melanesia news

Learning Together ACoM Teachers Visit UK Prayer, People, Giving Issue 74, Autumn 2015 Where is your faith?

Second, the Church exists to make new disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything else is decoration. Some of it may be very necessary, useful, or wonderful decoration – but it’s decoration.” He put it as starkly as that because it is the following of Christ that leads us to know that this remains God’s world even in disaster, and that God loves this world. It is that which leads to the self sacrificial love that should characterise the Christian life and lead us to respond to all those in need. That response is the result of the faith ignited in us by the Holy Spirit, if you like the “wonderful decoration”. Our particular call is to respond in love to Aid being distributed on Anuta our sisters and brothers in and As I write this introduction to the MMUK , and in particular in times of stress. I am magazine, news of yet more extreme weather constantly inspired by the faith and courage of conditions across the pacific are coming in. El Christians in the Church in Melanesia, and hope Nino weather patterns, Cyclone Pam and Cyclone that we can respond as well as we can. Raquel are all taking their toll. Please be constant in prayer for all in the Anglican The gospels tell us of a time when the force of Church of Melanesia, and those who will hold nature terrified the disciples of Jesus. The storm responsibility in the aftermath of these crises. Let on the lake that arose when Jesus was sleeping others know of the need and encourage them to led to his disciples crying out “Master, we are respond. Thank you to all who will already have perishing!” St Luke goes on to tell us: “Jesus woke given generously, and given generously to other and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they causes. ceased and there was a calm.” +Nigel Stock So often we pray for relief from the extremes of weather, for those who suffer in our world. What Jesus says to his disciples is telling; “Where is your faith?” That of course seems hard to us, but the Son of God tells us that this is God’s world, it is His creation, and even in the mystery and suffering of natural disaster God is still the creator God, more than that, through Jesus, God tells us He is with us. In a recent lecture on Evangelism, the said; “I want to start by saying just two simple sentences about the Church. First, the Church exists to worship God in Jesus Christ. Destruction after Cyclone Pam

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 2 Cyclone Appeal

In March 2015 Cyclone Pam devastated the Islands of Vanuatu and other pacific countries, in what was called one of the strongest tropical storms in recent years. Schools, parishes and individuals across the UK responded most generously to the call for prayer support and donations following the disaster. When the news broke about the storm, many supporters asked MMUK how they could help. In response the charity launched a special appeal for prayer support and financial assistance. The response was immediate and touching. Churches organised collections and schools ran fundraising cake stalls and ACoM staff observing the distribution of non-uniform days. Pupils also wrote prayers, which supplies on Merelava Island the charity was able to deliver in person to the disaster relief supplies bound for Temotu from Bishop of Vanuatu, Bishop . The Bishop 15th to 22nd April 2015 and later on to Vanuatu was incredibly moved, and made copies of the in May. prayer booklets for all his schools. In Temotu, the ship was sent out with 4 tonnes of Rice, 200 CTNS of noodles, and 100 CTNS of Taiyo, 100 tents and cartons of mixed goods containing clothes, kitchen utensils, and local building materials. The priests, chiefs and elders in the visited islands and communities acknowledge the team for visiting them in times of difficulties. “We were blessed by your surprise visit because communication is not on our side; however, your presence here today truly encourages us,” one prominent elder in the island of Anuta said. Trustee Andrew Cartwright presents Bishop James with a The remainder of the MMUK appeal money book of prayers from UK school children will be used to prepare for future extreme weather conditions, building shelters and When the appeal closed it had raised over secure areas for storing food. £35,000. Some of these donations went to buy shelters and food for people whose gardens The Anglican Church of Melanesia would like (growing areas) had been washed away in the to thank its mission partners, aid donors, more remote areas not reached by the big aid families individuals and school children agencies. who have given support in one way or other to the people of Temotu ACoM loaded its flagship MV Southern Cross with and Vanuatu.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 3 Archbishop David Reflects

are fully aware about the existence of the partnership. However, Lara and Erin Drew spent three months here with their parents in 2011. And Henry and Charlie Butler spent some time with their parents here in 2013. As children and young people have been part of this partnership, it suggests that the link between MMUK and Melanesia will grow from strength to strength in the years to come. On my retirement, I would like to take Archbishop returns the Pastoral Staff this opportunity to thank Bishop Nigel During the last few years we have seen the Stock the Chairman, and all Trustees of strengthening of partnership between MMUK and MMUK. It is from your love and care for Melanesia the Anglican Church of Melanesia. The number that the partnership has been revitalised. of people visiting from MMUK each year is an It is difficult to name everybody, so I wish to thank indication that the partnership has truly come all our friends and supporters of Melanesia in the alive. Dioceses of Exeter, Chester and elsewhere in the People from UK are once again showing interest UK. We are greatly indebted by your goodness and in Melanesia. They come to visit dioceses, we can only say thank you very much. parishes, and religious communities, they share in ++ David Vunagi fellowship and happily engage in the daily lives of the people. Their time in Melanesia has given them first hand The Province of the Anglican Church of Melanesia experience about the simple way of life and made a farewell liturgical service marking the the challenges we grapple with in the mission official retirement of the Archbishop of the and ministry of the church here. And it is very Anglican Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend humbling to see how they are not concerned David Vunagi on Sunday 6th September 2015. by the absence of comfort, but easily adapt to the climate, food and the Melanesian way of The day’s programme gave thanks to God for the life. For that we say thank you to our friends and services offered to ACoM and to this province by supporters. Archbishop David over the last thirty eight years, as a teacher and lecturer in Church institutes and The link between UK schools and ACoM Schools as priest, Bishop and Archbishop. is another partnership that we are excited about. A highlight of the partnership has been The Most Reverend David Vunagi took up the the exchange of teachers. In August 2014 three Pimatial role in the Anglican Church of Melanesia teachers from Devon – Ruth Clarke, Ruth Ingrouille in 2009, succeeding the late Emeritus Sir Ellison and Amanda Parsons spent two weeks in Honiara Pogo. Before this Archbishop David served as the training teachers, and this summer you have Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Temotu for nine hosted four Melanesian teachers in Chester and years Exeter dioceses. Since last year, Archbishop David and his wife No exchange of students has taken Mary Vunagi have made farewell visits to the place so far between the respective dioceses, parishes, church institutions and schools, but I am sure the students religious communities.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 4 In his farewell address, the retiring Archbishop The election of the next Archbishop will be on urged members of the church to support the next the 12th of February and his enthronement is . He also thanked the scheduled for 17th April 2016. bishops, priests and lay members of the church for Aldrin Peloko - ACoM Communications Officer the support rendered to him during his leadership in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Prayer The ACoM General Secretary, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi Almighty God, for whom the islands wait, and the Senior Bishop the Right Reverend Nathan we give thanks for the faithful stewardship and Tome also thanked the retiring Archbishop David ministry of Archbishop David Vunagi. for his leadership qualities and wisdom in carrying We pray for him and for Mary as he retires. ACoM through very difficult and challenging times. We pray for those who will elect his successor. Guide the bishops, clergy, laity and members of the The Moderator of the United Church in Solomon religious communities, that all may stay faithful to Islands also acknowledged the retiring Archbishop their calling to serve the people of Melanesia and for the relationship between ACoM and the UCSI. bear witness to your holy Name. Joining the remarkable service were the nine Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishops from the nine dioceses that make up the ACoM, the Moderator of the United church Amen in Solomon Islands, representatives from the Melanesian Trust Board New Zealand, other overseas guests and church members within the Dioceses of Central Melanesia. The Senior Bishop of the Church, the Right Reverend Nathan Tome, Bishop of the , will be the spiritual father during the vacancy.

Gathered outside St. Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara Also Retiring Bishop Richard Naramana, Bishop and rebuild it to what it is like of Ysabel is also retiring this year. today. I am so honoured by the Bishop Richard has held this confidence and trust people have position since 2004. in my leadership.” Speaking at his final Synod in The Election of the new Bishop 2014, Bishop Richard said: “I am will take place during 8th - 10th so privileged and grateful to November at TNK, the have been given the chance to Headquarters of the lead this Diocese, out of crises, Sisters of the Church.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 5 ACoM Teachers in UK

As their mentors had previously visited the Solomon Islands, practical solutions were identified, and the teachers returned to the Solomon Islands with an action plan for disseminating their ideas and skills. They will share this knowledge with not only their own schools, but with other ACoM Schools. The teachers One of the charity’s major projects this year has will also continue to been the visit by four ACoM teachers to the UK. be supported by their UK mentors and by MMUK. This followed the successful ‘Talk Champions’ training delivered Away from the classroom the in Honiara last teachers were generously August by three hosted by a number of Devon teachers. families and taken on day Salome Vuthia from trips to experience life in St Francis School, English villages, towns Margaret Gwalo and cities. There was also a from Norman week long stay in Chester Palmer School, Diocese and the opportunity Margaret Razak to visit partnered schools, from St Nicholas Bishop Willie and family and School, and Louisah supporters. The teachers also Twomey from travelled to London to meet Taroniara School, MMUK Trustees and to see St were selected to Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and represent their schools and travel to the UK Buckingham Palace. Their final weekend was spent for four weeks training. Under the supervision of staff from Feniton CofE Primary School and Tipton St John CofE Primary School, in Exeter Diocese, the four ladies observed and then taught in a range of classes. They were also able to go on school trips and experience the Christian distinctness and management of church primary schools. Each teacher was assigned a mentor, and was able to discuss how action plans and new skills may be implemented in a Solomon Islands setting.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 6 being looked after by the Community of the Sisters of the Church, at St Michael’s Convent, Ham. In their farewell speech, Margaret Gwalo, said: “Thank you so much for your very warm welcome. I, on behalf of the visiting teachers, would like to acknowledge our school partners, supporters and the Melanesian Mission for making it possible for us to be able to come here and meet you all. It is indeed a great honour, privilege and a life time experience that we will treasure. Something that we could never of imagined happening to us. “Thank you to all our host families and for those who have taken us on day trips to gardens, the seaside, cathedrals and churches. We thank all those involved with future teacher exchanges. our trip. Thank you to all the schools, universities “Words cannot really express our appreciation and and diocesan staff who have met with us. gratitude to you. We ask God for his continued “Be assured that this trip has been very successful. blessings on us all. Thank you.” Over the past four weeks we have seen and learnt MMUK would like to thank the staff at Feniton and from you, and this we will be sharing with our Tipton, to all the schools visited, to the Bishops fellow teachers and pupils back home. and Diocesan staff who met with the teachers, “We thank God for our togetherness and school and to the host families and supporters who came partnerships, which have brought us together along to events to greet the ladies. over 9,000 miles. We pray to God that our This project would not have been feasible without companionships continue to grow, and we the generous donations from individuals, parishes, welcome visitors from the UK to Solomons and and from Chester and Exeter Dioceses.

The teachers with The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 7 Praying with the Angli

The Anglican Province of Papua New Guinea Sunday Pray for the Anglican Church of Melanesia as they go through the process of choosing a new Archbishop. For Archbishop David as he begins his retirement, we give thanks. For Dr Abraham Hauriasi the General Secretary of ACoM, and the Revd George Elo, the Secretary of the Melanesian Board of Mission. For Church Schools, rural training centres, the Bishop Patteson Theological College and all their staff and students. For Razak Lent and his work as Literacy Coordinator for the Province. Thursday Monday The Community of the Sisters of Melanesia and For the Diocese of Temotu and Bishop George their work with women throughout the islands. Takeli, and the Diocesan Secretary Patteson For Head Sister Colleen and Chaplain Revd Denis Palapu. For the ACoM Project Planning Office (new Tolia. For Associates in Melanesia and in the UK. officer yet to be recruited) and for Holland Sikou, For Margaret Mara the Senior Nurse at St Clare’s Solar Project Officer. Pray for all development work Hospital, Taroniara, Gela, and for all healthcare across the Province. For the Mission to Seafarers work in the islands. Chaplains in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Friday Tuesday For the and for the retiring For the Society of St Francis throughout the world, Bishop Richard Naramana. For the work of the especially their work in Melanesia and for Brother Mothers’ Union at national and local level. For Provincial Br. Sam Siho in his leadership. For the the literacy programme, parenting programme, new postulants and for all others seeking to outreach work in the maternity unit, on the streets explore their calling to the Franciscan First Order and in the prison. For the MU President Mary and Third Order in Melanesia. Vunagi and for all MU staff and volunteers. Wednesday Saturday For the Diocese of Vanuatu & New Caledonia and For the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Brothers, Bishop James Ligo. For the education project with Novices and Aspirants. We pray for the Great Blackburn Diocese. For Joses Togase, the Deputy Conference and newly elected leaders. For all the General Secretary, based in Vanuatu. For all Companions in Melanesia and across the world, the communities rebuilding after the that they may support the Brothers’ work through recent cyclones. prayer, giving, and hospitality.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 8 Membership 2015/16 : tear-out section To ensure that you are kept up to date with all that is happening with the Melanesian Mission in Melanesia and in the UK, please can you complete this tear-out section and return it to the Executive Officer.

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Sunday For the Diocese of Central Melanesia in the vacancy since Archbishop David’s retirement. For those affected by climate change, and The Anglican Province of for the rebuilding of safe homes, schools and Melanesia communities. For those working to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation. For School Partnerships Thursday and for teachers and pupils. For the Diocese of Guadalcanal and Bishop Monday Nathan Tome as he oversees the vacancy of the Archbishop of Melanesia and Bishop of Central For the Community of the Sisters of the Church Melanesia. For volunteers from UK, Australia and and for those in life vows. For Provincial Sister New Zealand who work in Melanesia. Pray for the Kathleen. For the ongoing work of the Christian Provincial Cathedral of St. Barnabas, Honiara, and Care Centre and the work on gender violence the Dean, Fr Davidson Nwaeramo, and all who issues with the police and community leaders. minister and worship there. Tuesday Friday The , Diocesan Bishop Sam For the Diocese of Banks and Torres and Bishop Sahu and Area Bishop . For Fr Graham Patteson Worek. For the Vanuatu Christian Council Mark and his work in building respectful, safe and the Solomon Islands Christian Association, and caring communities across the islands. For and their work encouraging unity and harmony the printing works in Honiara and shipyard at between the different Christian Churches. Taroniara that they too may help support the mission and ministry of the church. Pray for those Saturday who work and travel on the Southern Cross. For the Diocese of Hanuato’o and Bishop Alfred Wednesday Karibongi. For the New Zealand Trust Board and its directors, as they work with the Church in For the Diocese of Central Solomons and Bishop Melanesia. For all those who support and assist . For Frank Seka, Internal Auditor, and the Anglican Church of Melanesia through prayer, all the administrative Provincial and Diocesan people and giving. staff. For partner churches and organisations in Australia. For agencies working with ACoM from around the world. For the Melanesian Mission.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 9 The Great Conference

The Melanesian Brotherhood’s Great Conference horizon looking for somewhere to land safely. will run from 9th – 25th October, with the theme - The rough seas and the waves are the challenges Advancing MBH values for Mission Today. we experience in the church today and the Companions and supporters are asked to pray for Melanesian Brotherhood being at the forefront of the conference, for those attending and for the Mission is also caught in this situation. elections taking place. This conference needs to come up with a new Prayer strategy to take this Brotherhood forward in her Mission here in Melanesia and beyond. Almighty and everlasting God, the time and scope of the mission has changed. So help us oh Lord Revd Richard Carter, MMUK Trustee and Chaplain to hold the wind and catch the breeze of this to UK Companions will be running workshops at changing time; so that we may be able to take a the Conference. Joining Richard will be a number new course for your mission amidst the challenge of Chester Companions. of today. Lord God open our eyes to look beyond Alphonse Garimae the horizon of this present time to see you. Lead Secretary to the Melanesian Brotherhood this Brotherhood in the midst of changing waves, tossing about by every shifting wind of present Here are the nominations for the elections at the changing time. Show us the way Lord and calm Great Conference the waves, so that we may arrive safely at the SOLOMON ISLANDS REGION shore, to extend Your Mission of love to the world. 1. BR. JESSIE ARAIASI Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 2. BR. NELSON BAKO This prayer is set in the Pacific Island context, 3. BR. DAVIS CYPRIAN with its many little Islands, white sandy beaches 4. BR. ALBERT IROGA and the palm trees swaying here and there. The PAPUA NEW GUINEA REGION direction of the wind and rough seas being a 1. BR. SAMSON GIS common everyday experience. 2. BR.MARTIN OGOBA 3. BR. KELLIOT BETU Therefore it is in the light of this, that we see the 4. BR. JOE AISOUL Mission of the Melanesian Brotherhood today VANUATU REGION being affected by the challenges of the present 1. BR. EXLY WOTAI time. It is very much like being in the 2. BR. GILLION MONAGAGI midst of the rough seas tossing about 3. BR. NATHANIEL TAGOA the waves, gazing towards the 4. BR. GREGLY SINE

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 10 UK Companions

Thank you for the scouring of the sand and sea and the new life it brought!. Thank you for the shared prayers and our silence as we listened to the sound of creation. Thank you for the incredible sun refracting across the surface of the sea into that incredible sparkling diamond light. Thank you to the seals that Companions, Holy Island came to meet us. And most of all to God who gave us this day INI KOPURIA DAY, HOLY ISLAND, together, as a pure gift. NORTHUMBERLAND 6 JUNE 2015 I came home full of that inspiration and blessing. What a wonderful Ini Kopuria Day that was! I do hope that if the tides are right we can make It felt such a Melanesian elemental day. The walk this an annual event and even more will join across the sand was so dramatic with the wind, us. It was a day I will never forget- a day we sun and clouds and the sky meeting the sea. It felt really experienced the Spirit of the Melanesian like walking into God’s eternity. Brotherhood and the Spirit of God. Thank you to Ini Kopuria founder of the May we hold one another and the Melanesian Melanesian Brotherhood who inspired our Brotherhood in our love and prayers and continue pilgrimage and our worship. Thank you to the to be pilgrims in God’s service. May you be like fire Melanesian Brotherhood who we prayed for and that is always burning with love for God and your who continue to inspire us in the true way of neighbour! service. With love and prayers Thank you Companions for your faith, and Revd Richard Carter participation and helping each other across the Chaplain to Companions European Region slippery sand and when the wind blew strongest.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 11 Regional Visits in their manual work – sweeping and weeding, feeding pik-pik, and making large amounts of cassava ‘pudding’. I attended Pijin lessons, taught literacy classes, led Bible study, drama and singing sessions, and spent long and rewarding afternoons talking with groups of Brothers and Sisters about vocation, community, and the differences between life in the UK and Solomons. I was inspired by the infectious joy and dedication of the young members of these communities who are so humble and so open, so passionate about sharing their faith with other people. My time in Solomons has had a huge impact on Sarah with CSM Novices me. I experienced how the Gospel is lived out by Earlier this year Sarah Crompton (along with the Brothers and Sisters we stayed with. I learned Catherine Duce), spent three months with the to appreciate the value of living in community, religious communities in the Solomon Islands. the richness of their prayer life, the joy that comes Here she tells her story; from working with others to achieve a shared goal. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of This was my first visit to Solomon Islands and people who have so little, yet so joyfully share everything felt so different to life in central what they have with others. In rural areas I was London, not least the contrast between leaving moved to witness the care and respect shown the UK in the darkness of a frosty February to elderly members of the village, and I stayed in morning and arriving in Honiara in 30 degree households where the responsibility of child-care sunshine! I experienced a refreshingly slower is eased because it is shared by the whole family. I pace of life in Solomons: a way of living focused return to the UK inspired by what I have seen and on human interactions and community, a way of experienced, and with a greater understanding living that seems committed to being physically of the way that these communities live and present ‘in the moment.’ For me this was such about some of the challenges they face. I know a positive contrast to the appointment-driven, that everything I experienced during my visit rush-hour pace of life back at home. From the will enable me to give more support to these moment I arrived I was overwhelmed by the communities through prayer and fundraising in welcome I received – beautiful sung greetings, my work as a UK Companion and Associate. fragrant garlands of flowers, spontaneous gifts of coconuts to drink, and delicious plates of local food brought to our guest house for us to sample. Within a few days I was surprised by how much I felt completely at home in my new environment. Spending an extended length of time with the four Anglican religious communities, gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in community life. These Brothers and Sisters so generously shared their lives, responded to my endless questions, and patiently taught me new skills. I attended prayer services and shared wonderful meals with the communities, I joined the novices

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 12 Living Lightly at Hautambu Jonathan and Suzi Herbert from the Hilfield As everywhere there’s a dark side to life here and Community also made their first visit to the alcohol abuse has a devastating effect on society. Solomon Islands Levels of domestic violence, only recently this year. Here is charted, are frighteningly high. A couple one of Jonathan’s of times coming back from town late in reflections. the afternoon on the local bus, with young men tanked up on beer, it’s not hard to It’s Friday so imagine how quickly violence can erupt. we’re doing One of our Brother’s uncle was stamped to penance. Once death by a drug fuelled mob in the capital a week for an a few years ago. In Honiara the SSF Brothers hour the whole have a particular ministry of hospitality to community does the homeless and particularly the ‘Belliger a challenging brothers’, who Francis would have described physical task as ‘brother thief’. Also each Wednesday the novices together in total silence. Today we’re clearing visit the national prison. a drainage channel and slashing grass from its banks with bush knives. It’s blazing hot there’s no One of the novices here was sentenced to shade and the red ants are biting hard. prison for life at the age of 13 for being involved in violence during the civil war, known as the As a member of a wealthy high carbon dioxide tensions. The faction he belonged to were producing country, I feel I have much to do responsible for the killing of the seven Melanesian penance for, but I’m just cutting a tiny part of the Brothers. Whilst in prison he came to faith and is brush compared to the massed ranks of brothers. now part of the Franciscan Community. Each day That’s sadly how it is with the effects of global at Sacristan he lovingly prepares the altar and warming, the Solomons bears the cost of climate lights and puts out the candles in the shadow change with rising sea levels, of the wooden massive flooding and regular crucifix, with great destruction of vital crops, whilst humility. I want to we are inconvenienced by a bit call him Moses, as of flooding or enjoy warmer according to the summers. There will be little fruit bible, Moses was the for the islands of Temotu for the humblest man alive. next few months as Cyclone Pam I often wonder what ripped through destroying the penance means for coconut and banana harvest. him. In the capital Honiara part of the local hospital is about to And it’s only this disappear into the sea as water humility and love levels rise. It’s one of the great injustices of the that we see most clearly in the crucified Christ world, that the people living most lightly and that will overcome the forces of darkness and sustainably on this planet, suffer most from global death, that mass around us and lead us to the true warming. If you travel along the road here by and life-giving meaning of penance. night you see whole villages lit by wood fires for Revd Jonathan Herbert cooking or a couple of electric bulbs running off tiny solar panels. People here live mainly off home If you are considering a visit to Melanesia, grown cassava, sweet potatoes, local greens, please do get in contact with the coconuts, fish, chickens and the occasional pig for charity. We are happy to make some a feast. The only commodities regularly bought in suggestions and introductions on bulk are rice and ‘Solbrew’ the local beer. your behalf.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 13 Leaving a Legacy

There are different types of legacy so it would be wise to consult your solicitor. If you have already made a will, but now want to leave a legacy to MMUK, you can make a small addition or change to your will by way of a codicil. Again, your solicitor can arrange this. Sue Clayton MMUK Hon. Treasurer If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, about leaving a legacy to MMUK and what your Before - the toilets at Verana’aso gift might fund, please contact: Katie Drew, The wide and varied support MMUK gives Executive Officer; Tel: 0845 6081311, email: to the Anglican Church of Melanesia is only [email protected] possible because of the generosity of parishes and individuals. The regular giving received goes towards the monthly grant sent to ACoM and the running costs of the charity. Over the years supporters have left legacies in their wills to MMUK, and the investments generated from these currently provide over 80% of our income. A legacy donation, no matter how small, can make a huge difference to the financial help we are able to give ACoM. Many of us give regularly to MMUK from our income; why not from your estates too? Leaving a legacy is a way to give thanks to God for the gifts of our life. Yes there are also tax benefits to leaving a legacy; any money left to charity in your will is exempt from Inheritance Tax. If the total value of your estate is over £325,000, to end of tax year 2014-15, any beneficiaries other than charities will have to pay 40% inheritance tax on the amount over £325,000. Should you wish to leave a legacy in your will The difference a legacy can make the trustees would encourage you to gift it for the general purposes of the charity rather than for a restricted purpose. The trustees will discuss possible uses of your gift with your On the web executors when the time comes, bearing in mind Did you know that the Community of the Sisters your known areas of interest and the charity’s of Melanesia have their own FaceBook page. And priorities at the time. A recent legacy has been so does the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the used to help fund the installation of a solar Melanesian Brothers in PNG. water pump and sanitation block for the Community of the Sisters of The ACoM website can be found at Melanesia. http://www.acom.org.sb.

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 14 Youth Convention

ACoM’s Provincial Youth ministry, gifts of the Holy Convention was held Spirit, peace, justice, from 21st to 28th June, reconciliation and beginning with a march stewardship. from All Saints Church in Youth work is a priority the middle of Honiara to within the region St. Barnabas Cathedral. with over 70% of the Over 1,500 participants population of the attended from the Solomon Islands under dioceses of ACoM, from the age of 30. the various parishes in Many thanks to Canon Honiara, ACoM schools Simon Stephens from and the religious orders the UK for his guidance of ACoM. and support of this Youth Mission. This was the largest event ever organised by Fr Nigel Francis Kelaepa, Coordinator: Faith, ACoM for young people, and it is hoped that it Mission and Youth (ACoM), Chairperson: will set a benchmark for future youth events of ACoM Provincial Youth Convention Organising this nature. Under the title of ‘Calling Youths to Committee. God’s Mission’, topics covered included youth and Giving MMUK supporters have been busy throughout the Melanesian Brothers and also the Cyclone year raising money for various ACoM projects. Pam Appeal. They have also organised the two containers which have gone out to the region The Probets family ran the Brighton Half Marathon during the last 12 months. in February in memory of their father Canon Schools in Exeter Diocese Desmond Probets. The have been ‘licking a school family raised over £3,700 into shape’ by holding fund- which is helping to fund a raising lolly and non-uniform new parish hall - Desmond days. Probets Hall at St. Barnabas Donations have also come Cathedral in Honiara. in to support the visit of four Sarah Crompton and ACoM teachers to the UK Catherine Duce organised from parishes and individuals. a Lent collection for the The newly formed group of religious orders. The Associates to the Community amount raised enabled of the Sisters of Melanesia each community to have Probets family fundraisers Jonathan, Lindsay, have committed to fundraise three extra sacks of rice for Jeremy and Emma to provide lunches for the their Easter celebrations. Sisters and Novices from this September. So far Sarah and Catherine were also instrumental in they have raised enough money for September, fundraising for a new sanitation block for the October and November. Community of the Sisters of Melanesia. If you are planning an event please Chester Diocese have organised a number of do let the charity know. events throughout the year to support the

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 15 Melanesian Mission - what we do

The Melanesian Mission is a Christian mission governance, resourcing and prioritisation, and agency which supports the work of the Anglican to provide a channel for linking ACoM units with Church of Melanesia (ACoM) through prayer, schools and colleges in the UK for mutual benefit. people and giving. After the charity’s AGM on 19th September 2015, By building a relationship between the people the approved Accounts and Annual Report for of Melanesia and UK, and through funding, the 2014/15 will be available. Please contact the Melanesian Mission aims; Executive Officer for copies. • to be a channel that fosters a sense of Please pray for all the work undertaken by the communion and Christian community Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Melanesian between the UK and Melanesia, to help Mission both in Melanesia and UK. people in the UK and in Melanesia to share and deepen Christian spirituality, relationships and prayer for the benefit of O Jesus, both regions Be the canoe that holds me up in the sea of life; • to be a voice for Melanesians and ACoM at Be the rudder that keeps me in the straight road; times when their own voice cannot be heard Be the outrigger that supports me in times of or needs extra support temptation. • to emphasise the values and benefits of Let your Spirit be my sail that carries me through Christian education and schools in Melanesia each day. and the UK Keep my body strong so I can paddle steadfastly on in the voyage of life. The charity has the three following strategies; Relationships - To continue to develop Amen relationships with ACoM, the institutions ACoM relates to and the individuals within them, in order to support the mission and ministry of the Church in a reciprocal manner. Contacts and Communication - To maintain and develop the appropriate contacts within ACoM, other partner agencies and supporters, to be able to communicate and support the work of the Anglican Church of Melanesia both in Melanesia and in the UK. Education - To offer the charity as a critical friend to ACoM in supporting the development of its education system in areas such as

Many thanks to all those who have contributed articles and photographs for this edition of the magazine including; ACoM, Melanesian Brotherhood, Catherine Duce, Sarah Crompton, Jonathan Herbert, Chester Diocese, and Exeter Diocese. Katie Drew, Executive Offi cer, 21 The Burlands, Feniton, Honiton, Devon, EX14 3UN, UK Tel: 0845 608 1311 Email: [email protected] Web: http://mission.melanesia.anglican.org Twitter: @MelanesianM Offi ce hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Registered Charity No 1104551

Melanesia News - Autumn 2015 16