Newsletter of Knox Church, Dunedin March - May 2016 Number 305

Welcome to Knox: Minister’s Letter Margaret Duke, believed to be our congregation’s longest participating member, died recently at the age of 94. As I prepared her funeral, I noticed how Margaret was a life-long learner. She took many courses in New Zealand and overseas, sometimes for extended periods. It helped her throughout her nursing career, including as an effective and respected matron of Dunedin Hospital for the last 16 years of her working life. Life-long learning is important in all kinds of situations. Farming, for example, while retaining core practices, now involves a range of new skills. helps us see wisdom we had missed in the As a lawyer, I attended seminars and confines of our own tradition. Writers and conferences, read journals and reports, received teachers keep presenting the good news of feedback from colleagues and participated in in fresh ways. a journal group. The benefit was sometimes The God of Jesus experienced in the Spirit immediate. I remember one day being is no historic, done and dusted, once-upon- presented with a case almost exactly the same a-time and duly buried ancestor. In prayer, as one we had discussed that morning worship, community and Bible we engage a in our journal group. living, evolving, I’ve tried to maintain ever-present the practices as a Spirit. There minister. is always more Another realm in to discover in which development is a dynamic and evident is in relation often surprising Knox News Knox to faith. In changing relationship. circumstances, faith I like the image generates many of apprentice. questions. For I think that example, what does faith offer in the present is what Jesus meant in calling his followers discussion about physician-assisted dying? See “disciples” or “students”. Apprentices practise the inter-church submission at and learn collaboratively and collegially in an www.presbyterian.org.nz/sites/public_files/ ongoing process. ICBC_Health_Select_Committee_18_ We never stop learning faith. It’s a lifelong Jan_2016_Final.pdf process of experiencing, learning, practising, Archaeology and historical research keep reflecting together and trying again. I uncovering new information about the origins appreciate being part of the learning of our faith and the background to the Bible. community called Knox Church. Interfaith relations have developed so that — Kerry Packed house for scholars are interpreting scripture in dialogue Photos: Ian Thomson (inset photo from the 2010 Eve: pp6-7 with other Abrahamic faiths. Knox 150th shows Margaret Duke in the third row) Reading the Bible with Jews and Muslims Online faith Knox Church Council news On Saturday, January 23, Knox resources Church Council held a good There is a very wide range and positive retreat. of online resources. Some We began in prayer and talked are unhelpful but here is a about how we see ourselves in sample I access, writes Kerry: relationship with God and, journeywithjesus.net often secondly, in Knox Church. has interesting resources We reviewed progress against including a collection of poetry our strategic plan — 15 months relating to the Christian year. into a 36-month timeframe. There is always a segment Our overall sense was that we relating to the Sunday have made some good progress in light of the gospel on key issues such readings. You can opt to in five of the six strategies, including: as global warming, inter-faith and peace. receive email updates. Outcome 1 – Our relationships and Knox people have advocated in relation to www.patheos.com has an connectedness are improving. Pastoral the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement enormous range and you need visiting is increasing and people are and other issues. to be discriminating. I receive expressing a desire to engage with Christ We heard from people about their recent information by email and that and with each other in relation to him. experiences of arriving at Knox. We were enabled me to select the kind Guests have reported warm welcomes and heartened by many positive comments of material I wanted to receive. experiences of home hospitality. and helped to see areas we can continue to Both of the above have a Outcome 2 – Our cultural demographic develop. strong US emphasis. and theological diversity is broadening In the afternoon, we began developing www.faith-theology.com is with a growing variety of cultures of origin annual plans for our key work groups the blog of Ben Myers who evident at worship. including Education, Outreach (previously teaches at the Uniting Church Outcome 3 – Worshipping in a variety of Looking Outwards), Operations College in Sydney. Some of styles has included an outdoors service, a (incorporating Deacons Court, risk register, the material is dense, some greater variety of evening services, diverse earthquake strengthening, sustainable helpful and some communion services and student led future task group, Synod funding and funny. Look, services. annual meeting & annual report), Caring for example, at Outcome 4 – Development of a strategic Community and Worship & Music. his advice to partnership in pursuit of an agreed social At our next meeting, we will look at a people late for goal has not been achieved. However, in new Communications work group and church. From his a related initiative, we look forward to the renewing membership of the Personnel and site, other helpful sites can be report of the Sustainable Future Task the Health and Safety work group. accessed. Group convened by Linda Holloway. Your church council commences 2016 with www.rabbisacks.org is the Outcome 5 – Our involvement and a strong sense of cohesion and optimism website of the former Chief engagement with students will continue to about the year ahead for Knox Church. Rabbi of the United Kingdom, develop. We expect further progress when — Donald Shand, Church Council Jonathan Sacks, and often we fill the student and young adult worker Moderator worth reading. position in the near future. Photos: Ian Thomson Sometimes I like to see on Outcome 6 – Knox has been speaking out YouTube, not just read. Amy Butler is at Riverside Church Thinking it over in New York and Nadia Bolz- “After September 11, 2001, wrote to teach about religion in schools, but vital. Weber is also online. Craig John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Too often, knee-jerk reactions to lessons Barnes at Princeton Seminary Amendment Center, ‘It is no longer a on religion come from adults who harbour has a weekly 10-minute question of whether schools should teach misconceptions they otherwise might not exposition, accessed through children about Islam. They must teach have if they, themselves, had a broader base the Seminary website. them — about other religions as well. It is a of knowledge about different religions.” cac.org Richard Rohr of responsibility, a duty.’ Nationally, we need to — Linda K. Wertheimer, journalist, the Center for Action and renew dialogue about the best way to teach educator and author of “Faith Education: Contemplation has interesting about religion, how to better train teachers Teaching About Religion in an Age of material. and how early the lessons should begin. We Intolerance”, writing in The Washington — Kerry need an understanding that it’s not only okay Post in September last year. Page 2 Becoming a Christian in later life: a study Why do people become God,” Lynn says. “There is a Christians? What draws clear process [people] follow as them to a life of faith they come to faith.” centred on Jesus Christ? Recent converts speak of the It’s a question that many positive influence of other people raised within a Christians in their coming to church environment faith, people who have openly might not stop to think shared the good and bad of about very often. It’s just their lives with their non- what one is, or what one Christian friends, introduced does — isn’t it? them to a variety of spiritual One person keen to dig practices, provided practical a little deeper than that help, or simply set an example is Lynne Taylor, a PhD by living in ways that student in Theology demonstrate God makes a through Flinders difference in their own lives. University of South Converts in turn experience Australia. Married to a sense of homecoming or Steve, the new principal of belonging, a desire to be a Knox Centre for Ministry better person, and a sense that and Leadership, she faith makes sense at a deep recently moved back to level, all of which (and more) Aotearoa after six years in deepens their commitment Adelaide. to continuing the process of “My key question is why converting to the Christian people are becoming experiences of coming to the Christian faith. Christians today. It seemed like a good faith. She explains that she’s not “I’m currently working on the chapter question to ask to help us understand approaching the question from any pre- that explores God’s role (in conversion), how God is at work today, drawing existing idea about how and why but it’s certainly a super/natural process people to God-self: something I am people become Christians today; rather of people becoming who they were keen to better understand, so I can she’ll build upon whatever she gleans created to be.” understand how we as Christians can from the people she interviews, the Lynn hopes to complete her thesis later help with that process,” she says. “rich primary data” as she calls it. this year at which time, she says, she So far, Lynn has interviewed 10 people “So far, I’ve discovered there are would “love to tell you more”. Stay with no church background who three agents actively involved in tuned for the next instalment! have become Christians in the past the conversion process: the person — Jill Rutherford two years, asking them about their themselves, other Christians, and Photo: Ian Thomson Time to consider a paper-less solution Pamphlets or newsletters have a long literate. Once members of A small group tries to ensure that each and, generally, honourable tradition in congregations could read the Bible for quarterly issue is attractive, literate Presbyterian churches. themselves, and read the newsletters and informative. Most people get John Knox wrote a few, although produced by ministers and others, they theirs from their church visitor, and it whether “The First Blast of the Trumpet could participate in church life with is certainly a useful means of keeping Against the Monstrous Regiment of understanding rather then coercion. the flock in touch with the church. But Women”, in which he took issue with Stroppy fellow that he was, John Knox visitors cannot always contact people, the reigns of Mary Tudor, Mary of would no doubt consider Knox News and sometimes the newsletter does not Guise and Mary, Queen of Scots, pretty tame stuff. But times have get delivered at all for one reason or would still today be considered changed, and our church’s newsletter another. honourable is definitely questionable. continues the tradition of teaching, Cost means that it is printed in From Luther, through Calvin, Knox informing, celebrating, challenging black and white, when the original and others, Protestantism led the and, perhaps, entertaining church charge in getting the populace members and anyone else who reads it. • Continues on Page 5

Page 3 Two pivotal points in a journey Church Council Moderator Knox, a church he admits he joined Donald Shand reflects on how initially because eight years ago, Knox has shaped his faith: granddaughter Grace was to enrol Donald Shand relates two seminal at Columba College and families moments in his life at Knox. The needed to demonstrate some first was former Knox minister commitment to the Presbyterian Rev David Grant suggesting that Church. The warmth of Sarah whenever one sees the word “God”, Mitchell, the minister at the time, read “Love”. was also a “significant attraction”. “That really resonated with me,” Joining Knox, he says, has been Donald says. much better than he thought it And the second was Emeritus would be. Professor George Petersen’s talk “I hadn’t been enamoured by the one Evolution Sunday on how Presbyterian Church’s stance on this remarkable man of science a range of things,” says the self- reconciled his work and his faith. confessed liberal. He describes “He said that evidence is one thing, his own faith as inclusive and but that he needed something more, forgiving, one that encompasses “an something enriching.” acceptance of a broader view” than Donald knew exactly what he that espoused by many churches in meant. NZ. The rainbow banner outside It’s that combination of faith and intelligence that keeps Donald at • Continues on Page 5 Student and Young Adults Worker appointed We are thrilled to announce that, and nationally and was youth funded by a grant from the Synod volunteering co-ordinator for of Otago and Southland, Knox has Volunteering Otago. She is also part- appointed Heather Moore to work time children and young families co- with students and young adults ordinator at East Taieri Church and for 12 hours a week beginning on has obtained qualifications relevant to February 9, continuing until the end her Knox ministry. of November. The aim of the role is to build on the Heather is originally from San relationships Knox is establishing, Francisco, an active Christian, an especially with students, offering Otago graduate and is beginning a support and enabling Knox to be Masters degree later this year. She inclusive of a range of young adults. has worked with YWCA locally — Kerry Enright Nic’s off to teach English in South Korea Former Youth Group and Student and Young teaching, I recently completed the month-long Professionals Group leader Nic Haslam writes: CELTA (Cambridge English Teaching) course in Christchurch. The qualification will also Hi! Another exciting year is under way as I prepare be useful for future job opportunities, as it’s a to live and work in South Korea. By the time you prerequisite for most NZ language institutes. read this, I’ll probably be well settled in. My job, in the Korean province of Jeonbuk, Last year, I graduated from Otago Uni with a BA will last for a year, but I plan to visit family in in English and a MusB in performance. I was also Europe and find further employment before accepted into the teacher training programme, but heading home, possibly at the beginning of 2018. I decided to put it off for the meantime and gain You can follow my occasional blog updates at some teaching (/life) experience first. www.setonthejourney.blogspot.co.nz. Thank you To prepare for ESOL (English as a second language) everyone for your support over the years. Page 4 Two pivotal points in a journey Knox’s front steps is “an important emblem Knox and the way people have embraced her for me”. have all contributed to their commitment to So too is its use of inclusive language. this community of faith. “My partner is very feminist, and I certainly Something else has been at work, though, couldn’t go along with the nonsense you hear something akin to George Petersen’s need for from mainline Christian churches, so it made a deeper way of being: “Here, I have me hesitate about what I might find at Knox. a chance to think about what But it hasn’t turned out to be the case at all. this is all about — God, Love, “At Knox, I’m not subjected to silliness of what Jesus was actually about thinking,” he continued. “No one is telling — and how this has shaped me men are above women, or to pretend me. that we don’t live in a bi-cultural country or “For me, being a Christian that we don’t have a Treaty of Waitangi. It’s today, being a follower of Jesus, thought-provoking, but in an informed way.” doesn’t begin and end with Now 62, Donald grew up in a God-fearing being at Knox. It’s applied Presbyterian environment in post-war living … It’s a productive Balclutha and describes his formative church cycle for me. Church can experiences as “pretty typical” — of being be thought-provoking talked at by the minister. and inspiring and, if I His enduring memory is that of his mother fully immerse myself in singing “at the top of her lungs”. His father’s the service I can feel a direct mother was a “very dour Presbyterian” and benefit to how I go about the a “truth-seeker” who ended up joining the week ahead. Dutch Reformed church. “I draw on the spirit and energy. His father, meanwhile, was just not that keen It tops me up so that I can pass on on church, a reluctance shared by Donald for loving resources most of his adult life. to my staff, for But Knox, he says, “fitted like an old glove”. example. The hymns, the music, the warmth, the “When I do my openness. He’s also appreciated the fact that work carefully Knox has been a little outside the mainstream and with love and of Presbyterianism (“I’d rather side with seeking to redress the marginalised than stand with the silent inequality and be majority.”) thoughtful, well, Donald stayed to be with Grace, to help if that’s doing form her values and oversee her spiritual God’s work, then development. Her enjoyment of music and the I guess it is.” choir, and her immersion in the rhythms of — Jill Rutherford Time to consider a paper-less Knox News • Continues from Page 3 If Knox News was sent by email to Blast of the Trumpet in Favour of the anyone who would like to get it that Ubiquitous Regiment of Computers”. illustrations were attractive in vibrant way, people could see it in all its glory, Next time your church visitor calls, colour. Cost also restricts the number could refer to it easily whenever they if you would like to receive your of people who get the newsletter. There were at their computers, it could be newsletter by email instead of as are many former members who have distributed far and wide at no cost, it a hard copy, please let them know. moved town, other interested people would reduce printing costs at a time There is no reason why everyone in the in other places in New Zealand and when we are looking for ways to meet household should not get their own overseas, and people on the periphery our budget, and just generally be more copy by email. who might be interested in joining our in tune with the way our world is. Of course, you will still be visited even church, but want to find out what we Quite possibly, John Knox would if you receive your newsletter by email. are really all about without making a approve and might even write a — Neil Grant commitment just yet. pamphlet entitled, “The First Page 5 at Knox

Photos: Ian Thomson

Page 6 Christmas Eve at Knox

Photos: Ian Thomson ... and the clean-up afterwards

Photos: Liz Miller

Page 7 Poem: Vale to long-serving member Margaret Duke, the longest standing in Dunedin The Birdie, by member of Knox Church, died in as supervising January, aged 94. The Duke family theatre sister at Peter Matheson was associated with Knox Church for Queen Mary. more than 100 years. In 1967 she Afore the dawn, afore the sun Educated at Otago Girls’ High School, was appointed Has drencht the warld Margaret became a shipping clerk and matron of Wi’ lichtsome warmth, then a book-keeper. During the war Dunedin At utmaist streek o’ day years she worked in Wellington and Hospital, a role Yon birdie’s wide awake joined the civil nursing reserve. At the she filled until In this quate neuk o’ toun; end of the war, in 1945, she started she retired in 1983, a remarkable Fillin’ the lift wi sang training as a nurse in Dunedin and 16 years of service in a very senior Hir wee hert fit tae birst graduated as a general nurse in 1948, role. Margaret devoted her life to Wi’ a’ the joys o’ Spring. then in maternity nursing and as a nursing, with little spare time for Each bright-eyed dawnin’ day theatre nurse. other interests. She adapted to many She brings guid cheer tae honest fowk: In the early 1950s she travelled changes including, she said, to patients Warrands the waefu’ dark is gone, and worked in London, gaining being treated as a whole, taking into The licht is streaming in, postgraduate qualifications in nervous account their background rather than We’re nae mair hodden doun. disease, which was common after the just treating them as a body in a bed. war. She hitchhiked around Europe. She enjoyed her role in planning for Tho’ wickit ruffyans In 1954 she returned to Dunedin the new hospital block. Wad mak us all afleyd, and became a ward sister in a surgical Margaret valued her family, her Haiver o’ doom an’ ugsome muck ward, undertook further postgraduate brother and sisters, including Mary, Plant bombs, kill friendlyk fowk. study in Wellington in administration with whom she shared a home until Slairg hettred, fear an’ hurt, in 1958, then trained as a midwife in Mary’s death. Turn life tae deith, an’ licht tae mirk, Christchurch. In 1961, she was back — Kerry Enright Gie ower that ghaist! We willnae be affeird. The red falls were her favourite Yon birdie’s braw, bricht sang Margaret Duke’s (white), Pentecost Sunday reverberates: memorial service (red) and then the long They wilnae win, nae niver, niver, nae! reminded me of the season of Trinity (green) Her glitterin’ ee an’ jaunty walk four sets of pulpit falls until again. So, Defies Auld Nick’s new pact with deith; and Bible markers that Margaret Duke saw her Aye, bonny bird, we’ll heed yir sang her sister Mary made favourite red pulpit fall O’ life and luve and carefree days. for Knox in the early and Bible markers only 1960s. We still use once a year, and I used High heid yins up in Wellingtoun. these today. to remind her before Far frae the reek o’ honest toil, Margaret loved the Pentecost to be in church Are in a dwahm, brows creasèd sair, red ones, and once that Sunday. wondered why we Lest muckle hate defile the warld, Her sister Mary was asked don’t use them more often. by the Rev James Matheson to make Wan cruel ºdeed beget anither. But the four colours — violet, white, the four sets of falls and markers If onlie oor twa leggèd fowk red and green — are liturgical colours at the time of the major alterations Wid larn tae stott alang the roofs, used by all Catholic and Anglican downstairs in the church, 1961-62. Fluff oot thir claes, an’ clear the throat; churches and many others, such as She sent to England for patterns and As doun the years, guid men an’ wimin, Knox. It’s the same colours on the materials, and we can still appreciate Eyeing the bird, thocht o’ the soul same Sundays worldwide, and they her work today when we see the clear That flies sae blithe an’ free, change with the seasons of the Church colours and symbols that look so well Swore solemn like they’d never be Year. This begins with Advent, four even from the back of the church. affeird, Sundays before Christmas (violet) Years ago, one green Bible marker Wi’ merrie sang they mocked sic loons and changes to white at midnight for was stolen, and Mary Dunn made An’ danged doun deith. Christmas Day and part of , a replacement pair from Petersham — Peter Matheson then green for the rest of Epiphany fabric. (Can you pick the difference?) (in honour of Rabbie Burns) until Lent (violet). Easter Day — Lyndall Hancock

Page 8 Outreach to youth in the community In this third article in the series on Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO), we look at how Knox Church, the wider Presbyterian Church in NZ and PSO are all endeavouring to play a part in addressing the needs of children in our Dunedin and Otago community.

By the time you read this, Christmas will be a distant memory. Those of you fortunate enough to have had a holiday will be reflecting on just how wonderful that was and equally how quickly that all passed as you adjust back to your regular routine of work, school and normal daily life. Not everyone of our community has had this opportunity which is why PSO in Presbyterian Support & PCANZ’s the Christmas holiday period brings, holds an annual Christmas Appeal. Justice & Action, which has recently but it also contributes to PSO’s This year’s appeal started after the last been published (inset below). All of this ongoing welfare programmes for edition of Knox News had gone to lies at the heart of what this writer sees people, young and old, in Otago. print. Those of you who are donors as “being Presbyterian”. Counselling, parenting support, budget or on PSO’s circulation list will have Justice & Action has a very compelling advice, assistance for the elderly, and received a direct contact for this appeal. foreword by the Moderator, the Rt emergency welfare services will be in This year’s appeal reminded me Rev Andrew Norton and is available at high demand come January. of Knox Church and the wider Knox. PSO’s 2015 Christmas Appeal In the coming year, PSO anticipates Presbyterian Church’s commitment to was promoted as “Give a lasting providing support to more than 5000 those in need in our own communities. smile”. The emphasis was on “lasting”, people through their Family Works As a strong advocate because, after services and assisting more than 1200 of PSO’s work, it has the need for older people through their Meals on been encouraging to Christmas gifts Wheels Service, social programmes and note that Knox Church and food has care homes in Otago. has committed itself been met, and Christmas is a time for giving and through its Mission, the packed thinking of others. This year, PSO Vision and Three Year away, there will asked its donors to think about the Strategy to “Developing still be families enduring difference a Christmas a strategic partnership and children who gift would make to people in your in pursuit of an agreed need our help. community. Online donations can social goal” and Donations given be made at psotago.org.nz or via our “developing community to Presbyterian Facebook page: Presbyterian Support outreach objectives and Support Otago’s Otago. finding and working Give a Lasting with strategic partners Smile Christmas • Knox member and former joint to advance them”. Appeal not Session Clerk David Richardson, who These strategies and only assisted wrote the introduction, has been on the objectives are very families with the board of PSO for the past seven years much in line with the extra financial and chairman for the past two years. sentiments expressed burden that

Page 9 If you want kids to be happy, try religion Religion is a tonic for the soul, according to this opinion article on the ABC news website:

There’s been a lot of alarmist stuff written recently about the potential detrimental effects of religious teaching on young people. But the research suggests religious faith can lead to greater levels of wellbeing, writes Michael Jensen *. If you want to get a snapshot of contemporary parental anxieties, then you need only look at a few school websites. Years ago, schools pitched themselves to mum and dad as places where John and Joanne would fulfil their potential, and become successful. Achievement was the emphasis. But we live in more disturbed and Schools”. The document encourages term in these documents as a catch- anxious times. The mention of schools to consider the wellbeing of all for whatever beliefs a person may achievement is always there, of course, their students holistically, including have in a higher power, or whatever. A but a new theme has emerged. We fostering what it calls “spiritual do-it-yourself spirituality could have now want our kids to be resilient and wellbeing”. It says: that effect. But let’s be real about this: happy. We want them to experience “Spiritual wellbeing relates to our it is in the religions, basic ordinary wellbeing. We want John and Joanne sense of meaning and purpose. It can religions, that there are ready-made not simply to know how to succeed, include our connection to culture, stories of meaning and purpose. but how to fail and come back. religion or community and includes It’s hard to believe consistently in A few years ago, my own kids came the beliefs, values and ethics we hold.” a faith that is basically your own home talking about some invention. But to sink yourself characters they’d been Spiritual wellbeing relates to our into the richness of one of the — introduced to: Connie sense of meaning and purpose. It great narratives to learn to Confidence, Gabby Get ‘ pray, to listen to the divine, and Along, Pete Persistence, can include our connection to culture, to experience that profound Oscar Organisation, inner peace that religious religion or community and includes the — and Ricky Resilience. I people experience is to find was intrigued. We had beliefs, values and ethics we hold.’ something bigger than yourself. nothing like that in It becomes something that the 1970s. It is all part of teaching While this is all expressed in a addresses you, that confronts you, and children to manage their emotions suitably neutral way as a government encloses you. and thought patterns well. document, it also tells us what the Professor Martin Seligman, a leading This training in resilience and studies show: that having a spiritual thinker in the field of positive wellbeing is all soundly research- belief system is strongly related to a psychology, outlines the claim that based. But what is fascinating is how sense of wellbeing in young people. it is not just religious people but prominent in all the studies religious The WHO report from 2002 entitled religious people who hold more faith and spirituality are as a key “Broadening the Horizon: Balancing orthodox or conservative beliefs who indicators of wellbeing and overall protection and risk for adolescents” experience greater levels of optimism. happiness. found that having spiritual beliefs was Not religious himself, Seligman notes In April 2015, the NSW Department a consistent protective factor, across that “religious people congregate of Education and Communities cultures, against early sex, substance with others who form a sympathetic released its “Wellbeing Framework for abuse and depression. The word “spiritual” is the preferred • Continues on Page 11

Page 10 Be happy, Mikhaly and Marta: where are they now? try religion Mihaly Karacsony (Michael) and his • Continued from Page 10 partner, Marta Nemeth, community of friends”. But came to Dunedin from more than that: “Religions instil Hungary, and Michael was hope for the future, and create employed as the church meaning in life.” officer at Knox. They It isn’t just young people who settled into the church benefit: older people have far officer’s flat, becoming better mental health outcomes very loyal and popular if they share in a religious members of the Knox community. A study of 9000 community. They will Europeans by Erasmus MC both be remembered for and the London School of their hard work, warm hospitality and Budapest. Michael works as a caretaker Economics, reported in The generosity, and sense of humour. The at The International School of Budapest Independent, found the activity congregation joined with them in the in Diosd. Marta has completed her that was an indicator of sustained celebration of their marriage during nursing training, and Noemi is now happiness was going to church or their time here. They returned to three years old and goes to kindergarten. another place of worship. Hungary at the end of October 2011, She loves Dr Seuss, dressing up and Here’s the bottom line. There’s and their daughter, Noemi Borbala horses. The photo, above, was taken on been a lot of alarmist stuff written (Naomi Barbara), was born eight her third birthday — a special trip to a recently about the potential months later on the 4th of July. Michael racecourse to see the horses. Marta and detrimental effects of religious commented that “the baby is a bit Michael thoroughly enjoyed their time teaching on young people. What Kiwi”. They have built their own home here and would love to come back to the hard data says is otherwise: an in Adony, which is not too far from NZ for a visit. active religious faith is good for Christmas in Hungary, as told by Marta : “We don’t have a Santa Parade young people, and the benefits of in Hungary. People stand up Christmas trees with different decorations. such a faith persist into old age. Santa comes to every child early in the morning on the 6th of December. None of this proves that religious They clean their boots and Santa puts some presents in them: chocolates, claims are true, of course, and mandarins, peanuts, small toys ... You can see chocolate Santas in every they still bear the weight of that window, which means Santa was there. I tried to do the same at our flat at scrutiny. But if you want your Knox but it was so warm that our chocolate constantly melted.” kids and your parents to be happy — and if you want to know hope and experience peace — then the Life and death in seven years church, temple, synagogue or mori; the terror- mosque is the place to be. Book review ist subtext of the We should want to preserve The Seven Good Years, Etgar Keret, phone app Angry Special Religious Education in Riverhead Books. Usually a deadpan Birds becomes our schools, if we sincerely want comic fiction writer, Israeli writer Et- disturbingly our schools to educate children in gar Keret chose as the subject for his clear; a whimsical patterns of thinking that enable first English-language book a brief moustache con- them to endure with a positive autobiography of the seven years be- jures a story of a frame of mind. tween the birth of his son and the near-fatal encoun- — Rev Dr * Michael Jensen is death of his father. It’s a series of four- ter in Lebanon. the rector at St Mark’s Anglican to five-page vignettes, ranging from Some of the best Church, Darling Point, Sydney and humorous to anxious (but humorous) bits are his jour- the author of “My God, My God: Is to heavy (and humorous). His life neys to writers’ It Possible To Believe Anymore?” in Israel is set against a backdrop of festivals in Italy, constant conflict, casting an absurd light Australia and his parents’ pre-Holocaust From: www.abc.net.au/news/2015- on both the monumental and mundane: a homeland of Poland, where a fan builds 09-24/jensen-if-you-want-kids-to-be- time-wasting game of chicken with a tele- him a very narrow apartment. happy-try-religion/6797634 marketer becomes an irritating memento — Scott Blackwell Page 11 Knox women in delegation heading to the UN In March, Rebecca Dudley, Mavis Duncanson, Suzanne Bishop, and Carol Grant from Knox Church will attend the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York. Seven other women from a variety UN #HeForShe Campaign. Emma Convention for the Elimination of of backgrounds and networks from Watson, UN Goodwill Ambassador, Discrimination Against Women. around the South Island will form the who rose to prominence as Hermione New Zealand signed this Convention 2016 Presbyterian Women Aotearoa Granger in the Harry Potter film in 1985. The Minister for Women, New Zealand delegation. Although series, has revealed Louise Upston, who will also be in some expressed interest, no women the next steps for the New York, released the draft of New from the North Island applied to come #HeForShe campaign. Zealand’s eighth periodic report this year. At this year’s UN World on the United Nations Convention The priority theme is women’s Economic Forum at on the Elimination of All Forms empowerment and the link to Davos, Emma interviewed of Discrimination Against Women sustainable development. The 10 male CEOs who have (CEDAW) for public consultation just review theme is the elimination and committed to gender equality in their prior to Christmas. Submissions closed prevention of all forms of violence organisations, to see how they are at the end of January. Not good timing against women and girls. See more at: doing — and noted that “full female for feedback! The report outlines the www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw60- participation in the workforce” would progress the Government has made 2016 be the “single biggest stimulus to the over the reporting period (March 2012 economy” and “could boost GDP by to March 2016) in improving outcomes This year our delegation has been $28 trillion within a decade”. for women and implementing the invited to participate in a Parallel Event See #HeForShe.org articles of CEDAW. It also addresses at the UN on “Education and Poverty” Emma asks, “Girls, who have been the 2012 Concluding Observations of with the Presbyterian Church of the your mentors? Parents, did you make the Committee from the UN which United States of America. If you have sure you treated your children equally. criticised the previous Government any thoughts or resources to contribute If so, how have you done it? Husbands, report. to our NZ perspective, please contact have you been supporting your female See more at: http://women.govt.nz Carol on (03) 425-8865. partner privately so that she can fulfill Last year, I approached Mayor Dave her dreams too? Young men, have you Cull about the possibility of Dunedin Interesting websites for Knox people: spoken up in a conversation when becoming the first CEDAW city in a woman was casually degraded or New Zealand. My suggestions were dismissed? How did this affect you? warmly received. If you are interested How did this affect the woman you in supporting me as this discussion International Women’s Day. The 2016 stepped up for? Businessmen, have you continues in 2016, please let me know. theme for International Women’s Day mentored and supported women in See also: www.un.org/womenwatch/ is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up leadership positions? Writers, have you daw/cedaw/ for Gender Equality”. The United challenged the language and imagery How can you, at Knox Church assist Nations’ observance on March 8 used to portray women in the media? our UN delegation members? will reflect on how to accelerate the CEOs, have you implemented the When we return from the United 2030 Agenda, building momentum women’s empowerment principles in Nations please ask us heaps of for the effective implementation of your companies?’ questions about our experiences, the new Sustainable Development Good questions! Are there some invite us to speak to Knox groups and Goals. It will equally focus on new questions we, at Knox Church, to your networks within the wider commitments under UN Women’s could ask our national leaders about community, support and encourage us Step It Up initiative, and other existing empowering women in our faith when we raise issues in public forums, commitments on gender equality, communities? and assist us to enrich life at Knox women’s empowerment and women’s by encouraging new initiatives that human rights. will empower women and girls in the See www.internationalwomensday. church and community. com/theme — Carol Grant UN Convenor, Presbyterian Women Aotearoa New Zealand

Page 12 What’s On Choir practice: Each Wednesday during school terms: 5.15pm (children), 6pm-8pm (adults). All welcome to audition. Knox Church Council: The fourth Wednesday of the month, at 7.30pm: March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22 Deacons Court: The second Wednesday of each month, at 7pm: March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8 Quarterly Communion: Sunday, March 13, 10am and 7pm Sunday February 21 10am Lent 2, Worship in the Park 7pm Worship Wednesday February 24 7.30pm Church Council meeting Sunday February 28 10am Lent 3 7pm Communion, sung kyrie and gloria: “BFF: Salieri and Mozart” Sunday March 6 10am Lent 4 7pm Worship Wednesday 9 March 6pm Dunedin Fringe show at Knox: Ian Loughran poetry and opera recital. 7pm Deacons Court meets Sunday March 13 10am Lent 5: Quarterly Communion 7pm Worship: Quarterly Communion School holidays: Friday 15 April until Monday 2 May. University of Otago Semester 1 begins on Monday, 29 February. Mid-semester break 25 March (Good Friday) until 4 April.

Sunday March 20 10am Lent 6: Palm Sunday, including Procession 7pm Worship, choral music reflecting on Easter Monday-Wednesday 5.30pm Otago Anniversary holiday, Holy Week gatherings in the chapel Wednesday March 23 7.30pm Church Council Thursday March 24 7pm Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae service (vigil at Holy Name) Friday March 25 10am Good Friday 7pm Good Friday combined service at Holy name Sunday March 27 10am Easter Sunday 7pm Worship Monday March 28 Easter public holiday (church office closed) Sunday April 3 10am Easter 2; DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS, PUT YOUR CLOCK BACK AN HOUR! 7pm Worship Sunday April 10 10am Easter 3 7pm Worship, interview with Law Professor Jessica Palmer Wednesday April 13 7pm Deacons Court Sunday April 17 10am Easter 4: Rev. Dr Steve Taylor, Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, guest preacher, followed by mission workshop 7pm Worship Sunday April 24 10am Easter 5 7pm Worship and Communion Monday April 25 Anzac Day holiday (church office closed) Wednesday April 27 7.30pm Church Council Sunday May 1 10am Easter 6 7pm Worship Friday May 6 Ascension Sunday May 8 10am Easter 7, Mother’s Day 7pm Worship Wednesday May 11 7pm Deacons Court

Page 13 What’s On (continued) Sunday May 15 10am Pentecost, Jonathan Boston (Professor of Public Policy, Victoria University) 7pm Worship Sunday May 22 10am Trinity 7pm Worship Wednesday May 25 7.30pm Church Council Sunday May 29 10am Pentecost 2, interview with Craig Mitchell 7pm Worship, Communion Friday June 3 University of Otago Semester 1 ends Sunday June 5 10am Pentecost 3 7pm Worship Monday June 6 Queen’s Birthday public holiday; Matariki Wednesday June 8 7pm Deacons Court Sunday June 12 10am Pentecost 4, Quarterly Communion 7pm Worship, Quarterly Communion

Slowing down to meet yourself on an island On Saturday, March 5, a chance to see it and hear about a group of Knox Church that. folk (with friends they In addition to the living quarters wish to invite) will spend for guests and the cottage for the day on Quarantine / the Resident Keeper, there is an St Martin’s Island, in the intriguing and beautiful chapel, harbour between Port and the old Married Quarters Chalmers and Portobello. has been recently reconstructed It offers great views of the and is well worth a visit. It harbour, and attractive functions as a sort of museum bush walks. with information about the past We leave from Back Beach history of the island. Lyndall Port Chalmers at 9.30am Hancock has also written a on the Monarch, rain or superb history of the island. shine. We leave the island enjoy the island. We will all lunch There will be plenty time to at 4pm. Bring food for a potluck together at noon. Tea and coffee walk, talk, relax, enjoy. lunch, and shoes and clothing to suit. provided. Weather permitting, there We need to know numbers for the trip Cost $15 return, and we will offer the will be a pilgrimage around the island on the boat, so if you are intending Community a koha, so perhaps add in the morning on the Iona pattern. All coming, please leave your name, by $2 each for that. Children are most welcome to participate of course. Wednesday March 2 at the latest, at the welcome. It’s a paradise for kids. (As I Lyndall Hancock has been Church Office or with Liz Miller and write, probably no charge for kids.) instrumental, with others, in setting Peter Matheson, who will also be glad Part of the aim of the visit is for the up a memorial on the island for to answer questions about the trip. We Prayer Covenant group to spend time the soldiers who were executed for will be organising car pooling for those together, but others will just want to desertion in World War I. We will have interested. Page 14 Choir news • The junior choristers once again lit up the foyer of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery with their performance on December 18 (pictured, right). Knox Church Choir has started back with rehearsals on Wednesday nights (children 5.15- 6.30pm and adults 6-8pm). • Helen Shaw has retired from preparing choir suppers after about 20 years. Helen, a choir member from 1966-1985, faithfully served supper to the choir each week mid-practice and it was always very much appreciated. She will be very much missed from this role. She is still busy with counting and church banking duties. Does anyone have a free half hour on Wednesday nights to help out? All materials are supplied. • Congratulations to Calla Knudson-Hollebon, who is starting her voice studies course at Waikato University in Hamilton this month with opera star Dame Malvina Major. Calla, who sang in Knox Choir for most of her 19 years, as well as Otago Girls’ High School and the national schools choirs, studied singing in Dunedin with Isabel Cunningham. She won a voice scholarship at Waikato after an interview and audition last year, while she was studying at the University of Otago.

Page 15 Driveway gets seal of approval

Work on the new driveway started in mid-November with the ritual turning of the sod — actually, it was the sodden upturning of the rock pile, as six keen but elderly “rock stars” removed the 2m-high pile of rocks and rubbish from beside the Pitt St stairs. Before the main work could start, the old tree-stump was removed from beside the Gathering Area doorway (picture below), leaving a 4m x 1.5m deep crater.

Page 16 Driveway gets seal of approval Tar-sealing the driveway and to pull through the pull wire on parking areas began on December the new data cable to the church. 1 under the direction of Lindsay This work was completed in time Miller. Several days of fine for the Market to be weather allowed the many loads held in the garden on Sunday, of gravel to be dumped and December 7. One more good levelled. Lindsay and his team of thing that came out of the work volunteers made retaining walls was shared jokes: “These reversing and borders while others worked cameras are great. Since I got one hard at laying cables through I haven’t looked back.” the garden and beneath the new And: “Apparently I snore driveway for power and data. so loudly that it scares Pictured, right, they got church everyone in the car I’m officer Benjamin Thew’s vaccuum driving.”

Page 17 Uniting Church in Australia visitor On Sunday, May 29, Knox welcomes education. He is currently Craig Mitchell, the national director a PhD candidate at of Formation, Education and Flinders University in the Discipleship (FED) for the Uniting area of Uniting Church Church in Australia. congregations as learning His job in the Australian church is to communities of discipleship provide a cohesive vision of Christian practice and custom. education and faith formation. Since 2005, he has been a He identifies and encourages national lecturer at Adelaide’s Parkin collaboration and resourcing that Wesley College in Lay assists congregations to be lifelong Ministry Studies. In 2010, learning communities of discipleship. Craig was appointed director Before taking up his current of Christian Education and role, Craig completed a two-year Discipleship, Uniting College secondment to the Assembly as for Leadership and Theology the Christian Education Research in the South Australia Synod. Fellow. His national research project He has served the church on Christian education drew on the in roles including mission experiences of church leaders, staff planning, children’s and and members and cast a refreshed youth ministry, and vision for Christian education within ministry and a certificate in leadership development, the church. public relations and professional across three different synods, as well Craig holds a graduate degree in communication. He also holds a as having lay ministry experience in economics, a diploma in youth postgraduate degree in religious several congregations. Study Groups give pause for thought You are invited to join the Lent study Please phone or email your groups. We are organising four weeks name and contact details and of Study Groups starting in the week preferred time and day for of February 21 and concluding in the meeting to the church office. week before Palm Sunday, 20 March. We hope to offer groups during We are using Rowan William’s little the day and in the evening, in book “Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, people’s homes as well as other Eucharist, Prayer” (right). Rowan venues. We hope most Knox Williams, right, was the previous people will participate, although Archbishop of Canterbury and has you don’t need to be a Knox written a thoughtful and accessible person to participate. book. We chose this book because it Evening services during this will, among other things, help us with time will follow the same four core elements of the Christian life. themes. People on the edge of faith, new Once we have names and to faith or long in faith will find contact details, we will invite something of value. people into groups or people Novelist P.D. James says “I am not may self-select. A group may sure that, as a maverick Christian, I decide to meet fortnightly and am in the least competent to comment continue after Easter. There is ... Dr Williams is discussing matters flexibility. that are necessarily complex, but the rather than finders of, religious faith.” Organised by the Education style is elegant and lucid; and the We are buying some copies of the Group of the Church Council book, though primarily written for book, which is relatively inexpensive. — Anna Togneri and Rosemary Christians, will be interesting and Even if you do not wish to join a group, Tarbotton, Conveners helpful to those who are seekers after, you may wish to buy the book.

Page 18 Knoxhat do you know about Easter Youthto internal warfare and the Rapa Nui Island? It was named by the Dutch civilization was reduced to just 2000- explorer Jacob Roggeveen, who 3000 people when the Europeans arrived encounteredW it on Easter Sunday (5 April) in in 1722. Diseases carried by sailors and 1722. Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is a slave raiding caused the population to Polynesian island in the eastern Pacific Ocean. fall to just 111 people in 1877. The island became a special territory of Chile • With the nearest inhabited island in 1888. (Pitcairn Island) 2075km away and • Easter Island is famous for having 887 continental Chile 3512km away, Easter massive statues, called moai, which were Island is one of the world’s most isolated sculpted and erected by the early Rapa Nui people. inhabited islands. • In 1995, Easter Island became a UNESCO World • Easter Island is 24.6km long and 12.3km at its widest Heritage Site, with most of the island protected in the point, the total area size is 163.6km². Rapa Nui National Park. • The volcanic peak of Terevaka is the tallest point of • Easter Island had about 5800 residents in 2012. Over the island at 507m above sea level and, along with the 60% of these people are descendants of the Rapa Nui. volcanoes of Poike and Rano Kau, gives the island its • Polynesians are believed to have settled on the island triangular shape. around 1000AD. The Rapa Nui people carved the large • It’s a common misconception that the Easter Island stone statues between 1100-1680 AD and the population statues are just heads (although some have been buried peaked at around 15,000 people during this time. up to their necks over time). They in fact also have • The introduction of Polynesian rats and overpopulation torsos, with most ending at the top of the thigh, while is believed to have led to deforestation of the native some are complete kneeling figures. forests and palms and extinction of many natural — Thanks to the Science Kids website resources such as native birds and seabirds. This led www.sciencekids.co.nz

Carry on By Gary Larson

“Wait. We don’t HAVE to just be sheep.” “Well this is just going from bad to worse.”

Page 19 Knox people Delivered by:

Contact:

Contact Information Minister: Kerry Enright 477-0229, 0274 675-542 or email [email protected] Clerk of Council Alison Tait 476-1778 or 021 136-2404 Yvonne Smith, Gillian Newman and [email protected] Beryl Maultby recently visited the Visiting Iona island community of Iona, off the with us in the Refectory. Each day Clerk of Deacons Court west coast of Scotland. Beryl (far right we had work to do, to assist with SuzanneBishop 476-3271 [email protected] in the picture) said: “This is the photo running the place. We also assisted of the group with whom I attended an with serving meals, and then cleaning Envelope Secretary Open Week at the Iona Community, up afterwards. There were services Helen Thew 471-2147 12-18 September. The photo was in the Abbey church in the morning [email protected] taken in a basement meeting room, (9am), and evening (9pm). We had off the back cloisters. discussions on a number of interesting Treasurer and challenging issues. A highlight of Janice Tofia 473-9876 “The lady wearing the Knox [email protected] sweatshirt was part of a Knox the week was the pilgrimage around Church group from the US. There the island, which began at the St Organist & Choir Director were also Benedictine nuns from the Martin’s Cross which is in front of the Karen Knudson 477-2749 , and a group of Germans. Abbey church. “So, we were from Europe, the United “I really enjoyed my week living with Church Officer the community. As a member of the Benjamin Thew 477-0229 States and New Zealand. [email protected] “The guy on the far left (back row) Island Community in Dunedin, I had was Neil Davies, our resident Iona always wanted to go to Iona. So when Parish Office Community person. I was planning my big overseas trip, I Church secretary: “During the week various people booked to stay on Iona, firstly at the Jacqui Carroll, who were on the staff or, who were hotel, and then at the community. It is 449 George St volunteering with the community, a really amazing place!” Phone (03) 477-0229 — Beryl Maultby Mon-Fri 9am-Noon introduced themselves and had meals 449 George St, Dunedin, 9016 [email protected] www.knoxchurch.net For more news and photos from Knox Church, please follow us on Twitter @ KnoxChurchDUN and “Like” our page on FaceBook. Follow the links from our website: The new Emerson’s Brewery in Anzac Avenue, opening in June, promises to www.knoxchurch.net be (according to the sign) our “new spiritual home”. Sign of the times.

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