DECEMBER 2020 | ISSUE NO. 4 NA BULAGO MAI NA KORO FROM THE OF POLYNESIA

ANGLICAN

Collect for the First Sunday in Advent God of hope, When Christ your Son appears may he not find us asleep or idle, but active in his service and ready; through the same Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen [Collect taken from A New Zealand Prayer Book, He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, pg. 551]

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Dear Sisters, Brothers in Christ and Co-workers!

Ni sa bula vinaka, Malo 'e lelei, Talofa lava, Namaste and Greetings in the name of Our Triune God.

We have once again come to the Advent season and I believe everyone is looking forward to the Christmas and New year festivities.

We continue to give thanks to God for his love and mercy upon all of us, despite the ongoing challenges that we encounter. The last

nine months have been very harsh and challenging for all of us because of COVID19 and the lock downs have affected our movements

and of course the Pastoral obligations from the Bishop's office towards Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa. Fortunately for , most

of, if not all the Parishes' confirmation and ordinations have been done.

In these days of family reunions and prayer, let us receive all that the God of love wishes to offer us:

HOPE, PEACE, and FORGIVENESS.

Let us then offer this love that gives everything to others. God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas.

What's inside this issue:

Advent message Moana Health of the Ocean Campaign Ordinations & Confirmations Courtesy Visit Inductions Bible Study Mission & Outreach Training for Lay Ministers and Priests Church Admin & Finance Training House of Sarah COVID19 Food packs & Gardening MAST celebrates FIJI 50 tools distributions Opening of new hall- Samoa St. Johns the Baptist Virtual meetings Schools: Developments Graduations Lotu Youth Mission Community Appointments Moana Children's Ministry ORDINATION & CONFIRMATION FIJI

Several confirmations and ordinations took place in various parts of Fiji. Those ordained this year include Jesa Baro (Deacon) at Church of the Resurrection Maniava, Epeli Tukuna (Priest) St. Michael's & All Angels Matata, Mosese Nasamaki (Priest) St Marks Newtown, Alena Bau (Priest) St Athansius Tamavua-i-wai, Samuela Viaviaturaga & Samu Tataqa (Deacons) at St. John's Wailoku, Rusiate Teifolau & Lusi Luvuri (Priests) at Levuka. Vanua Levu/ Taveuni Episcopal Unit ordination includes Sairusi Kawaidau (Deacon) and Inoke Voli, Mosese Senice, Bobi Nanau, Josua Koroi, Kaminieli Nivoi, Sitiveni Lalibuli Snr, Isireli Guivalu and Akuila Tabalo as Priests.

Those confirmed this year include 21 from Church of the Resurrection, Maniava, 13 from St Michael's, Matata, 22 from St. Mark's Newtown, 29 from St. Athanasius, Tamavua-i-wai, 10 from Levuka, 20 from Naulu St Christopher's, 16 from the Holy Trinity Cathedral Suva and 13 from Vanua Levu/Taveuni Episcopal Unit officiated by Bishop Henry Bull.

INDUCTIONS Rev. Vika Vea - inducted as Priest-in- charge of St. Matthews Parish on 27th September 2020. Rev. Orisi Vuki - Inducted as Dean of the Cathedral on 4th October 2020. Rev. Vilive Rokovasa - Inducted as Priest-in-charge of St. Mark's Parish on 15th November 2020. MISSION & OUTREACH CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES TRAINING FOR PARISHES

The Diocesan Administration and Finance team have carried out "Intentional Discipleship: Parish Administration & Finance training throughout the Diocese, targeting the clergy, vestry and lay leaders at the grassroots level. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, which caused restricted travels, it was not possible to travel outside of Fiji. Diocesan Administration and Finance Team is led by Diocesan Secretary and Registrar Revd Sepi and Diocesan Treasurer Ms Vishika Gohil.

COVID 19 DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PACKS AND GARDENING TOOLS

Since COVID19 hit our shores, the tourism industry was heavily affected and this also affected many people who lost their jobs, reduced working hours and had to find alternate ways of earning an income to support their families. The Anglican Missions Board COVID19 Appeal assisted the Diocese greatly with provision of food rations for the short term and gardening tools for the long term to affected families. Likewise funds were set aside to assist families in Tonga through farming projects for those who were also affected. We give thanks to God for all who contributed generously to the AMB COVID19 Appeal.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, SUVA (SJBTC)

The College farewells one of their staff, the Revd Miliakere Oli, who has been awarded a scholarship by the St John College Trust Board (NZ) to undertake a two-year master’s degree studies at the Pacific Theological College next year. Best wishes to you Revd Miliakere Oli. If travel restrictions are lifted, two of the students at the SJBTC, Matia Dari and Jamie Solomona will be travelling to Auckland in the new year to study at the St John the Evangelist in Remuera, Auckland. In 2021 SJBTC will be welcoming two new students. Lilliani Havili of Tonga will be coming as a lecturer to SJBTC. SCHOOLS: DEVELOPMENTS BISHOP KEMPTHORNE PRIMARY SCHOOL, SUVA

Opening of the Bishop Kempthorne Memorial School ICT Lab, Library, Head Teacher and Administration Office and School Gate. The Most Reverend opened and blessed the occasion that was witnessed by many including representatives from the Ministry of Education, students, staff and parents, board, members of the community of St Mark's Anglican Church, New Town, and others. Congratulations to the Head Teacher, Mrs Joyce Prasad, staff, students, Mrs Salote Sau, School Manager and Board, and many who have been a part of this journey.

OPENING OF NEW CLASSROOMS AT ST. MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, LABASA

After nine of its classrooms became unsafe for students, the St Mary Primary School in Labasa has been gifted with a new building block. The new block consists of three classrooms furnished with new desks and chairs. It was constructed at a cost of $180,000 and was handed over to the school by the Government of Japan on Wednesday 29 July 2020. Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Fiji, Hada Tsuguyoshi says they are pleased to assist the school to provide quality education. “Upon recognising St Mary Primary School’s need for assistance, the Embassy of Japan decided to help the school. Today, it gives me great happiness to say that this project has addressed such challenges through the construction of new classrooms, furnished with new desks and chairs". School Manager Gerald Billings says this is the first time in the school’s history that they have received building assistance. The three new classrooms along with 120 desks and chairs and six whiteboards are for Year 1 students. St Mary was established in 1927 and has a current roll of 770 students in its primary school and 75 students in its Early Childhood Education Centre.

Deep gratitude to Fiji Chemicals director Darran Bentley-Fisher for the generous donation of hand sanitisers for all Anglican Schools in Fiji. This kind donation was received by the Vicar General Rev. Orisi Vuki on 9th September 2020 and have been distributed by the Education officer of the Diocese Rev. Elenoa Vasoroi. Vinaka Vakalevu Fiji Chemicals for the generous donation. LOTU YOUTH MISSION COMMUNITY DIOCESAN YOUTH YEAR 2020

YOUTH YEAR CELEBRATION - LABASA . TIKANGA YOUTH SUNDAY - SAMOA TIKANGA YOUTH SUNDAY - ST.MATTHEWS SUVA

This year, the Diocese celebrates Diocesan Youth Year 2020. The Lotu Youth Mission Community is voyaging on a journey, Noqu i Lakolako Although we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are called to equip and empower our Young People in the Work of God. As part of our celebrations, Tikanga Youth Sunday was celebrated in October and the story of Tarore was shared. The story of her life and death demonstrated how the Gospel is able to bring peace and reconciliation to all. A call to all ordained and LYMC to continue to voyage together in this journey. Noqu I Lakolako is the second main event which was celebrated throughout Polynesia. It is doing mission within our own local context. Thanks to the Diocesan Standing Committee for approving that Diocesan Youth Year be extended to 2021.

MOANA CHILDREN'S MINISTRY Moana Children's Ministry Advent workshops were conducted in the Suva/Ovalau Archdeaconry, Viti levu West and Vanua Levu & Taveuni Episcopal unit by Rev. Lanieta Tuiwaiwai. Moana Children's Ministry Suva and Ovalau Archdeaconry Advent 2020 Planning Workshop was held on Tuesday 06 October 2020 at the MAST; Attendance: Revd Lanieta Tuiwaiwai (St Luke), Sr Sandra CSN (Naulu St Christopher), Leba Iloi (St Stephen), Mere Taylor (St Matthew), Latileta Liku (St John), Kelera (St Athanasius), William Damudamu (St Mark). The Viti Levu West workshop was held at St. Christopher's Church Nadi and had participants from all the West parishes on the 13-14 November 2020. This training was also conducted for the North in late November. MCM workshop for Viti Levu West Unit, held at St. Christopher's Church, Nadi..

LAUNCH OF MOANA THE HEALTH OF THE OCEAN CAMPAIGN

Launching of MOANA, HEALTH OF THE OCEAN by Archbishop Fereimi Cama and Archbishop Emeritus Winston Halapua laying down the challenge for the youth of the Suva Ovalau Archdeaconry and the other Episcopal Units of Fiji to clean their ocean on a monthly basis. This event places the ocean at the centre of the mission of the church in the outward expression of the concern of the church for the future of the ocean. It is envisaged that the youths of the Diocese will also launch their actions on Moana Health of the Ocean from their respective episcopal units and archdeaconries. The Tonga Episcopal Unit initiated action around cleaning up the ocean through its NO PELESITIKI CAMPAIGN which has now gone national with other villages and communities taking up this excellent initiative.The Suva Ovalau Archdeaconry will pick Youths during clean up campaign along Suva point. up and clean the foreshore at Suva Point again on the 12th of December 2020. COURTESY VISIT BY THE ACTING POLICE COMMISSIONER OF THE FIJI POLICE FORCE

The Acting Police Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force, Mr Rusiate Tudravu paid a courtesy visit to the the Archbishop, The Most Reverend Fereimi Cama, on Monday 24 August 2020. He was accompanied by Force Chaplain Superintendent of Police Rev. Waisale Tikowale and the Chief Operations Officer ACP Abdul Khan. The Fiji Police Force is again reaching out to religious leaders in a bid to tackle serious crimes. The Fiji Police Force is of the view that religious bodies can greatly assist crime prevention efforts. Archbishop Cama re-affirmed the commitment of the Anglican Church in Fiji in helping the Fiji Police Force in reaching out to its members. All clergy are encouraged to include teachings against domestic violence in their weekly programmes and Sunday sermons. All parishioners are also encouraged to report any matters of violence and abuse to their nearest local police posts. Archbishop Fereimi Cama pictured with Acting Police commissioner of Fiji, Mr Rusitae Tudravu and Fiji Police staff BIBLE STUDIES A Collaboration bringing together USP (Pace-sd & GIS), and the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, together with the ecumenical partners making a marked contribution towards building resilience in our churches. Guest speakers included: -Dr. Elisabeth Holland to have brought us this far in getting climate change on the agenda of the church. - Grateful to Rev. Geraldine Varea Wiliame, Rev. James Bhagwan, Aisake Casimira, Rev. Sione Uluilakepa and Mrs Lorine Chan Tevi for the excellent Bible studies on Disaster Resilience in a Changing Climate produced by the Uniting World. Participants to this workshop included students from St. Johns College Suva, Young people and representatives from Viti Levu West, Vanua Levu/ Revd Geraldine Varea Wiliame conducting a bible study during the workshop Taveuni and Suva/Ovalau.

TRAINING FOR LAY MINISTERS AND PRIESTS

Revd Tomasi and Akanisi Tarabe with the Viti Levu West group This year saw the beginning of a new initiative that brought together clergy and lay ministers in each of the three regions in Fiji : Viti Levu West, Suva and Ovalau and Vanua Levu & Taveuni. The theme was Understanding the New Testament and Preaching the Gospel. Participants appreciated that the learning was conducted in the iTaukei language. Vinaka vakalevu to Revd Tomasi Tarabe and Akanisi Tarabe who were the resource persons and to SJCTB for enabling the Diocese to organize these events. Training will continue in 2021. It is also planned that the Hindi-speaking and English-speaking groups will also meet in 2021. HOUSE OF SARAH On 1-2 December Revd Sereima Lomaloma facilitated a safe church training for the talatala qase of the Assemblies of God Church in the Central division. She was assisted by Revd Tomasi Tarabe and Akanisi Tarabe. The theme was maintaining healthy and safe boundaries. About 60 clergy participated in this ground-breaking event. The training was held at Calvary Church, Samabula.

NABUNIKADAMU, VANUA LEVU Eliminating of Violence against women and girls during COVID 19. This workshop had MAST CELEBRATES FIJI 50 been facilitated by Rev'd On 10th October 2020 Fiji celebrated 50 Mereti and was held in years of Independence. The MAST staff Nabunikadamu Village, Vanua celebrated this historic event with a Levu and Waidradra Village, Community Lotu, lunch and entertainment. Navua. It was an opportunity to reflect on what we

W had gone through personally and as a

A nation. Those who were here on the 10th

I of October 1970 shared their experience. D

R Many of our staff were not even born then.

A God bless Fiji. D R A ,

N OPENING OF NEW CHURCH HALL,

A ALL SAINTS CHURCH , SAMOA V U A

COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS - WAILOKU

New Multi-purpose hall at All Saints Church, Apia Samoa

On Saturday the 26th of September 2020, the congregation of All Saints Church, Apia, dedicated their new multi-purpose hall. This historic event was witnessed by many, BREAK THE including the Prime Minister of Samoa, dignitaries and the ecumenical community. SILENCE We congratulate the Archdeaconry of Samoa, VIGIL AT ST in particular, All Saints Anglican Church for PETER’S, this initiative. LAUTOKA APPOINTMENTS VIRTUAL MEETINGS DIOCESAN STANDING COMMITTEE OCTOBER 2020 Rev. Vika Vea - inducted as The Diocesan Standing Committee met Priest-in-charge of St. Matthews on Thursday 08 October 2020. Parish on 27th September 2020. For the first time, the Committee met via Rev. Orisi Vuki - Inducted as Zoom, with reps from Vanua Levu and Taveuni EU, Viti Levu West EU and Suva Dean of the Cathedral on 4th & Ovalau and Suva based reps sat at the October 2020. MAST Boardroom while the other reps Rev. Vilive Rokovasa - Inducted joined from Samoa, Tonga, American as Priest-in-charge of St. Mark's Samoa and New Zealand. The Diocesan Standing Committee agreed that the next Parish on 15th November 2020. Diocesan Synod will be in August 2021. Rev. Daniel Houng Lee officially Diocesan Standing Committee in session via Zoom started as the new Trust Manager on 29th October 2020. VIRTUAL 64TH GENERAL SYNOD FONO OF OCEANIA PRIMATES Rev. Raymond Betham is the new TE HĪNOTA WHĀNUI The FONO for Oceania primates was also The 64th General Synod Te Hīnota held on Zoom. It is a regional group of Priest-in-charge of All Saints Whānui held a one day virtual meeting Primates and general secretaries of the Apia, Samoa on Saturday 25 July 2020 - for urgent Anglican Churches in the Oceania region Rev. Jeke Maikali will be the new business only. comprising of the Anglican Church of Other business has been deferred to a Melanesia, Anglican Church of PNG, Priest-in-charge of St. John's 'Special GSTHW' planned for some time Anglican Church of Australia, and the Parish Wailoku in the new year. later. Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Rev. Litimai Sanegar will be the and Polynesia. new Priest-in-charge of St. Leonard's Parish, Savusavu. GRADUATIONS Rev. Salacieli Koroi will be the Three clergies studying at the Davuilevu Theological College, a Methodist Church Assistant Priest at St. Thomas, institution, under the sponsorship of the St John College Trust Board, New Zealand Labasa in the new year. graduated early this month. Because there's no classes at Congratulations to the following who have graduated from Davuilevu Theological Davuilevu Theological College

College: Revd. Salacieli Koroi- Bachelor in Divinity; Revd Sikeli Kelo and Wame next year.

Tuidama - Diploma of Theology. - Rev. Sikeli Kelo assist at St

The following students have completed studies from Carey Baptist College in Johns, Wailoku.

Auckland: Revd Sela Havili, Liliani Havili, Revd Litimai Sanegar and Revd Jeke - Rev. Wame Tuidama assist at

Maikeli. St. Mark's Newtown. Liliani Havili will replace Rev. Miliakere Oli at St John the Baptist Theological college Dini Tukana will take over as the new Diocesan Youth Coordinator in the new year.

OBITUARY

Revd Peter Parlad Rev. Viliame Manumanutosi Primate & Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zeland and Polynesia Rev. Samisoni Vilai Bishop of Polynesia Karalaini Koto Tubuna First Floor, Moana Anglican Services and Teaching (MAST) Centre Alumita Bull 7 Des Vouex Rd, Suva, Fiji. MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE PH: (+679) 7734261 | Email: [email protected] AND RISE IN GLORY. Website: www.anglicandioceseofpolynesia.org ++ CAMA