MARCH 2008 NOVEMBER 2017
MethodistMethodist MPsMPs inin newnew LabourLabour caucuscaucus
Paul Eagle and Anahila Kanongata'a are two of the Christians in the Labour caucus. By David Hill Anahila Kanongata'a- with the kids from church. women's rugby team when she was the he new Labour-led government “There was a real sense of community. team's manager in 2004 and she was tour has a Christian heart. Suisuiki There were people who would look out manager for Tonga at the touch world cup Methodists Anahila New list MP Anahila was born in for me.” in Sydney in 1999. Kanongata'a-Suisuiki and Paul Tonga and for the first 10 years of her life TEagle are just two of a number of At the age of 18, Anahila began She is involved in a Tongan language she was raised by her grandfather and Christians in the Labour caucus, which working in the mailroom of the Social radio station founded by a Methodist uncle. has gone into coalition with the New Welfare Department. She stayed with the minister. She broadcasts six hours each Zealand First and Green parties. “My grandfather died when I was Saturday and Sunday. She has also run a Other Christians include Dunedin seven years old and my mother had a department through its various name North MP and Presbyterian minister David choice. She was an over-stayer and it was changes for 30 years, becoming a social leadership programme for Tongan Clark, Hamilton-based list MP and Elim the days of the dawn raids. She decided worker and more recently an advisor in teenagers at Onehunga High School. pastor Jamie Strange, and former Police the formation of the new Oranga Tamariki Anahila says she is a team player and Association president Greg O'Connor, to stay in New Zealand and build a life who is a Catholic. for her family and eventually got residency / Ministry for Vulnerable Children. looks forward to whatever role she is given Paul, whose iwi is Tainui, believes the and moved into a state house in While she admits she is not as active in the new government. Working with 13 Maori MPs and six Pacific Island MPs Onehunga.” in the church as “a normal Tongan children and young people is her passion, in the Labour caucus all come from strong Methodist”, she says her faith helps her however. Christian backgrounds. When she joined her mother in Anahila says the first caucus meeting Onehunga, the Methodist church was her with her everyday life. “It has grounded Paul Eagle started off with a prayer. “I was really new village. my beliefs, my children are baptised and Paul is the son of Methodist minister surprised they did these things in “I went to Sunday school, church it is the foundation of my roots in Rev Brian Eagle and his wife Judy. parliament.” Growing up Paul says there were camp, youth group and Girl Guides. I Aotearoa.” always strong links between the Methodist would walk to all those activities run Outside of work and the church, Church and the Labour Party. INSIDE through the church and I went to school Anahila has played one test for the Tongan See Page 14
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISER - PAGE 2 WHITE SUNDAY - PAGE 17
METHODIST TAMIL RECORDING ARTIST - PAGE 3 2 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 NEWS New adviser to help churches fulfil health & safety duties By Paul Titus “It is all about communicating what you “This includes volunteers who are The Methodist Church's new health do - first with other people in your group, officers or members of boards or committees. and safety co-ordinator wants to help then with any contractors or visitors to your In some circumstances an individual may parishes and other church bodies meet property, and ultimately with the be liable if he or she actually causes an their legal obligations without it being Connexional office so that we can share that accident, but volunteers going about the burdensome. information with others in the church. work of the group are not liable.” Trudy took up the health and safety role “I will work with some groups to put Trudy's previous experience is in the in the Connexional office in September. She together their risk analyses which will serve construction industry. She and her husband says the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 as pilot studies. For example, I am currently ran a small painting and decorating business puts some new requirements on all church working with two early childhood education that subcontracted to Fletchers during the groups - from small parishes to large providers and some parishes. We will share height of the earthquake rebuild. She ran employers. Her role is to make it easier for their risk analyses with other similar groups the non-paint-brush based work including everyone to meet those obligations as easily around the Connexion. There is no sense in the paperwork associated with health and as possible. reinventing the wheel.” safety. “The most important thing for all groups Any property development that a church “I am sure there were more qualified to do is to assess the risks at their properties Trudy Downes. group undertakes should have a risk analysis people who applied for this new position and activities, put in place steps to deal with a residual analysis to evaluate how well as should any activity (for example, church them and then to evaluate how well those those controls have dealt with the risk. camp, after school programme, op shop, or with the Methodist Church,” she says. steps have worked,” Trudy says. “This final step - evaluating the residual gala). In most cases churches already have “I think what I bring to the role is a focus Ultimately all church groups should risk after you have put safety measures in practical measures in place to ensure people's on people. We must remember that people prepare a risk analysis. An example is using place - is the additional requirement that the safety at such events. are involved in all of this. Churches run a spreadsheet that identifies risks, the new legislation has put into place.” Trudy says there has been some thanks to the work of volunteers, and likelihood of an accident resulting from While this may sound intimidating and scaremongering about the new Health and volunteers are people who have their own those risks, and the severity of any possible bureaucratic, Trudy says it should not be. Safety Act but it is important to note that lives. We always have to take that into accident that may result from them. The risk Much of it is common sense and she is under the Act volunteers are not liable for account.” analysis then lays out what steps will be putting in place pilot programmes so that accidents that take place at a setting such For more information contact Trudy on taken to control that risk, and finally does people can learn from others' experience. as a church. 0800 266 639 or [email protected].
NEW WINE - TIPS ON TECHNOLOGY By Peter Lane Recordings to and from church The original motivation for a lot of participate in worship? church sound systems was to record There are ways to do this. services to a cassette, which could then Technologically, we can categorise them be distributed to the housebound, the ill as audio only vs audio-video, and as pre- and others who might be interested. recorded vs 'live'. As a means to include members of the It helps if your playback location has community who may otherwise be a sound system built-in, and a projector marginalised, it has considerable merit. or video display for video, but this is not Cassette tapes died the death of necessary. There are portable solutions technological obsolescence, but there are available at low or moderate cost. still churches who continue the practice Pre-recorded with modern technologies. Pre-recording people is the simplest Peter Lane. Skype is one way to bring live messages from distant people to a worship service. Recently I saw a Facebook post asking way to start including others. Many devices for advice on how to use technology to now record digital audio including in one will usually be fine, but there are Often, it is easiest to embed the audio flip this idea on its head. Rather than share smartphones. Place the device on a solid lots of paid and free options. or video in a PowerPoint slide. what we do in worship with those who surface or tripod in front of the person For video recordings, make sure the Live audio and audio-video can't be present, how can we assist those speaking - resist the urge to hold it in your subject is well lit, particularly the face. For live audio or video the principles who can't be present to contribute and hand - and use a recording app. The built- Place the camera lens at the same level as of recording are the same but you won't the subject's face and remember that close- have the opportunity to edit. ups are more effective than long shots To do this you will need a reasonably (especially when relying on built-in good network connection to your venue. E MAIL R EPORT P RESENT microphones). To receive the content you can use Skype Sometimes, the easiest way to capture or Zoom. Livestream.com is a moderately Communications Systems Consultancy audio for audio-only play back is to make priced option. a video recording. Essentially, you use the solution to We provide specialist advice about all things ICT and Technology. Having made your recording, transfer “make a phone call” from the person to Take advantage of the new generation of productivity aids and systems. the file to the playback device, which is the venue. This can be answered directly, Get more done with less! Get the best advice first! usually a computer. You can use editing but a slightly more elegant solution would Services include; software to remove that unfortunate be to provide a video-switcher at the venue Free software access for moment when the fire engine went past. Strategic Advice so you can make the call before you display qualifying organisations Audacity is a good free editing program it to the audience. Office365 and Google Apps Printers / copiers etc. for audio. I usually use VLC for video. I Peter Lane is principal consultant of Phone systems and service Network Audits also use Camtasia but it comes at a cost. System Design & Communication Services Software Training Projectors & PowerPoint NCH has a range of audio reasonably and has more than 30-years' experience Project Management System Documentation priced video programs on a free-to-try with technology systems. SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT & CHARITABLE SECTOR basis. He invites your questions, suggestions You may need to convert the file from and ideas for articles. Submit these to the recorded format to a format compatible Touchstone's editor or email Contact: Peter Lane for your playback system. Most editing [email protected]. Peter also hosts a website Phone: +64 (9) 973 5544 programs allow at least some degree of focused for a community of people who or +64 (2) 153 2977 Email: [email protected] format conversion, but dedicated are interested in improving the way we Web: www.sdcs.co.nz conversion programs are available. can use technology. See dct.org.nz. TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 3 NEWS Mangere Tongan church tries new style of giving By Sophie Parish blessings and gift of life for our This year Lotofale'ia families. When we give, God Mangere Tongan Methodist will bless with His result. Parish changed the way Because he has given so parishioners submitted their abundantly to us, we should annual offering (Misinale) to respond by giving generously make it more private. back to him.” Lotofale'ia presbyter Rev While the format for Goll Manukia says Misinale is Lotofale'ia Mangere Parish's when Tongan Methodist families annual offering changed this make a commitment to support year, the total amount given was God's provision and ministry more than previous years. The throughout the year. Parish Misinale raised “Traditionally the annual $324,620.00 on the day. offering is held through cell “We wanted this traditional groups or Kalasi'aho. This is Tongan event to be a celebration where groups of families come of giving to God and our together to collect their offering ministry. We wanted people to on the Thursday night during the feel less pressured as to how week of Misinale. Each family's much to give. We don't want name and the amount of their them to be concerned about offering is recorded and competition within the Church announced on the night along or being judged. with the sum of Kalaisi'aho “God will get the praise if offering. we give His way. Young families “In addition all 16 Kalasi'aho shared their testimony of the gather at church on Friday night blessings they have received as to put together their collection a result of their commitment to for the church's annual offering. tithe throughout the year.” The amount of each Kalasi'aho's The Mangere church is in a total offering is then announced, community where people are and on Sunday the total amount socio-economically challenged. of the annual offering is blessed The Parish has 22 social during the service.” housing units for families with This year the Lotofale'ia The choir of Lotofale'ia Mangere Tongan Methodist Parish. the most need and it is in the Parish Council decided to make process of building another eight the process more private. Only offered; only the Parish's total couples and children as they felt costs. It is a reminder for each two-bedroom units. one service was held during amount was shared. the inclusiveness and spirit of of us that in our giving, we are The Church also gathers food which all families were asked to Goll says each family was giving to our ministry.” receiving a blessing from God, bring their annual offering. invited to the Misinale to give He says there is a and God wants us to give to give to disadvantaged families On Sunday, August 27th what they could and honour the misconception in the media and generously as God has helped us at a local marae to support its families presented their offerings Lord with their wealth. in other churches that this prosper. efforts to house homeless people on the altar as a freewill offering. “God is glorified when we amounts to taking peoples' “God has given us and families. Families can give cash, a cheque give from the right motives and money but this is not the case. everything, God gave us his son or through internet banking. in the right way (2 Corinthians “The freewill offering helps to provide for our salvation. We To find out more contact No announcement was made 9:7). It was great to see the joy us preach the gospel and pay for have never given enough in Rev Goll Manukia on as to how much each family had on the faces of the families, all of our services and operational comparison to the many [email protected]. Tamil singer's recordings are God's calling By Cory Miller record them whenever I can. I want to be The Auckland Tamil congregation first A member of an Auckland Tamil useful to God for as long as I'm alive in came together more than a decade ago, Methodist congregation has put her God- whatever way he chooses.” initially under the roof of the Anglican given talents into making a collection of It is still possible to hear Sujatha Selwyn Church. musical CDs. perform live from time to time at the Epsom Sujatha says the idea was to form a Even though Sujatha Selwyn has been Methodist Church, where the Calgary Tamil congregation where they could have a liturgy singing since she was child and spent more congregation meets. that befitted their cultural traditions. than 20 years composing her own songs, She says there are about 50 members “As we grew we wanted to become a it was only recently that she began to record in the congregation. They gather for worship CDs of her own music. every Sunday and at other events throughout part of an established church with tenets Her latest release is entitled 'Nenjamae the year. that are aligned with scriptures and a 4' (or Oh My Soul in Tamil) and it is a “We meet Sunday evenings and once a Christian way of life.” compilation of folk, Indian classical, jazz month for Bible study. We meet informally In 2009 they moved the congregation to and even rap songs that Sujatha has at our homes on occasions such as birthdays the Methodist Church and became a formal composed and sung. and anniversaries. We also organise camps, member of the Church later that year. “God gave me these songs for a reason go on outings to pools and and that is to reach people. I am obeying play games. God's calling on my life by recording my “We offer support to the songs,” Sujatha says. Indian community, She has composed and recorded a Sujatha Selwyn. particularly new migrants INSPIRE PREACH number of other Tamil language CDs in the could serve a higher purpose. and students from India, 2 last few years and has even starred in her In 2004, she was practicing with a church irrespective of their faith. We own music videos on YouTube. group when a person playing the percussion help them find jobs and Singing is her way of expressing herself instrument with her suggested she record rentals, and we visit those ECUMENICAL and her spirituality. her music. who are sick or grieving and LAY PREACHERS MEETING “There is a Tamil saying, 'Feet that dance “He said that we should use the talents so on.” Sujatha's husband and a mouth that sings can never be quiet',” God has given us and not bury them.” Methodist Church Offices Selwyn Thomas is the she says. She says since her first recording was congregation's steward. 409 Great South Road, Auckland Originally from Chennai, India, Sujatha done she has received a lot of support. Presbyters from the wider first learnt classical singing when she was “The many emails and messages I Central Auckland Parish take Sat 25th November, 9:30-Noon nine, and continued to sing at home, at receive telling me that my songs minister turns leading worship school and in competitions. She composed to them are confirmation that I am doing throughout the year. RSVP 18 Nov • [email protected] her first song in 1992 but never thought they the right thing. I keep composing songs and 4 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 OPINION Finding God in everyone To the editor, Methodist Parish: “Finding good in everyone, The letter from Rosalie Sugrue published in finding God in everyone.” That word 'everyone' the October issue of Touchstone raises a includes me, a gay man, someone who still feels challenging topic, that of the formulation of a an outcast in many churches. parish mission statement that all members can Words like 'Christian values' can be easily affirm. It needs to be simple yet profound and inclusive of all its members and of those in the misunderstood, especially by those who have wider community with whom it wishes to experienced the judgemental tirades of Christians engage. like Patricia Bartlett and Norm Jones. Here's a simple one, that of the Dunedin Euan Thomson, Dunedin Our unspoken mission To the editor, Mission statements are not suitable for an In her letter, published in your October organisation comprising mostly free-thinking edition, Rosalie Sugrue lists problems with volunteers because, by inference, they are both parish mission statements and asks questions prescriptive and proscriptive unless they are so about them. vague as to be nothing more than feel-good Fortunately, it is not essential that these buzzwords. questions are answered. Jesus did not find it necessary to have a mission statement yet he The idea of a mission statement is only 50 succeeded in his mission. years old and is, therefore, a modern aberration. The Church has managed pretty well without Any problems with a parish mission statement mission statements for most its existence so can be solved by not having one. why are they needed now? John Northcott, Warkworth Mission versus mission statements To the editor, 2. Of course parish members should be By Jan Fogg I have a lot of sympathy for Rosalie's letter involved in creating a mission statement but about mission statements in the October issue perhaps they can authorise some leaders to do of Touchstone. it in the name of all. Perhaps that's what From winter We both remember days when the happened in Rosalie's parish. development of a mission statement was a 3. If I was involved in developing a mission to spring significant opportunity for church members to statement and had my say then I should probably contribute to defining the local congregation's not complain about what becomes the consensus. Quite suddenly last month the One thing I did last week was understanding of itself and sharpen the focus of There are many points in today's church where weather changed and became spend a little time with an older person noticeably warmer. who was moving from the home she its life and work. some of us find ourselves increasingly I noticed the copper beech tree had lived in for some years, into a But we need to remember that not everyone uncomfortable. (Actually, Rosalie's parish's outside the kitchen door is covered in care-home. We had a short liturgy to agreed with everything in it and some didn't original statement doesn't do much for me in its lovely copper leaves. The last time say goodbye and let go. even think a mission statement was needed. practical terms, either). I remember noticing it the branches She left behind many things that Rosalie's letter raised several questions about Even if our congregations managed to get were bare. How could it have gone had been part of the fabric of her life. the role of mission statements and how we most of our members together for a major 1980s from bare to verdant without my They were left to others, or to the op noticing? shop. It is a big demand towards the should write them. My answers would be: style mission statement workshop, when the The same with the apple tree end of one's life to leave behind so 1. My parish's mission statement does not final draft was published not everyone would outside my study window. Suddenly many things that hold precious actually reflect my personal beliefs much at all. agree with everything in it. I noticed the blossoms were out. Was memories. It uses other-worldly language that I find vague, It might be better to get on with mission there a sign of them the day before? The Bible has quite a lot to say jingoistic and kind of superior. It does not seem where we find it rather than try to produce a There is frequent talk these days about looking back. “Remember not about the importance of mindfulness. the former things, nor consider the to describe what actually happens in the parish gimmicky statement to put on the website. Mindfulness means having our minds things of old. Behold, I am doing a day by day. Dave Mullan, Whangaparaoa tuned to whatever is happening in the new thing; now it springs forth, do present moment; really living in the you not perceive it? I will make a way Passion for the truth present rather than thinking constantly in the wilderness and rivers in the about the next thing we should be desert,” (Isaiah 43:18-19). To the editor, President Prince and Vice President Viv call us thinking about or doing. Does the past rule our life? Perhaps Many years ago I saw John 3:16 printed in to look back to our Wesleyan DNA. The passion We can lose a lot of life by we might all think about the large letters on a sign in someone's front garden: that comes from a 'warmed heart' is especially dwelling in the past or projecting into importance of winter space, a quiet “For God so loved the world, that He gave His important. Without passion we won't get the future rather than being in the time to strip back flowers, fruit and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in anywhere. present and aware of what is leaves and make space for a renewal Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” As followers of Christ we need to love God happening right now. in spring. Take time now to let some It took me five years to come to the point with our minds and work with fellow Christians, You will remember Miss things go so it is not such a task later, of faith where this was really true, and I became for example, the Roman Catholics. We have Havisham in Dickens’ 'Great not such a distress at a time when a communicant member of the Presbyterian Expectations'. Her beau didn't arrive other change is happening or when much in common with them. Church in Dunedin. at the altar and Miss Havisham spent change is suddenly thrust upon us. Listening to the testimonies of other God also confirmed that I was on the right the rest of her life in mourning. She When we stand at the edge of track by giving me a powerful sense of my sins Christians can strengthen our faith and passion. wore her wedding dress and viewed darkness in front of us, it is a time to being forgiven. This was thrilling and A thrilling post on the internet is 'Testimony of the decline of the wedding cake. prepare for what is to come, it is not unforgettable. former Muslim Fatimah'. God did huge miracles Miss Havisham was stuck in a the time to drift back and dwell on I was looking for security in my life and of healing in her life. particular moment, frozen in time, memories of fruits and flowers. thought that if I could find the truth, it would Finding what is true is so important in today's rather than living in each present Let us travel more lightly of things help me to find more security. My passion is 'post-truth' culture. People respect a person who moment as it came to pass. Change in the present and release those whose for the truth of the Bible. can defend their faith reasonably. comes with uncertainty and it can be purpose has been completed. Then we In their reflection in October Touchstone Geoffrey Stubbs, Papatoetoe a challenge to move into a new reality. are free to welcome the spring.
Postal PO Box 931 Editor Paul Titus Advertising Pieter van den Berg Circulation Karen Isaacs Christchurch Phone (03) 381 6912 Phone (03) 310 7781, Fax (03) 310 7782 Phone (03) 381-4315 Fax (03) 366-6009 Mobile (021) 655 092 Email [email protected]@paradise.net.nz Email [email protected]@xtra.co.nz E-mail [email protected] Printer The Ashburton Guardian Opinions in Touchstone do not necessarily reflect Production Julian Doesburg [email protected] Ad Deadline 15th of the month preceeding publication the offical views of the Methodist Church of NZ. Publisher The Methodist Publishing Company Letters Deadline 15th of the month preceeding publication Subscription Changes 10th of the month preceeding publication TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 5 OPINION
FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT Are we threatened or excited by difference? Spring greetings to everyone across In his keynote address Dr Wesley Ariarajah 5000 people from Myanmar attended the the Connexion! As the season progresses, pointed out that Buddhism starting from 60th anniversary celebration service on we enjoy the variety of flowers coming India spread across Asia widely, but Sunday 15 October. into bloom and different trees as their Christianity did not. The preacher was Rev Dr Nababan leaves open and change. “Buddhism was spread as a religion from Indonesia. Nababan was a youth President Vice President Yet we often struggle to respect and by the followers without any political leader at the first CCA Assembly of in Prince Devandan Viv Whimster accept the differences between us as people, patronage, whereas Christianity came as 1957 and the only member who is alive including our own families and a state religion of the colonial powers. from that Assembly. He called on the address by Professor Edwina Pio. congregations. “Being a minority and facing church in Asia to be effective witnesses, She attended the Tauranga Moana A key to deeper understanding is a persecution because of faith, and also being as the promise of Jesus Christ is “I am Interfaith Council Prayers for World Peace, willingness to listen and to discover God prophetic witnesses, is a challenge that with you always, to the end of the age” with prayers, music and liturgy from Ba'hai, in the face of each other. Prince has been tests the faith of Christians in many parts (Matthew 28:20). part of conversations in Yangon, Myanmar, of Asia. Prince says the CCA is looking into Hare Krishna, Latter Day Saints, Catholic, attending the Christian Conference of Asia's “There are attacks on churches, and it the future of its ecumenical journey with Quaker, Anglican and Methodist traditions. Asia Mission Conference 2017 that brought is alarming that the authorities do not even renewed strength and it wants to see Do we find ourselves threatened or together over 650 participants from across adhere to the law of the countries to protect stronger participation from its member excited by difference? It is often by the world. religious minorities. Amidst these realities, churches. He says “The theme was 'Journeying it is an imperative to relate to other religions “It is a time of renewal for churches exploring other faiths and traditions that Together: Prophetic Witnessing to the Truth and seek common truth and light for the and individual participants. We are focusing we understand our own better. and Light in Asia'. Eight of us from the greater wellbeing of all people. on the next step of the ecumenical agenda Is being a Methodist Christian more Methodist Church of New Zealand were Fundamentalism threatens this but it was in the meeting at the time of writing.” about relationships than what we believe? present, among whom two were youth who supported by Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic Viv and Prince were guests at the If we believe that we encounter God in the served as stewards. speakers at the conference.” Assembly of the Congregational Union of “To be prophetic witnesses to truth and While Prince was in Myanmar the New Zealand and at the Waikato-Waiariki face of another, our lives are enriched when light is challenging, given the state of Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) also Synod event “Give It a Go!” where we appreciate not only the commonality, Christianity as a minority religion in Asia. celebrated its diamond jubilee. More than diversity was the theme of the keynote but also the diversity of those around us. When God leads us away from home By Jed Baker welfare. I saw commendable commitment it reminded me why I left my former Poet’s Corner Media reports about Lilia Tarawa and and focus but also coldness with an fellowship. her recently published book 'Daughter of underlying anger. I have kept my distance so old injuries A mother leaves for safety. Gloriavale', about her experiences as a I recall the hostility and implication of are not reopened. There comes a point when (For Syria) member of the West Coast religious my worthlessness that some conveyed we must move on from the past. Yet the community, offer lessons even for more towards me at that time. This type of conflict impact of my departure was as significant By Desmond Cooper progressive Christians. lies at the heart of experiences like Lilia's. for me as Lilia's, and ignoring that history Many, including myself, would I shared my views of the situation with risks trivialising it. undoubtedly look upon aspects of Lilia's church leaders when I left and subsequently. Genuine reflection is not vindictiveness, A mother leaves for safety, former fellowship as restrictive, harsh, and To their credit, they took my comments on self-indulgence or attention-seeking. Rather It's too late to fight abusive. They can justifiably say this has board and many were supportive, for which it is essential therapy. I am sure Lilia's book no place in their own understanding of I am grateful. partly serves this purpose. Her new-found Yet still she hesitates, faith. Lilia and others like her have had their happiness came at a cost, rewarding though Before her forced flight. However, I believe the difference can foundations undermined. Their struggles it is. sometimes be one of degree. Unlike Lilia, were profound and sometimes damaging Lilia's story, like Ngaire Thomas's 2005 I grew up in a modern Christian community as they challenged and rejected their former Walls are crumbling, book, Behind Closed Doors, shows that with virtually none of the overt restrictions values. life can be enriching and colourful outside The entrance blocked she faced. Fellowship there, as at Gloriavale, I retained a sense of faith and life went Danger comes she must run provided valuable skills and a sense of on. Inevitably, though, the circumstances a repressive faith environment, despite the belonging. It remains a happy spiritual base of my departure cast a shadow. struggles. I believe such people deserve Cosmic chaos her world undone. to many who belong to it. Renewing contacts with a past support in seeking a happy and fulfilling life in new surroundings and possibly new But some years ago, I left following community can sometimes be problematic. She springs into the open what was essentially a disagreement over For Lilia, there was a sense of ostracism fellowships. my role. No one is perfect and such disputes and finality. In my case, some contacts are Such choices are not made lightly and Leaving kith and kin are invariably subjective. Like similar cases, positive and relaxed. Some have been can have consequences, but in the words Is death so certain of Ngaire's son Paul: “The leaving is not a mine was naturally influenced by strained, but with shared effort, dialogue For those within? circumstances, background and is possible if we avoid some subjects. denial of God, or God's forsaking them. It personalities. Beneath the mutual civilities, however, is more likely to be that God is leading However, I still feel that some members I feel I was treated at least once with chilling them out of it.” Her heart is racing yet knows no panic were unhealthily concerned about their indifference. It may have been related to From personal experience, I would She pauses, uncertain, exposed. institution to the detriment of others' circumstances or a desire for closure, but endorse and commend this. From her first born What would a second Early missionaries deserve respect Can the threat be drawn? Reformation look like? To the editor, Her heart is aching Recently we were fortunate to have the television crew Heritage Rescue revamp To the editor, Must it end for this one? Perhaps because it is 500 years since Martin our Whangaroa Museum and Archives in Kaeo. Luther triggered the first Reformation, I have Our area has a rich history. Working with this TV team was both interesting Leaving life so precious recently seen a number of references to and productive. Mostly they handled the sensitive issue of the Boyd Massacre well. Reformation ll. In recent years some academics have developed a 'politically correct' attitude. Suddenly she's gone. I have asked myself, what is this new They use every avenue to put down the early missionaries. reformation about? What will it look like? In Because of our concern as to how the first Methodist Mission might be handled what ways will religion change and be we were disappointed to be unable to view the script prior to presentation. Our I'm left startled reformed? Did Jesus trigger reform among the concern was justified. The person who covered this story used the word 'mean' to By her retreat / attack Jews? describe Leigh and his co-workers. Stunned by her boldness Given my view that there is little integration The programme also stated the missionaries in Whangaroa had no converts. To between religion and the Secular Age, could an expect 'converts' in three and a half years when the missionaries first had to build It's her courage I lack. increase in unity with the Secular Age be a key reform in our future? Does more responsibility their houses, grow their food, and learn the language is somewhat unrealistic. It must be noted that the first converts at Mangungu, Hokianga were two youths come with an increase in integrity? She's gone now These and other views will be discussed at from Whangaroa. Another lad from Whangaroa, who Turner took with him to the coming Sea of Faith Conference, at Tonga, also became a Christian. She lost but won Silverstream Retreat Centre, in the Hutt Valley As we sit in our warm homes today with New World or Countdown around the November 6-8. The registration form is on the corner, it is not easy to imagine the lives these missionaries chose. It wasn't instinct website sof.org.nz. My family first settled in Whangaroa in 1837. The working together of Maori That made her run. Maybe I'll see you there. and Pakeha is a journey still in progress. Bruce Tasker, Auckland Ian Hayes, Wesleydale Union Church, Kaeo 6 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 NEWS AND VIEWS Serendipity at Wesley Chapel HONEST TO GOD By Ian Harris During a trip to the UK and Europe earlier this “At the 11.00am service I was privileged to be able year University of Otago chaplain Rev Greg Hughson to bring a greeting from the Methodist Church of NZ The God we create and his wife Hilda had the privilege to spend five to a large international gathering in the main Chapel.” To many people, the idea both show the power ideas nights in a bedsit at Wesley's Chapel in the heart of People from some 80 different countries make up of creating God is bizarre. have to lay ultimate claim on London. the Chapel congregation, and on this Surely God must be beyond people's lives. anything they could ever Germany's Nazi interlude Greg says this was possible because occasion there were two large Methodist dream up! was more than the political of his friendship with the superintendent visiting choirs from the USA. Besides, theologians have triumph of Hitler and his minister of Wesley's Chapel, Rev Dr Lord “The brilliant regular organist is named insisted for centuries that God party. The Nazis set out a Leslie Griffiths. Elvis and he is from the West Indies. I read is not an entity to be created, philosophy of society that but simply responded to in called on Germans to find the “Leslie came to Dunedin three years the Epistle reading, which was Romans gratitude, awe and obedience. meaning of their lives and ago to deliver our annual peace lecture 5:1-8. It's a reading about how enduring The notion that anyone their destiny in their identity and to give the keynote speech at the New suffering can potentially help form creates that reality would be as citizens of the Third Reich. Zealand National Interfaith Forum. He character, and even give birth to hope,” a nonsense, worshipping it a Their national socialist sends his greetings to everyone in the Greg says. delusion on the grand scale. ideology was all-embracing. Greg Hughson reading These objections are Undergirding it was a Methodist Church of New Zealand.” from Romans at Wesley's The sermon by Rev Jennifer Potter worth a closer mythology of On the evening of Saturday 17th June Chapel, London. included a reference to the terrorist attack look, and race, and the Greg celebrated his 60th birthday with family and on London Bridge one week earlier. 'worship' is a Fuhrer was friends including former Otago students at the Admiralty While the Hughsons were staying at Wesley's Chapel good place to extolled as the start. The word embodiment Tavern in Trafalgar Square. there was a special open day on John Wesley's (and means 'give and symbol of “The following morning I attended the 9.00am Holy Greg's) birthday, June 17th. John Wesley's home was worth to', that their nation. Communion service. I arrived at the Foundry Chapel opened up to the public, and staffed with members of is, to give Millions of one minute before the service began and met the minister honour, respect Germans the congregation dressed as characters from Wesley's at the door. I introduced myself and he asked, 'Do you or mana to absorbed and time. someone or internalised this. happen to play the organ?' “It was great to chat with a man playing the part of something. The Ian Harris It became for “The ordinary organist had been delayed and three term is not them a dynamic minutes later I found myself playing Charles Wesley's Wesley himself, just as I had at Mornington on my 50th confined to religion, or power and lived experience. historic organ, for a very special service of Holy birthday when Colin Gibson played the same part so mayors would never be Their faith was sealed with addressed as 'your worship', human sacrifice - their own Communion. admirably,” he says. people whose positions entitle and others' - on an them to special respect. unprecedented scale. Two incredible women, one amazing cause All sorts of things can be Communism grew out of accorded such worth or a totally different set of Until they both sadly passed face, clawing of her hands, and a honour, from the forces of premises but acted on the away in 1997, Princess Diana and severe case of drop foot, which nature to political ideologies, lives of millions in a Mother Teresa helped improve the needs constant care. from royalty to pop stars. All remarkably similar way. Its these evoke awe and devotion theorists rejected religion, but lives of those afflicted with leprosy. When Princess Diana visited our of varying kinds and in they promoted a universalist Twenty years on, we would like to Leprosy Mission hospital in varying degrees, and shape message offering salvation to pay tribute and thank them for the Anandaban and touched and devotees' attitudes and the working class, reinforced actions. by a sense of the justice and work which their dedication and caressed the hands and feet of those In religion, the 'worth' inevitable triumph of their memory continues to make with leprosy, the world was accorded is ultimate. At the cause. possible. transformed by her love and care. centre is an understanding of The Communist ideology God that people have laid ultimate claims on its You too can continue their work Today with your help we can accepted, worked on and followers. National loyalties by giving a 'Really Good Gift' this continue to transform the lives of made their own. The process and the interests of Christmas. children like Nasrat. Your 'Really brings the creative individuals were overridden imagination into play, and this to advance what leaders The Leprosy Mission's Really Good Gifts' will give children like creativity is central. defined as the greater social Good Gifts catalogue for Christmas Nasrat the means to be cured, cared It is not always and international good. In this 2017 offers you a meaningful way for and restored from the scourge acknowledged that even way the Communist faith when people accept a church's became for adherents a to bring hope to children like Nasrat of leprosy, to offer them hope for doctrine of God that seems to dynamic power and lived whose lives have been devastated the future. carry an objectivity and experience, which again was authority all its own, they are sealed with horrendous by leprosy. For example, for just $15 you Mother Teresa and Princess Diana both highlighted the needs of simply assenting to other human sacrifice. Nasrat is a 12-year old girl from can provide a day in hospital for people suffering with leprosy. people's creative ideas about All claims to ultimate India. Her leprosy is already very someone like Nasrat to get well God that have been compiled insight and truth can lead to advanced. She has patches on her again. For $83 you can provide education for a girl and give children over the centuries. excesses, and in Nazism and It helps to be clear that communism these were brutal like Nasrat the best possible whatever people affirm to be and extreme. But that should means to combat poverty. of ultimate worth to them is, blind no one to their power Inside the catalogue you'll in fact, their God. This to inspire and energise so determines who they will be, many of their followers. discover more about all these how they will interpret their The history of the Methodist Trust Association and other wonderful gifts you experience, and what they Christian church, no less than can give. will and will not do. the fanatical fringe of Islam The concept of God today, shows that even faiths Please order today - or before expands as they think whose core teaching is love DISTRIBUTION RATES TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2017 18th December if possible - so creatively about it. If they and compassion can be we can send you your gift boxes neglect it, it shrinks, becomes corrupted by temptations to rigid, and fossilises. intolerance, domination and and cards to delight your loved When this God, the exclusiveness. 3 Months 12 Months ones on Christmas Day. After embodiment or symbol of Unlike Nazism and 18th December please call 0800 what is of ultimate worth, is communism, however, such Income Fund 4.86% 4.95% active and powerful in people, faiths have within them an 862 873 or go to it becomes much more than even more compelling power Growth and Income Fund 4.01% 4.34% reallygoodgifts.org.nz. an abstract idea they have whereby, in the words of Just as the Lord gave the created. It becomes a dynamic English Anglican priest Harry power and a lived experience. Williams, “all that separates Income Distributions for the September quarter $3,117,250 greatest gift, His only Son, to That holds true whether and injures and destroys is bring love and joy to the world, the worth they attribute to overcome by all that unites so your Really Good Gifts will God is good or demonic, or and heals and creates”. Contact email: [email protected] even whether or not they use That seems as good a test bring love and joy to children the word 'God' at all. Two of the presence of God as Established for the secure and socially responsible like Nasrat. Please send your powerful examples from last anyone is likely to devise. It order as soon as you can. century illustrate this. Neither really does matter what sort investment of the Church's funds claimed to be religious, but of God we worship. Thank you. TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 7 NEWS AND VIEWS
PUBLIC ISSUES NETWORK By Betsan Martin, Public Issues co-ordinator The direction of the new government There is a sense of Affairs Winston Peters will pay independently of the state, as seen Ardern says the housing crisis is and NZ First propose royalties excitement about the Labour- his cards in this coalition. in its work-for the-dole. due to a lack of affordable homes, for bottled water. led coalition with NZ First, and The coalition is working on Labour's social agenda so Labour is committing to NZ First wants to allocate Greens. Their policies will not an integrated plan for the includes: building 10,000 new homes per water based on strategic national just target one or two issues to wellbeing of people and the • Modernise our welfare system year for 10 years. interests. It rejects a water tax appease political pressure. environment. Change should not so it aligns with the This aligns reasonably with that puts a price on the Signs are that this is a be a jolt. It should be phased in employment market and is NZ First housing policy which is commercial use of water. wholesale re-orientation toward as the economy moves away from accessible for all. focused on affordability and Both Labour and Greens 'responsible capitalism'. The new fossil fuels, inequality, housing • Reduce child poverty by availability. NZ First wants to support resolving Maori interests prime minister cites homelessness shortages, and polluting measuring all financial purchase land to facilitate housing in water, including provision for and child poverty as evidence of agriculture. policies against their impact development through a system iwi in the development of policy a failing system. This is a This is quite different from on children and assessing of advantageous loans. for waterways. NZ First rejects surprising but welcome change an ideology of market-driven progress at each budget. Regarding immigration NZ provisions for Maori interests. from conventional economic economic growth. • Implement a families' package First wants to slash immigration rationality. We are not of course Eliminating child poverty, to deliver more money to to 10,000 to cut the pressure on Labour and Greens policies throwing out capitalism. building new affordable homes families with children and the housing and infrastructure, specifically provide for a levy on Many signs give us and cleaning up waterways are reduce child poverty. but Labour has not conceded their sales of NZ water, a ban on new confidence. Jacinda Ardern is keystone policies. Labour's far- • Lift the abatement threshold policy of cutting immigration to resource consents for bottled collaborative rather than reaching reforms may be for beneficiaries to $150 to 30,000 (from the current 72,400). water, and for any revenue from conflictual. We are watchful for modified by NZ First's help beneficiaries transition Policy on our waterways is bottling and exporting water to the way the Deputy Prime philosophy that families should to full employment. yet to be resolved. All parties be divided 50/50 between local Minister and Minister of Foreign have their needs met Prime Minister Jacinda want swimmable rivers. Labour councils and mana whenua. Pillars of support for children of prisoners This year the New Zealand Verna says the Pillars team the financial cost of buildings and our own. We rely on individuals charity that will benefit from the mentors children and advocates staffing new penal institutions, but and communities to step up and fundraising efforts of Methodist for safer policies around arrests the human costs borne by the take up the mantle. Women's Fellowship is Pillars, when children are present. thousands of children whose “Stopping children from going which is dedicated to supporting “We have helped establish parents will be doing time in to prison in the first place makes the children of prisoners and their more family-friendly prison prison. better sense than locking people families. visiting environments to keep “My main role at Pillars is to up at tax payers' expense. We want Pillars founder and chief family relationships alive. The engage the wider community to positive futures for our children executive Verna McFelin says the Department of Corrections has a partner with us to do this important that don't involve a prison sentence. group supports more than 23,000 goal to reduce reoffending; we are work. We cannot do it work on Please join us in our vision.” children of prisoners and their working with them to strengthen caregivers, and she says she is family relationships between thrilled to receive help from MWF Verna McFelin. people in prison and their families. for this work. “A dad who has strong ties to “Children who have a parent times more likely to go to prison their family, particularly their in prison serve a sentence of their as adults and nobody wants that. children, is more motivated to live own. Not only are they dealing Even the imprisoned parent does a crime-free life upon release.” with the loss of their parent, they not want their children following In Christchurch and South carry the stigma of a sentence they in their footsteps.” Auckland Pillars has a family did not commit,” Verna says. Pillars will soon celebrate 30 wrap-around service that helps the “Children of prisoners are the years of service to the community. caregivers of prisoners' children. vulnerable of the vulnerable. It has helped over 7000 families “In our mentoring programme Without help they are nine during that time. we match a volunteer mentor with a child of a prisoner for one year as a positive and stable role model. Our volunteer mentors are everyday heroes to our children and make a real difference in their lives.” Pillars is a charity reliant on public funds, and at this point is only able to mentor 50 children a year. It wants to increase mentoring for children to 500 over the next five years. Other services that Pillars provides are a dedicated helpline Connexional staff Greer McIntosh (left) and for people caring for children and Wendy Anderson pretty in pink for the occasion. support groups. Verna says imprisonment is In the pink for a good cause Staff at the Methodist Church's Connexional office in growing in New Zealand and by Christchurch got dressed up last month to raise awareness and the end of the year nearly 10,000 money to support women with breast cancer. people will be incarcerated. Many They dressed in pink and held a pink-themed morning tea with of them are parents. rose-tinted food. Members from Central South Island Synod were invited and everyone made a donation for the privilege of taking “When I hear these statistics part. Volunteer mentors provide vital support to the children of like that, my first thought is not It was a fun way to highlight a serious issue and it raised $215 men and women in prison. for the Breast Cancer Foundation of NZ. 8 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 NEWS & VIEWS
GREG HUGHSON Arrogance and power vs humility and mercy REFLECTS ON VULNERABILITY
To live as a follower of Jesus is to be mercy and purity of heart. As we work as peacemakers we will you,” (Matt 5:11-12). vulnerable. When we do our best to live These attitudes enable us to live our discover our identity as children of God. In the midst of all our struggles may out the teachings of Jesus we find lives as people who are ultimately By nurturing purity of heart we will truly we continue to give thanks to the God, for ourselves facing significant challenges. dependent upon God, rather than people encounter God. God is good and God's love lasts forever, The teaching of Jesus in the Sermon who cope with life by depending upon our Such a divine encounter is life-changing (Psalm 107:1). on the Mount (Matt 5:1-12) provides us own strength alone. to the extent that we become able to Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians with a classic summary of the attitudes we Blessing in life will not come through withstand the inevitable criticism and even (2:12) reminds them that the Christian life should seek to nurture in order to rise to arrogance, power over others or operating persecution which comes as a result of our is all about “encouraging, comforting and urging each other to live lives worthy of the challenges we face every day. as an egomaniac. Rather, Jesus taught that Christian commitment. God.” These 'beautiful attitudes' advocated the poor in spirit, the humble ones, will be Paradoxically, Jesus teaches that those The fuel for achieving this is provided by Jesus, are counter-cultural in that they blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. who are persecuted because of by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. encourage us to own our human He also reminded us that in mourning, righteousness will find blessing, even in Unlike the time of Joshua when vulnerability and avoid arrogance. To we will find the blessing and comfort of the midst of the persecution and pain. miraculously stopping a river was required acknowledge our vulnerability does not others coming alongside us in our grief to “Blessed are you when people insult you, to convince people that the living God was mean that we seek suffering, or put up support us through those dark-night-of- persecute you and falsely say all kinds of among them, the presence of God with us with abuse, however. the-soul experiences which afflict us all. evil against you because of me. Rejoice today will be revealed through our Jesus teaches that blessing comes It will be through adopting the attitudes of and be glad, because great is your reward vulnerability, humility, love and through seeking to develop the same meekness and mercy that we will be shown in heaven, for in the same way they servanthood. attitudes he embodied, attitudes of humility, mercy. persecuted the prophets who were before What do you think?
CONNECTIONS Finding a safe place By Jim Stuart I spent my childhood years To this day I have rooms was small and we were secure and protected. Its leaders have used their in a very special house. I can carried that proverb sandwiched between They may go back to our power to divide people from one still remember it today in with me and I still the bedrooms. It was common experience of our another. Churches have not meticulous detail. believe it is a good my favourite room, mother's womb. welcomed people from different At the front of the house was summary of the best my hiding place. At a collective level one of cultural or faith traditions. Some a large porch where my mother of life. On one side of Squeezed into it were the purposes of religion has been clergy have abused children while and father spent most summer the living room was two large sea chests to provide people with safe others have exploited church evenings sitting with friends what we called the where my mother places: places beyond the reach sharing the gossip of the den, a room lined stored clothing. of governments and military members. Over the centuries, lay, neighbourhood and having a good with books from floor Jim Stuart. As a child when I forces, beyond the pressures of time. to ceiling. That room wanted to be alone I work and daily survival, places women, gay, lesbian, bisexual A large living room taught me the importance of would sneak away into the room, of refuge and sanctuary. and transgender people have been welcomed those who entered the books. I cannot imagine how close the door behind me, climb Medieval law recognised the excluded in different ways. It is house. The ceiling consisted of impoverished my life would be on top of one of the sea chests principle of sanctuary. A fugitive a painful legacy. We need to keep marvellous dark mahogany without books to read and and peer out on the or debtor could take refuge in a working at making the church a beams that gave the room strength treasure. neighbourhood streets below. church and be guaranteed safety safe place. and dignity. At the far end was a From either the kitchen or the Since the window was small from prosecution as long as he In the end I think finding a large fireplace. living room one had access to the and hardly visible from the street or she remained there. Religious safe place is really about the inner I spent many a cold winter second floor by way of a large I could watch the people below centres served as places of space in our lives. As the Psalmist night sprawled out on the carpet spiral staircase. The second storey confident that no one could see sanctuary as well as places of testifies, there is no place that we reading a good book and being comprised three large bedrooms. me. That small third floor room worship. warmed by the fire. On the A further set of stairs led up to was my hiding place and the place There are times when the can go which is beyond the love mantelpiece above the fireplace the third floor where there were where I felt safe and secure - my church has betrayed this of God. When we have this sense a proverb was carved in old four rooms, one served as the secret place. responsibility to provide of inner space or purpose, I English letters: “Old wood to bedroom I shared with my I suspect all of us have sought protection. It has failed to keep suspect every place and every burn, old books to read, old brother. out similar “safe places” in our the sanctuary as a safe place for moment is safe - even in the face friends to trust”. Another of the third floor lives, places where we thought all people. of death.
Through a glass darkly By Lyn Heine, UCANZ co-chair (retiring) I was driving from Greymouth an older version of the scriptures it Jesus invites us to engage in living They include Robyn Daniels in up to Westport just recently. This is reads like this: “For now we see with God. He invites us to look the UCANZ office, who calmly a wonderful stretch of road that through a glass darkly; but then face around and see with God's eyes. He manages the myriad details that make twists and turns along the coastline to face; now I know in part; but then invites us to join in God's world and up the administration of the 119 through different types of bush and shall I know even as also I am the work that is happening all around formally registered Co-operating rocky landscapes. known.” us. Ventures in New Zealand. It was one of those moody days I really like that phrase “through As I come to the end of 10 years Fresh lenses have come in with with showers, low cloud and mist, a glass darkly”. A newer version has with UCANZ Standing Committee it our executive officers Peter when the landscape keeps changing it differently: “For now we see in a feels like a similar sort of journey. MacKenzie and Adrian Skelton. Things that give me hope for the and shifting. Familiar landmarks were mirror, dimly, but then we will see The twists and turns, the hidden future of CVs are the renewed hidden from sight. New features were face to face. Now I know only in part; familiar, and the revealed unfamiliar. willingness of the Partners to talk made evident because the cloud was then I will know fully, even as I have It has been a wonderfully through issues affecting us and their showing them up into silhouette. been fully known.” rewarding thing to be part of and I willingness to share and accept what There are things you can see from Our journey through life and have made friendships across the it is they each have as both distinctive only one direction - some on the way particularly in relation to our faith is country. and in common. up and some on the way back. There like this. We have glimpses of the It has been about negotiating and It is not the dream realised of is a wonderful wood stack work of features of our faith that shift us and giving voice to the issues and where CVs started. It is a different art on the edge of Westport, but you prompt us to see things differently. difficulties encountered wherever road trip and who knows where it can only catch a glimpse of it as you We look back and can put a groups of people meet. I have looked might end up. It is, though, a are leaving. completely different meaning to an in disbelief at what some see as continued journey of faith and in faith. The whole trip reminded me of a experience than we could at the time perfectly reasonable and justified. I We don't have to have it all clear; we verse from Paul's letter to the people it happened. We can find the recognise the faithful work people can proceed while seeing dimly and living in Corinth (1st Cor 13:12). In wonderful in the ordinary. do. knowing only in part. Trinity Methodist Theological College Exciting new partnership 2018 courses to empower between Otago University and transform and Trinity College A new memorandum of understanding will make it easier Trinity College is guided by the theme: Empowering THEOLOGICAL STUDIES for Trinity College students to gain a Bachelor of Theology to Transform! We aim to equip students to think for Introduction to Theology: This paper gives students (BTheol) degree from Otago University. Under the new MOU Otago University will fully recognise Trinity and express themselves without fear or restrictions. an overview of the field of theological studies and its College's NZ Diploma in Christian Studies. This means Trinity College This is also about training students to become leaders historical development. It introduces students to basic students who complete the Diploma will receive full credit for it if who speak truth to power and speak the truth about power. beliefs of the Christian tradition so they can do critical they wish to enrol in the Otago University's BTheol programme. Courses offered during the first semester of 2018 are: theological thinking on public and contextual issues. Trinity College lecturer Dr Emily Colgan says it is an exciting BIBLICAL STUDIES Doing Theology in Oceania: This paper engages development because it gives Exploring the Bible: This paper explores historical, critically with recent shifts in hermeneutics and theological Trinity College students the opportunity to further their literary, and theological aspects of the Bible. It surveys the discourse and reassesses the move towards contextual theological study in a university central characters and events of the Bible, examines the and cross-cultural theology. We will scrutinise various setting. Bible's different genres and its key theological themes. modes of contextual theology, with emphasis on theologies The agreement also sets out Attention will be given to the colonial contexts of biblical from Oceania and Aotearoa. Students will trace the other avenues whereby Trinity texts. emergence of current contextual approaches and undertake College lecturers can potentially teach Otago University students Reading the Bible in Oceania: This course asks: What a major contextual project. and vice versa. do readers in Oceania find in the Bible? What do they Revis[ion]ing the Church: What does it mean to be “The MOU is a mutually avoid? What do they overlook? Students will have a church in the 21st century? Does the church need to beneficial arrangement. It gives Paul Trebilco. opportunities to discuss their interests and blind spots reinvent itself to be relevant? What challenges does it face? Otago University the potential to attract more students and gain from around the issues that agitate the people of Oceania - How much does it need to change? Is its traditional mission the skills and expertise of Trinity College staff,” Emily says. island ways, migration and labour, sexuality and spirituality, viable? If not, what is the new mission and vision? These “The most important gain for Trinity College is that if our Diploma students choose to enrol at Otago University the cross credit points church and discrimination, diaspora and nativism. and many other questions will be the focus of this paper. The Bible and public life in Aotearoa: This course they will receive are equal to the first year of undergraduate study.” Participants will engage critically with the theologies and Another benefit the agreement provides Trinity College students looks at how the Bible is used in public discourses in media practices of the church's past and present to ask what is is that if they are enrolled at Otago University they are eligible for and the arts. It looks at challenges posed by public issues best for the church going forward. Is there a place for the scholarships, and student allowances from the Ministry of Social such as gender justice, neoliberalism, neo-colonialism, church in the future? Development's StudyLink programme. Students solely enrolled at violence, and human trafficking. During the course students PASTORAL STUDIES Trinity College are not entitled to apply for these at this point. will engage with people in public settings to understand Emily says Professor Paul Trebilco from the Department of Theology Introduction to Pastoral Studies: This paper introduces reality on the ground vis-à-vis social visions of the Bible. and Religion at Otago University approached Trinity College principal students to some practical tools they can use to engage MAORI STUDIES Rev Dr Nasili Vaka'uta about developing a cooperative relationship in critical theological reflection and develop skills for between the two schools. The MOU is the outcome of their discussions. Te Ao Tawhito: This paper investigates a distinctive pastoral ministry. It aims to help students develop “The Trinity College Council is positive about the prospect and a Maori world view and highlights the significance of Maori competence in pastoral care across varying contexts and number of our younger students are very excited about the opportunity mythology and oral tradition in the development of to pursue the BTheol and post graduate work. It is good development life situations in Aotearoa NZ. Matauranga Maori. It examines the impact of European for theological education at Trinity College.” Gender and Sexuality: This paper will look at the contact on Maori society and the manifestation of Maori Currently Otago University is the only university in New Zealand relationship between understandings and formations of prophetic movements in the 19th century. to offer an undergraduate degree in theology. The University of gender and sexuality across different historical, cultural Auckland used to do so but now only offers theological and religious Te Kete Tuauri (Tohunga): This paper examines the and theological contexts. It will explore how gender and studies within a BA. role of tohunga in traditional Maori society and explores sexuality shape social roles and identities, especially in Other areas of cooperation the MOU covers include teaching modern-day forms of Tohungatanga (Tohungaism). It courses, supervising post graduate students, and assistance for Trinity relation to Christian ministry and leadership. considers the place of spirituality, ritual and tikanga within students enrolled in the BTheol degree. the practice of Tohunga. Students will study the effects of RELIGIOUS STUDIES Trinity College staff may be contracted by Otago University to the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 on healing practices Understanding Religious Studies: This paper provides offer one-off intensive courses in Dunedin for students in its theology programmes. Similarly, Trinity College could contract Otago staff to and the retention of Matauranga Maori. The paper examines an intense introduction to the discipline of religious studies offer one-off intensive courses to Trinity students in Auckland, which contemporary practitioners including Tohunga Ta Moko, and the key questions it seeks to answer. It introduces would count towards their programme. students to the theoretical precursors of the field and Whakairo, Rongoa and the potential for tohunga in digitised When Trinity students are enrolled in distance courses for the media. discusses key paradigms for research and analysis. BTheol programme through Otago University, College staff will provide them additional tuition and support.
College 2017 GRADUATION Graduation will be held Saturday 9th December, 2:30pm at Papatoetoe Methodist Church. 2018 ENROLMENTS For more information about 2018 courses and papers, please contact: Snippets Nicola Grundy Academic Registrar [email protected] 10 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 AROUND THE CONNEXION Waikato Methodists give diversity a go By Doreen Lennox In 2015, the Methodist Church of NZ decided to run a six-year trial to hold Conference every other year rather than every year; and this was the first year in more than 100 years that the Church has not had an annual Conference. Waikato-Waiariki Methodist Synod's Education Committee saw this as an opportunity and set about to organise a weekend called 'Give it a Go!' where people gathered to discuss and celebrate diversity within the Church and to take part in workshops to learn new skills. District superintendent Rev Dr Susan Thompson and Rev Ken Olsen, minister at the Chartwell Cooperating Parish, where A session on clowning was one of the activities during the weekend of talks and workshops. the event was held, welcomed about 100 who gave a presentation entitled 'The The afternoon session was taken up evening supper. This took the form of people from the Synod, the Waikato Rohe Diverse Milieu'. Edwina illustrated her with a series of workshops. These gave entertainment and games, followed by and beyond to the event. thought-provoking talk with examples of people the opportunity to choose from a song and dance items, and ended with They included President Prince how people see others who are different. wide selection of topics and things to do. worship. It was a great evening and a Devanandan and his wife, Vice President Edwina is originally from India and Some were on weighty topics (On Being testament to the youth of our Synod. Viv Whimster and her husband and visitors some of her examples were of treatment a Methodist, Ministry to Older People, The Sunday morning Communion from as far afield as Christchurch, New she has received here. It made people Re-doing Church, Connecting with the service included contributions from the Plymouth and Napier. realise that New Zealanders still have a Community, and Green Church). Others various workshops. Our new team of The conference opened on Saturday long way to go in accepting those who were about fun activities (music, clowning, morning with a mihi and then Rev Gloria look, speak and dress differently. floral arrangements, banner making, Synod clowns made it a most enjoyable Zanders led devotions. Gloria reminded We are a diverse country both ethically working with youth, and Bottletop Cafe). occasion. everyone that scripture tells us it is good and culturally and the richer for it. How Young members of the Synod from During the service Susan reminded us to meet together to celebrate. do we weave our strands together when Rotorua, Tokoroa, Tauranga and Hamilton that as we celebrate our diversity there is The keynote speaker was Auckland there are 213 different ethnic groups in led the Saturday evening session and youth the need to take the next difficult step, that University of Technology's Dr Edwina Pio our land? from the Chartwell parish served the of promoting inclusion. Missions' services change but care for others remains By Carol Barron, Methodist Alliance skilled. 25 percent of their income on rent and the and the biggest reason for parents losing national coordinator Lifewise also works with people Government makes up the difference custody of their children. The New Zealand Methodist Church experiencing chronic homelessness and between that and market-rent. Wesley Community Action in Wellington has a proud history of work to combat helps their voices to be heard. This includes This enables young families and older recently won an award for the P-Pull poverty, unemployment,and poor housing. 'rough sleepers'. people who are priced out of the rental initiative a service to help addicts get through Today, Methodist missions continue to The service recognises it is easier for market to secure a warm affordable home. the withdrawal period and quit the habit. focus on social justice and the most people to address issues like mental health The Mission's housing support worker The award was for innovation in work vulnerable and marginalised people in our and substance abuse once they are housed. provides support so families can sustain practices that contribute to improving society, although the services they now The priority is to provide appropriate housing their tenancies and organises events to create workplace wellbeing. Wesley Community provide are significantly different. and then immediately provide wraparound a sense of belonging and community which Action is also a leader in working with While there are no longer orphanages, services. This represents a shift because reduces social isolation. gangs. the missions provide services to children previously the only way into housing was Methodist City Action provides the only The mission in Palmerston North offers and their caregivers. They also offer a wide to get treatment first. shower service in Hamilton for people who a range of family education programmes. range of services to deal with the housing Lifewise's Merge Café was once a soup are homeless. The Mission is co-located crisis. kitchen. However research has shown that with the Hamilton Methodist Church and They include anger management, managing Lifewise offers an intensive in-home soup kitchens maintain rather than solve uses the showers in the premises they share. anxiety, parenting through separation and parenting service as an alternative to foster homelessness. Now Merge Café provides The Mission offers fresh towels, soap, razors managing everyday challenges like shyness, care. This is a fundamental shift from an environment for people to enjoy a meal and other toiletries to their clients. bullying and fear of failure. removing children from their families to and connect with people who can provide The Missions are working with new The work of the missions is innovative keeping them safe while building the pathways out of homelessness. social issues including family breakdown in responding to the issues society is facing capability of parents and whanau to provide As a registered community housing and serious anxiety in children and young as they continue to work for a more just nurturing care. provider, the Christchurch Methodist people. society. If you would like to support the This service enables more sibling groups Mission has access to the Government's New Zealand is facing a P epidemic, work of the missions, please contact me or to stay together and parents to become more Income Related Rent Subsidy. Tenants pay which is a major cause of family breakdowns your local mission.
elp families live better lives HEvery child has a right to a good start in life. Everybody has dignity and worth in the sight of God. Every day Methodist missions and parishes work with individuals, families, children, and older people who need support. Your donation or bequest can help make a lasting difference to people in need throughout New Zealand. You can make a donation to your local parish, one of the Missions, or the Methodist Alliance. Please contact Carol Barron for more information on: 03 375 0512 • 027 561 9164 [email protected] METHODIST PO Box 5416, Papanui, Christchurch 8542 ALLIANCE AOTEAROA methodist.org.nz/social_services NGA PURAPURA WETERIANA TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 11 AROUND THE CONNEXION Diverse New Zealand in a diverse world By Hilaire Campbell. and explore. Diversity is woven into the tapestry While the group constructed of Professor Edwina Pio's life work. parables Edwina suggested ways to As New Zealand's first Professor of achieve diversity by crafting policies, Diversity at the Auckland University managing talent and listening to others. of Technology, she nudges people to She urged people to be open to learning consider compassionate action. and reiterated the significance of digital This was exemplified at her recent media. presentation 'The Diverse Milieu' at Teaching people how to do things the Waikato-Waiariki Synod in rather than creating dependencies is Hamilton last month. another of her themes. This resonated In her talk Edwina with an indigenous focused on the saying: Teach a person significance of New to fish and you give Zealand's changing her skills for life, give demography and its her fish and create The Engage programme uses games and relaxation to help children learn self-control impact on business, dependencies. society and the In the conclusion Church. She said New to her presentation Fun games with serious benefits Zealand is an Edwina said “Let it be Methodist Mission Southern is currently Now, however, the Mission wants to deliver extraordinary place said of each of us who running an exciting project to help children the programme in early childhood centres to thanks to its heritage walk this land that we and transformative give much back in better control their emotions and regulate all children who can benefit. Its new project possibilities. return. Each of us has their own behaviour. The ability to do so can will determine whether this will be effective She quoted Edwina Pio. been gifted diverse significantly improve an individual's adult or whether changes are necessary to improve suffragette Kate Sheppard who said: talents and it is thus incumbent on each life. how ENGAGE is delivered outside the home. “All that separates, whether of race, of us to use them for we are on this Success in many of life's tasks depends on Activities used in ENGAGE include ball class, creed or sex, is inhuman and earth for an infinitesimal moment in a persons' ability to 'self-regulate'. Poor self- games, musical statues, 'Copy Me', hop scotch, must be overcome.” the larger span of time.” regulation is characterised by hyperactivity, memory games, drawing, relaxation and deep Edwina said in today's world, there Edwina travels extensively and is distraction, impulsiveness and difficulties with breathing. are five facets to consider: changing widely published. She interacts with delayed gratification. The Mission is working with Dr Dione demography, religious diversity, diverse audiences in the academic, Research in New Zealand (including the Healey from the University of Otago and Prof corridors of commerce, human rights, business and social sector. Her research long-term Dunedin Study) and overseas has Richie Poulton from the Dunedin Study to and mobile devices that mean many of interests encompass work, ethnicity, shown that poor self-regulation at age three refine ENGAGE. us work around the clock, seven days indigenous studies, religion and a week. predicts negative adult outcomes up to three Methodist Mission Southern director Laura pedagogy. decades later. Black says if they are successful ENGAGE Her personal experiences in New Hailing from a musical background Zealand also featured in her talk, and The Mission therefore wants to develop an will likely have wide-reaching benefits for Edwina says she loved the way the she stressed the significance of effective self-regulation programme for all society. Synod started its weekend with worship dreaming the world we want into children who lack self-regulation skills, “Even small improvements in self- and music. existence. especially those from high-stress backgrounds. regulation can shift a child's long-term “The gathering was very fulfilling She has been influenced by the It aims to create a programme that can be easily trajectory in a positive way. This will have a with a very wholesome ethos that I work of Harvard professor Clayton and cheaply delivered in early childhood significant impact upon our population's health, appreciate. New Zealand is one of the Christensen who is internationally centres across New Zealand. education, levels of adolescent risk-taking, known for his work on disruptive most peaceful countries in the world but it still has a long way to go in 'Enhancing Neurobehavioural Gains with adult employment and criminality,” Laura says. technologies. She says what really the Aid of Games and Exercise' (ENGAGE) The Mission is running the initial phase of matters to Clayton is how he measures keeping up with changes and not is the name of the programme. It helps three- the ENGAGE project at Little Citizens, an his life. This resonates with Edwina creating dependencies.” and four-year olds learn self-regulation skills early learning centre in South Dunedin with a because she emphasises strengthening Edwina thanks Rev Dr Susan people's self-esteem and faith. Thompson and Rev Ken Olsen of by participating in specially-designed activities high percentage of children from disadvantaged In her Hamilton talk Edwina asked Chartwell Cooperating Church for and games that are fun and simple to deliver. and high-stress backgrounds. her listeners to make up inspirational inviting her to be the keynote speaker Previous versions of ENGAGE have The second phase of the project will involve parables from their shared stories. She for the Synod. She acknowledges the involved parents and children playing one-on- up to six kindergartens and early learning anchored the construction of these memorable conversations she had with one for 30 minutes every day. This has helped centres in South Otago, before expanding parables in the word FIRE as an Prince and Peter in her travels between improve children's self-regulation abilities in significantly in 2018 to include more than early acronym for flourish, inspire, replenish Auckland and Hamilton. the home setting. childhood centres across New Zealand. International gathering of Tongan ministers 'Fakatoukatea' is a Tongan Conference. vowed to empower and have faith in their service on Sunday evening at the expression that means to encourage and Visiting presbyters and some lay- children and young people and to Lotofale'ia Church in Mangere was a embrace working together. leaders served as guest preachers on encourage and inspire groups such as humorous and entertaining send-off. The A double-hulled waka (katea vaka) is Sunday 1st October at 20 Tongan women, young people, the elderly and group asked to meet again in New Zealand bigger, safer and faster than a single-hulled congregations in the Auckland region. disabled. 9-11 November 2018. Videos of the waka. It carries more people and skilful At the meeting the church leaders Other priorities are to recognise local weekend are available at the website navigators can sail them through rough agreed to a whole range of proposals. and global ministries and missions and www.siaola.org. seas and storms. These included developing a global make better use of media and The organisers of the conference More than 50 Tongan ordained and perspective while still acknowledging and communication technology. lay-leaders from the United Methodist cooperating with the national churches The principal of the Trinity Methodist acknowledge the Connexional support Church USA, Uniting Church in Australia Tongans belong to. Theological College Rev Dr Nasili they received through general secretary and Te Hahi Weteriana O Aotearoa met The delegates agreed to share Vaka'uta conducted two Bible Study Rev David Bush as well as support from in Auckland on Friday September 29th information, support the indigenous people sessions during the conference, which Pasifika Futures Whanau Ora, the and Saturday 30th for the International where they live, and utilise their respective were challenging, moving and inspiring. Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Te Puni Tongan Methodist Fakatoukatea Methodist theological colleges. They also The farewell and thanksgiving choral Kokiri. 12 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 CWS Rohingya refugees in desperate need Like most refugees from posts in October 2016. The Myanmar, Humaira has a tragic violence intensified after the story to tell. Arakan Rohingya Salvation Both her husband and father Army attacked 30 police targets were killed by gunfire. With her and an army base on 25th August mother and three children she this year. fled her village in search of This led to large-scale safety. Exhausted after many displacement. Hundreds have long days walking, the family been killed, and women and girls reached one of the camps set up have been raped and abused. for refugees. Using satellite images, Human A few days later she gave Rights Watch estimates 288 birth to the baby she had been villages have been destroyed carrying. When ACT Alliance since August 25. staff met up with her, she was Rohingya have their own trying to find a patch of land language and culture. Most are Since August more than 600,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar. where she could put up a Muslim. They have lived for tarpaulin for shelter. more than 200,000 who arrived scale up existing services and While there is no access to the generations in Myanmar, The Rohingya are caught up in earlier years. An average of establish new ones. north, they have the approval to descendants of Arab traders and in the world's fastest growing 10,300 people cross the border Families have erected work in camps for displaced other groups. In 1982 the crisis. Thousands of people are into Bangladesh each day, makeshift shelters on any people in Central Rakhine. They Myanmar government passed arriving in Bangladesh after according to the UN. available land they can find. are seeking funding for food, legislation recognizing 135 walking for days through “There is a desperate shortage Many are in need of medicine or shelter, and employment projects. 'national ethnic groups' that could mountains and jungles or risking of relief in Bangladesh. ACT treatment and there is a high risk The conflict in Rakhine claim citizenship. a dangerous sea voyage. Alliance Bangladesh is preparing of disease including cholera. started in 2012, displacing Rohingya were not on the list. Two months after Rohingya to help more than 39,600 people. The appeal will help refugee 140,000 people. The Myanmar According to the UN, they are fled fighting in Myanmar's They have asked us for families with much needed relief government resettled about Rakhine state, the United Nations immediate support,” says CWS supplies: food, water, tarpaulins, 25,000 internally displaced the largest stateless group in the refugee agency (UNHCR) national director Pauline McKay. hygiene kits and sanitation. It Rohingya in 2015-16. world. estimates as of 24th October Bangladesh people, will also provide psycho-social The Myanmar military Donations to the Rohingya 604,000 people have fled to authorities and agencies scramble and medical care. launched a crackdown in the Appeal can be sent to CWS, PO Bangladesh, most of them to meet the escalating needs. ACT Alliance is working Rakhine state after an armed Box 22652, Christchurch 8140 women and children. They join Funding is needed urgently to with local partners in Myanmar. Rohingya group attacked border or online at: www.cws.org.nz.
NZ lagging in foreign aid quantity, quality University of Otago Professor from 2015-2018 is $1.9 billion with a New catalogue David Fielding and CWS Board focus on economic development. In member Dr Jo Spratt spoke about aid figures, 20 percent goes to multilateral trends to CWS (mostly UN agencies), supporters last month. and 80 percent is Using Theil indices government to to measure how funds government aid. are distributed and to Currently the 64 percent what countries, David of the aid budget is showed that some designated for the countries that need aid Pacific and 8 percent is the most are missing out. spent on humanitarian New Zealand ranked aid. 13th out of 21 However, aid is international aid donors increasingly shaped by David Fielding. for the period 2011-2015 political priorities in in relation to its Gross Domestic Wellington rather than in recipient Product. countries. The government no longer “There is a lack of analysis that has a poverty focus or directs aid to goes into policy formulation. I think the neediest people. it is a symptom of the government. The priorities are on economic Buy a multiplies The split between governance and development including infrastructure operations has enabled the government and expanding New Zealand exports gift that good to de-emphasise good analysis,” David through the private sector. In Colombia says. and Ethiopia for example, NZ aid funds New Zealand gives a high geothermal power and the dairy percentage of aid to Pacific countries, industry. In Myanmar, New Zealand which are also our export markets. He is setting up a local dairy industry noted some of the largest donors in rather than addressing maternal health. the world are giving the most aid to “I have always admired CWS their trading partners. because of your close relationships on New Zealanders are second to the the ground. I think of it as solidarity. USA in terms of private donations to The change in policy from the top charity on an index measuring giving down has had a big impact on NGOs,” in 24 countries. New Zealanders gave Jo said. 0.79 percent of GDP. David says there Jo encouraged supporters to push was a strong correlation between those for changes in the aid policy. Speaking who donated money, volunteered their after the elections, she pointed to the time and would help a stranger. lack of foreign policy as a real He noted one of the interesting weakness for all political parties. ways to measure the level of aid has “The New Zealand aid programme been to examine satellite images to is far larger than New Zealand NGOs. Visit www.gift.org.nz or call 800 74 73 72 find out where there is no electricity. I think it would be worthwhile to Jo spoke on her research into New advocate for better policy as it would Zealand's aid programme. The budget have a greater impact,” Jo says. TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 13
By Filo Tu-Faleupolu God renews our walk Sinoti Samoa’s third To close off the first evening the Hawkes Bay District followed National Youth Camp was held Taranaki District brought with the Mau Movement; over Labour weekend and it is everyone together with devotions. Taranaki District looked at the definitely an event to remember 'I am' was an underlying Arrival of Christianity in Samoa; as it was filled with the theme of the weekend. Sinoti whilst Auckland District focused movements of the Holy Spirit. Samoa's six districts each had on the tattoo known as the Tatau; Under the supervision of the various parts of the programme and, to conclude, Manukau national Youth Liaison Officers to prepare. Saturday began with District performed a piece based (NYLO) - Tumema Faioso and devotions by the Manukau on the proverbial saying relating Lusia Feagaiga - SSTC 2017 was District, leading into Inspiration to one of many Samoan myths a hit. Stations. and legends. Friday was the day of But it couldn't be a youth But the night would not have welcome and breaking down event without a bit of athletic been a success without the barriers and it set the tone for the competition! Sport was definitely contributions of the Gisborne Youth from Sinoti Samoa's six districts - Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, rest of the weekend. Sinoti Samoa an appetizer for the Saturday District and the guest Gisborne, Auckland and Manukau - attended the National Youth Camp superintendent Rev Suiva'aia Te'o programme, with everyone split performance from our combined formally opened proceedings and into various rainbow colours and youth from Rotorua and Tokoroa power, it was draining! District's devotions. Then people the theme ‘God Renews Our participating in name challenges, Methodist Churches. Each District showcased its departed at various times Walk’ (GROW) began to channel team chants and numerous tabloid Sunday began with the members' talents through creative throughout that day. into the 400+ hearts gathered at sports. But at the end of the day, Wellington District leading dance, spoken word, drama, solo El Rancho Christian Campsite in it was the Blue Team that was devotions. On Sunday evening and choral singing and more. To And so, with photos and Waikanae. victorious. there was a Christian Rally under keep the spirit alive, the Hawkes selfies, jokes and all the required Many travellers were weary To top off an amazing day, the guidance of Faiese Brewster Bay District closed off another jargon, acknowledgements were from the journey, and food was the cultural evening with the and Ronald Vatau with successful day with devotions at made and the vital thanks to God definitely on the menu. But what theme 'I am my culture' saw performances and videos from 1:00a.m. better way to start than with a extravagant performances. The each of the districts. The room Monday morning came too was given. But the challenge was version of Family Feud to get Wellington District opened up that evening had a vibe that early as everyone tried to crawl the same from the beginning right everyone mixing and mingling? with the Samoan Ava Ceremony; resounded with so much heavenly out of bed to make the Auckland through to the end - GROW.
WELCOME TO KIDZ KORNA NOVEMBER 2017! Hi, everyone. I hope you all Hataitai kidz are learning enjoyed the holidays and are how to look after Planet Earth. back at school and working hard. After lots and lots of rain we have had some sun where I live in Hamilton. Last month I saw my first Red Admiral butterfly fluttering past. It reminded me that it is Hataitai kidz love was spring and summer is on God's creation the way. We all know how important it is to care for the world given to us Thank you to everyone who is The kidz at Oratia Community church, from little to big. by God. The kidz at Hataitai have been learning all about God's sending news about what is creation and how much God loves the planet and its plants, animals happening in their churches. Little things count for lots and people. This month we hear from the The children at Oratia have been learning that little things The Hataitai kidz also know that God wants us to care for our children at Oratia/Waiatarua count. It doesn't matter how small you are you are important world too. To show how creative they could be the kidz made their Community Church and All in the eyes of God. The photo shows the children lined up - own environmentally sustainable model, 'Envirotopia'. It shows Saints Hataitai. shortest to tallest. how we can care for our planet by using solar power, recycling and protecting rivers and waterways. For your Bookshelf Conservation Word Search Tilly Fox and Her Can you find all these words? They all have something to do with caring for our environment. Considerable Brush ANIMALS BIRDS CARING CREATION FLOWERS GOD LOVE PLANTS PROTECT RECYCLE RIVERS SOLAR Author: Scott Granville Illustrator: Troy Major Tilly Fox is very upset because her teacher used her brush to clean the blackboard at school. When her mother finds out what is wrong she tells her how other animals help out and that it is important that we use our gifts to help others. Colourfully illustrated this is a book, written in verse, that teaches a valuable lesson. Great to share with very young children and to be read by the older ones.
What are the kids in Kidz Korna wants to hear from you so we can share your stories. Send stories and photos of your your church up to? activities to Doreen Lennox at [email protected] or to [email protected] 14 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 REVIEWS
ON SCREEN A Film Review by Steve Taylor
It is a brave person who seeks to reboot a cult classic. the return of key characters like Deckard (played by 'Blade Runner' directed by Ridley Scott was released Harrison Ford, Rachael (Sean Young) and Gaff (Edward in 1982. It created an entirely believable future set in Olmos). Yet at 164 minutes, 43 minutes longer than the 2019, in which humans create replicants to do the dirty original, Blade Runner 2049 deserves a director's cut, work made necessary on a dying planet. starting with eliminating multiple lingering shots of an When four replicants escape, a complex set of moral expressionless Ryan Gosling. questions are raised regarding the difference between More specifically, Blade Runner needs a female human and machine. director's cut. Both movies present a future world created Blade Runner became a cult classic, considered by for and by a male gaze. The original shows Deckard many as one of the best science fiction movies of all sexually assaulting and physically forcing himself on time. It gave birth to cyber punk, a new genre in which ambivalent replicant Rachael. Blade Runner 2049 offers present concerns are placed in a technologically advanced extensive female nudity, most evident in the advertising and dystopian future. hologram Joi (Ana de Armas). Critics point to Blade Runner's sophisticated vision Dystopia invites us to explore the anxieties of our of a future earth, the clever use of light and dark by present world. In a month in which the hashtag #metoo cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth and the music score has called attention to harassment, we urgently need to by Vangelis (which has since been sampled more than explore a future equally shaped by female concerns for any other film score of the 20th century). Adding to Blade Runner's intrigue was a director's the human body and what makes human identity. cut, released 10 years after the original in 1992. It removed Religious themes are present, albeit opaquely, in both explanatory voice-overs and added a dream sequence. Blade Runner movies. The original provides visual The result was a further set of questions regarding human references that do theological work, including the presence identity and the place of memory and myth in a digital of stigmata and the release of a white dove. world. In 2049, religion is verbal, evident through a range Blade Runner was set in 2019. What was a distant of obscure First Testament-esque quotes. More important date in 1982 is rapidly becoming a present reality. Hence than religion are the theological questions regarding director Denis Villeneuve attempts in 'Blade Runner human identity, irrespective of whether the future is 2019 2049' to throw the future another 30 years forward. or 2049. Blade Runner 2049 makes fine work of meeting a Rev Dr Steve Taylor is principal of Knox Centre for set of impossible expectations. It is a standalone movie, Ministry and Leadership, Dunedin. He is the author of 'Four symbols make a man: A, T, G and C. I am visually stunning, musically complex and intellectually Built for Change (Mediacom: 2016) and writes widely only two: 1 and 0' - Joi (Blade Runner 2049) stimulating. in areas of theology and popular culture at It makes numerous references to the original, including www.emergentkiwi.org.nz. NEW TESTAMENT AND PATRON SAINTS Methodist November 1st is All Saints Day. Canonised Saints are persons recognised as particularly holy by some Christian traditions. Many New Testament characters are included along with thousands of saintly persons from later times. Patronages are bestowed on popular saints in the belief they have powers to protect or intercede for particular people, Labour MPs countries, occupations, and circumstances. Some saints have many patronages and some occupations have many patron saints. From Page 1 The words below in italics relate to some better known patronages. He remembers the 1980s when lay preacher David Lange was prime minister and Russell Marshall went from being a Methodist minister to a cabinet minister. “Churches were often used as campaign hubs and during the 1981 Springbok tour there was a certain sense of activism and social justice,” Paul says. “There were always values around service and caring, so they probably shaped me. I'm a bit of a fighter. I am not afraid to take up some of the issues of the day.” Paul is now the MP for the Rongotai electorate in Wellington, having replaced long- serving MP Annette King. He believes he is the first Maori man to win a general electorate seat for Labour. He was serving his third term on the Wellington City Council and was deputy mayor when he was elected. “A pathway to Parliament through local government isn't a well-supported avenue, but those of us who have been in local government are the better for it.” Attending community events gives you a focus on people and an awareness of grassroots issues.
Now that he is in Parliament, Paul says he e; Patrick, David, Christopher, Andrew, George, Nicholas George, Andrew, Christopher, David, Patrick, e;
Answers: Thomas, Paul, Simon, John, Peter, Joseph; James, John, Mark, Luke; Simeon, Matthew; Francis, Joachim, Martha, Magdalen Martha, Joachim, Francis, Matthew; Simeon, Luke; Mark, John, James, Joseph; Peter, John, Simon, Paul, Thomas, Answers: © RMS Bible Challenge Bible will work hard for his electorate and advocate for children, particularly the 290,000 children living in poverty. He also wants to see an overhaul of the rules around adopting children. Housing was Paul's portfolio on the council and he wants to invite Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to his electorate to turn the sod turning on a new social housing development within 12 months. “Rongotai used to be where people bought their first home, but we are seeing the Ponsonbyisation of a suburb.” Transport and the impact of sea-level rise are other issues for the electorate. Paul's wife Miriam is an environmental scientist, and they have an adopted two-year-old son Tamarangi. TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 15 REVIEWS
By Bill Bennett When the Tui Calls - Rural Ministry Origins and Futures 2017, Philip Garside Publishing, 62 pages Reviewer: Erin Pendreigh When I picked up this book I historic background of rural this broader focus is of fleeting leaders and theological resources was looking forward to a resource ministry origins in the UK, consideration. in a rural environment, won't go that would use the origins of rural beginning as far back as the As this book continues, Bill's away! ministry to give guidance, mission to Britain by Augustine Anglican heritage and perspective Perhaps most important, is the direction, perhaps even wisdom of Canterbury in 597 AD. The come through strongly, as does his 'disconnect' between rural parishes to those of us helping to resource author then uses the next 19 pages focus upon the specific regions of and the city church leaders who rural ministry on the ground here to recount social church history the Hawkes Bay, East Coast and often make decisions with no real in Aotearoa New Zealand. through the centuries, while Bay of Plenty. link to the rural context. As rural communities touching on the Reformation, the There were several parts of this Although easy to read, there experience the frustration of banks Reformation in Scotland, the book I enjoyed, but I found myself was an assumption that the reader and other vital services exiting Evangelical Revival, the Black constantly wanting more of Bill's would already have a historical their towns; city dwellers return Act and the Enclosures. thoughts particularly toward the understanding of New Zealand. seeking to find a manageable Eventually, on page 27, we future. Most especially, his views Perhaps Bill could have given balance between mortgage read that it was “against this on the obstacles within a repayments and family. background…that spurred many denominational structure that greater priority to the Christian Amid this juxtaposition many of the first land hungry settlers to hinder the future of rural ministry, history of this nation as opposed of rural congregations are asking seek a new way of life…in and how to overcome them. A few to that of England? questions: Where is Christ in this? Aotearoa New Zealand”. Finally, pages in this vein would have been And equally, he could have How can the church hold on in the the rural ministry focus shifts to appreciated. placed more emphasis on face of diminishing resources? When the Tui Calls is not a New Zealand. In my role with rural resourcing the progression of New When is it time to plant new long book so at first glance it has It was helpful to read the brief congregations I see them faced Zealand's rural church ministries expressions of faith in the rural the potential to be a great passages concerning the origins of with many of the issues highlighted today to better reflect the subtitle landscape? practitioners' resource. However, mainstream denominations active by this book. Yet, I also feel it does of the book - 'Origins and Futures'. The back cover of Bill in my opinion, it disappointed in in New Zealand, especially of their not address them boldly enough. Rev Erin Pendreigh is mission Bennett's book offered the content allocation of its pages. initial missional strategies and The pressing issues of worship, advisor for the Presbyterian Synod encouragement to read more. The first page provides a engagement with Maori. Sadly, declining numbers, a lack of of Otago and Southland.
By Tom Keneally 2016, Vintage, 382 pages Crimes of the Father Reviewer: John Meredith Tom Keneally is an acclaimed overtones. to terms with sexual anxiety, he did not have the force they later Australian novelist and Through the relationships and knows it is morally and legally developed. In the story we see the playwright. His novel 'Schindler's interactions of his characters unacceptable. For this reason it Church deny allegations of abuse, Ark' which won the Booker Prize Keneally develops a number of must remain 'our secret'. silence victims and minimise the in 1982 was made into the award- ideas that should cause readers to 3. Family relationships. scope of legal redress. winning film 'Schindler's List'. reflect. Catholic families are likely to have Keneally's view, as expressed One of Keneally's skills is 1. The character of the main a sense of pride in a son or brother through Father Docherty, is that weaving imaginative stories figure in the story, Father Frank ordained as a priest. When abuse the Church has a pastoral around historical events. He thus Docherty, is drawn from the best is exposed family members share responsibility to investigate allows readers to experience real priests that Keneally has known, a sense of shame and guilt. allegations, identify abusers and world events through his character. men of high principle, tireless 4. Victims of abuse. Victims ensure that all who have been He does this well in this novel. compassion, genuine spirituality react to a betrayal of their trust in abused are offered counsel and the Drawing on his background as a and social conscience. Crimes that different ways. In the story one care of a compassionate Christian former seminarian and someone are not dealt with openly by the victim descends into depression. community. whose life has been shaped by Church reflect badly on the public Another becomes bitterly resentful Readers of Crimes of the Catholic teaching and practice, he image of all priests. and sexually promiscuous. A third Father may be left with a clearer skilfully sketches the effect priests' 2. Paedophilia. Frank Docherty wants to hold the abusive priest to understanding of the wide-ranging sexual abuse has on individuals, is also a psychologist and account, but refuses to define and devastating effects of abuse families and the Church. understands that paedophilia is a himself as a victim as he sees this on people and society than they While recognising that abuse form of personality disorder. relationships. as allowing his abuser to retain might obtain from academic is shameful and damaging he tells Celibacy as a condition of Although an adult involved in control over him. studies and reports. his story in a way that is objective priesthood does not imply an sex with children may seek to 5. The Church. Keneally says As stated on the cover this and recognises failings in Church unhealthy attitude to sexuality or justify this on the basis, for he chose to set his novel in the novel is timely, courageous and and society, yet is free of moral an inability to form mature example, of helping children come 1990s when the voices of victims profound. Poems that don't flinch from the homeless Both the timing and setting for the launch of Rev job, or have relationship or housing John Howell's new book of poems resonated with its difficulties to be in a bad situation,” he title. says. The book is entitled 'Homeless' and John held the John's own family stories include the book launch on World Homeless Day (October 10th) at impact of the Great Depression. His Wellington Public Library. Public libraries are often a grandfather George Neal was suddenly haven for homeless people, and John says some of the left with three children when his wife folks he knows from his volunteer work were stopped Amelia died. George's only option was and listened in during the event. to split the children up and adopt them At the launch former Wellington deputy mayor and into three new families. newly elected MP Paul Eagle spoke, the Downtown John's father Frank went to Josephine Community Ministry's ukulele band performed, and the and Bert Howell. By then Bert was sober Wellington chamber choir Nota Bene sang one of the having been rescued by the Napier poems from the book put to music by John's daughter Salvation Army and he and Josephine Natalie. went on to run a successful business. John is a former minister at St Pauls Union Church “Some of the poems in the new book Taupo. He says when he ended his regular working life are political because homelessness is a in 2013, he “rewired” and moved to Wellington. political as well as a moral issue. Political John Howell “I prefer to say I rewired rather than retired because issues such as the plight of the poor are very relevant to rewiring feels really positive. It is about opening up new the Bible. These issues are at the heart of the Gospels circuits and possibilities.” and at the heart of prayer. How can we pray for the world In his 'rewirement' John took up writing poetry. He if we do not pray for what is happening in it? also began weekly volunteering at an inner city agency “Tragically our country has allowed homelessness to that works to end homelessness in Wellington. become a real thing in 2017. House prices are ridiculous, His new book is the fruit of these endeavours. It rents are too high, and jobs are often insecure. Too many A BOOK OF POEMS includes 46 poems written over the past two years, four of which are prayers. houses leak and therefore people's wellbeing is AND PRAYERS He says while the theme is homelessness, the poems compromised and children grow up in poverty.” By Rev John Howell are not solely focused on people sleeping rough or begging All proceeds from the sale of Homeless go to COST $25 Downtown Community Ministry. on the streets. Some address wider experiences such as All proceeds go to Wellington's people losing their homes because of climate change and To purchase Homeless go to Makaro Press website. Downtown Community Ministry someone in a rest home wanting to return to their home. Or you can contact John to purchase it or his two books “Every day I realise how tenuous our personal security of prayers 'Sighs Too Deep for Words' and 'Longing for To purchase go to makaropress.co.nz and social support can be. You only need to lose your the Eternal' by email at [email protected]. Or email [email protected] 16 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 NOW AND THEN
FROM THE ARCHIVES By Helen Laurenson When Sunday School anniversary was the event of the season
If October is now the month for White Sunday-Lotu A committee jointly representing the British Methodist Tamaiti services, in 19th and 20th century New Zealand Conference, the Methodist Conference in Ireland, and November was the month for Sunday School the Wesleyan Reform Union aimed to overlap with the anniversaries. Methodist Hymn Book of 1933, so that children and At that point in the year the weather was warm enough young people would have their own book to use in to proudly wear the new summer 'best' dress or crisp worship. Its hymns included many traditional ones from white shirt to mark this important occasion in the church's the Methodist Hymn Book, some by Charles Wesley, but year, as children and young people sat on specially built many were completely new. platforms decorated with spring flowers. The Mount Eden Methodist Sunday School For instance, the congregation filled the Mount Eden Superintendent Percy Dellow immediately saw the Methodist Church for the 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm potential of these modern hymns to bring a fresh relevance anniversary services each year. Rev WT Blight recalled to worship for young people. In 1951 he chose all the many people were turned away from the evening service music for that year's Sunday School Anniversary services in 1927 as there was no room. from its pages. Even though Dominion Road Methodist Church was Completely unaware of gender issues and before the a sizeable building, for some years anniversary services heady days of the second wave of feminism, all the were held in the nearby Astor Cinema which could seat Sunday School and Bible Class girls joined with the boys 950. After the last moviegoers had departed, men worked and sang the words of one song with gusto: “God who late into Saturday night to build platforms for the next created me nimble and light of limb, in three elements day's performances. free, to run, to ride, to swim; …Take the thanks of a boy.” Many hours were devoted to practising the items each The second verse ended with “Take the strength of a Sunday, and by the 1940s the British 'Gem Collection man”. of Hymns and Tunes for Whitsuntide and Scholars' One of the songs chosen for the anniversary service Festivals' was used in many Sunday Schools. celebrated the urban environment, an unusual subject Published by Herbert Lodge & Sons, Dewsbury, West for hymnody and with an adjective within the first lines Yorkshire each year, it comprised a predictable selection that would not be so used today. of a dozen songs including an introit, choral march, The late Beverley Gust remembered its opening: evening hymn, psalm, solo and chorus. Themes ranged “Come let us remember the joys of the town, Gay vans from distant village bells to Christian triumphalist rhetoric. and bright buses that roar up and down…” As well as individual solos and recitations, specially “Unfortunately”, she continued, “a later verse included chosen classes had the privilege of learning scripture a line about 'the horses that pass us, the dogs that we passages by heart, and rendering them in the popular meet'. This was too much for one young man whose form of choral speaking. trenchant comments caused a ripple of laughter from the Rev Dr Frank Hanson has noted the baby-boomer The Gem Collection was a popular source of songs for Bible Class contingent to flow over the heads of the years after World War II led to an increase in the numbers Sunday School students to perform in their anniversaries Sunday School children, much to Mr Dellow's attending Sunday School in New Zealand, as in Great School Hymn Book' (1911) was well underway when puzzlement… Incidentally, the young man who provoked Britain. Work on 'The School Hymn-book of the Methodist the war broke out in 1939, and it was finally published the Anniversary laughter became in later years, a President Church', which was designed to replace the 'Methodist by the Methodist Youth Department, London in 1950. of Conference!”
Unsung Methodists SISTER NELLIE HAYES - 1873-1950 By Donald Phillipps A HIDDEN LIFE OF GOODNESS The life of Helen Elizabeth Bible Class Union (YWMBCU) appointment her objective was to under its minister EO Blamires. She Thomson Hayes, well-known within that suggests she had come north prepare younger Maori women for remained in this role until 1920, and the Methodist Church a century ago, with a reputation for leadership. work among their own people. In earned the appreciation of the whole is fairly quickly told, but in her day Nellie lived in Newtown and was 1911, for example, the Hawera community when, during the 1918 she exercised a profound influence. associated with Trinity Church where Hospital Board agreed to her influenza epidemic she set up a Nellie was a Lancashire lass, she was a Bible Class leader. She proposal that Huia Tuatini, a Maori temporary hospital in Hawera for born at Sutton in 1873, a younger was president of the Wellington deaconess probationer, be given some Maori people. daughter in a fairly large family. Both YWMBCU 1905-1908 and was the month's hospital experience, and this After her retirement from active her parents, James and Elizabeth, first national president in 1906. By enabled her to provide some nursing work she married Lewis James died before she was 10, and her then she had decided on her career, services among her own people at Williams, a commercial traveller of obituary recorded that she lived for and trained as a nurse at the Raetihi. Hawera. Until the onset of age- a time on the Isle of Man, possibly Cambridge Sanatorium. In the public arena Nellie also related health problems she retained in the 1880s. She was already engaged in work pushed the claims concerning the a lively interest in the Church's work It is likely she became part of with young Maori women in compulsory registration of births, with Maori women, and more the household of her eldest brother, Wellington. At its 1907 convention marriages and deaths among the immediately with Maori welfare John, already a well-established mine the MYWBCU passed resolution Sister Nellie Hayes circa 1908. Maori people. matters in her home town. Photo courtesy Methodist Church of NZ Archives. manager in northwest England. to support the appointment of a Sister Nellie's status was Nellie died in Wellington on When he was offered a position in deaconess to the Maori, and asked formalised when Conference May, 11th 1950. More about her can New Zealand, she came with him the Home Mission board do the hub within the Church's mission to endorsed her officially as a deaconess. be found in Marcia Baker's For and his wife to the Southland region same. Maori women. This was always She was dedicated in 1912 by the Others with Love. in 1890. With the backing of her local Nellie's emphasis, and young women veteran Taranaki minister, TG The title of this tribute is taken She lived in both Invercargill congregation and the national came from far afield to receive Hammond. Nellie did not spare from her obituary in the New Zealand and Dunedin until 1900, when she movement Nellie was the first to be training in domestic economy, herself and by 1916 she was unable Methodist Times. Though not an moved to Wellington. There is appointed as a deaconess to the scripture, physiology and home to carry on in her demanding role exact quotation, it reflects the writing evidence of her attachment to Maori. She and colleague Julia nursing. Some of them were ex- there. of the Victorian novelist, George Methodism by this time, but it was Benjamin established themselves at students of Turakina Maori Girls' She moved into Hawera where Eliot, and captures the spirit of her immediate involvement in the Okaiawa, inland from Hawera. College. she had the role of deaconess within Christian social commitment to newly established Young Women's Okaiawa became a significant During her years in this the Trinity Church congregation which Nellie's whole life was given. TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 17 THE VOICE OF SINOTI SAMOA White Sunday at Manurewa It's the second weekend of the congregation was a drama October, a weekend where new about a girl named Sareli. Sareli clothes, shoes and head pieces is a talented, loving, strong and are worn. passionate young girl whose It is a weekend when the dream was to be able to walk. children and young people are Through her strength, love first to eat; a weekend, when and support of her family, and they are the stars of the show; a her strong faith in God, Sareli weekend when everyone is can now walk. It may not be 100 blinded by the abundance of percent, but she is able to get white material. from point A to point B without All the late nights any assistance. This is an memorising bible verses, song achievement for her and a lyrics and scripts has come to testament that anything is an end and now the nerves kick possible with God. Sareli's faith in. The kids give up their and love in God has helped her holidays to practice. They don't walk. want to make a mistake or get This drama emphasises that an uneasy look from mum and everyone is uniquely created, dad. and God has a plan for everyone. It is the moment of truth. It He will always be there for us is White Sunday! no matter the situation. He White Sunday 2017 for knows what we need and when Four baptisms were Manurewa Sunday School was held one White Sunday. we need it. a success. This year we had a Whatever situation we are variety of performances from in, only God knows the best way the children. It was the year for each family to do an item, for you to get through it. All we whereas year 2016, items were need to do is have faith and trust done by families within the same in his plan because the end result region or area of residence. will be glorious. White Sunday 2017 started White Sunday would not be off with the long-anticipated White Sunday without a festive walk in to church singing the feast afterwards, and this is hymn 'Tamaiti vave mai ia exactly what the Sunday School Keriso, ia Keriso, ia Keriso', an teachers and the parents put on oldie but a goodie. for the children. There was a mixture of White Sunday 2017 was dances, songs and bible verses. memorable, fun, emotional and The main one was 'E alofa Iesu amazing. In a year's time, we I tamaiti!' which is the memory start all over again. It's always verse that all Samoan Methodist great to have these days where people start off with. we celebrate the love of God for We also had some amazing our children. The children are action dances about worshipping the future of our church and God in all we do. these special days will prepare One of the children's them for that. performances that really touched God is good! All the Time! Lesson from a pet dinosaur Talofa lava and greetings in the name family. One of the main lessons that the of our heavenly and glorious God. This children took from it is that everyone is is a short report on our day out at the special in their own way. Everyone is unique movies with the amazing children of the and good relationships are very important, Manurewa Samoan Congregation Sunday especially with your family and friends. School. The children enjoyed popcorn and It was a day that our children had been drinks and ice cream during the movies, looking forward to for a very long time. but kids being kids, they wanted The children had the option to go to the Macdonald's for lunch, so why not? It was pools, have a day out at the park or attend a day all about them after all. So, they were the movies. In the end going to the big treated with a tasty meal at McDonalds. screen and watching a movie together is It was a great day and the best part was what the majority voted for. the fellowship and the experience. It is One of our considerations was a very always special when the children can have brave young girl, Sareli Tufuga, who is in these memories for a lifetime. a wheel chair. We wanted to do an activity Our fun day out at the movies would that everyone would be able to participate in. not have been possible without the grant Twelve children attended the movies. of $500 that we received from the 'Let the They ranged in ages from five to 16 years, Children Live' fund. Thank you so much and they were accompanied by eight adult for this grant. parents and Sunday School teachers. It helped pay for the movie tickets, the It was hard to find a movie that would snacks during the movie, and the meal at cater to all the ages but we wanted a movie McDonalds. Thank you for thinking of our that had good values and a good lesson for children and having this fund available to the children to take away. Our choice was them. It was great that the children were 'My Pet Dinosaur' written and directed by able to be treated to a day out without Matt Drummond. parents worrying about funds. This was a great movie that was about God Bless you all from Manurewa adventure, friendship, community and Samoan Congregation Sunday School. 18 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017
NAI LALAKAI MAI NA WASEWASE KO VITI KEI ROTUMA E NIUSILADI Na Nodra Sigatabu na Cauravou kei na Goneyalewa, 22 ni Okotova 2017 NA NODA TIKO WAWA ME RA BULA NAI TABAGONE ENA YALODINA NI VEIQARAVI - LET THE YOUNG ENA MATA NI KALOU PEOPLE LIVE WITH SERVANT HEARTS Vakarautaka – Rev Alipate Livani (Lesoni: Luke 7:36-50) Eda curuma tiko nikua e dua na gadrevi na tamata medau yadrava na gauna, gauna sa toso tiko vakatotolo, levu na tosoi koya na yavavala ni yalo tabu me tatavasavasa, veikuiyaki, ka tatavukivuki cakacaka, me vakayagataka nai yau vua vakalevu. Ia, eda sa vakakusakusataki na gone turaga ko Jisu. sara tiko vakatotolo, ena vuravura qiqo SOLIA KECE VUA NA KALOU oqo. Sa yavalata na noda toso E soli vakarawarawa na waiwai vakusakusa, ia meda vakasosolo sara “alapaseta” sau levu. ni dua na tavaya vakamalua me rawa ni tawa tiko nai koya kenai sau ni dua na tamata ena dua lalakai ni va’qa ena lakolako oqo. na yabaki 300 vakacaca na dinare. Voroka E yavalati keda tiko evica na I yavu ka lumuta kina na yavai KARISITO. lelevu oqo: Power Shifts political, Yadrava na gauna Va-Kalou me da rawa economic, cultural, religious, values, Era ni yaga ena loma ni lotu. E solia taucoko sa yavalata vakalevu noda yavu eda kina na noda veiqaravi ena i lumuti ni maroroi keda tu mai ena dua na tabagauna. kalou oqo. Matai na nona loloma, nona Ena loma ni vakasosolo oqo keina gauna, nona yau, na yagona [drauniuluna] kaukauwa e kauta mai na viko ni biau me vakarautaki -Nai lumuti ni Kalou sa drodro, sa voqa ma kina na domo ena loma katuba ni mate keina tucake tale. Na veiqaravi me tekivu ga mai vale. (Serving begins at home). ni lekutu kei Waikato/ Waiariki oya meda Meda vakayagataki na noda nodai lavo, kakua ni guilecava: Na vula I Noveba na gauna kina veiqaravi ena lotu, me dolava vula I balolo levu, ia keitou sa na calata na katuba ni veisureti kina na matanitu ni na balolo ia sa neitou tavi me keitou Kalou. Me maroroa ka vakadewataki sobu vakatawana na balolo ni yabaki oqo ena vei ira na luveda na tukutuku ni lotu oqo, vica na vakasama mai na colo keina ia ena mana sara ni ra sarava ni da cakava bucabuca kei Waikato/Wairiki. tiko na lotu tiko e daidai. Oqo e dua talanoa ni dua na marama, Da veimaroroi, veiciqomi, veivukei, e a curuma tiko na I vakarau ni bula duidui veivakatakakatai ena vosa, me taleva cake ka cakava kina e vica na ka nodai vaqa ni kina na bula ni veiwekani vinaka. Sa rauta vula oqo. mada na veikaseti keina veidusi, vosa vei MEDA VAKASAQARA NA NODA vakacacataka ena eloma ni lotu. Meda tu GAUNA VUA NA KALOU ena galala, da qarava na lotu ena loma E dusia toka na yavu ni vakasama dina. oqo: Na nona waraka na gauna vinaka Va- E drodro vakayauyau na wai ni mata Kalou edua na marama. Tiko yavavala ka qusia ena yava i Jisu. Na wai ni mata tiko na vanua ni vakarurugi toka ena e dusia toka na kavoro ni yalona keina veiliutaki vaka-Roma. Na lotu e lewa na nona bula, ka qarava na nonai tavi kena liuliu na matanitu, o ira na lotu era vakayagataka na drauni uluna, ka reguca, dabeca vinaka toka na lawa keinai vakarau, ka sova yani na waiwai boi talei. Karisito na vanua e waraka toka na vosa ni parofita nai lumu ni bera ni curuma yani na Na veiqaravi me vakatovotovotaki ga e na vanua eda bula kina. (Practise where you earn it). ni na yaco mai edua nai Vakabula me mai katuba ni yaluma keina mosi. E digitaki vakabula na vanua. me cakava na cakacaka me vakarautaka E vakauqeti na marama oqo me me lumuti ni Kalou, na marama oqo. “Sai vakasaqara na vanua e tiko kina ko Jisu. yau levu na lotu keina loma vinaka.” (v37) E sega ni wele na marama valavala NAI TINITINI ca oqo, koto na nona sasaga me kunei Jisu. E dusimaka na bibi ni nona lomana na Na nona tavi na tamata me tiko wawa Kalou ka sega ni vakararavi ena vakabauta ena gauna Va-Kalou, kakua ni da kidacala se vosa walega ga, meda matana taka na ni sa tu ena noda yasa ni nona koro nai nona loloma. 1 Korinica 13:13 “Ia oqo, Vakabula. Na gauna ni Kalou vakaikoya sa tu na vakabauta, nai nuinui, na e solia na Bula, Tu Galala ka sega ni vesuki loloma, a ka tolutolu oqo; a sa uasivi keda na gauna. cake vei iratou na loloma.” Sa TUCAKE Ni yadrava na gauna Va-Kalou ka me tikovata keina na Karisito ena yasa ni vakayacora na kenai tavi. E dau vakayacora nona koro, ka lakova yani na kena soqo na Kalou ena nona gauna ga, ka vakasaqara kana vata ena vale ni Farisi, curubotea keda kina. 2 Korinica 5:17 Ia kevaka sa yani na loma ni vale, laki lumuta na yavai tuvata kei Karisito e dua na tamata sa Jisu ena wai ni mata, reguca, ka masia toka qai buli vou; sa lako tani na veika na yavana ena uluna keina waiwai makawa, raica sa yaco me vou na ka kecega. Na yalewa i valavala ca oqo e vakamareqeti “Alapaseta.” Na veiqaravi ena yalo dina ena dautudei ena gauna ni vei ME DAU KIDAVA KA sotava na gauna Va-Kalou, ka buli koya vakatovolei (Stood the test with a heart to serve). MAROROA NA GAUNA NI KALOU me dua na yalewa vou. Sa Vakabulai iko Na dauniveqaravi yalodina ka sega ni na nomu vakabauta LAKO ENA kauwaitaka nai rogorogo e vola toka ko VAKACEGU. Luke yalewa valavala ca. E cakacakataki Ni da waraka na gauna Va-Kalou eda koya ena gauna sa vakarogoca kina ni sa na rogoca vinaka na nona veitosoyaki tiko yaco mai ko Jisu. Sa raica koya mai ko na luve ni Kalou ena noda koro, vale kei Jisu, ka ciqomi koya vakavinaka ka duidui na vanua ni qaravi tavi duidui e da tiko mai na nodratou kakase na tisaipeli, kei kina. Ni ko sa rogoca na Domo koya, ratou na taukei ni vale- Farisi (v39). vakasaqarai koya nai Vakabula ka curu Sa tavi ni lotu (na yago i Karisito) me doudou ena loma ni vale ka laki Sova vua veisureti ena kana magiti, kua soti na na yalomu. O na sotava na nona gauna kakase, veidabui kenai veidusi, ena vinaka Va-Kalou. Ena tawa na noke vakatubuleqa. Ena loma ni lotu se yago i vakayalo ena balolo ni yabaki oqo, sai Karisito e tiko kina na veimataqali bula koya na Vakacegu ni Kalou. Na balolo duidui eso, me vaka e vola toka eke o vakayalo oqo e na cabe mai takali me mai Luke, e tiko eke eso era tagi, eso era mavoa, lewe ni noke ni Wasewase o Viti e eso era biliraki, duidui na rawa ka, eso ena Aotearoa ena Vula i Balolo levu- Noveba vakaqaqara bula, eso era cati. Oqo me ra 2017. qaravi. Eda sureti kece enai kanakana (Tabacakacaka o Waikato/Wairiki oqo. “Na lotu e Na Dauveiqaravi.” E Noveba 2017) Na nodra vakarautaki vinaka na i tabagone daidai, me ra dauniveiqaravi vinaka ni mataka. (Let our young people live to serve a better tomorrow). TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017 19
Rev Dr Nasili Vaka'tua address the gathering of Tongan Methodist ministers Members of the administrative team that made the event run smoothly. from Australia, the USA and New Zealand. Konifelenisi Fakatoukatea By 'Ikilifi Pope Na'e lava lelei 'a hono fakahoko 'o (v) ke tau Fakatu'amelie 'i he Katea 'oku ko e 'tukuhifo 'a e 'Otua' ke 'tatau' mo e kau faifekau ke fe'unga mo e 'ataki 'o e e 'Fakatoukatea' 'a ia ko e konifelenisi tau FOLAU ai (Ko'eni mo e Kaha'u) Tohitapu. 'I he fakalea 'e tahaa ko e 'aho ni. ma'ae kau faifekau mo e kau ma'u (vi) ke tau Fetakinima 'i he Katea 'oku fatongia 'o e Tohitapu ko hono fakamatala'i I hono fakama'opo'opo 'o e ngaahi lakanga fakaetaki 'oku ngaue 'i he tau PAKIPAKI ai (Fafine, To'utupu 'a e 'Otua ke toe mahino ange. ha'ofanga ko e taha 'o e ngaahi poini ngaahi siasi ni. etc). 'Oku makatu'unga 'ene lau ko 'ení mahu'inga na'e fokotu'u mai 'e he kau Fakatatau ki he fakamatala 'a e 'I he ngaahi polokalama na'e fakahoko koe'uhi he 'oku 'i ai 'a e ngaahi popo'uli faifekau na'e lava mai mei muli 'e tokoni faifekau sea, Tevita Finau ne fokotu'utu'u na'e kau ai 'a e po hiva, ako tohitapu pea 'i he ngaahi talanoa 'e ni'ihi 'o e Tohitapu 'a e Fakatoukateá 'o fakataumu'a ke mo e ngaahi ha'ofanga 'o taumu'a pe ki pea 'oku fehu'ia lahi ia 'i he 'atakai 'o e 'a e tukimononofo 'a e konifelenisi 'i he fetokoni'aki mo toe vaofi ange 'a e kau ha ngaahi me'a 'e lelei mo faka'asili lelei 'aho ni. 'I ha'a ne tanaki ki he fakakaukau ngaahi me'a 'e tokoni ki he kau faifekau faifekau, kau taki Tonga 'i he ngaahi ange ai 'a e faifatongia 'a e kau faifekau, ko iaa na'a ne toe fakamamafa'i foki 'a e pea mo e ngauee. motua'i Siasi Metotisi pe Fakatahataha setuata mo e kau taki 'i muli ni pea mo mahu'inga ki he kau faifekau ke nau sio'aki 'E toe mahu'inga foki ke toe lahi ange (Uniting/United) 'oku nau ngaue 'i he nau fetokoni'aki foki. mo fatu ha ngaahi fakakaukau fo'ou mei 'a e taimi 'o e kau faifekau ke talanoa'i 'a ngaahi fonua kehekehe 'i he kolope. Ko Ko e taha he ngaahi polokalama he Tohitapu ke fakamatala'aki 'a e 'ofa 'a e ngaahi me'a 'e tokoni kia kinautolu mo eni 'a e ngaahi taumu'a 'o e Konifelenisi matu'aki tokoni ko e ako tohitapu na'e e 'Otua 'a e 'oku tokoni ange ki he mo'ui hono fatongia tauhi kakai 'i muli ni. 'A ia Fakatoukateá. fakahoko 'e he puleako 'o e 'Apiako 'a e kakai mo e komuniti 'o e 'aho ni. na'a nau pehee foki ko e taha 'o e ngaahi (i) ke tau Fakafeta'i 'i he Katea 'oku tau Tohitapu Trinity, Rev Dr Nasili Vaka'uta. 'I he fakakaukau ia 'oku ne feinga ke fakakaukau mahu'inga na'e lave ki ai 'a TAHA ai (Sino-Ha-Mai-'o-Kalaisi). Ko e taha 'o e ngaahi poini na'a ne mahino ki he kau ako faifekau 'oku ne Nasili 'i he 'ene akotohitapu. (ii) ke tau Fe'inasi'aki 'i he Katea 'oku fakamamafa'i ko hono toe lau 'o e Tohitapu teuteu'i 'i he 'apiako Trinity ka 'oku ne tau KAU ai (Faka-Konifelenisi). 'i he maama mo e mahino 'o e 'atakai 'o fakatokanga'i 'oku faingata'a ia ki he ni'ihi 'I he hili 'a e konifelenisi na'e loto pe (iii) ke tau Fetokoni'aki 'i he Katea 'oku e 'aho ni. ke nau matanga mei he ngaahi fakakaukau 'a e kau fakafofongá ke toe fakahoko pe tau TAKI ai (VTOA, TNC etc). 'I he 'uhinga ko ia na'a ne pehe ai ko na'a nau a'usia mo maheni mo ia 'i Tonga. 'a e Fakatoukateá he ta'u fo'oú 'i Növema (iv) ke tau Feako'aki 'i he Katea 'oku tau e Tohitapu 'oku 'uhinga ia ke ne Kaekehe, 'oku ne feinga lahi ke fai pea nau pehe ko e sai tahá pe ke toe TEUTEU ai (Ng Ako'anga Teolosia). fakamatala'i 'a e 'Otua ka 'oku 'ikai ko e hono lelei tahaa ke tokoni mo teu'i 'a e fakahoko mai pe ki Nu'u Silá ni. Kau Fanau Tonga Metotisi Ki He Filimi Fesitivolo 'I Tonga Methodist young people participate in Nukualofa Film Festival By 'Ikilifi Pope kau mai ai ki he fesitivolo ni koe'uhii ke 'i ai ha Na'e kau atu ha fanau mei hotau ngaahi faingamalie ke nau fakahaa'i pe talanoa'i ai 'enau Siasi mei Nu'u Sila ni ki ha fesitivolo fa'u faiva ngaahi talanoa (tell their stories). nounou (short film festival) 'i Tonga 'a ia na'e He ko 'enau ngaahi talanoa 'oku totonu pe ke ui ko e Nuku'alofa Film Festival. Ko e fesitivolo talanoa'i. 'Oku 'ikai ko ia pe ka ko e faingamalie ko 'eni na'e fakahoko ia 'i he ngaahi uike si'i ia ki he komunitii ke nau fanongo 'i he 'enau ngaahi na'e toki maliu atu. talanoaa. 'Oku 'ikai foki ke fa'a lahi ha faingamalie Ko e toko lahi 'o e kau folau ko 'eni 'oku nau ke fanongo ai 'a e Siasi mo e komuniti ki he le'o kau ki he kulupu faiva ko e Black Friars Theatre 'o e to'utupu pea mo e ngaahi talanoa 'a e fanau Company. Na'e pehe 'e Sisi'uno Helu, ko e Tonga. palesiteni 'o e komiti ko e me'a fakafiefia ko e Ka 'oku 'i ai 'a e ngaahi me'a lelei mo mahu'inga faka'a'au ke toe tokolahi ange 'a e fanau to'utupu 'aupito ia 'oku fa'o 'i he ngaahi talanoa 'a e to'utupu, 'oku nau kau ange ki he fesitivolo ni. ko e lau ia 'a Simulata. Ko e ngaahi talanoa 'a e Fakatatau ki he fakamatala ki ha taha 'o e kau to'utupu 'oku kau ai 'enau fiefia he ngaahi me'a folau, Viola Johanson, ko e faingamalie eni ki he 'oku nau a'usia 'i he mo'uii. fanau 'oku nau fie foua 'a e mala'e 'o e 'eti faiva 'Oku 'ikai ko ia pe ka 'oku 'i ai mo 'enau mamahi pea mo e fa'u faiva (acting & film maker). mo e puputu'u (frustrations) 'i he kehekehe 'a 'enau 'I he fakakaukau ko ia na'e kau ki he kau folau mo'uii pea mo e ngaahi me'a 'oku a'usia 'e he 'enau ni 'a Viola Johanson mei he Potungaue Talavou 'a matu'aa. Tokaima'ananga mei Otara, 'a ia 'oku ke ako ki he Ko matu'a tokolahi foki ia na'e tupu hake 'i fa'u faiva (film writer). Na'e kau atu foki ki ai pea Tonga pea ko e tokolahi 'o e to'utupu ia na'e tupu mo 'Iunisi Johanson mei Tokaima'ananga pe 'a ia hake ia 'i muli ni 'a ia ko e to'utangata hono ua 'oku ne tokanga'i 'a e tafa'aki fakatekinolosia (technician) ki he Black Friars Theatre Company. (second generation) kinautolu 'o e tupu hake 'i Ko e toenga 'o e kau folau ni ko e fanau Tonga mulii, ko e hoko atu ia 'a e fakamatala 'a Simulata 'oku nau lolotonga 'i he 'elia 'o e fa'u mo e 'eti Pope, 'a ia na'a ne taki mai 'i he kau folau ko 'enii. faiva. Ko e taha e me'a na'e fakafiefia ki he kulupu Na'e pehe 'e Viola Johanson ko 'enau visone ni ko 'enau mamata pe fanongo 'i he ngaahi talanoa ke nau a'u 'o fa'u 'a e ngaahi talanoa 'a hotau ia 'a e fanau 'i Tonga ni pea mo e ngaahi me'a 'oku tukufakaholo ke mamata ki ai 'a mamani. 'Oku hoko ki he 'enau mo'uii. lahi 'a e ngaahi talanoa pea mo e talatupu'a 'o e 'I hono fakafehoanaki mo muli ni neongo 'oku hotau ki'i fonua ka 'oku te'eki ke lava ha fa'u ia ki kehekehe 'a e 'atakaii ka 'oku nau 'inasi he me'a ai pea mo fakatata'i ke mamata ki ai 'a mamani tatau pe. Na'e fakafuofua ki ha ngaahi filimi nai mo e komuniti. 'e 20 na'e faka'ali'ali 'i he fesitivolo ni. Ko e ngaahi Ko e filimi na'a nau folau mo ia ke faka'ali'alii, filimi nounou ni na'e fa'u ia 'e he kau fa'u faiva 'oku kau 'i he kalasi ko e fakamatala (documentary), Tonga, Palangi pea mo e Pasifikii foki. pea ko e faiva pe talanoaa na'e ui ko e Southside Ko e fanau Tonga 'e toko 4 mei Nu'u Sila ni Rise. 'A ia ko e faiva (documentarty) ko 'eni na'e na'a nau ma'u faingamalie ke faka'ali'ali 'enau fokotu'utu'u ia 'e Simulata Pope (director of the talanoa pe faiva 'i he fesitivolo ni. Black Friars media team), ko e lau ia 'a Viola. Ko e po 'e ua na'e fakahoko ai 'a e fesitolo pea Ko e kau talekita kehe mei Nu'u Sila na'e kau na'e tokolahi 'aupito 'a e kau mamata pea pehe ki 'emau filimi ko Maria Vai, Vea Mafile'o, Amperly he ngaahi potungaue talavou na'a nau lava ange Aumua, pea mo Jeremaiah Taua Miti. 'o mamata he fesitivolo ko 'eni. Na'e fiefia 'aupito 'I he fakamatala 'a Simulata ki he mitia na'a 'a e fanau na'a nau folau atu mei Nu'u Sila ni ki ne peh_ ai ko e taha 'a e 'uhinga na'a ne loto ke he fesitivolo ni. 20 TOUCHSTONE • NOVEMBER 2017
FAKALOTOFALE’IA Ko e ngaue ne taau mo e langi kae fai 'e tautolu 'i mamani By Rev Finau Halaleva mo e tauhi lotu oku tau fai. Ke 'oua e 'I he fakalotofale'ia 'o e mahina holoki 'a Kalaisi, ko e Folofola 'a e ni 'oku ou faka'amu ke toe fakaongo 'Otua na'e 'ai-kakano, 'o tu'unga tatau atu 'a hotau tefito'i fatongia ko ia mo e tohitapu, 'aia ko e ngaahi kuo ui kitautolu ki ai. Ko hotau ui fakamatala tanaki 'e he ngaahi mo fekau'i ke faka'ilo 'a e 'Otua pea to'utangata mei ono'aho kilukilua ke mo hono finangalo, 'o 'ikai 'i he loto'i poupou ki he'ene lotu. siasi pe mo e famili ka ke a'u atu foki Ko e 'Otua 'oku 'ikai nofo ai pe ia ki he tapa kotoa 'o mamani. Ko e he kakai 'o e kuohili ka 'oku ne kei ngaue ne taau mo e langi ka kuo fai 'omi me'a lelei ma'a kitaua he 'e kitautolu 'i mamani. lolotonga ke fakakoloa'aki 'e ta Ko e ngaue faka'ilo me'a 'a e 'Otua fononga. na'e talu pe ia mei he kamata'anga 'a Ko e taha e fakakaukau 'ene hoko ko hono anga tu'ukimu'a. fakatukufakaholo e tauhi lotu 'oku tau Ka kuo ne fakahoko mai e mafai ko fai ko e fie nofo hevani. Kuo tau-ma'u ia; 'a hono anga langilangi'ia kae'uma'a e fakatata 'o hevani 'iate kitautolu pea e ivi 'o hono nima ke 'a-taua 'a e ngaue kuo ne holataki'i ai kitautolu mo 'etau ko ia. Ko ia, 'oku taau ai mo kitaua tokanga ke hangataha pe ki he potu ke fai hano fakamalo'ia 'a e tu'utai e 'oku 'i 'olunga ko hevani. Kuo taku ai ngaue 'a hotau 'Otua pea 'oua e ngata 'e he tokolahi tokua ko mamani ko e pe he'eta hiva kae 'oatu 'a hotau kotoa: potu kehe mo fakataimi pea ko 'etau sino, loto, laumalie. fou mai pe ai ke tali 'etau lelue ki Ko e ui mo e fekau 'a e 'Otua na'e hevani. fai he taimi kotoa pe kuo 'alu hee ai Kuo kuihi ai kitautolu 'e he 'a hono kakai meiate ia. Na'a ne fekau fokoutua ko 'eni 'o e 'avanga mai he kau peteliake; kau fakamaau; fakahevani, mei he to'e mo e tangi kau mo'unga'i tangata 'o 'Isileli; moe kau palofita. Ko e tumutumu 'o 'ene mai 'a hotau kaungamo'ui tukuhausia fekau ko 'ene fekau'i mai hono 'Alo mo masiva, he'etau mo'u hangA ki ko Sisu Kalaisi. 'olunga. Ko e me'a lelei 'a e hohoi ki Neongo kuo ne toetu'u mei he hevani kae manatu ke 'ofa ki he masiva pekia 'o ne ha'ele hake, kuo ne tuku pea mo pakiua ho'o konga ma mo e mai hono Laumalie Ma'oni'oni ke fe'ao fiekaia he ko ia 'oku ne fai hota mo kitaua 'o fai 'aki e fekau tatau: ke fakataau ki hevani. Tali pe ho'o lelue 'ilo mo 'iloa 'a Kalaisi he'etau mo'ui. kae'oua na'a si'aki ai hotau ngafa ke tauhi hotau atakali he ko hotau ngafa Pea 'oku ou puke ai e faingamalie Rev Finau Halaleva and his young family. ni ke fakamalo ki he Vahenga Ngaue faka - 'Otua ia. Auckland Manukau he falala kuo fai fai hano lulu'i mo tupe'i e fala tauhi 'aho ni ke tomu'a maheni mo e ngaahi Pea ko e fakakaukau ia 'oku kiate au ke fai 'a e teuteu mo e tokoni tukufakaholo 'o e lotu, kae fakama'anu palopalema 'oku hoko 'i hono 'atakai fakama'opo'opo ki ai e ki'i fakamalanga kiate kinautolu kuo ui hake e koloa 'e tokoni ange ki he pea ngaue'aki 'a 'ene fakakaukau lelei, fakalotofale'ia ko 'eni - kuo mo pole ki he fatongia malanga 'a e fatongia malanga mo fenaapasi mo e he funga e tokoni mai e ivi 'o e fakanaunau kitaua 'e he 'Otua 'aki ha siasi. taimi kae'uma'aa hotau 'atakai. Pea Laumalie Ma'oni'oni ke haofaki hono 'ilo mo ha fakakaukau lelei ke ta 'Oku 'ikai ko ha me'a si'i ka ko e 'oku sio 'eni ki he anga 'o hono kaungamo'ui. ngaohi 'a e mamani 'oku ta 'iai ko ha fakafeta'i ki he tokoni e ivi 'o e malanga'i e Tohitapu he kuonga ni. Ke 'oua 'e hiki e tohitapu ke mafai hevani, ko ha potu 'oku tau feohi ai Laumalie 'oku lele-'i-matangi ai e Koe'uhi he na'e fatu e Tohitapu 'e tatau mo e 'Otua kae ngaue'aki e mo e 'Otua. Pea ko e fakafeta'i ia 'oku fatongia ni. Tanaki atu ki he ngaahi he kakai 'o e kuohili ke tokoni ki fakakaukau lelei na'e foaki mai 'e he toka 'i hotau loto koe'uhi ko e: Ngaue naunau 'a e kau holomu'a he fatongia he'enau tauhi lotu na'e fai, 'oku pehee 'Otua ke fatu 'aki ha ngaahi talanoa ne taau mo e langi, fai kitaua 'i tokoni fakamalangaa, ko ha feinga ke 'a e mahu'inga ki he kau malanga 'o e fo'ou ke ne fakakoloa hotau kuonga mamani. Émeni. Kuo a'u ki Falealea Taha He Fanau 'A E Siasi Metotisi He Fili 2017 (Member of Methodist family reaches Parliament in 2017 election) By 'Ikilifi Pope Tonga kuo hiki mai pe tupu polisi mo e tui 'a e Fa'ahi Ko e taha he ngaahi hake 'i Nu'u Sila ni ke nau Leipa. fiefia kuo a'u ki ai 'a e fakakoloa 'a e fonua ni 'aki Ko 'Anahila Kanongata'a Vahefonua pea mo e Siasi 'a honau taleniti, taukei mo na'a ne hiki mai mei Tonga Metotisi 'o Nu'u Sila ni e poto'i ngaue pea mo honau kae'uma'a 'a e komuniti ivi lahi foki, ko e fakamatala mo hono famili 'oku ne kei Tonga 'o Aotearoa ko e hu ia 'a 'Anahila 'o felave'i pea ta'u 10 p e 'o ne siasi 'i 'a e taha 'o 'enau mo 'ene ma'u faingamalie Onehunga. fanautama ki Falealea. ke hu ki Falealea. Na'a ne lautohi faka- Kuo hoko 'a 'Anahila Na'a ne toe pehe foki 'i Sapte hake ai pe mo Kanongata'a mei he siasi he fakakaukau mo 'uhinga potungaue talavou 'o toki Metotisi 'o Onehunga ko e ko ia 'oku ne tokoni ai 'i he tokotolu Tonga'aki ia kuo ngaahi fatongia kehekehe a'u ki he ma'u hoa. Ko e taha lava atu mei Fa'ahi Leipa ko e ngaue 'ofa pe mo e foki 'ene ngaahi manatu (Labour Party) ki Falealea. tokoni ki he komuniti. Ko e melie ko e ngaue fakataha Ko e taha 'i he me'a 'oku 'uhinga pe ia 'oku ne fiefia 'a e kakai 'o e Siasi 'o manako ki ai 'a 'Anahila ko ai 'i he faingamalie ko 'eni Onehunga ke tokoni'i e ngaue ma'ae komuniti. 'oku ne ma'u ke ne kau 'i kinautolu 'a e fanau he taimi 'Oku ne tui ki he fakakoloa hono alea'i 'a e ngaahi me'a 'e he Tonga 'a e fonua ni pea 'e kau lelei ki he mo'ui 'a e ko iaa. mo e komuniti. kakai Tonga pea mo e Na'e kau foki 'ene ongo 'I he fakalea 'e taha 'oku komuniti fakalukufua 'o matu'a 'i he fuofua kamata New Labour MP 'Anahila Kanongata'a. taau mo fe'unga 'a e kakai fakatatau ki he palani ngaue, mai 'a e Siasii 'i Onehunga.