifully written book, with a compelling honesty. I recommend it.
Grace and peace
David
Kiwi Saver There are very significant advantages in being a member of Kiwi Saver. The Government will make a $1,000 contribution to ‘kick-start’ your savings and a tax credit of up to $521.43 per year. To receive the maximum credit you must contribute $1,042.
If you are a member of the Methodist Church Superannuation Fund you will not receive an employer’s contribution to Kiwi Saver. Your employer contribution of 10% is made to the Church Superannuation Fund. Responses to Questions in the Conference Evaluation Survey 1. Conference is expensive
Yes it is, when travel and accommodation are added to the registration fee. The registration fee is kept at a minimum and is dependent on the cost of the venue and the catering. Conference registration does not cover the secretarial and administration costs of Conference which are currently an expense on the Board of Administration.
2. Use of Sunday morning for Tauiwi and Te Taha Maori meetings Conference members will take part in a significant worship event (the Ordination Service) and the meetings were preceded by a time of worship. By using Sunday morning for the Caucus meetings it has been possible to reduce our time of gathering by one day. Those who have travelled from out of town have made the commitment to be at Conference for the whole time. It is hoped that ‘local’ people would also see that being the Conference Representative means they should be prepared to be present when Conference is meeting.
3. What happened to 2 yearly Conference on the agenda? Council of Conference discussed this at its meeting in September and agreed that further consultation was necessary before it was taken to Conference again.
4. Concern that Tauiwi Caucus met in the ‘Conference’ Hall This is a practical matter. Tauiwi needs a space that will hold up to 300 people. Almost inevitably this will be the same space that the Conference will meet in.
5. When does Budget Task Group report? The Connexional Budget is a significant part of the council of Conference report. This is always part of the first business session at Conference.
6. Time to discuss Memorials and Notices of Motion Conference is required to complete its scheduled business before Memorials and Notices of Motion are considered. The rationale is that matters coming to Conference would have been considered by Synods, then Tauiwi Strategy and Hui Poari, and will be brought to Conference in either the Tauiwi or Te Taha Maori reports. Last minute matters can be brought to Conference, usually with the intention that they will be the matter of consultation and investigation in the coming year.
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REMEMBER
In your Prayers
The Waikato Waiariki Synod Executive apologise for this late message. The funeral of the late Laurie Zanders (father of Rev. Gloria Zanders) was held on Tuesday 10th September 2013 at St. Clare's Co-operating Church in Dinsdale, Hamilton. Messages may be sent to: 15 Goodall Street, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3204 or to [email protected]
It is with deep sadness that we inform the Connexion of the death on Sunday 22nd September 2013 of the Rev. Trevor Shepherd. As the longest-serving living Methodist presbyter Trevor was the Father of the Methodist Conference. He entered ministry in 1946 and retired in 1982. Trevor's funeral was held at the Gateway Church in Hamilton on Thursday 26th September at 2:00pm. Messages can be sent to Trevor's daughter Aylis at 24 Melva Street, Dinsdale, Hamilton or (07) 847 6829. "I will lie down in peace and take my rest, for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid."
George Barke of Kerikeri has died. After a lingering and incapacitating illness George Barke of Kerikeri died on 23rd September. George made a huge contribution as a lifelong lay preacher. In the Bay of Islands his church and community ministry was especially appreciated in the years after the withdrawal of full-time ministry in 1988. He was a pioneer in the Local Shared Ministry Team that began in 1992. He continued as a valued worship leader and Parish Councillor for many years after that. For some years he has enjoyed no significant quality of life and friends all salute Bev's courageous loyalty and devotion in ministering to him for so long. As the need for her dedicated effort comes to an end, she is surrounded as ever with the loving support of friends in both Kaeo-Kerikeri and Bay of Islands Parishes. We wish her and the gathering family God's blessing as they enter these days of final closure. The funeral service was held on Thursday 26th September in the Events Hall of the Turner Centre, Kerikeri. Bev's email is [email protected].
Many throughout the Connexion would have known Mal and Muriel Llyod. Mal Lloyd died in Christchurch on September 8th aged 89 years after a lifetime of service to Church and Community. Mal was part of Methodist communities in Temuka, Timaru, St Paul's Hamilton, Trinity Dunedin, Waiwhetu Lower Hutt, and Aldred, Durham St, Central Mission and Beckenham in Christchurch. Mal was an enthusiastic Sunday School teacher, Bible Class Leader and had lifelong links with Boy's Brigade. His gifts of accounting and administration were used by the church, he served on the Methodist Mission Board, Rehua Trust, and was Treasurer or Auditor for a number of parishes. A keen member of harriers he kept running until he was in his 70's. Mal was a man with a strong faith which inspired his living and service. He was a wonderful example to others. We express our Sympathy and care to Muriel and the wider family.
It is with sadness that I inform the Connexion of the death on October 15th 2013 of Gwen Hamlin, former wife of the late Rev John Hamlin. Gwen's funeral was held on Monday 21st October at Kapiti Uniting Church, Raumati, Paraparaumu. Messages for the family may be sent C\- Rev Cornelia Grant. e-mail [email protected] or 8 Leigh Place, Paraparaumu Beach 5032.
We express our sympathy and care to each of these
families as they grieve and lovingly remember
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Connexional News
Travel And Study Grants Reminder
Applications are invited for study in 2014. If your University/ Trinity College course is due to start before the
March meeting of the Travel and Study these
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 15TH NOVEMBER 2013
Please ensure that all the documents are submitted together with the application form.
Late applications are not able to be considered, but may be resubmitted for consideration at the following meeting.
Mary West T&S secretary, [email protected]
Charities Commission – Annual Returns A gentle reminder that if you have not put in your annual return to the Charities Commission for the 12 months ending 30 June 2013, you need to have it completed and filed with the Commission by 31 December. If you do not have it filed by 31 December, you are placing the Methodist Church at risk of being deregistered. If you intend to file your annual return online, you will need you User ID (which is different to your registration number), your annual statistic forms and annual accounts (scanned copy) ready and with you. If you want to file your annual return online, then go to http://www.register.charities.govt.nz/Account/LogOn. You can send the Commission a paper based return also. It cost more to file a paper based return. You can download the form from http://www.charities.govt.nz/forms/annual-return/. If you have any further concerns, then contact Peter van Hout ([email protected])
For Sale…
Waimate Methodist Church
Has Church Furniture and Pews etc for Sale
Contact: Christine Bailey 03 689 8119 or email [email protected]
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1883 2013
Wesley Multicultural Methodist Church in Petone
Closure of Wesley Multicultural Methodist Church
in Petone and
Celebration of 130 years of Methodism in Petone
An invitation is extended to all who are interested to attend services to mark the closure of the Petone Church and to celebrate 130 years of Methodism in Petone.
The church has not been in use for more than a year following a preliminary seismic engineering report that rated the building at 12% of the new building standard, making it a building at high risk in the event of an earthquake. The Petone congregation has since been worshipping at St Mark’s Uniting Church, Lower Hutt. It has now been decided to have an official closing service of the church, and then to celebrate 130 years of Methodism in Petone.
Both events will take place on the 8th of December as follows:
12:00 noon Gather for closing service in the carpark opposite the church in Nelson Street, Petone.
2:00pm
Gather at St Mark’s Church in Woburn road, Lower Hutt to celebrate 130 years of the Methodist Church in Petone.
Following this a meal will be served with an opportunity for those gathered to speak to the occasion or share memories. Contacts: John Roberts: [email protected] and Filo Tu: [email protected]
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• Prices listed below are inclusive of delivery. • When completed, please keep a copy of this form for your records.
DELIVERY • Conference Reports (Agenda) is distributed prior to Conference (approx. mid September in 2013) • Decisions and Yearbooks are printed and distributed after Conference (approx. early February 2014)
Please complete ALL sections:
Parish / Board: Parish No:
Contact Name:
Street Address:
Postal Address:
City: Postal Code: If purchasing an unbound copy of the Yearbook, we recommend that you use an A4 ring binder (size 4cm) to accommodate both reports and decisions.
Item No. Required Cost Total
*NOTE: GST is payable by individuals & Union Parishes only
Exclusive GST *Inclusive GST (15%)
Shrink wrapped Agenda, Minutes of Conference & Yearbook $40.00 $46.00
Bound Agenda, Minutes of Conference & Yearbook
$50.00 $57.50
Additional Set of Addresses
$17.00 $19.55
Bound Financial Statements
$35.00 $40.25
Total payment enclosed:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY INV No. PAID:
Wesley College Methodist Conference 2013
Conference Reports
Please complete the form for:
1. Those people within your parish who are not attending Conference and/or additional copies. (Conference attendees receive a copy of the Agenda, Minutes of Conference and the Yearbook) NOTE: Conference Reports and Decisions are posted on the MCNZ website when they are available. PDF copies of the Yearbook are also available via email, contact Wendy [email protected] if you would like to receive these.
Please post your order, including payment to: Methodist Connexional Office PO Box 931, Christchurch 8140
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Methodist
Public Issues Network News November 2013
Please see the Methodist website for Public Issues Network Information on the below topics
http://www.methodist.org.nz/public_questions_network/pi_newsletters
CURRENT HOT TOPICS
Feed the Kids Bill : Wise Response : Fresh Water : Housing
PIN Parish Resources on Solutions to Child Poverty
Job Vacancies
Copies of full advertisements for the following vacancies are available on the Methodist website http://www.methodist.org.nz/administration_division/job_opportunities
WCC - Programme Executive for Diakonia and Ecumenical Solidarity - Geneva The WCC has advertised a new position on its website in view of recruiting a highly qualified, motivated and talented individual to strengthen the "Public Witness, Addressing Power, Affirming Peace" area of work. Kindly note that the selection process of the WCC gives equal consideration of candidates regardless of race, gender, and church family, with priority on competence, integrity and commitment to the aims and spirit of the WCC. Core Competency: The Programme Executive is responsible for providing support so as to enhance the contributions of the World Council of Churches to the ecumenical movement. To accomplish this task they should demonstrate ecumenical commitment. More information (application form and a list of documents) are available on the following link: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/get-involved/job-openings HURRY! Deadline for applications: 15 November 2013 Ecumenical Hospital Chaplains – Dunedin and Wakari Hospitals
THE INTERCHURCH COUNCIL FOR HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND Te Kaunihera Whakawhanaunga o nga Minita Hohipera, Hauora
(Amendment to original advertisement)
Applications are sought from experienced chaplains and other suitably qualified ordained clergy for one full time position or one of 2-3 part-time positions (2.5FTE total) at the Dunedin Public and Wakari Hospitals in the Southern DHB. These positions are being offered for a term of 5 years initially. The successful applicants will become members a very busy chaplaincy team which includes, the current Ecumenical Chaplain, two part-time Chaplains to Maori and a part-time Catholic Chaplain. The team will be
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expected to co-ordinate and provide Christian ministry, spiritual, emotional and pastoral care to patients, their families and staff across the 500+ bed at both hospital. Application must be made on the application form in the information pack which is available from: The National Executive Officer Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy PO Box 6427, WELLINGTON 6141, NEW ZEALAND Phone: 04-801 8008 ; Fax: 04-381 4842; E-mail: [email protected] Closing date for receipt of applications is now 12:00 noon Friday 29 November 2013 Support Services Manager – Auckland Methodist Central Parish The Auckland Methodist Central Parish is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, service-oriented manager for a full-time position in a busy central city parish with four Church centres and eight congregations. The vacancy has been created as a result of a review of property and finance administration in the parish. The position includes
• Management of property associated with the four Church centres • Acting as team leader for the Parish administrative staff • Oversight of human resource procedures in the parish • Ensuring effective administration procedures and policies
The successful appointee will bring a mature approach, desire to work in the not-for-profit religious sector, be sympathetic to the ethos of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, and be able to work cooperatively with other staff, including volunteers.
For further information, and a position description, please apply to: The Parish Superintendent PO Box 68 184, Newton. Auckland 1145 www.methodistcentral.org.nz ph.09 373 2869; or email: [email protected] Applications close with the above by 5:00pm on 22 November 2013 Minister – St Clare’s Co-operating Parish - Hamilton Would a 75% ministry in suburban parish suit you? Does inclusive ‘community facing’ ministry appeal? St Clare’s Co-operating parish in Hamilton is seeking a minister to lead us. We are a lively and creative group of middle-age-plus people with a wide range of interests, talents and life experiences which contribute to the heart, soul and life of the parish. The 0.75 position includes ministry to Trevellyn Lifestyle Care and Village We invite you to view our parish profile and terms of call by contacting the parish office by email: [email protected] Settlement Board Convenor: Rev Alistair McBride
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Methodist Mission & Ecumenical Newsletter October - November 2013
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR THE SUPPORT GOLDIE COLLEGE WATER SCHEME
You were so generous in contributing to the water scheme of Goldie College; Mission and
Ecumenical reached above the target in September.
The target was $ 15,000. You have donated $ 17,000. The extra donation will go towards maintenance of the water system.
Mission and Ecumenical
would appreciate very much if your future donations are sent towards the Sea Ambulance Fund of Helena Goldie Hospital. * * *
SPECIAL APPEAL 2014 – Sea Ambulance Fund for Helena Goldie Hospital
President Rex and Vice President Jan inaugurated the special appeal at Conference. Conference participants made a spontaneous donation of $ 1,717.20 and Vahefonua Tonga made a special donation of $ 500.00. Special Appeal 2014 brochures are sent out with this Newsletter.
Dr. Graham Longbottom in his email stated the needs of Helena Goldie Hospital: Repair of damaged sea ambulance with improvement of canoe shed with slipway, winches and simple solar power system. Estimated cost SB$250,000 (NZ Dollars 42,000). The Sea Ambulance is the only way of transferring patients for advanced medical treatment in the nearest provincial hospital in Gizo. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by sea ambulance in normal condition. Our support from New Zealand will be of help to improve this facility. With your contribution to the fund you can be a participant in this mission to save lives. * * *
WCC AND GLOBAL CHRISTIAN FORUM SEEK CHRISTIAN UNITY TOGETHER
From left: Olav Fykse Tveit, Sarah Rowland, Walter Altmann, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson and Richard Howell
A World Council of Churches (WCC) seminar has marked the strengthening of relationships between the WCC and the Global Christian Forum (GCF), affirming their distinctive and complementary roles in the quest for Christian unity.
Held on 11 September in Geneva, Switzerland, the seminar brought together representatives of the WCC and GCF, along with members of other international ecumenical organizations.
The GCF, established in 1990s following a call from the WCC 8th Assembly in Harare, was founded to create a space to bring together churches and organizations not structurally part of the WCC with those already engaged in councils of churches. The GCF now represents diverse churches and Christian organizations, promoting encounters among churches and traditions which previously have not been in conversation with each other. At the seminar, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, spoke about “conciliar ecumenism and the role of councils in rapidly changing ecclesial landscapes”. The term “conciliar” refers to formal councils and conferences of
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churches at national, regional and international levels.
A WCC statement on unity, which will be presented at the assembly in Busan, observes that the “unity of the Church, the unity of the human community and the unity of the whole creation belong together.”
New challenges, new initiatives Rev. Dr Richard Howell, member of the GCF committee and general secretary of the Asia Evangelical Alliance, also addressed the seminar. “There are several examples of the GCF initiatives where the concept of ‘sharing of faith and journeying together with Christ’ has helped to break the walls of prejudice among Christian traditions, including Catholic, Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions,” said Howell.
He shared examples from Asia, where joint collaborations between the [Roman Catholic] Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences and the Christian Conference of Asia managed to extend voices of those who were not part of the ecumenical dialogue before.
Howell added that as part of such initiatives, GCF will organize programmes using the document Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World, produced jointly by the WCC, the World Evangelical Alliance and the Roman Catholic Church, for further discussions on Christian unity.
The seminar was facilitated by the Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the WCC Central Committee, and the Rev. Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, committee member of the GCF. Current plans of the GCF were introduced briefly by the Rev. Dr Larry Miller, secretary of that body. More information from http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-and-global-christian-forum-seek-christian-unity-together
CONFERENCE IN BERN PROMOTES THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON MIGRATION
Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) with the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches and the Cantonal Reformed Churches of Berne, Jura and Solothurn, a recent conference gathered theological reflections on migration, a concern which remains at the heart of many current church debates.
Held on 31 August in Bern, Switzerland, the conference reflected the interest of clergy and lay persons, practitioners and academics, church parishioners and church officers in issues of migration.
Titled “Belonging(s)-Theological Perspectives on Migration”, the conference served as an entry point into in-depth discussions on “people’s fear of losing their belonging and identity”. The dialogue
questioned the concept of “belonging” which sparks negative reactions to migration, from restrictions on immigration and asylum laws to practices of forced repatriation, the banning of construction of minarets or resistance to measures for the integration of immigrants.
Keynote speeches were offered by Dr Amélé Adamavi-Aho Ekué, professor of social ethics at the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, and Dr Reinhold Bernhardt, professor of systematic theology at the University of Basel, with responses by the Rev. Antoinette Steiner, chaplain at the Vallorbe Centre for Asylum Application Registry and Processing, and the Rev. Andreas Nufer, a pastor in Bern. More information from: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/conference-in-bern-promotes-theological-reflection-on-migration
“BECOMING THE CHURCH FOR THE NATIONS” - ROUNDTABLE CONSULTATION ON PEOPLE MOVING IN ASIA
CHRISTIAN Conference of Asia together with Mission and Ecumenical will host a roundtable consultation on people moving in Asia and the response of churches in providing a ministry to the people on the move from 10 to 15 of January 2014 in Auckland. The Anglican Church of Aotearoa and the Presbyterian Korean congregations too have committed to support the hosting of the consultation at Vaughan Park, Long Bay. Church officials of the CCA member churches were notified to send participants to this consultation. There will approximately 30 participants both local and international.
If you are interested in attending this consultation you are invited to inform your expression of interest to the Secretary Mission and Ecumenical or the General Secretary David Bush.
GOD OF LIFE, LEAD US TO JUSTICE AND PEACE
WCC 10TH ASSEMBLY: HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will take place from 30 October to 8 November in Busan, Republic of Korea. It promises to be one of the most diverse gatherings of Christians in the world.
The theme of the WCC assembly is a prayer “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”.
The assembly will be an opportunity for renewing the worldwide ecumenical movement – infusing it with honesty, humility and hope, according to the WCC general secretary.
As to why this is the case, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary, and a Lutheran pastor from the Church of Norway, says, it is “through humility, honesty and hope that we can live together
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as humanity and as church in a world where justice and peace are fundamental initiatives and not mere words.”
It will bring around 3,000 participants from Asia and the Pacific region, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North and Latin America and the Caribbean, including a large number of young people and several thousand Korean Christians.
In the assembly, Tveit finds the foundation of his hopes in the legacy of the WCC which began in 1948 and has continued to work for Christian unity during the past 65 years. In Busan, Tveit says, the member churches will be harvesting fruits of the work of the WCC since the last WCC assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2006, while setting directions for a new ecumenical vision for the future. There are 345 member churches in the WCC and all but a few will be represented at the assembly.
Tveit expects the WCC assembly to be an opportunity of learning. “Churches will engage in open and accountable conversations,” he said, about issues important to the church today such as mission and evangelism, faith and order, justice, peace and unity. This dialogue is significant for the WCC assembly as “justice and peace imply effectively addressing core values of the kingdom of God, the will of God, the creator,” he says.
The proposal made by the outgoing WCC Central Committee that the assembly initiates a pilgrimage of justice and peace can unite Christians in a unique way, according to Tveit. This aspect, he says, is also echoed in a recent call from Pope Francis in which he has proclaimed that the church is here to serve, for justice and peace.
“This call makes us look beyond our boundaries and limitations journeying towards being a church together. The assembly will bring a realization of what we have received. But, we are not finished with our tasks and we have to continue our work and prayers for the Christian unity.” The WCC assembly will feature varied spiritual expressions from churches around the world. The participants will share these reflections of Christian unity through celebration, Bible study and prayer. More information at- http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-10th-assembly-hopes-and-aspirations WCC MOURNS THE DEATH OF MIGRANTS IN ITALY BOAT SINKING
The World Council of Churches (WCC) general
secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed “sadness, horror and concern” over the death of
more than one hundred African migrants, who were on a boat en route to Europe which sank off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on 3 October.
“We mourn with their families and communities, and pray that God will comfort and sustain their loved ones. We hold the survivors, and all migrants forced to take these dangerous journeys, in our thoughts and prayers,” said the WCC general secretary in a statement issued on 4 October.
Tveit urged the “serious demonstration of a political will by those in power to put an end to the frequent occurrences of people dying at sea”. He said the chaotic political and economic situations in the region have bred desperation among people, as well as having provided openings for opportunistic criminals. Full version of the statement available at
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-mourns-the-death-of-migrants-in-italy-boat-sinking
CONSULTATION URGES PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN PAPUA A consultation in Geneva termed political dialogue as the only way towards peace and stability in Tanah Papua, a province of Indonesia. The region has remained the focus of tensions between the Indonesian authorities and the Papuan indigenous people for years – resulting in grave human rights violations. Hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the consultation titled “Human Rights and Peace for Papua” was organized by the International Coalition for Papua (ICP), a group of faith-based and civil society organizations.
The event brought together a number of faith-based and civil society organizations, church leaders from Tanah Papua, peace activists and United Nations officials, from 23 to 24 September in Geneva, Switzerland. Participants in the consultation discussed various aspects of the crisis in Tanah Papua, stressing the need for institutional reforms to protect civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights of the people. They noted the need to promote freedom of expression to avoid Papua becoming isolated from international support. More information at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/consultation-urges-protection-of-human-rights-in-papua
METHODIST MISSION AND ECUMENICAL Secretary: Prince Devanandan
409 Great South Road Private Bag 11 903 Ellerslie Auckland 1542 Phone: 09-571 9142 Fax: 09-525 9346 E-mail: [email protected]
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ECUMENICAL
News & Views Christian World Service Share Water, Share Life
Water is running short and there are many people who need help to build rainwater tanks or learn how to garden with less water. This year’s Christmas Appeal Share Water, Share Life comes with an imperative! There is no time to wait. Please order resources for your parish now. Phone Emma at 0800 74 73 72, or send details to: [email protected] . CWS has posters in the following languages: Afrikaans, Chinese, Cook Island Maori, English, Fijian, Korean, Maori, Niuean, Samoan and Tongan. There are also envelopes and service sheets available as well as the Resource Kit and a disk of material. There are worship resources, children’s material, a sermon, background on the theme and partner stories. All the resources are available on line at: http://christmasappeal.org.nz/
Michael Earle is visiting parishes in Hawkes Bay from November 8- 13 and in Otago Southland from 19-29 November. If you would like to contact him, try email or leave a message with Emma at 0800 74 73 72. CWS is grateful for your support of our flagship appeal. If there is any way we can help you make it better, please contact the office. Gifted
There is a fine selection of CWS gifts for those wanting something extra special. You have the pleasure of giving the card or magnet to your chosen one (including by email) and the knowledge that the gift will make a big difference for a family. Whether you want to help young people get the vocational training they need or plant a whole garden, there is something in the Gifted store. Take a look on line or contact Emma for a catalogue.
If you like Fish, can you lend a Hand? CWS partner SNEHA (Social Need, Education and Human Awareness) has written asking for help. CWS has launched an appeal to raise $6,000 to keep their work going until new funding arrives early next year. The money will enable them to keep highly skilled staff at work. SNEHA has a strong reputation for its effective work with the poorest people on Tamil Nadu’s coast, especially after the Asian Tsunami. They work with over 21,000 people involved at the lowest tier of the fishing industry: mending nets, selling discarded fish and cleaning equipment for example. They work hard and survive on very little. These fisherfolk have better working conditions and income because of SNEHA’s work but there is still room to improve. Please mark donations for SNEHA or donate on line. Festival of Flowers and Rose Show 2013 – St Andrews Centre, Waiuku
Held at St Andrews Centre Corner of Queen and Kirk St, WAIUKU
Friday 22nd November from midday - Sunday 24th
Morning/afternoon teas, lunches and full trading table available
Contact: Anne, Church Office: 09-235 2238 Website: [email protected]
Entry fee: $5 PP
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Just Church: a gathering at the intersection of faith, justice, worship and the arts, to inspire, model, sustain and resource Christian communities building for the Kingdom of God.
Most of us who follow Jesus know that involves some willingness to stand for justice, for what’s right; to represent those who cannot represent themselves.
If you are like me you're less sure about what that might look like as you go about your daily living, and how to sustain yourself and your congregation or community for the long haul when you do get engaged.
Through the Just Church conversation World Vision New Zealand seeks to resource the Church in New Zealand to engage holistically and sustainably with injustice both globally and locally.
You can email me at just [email protected], or go to www.worldvision.org.nz/justchurch. Mark Pierson, Christian Commitments Manager, World Vision New Zealand Music in the Air: Winter/Spring Issue for 2013 John Thornley, Editor/Publisher of Music in the Air, is running late and will be mailed out to subscribers early next year. Three highlights in Issue 36:
Alfred Hill – Grandfather of NZ Music (Douglas Lilburn is Father), Methodist, and founding composer for Australian and NZ music-making (both classical and pop). The famous Waiata Maori Choir (1924 to 1938) – notes from a recent MA thesis by Michelle Willyams. Did you know you can purchase a CD Archive Recording of this choir from Kiwi Pacific recordings? Lloyd Geering on painter Colin McCahon The painter had this sign outside his studio on the West Coast of Northland: ‘Colin McCahon: Signwriter, Muriwai. Difficult signs our speciality.’ Enquiries: John Thornley. [email protected] or 15 Oriana Place, Palmerston North 4412.
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Bay of Islands Uniting Parish - Presbyterian/Methodist
Centre for Re-Creation P O Box 353, Paihia, 0247 (9) 402 8125
Kia ora Greetings from our Parish Council Team and the volunteers who are managing our outreach of hospitality through our Centre for Re-Creation. It’s time to announce another change in our voluntary staff. Bev and I will be moving to the Hibiscus Coast in the near future and are sadly relinquishing our involvement in the Parish and the Centre. Lesley Jones, Luana Dyer and others will be picking up our roles. This is also an opportunity to thank all those who have supported this great work in the last year or so. We have attached a page of news about the last year or so with some accounting of how we have done. We hope it is of interest. Attached are .jpg files for you to print our little display cards: Yellow cards are to promote our TIME OUT programme to your social workers. Mauve cards are for promoting the paid bookings that subsidise Time Out. We hope you can display the former for social workers and people dealing stressed clients and the latter for others who might pay our normal fees to help us continue. If you have enjoyed a break in one of our units, you
are our best form of publicity. We hope you will tell others about us and display these cards in appropriate places. Please note: • We have now obtained sturdy
folding beds, so each unit can now comfortably sleep five people.
• Fees will not be increased this summer.
• During the busy season we will consider Time Out bookings for last-minute vacancies at a negotiated rate for sponsors.
• All details are on our website.
Please feel free to contact us if you wish to know more about any of these matters or have corrections for our mailing list, or would like to be removed from it. With warmest greetings in the service of our communities. Dave Mullan & Lesley Jones, Bay of Islands Uniting Parish [email protected] - www.centreforrercreation.org.nz Ph +64 9 402 8125 - P O Box 353, Paihia NOTE: If you would like copies of the .jpg files mentioned above please email [email protected]
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November Amendments
To the Yearbook
2010 4 Taunga, Simote [H] 06 868 8553 7510 8 Duncan Street [M] 021 033 0385 Mangapapa, Gisborne 4010 [Em [email protected] 1982 2008 Ferguson, I W Les [H] 09 235 7652 2440 16 Ernest Shackleton Drive [M] 027 336 3968 Waiuku 2123 [Em] [email protected] 1995 2004 Vickers, Ralph A [H] 07 576 5171 50 Whitaker Street [Em] [email protected] Tauranga 3110 2009 UFS1 Pope, Ikilifi [H] 09 636 8603 2380 3 Jordan Road, Mangere [M] 027 445 0205 Auckland 2022 [Em] [email protected] 2010 4 Peach, Dale [H] 09 235 9312 2460 19 McCall Drive [O] 09 235 2238 Waiuku 2123 [M] 027 436 2698 [Em] [email protected]
If you have any amendments or updates to the yearbook please feel free to email Wendy at
[email protected] with the updates and they can be published here for the information of the Connexion.
Names and Addresses (Pg 22)
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