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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

News from Around the Connexion .......... 5 Job Vacancies ................................................. 12 Remember in your Prayers ......................... 13 Methodist Mission & Ecumenical ............. 14 Ecumenical News & Views ........................ 17

Amendments to the Yearbook ................. 24

CCOONNTTEENNTTSS::

ee--MMeesssseennggeerr The Methodist Church of New Zealand ~ Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa

MMaayy 22001111

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Official Communications

A Message from the President and Vice President

Since we last wrote we have spent time at the Council of Conference meeting in Auckland. We were invited to present a theological reflection. We invited the council to reflect on the First Testament passage from Genesis 28, Jacob’s dream of the angels of God ascending and descending from heaven, and the brief passage from Micah 6:8 asking what does your God require of you? With these passages in mind the Council of Conference was invited to ‘vision’, ‘meditate’ on the meaning of these scriptures. The question posed was, “what meaning and impact could they have on the church today?” Bearing in mind the council is the visioning body of the church and that both Jacob and Micah found their lives radically changed through visions from God, we were trying to feel the impact of ‘visioning’ on our lives as people in the service of God as well as a collective called the church. More will be said about this in the next Touchstone. As a member of the Wellington-based Heads of Churches group, Desmond was part of the planning behind a proposed visit to Christchurch in order to stay in touch with the churches there. The proposal is to meet with the churches’ social service agencies and other local leaders with the intention of “hearing their concerns for the future”. The intention here was to help plan the next step, but rather than presume what that might be, to instead seek the advice of the various agencies on just what the next step might be. The agenda then will be in the hands of those agencies, our lead will just be to ask such questions as:

1. Feedback from each group on action to date 2. Identification of issues of most pressing concern 3. Identification of areas of collaboration and setting of next steps to further explore this.

It is the intention of the church leaders group to take this first-hand information back to the government in Wellington and to offer it as a guide to their planning. The government, through the Honourable Bill English the Deputy Prime Minister, has already said they value the input the churches can provide. Desmond has enjoyed being at home in recent weeks as opposed to being in an aeroplane somewhere, but he was to Adelaide 3-6 May for an Australasian Moderators conference. Sue too has made the most of some time at home recently after the final Peacebuilders course and Bible Study seminar in Christchurch, and has been preparing for involvement in the Nelson Marlborough West Coast Synod and School of Theology in Reefton 3-5 May, followed by some time in Nelson and a parish visit to Stoke. She is also looking forward to the Children’s Ministry Hui in Auckland on May 14th, and we hope that there will be good representation there from around the Connexion and lots of energy for this important ministry in the life of our church.

Desmond and Sue

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A Message from the General Secretary

Since last Thursday I have been keeping vigil with members of my family as my mother nears the end of her life. The days have been enriched by those who have come to my parent’s home; hospice nurses, carers, relatives and friends. The friends in particular bring the special gift of acknowledging how Mum touched and influenced their lives. Each visit then a celebration which affirms Mums life and gives the family courage and comfort. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks tells a story of the power of celebration. In the early 1990’s he met a woman, the head teacher of a school which was floundering. School morale was low, parents had been withdrawing their children, and the roll had fallen from 1,000 to 500. Examination results were bad: only 8% received high grades. It was clear that unless something changed the school would have to close. Sacks reports they spoke for an hour or more on general themes; the school as a community, how to create ethos, and so on. Suddenly Sacks realised they were thinking along the wrong lines. The problem was practical rather than philosophical. Sacks said, “I want you to live one word – celebrate” The woman turned to Sacks with a sigh, “You don’t understand – we have nothing to celebrate. Everything in the School is going wrong.” “In that case,” Sacks replied, “find something to celebrate. If a single student has done better than last week, celebrate. If someone has a birthday, celebrate. If its Tuesday, celebrate”. She seemed unconvinced, but promised to give it a try. Eight years later the women wrote to Sacks to tell what had happened. Examination results had risen from 8% to 65%. The roll was once again 1000 pupils and the woman had just been made a Dame of the British Empire for her contribution to education. Sacks goes on to reflect. “I never doubted the strategy would succeed. We grow to fulfil others expectations of us. If they are low, we remain small. If they are high, we walk tall. The idea that each of us has a fixed quantum of intelligence, virtue, academic ability, motivation or drive is absurd. Not all of us can paint like Monet or compose like Ravel. But we each have gifts, capacities which lie dormant throughout life, until someone awakens them. We can achieve heights of which we never thought capable. All it takes is for us to meet someone who believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. Such people change lives”.* Mum’s special area of services was Junior Girls Brigade. For more than 40 years she invested in two generations of girls seeing the young women they could become. Similar ministries are occurring in each of our congregations. If we are tired, discouraged, not of sure what to do next; looking for something to celebrate may make all the difference. * Jonathan Sacks: To heal a fractured World – the ethics of responsibility. p255 The Connexional Office has moved to 1 Maydell Street in Ilam. We were very generously hosted by Upper Riccarton for 6 weeks, taking over Marcia Hardy’s office, the meeting room and the back of the Church. Maydell Street gives more space with four bedrooms and a large lounge. The double garage will provide space for storage of files. We have planning permission to use the house as our office for up to five years. While we don’t anticipate being there that long, it will be our home for quite some time. The answer to how long will only become known when rebuilding commences in the city. If you are in the area pop in and see us, we would love to show you around.

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Many have been asking about the ongoing effects of the earthquake. Traffic flow is a little easier as some roads in the central city have been reopened. But it still takes longer to do everything. After shocks are becoming less frequent, but we are still woken by the occasional unwelcome wobbling and rattling. It is only when you are out of the city that you become aware that to live in Christchurch means that you are to some extent ‘on edge’. Our staff are doing a great job, dealing with their own stuff and producing high quality work. I thank you to for the understanding and care of the wider church when we have been unable to complete tasks as quickly as we would hope.

Grace and peace

David

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Connexional News

PAC Distribution Group Applications 2011

“Recovery and Renewal”

PAC Distribution Group Theme for 2011

The Committee met in Christchurch just before Easter to consider the distribution theme for 2011.

As the group sought to discern what the spirit is saying to the Church, we were very aware of the two earthquakes in Canterbury, the Pike River Mine explosions and all the unexpected events which affect families, communities and churches.

Two Biblical passages and the Easter story became part of, and informed our conversation.

Matthew 27:45-56 ...........and behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split........ Psalm 137:4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

When the world changes rapidly familiar surroundings are destroyed. In a moment Christchurch was dramatically altered. Changes in culture and the place of the church have left many congregations feeling uncertain. Both natural disasters and complex social changes make people feel as if they are living in ‘a strange land’. How then do we sing the Lord’s song? Who will write the lyrics? Who will show us the way and give us a lead?

Surprisingly most of the group had not remembered the earthquake in Matthew’s account of the Easter story. It occurs at the time Jesus dies. There is a shattering of rock, a tearing at the foundations of all that has seemed solid and secure. Even the temple curtain is torn in two.

We thought of the times we live between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. When pain and suffering is obvious and keenly felt and the power of hope and resurrection has not been seen or experienced.

And we reminded ourselves of the overwhelming love of God seen in Easter’s empty tomb and how Christians seek to respond to the risen Christ and embody God’s grace.

Colin Gibson’s Hymn expresses it well:

He came singing love He lived singing love He died singing love For the love to go on, we must make it our song You and I be the singers.

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As we consider the need for recovery and renewal, how might PAC funds assist us to sing God’s song of love, faith, hope and peace?

Funds Distribution The funds available are split into three categories: Endowments, Grants to the Church and Grants to the Community.

Endowments 70% of the fund is set aside for Endowments. The endowments invite strategic thinking and funding rather than just year to year.

The Conference decision of 2005 noted:

“........significant funding to be made available to the Connexion in order to establish endowments with which to fund important aspects of ministry over an extended period of time.”

Grants to the Church 20% of the fund is set aside for Grants to the Methodist Church and Cooperating and Union Parishes of which the Methodist Church is a part.

Community Groups 10% of the fund is available to groups outside the Church.

While the theme of Recovery and Renewal grew out of our earthquake reflections it can apply in many settings where there has been dislocation and where church and community are working to help people find their feet again, and to imagine and build new futures.

Application Process There are no application forms. Rather we invite you to tell us about the project for which you are seeking funding. It helps if you tell us about expected outcomes and who will be responsible for the project. We don’t mind you saying how much funding you require, it often makes it easier for us.

We also require some financial information. Your organisation’s latest Statement of Financial Performance and Balance Sheet should be provided, together with a budget for the project and your organisation’s budget for the current year. If your organisation is not part the Methodist Church your Charity Number would be really helpful.

The following notice might be included in your church’s communications:

Each year the Methodist Church makes grants available to the Church and also to community groups through the PAC Endowment. This year’s theme is: “Recovery and Renewal”. See all the details at www.methodist.org.nz Applications close on 20 June 2011. You are invited to share this information with Community Groups who may be involved in the work of recovery and renewal throughout New Zealand.

The PAC Distribution Group invites Rohe, Synods, Sinoti Samoa, Vahefonua Tonga 'o Aotearoa, Wasewase ko Viti Kei Rotuma e Niu Siladi, missions, parishes, and other groups within the life of the Church, and groups outside the Church, to submit stories and applications for this year’s distribution. These need to be submitted to the General Secretary, Methodist Church of New Zealand, PO Box 931, Christchurch 8140, by 5:00pm 20 June 2011.

Note: this closing date is earlier than usual. Late applications will not be considered.

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PAC Media and Communications Funds 2011 Applications for the PAC Media and Communications Fund need to be received by the Convenor by 30 June 2010. For a copy of the application form and information leaflet 106, visit the Methodist Church website at: http://www.methodist.org.nz/index.cfm/Organisations/PAC_Distribution_Group Applications should be addressed to: The Convenor Trish Moseley PAC Media and Communications Fund PO Box 125 194 St Heliers Auckland 1740 Ph: (09) 575 2236 Email: pmoseley@paradise.net.nz

Please note: no late applications will be accepted.

Church Policy – Audit or Review? As the year is moving on and we are getting closer to the end of the financial year for most of us, we thought it would be useful to give a brief overview of the Methodist Church Audit Policy as it currently stands. The full Audit Policy is available be e-mailing Peter van Hout at peterv@methodist.org.nz. In applying the Audit Policy and determining the need for an audit or review, the following matters need to be considered:

Whether there is a legal requirement for the entity to produce and/or file audited accounts under piece of legislation within New Zealand (ie Retirement Villages Act, Companies Act, Financial Reporting Act, etc);

Whether the constitution or rules of the entity require an audit to be completed;

Whether any funder of the entity requires audited accounts to be produced;

Whether a limited review will meet the needs of the users of the financial statements;

The asset base of the entity;

The total revenue of the entity;

The audience the entity is reporting to and the requirements of that user group;

Whether the target audience is internal to or external to the Church;

The costs/benefit of a full audit to the entity or wider Church;

The wishes of the Board responsible for the accounts.

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For Parishes and Synods the requirement is as follows: (a) Small Parishes with less than $100,000 of annual income shall be required to report on a

receipts and payments basis with no audit requirement; (b) “Medium sized Parishes with annual income from $100,000 to $2,500,000 shall be required to

report on an accrual basis with the accounts only subject to independent review by a member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants where practical or by two competent people independent to the entity;

(c) “Large Parishes with annual income greater than $2,500,000 shall be required to report in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP), which includes compliance with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS), with full audit.

For many of the larger entities within the Church there are requirements for either an audit or review and they are listed within the policy document.

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ORDER FORM – LECTIONARY 2011/2012

The Lectionary for 2011/2012 will be distributed in July. To ensure we print sufficient copies please complete and return the order form below no later* than Friday 10 June 2011 (or email the relevant details required).

Lectionaries will only be produced for those parishes which respond*.

Superintendent/Minister:

Parish Name:

Parish Number: Address: Number of Lectionaries required for:

Presbyters:

Supernumeraries:

Deacons:

Lay Preachers:

Others:

Total Number:

Please post or email your order to:

Lectionary Orders Methodist Church of New Zealand PO Box 931, Christchurch 8140 OR Em: peterd@methodist.org.nz Ph: 03 364 9427

Please return by

Friday 10 June

*All Lectionaries ordered after this date come at

a charge of $2 per booklet

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Coming up for your information and prayers Please pray for those attending the Children’s Ministries Hui at Crossroads Papakura on 14 May 2011. The focus of the Hui is to provide a meeting place for leaders in Children's Ministries throughout the church to discuss and share:

How might Children's Ministries be done differently in the future?

What is working or not working where you are?

What resourcing needs do you have to assist your Children's Ministry into the future?

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Contact us: Phone: (09) 525 4179 Email: mradmin@methodist.org.nz

www.missionresourcing.methodist.org.nz Blog: http://missionresourcingcentre.blogspot.com

Mission Resourcing is a ministry of The Methodist Church of New Zealand

When all the ingredients were gone an impressive line-up of 108 muffin size cupcakes were sitting in their boxes ready for sale. On Sunday members of the congregation were offered the chance to give a $2 donation in exchange for a cupcake to have with their after church cuppa. We are pleased to announce that $354-20 was raised for the President's

Appeal for Christchurch. Kerry Upson

We support the people of Christchurch

When the members of New Plymouth Methodist Youth group were completing a study entitled "Who is my neighbour?" recently, discussion focused on Christchurch and how we could help out. It was decided to make cupcakes and sell these to raise money for the President's Appeal. The following Friday we all assembled ready for work. The church kitchen resembled a factory production line as ingredients were weighed, sifted, food-processed and stirred. Out in the hall a similar production lined was set up with icing bags, sweets, chocolate and sprinkles. This team were instructed to make every cupcake different - a challenge they rose to with creativity.

MISSION RESOURCING NEWSLETTER

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If God has a mission statement, it‟s probably seen in Jesus Christ.

I write this in Lent and the readings for this Sunday include John 9, where a man who was born blind receives his sight. Jesus says to his disciples “we must work the works of him who sent me”… and then spits on the ground, makes some mud and spreads it on a bloke‟s eyes. The healing of this man was seen by John as Jesus „doing the work of the Father‟. While we are unlikely to build an outreach program on spit and dirt (!), it points us to what God might include in

his mission – and therefore the church‟s mission.

It has been said, “It is not the church that has a mission of salvation to fulfil in the world; it is the mission of the Son and the Spirit through the Father that includes the church.” This article seeks to

explore the idea of God having a mission, and how this might shape our churches.

God’s Mission A dictionary definition of “Mission” often points to „purpose‟ or „intention‟. Included in this is the idea of Mission as “being sent” with a purpose in mind, as expressed in John 20.21 (“As the Father has sent me, so I send you”). If this is true – that Mission and Purpose are linked – then we will find

God‟s Mission when we look for God‟s purpose.

Fortunately we don‟t need to dive too far into scripture to find that purpose. God seems to be on a relentless drive to bring people into relationship with himself and each other. From the covenant with Abraham and Israel, to the new covenant in Jesus Christ, God‟s „steadfast love‟ is offered to all in direct and indirect ways. God‟s desire is to see all humankind and creation reconciled, redeemed and healed.

Trying to define God‟s Mission beyond this is not easy. Everywhere we turn (both inside and outside scripture) God‟s Mission is described differently: healing, justice, witness, evangelism, reconciliation, peace and much more. Maybe this is a first clue in describing the Mission of God: it is multifaceted. God‟s Mission (purpose) in this world takes place in many ways – no one expression of it can bear the weight of the title “God‟s Mission”, and no one aspect (like spit and soil from John 9) should be discarded off-hand. No facet of human life is excluded from the mission of this God. It is as broad and deep as all of human existence, not just spiritual or physical.

One thing is clear – God‟s heart is for people. This is no clearer than in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, and the subsequent sending of the Spirit at Pentecost and the anticipated coming again of Christ when God‟s reign of justice and peace will be realised. (If you would like to read the full article, including a reflection on the Church‟s Mission, it is available by clicking here or via our blog.

Nigel

Children and Youth sharing worship and celebration @ Conference 2011

What is the mission of God and why mission is central to the identity of the church and our congregations.

Your children and

Youth groups have an opportunity to be part of a time of worship and celebration at Conference this year.

We have been given time on Sunday 6 November 2011 from 1:30 – 3:30pm to lead

a time of worship and celebration and we

would love to have your groups take part.

If you have a group that would like to be part of our conference presentation please let TeRito or Esmé know by 30 May 2011.

TeRito & Esmé

TeRito – tauiwiyouth@methodist.org.nz

Esmé – kidslovingchurch@gmail.com

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Job Vacancies

THE INTERCHURCH COUNCIL FOR HOSPITAL

CHAPLAINCY AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND Te Kaunihera Whakawhanaunga o nga Minita Hohipera, Hauora

ECUMENICAL HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN PALMERSTON NORTH HOSPITAL

Applications are sought from experienced chaplains and other suitably qualified ordained clergy for this half - time chaplaincy position at the Palmerston North Hospital in the MidCentral DHB. The position is being offered

for a term of 5 years initially.

Applications are sought from clergy who will add to the ecumenical mix of the existing chaplaincy team which has a full-time Anglican Co-ordinating Chaplain and a half-time Catholic chaplain.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday 10 June 2011.

An 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 Phone: 04-801 8008 Fax: 04-381 4842 E-mail: admin@ichc.org.nz

THE INTERCHURCH COUNCIL FOR HOSPITAL

CHAPLAINCY AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND Te Kaunihera Whakawhanaunga o nga Minita Hohipera, Hauora

ECUMENICAL HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN HAWKE’S BAY HOSPITAL

Applications are sought from experienced hospital chaplains for this half - time chaplaincy position at the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board in Hastings. The position has occurred as the result of the retirement of a

chaplain. The position is being offered for a term of 3 years initially.

Applications are sought from clergy who will add to the ecumenical mix of the existing chaplaincy team which has a full-time Ecumenical Co-ordinating Chaplain, a 0.1 full-time equivalent Ecumenical chaplain who is also

able to provide locum cover and a half-time Catholic chaplain.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday 27 May 2011.

An 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

Phone: 04-801 8008 Fax: 04-381 4842 E-mail: admin@ichc.org.nz

See also the Methodist website: http://www.methodist.org.nz/administration_division/job_opportunities

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REMEMBER In your Prayers

It is with sadness that Vahefonua informs the Connexion of the death of Rev Peni Mafi Ta'ufo'ou. Rev Peni Mafi Ta'ufo'ou was 82 years of age when he passed away on Sunday the 10th of April. Peni is one of the first Presbyters for the Auckland Manukau Tongan Parish and also the Vahefonua and also one of the retired presbyter for Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa. A night wake was held on Friday 15 April at Lotofale'ia, Mangere Tongan Methodist Church, Mangere. A celebration service of Rev Peni Mafi Ta'ufo'ou's life was held on Saturday 16 April. Messages can be sent to Timote Ta'ufo'ou at Timote.taufoou@hotmail.com or goll.manukia@slingshot.co.nz

It is with sadness that we advise the death of Patricia Ramsay, wife of Rev Phillip Ramsay, in Brisbane on 22 March 2011, aged 89 years. Phillip and Patricia have lived in Brisbane in retirement for many years, but are still remembered in the Parishes where they served. Messages may be sent to Rev Phillip Ramsay, 6/410 Wondall Road, Manly West, Queensland 4179, Australia.

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Methodist Mission & Ecumenical

Newsletter May 2011

Secretary: John Roberts, 22a Penney Avenue, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1041 Phone 09-6266130 Fax: 09-6266137 E-mail mm-e@clear.net.nz

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has had little focus in the life of Protestant churches in this country in recent years. It used to be that the National Council of Churches and the Conference of Churches encouraged its observance. With their demise it has been the Catholic Church that has done most to encourage services to mark the week which is observed from Ascension Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, 5-12 June. In 2011. This year the ecumenical desk of the Auckland Catholic Diocese has invited representatives of other churches to meet with them to plan an ecumenical observance on Pentecost Sunday, 12 June. This will be held in St Benedicts Church, Newton, with leaders of other churches having prominent roles. Retired Bishop John Bluck will be the preacher. It would be good to see the focus on prayer for Christian unity being exercised more widely and ecumenically. Maybe the time has come to give the week new life. It was in 1966 that the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Secretariat [now Pontifical Council] for Promoting Christian Unity began their official joint preparation of the Week of Prayer material. Since 1975, the initial draft of the material is prepared each year by a local ecumenical group. The material is then revised for world-wide distribution by representatives of the WCC and the Roman Catholic. The local materials are rooted in the challenges facing the churches there in their search for unity. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is based each year on a biblical passage which speaks to an issue of immediate relevance for the churches in our contemporary world, an issue which the churches must face together This year the call for unity comes to churches all over the world from Jerusalem. Mindful of their own divisions and their own need to do more for the unity of the Body of Christ, the churches in Jerusalem call all Christians to rediscover the values that bound together the early Christian community in Jerusalem, when they devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. This is the challenge before us. The Christians of Jerusalem call upon their brothers and sisters around the world to make this week of prayer an occasion for a renewed commitment to work for a genuine ecumenism, grounded in the experience of the early Church. Christians in Jerusalem have chosen as a theme Acts 2:42, ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.’ This theme is a call back to the origins of the first church in Jerusalem; it is a call for inspiration and renewal, a return to the essentials of the faith; it is a call to remember the time when the church was still one. Within this theme four elements are presented which were marks of the early Christian community, and which are essential to the life of the Christian Community wherever it exists. Firstly, the Word was passed on by the apostles. Secondly, fellowship was an important mark of the early believers whenever they met together. A third mark of the early Church was the celebration of the Eucharist (the ‘breaking of the bread’), remembering the New Covenant which Jesus has enacted in his suffering, death and resurrection. The

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fourth aspect is the offering of constant prayer. These four elements are the pillars of the life of the church, and of its unity. The Christian Community in the Holy Land wishes to give prominence to these basic essentials as it raises its prayers to God for the unity and vitality of the church throughout the world. The Christians of Jerusalem invite their sisters and brothers around the world to join them in prayer as they struggle for justice, peace and prosperity for all people of the land. Of course, the concern for unity is not limited to one week each year. The churches are encouraged to make prayer and work for unity a part of their life throughout the year. Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity can be downloaded from www.oikoumene.org

Water conflict in the Holy Land

Reflection by Fr. Afrayem Elorshalimy

Throughout history civilizations have flourished wherever there has been a source of water, whilst others have faded away or collapsed due to scarcity of water resources. People have fought and died for even small patches of water. Since ancient times, water has been a source of quarrel between the competing inhabitants of the Holy Land. The book of Genesis reveals such a quarrel between the ancient Israelites and the Philistines. Conflicts over water have continued ever since in this place. Today, the share of water for a Palestinian is one quarter of an Israeli share, and one sixth of the share of an Israeli settler in the West Bank. Israel has confiscated over 85% of the water resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. One of the reports prepared on Palestine and occupied Arab territories at the Arab League revealed that Israel takes about 650- 800 million cubic meters of water annually from the West Bank. It is being pumped into Israel proper, and its illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. And yet in the Bible, God promises plenty of water to quench the thirst of the thirsty. (Isaiah: 41:17, Isaiah: 44:3, 4.) Nowadays, water has become increasingly important since we use it for cleaning our houses, cooking, bathing, and sanitation; also we use water to irrigate dry soil in agriculture so as to provide for food. Our industries use water more than any other liquid form; we take advantage of the swift water flows in rivers to generate electricity. While Genesis tells of the struggles between ancient peoples over water, it also reflects God’s will that water is for all, not for one particular people over against another. Isaac moves from Ezek (“contention”) and Sitnah (“quarrel, accusation”), the wells of dispute, to another place where he dug one more well which he called Rehoboth (“broad space”), a name that does not reflect his skills in finding water, nor his diplomatic or military abilities, but his recognition that land and water are the gift of God: “Now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” There is room for both Philistine and Israelite to flourish in the land; God has provided water for both. Wherever there is conflict over water today, and especially in the particular context of Israel and Palestine, the biblical narrative reminds us all that water is God’s gift, and never anyone’s property. God calls us to rename all our wells from Ezek and Sitnah to Rehoboth, for “the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” This call remains vital from the ancient Philistines and Israelites all the way through time to the present Israelis and Palestinians.

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Fr. Afrayem Elorshalimy from the Coptic Orthodox Church was a monk at the St. Bishoy Monastery in Egypt and then spent 14 years as a priest of the Coptic Church in Jerusalem. Since 2010 he is priest of the Coptic community in Dublin, Ireland.

Visit to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea On 28 April Mission and Ecumenical Secretary John Roberts and Prince Devanandan (who will replace John in January 2012) will leave for visits to the United Church Solomon Islands and United Church Papua New Guinea. In the Solomons they will meet with Moderator David Havea and assembly office staff. At Helena Goldie Hospital there will be discussion with Medical Superintendent Dr Dina Sailo and other key staff concerning current and ongoing support for the hospital. There will also be discussion with Henri Gumi and tutors at the college of nursing as well as a meeting with the students who have had their fees paid by Mission and Ecumenical. At Goldie College they will meet with Principal Dexter Lilo, staff and students. A particular focus will be the computer project funded by Mission and Ecumenical. Computers have been paid for and are on their way to the college. There will also be a visit to Tabaka Rural Training Centre. At Sasamugga Hospital the focus will be on the new birthing unit and two staff houses funded by Mission and Ecumenical, as well as other projects for upgrading the hospital facilities. It is also hoped to meet with Vincent Ghanny the copra project manager. In Papua New Guinea John and Prince will meet with Moderator Samson Lowa and assembly office staff. They will then visit Rarongo Theological College to discuss the ongoing purchase of library books and other assistance that may be able to be provided. At Bougainville there will be a meeting with regional staff and a visit to Kekesu to see the regional Leadership and Ministry Training Centre funded by Mission and Ecumenical.

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ECUMENICAL

News & Views

Peace Sunday – 22 May 2011

As the sun rises on Sunday 22 May Christians and churches across the world are being encouraged by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to celebrate God’s peace in their worship services, to hold a Peace Sunday dawn vigil, to plant a tree as an act of peace or to use social media to share prayers for peace with Christians around the world.

"Each tree will become the lasting symbol of our united efforts to bring the peace of Christ to our

suffering world" says the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC general secretary. "We hope that people

will feel inspired to use social media like Twitter or Facebook to share pictures, peace prayers and

hopes for a just peace in their own language."

The World Sunday for Peace is part of the WCC's International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC)

which will take place 17 -25 May in Kingston, Jamaica and marks the culmination of the “Decade to

Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace”.

Over a thousand people from around the world will be meeting in Kingston to celebrate the promise of

a just peace. Churches in the Caribbean have prepared a prayer for peace for churches throughout the

world to use on the Sunday for Peace.

Hymns, texts and ideas that congregations can use to prepare for their celebration of the peace Sunday

are available at www.overcomingviolence.org/sunday

"It can be quite a challenge to write a prayer in just 140 keystrokes on Twitter, but such small steps are

part of our journey to building a just peace," said Tveit. "It's our hope that the worldwide prayer for

peace on 22 May will help build bridges of just peace."

The Ontmoetingskerk in Ijsselstein in the Netherlands has just become the WCC's 1000th follower on

Twitter.

As the sun rises over the world on 22 May, keep the WCC updated about how your church is praying and acting for peace with justice, write your prayers for peace and share photos of your vigil and tree planting:

on Twitter use the hash tags #IEPC #Sunday4peace #Justpeace and #WCC

on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/WorldCouncilofChurches

May 2011 18 e-messenger

Spiritual Growth Ministries Trust

Spiritual Growth Ministries

Aotearoa New Zealand Spiritual Directors’ Formation Programme 2012-2013

Are you interested in helping people grow in their relationship with God and already have people approaching you to talk about their

spiritual life?

Our well regarded and comprehensive, 2 year part-time course will inspire and form you as an effective spiritual director.

The programme involves a blend of:

Engaging in study of the theology and practices of Christian Spiritual Direction

Deepening personal spiritual formation.

Regular workshops conducted by experienced practitioners

Supervised one-to-one spiritual direction practice

For details contact The Coordinator, Barbara McMillan: sgmtp@xtra.co.nz

Or visit our website: http://www.sgm.org.nz

Expressions of interest are welcome. Applications due by 20th AUGUST 2011

Late applications may be considered.

Travel and Study Grants – May 2011 This is to remind anyone who is considering applying that the next date for the secretary to receive applications is May 15th 2011. Please note the following:-

Applications forms are available on the Methodist website and can be found under Communications.

If you have difficulty accessing a form please contact the secretary maryw@west.net.nz and I will forward a copy.

Please ensure that all references are received with the application form.

When a group of applicants request a grant EACH applicant is required to complete an application form. References may support a number of applications providing that the relevant Synod Superintendent and Presbyter supports the proposed study topic.

No late or incomplete applications can be considered. They may be referred to the next Grants committee meeting. Best wishes with your studies Mary West T&S Secretary

May 2011 19 e-messenger

Manawatu Regional Methodist Parish Celebrations

The Manawatu Regional Methodist Parish is going to celebrate 137 years of Methodism in the Manawatu as well as the centennial of the laying of the foundation stone for the present St. Pauls Brick Church in Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North, on 20th June, 1911. The parish is planning a special service on the 19th June, 2011 to acknowledge the 137 years of witness in the city and would like to receive from people who have been associated with Methodism in the Manawatu over the years any anecdotes, stories or memories that they would like to share. These will be either read out during the afternoon or put on boards for those attending to read.

A brief outline of the day will be Worship 10.00am – 11.30am 11.30 – 4.00 Lunch, meet and greet, sharing of memories. These can be emailed to Jenny Olsson at olsson.noel.jenny@clear.net.nz.

New Zealand Ecumenical Rural Ministry Newsletter

The latest New Zealand Ecumenical Rural Ministry Newsletter can be found at http://presbyterian.org.nz/national-ministries/rural-ministry/rural-network-news

Wesley Community Action

A Practical Way Parishes can help people during the recession.

Calling All Parishes – An Amnesty called on neglected and abandoned garden tools

Those unused or forgotten about garden tools at the back of your shed or garage could have a new opportunity at life thanks to the Cannons Creek Community Pantry. Wesley Community Action is calling for people to donate their unwanted garden tools so that they can be used to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for the Wesley Porirua food bank.

May 2011 20 e-messenger

Wesley Community Action has started the Community Pantry with the aim of working with families that access the food bank to establish and maintain a garden and small orchard which will supplement the food bank and provide locally grown, nutritional and fresh produce to all those who can’t always afford enough healthy food.

Pantry Coordinator Kena Duignan says “we need tools to dig our garden. I know there are spades and forks holding up cobwebs in sheds all over the place and we want to give them a new home and a new lease on life by using them to grow food together for those people who need more good food.”

For the past 16 years Wesley has run an emergency food bank in Cannons Creek and the lack of fresh vegetables available in the food parcels is concerning to the staff. Increasing numbers of people are accessing food banks as the price of food continues to rise, increasing by 3.8 per cent this year with fruit and vegetable prices up 8.1 per cent. These price rises are among the reasons that national studies have found 47% of low-income households report that they can’t always afford to by the food they need. Running out of food is termed ‘food insecurity’ and is directly linked to obesity and chronic disease. Unhealthy diets are the number one cause of chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes that lead to 8,500 deaths in New Zealand every year.

The Cannons Creek Community Pantry aims to address this growing issue with an initial focus of working with current families that access the food bank, who are invited to volunteer their time to establish and maintain a community garden which in turn will supplement the food bank and provide nutritional fresh produce to all those who require this service. The vision for the Community Pantry is that the services they provide will grow from this initial garden and achieve the vision of a busy and productive centre for people giving people the skills and resources they need to get enough good food.

To do this effectively they need to start with the right tools and are asking for donations. These tools will also be shared with other community food growing projects in the area. The Community Pantry would also be grateful for donations of building materials, seeds, and seedlings and is open 9 till 5, Monday to Friday to accept donations.

To arrange to drop off or for more information on the Cannons Creek Community Pantry contact Kena Duignan on 022 040 8903 or 237 7923 or KDuignan@wesleyca.org.nz The office hours are 9 – 5 Monday to Friday, 206 Mungavin Ave, Cannons Creek.

David Hanna Director

Centenary of the Pitt Street Church Organ

A service of celebration is being held at Pitt Street Methodist Church

at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, 5 June to mark the

Centenary of the Pitt Street Church Organ. Past and present organists

will be contributing to the music. A warm invitation is extended to all interested

to share this occasion with us.

May 2011 21 e-messenger

International Ecumenical Peace Convocation

17 - 25 May 2011, Kingston, Jamaica

http://www.overcomingviolence.org/

The World Council of Churches International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) will be a "harvest festival" celebrating the achievements of the Decade to Overcome Violence which began in 2001. At the same time it will encourage individuals and churches to renew their commitment to nonviolence, peace and justice. Greg Hughson will represent the Methodist Church of NZ. One thousand delegates will attend representing Churches from all around the planet.

The IEPC aims at witnessing to the Peace of God as a gift and responsibility of the oikumene. It seeks to assess and strengthen the church's position on peace, provide opportunities for networking and deepen our common commitment to processes of reconciliation and peace.

The Goals will be :

to affirm what we can say together to identify topics requiring further discussion to recommend fruitful examples and promising initiatives to initiate practical services for committed groups

World Sunday for Peace On Sunday, 22 May 2011, churches in every corner of the world (including Aotearoa-NZ!) are invited to celebrate God’s gift of peace, and to commit or recommit to Peacemaking actions in solidarity with a those who will be worshipping together in Kingston, Jamaica on that day. Details concerning the World Sunday for Peace (and worship resources, prayers etc) may be found at http://www.overcomingviolence.org/en/peace-convocation/world-sunday-for- peace.html Documents which will form the basis for discussion at the IEPC, including “an ecumenical call to Just Peace”, a “Just Peace Companion” and the “Final report of the decade to overcome violence” are available via http://www.overcomingviolence.org/en/peace-convocation/kingston-2011.html Greg Hughson

May 2011 22 e-messenger

Smethurst Trust Fund

*Administered by the Methodist Women’s Fellowship+

Is this a fund that could assist YOU?

Women wishing to apply for grants from the above fund are reminded that the closing date for the second round of grants for 2011 June 20th. The Application Form and the Information Leaflet are available on the MWF link on the Connexional website www.methodist.org.nz. or from you local MWF , or your Presbyter. It was with great pleasure that the Grants Committee received 25 applications for its first round in March; and as a result they were able to assist women [all from the North Island] with study fees, travel, text books, and a variety of training courses. The grants committee ask that you read carefully the criteria for making grants and that when applying you ensure you fill in the application forms correctly and provide clear and full information. It is frustrating to have to regularly return applications that do not give full and correct details. Please note that applications must be on the current form 2011. Gloria Zanders – Convenor 15 Goodall Street Hamilton 3204 Ph: 07 847 9641/ Email gjz@xtra.co.nz

www.cws.org.nz

Live below the Line CWS invites young people to join the campaign to end global poverty by Living below the Line. The Global Poverty Project has chosen CWS as a partner for their national fundraising effort 22-26 August. The money raised will help one of CWS’s community development programmes overseas. The Global Poverty Project is an international movement of young people taking concerted action to end extreme poverty. Young people are being challenged to live on $2.25 or less a day and raising sponsorship support. Contact youth@cws.org.nz if your youth group would be interested in joining the challenge. Update on government funding CWS is grateful for the many individuals who expressed concern about the impact of the new funding scheme for the work of non government organisations including CWS. Thanks in part to these, and the efforts made by the national church leaders, changes in the process have been made. We are waiting to see the results of this, but remain very concerned at the loss of funding to date and its detrimental impact on programmes to overcome poverty. See www.cws.org.nz for a full update.

Christian World Service

May 2011 23 e-messenger

The emergency is us The Autumn edition of @world has been delayed due to the Christchurch earthquake and is currently being printed in Auckland. It will be mailed to supporters and churches mid May. It contains an important editorial outlining the challenges facing CWS and our partners due to changes in government funding. The disruption of two earthquakes has further constrained our work. We are now asking New Zealand churches to help us keep doing a world of good so we can make up the funding shortfall to our partners. Please keep an eye out for this important @world and please give generously. We are asking parishes to organise a special fundraising event. Contact CWS on 0800 74 73 72 or cws@cws.org.nz for resources. CWS Appeals Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and staff, receipting of donations recovered from the CWS office in the CBD cordon is now up to date. End of year receipts have been sent out. Please contact the office if you have not received yours. The appeals for assistance in Christchurch and Japan emergencies remain open. We are also still appealing for funds for rebuilding in Haiti. Our contact details are PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8142; cws@cws.org.nz; phone 03 366 9274 or 0800 74 73 72.

May 2011 24 e-messenger

May Amendments

To the Yearbook

Christchurch Methodist Mission PO Box 5416 Papanui Christchurch 8542

Phone: 03 366 6745 Fax: 03 366 6650 Email: info@mmsi.org.nz Website: www.mmsi.org.nz

All Saints (Bryant Park) Cooperating Parish PO Box 10-365 Te Rapa Hamilton 3241

Rev. Ian Croft 22 English Street Bryant Park Hamilton 3200

Home phone: 07 8495715 Church phone: 07 8495104

email address: i.croft@slingshot.co.nz parish email: allsaints.hamilton@slingshot.co.nz

1963 1997 Ansell, David H [H] 07 576 0409 3190 29a Cherrywood Drive, [Em] dsansell@xtra.co.nz Cherrywood, Tauranga 3110 1984 1997 Springett, Margaret [H][F] 06 272 2806 4050 7 Allen Road, RD12 [Em] mspringett@farmside.co.nz Hawera 4672 1980 2007 Elderton, William E [M] 027 242 9461 8010 Unit 28, 91 Harewood Rd [O] 03 324 3315 Papanui Christchurch 8053 1962 1998 Wakeling, W J Douglas [H] 04 9022285 6240 18 Lorna Irene Drive, Raumati Beach Paraparaumu 5032 1964 1999 Neal, Barry W [H] 07 853 3379 2100 3 Lamont Street [Em] bandmneal@gmail.com Chartwell, Hamilton 3210 LAY Efford, Thelma [H] 03 768 6414 7110 110 Reid Street [O] 03 768 4415 Blaketown, [Em] thelmaefford@slingshot.co.nz Greymouth 7805 2006 6 Taylor, Peter [H] 03 308 6297 8380 225 Walnut Ave [O] 03 308 6207 Ashburton 7700 [Em] thetaylors@inspire.net.nz

Names & Addresses (Pg 31)

Connexional Offices – Directory (Pg 4)

May 2011 25 e-messenger

LAY McCallum, Bruce [H] 03 388 6021 8270 65 Pacific Road [O] 03 385 3473 North New Brighton [Em] brucill@xtra.co.nz Christchurch 8083

If you have any amendments or updates to the yearbook please feel free to email Wendy at

wendyk@methodist.org.nz with the updates and they can be published here for the information of the Connexion.