CIRCLE

The Association of Anglican Women Volume 48, No. 5. May 2016 Theme for 2015-18: Grow in Discipleship, Dreams, Dedication The Aims of AAW: Contents - to unite in prayer and participate in the mission of the Church 4 From our President - to promote, safeguard and nurture Christian family life 5 Editor’s Notes 6 Future of AAW CONTRIBUTIONS Diocesan AAW Group and Members’ Editor:- 7 Items: Please help the CIRCLE editorial Social Concerns Marjorie Brown, 5 Islington team by sending your contributions and Street, N.E.V., Dunedin 9010 reports, email or hand-written, to your 9 Overseas and Outreach Diocesan Circle Publicity Representative Ph 03 473 7751 so that she can collate, edit, proof and Email [email protected] 12 select what to send from each diocese to Business Manager:- Mothers’ Union keep to the approximate Word Allowance Mrs Anne Stratford, 69g of about 360 words per diocese. This Richardson Street, St Kilda, 13 Diocesan News allows for around two pictures. Dunedin 9012. Diocesan Coordinators : All Copy to - The Phone: 03 455 5434 13 - Polynesia Email [email protected] Editor, Marjorie Brown- contact details, 16 - Dunedin right. This includes emailed text - either NZ President:- as an attached single column WORD (not Mrs Margaret McLanachan, 109 19 - Nelson ‘Publisher’) file, or as text typed straight Forfar St, Mornington, Dunedin into your email. 9011. 21 - Phone: 03 453 0131 PHOTOS: Email (attached as a “FILE”, Mobile 021 216 9640. 24 - Waikato and Taranaki not as a “picture”) original digital photos Email: [email protected] (high resolution jpg files) to marilynjsim@ 26 - Waiapu gmail.com or post commercially produced Graphic layout: Marilyn Sim glossy prints, to 7 Glenleigh Place, Phone: 03 489 2095 29 - Auckland Diocese Mosgiel, 9024. Email: [email protected]

Copy deadline for next issue: 30 June Please help us by adhering to this deadline! 2 3 From our President Editor’s Notes

Dear Friends Easter is over, Jesus has risen and Pentecost will soon be upon us – the Where has this year gone? It is hard to time when the Holy Spirit entered the believe that we are nearly half way through lives of the followers of Jesus. As I read yet another year. At our March NZ AAW through the articles for this magazine Executive meeting, which we held at the I was struck by the fact that most Conference Centre at Wellington Airport, are about new beginnings. Annual along with all the usual business we had meetings have taken place and new a discussion on the Future of AAW. The committees have been installed ready results from this discussion can be found to become involved in their groups and further on in this magazine. Please give a communities. May the gift of the Holy lot of thought to these. We hope AAW will Spirit be among us. grow from now on. Our sisters in the Pacific had just We have a new Provincial President for 2016 – 2019. She begun trying to resume some sort of normality after cyclone Winston will introduce herself in the August Circle Magazine. It is diffi- devastated their homes, families and cult to believe that my three year term in this office is nearly livelihoods when today cyclone Zena over. By the time you read this I will have made my visit to the caused more disruption to their lives. Nelson Diocese. I am to speak after their AGM and again at an has been particularly hard hit (but Area Day in Nelson and in Greymouth. I am looking forward to it is not alone) other Pacific nations meeting the AAW ladies in this part of the country. have been caught in the wake of these One thing I have had to do has been to apply for my first ever two cyclones. Our sisters and their Passport because I, along with 13 other ladies from families need our prayers as well as throughout the country, am heading over to meet the ladies in our practical help. What can we do in July. to help? There is a need for financial Whilst I do not have too much to report this time round, help, for food, clothing and shelter. As come the August Circle I will have quite a bit to write about. we thank God for the gifts we have Pentecost Banner, St Luke’s Church, Mosgiel received may we remember to share Take care as winter approaches. those gifts with others. Margaret Greetings Marjorie

4 5 Future of AAW Social Concerns Future of AAW Questionnaire ‘Slipping the Moorings’ is a memoir lies and at work. It also means there by Richard Randerson, which are fewer volunteers and thus models weaves together faith, justice, ethics of volunteering. Negative forces also At our last meeting, your Exec was and doing the Minutes etc at the end. and community. As Rod Oram notes, include big companies and banks heartened members wish the AAW Give enthusiastic reports on Over- Bishop ‘Richard has been in the thick making meeting financial commit- to continue as a vital part of the seas & Outreach and Social Concerns of many … defining battles ... His ments harder and sometimes requiring church’s mission. at meetings. Choose an item and make memoir is not just the story of one workers to live away from their work it memorable! man’s work in Church and Society communities to stop local involvement We discussed the way forward for Encourage each other in outward through decades of turbulent change. and also the attitude of the media in groups and came up with some sugges- facing activities – group to group, as It is a font of wisdom and practical beating up negative stories. tions: well as O&O and Social Concerns. advice for those seeking God’s help We considered how the Church is Make sure the parish knows Ask people personally – not every- today on society’s even greater chal- having/ can have a say in all this? One about AAW - share snippets of what’s one will want to join but don’t be put lenges.’ As you can imagine, ‘Slipping parish is planning a forum on local happening in our own groups or the off – try someone else. the Moorings’ makes excellent reading issues with an article to be written. wider organisation at notice time Wear your AAW badge – this can and is full of the challenge of making Another had a service for the start of at services for example. be a conversation starter. Have a sure the Church has ‘a voice in the the farming year, which acknowledged Be enthusiastic about the Aims positive response ready, if someone public square.’ the hardness of the times. Parishes when speaking with parish members. asks about the badge e.g. ‹We support At a workshop run in connection and individuals are involved in a wide Get something positive about women and children, clean water, with the book, Bishop Richard led array of social programmes to support AAW on the parish website to publi- anti-violence against women , school discussions aimed at renewing the people from birth onwards. cise activities and to help younger lunches› – something you know AAW momentum gained by Richard Davis’s Bishop Richard drew our attention to women to catch the vision. Then they supports either as a whole or in your 2014 report ‘Making a Difference’. We some resources we could use. ‘Reach- can decide their own approach to AAW own group. discussed the current social issues in ing Out in Loving Service – Not Rocket and activities. See if you can get something inter- our own area, which will be famil- Science’ is a tool (from Perth) to assist Be open when sharing re AAW esting in your local paper – e.g. Tongan iar across much of the country: the building links. It encourages parishes Projects/involvement to parish, on own water tanks, school lunches etc etc. downturn that has affected the farming to look at their resources (human and face book pages, Charter face book, Plan ahead – have a good speaker community and the flow-on effects of physical) and current ministries; then AAW face book etc. and invite others to come along – that in loss to communities, mental to look at what the unmet needs of the Put the emphasis and energy on the make them welcome. local community are and, in consulta- main event at meetings – put business We’re a dynamic, relevant and ef- health, loss of jobs and lack of stabil- matters to the edge. It can be effective fective organisation - let’s tell the ity – some local schools have a 30-40% tion with others, to design projects leading off with your speaker or activity world! turnover of students each year. Stress that will use the Church’s resources is bad for relationships, both in fami- to the best effect. He commented that the Church tends to be very good at

6 7 Social Concerns continued Overseas and Outreach providing social services for people on every measure from life expectancy Greetings to all members. I trust this A mere drop in the bucket in terms and we do need food banks, transport to trust, from social mobility to impris- finds you warm and well as winter of their need, but at least I did what I for people, drop-in centres and the onment. New Zealand used to pride approaches. Our Mission Partners could. like. There are also other possibilities itself on being egalitarian but is now live in places where the climate is very And they all, hospital patients and and ways of working that both help quite low in the world list. On 2011 different from our own. Cambodia others, without exception, said “arkoon and empower others. For instance, figures, the richest 20% are now about seems to be the theme for this month tom tom” – thank you very much. I the creation of food co-ops or commu- 6.5 times richer than the poorest 20% and our Mission Partners there have had the words of Jesus from Matthew nity gardens gives those helped more here. Japan leads the way at 3.5 times some interesting and inspiring stories 25:40 resonating in my brain for quite participation. We can raise aware- and Singapore is at the bottom of the to relate: some time. “When ness of issues and gather social service scale at 9.75 times. This continues to The first is from you do it for the agencies to analyse what needs to be be an overarching issue. Anne McCormick. ... the needs here least of these done. We can work for social justice Nine years after Ruth Richardson’s Anne and Anthony my brothers and by lobbying for needed policy changes budget of 1984, Church leaders put out McCormick are can sometimes feel sisters, you do it and getting involved with what is a statement on the enduring principles involved in Commu- for m e .” planned locally. The sort of help to of social justice. They are to: nity Ministry in overwhelming Although the give is determined by people’s needs: • respect human dignity Cambodia: “One needs here can food, water and shelter first, then with its rights and responsibilities; Friday morning while I was on the sometimes feel overwhelming, as virtu- safety, then community involvement, • live in solidarity with balcony of our house doing my usual ally all the hospital patients have a sad then self-esteem and feeling fulfilled. others, aware of our interdependence; daily Bible reading, I heard a commo- story, the grateful thanks I receive for Bishop Richard spoke of A Theology • seek the well-being of all; tion below and realised that the the small encouragements I am able to of Well-Being underpinning our work. • value work and creativity; rubbish truck was doing the rounds. bring them make my role worthwhile The Bible is a very deep resource • give priority to the needs As I watched, I was surprised to see and very rewarding. What a privilege covering everything – there is no place of the poor that one of the workers on the truck it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus so dark, that the Bible has nothing to Bishop Richard finished by encourag- was a woman and that her two chil- in this dark and needy place where say about it. It’s important, though, ing us to prioritise the needs we see by dren were accompanying her on the many are embraced by helplessness that we contextualize and commu- their importance and by what the ‘near rounds. What a life for those poor and hopelessness. My prayer is that nicate the hope in the good news, so edge’ is (i. e. the part that we can reach children, who looked so bedraggled in God will continue to give me a heart that people don’t get caught up in what and do something about) and to link their torn, dirty clothes with no shoes. of compassion and resolve to make a they think the Church has said or with others as we work to make our I determined to do something to help small difference in the lives of the poor stands for.‘The Spirit Level’ by Richard communities better places. them and, next time they appeared, and needy in the best way I can.” Wilkinson and Kate Pickett is a book, Pip Harrison took some food to them which was Anne goes on to write about her which spells out clearly why more devoured eagerly – obviously they husband Anthony’s work: “In the equal societies almost always do better had not had anything to eat that day. same time-frame that I have set up

8 9 Overseas and Outreach continued Overseas and Outreach continued my programme, Anthony has set up a Penh in conjunction with a Washing- talk about poverty in terms of a lack require incision, drainage and antibi- social work department at the hospital, ton university as recently as 2012. Two of options. Using that criteria, pris- otics, for which he was really grateful. starting from scratch, in an environ- fulltime social workers and a counsel- oners in Cambodia are surely some Our team values your ongoing prayer.” ment where social work is not well lor have since joined the team. They of the poorest of all, lacking even the Please pray for Phil and Becky understood. This is typical of Cambo- have found, as they visit patients in option of a traditional dentist pull- Sussex, and for Anne and Anthony dia, not just the hospital. He began the wards, that there is a huge need for ing out a painful tooth. Instead, they McCormick as they all continue their in October last year, working alone their services. The lives of so many normally have no choice but to put wonderful work in Cambodia, and for initially, developing policies and writ- at the hospital have changed forever up with an acutely abscessing tooth our other Mission Partners as well. ing procedures to set the department because of the accidents or incidents until it settles, hoping that the infec- I would like to finish up by on a good footing of a professional that they have experienced. The social tion won’t spread into the upper face reminding you about our project, standard. A translator joined him and work team works to try to help them or neck with potentially fatal conse- Water Tanks for Tonga. In July a team together they overcome the quences. For the past three years the of AAW women will be travelling worked on difficulties Christian organisation I partner with to Tonga and we hope to have some making all and chal- (the only provider of dental care for money raised by then. Water is vital documenta- lenges they prisoners) has been locked-out as in Tonga where there are no rivers. In tion bilingual, will face in they attempted to re-negotiate a new times of emergency water is always a as there are their daily MoU with the government. After primary concern. We are hoping to very little lives when much prayer and many attempts, I am raise money towards the construc- social work they are happy to report that three weeks ago tion of five water tanks in Tonga. The resources in discharged we were finally allowed back into the cost of these is $5,000 each (installed) the Khmer from the main men’s prison. Each Wednesday which will be over and above our language. hospital.” I take a team of 10 students to fill and normal commitments. In previous This is due to Phil and extract teeth as we rotate every few years AAW raised money for several the fact that it Becky Sussex months around Phnom Penh’s main water tanks in Fiji. It is good to be is a relatively are our other prisons. Operating in high tempera- able to help our Pacific Island neigh- new discipline Mission tures, we have already been strug- bours with vital projects such as these. in Cambo- Partners from gling with equipment breakdowns I would like to end with a wish for dia, the first Cambodia. and push-back from guards keen on all mothers, that your Mother’s Day students Here Phil wielding their power. However, we will be (or has been!) extra special. graduated writes about have seen God at work with positive God bless you, from a degree his prison outcomes in spite of the conditions. Shelley Vette AAW Overseas and Outreach Convenor programme ministry: One man’s abscess had spread into run in Phnom “Some people his cheek and was serious enough to

10 11 Mothers’ Union Diocesan News A chapter closed in Mothers’ Union Women in New York. The main theme history with the death of the Reverend was women’s empowerment and its - Polynesia Toe’umu Fineanangofo. When in 1965 link to sustainable development. MU ASSOCIATION OF ANGLICAN WOMEN MU in New Zealand took over respon- submitted a 3 page statement empha- sibility for the work in Melanesia and sising the importance of linking the “In Christ We Move Together” Polynesia, the bishop in Polynesia had empowerment of women to the new Greetings in the Name of Our Lord from the Women of the Diocese of already found a young Tongan woman SDG agenda more thoroughly than it Polynesia Talofa lava, Bula Vinaka, Namaste and Malo e Lelei suitable for training as a Mothers’ was to the Millennium Development Union worker in the diocese. Toe’umu Goals. In the statement it mentioned “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in first went to St Christopher’s College in that MU members across the world i t”. Melbourne for theological training and identified the key barriers to women’s I am once again lenges of development and climate then enrolled as a student at the South empowerment in their communities as: grateful for the change. In order to do this the women Pacific Commission in for a year’s 1) inequality of power between women confidence and identified the following areas that need training in Home Economics. After and men, and women’s lack of agency; trust that the to be addressed throughout this term: a few months’ work experience and a 2) all forms of violence and abuse women of Polyne- Revisit AAW Aims and their holiday in Tonga the Bishop suggested against women and girls; and 3) the sia entrust upon applications towards Our Role in the Toe’umu visit New Zealand in 1967 unequal innate, social and economic me to be elected DOP “KORO” hence revamp NEW to see MU in action, particularly the value given to women and girls and the as their AAW approaches that will: work among Maori in Northland. It role they typically carry out, especially Diocesan Presi- • Strengthen communication and took time for the clergy to accept unpaid caring and domestic respon- dent for Polynesia collaboration of the executive the idea of a paid worker willing and sibilities. MU pointed out there are members within the DOP KORO at the 15th AAW BGM held December available to work in their parishes but more robust international agreements 2015 in Lautoka, Fiji. I am also thankful • Encourage and Strengthen commu- a major factor in her acceptance (and on gender equality such as the Beijing nications within and outside the to the Vicar and the congregations of St. that of later women workers in Fiji) Declaration and Platform for Action Diocese Peters Church, Lautoka for hosting us was for Bishop Jabez Bryce to have her which have not yet been fully imple- • Strengthen relationships with Our and the installation message to the new attached directly to his staff and work mented across the world. SDG should Partners members. under his direction. Toe’umu was also be treated as but one instrument • Build the capacity of members to It was clear from the 15th BGM that the first Tongan woman to be ordained among many furthering gender equal- prepare for Leadership Roles the women of Polynesia are looking at to the priesthood, a role she continued ity and the empowerment of women • Establish Young Mothers’ Groups to developing strategies that will enhance involve younger members of AAW to the end. May she rest in peace and but must not super-cede others as there their respective diverse cultures within rise in glory. is risk of regressing on the progress • Seek ways to secure funding base their parishes and units, ability to During March 14-24 the Mothers’ that has already been made. • Consider the Status of Mothers’ strengthen and uphold the AAW aims Union in DOP Union was present at the 60th session Rosemary Bent in the era of fast technology and chal- of the UN Commission on the Status of • Increase members of DOP AAW

12 13 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued This is the task that the execu- Training of 8 Counsellors tive must seek to address and desperately needs prayers for motivation, strength and assis- tance. The year has started with challenges since we have been visited with strong winds and hurricane Winston. Some of our small Islands and especially Fiji were badly affected and are still in the wake of coping with these natural disasters. May our prayers and assistance reach out to our sisters and the children of these areas. However the Women of Polynesia Pledge to remain dedicated and committed to their roles in both family and church with the help of all our sisters in Christ who are valued members of AAW. Fakafeta’i ki he ‘Otua , Praise be to God for Women of Faith like you all, for work- ing tirelessly as members of our AAW and for continuing to uphold our AIMS in prayer “The Anglican Diocese of Polynesia The Facilitators are Nai Cokana- and nurturing our individual through the Association of Anglican siga (Manager/Project Coordina- Christian Families, for the Women in conjunction with the House tor - House of Sarah) and Akanisi Glory of God. of Sarah organised a Basic Counselling Tarabe (Methodist Church/ Part time Rev Lola B Koloamatangi, training program for Women leaders Lecturer -PTC). President in the Anglican Church. Eni Fong, the Circle Correspondence Convener from AAW Polynesia in Fiji

14 15 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued form and then, following contact by - Dunedin Elizabeth, she became involved in the discipleship programme herself. Izzy Saturday morning 12 March shared the story of her Christian jour- saw women from Invercargill ney with us. Students are encouraged to Oamaru gather at St Luke’s, to join Summer Projects with Student Mosgiel for the Diocesan AAW Life from one to six weeks. AGM. Using the theme ‘Growing in Disciple- Bishop Kelvin, Elizabeth and Mark Procter ship’ Bishop Kelvin challenged us as to and Izzy what that should mean for us and the whatever one can, and accept gladly difference in being either a traveller what they have to offer. or a pilgrim on our Christian journey • To persevere. To realise that if you through life. He gave us some point- take just one step after another you ers that he had learnt as a result of can make it through a long day, and his recent pilgrimage journeys on the can progress steadily over the relent- Camino– less landscape. Rev’d Jo Fielding, AAW Life Member • To travel light. To learn what is • To be grateful for the many blessings Chaplain and Josephine Dodd Val Laing absolutely essential, to care for those encountered on the way. things and to abandon everything • To trust those who have gone before else. To live as simply as possible and and those who have marked the make as little impact as possible on trail. the world around you. • To be present in the moment. To be Elizabeth Procter from Student Life aware of what is happening around Otago then shared her experiences PREFACE TO DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN you but not to concern yourself with students on Otago Campus who AAW AGM BOOKLET overly with the destination. are on a journey towards truly discov- • To overcome pain and difficul- ering the person of Jesus and what it Christmas and the summer holidays now seem like a distant memory, ties. Blisters, shin splints, tendini- means to know him and follow him. but I hope for the majority of us it will have been a special time of tis, inclement weather or the loss She explained how they give away free sharing together with the many kinds of families to which we belong. of equipment, are setbacks to be jandals during Orientation Week and We think of the family into which we were born, our Parish Family, overcome or worked around, not ask students to fill in some informa- our AAW Family and the world-wide family of the Anglican Commu- excuses to stop. nion, to name but a few. • To walk with the given community of tion on a jandal shape as to whether those moving in the same direction they would like to find out more One of the aims of the Association of Anglican Women is ‘To pro- and at the same pace. To share with about Christianity or not. She intro- mote and safeguard Christian family life’. Each of us has our origin these members of this new family duced Izzy, who had filled in a jandal in FAMILY – either by birth or by adoption. Ideally, the family cre-

16 17 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued - Nelson ates an environment which enables each member to grow creatively Waimea Women’s Fellowship and there needs to be space for both loving and working. The family Waimea Women’s Fellowship gathered using old clothes. Quilts were used as is the place where we can love and care for each other, both giv- at Wakefield for their March meeting to wall hangings to keep out the cold as ing and receiving in an intimate fellowship. Some are nurtured and hear Sue Burrows talk about quilting. well as bedcovers. As people became nourished by family. Others find the word family brings memories of sadness, anger or emptiness. She spoke about the history of quilting. more affluent the quilts became During the middle-ages garments to be more decorative. When Sue and her The essence of family is life and love. Every family is different and worn under armour were quilted. They husband lived in the States she taught each member of that family unit is an individual. Each one is moving in also made bed covers and one of the quilting at her church group. She relationship with those around them and each one is able to grow and oldest pieces of quilting in the world is showed a lot of her beautiful quilts mature and develop as individuals, for all are held together in a circle a piece of carpet from Ancient Egypt. made in different designs and using of love. Yet each individual belongs to several families at once; giving The Crusaders brought the idea back different techniques. life to each family unit as only they can. from the Holy Land in 12th century. The Holy Trinity Greymouth LIFE-GIVING LOVE The Welsh were early quilters of beauti- The Holy Trinity Greymouth LOVE-GIVING LIFE ful bedcovers. The skill was taken to the USA and became a practical way of Evening Group’s meeting fell on St For Christians, the family of the Body of Christ is a central focus. Patrick’s Day so the group dressed in We join with that circle in worship, prayer, study and practical giv- green, ate green food ing and outreach. As Christian families, many of you will be involved and told Irish stories in the circle of community, serving on school committees, in service and jokes. A great groups, in projects of care and help in working roles. Families of all time was had by all. races share the same hopes and fears, joys and sorrows. Together we are citizens in a wonderful world-wide family created by God. Cobden – Runanga I pray you may have a holy and blessed Lent and rejoice with our Ris- Cobden –Runanga en Lord on Easter Day. God bless you all in your work for and through held a Christmas the AAW family in this Diocese. themed meeting for their first meeting of With my love and prayers. the year. Jenny Taylor led a service with a slightly different slant on Christmas. She The Right Reverend Dr Anglican Bishop of Dunedin Sue Burrows with one of her quilts

18 19 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued - Wellington then talked about how the traditions Crosses for the Palm Sunday Service. Across the Wellington Diocese members celebrated AAW in many that surround Christmas first started. Others were invited to help and some ways. Everyone brought something from men and the Vicar came along. It The Rev. Dr. Jenny hand and shows him home or from their garden and spoke was a lot of fun even for those who Dawson, AAW Diocesan the stars, promising about what it meant to them and how couldn’t quite get the hang of it. Chaplain, commissioned him countless descen- we need to be grateful for the little the leader and committee dants. Then she is like things in life. St Barnabas Stoke a mother hen who St Barnabas Stoke members went of St Paul’s Waiwhetu and Holy Trinity Richmond preached. Here is what longs to gather her to Broadgreen House for their first brood protectively Afternoon Group meeting. They had morning tea in the she had to say. Gen 15:1-12, 17-18; Phil under her wings. It’s Holy Trinity Richmond Afternoon meeting room and then wandered 3:17–4:1; Luke 13:31-35 odd that as far as I Group held weekly morning teas around the beautiful Rose Garden during January. Held in members know, this particular and noted some of their favourite “Jerusalem, Jerusa- homes they are open to church image has never been roses. They then went back to the lem, the city that kills the prophets and members, their friends and families taken up in art. Yet? But there is more house for lunch. stones those who are sent to it! How and are well attended. Donations to this chook than meets the eye! I often have I desired to gather your were given to help their support of want to delve deeply into the image, children together as a hen gathers her the church and community. This has and others like it. This is obviously brood under her wings, and you were become a popular outreach. feminine imagery. Throughout Luke’s not willing!” gospel, Jesus uses more feminine Cathedral AAW What a delightful image of Jesus we language than masculine. You may Cathedral AAW held their have for this AAW Sunday. I have to not be aware that our New Zealand AAW Sunday service on admit that when I hear the word “hen”, Prayer Book also uses a real mix of Mothering Sunday in March. I always think of my husband who imagery and metaphors. You may Members made posies which likes using that old Scottish endear- for instance have never noticed that were given to all the women ment for me. But here today I love the there are no male pronouns for God in at the door. Banners were idea of the “chicks” that make up our our eucharists, – that’s the pages with paraded by the group and AAW groups being drawn together by red down the fore edge, except in one visiting groups. Jesus into a warm nurturing cuddle. place that I will leave you to find for Two of the readings today give St Thomas Motueka yourself! Don’t worry – there are no us a picture of an intimate God who female pronouns either. Throughout St Thomas Motueka spent St Barnabas members desires that we seek her embrace and the book there is some very careful an afternoon making Palm her face. She takes Abraham by the wording to ensure that, as the mean-

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how are you naming God at this time as they face drastic change? We know ings of words like “man” and “broth- the latest issue of the AAW magazine of your life?. It may have changed over that our God, for whom we do not ers” were changing fast at the time the “Circle” which just happened to have an time – and that’s ok. have language rich enough, will never book was written, no sense of exclu- article by Joanne Gumbrell, the Christ- It is no coincidence in this Luke abandon us. We know that our Jesus sion or offence-giving was allowed to church AAW President. Joanne was passage that Jesus compares himself gathers us, protects us and nurtures us. creep in. So the Prayer Book Revision urging the whole church to take seri- to a mother hen and calls Herod a fox. We know that the Spirit always calls us Commission had adopted a two- ously the need to cut out any language The threat to him is obvious. The chil- onwards. pronged policy of: which was seen to exclude or to favour dren of God are always vulnerable to Lives change when we accept and - Always using inclusive language only half the human race. The day the powers of the world. Here, Jesus - prepare for a future which is radically for people: of the meeting I placed a copy of the prophet who is both compassionate different to what is known now. That - Always asking which image would “Circle” on the desk of each Commis- and tough - calls us to follow him, even happened for Abram and Sarai; it be best in the context for God, usually sion member. As you now know, we to Jerusalem. As we the chicks, the happened for the Prayer Book Revision drawing on rich sources from biblical “radicals” won the day, and our NZPB descendants of Abraham and follow- Commission, I believe it is happen- imagery and prayer phrases from the reflects the full equality of women ers of Jesus, seek to be prophetic today, ing for all of us – including AAW. The past, especially the medieval mystics. and men in church and society. such a call must also shape the life and tasks of prayer, participation in mission The language of our ANZPB, in We even made sure the bishop in the work of the AAW. and promotion, safeguarding and its many aspects, is one thing that has ordination service was not referred to The aims are nurturing Christian family life, will made it greatly loved around the whole as “he” – thus preparing the way for 1: To unite in prayer and participate not look in the future what they look . Let me tell you the election of Bishop in the mission of the Church. like now but we can be certain that a story of how AAW was a key player several years later. For the members of 2: To promote, safeguard and they will continue to be vital. As we in this policy coming about. I was a the Commission, and for the Anglicans nurture Christian family life. together commission the AAW leader member of that Prayer Book Revision who use our work, having a policy that If members of AAW – with the and committee today, let’s hear again Commission, in many ways unlike enforced moving beyond the exces- rest of us are called to walk with Jesus the words of Jesus, our brother, our the other members: I was young, lay, sively and often unthinkingly used to Jerusalem, that must mean being friend, our Saviour, our Lord: “How rural, a mother…and also happened “Lord” and “Father” for God, unless prepared to face an unknown future, often have I desired to gather your to be Diocesan Secretary of Nelson contextually appropriate, has had deep maybe a terrifying and disorienting children together as a hen gathers her AAW. The 20 or so members of the spiritual as well as liturgical implica- one. Of course Jesus was aware of his brood under her wings, and you were Commission knew that sometime tions. Expanding our view of God – impending death, we know that. As not willing!” we had to discuss the current radical whom for Jewish people no name will a prophet, he would die in Jerusalem. Pray that we will indeed be willing matter of “inclusive language” as it ever do – has to be good. Clearly he also saw it as the focal point to walk with Jesus into the unknown, might or might not have to be consid- We can never name all of God and climax of his mission.Why is it into the future … where He waits for ered for the services we were revising. completely. We see different faces of that churches and church organisations us. A couple of us were very keen. Just God from different perspectives, and cannot take courage from this Jesus before the crucial meeting I picked up we respond with different names. So

22 23 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued - Waikato and Taranaki Ros Robertshawe LLM At the 10.00am. service on Sunday service co-ordinating,and leading the Holy Trinity Garden party 14th February the church family of the prayers and Bible readings. In addition Our last AAW gathering at Holy Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary, services were taken in rest homes each Trinity, took the form of a Garden New Plymouth honoured long stand- week. Ros is an active member of the Party at our Leader’s home. ing parishioner Ros Robertshawe for St Mary’s AAW group and has been Elaine James has a beautiful her dedicated service to the church joined by her sister Con with whom garden with trees to sit under – community. she lives. away from sunny Taranaki. After Ros was born in London to the late In recognition of her long-standing garden prayers, we had a delicious Canon noel and Mrs Nancy Robert- service Dean Jamie Allen presented shared lunch before lingering, shawe. When the family returned to Ros with two certificates signed by some staying for afternoon tea! New Zealand part of her education was Arch-bishop Phillip Richardson and at Nga Tawa Diocesan School where Bishop Helen-Ann, bishop of Waikato. Norma Benton she studied Latin and Greek before The first certificate is for long service graduating from Victoria University as a LLM and as a sacristan. The with a MA. second certificate recognised Ros as an During her career as a second- emeritus LLM – a great honour that ary school teacher she taught in New was greeted with acclamation. Zealand and England. Ros was head- The family of the late Peter Butt, a mistress at both the Waikato Diocesan former vicar of St Mary’s, gave Ros a and St Mary’s Diocesan School for water colour of St Mary’s painted by Girls. Following her retirement Ros Bernard Aris. shifted to New Plymouth and became In response Ros told the congrega- involved in parish life at St Mary’s at tion that the church has been her life. both a ministry and social level. Readers may be interested to know Ros’s ministry roles have included that following the recent resignation serving on vestry, as a synod repre- of Dean Jamie Allen the Arch- bishop sentative, head sacristan, organising has appointed Dean Peter Beck, rosters, helping with monthly Satur- former Dean of Christchurch Cathe- day luncheons for the elderly and as a dral, to the role for a period of two Licensed Lay Minister. years. LLM roles undertaken during Pamela Holdt services include being the liturgist,

24 25 - Waiapu serenity and peace. Craig pointed out she had designed that has the words: particular plants and shared memo- “Mine is just a little old-fashioned ries of how they came to be part of the garden where the flowers come Certificate of Appreciation garden. together to praise the Lord and teach One of the best parts about being On moving inside we shared a all who look upon them to do like- the Diocesan President is present- festive, morning tea after which Craig w i s e .” ing certificates to those who work told the fascinating story of her one tirelessly for AAW. I went to Rotorua ladies enjoy lunch hundred year plus home and of some and fellowship. Napier on Sunday 28th February of the historic furniture that has The Rotorua AAW ladies enjoyed to present a certificate of appre- become part of this place and of the the sunshine and companionship at ciation to Margaret Clayton, on active Christian lives of those who Anne Foale’s lovely home and stun- behalf of the Hawkes Bay Region. lived within its walls. ning gardens. This popular February Margaret has served the Hawkes When the time came to leave, venue made a great start to the AAW Bay for many years and has had Margaret Gunderson, our leader, took year. Many ideas were put forward for to curtail her activities due to ill this picture of the happy group ready the coming months while we enjoyed health. Well done Margaret. to go out refreshed in body, mind and lunch, fellowship and the wonderful spirit. views of Lake Rotorua. Craig gave each of us a bookmark Elaine Wood and Margaret Clayton with her certificate

Holy Trinity, Tauranga, Garden Party, November, 2015 On a calm, slightly cloudy morning twelve women from Holy Trinity, Tauranga arrived at the home of member Craig Capamagian, a beautiful loca- tion overlooking the harbour, for our annual garden party. We strolled around the spacious, cottage garden appreciating its St Luke’s Rotorua Holy TRinity members

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St John’s Cathedral AAW Te Hapara Family Fellowship Fellowship whose lives still hold fascination for This year Te Hapara Family Fellow- Trinity leader, Catharine White. A St John’s Cathedral AAW Fellowship us today. ship (Gisborne) celebrated AAW tribute was paid to AAW and the many held its first meeting for 2016 in a The photo shows retired bishop Sunday at Holy Trinity. In celebra- women whose lives years ago were very cemetery! But not just an ordinary Murray Mills guiding a group around tion we carried our two banners ­ different to ours today. cemetery – this one on Bluff Hill, the cemetery. The normal business Young Wives and Mothers’ Union Two members of Te Hapara also Napier, is rich in history with the meeting was held after the walk in the and Holy Trinity AAW carried their were also welcomers and sides-persons. graves of William Colenso and bishop nearby historic Ormond chapel where two. It was a wonderful service Long will this AAW Sunday stay with William Williams among others who we were heartened to welcome some and our group, although small in us ­ a beautiful service it was a privilege may have been less well- known but new members. number, was very proud to read the to be part of. intercessions written by the Holy

- Auckland Diocese

The 47th AGM of the Association of Anglican Women Auckland Diocese was held at the Selwyn Library, Parnell, Sunday 13 March 2016 chaired by the Right Revd Bishop Ross Bay.

After a short business meeting Bishop Saint George, the Anglican centre for Ross proceeded with the Commis- study and pilgrimage in the Holy Land. sioning and Rededication Service On his first day he visited the Church with all Executive Officers willing to of the Holy Sepulchre in the old city of stand again and other representatives Jerusalem considered to be the place confirmed. where Jesus’ tomb is located. It was so Bishop Ross was the guest speaker, noisy, busy and over­whelming with a telling us of his sabbatical leave, part of large number of different denomina- which took him on his first ever visit tions present. The Course Director to Israel where he stayed 11 days in encouraged those on the course to Bishoop Mlls guiding the group through the cemetery Jerusalem while attending the course think about a spiritual commemo- Palestine of Jesus at the College of ration ­ to approach the site with a

28 29 Diocesan News continued Diocesan News continued sense of commemoration – that is, to • Fundraising will be required for In Memoriam remember the life and spirit of Jesus. the erection of the very large cross Anne Neville Carter Amongst other places, Bishop Ross to be placed outside in the proposed also visited the Church of the Visita- Cathedral garden. 23 December 1925 – 17th December 2015 tion, a beautiful little church said to Following the closing of the AGM Anne was a loved and respected the church office. be built over the home of St John the and afternoon­ tea, members crossed Leader of St George’s AAW Epsom She was a very good friend with a Baptist’s parents, where Mary met the road to the Cathedral forecourt for several years. wonderful sense of humour; she Elizabeth. He was very moved by this where the Pipes and Drums of Saint Her memorial service held 22 was happy and loving and spread visit (being mindful of the Magnificat) Kentigern College were performing, as December 2015 was attended by her love widely. Her death was a as he was when standing by the Sea members prepared to lead the proces- many members of her family who very sad time for us all as she had of Galilee on the ground where Jesus sion with banners, into the Cathedral had arrived from England some been the backbone of our Evening walked. for a service to celebrate An Inclusive weeks earlier to join with her in Fellowship (changed recently to Bishop Ross concluded his informal Commonwealth. Members of The her forthcoming 90th birthday a morning meeting) for so many address, appreciated by those present, Royal Commonwealth Society were celebrations. years. Her service, taken by the and drew members’ attention to the present as was The Royal New Zealand After her arrival in New Zealand Revd Brian Jenkins, was a wonder- remarkable things that had happened Navy Band with the White Ensign in the 1960s, Anne was appointed ful tribute to a remarkable lady. at Holy Trinity Cathedral over the last paraded. A message from Her Majesty to the staff of Taumaranui Hospital Some time ago Anne had chosen few days. the Queen was read before the service where she spent some of the happi- two hymns for her funeral service; • He described the near comple- concluded with the singing of the New est years of her nursing profes- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind tion of the new Selwyn Chapel and Zealand National Anthem. This full sion (a far cry from her home in being first and Jerusalem the final progress of the organ being built, also and moving day left a lasting impres- Newbury, Hertsfordshire, where – sung with so much sadness and the pending installation of gold leaf sion on the AAW members present. neighbours were the Earl and gladness in accordance with her to be applied to the internal ceiling. Natalie Taplin Countess of Carnavon of Highclere wishes. May she rest in peace and He mentioned the many people who (Downton Abbey) she had visited rise in glory. have worked very hard to make it all the Abbey many times). In later The Easter flowers at St George’s happen; and it seems that Mothers’ years, Anne was appointed Charge were donated by our AAW Fellow- Union and AAW could be the first Nurse of Ear, Nose and Throat at ship group in memory of Anne. people to use it. Greenlane Hospital and on her retirement became the right-hand of the Vicar, Revd Brian Jenkins in

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