Newsletter of Knox Church, December 2017 – February 2018, Number 312

Minister’s letter : finding the real purpose of living again I write this amid preparing to conduct a marriage service. The promise a couple makes to be faithful and loyal astounds me. Those words spoken between two frail humans are an audacious commitment made without any idea of what lies ahead. They believe they know each other enough to risk life together. We never know enough of the future to make a risk-free commitment. Life is only ever fully lived in faith and faith is taking a risk, choosing a side, placing a bet. We would never know love if we never risked. God’s whole enterprise is risked in a child born to refugees in a tiny nation ruled by a genocidal emperor. As the child grows, good news takes hold. Shaped by Judaism, he is fired by a spirit, captivated by a vision, driven Our communal soul shrivels when we make by a call. No little call: ridding the world of ourselves ultimate, believing we can rule injustice, liberating the world from sin, filling creation. the world with love, achieved through non- I have been trying to make a similar point in violent commitment to the way of God. relation to shops opening on Easter Sunday. His life is such that we celebrate his birth. We http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/ marvel at the cosmic promise contained in the programmes/thepanel/audio/2018621615/ fragile manger-child. We pause to consider church-minister-urging-caution-before- how we can live more of his life. We gather to doors-open-for-ed-sheeran be built into Faith enables us to find the his body to do point of our living and to live what he did into it. Knox News Knox and more. I pray Advent and That hundreds helps you find the point again. gather on I pray it for myself. Christmas In Christ, Eve at Knox Kerry suggests there [Read the full text of Kerry’s are still people submission to the Dunedin who want to City Council on Easter Trading touch his life, on P3 of Knox News.] be touched by Knox News is published quarterly by Knox Church, Dunedin. his life. They sense there is something more Editor: Jill Rutherford [email protected] 03 here. 477 0891/ 021 0844 5122. Design: Scott Blackwell, lekelly. [email protected] Contributors: Kerry Enright, Alison They sense that full life needs more than Tait, Chris Bloore, Helen Thew, Neil Grant, Jordan Redding, Ian Thomson’s convenience. Our communal soul shrivels Lee Somerville, Eleanor Bell, Liz Somnium, Brendan McRae Fashion Show when we allow ourselves to be defined by Photos: Ian Thomson If you have any story ideas, suggestions or are keen to join pictures: Page 17 human systems, empires, economics. our writing team, please contact Jill. Knox Church Council news The Council 2017-18 met for the first for our mission over the next three- time on Wednesday, 22 November. year period. The meeting is akin to a “changing of the guard” where we farewelled and The Knox community has taken part thanked Donald Shand, Rosemary in a number of community activities Tarbotton, Chris Bloore and Pat in recent months — sharing in the Hoffman, who were retiring from observance of with Flagstaff Council and welcomed Jordan Community Church at Arai Te Uru Redding, Louisa Sinclair, Claire Marae, recognising White Ribbon An invitation to Barton, Rachel Dudley-Tombs and Day, and supporting an Oil Free Warren Jowett. Otago film screening. find a better way Our new Council is now truly We saw the supporting of the film to celebrate representative of our congregation as a form of proclamation of the with a range of age groups, students, Gospel, a core dimension of which is Last December New Zealanders spent young parents, young adults and the care of creation. We are delighted $6 million on credit card transactions. those with life experience. This is an that in Advent we will be combining The build-up to Christmas can seem exciting time in the life of Knox. We with Holy Name for a retreat in the as if we are all drowning in a sea of are very privileged to have people of second week in December. This will financial debt with endless lists of gifts such a calibre willing to serve. take a simple format where all that is to buy. required is for participants to commit The “Advent Conspiracy” is an invitation Over the past two or three months, to a daily quiet time of prayer either to walk away from the marketing lie Council has spent many hours as part of a group or with a prayer that spending money is the best way to drafting a Knox Church Plan 2018- companion. express love. 2020. This document has gone The four tenets of the Advent through many iterations. We have As we draw close to Advent and the Conspiracy guide us, our families and tried to include the contributions of end of the academic year, we have congregation through the season of said goodbye to a number of preparation for Christmas: students who have been part • Worship more fully, remembering of our community this year. how much God has given us. We hope some will return in • Spend less money on gifts that are the New Year to continue their not wanted or needed. studies. Others we said farewell • Spend more time with one another. to, and pray for them as they • Spread love everywhere through embark on the next stage of supporting agencies that work for life’s journey. We have also been justice and equity. joined by new families and we Christians around the world have found many members of the congregation welcome them warmly. that the Advent Conspiracy transforms who have contributed through this season into one that is happier, more thoughtful reflection and 2018 calls us with a sense of hope connected, and freer to focus on . participation in focus groups. and a plan where we can share a life Full information (and video) at the We are hopeful this plan will be together following Jesus and sharing website www.adventconspiracy.org adopted by the congregation in the our faith with others. near future and will provide a guide — Alison Tait, Council Clerk A lesson from history From the Editorial in the Otago Daily Times on Thursday, cannot expect to travel faster than we do in railway trains, 20 August 1868, comes this gem, with thanks to archivist to talk at a distance more easily than by telegraph, or to Lyndall Hancock: pass over the sea more pleasantly than by mail steamer and “The rate of progress is so rapid in the present day that first-class passenger ships. Our sons and grandsons will it almost threatens to exhaust the possibility of making have an easy time of it, for they will have nothing to do progress in the future... If we have not achieved everything but to improve our inventions and take advantage of our that is to be achieved, we have at least anticipated discoveries. We have dug the mines and they will spend the everything. We cannot hope to be taken by surprise. We gold.”

Page 2 Reflections on the meaning of Easter in society

This is the text of Kerry’s submission world in sacrificial love, tenacious hope humanity outside economic rhythms. to the Dunedin City Council on that survives what appears ultimate The church has the concept of sabbath, Easter Sunday Trading. failure and the capacity of Jesus to resting from work. break through deathly power. It is helpful if that rest can occur on This submission comes from Kerry For these and other reasons, in the week dates which broader society recognises Matthew Enright as minister of Knox prior to Easter and especially on Good so children can be home from school Church, George Street, Dunedin as Friday and Easter Sunday the church and workers from work. In Aotearoa, an individual, not on behalf of Knox celebrates its major festivals. because of our history, that has Church because Knox Church learned The church does not seek to impose its included Easter weekend. of the call for submissions late; so its beliefs and celebrations on people who governing body did not have time to do not follow Jesus. It does not expect here is therefore a cost to society formulate a submission. people to celebrate what it celebrates. Tif agreed dates are removed. It Knox Church has been part of the city Given their central significance, is a cost to the functioning of society of Dunedin since 1860 and is located however, it does believe society needs to including in the core elements of society in the central business district. It is allow followers of Jesus to join in these such as family relationships. There are a community of people who seek to celebrations. basic elements of society that enable follow Jesus, a Jew who lived in the Therefore, it would wish there to be its flourishing and that suffers if there early part of the First Century. Drawing freedom for followers of Jesus not are not agreed dates for enhancing the on his Jewish heritage, he outlined a to work on Good Friday and Easter relationships within that society. vision for the world which led to the Sunday in particular, in such a way Further, the church is concerned for the formation of a movement that became as to enable them to join with other wellbeing of workers and proprietors. the church. That movement sought followers in celebrating the life of They need time off on agreed dates. to honour the God Jesus proclaimed, Jesus on Good Friday, Saturday and [The church] is supportive of workers’ to value humankind and to care for Easter Sunday. Worship is classically voices and expressions of concern creation. held in the mornings of these days and regarding the impact such a decision celebrations can go for much of the day, would have on them. In similar ways, he church believed Jesus was including with family rituals. it would raise similar concerns about Tcrucified for opposing the empire the impact on people who may run or of the time. His movement took urther, the church believes that manage businesses. It is also realistic new life three days later and spread Fhuman beings are created in the that there is often pressure placed on throughout the then known world. image of God to enjoy life and cherish employees to work. That [Easter] weekend stands at the creation. It resists all attempts to define I would ask for these matters to be centre of the Christian faith because it human beings as economic units taken into account in making a upholds basic tenets of the Christian or consumers. The church believes decision. faith including non-violent opposition that days need to be set aside to Ian Thomson’s photo, above, captures the to the empire, commitment to the enable human beings to express their ceiling’s reflection on the grand piano. Page 3 Parihaka: sharing the story, sharing the peace By Brendan McRae, minister of Flagstaff Community Church

ithin our Christian Wtradition here in we are quick to adopt and share stories from afar which highlight peaceful protest, such as German Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who made a stand against the Nazis. And while these examples are significant, we fail to recognise our own stories within New Zealand. Parihaka is one such story. The story of the Taranaki town of Parihaka’s non- violent resistance to colonial encroachment of their lands Rev Jordan Redding and Rev Wayne Te Kaawa led the 5 November morning service, is gaining both local and recalling Parihaka’s message of non-violence. Jordan wears Wayne’s korowai cloak, international recognition. Te given to him when he was Moderator of Te Aka Puaho, the Maori Synod. Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu the Parihaka community invites us all • It’s a story from our own NZ Kākahi and the people of Parihaka to be part of that conversation. history that connects with found a peaceful way to strongly resist The experience of Māori at Parihaka Dunedin. and protest the injustices they faced. should lead us to reflect: • The Maori Party has renewed • That there are always alternatives its call for 5 November to be arihaka highlights the power of to violence. The people of Parihaka recognised as Parihaka Day to Ppassive resistance, and how we strove to resolve conflict through commemorate the sacking of the should take a stand for what we believe peaceful resistance and negotiation. pacifist settlement in Taranaki by in, if something is not fair or just. This • That we stand in support of government troops and militia is not a discussion on our response communities which live values of in 1881: “We could celebrate to violence, whether it be or peaceful action, but also peace a just war. Instead, our message as amongst families, peace amongst followers of Jesus is first and foremost communities and advocate for a message of hope, peace, forgiveness something that is not a terrorist and reconciliation. “Pacifism” or a action in a far-off country that we “just war” is a response to a peace hold very little allegiance to in this process that has already broken down. day and age.” In a world of global unrest we have a message of hope: seek peace. he need for stories of peace Te Whiti and Tohu recognised that Tis as great now as ever with there must be a better way to fight the peace, human dignity and love. heightened global unrest (North Korea, injustices that they were faced with. • That we support the rights of Myanmar, etc). They chose to lead their people in indigenous people and ask for non-violent resistance. They ploughed justice in relation to their claims “The war hasn’t finished. People fields in order to be heard. Te Whiti regarding land, language and the aren’t falling from muskets. They and Tohu chose not to physically fight retention of their cultural practices. are falling from youth suicide, eviction and arrest. alcohol, drug abuse, chronic poverty, Peaceful intentions were at the o why share this story? intergenerational poverty. There is still forefront of their resistance, as was the S• • As followers of Jesus we have a long way to go.” building of a community committed to a message of peace, reconciliation — Ruakere Hond, Parihaka, finding a way to live together. Today, and forgiveness. September 2012 Page 4 Parihaka: seeking peace in a troubled world The Story of Parihaka: Good people seeking Peace in a troubled world

Aotearoa New Zealand in the second half of the 19th century was a place of war. Land was taken from Māori by new settlers through dodgy deals and false promises and by force. Many responded violently and were met with further violence. Many New Zealanders are unaware of the brutality of the fighting.

n the 1870s, the Parihaka settlement Iin Taranaki became a focal point for Māori seeking a different response than violence. People travelled to Parihaka on the 18th and 19th of each month to talk about the issues they were facing Te Whiti-o-Rongomai Tohu Kākahi and to consider their response. Under the leadership of Te Whiti o Rongomai invaded the settlement of Parihaka to imprisoned without charge. No trials and Tohu Kākahi, a decision was taken arrest its leaders and many of its men. were held. Evidence of their prison to put aside practices of the past of Homes and cultivations were burned, labour can still be seen in places like vengeance and revenge. It was realised and livestock destroyed. Dunedin and Wellington. that nothing would come of reverting Fifty years before Gandhi’s better- to violence, but that it was still he New Zealand Parliament known non-violent resistance to important to resist the injustice of land Tpassed special laws to enable British control of India, Te Whiti confiscations and the loss of control the ploughmen of Parihaka to be o Rongomai, Tohu Kākahi and the over their lives. people of Parihaka found a peaceful way to strongly resist and protest the dentifying with Old injustices they faced. ITestament stories of slavery in Egypt, the he community of Parihaka today people of Parihaka Tsays the lesson of their tūpuna is devised a strategy of found not only in their actions, but non-violent resistance. also in “… a community com[ing] Instead of fighting the together to discuss the pressures they soldiers and surveyors are experiencing, and to look for a who were preparing collective response to injustice”. confiscated lands The monthly meetings at Parihaka, for sale, the people begun by Te Whiti and Tohu in the of Parihaka sent out 1870s, have been disrupted only during ploughmen to cultivate the 1880s occupation of Parihaka. the land and workers to build fences. he community continues to meet The first ploughmen Ton the 18th and 19th of each were arrested, but month to discuss the issues of the offered no resistance. day and to consider how to respond Others came to take together to them. their place. They too Today, the Parihaka community invites were arrested. More us all to be part of that conversation. took their place. On — An excerpt from Caritas, the 5 November 1881, Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace government troops and Development Page 5 News from Deacons Court The last post ... By Chris Bloore retiring finance Tony Haslam has succeeded Chris convenor Chris Bloore as the Convenor of the Finance Bloore with Committee. the new hand- crafted bollard New Facilities The new garden shed has been completed. A third TV screen has been placed beside the clock in the front of the gallery so that the people leading the services can see what’s on the screen. A bollard (right) has been installed by the large garden rocks to prevent damage to cars parking close to the church near the choir entrance.

Repairs and Maintenance Repairs and maintenance activities continue. Renovation work in Room 5 has started with more to follow. The church heating system has finally been fixed by replacing the expansion tank. Looking Forward installed in each of the Halls toilets. The DCC has fixed the Pitt Street leak Knox will hire a spider lift so that we This will greatly reduce the expense of flooding the basement. can change as many of the chandelier’s disposable paper towels, and pay back A reconditioned motor mower has been light bulbs as possible before the estimated cost well within a year. donated to replace the old one which Christmas. The property group will sand the floor has a bent crankshaft and split casing. An energy-saving LED solution to the of the Herron Hall to decrease the The tap on the boiling water heater in chandelier problem is still not available. costs of sealing the floor. the Gathering Area has been replaced. We will be holding a working bee to Broken fluorescent light fittings in the The broken leg of the piano in the move pews under the chandelier so halls will be replaced. Gathering Area has also been repaired. that the lift can gain access, and would The procedures for fire evacuations and A quote has been accepted to replace appreciate as many helping hands as safety in the Church are well in hand floor coverings in the Matheson Room possible! as required by the Health and Safety corridor. An air blade hand drier is to be Regulations. Spring plant swap raises much-needed funds This initiative, carried out over the three months of spring, has proved to be very worthwhile. Most of the requests for plants have been met, and it has been a pleasure to see different people interacting and getting to know each other better through a shared interest in gardening. I would like to extend a very big thank you to all who have been involved in any way. There is still a little bit of spring to go and we have already reached a total of over $450 towards general church funds. — Lee Somerville

Page 6 Intersecting Lines: life as a surgeon Reflections on the life of the spirit and a life as a surgeon. By Stephen Packer

“Intersect” suggests a cutting into or crossing over of two lines, or surfaces, or circles. Life is often considered in Western ideas as linear, from one point in time to an end point, but time or life may also be circular, without end, and linking present, past and future in an unbroken progression or regression, forward or backwards. Spirituality can also be considered a journey (think John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress) and Christian life is often referred to as following the Jesus way. Is it possible for the spiritual journey to be separated, divorced or excluded from the physical, the physiological, pathological, psychological? The start point in my surgical journey is indeterminate. The dream of possibility was fuelled by childhood three years later. Thirty years plus Camps, “Youth for Christ” Saturday reading and play at being a missionary as a general and vascular surgeon night rallies, campaigns by travelling doctor — perhaps there was an performing breast and melanoma evangelists including Billy Graham, instilled ambition inserted by family surgery both at Dunedin and Mercy and street preaching with Open Air ambition. Hospitals, then after “retirement” re- Campaigners. There was an occasion at a youth camp inventing as a medical administrator. Memories of those years are of in my first year at university of what The other intersecting line, the contemplative worship, devotional and seemed a spiritual conviction that God spiritual, reaches back into family deeply spiritual, and of Bible-based was calling me to a life in history — ancestors teaching. But also of repetitive Gospel th medicine — an intersect. include a 17 century preaching towards a personalised Then followed the years at church warden, an faith, making a decision for Christ, to Medical School at Otago, itinerant non-conformist become “born again”. marrying Helen at the preacher, an ardent end of my fourth year, Baptist fundraiser and he congregation was hospitable, house surgeon years at preacher and a Salvation Tfriendly and supportive but Wellington, on surgical Army “hallelujah man”. at times legalistic and judgmental, admitting duty the day My father continued doctrinally pure but at times the Wahine sank, birth of the Open Brethren arrogantly sure of its correctness, our first daughter Jenna, connection of his father. contrasting “born-again believers” return to Dunedin in He was a carpenter who with the “nominal Christians” in other 1969 to the Anatomy made church furniture, churches. Department, birth of tables, pews and pulpits. There was an emphasis on the Second second daughter Kate, and My brothers and I were Coming and on heaven and hell, and it then return to Wellington immersed in Christian could be scary. for Registrar years, and principles and practice: It was “New Testament Christianity”, Fellowship exam. Sunday School at 9:30am, “Breaking of a superior uncontaminated strain of Two years in Glasgow working in Bread” service from 11am to 12.30pm, faith, with local and foreign mission transplant immunology, returning to Bible Class at 3pm, Gospel Service at activity seen as the highest level of the Christchurch Clinical School in 7pm, Boys’ Rally weekly club night, service. Immersion was not just being 1974 and our third daughter Emma, Crusaders at High School, Scripture soaked in the life and teaching of the before moving south again to Dunedin Union Bible readings, CSSM Beach • Continues on Page 8

Page 7 Intersecting Lines: life as a surgeon • Continued from Page 7 privilege to have been able to interact with so many people and, in some way, “Assembly” but also the participate in the healing work of Jesus, immersion of “Believer’s the carpenter become teacher and Baptism”, a necessary healer. sign of commitment, Even if Jesus’ healing was “spiritual” to Christ, and to the more than physical, and the healing church. I have been part of as a surgeon more Spirituality and medicine physical than spiritual, there is still intersected strongly an intersect of both in every surgical through EU (Evangelical consultation and interaction. What is Union) and IVF (Inter that spiritual component? It is in part Varsity Fellowship), the care, concern, compassion, the meeting Christians “caritas Christi”. who were devout and I think of “Caritas Christi urget nos”, committed even if they the motto of the Nurses Christian were Presbyterian or Union, from the embossed title page of Methodist, Anglican or my stepmother’s nursing manual. Or from the Sallies. Many “the love of Christ constraineth us”, were in Medicine, mixing as Paul describes the power impelling intelligent faith and him, and that can still be the driving practice. power today. The journey continued, For me the “sacred space” is Knox to the Brethren Assembly in South here can be a pervading ethos of Church, the spiritual, spirit-filled place Dunedin, to Hanover St Baptist, and spirituality permeating medical where spiritual forebears “walked in T to Knox now some 20 years ago. and surgical care, and one outstanding faith”. It is a place to refresh, recharge, This was a movement from literalist example close by is that of Mercy refocus and reconnect across the Biblical interpretation to a wider Hospital. I have worked there for some boundary, to intersect, to interact with exploration of society and belief, to 35 years, starting when there was a the transcendent. questioning and looking for answers, substantial physical presence of the with less emphasis on the life to come Sisters, to now when the last of the he stained glass, the alpha and and more on the kingdom of heaven Sisters of Mercy have retired. Yet the omega, the depiction of Christ on earth, scientific and within the T Mercy ethos continues, the ethos of the King, the symbols of keys, of cosmos. The intersect of the spiritual care, compassion and of wanting to Kingdom, the sunlight broken into line and the surgical, initially an provide the very best care permeates a multitude of colours, the space, the accepting personal belief but within the whole organisation from the cleaner marks of craftsmanship and care and edged boundaries, coming up against to the CEO. Having been accorded the skill and devotion: these connect today, the questioning scientific basis of privilege of serving on the Mercy Board and me, with yesterday, yesteryear and medicine. The lines came close, but it has been humbling to see the extent the faithful of previous generations, stayed separate. of Mercy’s charitable works, its mission who in some traditions may be Jesus told the story of the woman with to society, to the Dunedin and Otago called saints, processed through an chronic menorrhagia who had spent community, and to Pasifika. ecclesiastical form and venerated. “To her money on ineffectual remedies. That surely is an example of the be a saint in heaven, that would indeed When she touched him, Jesus knew intersect of the spiritual with the be glory, but, to be a saint on earth, something good had left him. surgical at an organisational level, part that is another story.” Sometimes one is left emptied and in of the kingdom of heaven on earth. So what drives a surgeon? What drives need of refuelling, and this for me is I trust that I, too, have been able to (drove) me? where the spiritual meets the surgical: mirror something of the love of the An intense curiosity about life; a desire the quiet time, time for reflection, Healer of humankind in my life, that to help others; “hands on” healing; contemplation, time for considering the the spiritual line has intersected and and a sense of calling. The sense of transcendent, to think of the mystery, impacted and transformed my surgical confirmation that my “mission” was the unanswered questions, the refilling life-line. to train and serve as a doctor is still after the emptying, the topping up • Stephen Packer is a member vivid in recollection. It has been a after the draining experience. of the Knox Church Council

Page 8 Kids Friendly Anna Tarbotton, Education Committee Convenor and one of the Sunday School leaders, is passionate about children and what they bring to our worship together. It’s almost a year since Knox became a Kids Friendly church. Here, Anna reflects on some of the positive changes that have occurred and what more can be done.

Kids Friendly is the PCANZ’s children’s ministry. Why is such a ministry needed? A Kids Friendly ministry is really needed because the youth of today are being faced with such different challenges and There are 10 Kids Friendly ideals, Many congregation members have technologies than what we faced when including valuing children, commented on how wonderful it is to we were younger. Because of this, more valuing children’s leaders, a safe have the children more involved - this and more youth are leaving the church environment, having Kids Friendly was especially so when the children and not coming back. They don’t find Sundays. How has Knox changed helped with communion, and when it relevant to their lives. This is why I its practices? they got to see the bibles of congregants. believe we must make an extra effort to We are constantly thinking about what make sure they are an integral part of we can do to help improve our church Are there ways you think Knox the everyday life of the church and our and get the children more involved. adults could make sure children feel worship. We have the children more involved more valued and ‘at home’ in the with worship. For example, making church environment? items in Sunday School to distribute Talk to them! Encourage them when to the congregation; helping serve they contribute — even if it’s nothing communion; and, of course, candle out of the ordinary, like regular choir bearing and saying the Call to Worship singing. Also (if you can) please try and are everyday children’s items during get down to their level when you talk to services. They are very excited about them. Don’t talk down at them. If you contributing! feel the call, pray for them and their We’ve also introduced the Birthday parents and leaders. Also, if you have Song, and following the children’s ideas or resources we can use, please talk during the service, we sing hymns speak to me, Liz Somnium, Louisa How does being a Kids Friendly and songs which are more accessible Sinclair or Claire Barton. church differ from the traditional to small children. We are also trying practice of having Sunday School to bring back things like Story and What are the pluses for adult and Bible Class? Pyjama evenings during Matariki, and members of the congregation in Kids Friendly is a culture, not just an the family decoration Knox being a Kids Friendly church? activity. It means having the children evening. And older children — our Knox is investing in our future by being and youth involved with all aspects teens — have been invited to join in a Kids Friendly church. They keep us of everyday church life, including more decision-making processes and grounded and stop us from becoming committees, reading, welcoming, serve on committees. too detached from the reality of etc. It also means the church needs worship. They bring joy to our worship to be physically Kids Friendly as Have you noticed any change in the and we have to nurture and encourage well — things like making sure the way congregation members view them so they might consider themselves environment is safe and welcoming for children’s role in the church since lifelong Christians. There are no them and their parents. Knox became Kids Friendly? downsides here! Page 9 New faces on Knox Church Council On Sunday 19 November at the 10am service, we welcomed five new Elders and Council members: Claire Barton, Warren Jowett, Jordan Redding, Louisa Sinclair and Rachel Dudley- Tombs. They will serve a three-year term, extendable to six, from the date of their ordination and/or induction.

Claire Barton I am a singer, singing teacher and mother to Margaret, aged three years. I was born in Dunedin and apart from three years in London, have spent much of my life here in Dunedin. My achieve their full potential. I am keen grew in the 1970s after we had shifted family were members of West Harbour to see Knox continue to expand on our to Christchurch. We were members United Church. After West Harbour engagement with the community; as a of St Timothy’s Anglican Church in United closed, we occasionally attended church in the centre of Dunedin and Burnside, a “low” evangelical church. services at Maori Hill and First close to the University. I think we are I served on the parish vestry, including Church, before we discovered Knox in a fantastic position to be at the heart a term as Vicar’s Warden. Marita and through the evening musical services. of our community, both physically and I taught Sunday School and I was a While at University, I met my husband, spiritually. Practically speaking, from licensed lay minister. Simon, through student politics and we my volunteer and professional work I When we shifted to Fairlie, I continued decided to be married at Knox in 2010. have skills in managing social media as a lay minister in the Mackenzie When we returned to New Zealand in profiles, fundraising, event organisation Co-operating Parish, leading both 2014 with our five-month-old daughter, and management and working with Anglican and Presbyterian services. it was University Chaplain, Greg young people. In 1998, we shifted to Staveley and Hughson, who reminded us of our there joined the Mayfield Presbyterian strong feelings of attachment to Knox Warren Jowett Parish, and I served on Parish Council and encouraged us to have Margaret Marita and I shifted to Dunedin for the last three of our years there. baptised here. This set us on the path in May 2016 from Staveley, Mid- The parish worked through the towards membership of Knox. Canterbury. We lived there for 18 process of merging with two other From the middle of this year, I have years and ran a nature tour business, parishes to form a new parish — Plains assisted with Sunday School which has Tussock & Beech Ecotours. We are Presbyterian. been a fun way to do our small bit for now enjoying retirement but twice a Among the skills I bring to Council are the church. Outside of Knox, I have year we guide 18-day birding tours Communication — verbal and written; been the fundraising co-ordinator for through New Zealand for keen passion for conservation and the Roslyn/Maori Hill Playcentre, and American birders. Our previous careers environment. I am a good listener, I am the current Convenor of the have been in teaching — in Matamata, have much experience of working in Dunedin Junior Vocal Competition Christchurch and Fairlie. I taught and with committees and have a social and sit on the executive of both the Science and was a secondary school conscience and believe in a fair go. Dunedin Branch of the Dame Malvina principal. We have three adult children I’m not a traditionalist and formality Major Foundation and Opera Otago. and four grandchildren. All live in doesn’t sit easily with me. I am also heavily involved in the New Zealand. What I would like to achieve in my planning committee of The Little Box I was born in Petone into a loving time on Council: of Operas. Anglican family. Our family shifted See Knox grow as a welcoming and I am interested in issues of social to Invercargill where I completed my inclusive community, while continuing justice and how churches can lead the primary and secondary schooling. I its tradition of being a servant church way in public action and discourse on then attended Otago University (MSc in our city. Support the establishment the issue of poverty and inequality. I Hons), living for three years at Selwyn of small groups. Improve the am particularly concerned with the College. During my student years I welcoming procedure at services. problem of how we ensure that all mainly worshiped at the Cathedral and children, no matter who their parents less frequently at Knox. are, are given the tools they need to Our active involvement in the church • Continues on Page 11 Page 10 New faces on Knox Church Council Jordan Redding church in Belfast, where I loved Since my baptism as a young being involved in Girl Guides and child, the Presbyterian Church of church . Northern Aotearoa New Zealand has been Ireland is a challenging location my faith family. I confirmed my for living out faith because of baptism as a teenager when I felt the history of conflict; being in God’s personal call on my life. this context has given me a heart Having studied theology at Otago, for ecumenical community. I commenced my ordination Throughout my life I have been studies, interning at Hope involved in these communities, Presbyterian in Christchurch. being raised as a Corrymeela kid. After becoming ordained in Corrymeela is Northern Ireland’s 2015, I stayed on at Hope in a oldest peace and reconciliation transitionary ministry role for one organisation. year. I am currently President of the I began attending Knox when I Student Christian Movement moved back to Dunedin at the I was raised in the Catholic Church Otago, and together we have beginning of this year. I am currently a and attended mass weekly up until run events this year on the themes of full-time student, writing my doctoral my early 20s when I met Stephen and suicide and sexual violence awareness. thesis on the pastoral theology of became involved in the Presbyterian In 2015, I was sent to Bangladesh to Eduard Thurneysen. I also live at Knox Church. Vanessa attended Girls attend the SCM regional women’s College (the other Knox!) serving as Brigade and I was a Sunday school programme on Violence against the Ross Fellow. This year the World teacher at our previous church, women and the sexual minorities. I Communion of Reformed Churches Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church. believe the church is as much about awarded me the Lombard Prize and I Stephen and I did an Alpha course what happens outside its doors as was flown to Leipzig to participate as a together and I then became part of a inside. I am a big fan of finding ways to guest in the General Council. home group. do this. Besides youthful exuberance (I think I When we first moved to Dunedin we I am in my second year of a BA in can still use that word to refer to tried various churches and felt that History. I am interested in the history myself!), I have a passion for theology Knox was the best fit for us. In 2015 we of New Zealand, migration, church and worship. I enjoy getting to know welcomed Lydia into our family and histories and many more stories that people of all ages and value inter- later that year into Knox Church. the past can tell us. generational and diverse community. Since the beginning of this year I have I work part-time for Presbyterian In particular I would love to see the been involved in Sunday School as I Support in their Op Shop warehouse, young adults’ ministry thrive at Knox. want Lydia to grow up with church sorting items and helping with their I also have an interest in environmental life. social media page. I am passionate justice. I am committed to Knox for I feel I am a very organised person about women’s sport, politics, ice the next period as we worship and and I am used to writing reports, cream, recycled clothing and lifting the pray together and serve the wider technical documents, minutes etc. voices of young people in the church. community in love and hope. which may be a useful skill for the I have been in New Zealand and at church council. Having experienced Knox for two years. In this time my Louisa Sinclair different churches both in Dunedin favourite thing has been leading/ I am in my mid-30s and proud mum briefly and in Northern Ireland, I hanging out with Ahi youth group. I of Vanessa (18) and Lydia (2) and wife believe I could share this knowledge have attended national youth leadership of Stephen. I am a Chartered Civil and experience and help Knox Church conferences and was a commissioner to Engineer and currently working full- develop. the last General Assembly. time at Dunedin City Council in the I want to ensure Knox Church is a In March I presented at a local Water department. Stephen, Vanessa church that both my daughters want to presbytery event. I work closely with and I moved to Dunedin from Bangor, be a part of. I want to give something other youth leaders through the Northern Ireland in 2010. Stephen back to Knox Church as I am very Combined Christian Groups network and I have just applied to become fortunate and feel very blessed. and Presbyterian Youth Ministry. I am New Zealand citizens to match Lydia. keen to freshen up youth ministry at Vanessa is completing her first year at Rachel Dudley-Tombs Knox and create more opportunities for Otago Uni and is now flatting. Growing up, I attended a Presbyterian inter-generational fellowship.

Page 11 Peace professor retires to a new challenge not fight the war so that prejudice and bigotry would prevail in the peace. He provided us with essential food until the shopkeepers lifted their boycott of my family. This … had a profound effect on my decision to become both a Christian and a humanistic pacifist.

You were active in the Student Christian Movement… SCM under the management of Roy Clements and Don Borrie provided many of us with the ethical and theological underpinnings of our pacifism and generated a lifelong commitment to peace and justice. Whether we were revelling in the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer or the more arduous Theology of Hope Professor Kevin Clements, known Society. It was not easy being a according to Jurgen Moltmann, the to many at Knox, recently “retired” Conscientious Objector or the wife of SCM provided a safe space for us all as the Foundation Chair of one in New Zealand during or after to develop theological and ethical Peace and Conflict Studies at the the war. judgement. In addition, as the “Society University of Otago, where he was My mother bore the brunt of this for Courtship and Marriage”, it was the also founding director of the New tension. Her brother was in the army place where I met Valerie, my wife and Zealand Institute for Peace and and was killed in Libya while her partner, 50 years ago and many others Conflict Studies. husband, my father, was in detention. met their own soulmates. Kevin has just been appointed Only after she died did I understand The SCM … taught us about Director of the Toda Peace Institute how traumatised she had been: she was the Ecumenical movement in its in Tokyo. On the eve of a trip to torn between love of brother and love widest sense. It generated a lifelong Scandinavia, he answered some questions put to him by Helen Thew.

What were the influences which led you to make peace studies your life’s work? I am the son of a Methodist Minister and Conscientious Objector (CO), the Rev Les Clements. He spent four years in detention during the Second World War because the Methodist Church voted to support the war, leaving its conscientious objectors with little or of husband in a religious community commitment to overcoming the no support when they made their that was totally unsympathetic to the divisions within Christendom, the Christian cases to CO tribunals. pacifist position. deeper divisions within and between I was born in 1946 which meant that Even after I was born my family religions, and the deep gulfs that exist Christian Pacifism was an important experienced active discrimination between rich and poor, the included part of my childhood and adolescent in Opotiki. The RSA persuaded and the excluded, the privileged and socialisation. When my school friends shopkeepers not to serve my parents the marginalised. went to picnics at the RSA on Anzac because my father was a pacifist! The SCM was … a major factor in Day, for example, we would attend Fortunately, a returned fighter pilot meetings of the Christian Pacifist came to our rescue and said that he did • Continues on Page 13

Page 12 Peace professor retires to a new challenge my decision to do theological training Professor Kevin in preparation for the Anglican Clements, left, priesthood. It did not sustain me in preaching at Knox theological college, however, and I lost Church in spring 2011. my vocation fairly quickly. I thought that I could serve people as effectively outside of the priesthood by moving into the sociology of development at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at Oxford. My work in developmental studies enabled me to focus on power, inequality, dependent development, and the failure of modernisation theories to deliver emancipation and liberation for people.

As an academic your work has relationships between taken you to many places… Australasia and all the Yes, I have had a very privileged life. wonderfully diverse and From Victoria University to a post- complex cultures of the doctoral year at Oxford University, Southwest Pacific. then to the University of Hong Kong at From there I was the tail end of the Cultural Revolution recruited to develop and toward the end of the Vietnam and direct the National War. We became aware only many Centre for Peace and years later of how tragic the revolution nuclear non-proliferation and the Conflict Studies at the was, … [with] deep humiliation and development of regional security University of Otago and this is where I chaos inflicted upon millions by architecture in Northeast Asia. have been ever since. political zealots. Five years … at George Mason I then spent 18 years in the Sociology University in Virginia gave me a At a time when you might be Department at Canterbury University. good appreciation of the strengths expected to retire you have been I worked with others to develop a Peace and weaknesses of the US polity and appointed Director of the Toda Studies Programme which equipped people. Another five years in London, Peace Institute in Tokyo… me well for the later development of as Secretary-General of International What drives you? such programmes here and in Australia. I am driven by the three values I spent two wonderful years as Director This experience that drove my father — namely love, courage and hope. Love, so of the Quaker United Nations Office gave me a good in Geneva. ‘ that I might play a useful part in I came back from that to be appointed appreciation of how the promotion of global unity and to the 4th Labour Government’s to become a reality- solidarity at local, national and Defence Committee of Enquiry which based optimist regional levels. Love so that I might was a chance for me to work out how keep working for the healing and a pacifist could communicate with transformation of broken relationships. the military so that each coulee could Alert, gave me a chance to ’test all Love so that I might always strive for begin to appreciate the world views of my academic theories in practice, truth, justice, peace and compassion. the other. working on conflict prevention and the Courage so that I might continue to This experience gave me a good transformation of violent relationships work for peace and justice on a daily appreciation of how to become a in the Caucasus, the Great Lakes of basis and not give up. Courage, so reality-based optimist — and how to Africa, Nepal and the Philippines. that I might stand up against political maintain idealism without becoming Then, as Chair and Director of the repression and oppression especially co-opted by hard-headed realists. Australian Centre for Peace and when many parts of the world seem [Later] as Head of the Peace Research Conflict Studies at the University of to be moving in a reactionary populist Centre at the Australian National Queensland, there were the particular direction. And Hope to enliven my University, I was able to work on challenges of developing respectful heart and spirit every day I wake up.

Page 13 A photo essay of a typical Knox Sunday

Photos: Ian Thomson Friends of the Knox Church Choir concert A concert to mark the re-launch of the Friends of Knox Church Choir will be held on 28th January, 2018. The Friends was originally set up as a support group for the choir, and to serve as a link between the choir and the congregation. The aims are to assist with fundraising, social events and special musical events, and to promote membership within Knox and the wider Dunedin community. Membership will be by an annual donation. Members will receive information about choir activities and members’ achievements, and invitations to special events. The Friends Committee has been working on updating the original brochure which will be available at the concert. Whenever we have a discussion about what is done well at Knox Church, you can be sure that music and the choir feature prominently. A way of showing your appreciation and support for the choir and the choir director is to become a Friend of Knox Church Choir. If you wish to become a Friend (or renew your membership) before the concert, membership forms are available from the church office. — Lee Somerville

Page 14 Knox Church diary Choir practice: Each Wednesday during school terms: 5.15pm-6.30pm (children), 6pm-8pm (adults). All welcome to audition. Knox Church Council: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm: November 22, Deacons Court: Second Wednesday of each month, at 7pm: December 13 Quarterly Communion: Sunday, December 10, 10am and 7pm Wednesday 22 November 7.30pm Church Council Sunday 26 November 10am Reign of Christ; choir prizegiving 7pm Worship: Communion Sunday 3 December 10am Advent 1: Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan 7pm Worship: Advent Processional Sunday 10 December 10am Advent 2: Quarterly Communion 7pm Worship: Quarterly Communion Wednesday 13 December 7pm Deacons Court School holidays: start 15 December (secondary) or 21 December (primary and intermediate). Note: Return 29 January to 7 February 2018 Sunday 17 December 10am Advent 3: Sunday School presentation and prizes 7pm Worship: Sunday 24 December 10am Advent 4 7pm Worship 11pm candlelit service, carols Monday 25 December 10am Christmas Day service Sunday 31 December 10am Christmas 1 7pm Worship: Communion Sunday 7 January 2018 10am 1 7pm Worship Sunday 14 January 10am Epiphany 2 7pm Worship Sunday 21 January 10am Epiphany 3 7pm Worship Sunday 28 January 10am Epiphany 4 7pm Worship Mon 29 Jan - Fri 2 February School term 1 starts Sunday 4 February 10am Epiphany 5 7pm Worship Tuesday 6 February Waitangi Day public holiday (church office closed) Sunday 11 February 10am Transfiguration Sunday 7pm Worship Wednesday 14 February 7pm Ash Wednesday Sunday 18 February 10am Lent 1 7pm Worship Sunday 25 February 10am Lent 2 7pm Worship Monday 26 February University Semester 1 starts Sunday 4 March 10am Lent 3 7pm Worship Sunday 11 March 10am Lent 4: Quarterly Communion 7pm Worship: Quarterly Communion Page 15 Eleanor bids farewell to her Knox family Knox will always have an important place in my heart, as it was the first church community I have been a part of independent of the rest of my family. At the beginning I had no idea how to go about finding a church that would suit me. I knew in theory that each church operated differently but I naively thought that the theology and teaching would be similar wherever I went, as I had only ever really been exposed to similar churches. When I first got to Dunedin I went to the wrong church for a while. Though the people were lovely and the service style seemed similar to what I had grown up with, the theology was very different and much more closed minded. This really freaked me out and had me questioning everything I thought I knew about the church. After chatting to my former minister, think about feminism and faith, Peter without condescension. For a young Sharon Ensor, I decided to come along Matheson opened the door to exploring student, relatively lacking in theological to Knox and lo and behold there was a environmentalism and Christianity, knowledge, this made it so much easier familiar Wadestown Presbyterian face Kerry made me consider how my faith to ask the questions that perplexed me. in the pulpit! Though the service style intersects with politics, the list goes on! What I will take away from Knox is a was more traditional than I was used Knox made me increasingly aware greatly increased repertoire of hymns, to, I really enjoyed it. I was greeted that my faith does not exist within many friendships and a faith that is with a smile, introduced to Nic Haslam the church walls but rather, in all more solid, more my own and more by one of the elders, and welcomed aspects of my life. What made Knox interconnected and engaged with the warmly to coffee after church. I felt like so great for me was that I always felt world. I was home again. This will be particularly helpful Having had my eyes considering I have opened to the diversity of got a job back home theological interpretation in Wellington in the broader church, as a graduate Knox was the best place policy advisor for me to learn more. for the Ministry There is an absolute of Business, wealth of knowledge in Innovation and the congregation, which Employment. for a student, hungry I’m going to have to to learn and form my go church shopping own opinions, was a real again but at least attraction. I know the lay of I had very profound and the land there. I insightful conversations think I’m going to with numerous members go to Khandallah of the congregation about all sorts of I was able to ask questions, free from Presbyterian while I live at home over things, not just faith. Over the course judgment, and get answers from people the summer, and then either to St of the three-and-a-half years I was at who had had more time to ponder John’s or St Andrews on the Terrace Knox, my faith deepened and became them. The responses I got were always once I move into town. more my own. Annette Hannah well thought through and delivered Much love to Knox, and Carol Grant encouraged me to in a humble and friendly manner, Eleanor

Page 16 Fashion fling

Knox’s Night of Glamour, organised by Suzanne Bishop, Patti Matheson, Carolyn Richardson, Liz Miller and Rosemary Tarbotton, raised $4000 towards refurbishing the floor in Herron Hall. The cost is $5700. A working group is going to sand the floor and fill the gaps, then get professionals in to put the polyurethane on.

Page 17 Presbyterian Support shops need your excess goods Pack it up; pass it on — to PSO. When was the last time your clothing cared for our community? Is your house overflowing, drawers bursting with unworn clothing, shelves stacked with forgotten knick-knacks and books? Then it’s time to pack it up and pass it on. Your pre-loved goods can do great things. Pack it up in one of our donation bags and pass it on.

What you can donate How to get started will happily organise a free collection Clean, re-usable and unbroken: Pack it up — order donation bags for for bulk donations and large items. clothing, shoes, collectables, bric-a- you, your friends or family, delivered to brac, fabric, household items, jewellery, your letter box. Why not make an event out of it, get books, blankets, toys, puzzles, antiques. Pass it on — to charity op shops and your church, school or work mates Just ask yourself “can someone else clothing bin locations around town. to take part and host a “Pack it up, can get use from this”? (No electrical We can Pick it up — if you think it’s Pass it on” day? The more you give goods.) going to be worth our while then we the more you help. Use the hashtag #PackitupPassiton and share your support. What happens to your items? Your donated goods will be given to families in need, or sold through one The world’s most loved choral work! of our three Shop On charity op shops. TUESDAY All proceeds help support our welfare and social services in Otago. 12 DECEMBER7:30 PM DUNEDIN TOWN HALL Handel’s

Messiah Adult $35 to $50 Claire Barton alto Discount for group of 8 Concession $30 to $40 Jared Holt bass David Burchell Conductor Student $15 Child free Tickets: Regent Theatre Madeleine PierardIain Tetley soprano tenor Dunedin Symphony & the Stadium Orchestra 0800 111 999 www.ticketmaster.co.nz Service fees will apply

Page 18 Ross Home: a century of continuous care Ross Home, home to 124 residents months, around 240 students have A few years after it was established, in north Dunedin, is Presbyterian been part of the team here.” the programme was fully taken over Support Otago’s oldest care home and A highlight for Margaret was the by the local Polytech, and it has since is counting down to celebrating its establishment of the Competency been rolled out nationally. Students centenary in October 2018. Assessment Programme, set up 16 completing the programme continue Manager Margaret Pearce is proud of years ago with support from Vicki to come to Ross Home every year. the role Ross Home plays in North Yarker-Jones. It was a joint initiative Residents regularly head out East Valley, after being part of the between Ross Home and the Otago from Ross Home to participate in community for 99 years. Polytechnic, with oversight from the community activities. “We’ve always been well connected Nurses Council. When Opera-tunity travels to Mosgiel to the community with various local The idea was to give nurses who came several times each year, you’ll always schools and groups coming into the from overseas, or who had not been find a group from Ross Home in the home. I’m particularly pleased with working in the area for over 10 years, audience. the many medical students that spend the opportunity to test their skills as We look forward to sharing more time with us at Ross Home to gain they entered (or re-entered) the New memories from Ross Home, as we experience every year. In the last 24 Zealand workforce. prepare to celebrate its 100th birthday. Dunstan’s saintly life made flesh Dunstan by Conn Iggulden (Penguin Bishop of London, and Archbishop of “Edward the Elder ruled as I grew, and Books, $25-$35, 480 pages) Canterbury (also building that great I thought then that he always would cathedral, where he is buried), he be there, like a great oak in the forest. The trouble with history is that it restored monastic life in England and Well, I was wrong about that. always looks like it’s over. But it never reformed the English Church. “His sons and grandsons would mean is. The British historical novelist Conn For such an important English more to me. Of all the estates of man Iggulden likes to find obscure stories churchman and statesman, Dunstan in the world, the best is to be born the and bring them to life with fresh eyes, is virtually unknown today, although fine, shrieking son of a king. I have as though anything still could happen, he remains the patron saint of seen mighty lords fall to their knees as though the history had not yet been blacksmiths, goldsmiths and musicians. at the sight of a babe, all for a crown written. Born about painted on its crib. It’s a writing style that 920AD, “Yet there are more men than thrones brings joy to his readers Iggulden’s and it does not come to many. If you while informing them of Dunstan comes to can’t be born a king, be made a king, some of history’s hidden understand power, though that has thorns. When violent gems. making friends men secure your crown, they keep a In the case of 10th- and dangeous knife at your throat ever after. century Saint Dunstan, enemies with “Last, and not the least of these, is this: much of the history equal fervour. if you can’t be born a king or made a of his life is obscured “I was born when king, you might still anoint one.” by time but even what King Edward the This is a lovely piece of historical fiction we do know of his life Elder was still on about a little known chapter from the is remarkable: from the throne, son to dark ages, full of wit and wisdom and obscurity as a novice Alfred the Great with a good dose of cynical salt in the Benedictine monk, he and father to telling. performed miracles, then King Aethelstan. I treasure my Kindle copy especially went on to serve in the Those three because it casts an imaginary light on courts of seven kings men took our the 90 years between the creation of of England — in fact, small kingdom England and the overthrowing of the almost the first seven kings of that of Wessex on the south coast and, by Saxon kings by the Vikings and then United Kingdom — in his long life, war and wit and cunning, they made the French. becoming the Abbot of Glastonbury it into England. That is what matters,” What an uproarious age and what a life Abbey (and then rebuilding it from Iggulden quotes from Dunstan’s rich with possibilities for invention. the ground up), Bishop of Worcester, imaginary autobiography. — Review by Scott Blackwell

Page 19 Put Christmas on ice, clergyman suggests An Irish Catholic priest has called for Christians to stop using the word Christmas because it has been hijacked by “Santa and reindeer”. Father Desmond O’Donnell said Christians of any denomination need to accept Christmas now has no sacred meaning. O’Donnell’s comments follow calls from a right-wing pressure group for a boycott of Greggs bakery in the UK after the company replaced baby Jesus with a sausage roll in a . “We’ve lost Christmas, just like we lost Easter, and should abandon the word completely,” Father O’Donnell told the Belfast Telegraph. “We need to let it go, it’s already been hijacked and we just need to recognise and accept that.” Fr O’Donnell said he is not seeking to disparage non-believers. “I am simply asking that space be preserved for believers for whom human dynamic and we all need that up ‘Christmas’ and replacing it with Christmas has nothing to do with in the toughness of life.” another word.” Santa and reindeer. A registered psychologist and author as Fr O’Donnell said that “My religious experience of true well as an Oblate priest, Fr O’Donnell unless Catholicism addressed the Christmas, like so many others, is very said the meaning of Christmas reality of what the word Christmas deep and real — like the air I breathe. had eroded over time and become has come to mean, “secularisation and But non-believers deserve and need commercialised. modern life will continue to launder their celebration too, it’s an essential “I’m just trying to rescue the reality the church”. of Christmas for believers by giving Reprinted from The Guardian

On Daily Prayer, Recovery I think through prayer … you and Connection to Others: can access the part of yourself Russell Brand, UK comedian, that is not tied into need and actor and recovering drug addict: want and the material. I do “I have to pray, when I get up it every day. Yes, it is time I pray and meditate. For me, consuming, but the alternative is prayer is an intention … there’s unthinkable. an aspect to me which is the ideal If I don’t work to become me. Recovery (from addiction) connected to other people, I will means to me the recovery of just slip into a kind of prison… the person you were intended In a sense you get to a point to be. You weren’t intended to where your individual needs and be miserable, trapped in some collective needs align and marry sort of urban prison doing a perfectly, because we are not job you don’t like, hour after separate from one another in any hour, staring at screens. That’s way that is meaningful. That’s not what whatever force brings why when we treat each other forth the un-manifest into the with grace and kindness, we manifest, it doesn’t want that you are reinforcing something very just consume and then die. powerfully true.”

Page 20 New Momentum for Knox Young Adults By Jordan Redding

This past year was marked by endings and new beginnings for Knox Young Adults. We were sad to farewell Heather Moore in her role as Young Adults Worker. She had a warm presence and built some significant pastoral relationships during her time. Thank you, Heather! While she hasn’t been able to attend as regularly since, she continues to be part of the Knox community. As her role drew to a close at Easter, it raised the question of “what next?” Rachel Dudley-Tombs and I took over temporary leadership of the group, with the support of Kerry Enright and Anna Tarbotton. However, beyond anything we did Fifteen of us camped out, shared good Next year, we will look to continue or planned, there seemed to be this food and chat, released some trees, ate building momentum with the separate momentum and energy wild spinach, and generally just had a fortnightly discussion group, retreats, building. great time. Maddie Enright and Mavis and also explore ways to give back and New students arrived, overseas students Duncanson were our gourmet chefs, serve the wider community. Thank you visited, previous young adults returned. which made the weekend all the more to the wider Knox community for your When we started the fortnightly enjoyable and stress-free! ongoing support and welcome of young discussion evenings in Semester Two, The year finished with a service adults and particularly students. we had an average turn-out of eight or wishing the students nine people — and a different group well for exams. each time! We said goodbye The discussion group worked its way to members of our through a six-part mini-film series community who have on key practices of the Christian been part of us for faith. We discussed the importance a few years. But in of community, commitment, non- part that is a reality violence, and sharing the good news, of living in a student among other things. town and we send A highlight of the year was the them off with our overnight trip to Quarantine Island. prayers and blessings!

Page 21 Revisiting some perennial questions Knox archivist Lyndall Hancock 8. How many For the first service shares a quiz previously published steps are there up in 1876, long before in Knox News in February 1994: to the sanctuary? Fire Regulations, the 9. Where is congregation was So you’ve been coming to Knox there a plaque 1500. for years, and you know the place in memory 5. Four iron ones backwards with your eyes of someone right up to the roof, shut. Or do you? Try yourself on this “who loved this and 10 wooden ones. baker’s dozen. church”? 6. Six evangelists and saints are 1. Where can you see the words, 10. Where can you check what the standing (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, “Search the Scriptures “? church interior looked like between the Andrew, Margaret), and John Knox 2. Which two countries have their early 1930s and the early 1960s? and Dr Stuart are seated. (A long- Arms depicted on the Robert Herron 11 . Where is there a representation of standing joke, this.) memorial window? the Last Supper? 7. The Royal School of Church Music. 3. About how many people does the 13 . What date is on the foundation 8. Six. church hold? stone? 9. In the gallery. 5 . How many pillars hold up the 10. Wall photograph between the main gallery? QUIZ ANSWERS: entrance and the Chapel. 6. In the main part of the big Stuart 1. Carved on the small lectern, used as 11. In the Chapel, and also above the window, how many people are the choir music stand. double doors nearby. standing, and how many sitting? 2. New Zealand and Scotland. 13. Sorry: no stone, no date. A stone 7. The emblem of the Presbyterian 3. We are licensed for 930. A “full was laid on Nov 25, 1872, and the Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is on church” is probably a bit more, silver and ivory trowel presented to Dr one front choir stall. What emblem is provided everyone is properly seated. Stuart is in our historical display. on the other? Leunig:

Page 22 News from the Littlies! By Liz Somnium Sunday School started well this year but we would not have made it without the love and dedication of our leaders The 5 Finger Prayer — Louisa Sinclair, Kirsteen McLay, Anna Tarbotton, Liz Somnium and Thumb: Those closest to you, your family. Claire Barton. These leaders and busy mums have created a safe, fun place to learn about Pointer: Those that God and Jesus, not only for their own point you in the right children but for all the congregation’s children. A big thank you to them all! direction (teachers, We use a prayer cube that the children roll and then say a prayer about doctors, priests) ask whatever is shown on the dice, as well as the five-finger prayer shown in the for wisdom & support. picture, right. Index: (tallest) Those raying is an important part of Peveryone’s relationship with God that lead us, and Jesus. Parents and anyone else keen, can try the five-fingered prayer (Government) ask for together. Talk about who are the people in your child’s life or your own who fit guidance & wisdom. into the different five finger categories. We have also been learning more about Ring: (weakest) Those the Bible, the different writing styles, religions which use it, the library held that are weak, in trouble, or in pain. We cannot within it and how to navigate it. The Bible’s referencing system is used pray too much for them. for a Christmas activity below. Read it through with your child or on Pinkie: (smallest) Our prayers for ourselves & our your own and remember the story of Christ’s birth. own needs.

hildren who complete the readings may bring the Isaiah Isaiah ticket on the bottom of the activity signed by their Chapter Ch 11-14 C 7-10 guardian and receive a treat at their next Sunday School lesson, leading up until Christmas.

We will also be performing Christmas play on Sunday Luke 17 December. Leading up to that date, we would be Ch 1 Matthew very grateful for full attendance from the children. Ch 1 We will also be talking to members of the congregation Luke to ask if they could help with the play. We are very Ch 2 appreciative of the help and it will only be a small bit so Matthew please don’t stress if asked! Ch 2 As we have a lot of young children, we have designed the play to be casual so that all children involved will feel confident, loved, and appreciated for the work they put into the play. The congregation is sure to be delighted with the little ones as they bring you “Our Upside Down Christmas”.

Page 23 Knox people Delivered by:

Contact:

Contact Information Minister: Kerry Enright 477-0229, 0274 675-542 or email [email protected] Five new members of the Church Council were inducted and ordained on Clerk of Council Sunday, 19 November. They are, from left, Jordan Redding, Warren Jowett, Alison Tait 476-1778 Louise Sinclair, Rachel Dudley-Tombs and Claire Barton. Profiles P10-11. or 021 136-2404 ¶ ¶ ¶ [email protected] Knox parishioner Dr Royden Somerville QC will be the new Chancellor of the University of Otago. Clerk of Deacons Court The Chancellor chairs the University Council and SuzanneBishop 476-3271 [email protected] also confers degrees and diplomas at university graduation ceremonies. The job also involves Envelope Secretary ceremonial and ambassadorial roles for the Helen Thew 471-2147 university. [email protected] Dr Somerville said he was very honoured by the appointment, the Otago Daily Times reported. Treasurer Janice Tofia 473-9876 ``I am very aware of the university’s importance, [email protected] not only for Dunedin and the other centres where it is located but also for the country and Organist & Choir Director internationally,’’ he said. Karen Knudson 477-2749 His association with the university started as a law student and he later became a lecturer in environmental law. Church Officer Benjamin Thew 477-0229 The university’s pro-chancellor, he joined the university council in 2010 and [email protected] became a ministerial appointee in 2012. He also served as chairman of the council of Knox and Salmond colleges and Parish Office is a fellow of Knox College. Church secretary: ¶ ¶ ¶ Jacqui Carroll, Congratulations to former Knox Choir member Lucio Liu who, with his wife, 449 George St Phone (03) 477-0229 has a new baby boy Zheng Zheng Liu, in Shanghai, China. Zheng Zheng Mon-Fri 9am-Noon means the sound of metal being struck. ¶ ¶ ¶ 449 George St, Dunedin, 9016 Knox parishioner and Dunedin North MP, the Rev Dr David Clark is [email protected] the new Minister for Health. He was www.knoxchurch.net previously the Opposition spokesperson For more news and for Small Business and Economic photos from Knox Development. Church, please follow Dr Clark first came to Dunedin as a us on Twitter university student, earning degrees in @ KnoxChurchDUN German and theology before a PhD and “Like” our page on on the work of German/New Zealand FaceBook. Follow the links refugee and existentialist thinker Helmut from our website: Herbert Hermann Rex. www.knoxchurch.net

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