A resource for Parishes, Missions and Church Organisations

This resource is to support practical steps for the wellbeing of communities and for the health of land, water and air environments.

It includes information, activities and a DVD. The DVD is about stories and challenges of stewardship in the

Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa.

Theme One: Stewardship in Communities

Stewardship: Responsibility for Future Generations Wisdom and covenantal faith traditions are a guide for the environmental and community responsibilities of stewardship.

From Ecclesiastes:

When God created the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: Look at my works! See how beautiful they are, how excellent! Take care not to spoil or destroy my world, for if you do, there will be no one left to repair it after you. (A Jewish Midrash on Eccl.7:13)

These are times for listening to the voice of the earth and attending to indigenous wisdom for living with the planet Earth. Scientists are reminding us of human interdependence with creation.

Now that we are over-using earth‟s resources, stewardship means providing for human and environmental wellbeing and within the limits of nature. We might ask how we are living to bind us to each other and to the living earth?

The Te Tiriti covenant of Te Haahi is a starting point for church stewardship – to renew agreements with tangata whenua - Te Taha Māori explain whakapapa (genealogical relations) as a way of weaving people together in relationships and responsibility for care and belonging across generations.

In the DVD we are introduced to theologies of creation and to practical activities for stewardship in church communities. Here are some of the ways Methodists are responding:

Te Taha Māori introduces the idea of being entrusted to safeguard creation, and Sinoti and Vahefonua leaders go to the gospel idea of the love of God as expressed through responsibility for our neighbour

The General Secretary suggests electronic communication as a way to use less of the world‟s resources

Rivers of Life is a new initiative in Christchurch to enliven relationships with nature

Parishes are adjusting Sunday worship times and eating together to encourage people to participate

Growing food is happening on small and large scales and one parish has plans to build housing for low income people in their community

Different cultural forms of stewardship show the wellbeing of land, water and communities as woven together.

From Samoa Respect, Fa’aloalo is a pre-eminent ethical value;

Responsibility for the Future, Matani Kolo, is a Tongan approach to sustainability;

in Rotuman love and care for the earth are expressed through Hạihanisiga;

in Fijian na taqomari ni yau ni vanua is protection for all of earth‟s life; and

for Tokelau, ke mafia ke tumau te mea ei ke fano ai lava, an obligation to maintain life.

Contents

1. Stewardship through Local Responsibility

2. Sustainability

3. Faith and Wisdom Traditions

4. Covenant with Tangata Whenua

5. Community Environmental Profiles

6. Parish and Mission Land

7. Food

8. Energy and Waste

9. Transport

10. Building Management

Future Themes on Stewardship

Climate Change: Education and the Social Effects of Climate Change

Living Ecologies and Waterways

Decision-making and Policy

Cultural Sustainability

Stewardship in Te Haahi Weteriana

1. Stewardship through Local Responsibility

Stewardship commits us to respect the natural aspects of our neighborhoods and bioregions. Personal, family, whanau responses start with conversations of care and in practices of hospitality. These create cohesive communities, strengthen awareness and inspire action.

Stewardship means -

working with local people to create strong, self-reliant local communities;

enhancing local ecologies and encouraging sharing resources locally.

2. Sustainability

Achieving sustainability for the country as a whole means a concerted change towards living within the nature‟s resources and ensuring these remain functional and healthy. Sustainability involves central and local government, businesses, communities and individuals in these changes.

Sustainability is a response to our fragmented social fabric. It highlights the importance of people coming together to debate and deliberate about complex, pressing issues - there is no substitute for face to face discussion. Parishes and church agencies have the spiritual and ethical foundations and the organisation to host connecting conversations - community activities such as food gardens and planting by rivers and beaches are ways to contribute to cohesive communities and to the ecological health of rivers, land and oceans.

Sharing lunch at Petone Samoan Parish

The Lifewise Merge Café in Auckland

Principles of sustainability include:

Respecting ecological processes;

Using resources of forests, soils, fisheries, water and air sustainably without over-exploitation;

Local orientation – to live prudently in relation to local communities;

Amending measurements of economic activity to account for the costs of resource use and the benefits of the life supporting provision of earth, air, water and forests;

Sharing Power – with decision-making involving those who are affected by decisions.

Action: Create a Parish or Mission Vision of Sustainability

3. Faith and Wisdom Traditions

I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond

an exclusive concern for the wellbeing of other human beings to the broader

concern for the wellbeing of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers,

and every living creature on the face of the earth. (John Wesley)

Luke shares the good news that Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature”. As the gospel writers tell the Jesus story they portray a man who was deeply relational and calling others into this way of being within the world.

Actions:

Wisdom for Stewardship

1. Create a study group on the guidance of

wisdom for contemporary times;

2. Preach a wisdom sermon;

3. Set up an eco-theology library. This way

we can share books, and conserve

resources;

Cross created by

Rhonda Swenson

Servants Group, Whanganui 2011

4. Covenant with the local Iwi and Tangata Whenua

Actions:

Partnering with tangata whenua

Find out who your local Te Taha Māori partners are, or where your local marae is located. Once you are in contact, ask are there any any activities that we could attend – such as sharing a worship service, cooking, contributing to gardens or land activities or helping out.

Māori language activities

Invite a Māori language speaker to come to the parish for wananga on pronunciation of words used in your church services, and on Māori names commonly used; such as whanau, haahi, and place names in your area.

Take a Māori language course

See www.twoa.ac.nz/study/courses or www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/resources_e/where_to_learn_maori.shtml

Youth

Link up with a local kohanga reo or kura kaupapa and plan a shared youth activity for young people, attend Kapahaka concerts, fundraising hangi and other activities

5. Community Environmental Profiles

You may want to have information about your local community, regarding

environmental issues and/or vulnerability issues.

Actions:

A parish could host a meeting, a picnic, a walk to a local river or forest. Invite a Department of Conservation (DOC) resource person or kaumatua to accompany you to share information and assist in observations of environmental risks and vulnerabilities;

Contact Department of Conservation, Local Council or Environmental groups such as Forest and Bird, Friends of Petone Beach, the Natural History Society, local bird sanctuary… Check further on www.greenpages.org.nz ;

Powhiri, formal ceremony of welcome

Eco advisors at City Councils. eg. Auckland Council - www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/BrochEcoDesignAdvice.pdf

Steps for your Worship Center or Agency

1. Form a Green Team 2. Subscribe to the UK Methodist „Creation Challenge‟ newsletter to keep up to

date with news and resources. www.creationchallenge.org.uk is a joint Methodist / URC environmental network resourcing churches and individuals.

3. What proposals in the UK Methodist Environmental Policy could inform development of commitments in Te Haahi Weteriana? See <www.methodist.org.uk>

4. Save energy in your own facility. Courtesy GreenFaith <www.greenfaith.org>

Youth activities – thinking about environmental impacts from climate change

Watch Out – Melting Ice!

Put water in a clear glass or water container and measure the

water level. Then add a block of ice. Measure the change in

water level. Discuss the effects of glaciers melting on ocean

levels.

Islands in Trouble

Get a large container and build a model

island inside it, using rocks and dirt. Place

trees and houses and people on it. Pour in

salt water to represent the sea. Then add

more water, to see the effects of the island

becoming submerged. Swirl the water to

see the effects of storms. Discuss the

effects.

Coastline, Savaii, Samoa

6. Parish and Mission Land Community Gardens are flourishing on church grounds, on common land in communities, preschools, schools and tertiary institutions.

Activities to use land:

Create a group to

establish a parish,

preschool or school

veggie garden

Plant fruit trees

7. Food

Check out what you eat and how you shop. Is it local and seasonal?

Can your church or agency use Fair Trade tea, coffee, sugar?

Which foods are available from your region? Could you identify regional foods

and places to buy them, such as local markets? Place this information on your

bulletin boards

Youth activity: Find out about local foods and water; make colourful posters

about food for your parish - such as what is growing, what you can find at the

beach and local streams and springs.

Lindsay Cumberpatch and

Rose Black at Community

Garden Te Ara Hou, Hamilton

Julie-Anne Pyatt at Aratupu

Preschool veggie garden,

Christchurch

Paula Taumoepeau Moi Kaufolonga and

gardener at Vahefonua land project

‘Kaha'u’, Mangere

8. Energy and Waste

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. Putting carbon dioxide into the

atmosphere is using air as a rubbish dump.

Actions:

Check out your „Waste Stream‟ - an „observational‟ approach with easy check

list for reviewing use of paper and cardboard, plastics, bottles and cans,

polystyrene and food – go to www.greenfaith.org

Since the visit of James Hansen in June, the slogan „Keep the Coal in the Hole‟

is in the climate headlines. Information and sign up to „Keep the Coal in the

Hole‟! - go to coalactionnetworkaotearoa.wordpress.com/downloads/

The Coal Action Network proposes that current mines could continue and that

there be a ban on new coal mines, with a view to phasing out coal production in

NZ. Solid Energy mines most of the 5megatonnes of coal per year in New

Zealand. The Coal Coalition suggests Solid Energy becoming a renewable

energy company focusing on solar, wood pellets and biodiesel.

9. Transport

Can you use trains and buses?

Can you share rides/carpool - or

just enjoy a walk?

Are there ways your parish can support reductions in petrol use?

(The DVD tells a story of the Petone parish joining up their morning and

afternoon services so that people make one trip instead of two).

Question

What would you think about a law to use public transport for 50% of your travel, or

going back to weekly “car-less” days ?

10. Building Management

Management Committees of Churches and Social Services to consult with eco

Advisors on any church projects including

repairs, restoration and building and ensure

that all buildings meet optimum

environmental and energy saving standards.

See environmental Plan, Methodist Church

Britain. www.methodist.org.uk

Actions:

For a Parish Council meeting or an

organizational management meeting

schedule 30 minutes to walk around the

building and grounds. Note how land is used, whether there could be new uses

or planting, and what improvements can be made to reduce energy and waste.

Decide on 2 follow up actions.

Eco Design Advisors are available in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Western

Bay of Plenty, Kapiti Coast, Hutt and Nelson www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz

Google NZ City Council Advisors (with Sustainability or Eco) to find your local

advisors.

Ecosmart. An Auckland Council initiative to support more environmentally

sustainable operations, including use of energy and water. Seminars are held

periodically. www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Question:

What steps can we take towards meeting environmental and energy saving standards

in our Building Management?

Acknowledgements:

MMA Lifewise, Auckland

Mark Gibson, River of Life, Christchurch Uhl C. (2004) Developing Ecological Consciousness, Roman & Littlefield, USA,

GreenCom (2002) Learning About Climate Change. Jacana. Durban.

Events / Actions for Young People and Adults

Information Contact details

Do you know your neighbours? Lifewise

Street and neighbourhood development offers exciting

ways of enabling amazing community change... often

starting with one person meeting their neighbours!

www.neighboursday.org.nz

Rebecca Harrington

rebeccah@lifewise.org.nz

Regeneration: a youth network for people who are on

sustainability pathways. See video clips of the 2011

Regeneration road trip http://www.regeneration.org.nz/

Registrations are open for Summer Jam at Tauhara, Taupo,

January 2012.

Billy Matheson

Project Co-Convener

billy@regeneration.org.nz

021-688-770

Charter for Human Responsability

Create a Charter for your Parish. Here are examples of a

Charter for Responsibility and

„Lets Take Care of the Planet‟ Youth Charter created by

young people, including New Zealanders, in Brazil.

www.methodist.org.nz/public_questions_network>

350.Org ‘Building a Global Movement to Stop the

Climate Crisis’.

Scientists say that 350 parts per million of CO2 in the

atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. We are now at

391.

Campaigns include the „Occupy‟ movement.

http://www.350.org/occupy

Aaron Packard

Contact – through website

Youth Challenge with Christian World Service:

Live Below the Line on $2.25 per day.

Supporting poverty reduction by living on $2.25 per day

for a week. Devashini Devandandan did it. Join in with her

next time. See her story on

http://www.methodist.org.nz/public_questions_network>

and < www.cws.org.nz>

Inquiries

youth@cws.org.nz

Closer Together Whakatata Mai – reducing

inequalities. Sign up to reduce inequality in Aotearoa

„It‟s not about you or me, it‟s about YOU AND ME!‟.

www.closertogether.org.nz

Paul Barber

paul.barber@nzccss.org.nz

Inspiring Communities grows

the recognition, understanding and practice of

community-led development and promote the difference it

makes in Aotearoa-NZ.

www.inspiringcommunities.org.nz/home

Megan Courtney

03 545 2056 / 027 678 8622

Megan.Courtney@inspiringcommunities.org.nz

Resources

Strong Sustainability for New Zealand. Principles and Scenarios (Sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand (SANZ)

http://nz.phase2.org/strong-sustainability-for-new-zealand

What will New Zealand be like in a Post Treaty Settlement Future? Papers on population changes, Māori

representation, co-management, the effects of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples,

etc. http://posttreatysettlements.org.nz/

David Suzuki Foundation. Videos on: State of the Oceans, Declaration of Interdependence (with sign

option), How you spend your dollars. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/

Check at Epworth Books http://www.epworthbooks.org.nz/

The Legacy by David Suzuki. Allen & Unwin Pty.

Thriving Beyond Sustainability: Pathways to a Resilient Society By - Andres R. Edwards. Perseus Books Group

Christians and the Common Good: How Faith Intersects with Public Life. Charles Gutenson

The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation – Richard Bauckham (2010)

Jesus is the Wisdom of God – an ecological theology – Dennis Edwards

Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture – an Agrarian reading of the Bible – Ellen F. Davis (2009)

Living with the animals – the community of God’s creatures – Charles Birch & Lukas Vischer (1997)

Deep Economy – Bill McKibben

A Place on Earth (2007) by Wendell Berry. Counterpoint.

Leavings. (2009) Poems by Wendell Berry . Counterpoint.

Carbon Neutral by 2020 (2007). Niki Harre and Quentin Atkinson examine how New Zealanders can tackle

climate change. Craig Potton Publishing.

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Karen Armstrong. Knopf Doubleday

Developing Ecological Consciousness (2004) C. Uhl Roman & Littlefield, USA,

– Youth

Grandad's Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood.

A teachers resource for youth education:

http://www.epworthbooks.org.nz/CRE/CRE_images/Outline_for_schools_Trek_Green_Part_2.pdf

DVD – Stewardship of Creation:

Produced by: Betsan Martin Methodist Public Questions Email: betsan@publicquestions.org.nz Ph: (04) 473 2627 Mob: 021 388 337 PO Box 12-090, Thorndon, Wellington 6144