MARCH 2008 OCTOBER 2009

Some of those who will take part in the World March for Peace and Nonviolence in the Czech Republic. Aotearoa New Zealand is the starting point for the World Peace March takes first global peace march to circle the earth calling for first steps in NZ the end of war, nuclear to any person, organisation, collective, • means for all who suffer violence September 29th and 30th. It will also group, political party or business that to be heard. commemorate the centuries-old Moriori weapons, and violence shares the same vision and sensibility. New Zealand was chosen as the starting Peace Covenant. Anyone and everyone can participate point for the World March in honour of On Friday October 2nd the World of all kinds. freely, and the March is intended to be a its ranking on the Global Peace Index as Peace March starts from the Gandhi statue journey that is progressively enriched as the most peaceful country in the world. in front of the Wellington railway station. different groups set their contributions in We have a long history of peace-making It moves through key peace heritage sites motion. including the non-violence of the Moriori in the city and finishes at the Parihaka The World March for Peace and Organisers say it is a march by and and Parihaka. We were also the first monument. Nonviolence begins in Wellington on for the people and they hope to reach out country to give women the vote and to On October 3rd there is a tree planting October 2nd, the anniversary of to most of the world’s population. prohibit nuclear weapons. at Tapu te Ranga Marae in Wellington Mahatma Gandhi´s birth and the The March is intended to give a voice Nevertheless, there is still considerable and a march takes place in Christchurch United Nation’s International Day of to the majority of world citizens who want violence and injustice to be addressed that follows the city’s Peace Walk. Nonviolence. It ends in the Andes peace. Organisers say a powerful minority here. Every year in NZ 40,000 violent World March organisers are concerned Mountains at Punta de Vacas, perpetuates the arms race and the time crimes are reported, more than 100 about the environment and say militarism Argentina on January 2nd. has come to stand together and oppose murders are committed, and 7000 children and war are the most environmentally During its 90 days the march will them. are abused. Nearly 30 percent of women destructive of all human activities. The travel through 90 countries across all six The March calls for have faced physical or sexual violence. carbon emissions from the March’s core continents. Activities and events involving • the worldwide eradication of nuclear A series of events in September led organisers will be offset, and tree plantings millions of people will be held along its weapons; up to the start of the World March. They and other environmental projects will be route. • the immediate withdrawal of included lighting the Nuclear Abolition promoted along the route. In New Zealand complementary invading troops from occupied territories; Flame in Auckland on September 17th. The World March for Peace and activities will take place in • the progressive and proportional The flame was brought to NZ from Nonviolence is endorsed by a number of Rekohu/Chatham Islands, Wanganui, reduction of conventional weapons; Hiroshima. political leaders, Nobel laureates and Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch. • non-aggression treaties among Peace walks took place in Auckland, celebrities including the presidents of The March was initiated by World nations Christchurch and Tauranga, and from Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Without Wars, an international • governments to renounce war as a Sepember 21st-30th a march went from Uruguay and Croatia. Desmond Tutu and organisation launched by the Humanist way to resolve conflicts. Wanganui to Wellington, timed to arrive the Dalai Lama are endorsers. Movement that works for pacifism and • other forms of violence – economic, for the launch of the World March. Kiwis who support the March include non-violence. physical, sexual, racial, religious, An opening blessing ceremony was Helen Clark, Witi Ihimaera, Joy Cowley The World March, however, is open psychological – to be exposed; held in Rekou/Chatham Islands on and Sir Michael Hardie Boys. 2 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 NEWS Action group targets Kiwi binge drinking By Marie Sherry bombardment of very clever advertising “The key thing about Alcohol Action keeps very quiet about. A new alcohol action group aimed and highly strategic sponsorship deals are NZ is that we’ve gone to our public health “Many New Zealanders drink alcohol at reducing New Zealand’s binge key drivers of our dangerous drinking specialists who have got the best science safely but urgent action is needed to help drinking culture is receiving positive culture,” he says.“The alcohol industry is in the world,” Doug says. the hundreds of thousands of people it is support from communities and spending in the region of $200,000 a day “That’s what we’re relying on for our harming,” Doug says. organisations throughout the country. marketing alcohol to the New Zealand 5+ solutions – it’s not something we’ve “Alcohol Action NZ wants to see the public, and has particularly targeted young made up.” Alcohol Action NZ was launched in supply and sale of alcohol positioned in early September at the Cutting Edge people and women over the past 10 years. Doug says the 5+ solutions do not addiction conference at Te Papa. The statistics show that around half of its involve education campaigns, which the middle ground between the extreme Professor Doug Sellman, from the multi-million dollar profits come from simply don’t work. of excessive commercialisation on the one University of Otago, Christchurch, is one binge-style, out-of-control drinking. He believes effective regulation is hand, where we are at present, and of four medical spokespeople for the group, “It’s time to recognise this industry is needed to turn the tide of New Zealand’s prohibition of alcohol at the other extreme. which will hold 37 lectures nationwide a major driver of our huge drink problem harmful drinking culture. The 5+ solutions “We’re confident that if the through until mid-November on the topic in this country, and stop simply blaming involve: raising alcohol prices; raising the Government enacted on our 5+ solutions, ‘Ten things the alcohol industry won’t tell young people and alcoholics for having purchase age; reducing alcohol New Zealand would become a happier you about alcohol’. Doug says that alcohol problems. New Zealanders are beginning accessibility; reducing marketing and and healthier society.” has become totally over commercialised to wake up to the fact that we have an advertising; and increasing drink-driving In October and November Alcohol alcohol crisis in New Zealand and to wise counter measures. in New Zealand, encouraging a heavy Action NZ will hold public meetings in drinking culture that leads to serious health up to the need to put more constraints on The group believes there are many problems, fractured families, and increased the activities of the alcohol industry.” things about alcohol that the public as most major centres in the South and North violence and crime affecting thousands of Alcohol Action NZ has the support of consumers have the right to know, such Islands during its Ten Things lecture tour. people. people from a wide range of social sciences as the fact that alcohol can cause cancer Anyone interested in attending them or “The easy availability of alcohol at all who deal with alcohol problems on a daily and damage the brain, and what exactly supporting the group can get more hours, low prices and continuous basis. low-risk drinking is – things the industry information at www.alcoholaction.co.nz.

School of Theology donated $1000 worth of book vouchers and two scholarships for students to study Religion and heritage at the College. Warm Wesley At the powhiri the Wesley students led the under microscope opening devotion with head boy Tyrone Te Ruruku at Talanoa 2009 welcome for calling the gathered to worship. The focus of the Talanoa Conference was on Last month the Centre for Tokelauan, Samoan, Fijian, the diaspora of the Pacific peoples. In his message Pacific Studies at the University Uvean, Pakeha and Maori Talanoa Tyrone pointed out diaspora is neither new, nor is of Auckland was the gathering communities. Two participants it solely a Pacific concept. point for Pacific Island and came from USA, two from Tonga, “It has been around since the beginning, and Maori people from throughout and around 30 participants from we have been travellers all our lives. The Lord told Aotearoa and Oceania when Australia. The rest were from NZ. Abraham, ‘Leave your country, your relatives, your they gathered for Talanoa “We estimated more than 250 father’s house, and go to the land that I will show Oceania (September 10-12). people attended during the three you… I will bless you… and make you a blessing The focus of Talanoa Oceania days of the gathering. This to others’.” is on Pacific people who have left included church leaders, Tyrone said today our reality is that we are from their home islands to settle in academics, members of different many cultures but one world. We are from different different parts of Oceania and the island communities, and many families but one family of God. We have different world. This year those who more. Nasili says Talanoa Oceania theological views but still one God. attended the conference shared conferences have been organised “And God’s call for all of us is no different from their perspectives on the three Oceanic concepts of lotu because Pacific Islanders feel torn the call to Abraham. ‘Wherever you are in the between where they live and their world, make a difference. For I will bless you and (religion), tabu (sacredness), and tikanga (heritage). home islands. Wesley College head boy Tyrone Te Ruruku leads others will be blessed through you, if that is your “We continue to look for the haka that opened Talanoa. choice’. The event began with a powhiri led by Dr Te Tuhi Robust directions from our home islands The Talanoa Oceania Conference held at “Although we are many, we are one in the Spirit and search for meaningful ways of God. We are from and in different countries, of the University of Auckland’s Auckland University last month turned out to be Department of Maori Studies, and to stay connected to our island a significant event for Wesley College. involved and doing different things, and yet, we all cultures, churches and homes.” laugh and cry for similar reasons. As Pasifika people staff and students of Wesley Wesley College student played a big part in the College. Several keynote speeches also opening powhiri for the conference. Later the in diaspora, with God’s grace and love, may we all One of the Talanoa’s set the event in motion. The first, conference’s main sponsor, Auckland University’s continue to be blessed, so that we continue to be a organisers, Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta from Dr Jenny Plane Te Paa (St blessing to others wherever we are.” says that among the highlights of John’s Theological College) called Wesley College principal Ian Faulkner and the the conference was the diversity attention to the issue of racial and College thank Talanoa Oceania and the School of of the participants, presentations gender injustices within and LINWOOD AVENUE Theology for the book vouchers and scholarships. and perspectives. outside the Church. UNION CHURCH The scholarships are for the principal to allocate “Although dominated by The second came from Dr CHRISTCHURCH to students based on financial circumstances so they Tongans, there were delegates Melani Anae of the Centre for may study at Wesley College in 2010. from the Tuvaluan, Rotuman, Pacific Studies (CPS). Melani called for changes in the way we Expressions of interest for a full time do theology because more and minister are invited. more Islanders, especially young Linwood Avenue Union Church is located in eastern ENROLMENT ones, are leaving the churches. Christchurch with all educational facilities, a large mall and Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau, other amenities close by, and served with good bus routes. OPPORTUNITIES also of CPS, emphasised the need • We are a busy traditional/contemporary church with a to decolonise Pacific Studies by good relationship with other churches in the area. Wesley College is an integrated giving more privilege to our • We look forward to new forms of ministry and expect Christian multi-cultural school with Pacific languages in education the minister to be open to equipping us for this. a Methodist character. and research. • We have an active Community Outreach. Among the panel discussions • An active Youth Programme. Located at Paerata 7 Km North of were one by the Manahine group Pukekohe. that addressed gender issues and • We expect someone who will help us to reach those who Pacific patriarchy, and one by the are open and interested in joining our faith-committed church. Boys are enrolled in Year 9 - 13 NZ/Australian-born group that challenged aspects of Pacific Please contact Parish Secretary for church profile. Closing (Form 3 to Form 7) date: Friday 23 October 2009 culture and church practices. Girls are enrolled in Year 11 - 13 Some of the papers presented Contact Details (Form 5 to Form 7) at Talanoa Oceania 2009 will be Parish Secretary: Fay Hardy 17 Seascape Gardens, Bromley, Christchurch 8062 published. Email: [email protected] or ph: 03-384-7556 Enrolments are now being taken for the 2010 year. The Talanoa 2009 organisers offered four scholarships from the CONTACT DETAILS profits the conference raised. Two will go to two students from Parents of prospective students are invited to contact the College Wesley College and two to the for application information. Onehunga Cooperating Parish Phone (09) 237 0224 • Fax (09) 238 3582 youth, who did the closing event. Email: [email protected] Talanoa Oceania 2010 will be held in Australia. TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 3 NEWS Methodist Conference prepares to celebrate God’s presence As well as a time to do business and and the other person, then God values us for ordained women. make decisions, Methodist Conference both. This should shape our attitudes toward Young people will be prominent at 2009 will be an occasion to celebrate social justice. It we are to live in God’s Conference too. Youth groups from several God’s presence, says the in-coming presence we cannot look after ourselves by Christchurch churches – Beckenham presidential team. mistreating others.” Methodist Church, Clarence Street Fijian President elect Rev Alan Upson and vice Some of the presentations at Conference Methodist Church, and Christchurch South president elect Lana Lazarus have led the will pick up on this theme. These include Tongan Parish – will perform. And Tauiwi organisation of this year’s Conference, which Rev Dr Jim Stuart’s Monday evening talk youth facilitator Te Rito Peyroux and others takes place November 6th-11th in on how John Wesley viewed the presence will make a presentation on the National of God. Christchurch. Along with the local Alan Upson Lana Lazarus Christian Youth Convention (NCYC 09) organising committee, they have readied a Te Taha Maori will have particular cause they attended in Melbourne earlier this year. spiritual garden on Sunday morning, so to celebrate at Conference 2009. Not only number of props and presentations that will A number of overseas guests will be on those who wish to can visit there rather than is Lana being inducted into the office of call to mind God’s presence in nature and hand for Conference 2009. They include attend a worship service.” vice president, Rex Nathan will be the first in social relationships. Doug Chial and Tara Tautari from the World “Trees for Canterbury is a community Alan and Lana are encouraging all who member of Taha Maori to be ordained for attend Conference to bring a symbol, more than 20 years. Plenty of their whanau Council of Churches, Christian Conference organisation that cultivates native plants for photograph or other reminder of their holy and friends will make the journey to of Asia general secretary Prawate Khid-arn, community planting and re-vegetation ground. These will be posted on a bulletin Christchurch to be on hand for their special and Ken Sumner from the Australian Uniting projects. They have agreed to decorate the board to create a display, and provide a occasions. Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. auditorium where we will meet with native personal reference point to individuals. Several events to celebrate the 50th Alan and Lana say there is no way to shrubs. This means we will bring the “Conference can be very business-like anniversary of the ordination of Rev Dr predict what controversies will arise at environment into Conference,” says Lana. and it can be embarrassing to talk about Dame Phyllis Guthardt will be held. Along Conference though they expect a lot of ”Te Taha Maori will lead morning God,” Alan says. “This is a nonsense because with a session devoted to the topic during discussion to focus on the questions of devotions, and creation will a major theme God is integral to all we do. a Conference business session there will be whether the Methodist Church should move of their worship. Also hymn writer Bill “The presence of God has implications a talk at the meeting of the Wesley Historical to a two-year term for its president and a Wallace has offered to host a group in his for our social relationships. If God is in me Society and an interdenominational dinner biannual rather than an annual Conference. Methodists consider revamp of presidency, Conference The future of its presidency and her duties effectively. younger people might be at a point in their Conference. Conferences are key decisions before Methodist general secretary Rev David life where they want a change, and the David says in the interim years it would the Methodist Church. Bush says most synods are concerned that presidency could be a good way to make be possible to hold more significant synod Two proposals to be considered by the changes would impact the ability of a transition to something else,” David says. meetings. Methodist Conference 2009 are whether lay people to serve as president. There was more agreement in the “We could well see the move to presidency should get a make over, and The Lower North Island Synod wrote August synods about holding Conference regional gathering of synods in the whether Conference should be held every in its report that the “requirements virtually every two years. intervening year. For example, we might two years rather than every year. wipe out the possibilities of lay people David says the cost of holding move toward four regional gatherings – The model of the presidency currently filling the role”. Manukau expressed Conference annually is considerable. From Auckland/Northland; Waikato-Waiariki; up for consideration would see the similar reservations, while the Central August through November a significant Lower North Island; and the South Island. presidential team of a president and vice South Island and Otago-Southland Synods amount of the Connexional office staffs’ “The move could also lead to more were concerned that removing the vice president replaced by a sole president, time and energy is devoted to preparing creative ways to meet. I see that this year president would remove the lay-ordained for Conference. who would hold office for two years rather the Victorian and Tasmania Synod of the than one. The president would be full-time partnership. “The same is true for parishes. Uniting Church in Australia has moved and receive a stipend and housing The Central South Island Synod Preparing for Conference each year and its yearly meeting out to 18 months and it allowance in remuneration. suggested a two- or three-person presidium the cost of attending diverts resources from The proposal was put before the August of lay and ordained people rather than a doing or trying new things,” he says. live streamed its installation service for meetings of Methodist synods. The sole president. Several of the August synods noted its new moderator to Launceston, overwhelming response was in favour of David says it is true that vice presidents that the ecological cost of hundreds of Wangaratta and Mildura.” the change to a two year term but all synods have tended to be lay people but he does people travelling to Conference each year While the proposals regarding expressed at least some reservations about not agree that lay people would not serve is another serious consideration. Methodist president and Conference who would serve in the leadership as leaders of the church if the office of One issue that arises if a decision is obviously relate to one another, they are positions. vice president is removed. made to move away from an annual not directly linked, David says. The widely noted positive from ”With the presidency fully stipended, Conference is when and where ordination Conference could decide to maintain changing to a two year presidency is that it could well suit a lay person who is in takes place. There was support from most a presidential team with a one-year term it would give the office holder time to business, or approaching retirement at age synods for ordination to take place each of office and move to biannual learn the skills required to carry out his or 64 or 65 with plenty of energy left. Other, year regionally with reaffirmation at Conferences, or vice versa.

Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theologocial Stidies The Evangelical Network (EIDTS) invites Methodist artists STUDY THEOLOGY once again to submit their work for Courses in Biblical Studies, Theology Conference WEEKEND Church History, Ministry and Mission, 7 November 2009 Music and Worship, and World Religions. Our theme this year is Only Church Groups can invest Study from your own home - in your own time Worship RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS 2010 Interest only and capital growth investments We appreciate any and all art works submitted “Introduction to Biblical Studies” We ask $10 per entry Depositors select type of investment and term Wellington 20-23 January The people’s choice scoops the pool! “Homiletics – Preaching” Christchurch 25-28 January Exhibits will be displayed and judged at our Income distributions may be paid out or compounded evening meal, and then moved to Conference “Introduction to Theology” venue itself for everyone’s appreciation Christchurch 28 – 30 January enquiries to [email protected] For further information and handbook contact: We will be meeting on Saturday evening for a light meal and The Academic Registrar entertainment with the Liberal Society, at Megawatt, 218 Manchester St, and $20 per head for a light meal. EIDTS, PO Box 12 286, CHRISTCHURCH Please indicate to Rev Alan K Webster or Eric Laurenson your Freephone 0800 667 969 interest so that we can cater intelligently Email: [email protected] • Website: www.eidts.ac.nz 4 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 OPINION Ban alcohol advertising To the editor, bin wine, a mega pack of salted potato chips, The costs of excessive alcohol consumption and, for balance, some tomatoes and streaky to individuals, families, and society, were made bacon. very clear earlier this year in the report of the Its message surely is for us to see alcohol Law Commission, now open for public purchasing as a key feature in a family's weekly response. shopping, a significant change in our habits as Concerned doctors of Alcohol Action NZ noted in the Law Commission report. Such a have developed a strong case for a focus on message is very likely to encourage excessive pricing, accessibility and marketing and consumption. advertising of liquor, if we are to change our Why are we so reluctant to apply to alcohol unhealthy booze culture. This culture is marked the blanket restrictions in place with regard to by drinking to excess and from an earlier age, the advertising and availability of cigarettes and it is getting worse with alcopops a and tobacco? Why do we pussyfoot on halting significant growth area in the market. the incessant pushing of alcohol, especially at As reported in a recent Dominion Post, Lion Nathan publicist Liz Read accused the doctors the young, by pervasive advertising and by of alarmism and claimed alcohol advertising sponsorships of sporting events and of sporting is carefully controlled and could not encourage icons? excessive consumption. Yeah, right. I wonder This aspect of the debate on changing an then why the industry spends $200,000 a day unhealthy culture and reducing the costs to on its advertising. individuals and to the nation of over-indulgence, I am moved to write at this time because of in health and in monetary terms, has been the full page advertisement last Saturday for a strangely and suspiciously muted to date. national supermarket chain. Its purpose seems Let's hope for a significant change and to be to suggest that the core of our weekly strong representations by the leaders and shopping should consist of a 15 pack of beer, congregations of the Methodist Church. an oversize bottle of Coke, 750ml of private Ken Rae, Porirua Reflections for the Church on healing and control By Rev Anne Stephenson idealism. We do not want the veil taken from Mark 11:11: And so [Jesus] entered our eyes, the truth exposed. So we cling to the Jerusalem and went into the temple. He disease, the self-protection, the lies and KITCHEN THEOLOGY looked around carefully at everything and manipulations so that their truth has no place. then left. Reputations must be preserved. We must not Mark 11: 15: When they arrived back at tarnish our image. Pass the parcel Jerusalem he went to the temple and began In the September issue of Touchstone Jill By Diana Roberts to drive out the merchants and their customers, van de Geer called us to remember the abused and knocked over the tables of the money woman in Church and society. She said to value There is a box near the door of topic areas NZCCSS regularly covers: children and families; housing and changers and stalls of those selling doves, and the healing that could come to all of us if there the supermarket labeled poverty, services for older people; and stopped everyone from bringing in loads of is holy listening. ‘Contributions for Food Bank’. It The abused need to be healed. They may reminds me to put some extra items social justice. Being better informed merchandise. prepares us for influencing policies, Mark 11:17: He told them “It is written in well experience Divine care and many of us into my shopping basket for the could learn from them, if we journey with them. hamper that sits in the church advocating for change, and the scriptures ‘my temple is to be a place of championing the poor and vulnerable prayer for all nations but you have turned it We would learn so much about pastoral care if porch. we let them lead us into their experiences of among us. into a den of robbers”. It is not as though food parcels are the compassion and grace of God-whose At a recent seminar: ‘Responding These events happened after Jesus’ extravagant. A group of Auckland Girl compassion so often comes alongside passion. to Recession: Facing Hard Times’, triumphant procession into Jerusalem and the Guides who visited a food bank were We also need to heal ourselves so that our church historian Allan Davidson spoke stage was set for betrayal and crucifixion. Jesus’ appalled at the size of food parcels integrity is found in the truth of relationships of the response of churches to the needs were high. Was he saying ‘goodbye?’ that a family will live off for a week. 1931 Great Depression in New that are by now poles apart – i.e. the abuser Yet church social service agencies are Was he assessing what he saw? Was the temple and the victim. There is a saying ‘Everything Zealand. He noted that in the early now unsafe for him? reporting huge increases in the demand stages of the depression the churches before the ‘but’ is bullshit’. We may be family, for food parcels, and significant Jesus seems to have moved from idealism we may be a group, we may be a faith prayed for relief for those who were to realism. He speaks and reflects on the truth changes in the kinds of people who suffering. With more of the population community but what comes after the ‘but’ will are seeking help. of his experience. He is angry and acts this be healing for us all to face. severely affected the churches anger out. People who have jobs are joining developed relief services – soup There is healing for the abuser, if they hear the food bank queue, alongside the Too much idealism about our institutions the truth and are confronted with the reality of kitchens and clothing depots. As the is unhealthy if it blinds us to the passion of traditional beneficiary clientele. They depression deepened, church leaders and the consequences of their behaviour. This are struggling to meet the costs of those who are excluded. is seldom achieved in the area of sexual began to take on a more prophetic It is said that ‘the truth sets us free’. But providing for their families as their role, embodied in the outspoken Uncle offending. However the Church stands for the work hours and incomes shrink. often our idealism keeps us from the truth. This love of God where the offender may yet find Scrim and his Friendly Road radio may be idealism about family relationships, Surely all of us know someone programme. love and grace if they face the truth and the whose circumstances have become ministry relationships, and even the nature of holy listening removes their complex layers of We followers of Jesus are called the church. The words of Jesus come with very difficult over the past year, and to make a prophetic response; to cover-up. we are beginning to ask questions and explosive force. The veil was taken from his Rev Mark Gibson’s article in the September proclaim the words of the Magnificat eyes (and from our eyes) at this point. look for solutions. Even before the of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) and to share Touchstone called for the intimacy of deep global recession had taken hold the The faith system could not hear Jesus and connection as found in small groups. This in the mission Jesus declared at the New Zealand Council of Christian the crucifixion went ahead. It was the rejection resonates as a key part of the Methodist heritage. outset of his ministry: “The Spirit of Social Services (NZCCSS) launched of the loud and strident voice of truth and the Methodism transformed individuals and society. the Lord is upon me because he has a programme of information on the refusal to hear the passionate truth. But it is all too easy for intimate small groups anointed me to bring good news to theme of achieving a just and How hard it is to label ‘healthy’ the speaker to assist in the development of narcissistic the poor.” (Luke 4: 16-21). Pray for compassionate society. of passion, who is facing crucifixion. How hard sexual predators. those in poverty, provide food parcels, An important element in this and work for social and political to label ‘unhealthy’ the ones holding power It is interesting to hear the other day the programme is to widen the networks changes that bring wellbeing for all. and control. call for a ‘return to Church’ Sunday. The of people who are interested in Note the NZCCSS website is We are scared and afraid to hear the passion minister even said he would be prepared to not becoming more informed about the www.justiceandcompassion.org.nz. erupting from victims of abuse because of our preach but to listen… Sounds healthy to me.

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] Email [email protected] E-mail [email protected] Printer The Ashburton Guardian Opinions in Touchstone do not necessarily reflect Production Julian Doesburg 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 • OCTOBER 2009 5 NEWS AND VIEWS

VICE PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Divisions within the family By Ron Gibson This month I would like for action. rather than of ethnicity or cultural If our theology tells us that we are an to expand on the I suggested that we regress restoration. inclusive Church then everything that we observation that, by allowing others to do our That is, the distribution of love and the do within the Church should mirror this. surprisingly, within thinking for us and consequently concern that follows for the well-being of This includes how we live together, work Methodist and Co- allowing – even welcoming – the other person is the imperative for the together, pray together, worship together, Operative ventures, a others to direct and control our community of faith that calls itself govern ourselves etc. Theological and theology that is relatively spiritual journey. Where we find Christian. With this perspective in mind cultural pluralism requires that we accept conservative seems to be congregations that welcome we might have better acted together to help each other as we stand, with no more widespread than open-ended theological inquiry, restore the well-being of our brothers and preconditions for acceptance into our might be expected. It is we also find congregations sisters instead of dividing into two fellowship or faith community. As I see it, transformed with new life and energy for constituencies, each doing its own thing. this is the Gospel of Jesus, the ‘Good surprising to me because Methodism their mission and spiritual journey. I put these issues before us with a heavy has always been regarded as at the News’ of unconditional love. The way our theological thinking heart because I can see no evidence that The third area of concern is the forefront of social activism based on constricts us can be seen in three areas our Taha Maori brethren have benefited divisions within our fellowship that an enlightened approach to theology. pertinent to the Methodist Church of New from this division. It should be recognized The impression is gained that our Zealand. that Taha Maori have actually been more theological differences seem to bring. theology often locks us into a fortress The first of these is what has become gracious in helping the New Zealand These divisions and subsequent separations mentality, preventing us from finding the known as the ‘bicultural journey’. This Methodist Church than the rest of the point to a mode of thinking and behaviour freedom that grace brings, and thus limiting placed Methodists into two ‘boxes’ or Church has been in terms of actively that has had a negative impact upon the our spiritual journey. The ‘good news’ was constituencies – Taha Maori and Tauiwi. engaging with Taha Maori. Church. An inclusive Church should be meant to free us from the strictures of We then went our separate ways, hoping The second issue that follows from the able to accommodate all theological religious rules, regulations, and practices. that somehow this would be to the benefit latter is recognition that we are in reality perspectives without having to witness Yet we fear the freedom that such good of all concerned. a multi-cultural society. Immigration various groups withdraw into their enclaves news will bring. Perhaps if we had engaged in more in- patterns of the past 20 years have confirmed of right thinking, or right faith. One reason we fear freedom of thought depth thinking in the realms of sociology, this. The issue for the Methodist Church The point is that we all have a place at is that along with the necessity to accept psychology, anthropology, history and of New Zealand is, once again, how we the table, we all share the same meal, and how and what we think theologically, such theology we might have seen the issues think theologically about this, and how we we all belong to the same household of freedom brings with it the responsibility confronting us more as issues of justice respond in practical terms. faith. As Methodists we are all family Logic and love – a theology for today By Len Schroeder Globalisation gives instant of interplay between what we discoveries, both in what comes relevance of his life, teaching, and As a retired presbyter, my communication and access to a receive as facts and what we to us as the hard facts of life and spirit to our present predicament. ministry these days is largely in plethora of knowledge on all experience in our emotions. We in the mystical and awesome This is encouraging! music and in being a good fronts. There is a new are bound to follow the truth experiences that speak to us of In this context, I suggest we neighbour. I also have a special interconnectedness with both wherever we find it, though it is another authentic world of can see Jesus as the master of myth interest in cosmology and the benefits and liabilities. Isolation is sometimes unpalatable. Therefore, experience. and mystery, and the living importance of myth and story- no longer possible or desirable. when it comes down to our This has led to a surprising presence of a logic infused with worship and God-experience, we number of books concerned with telling. These interests have The Local Scene love. prompted me to ask where our At the local level, religion(s) are constantly in the stream of new a rediscovery of Jesus, and the theology is at today. persist. Whereas formal religions are regarded as outdated, there is The Big Picture still widespread recognition of On the large scale, the universe some spirit or life force distinct has exploded. The Biblical notion from the material. of earth at the centre no longer There is a growing suspicion holds. We are scarcely a dot on the of religion, and a feeling that it has cosmological landscape. been the cause of violent conflict Over time the concept of God throughout history, whereas in the Bible changed from a tribal spirituality is recognised as a life deity to a sovereign lord of the enhancing agent and a legitimate earth, or as much of the earth as part of human experience. was known at the time. Further, In other areas, there is dialogue Jesus and Paul changed our between religious communities theological perspective from a that were once far apart. Also national God to an inclusive God. mooted is the radical possibility What is our concept of God in that humanity will ultimately move the new cosmology? We now have to a plane where all existing a reasonable knowledge of how religions give place to a new mode our universe (and along with it our of being. planet) has changed dramatically Self-consciousness is now over the eons of time. We are still recognised as our unique deeply embedded in the ongoing possession. For better or for worse, evolutionary story. this seems to distinguish us from Some see humanity at a critical any other forms of life of which stage of change because we are we are aware. part of the evolutionary pattern of This has led to an intensive moving to more complex modes study of the human brain and its of being. This may not be part in all human experience accomplished without chaos and including religion. (Is there a ’God- possibly catastrophic experiences. shaped blank’ there, or is that just The whole universe is being fanciful?) constantly in a cycle of birth, We are more fully aware that development, maturity, death, and all our life and future depend on Bring hope and change to rebirth – from galaxies and stars, the establishment of positive down to the smallest forms of life. relationships both in the personal people in need with the CWS Humanity is part of the cycle along and natural worlds. This basic with everything else. Death is a biblical theme is at the heart of our Gifted Giving Programme. natural part of the process. spiritual practices. Gifted Humanity’s existence depends While our world is largely From as little as $15 entirely on the welfare of the secular and tends to operate in the Choose from goats, ducks, mangroves, clean water, planet. This new widespread light of scientific facts, there is a seeds and more. Fun to give, meaningful to receive, awareness is accentuated by whole world beyond that of logic. climate change and its possible We are readily moved by what is Gifted helps poorer communities build a better future. ominous effects. The planet can represented in the arts – drama, Phone 0800 74 73 72 for a catalogue or download one from www.cws.org.nz shrug us off if we don’t respect it. film, poetry, painting, architecture, Our salvation depends on the and music. salvation of Creation. It follows that there is a kind This resource will be translated into Samoan and Tongan. Those translations human sexuality will be available on the Methodist Church towards dialogue of NZ website – www.methodist.org.nz. One of the most difficult issues gays and lesbians. churches in New Zealand and Conference 2008 also decided that the around the world have faced over Tauiwi Strategy Committee would put the past decade is human sexuality. resources into undertaking the promised Opposing views toward homosexuality are it is willing to do the same. consultation. As a result of this, Tauiwi Strategy strongly held and this has led to painful Lacking a consensus on the issue, Tauiwi has commissioned these guidelines. exchanges and split in some churches, has not responded to the question. Tauiwi They are intended for congregations and including the Methodist Church of New has, however, made a commitment to other groups within the Church to carry out Zealand. continue conversations and dialogue on the emphasis John meaningful conversations on the question of Within the Methodist Church of NZ, Te topic in an effort to formulate a response. Wesley made in his sermon on the Catholic sexuality and church leadership. Taha Maori has stated several times at In regards to the issue of sexuality and Spirit, 3) current understandings of the rights While this resource has been developed Conference that it is prepared to accept a leadership, at Conference 2008 Tauiwi and privileges of lay and ordained people, 4) to facilitate discussion on this topic, it presents gay or lesbian person in the office of president reaffirmed its commitment to 1) the decision traditional understandings of the role of techniques that can be used to hold and vice president. In turn Taha Maori has of the 1993 Conference to work within the President, and 5) the 2003 Memorandum of conversations and reach consensus about asked Tauiwi to state clearly whether or not intention of the NZ Human Rights Act, 2) the Understanding that permits the ordination of other vexed issues.

This pastoral resource has been prepared to assist in discussionIntroduction and dialogue around difficult issues and in particular the issue of sexuality and leadership. The intention is to build mutual trust and understanding among people who hold differing points of view. We believe this is more important than trying to change each other’s minds. The following are some suggestions for both one-to-one and group dialogue. Face A process for one-to-one dialogue The aim of this dialogue is not to somewhere where you both feel over (eg. sexuality and leadership). understand where each other is change each other’s minds but to comfortable. This conversation may include talking coming from. to face listen to and hear each other’s stories. If you do not know each other about personal experience, significant From now on there are a number Think about someone with whom very well, the first meeting could be influences in your life and the areas of possibilities, you may decide to: you disagree but with whom you a time to each share your life that cause the most difficulty for you. • Continue to meet The Lord would speak with would feel comfortable sharing with. experiences and spiritual journeys. When you meet again you may Moses face to face, just as a • Invite another person into the Suggest the possibility of You may wish to say the adjoining need more time to talk about life conversation person speaks with a friend. dialogue. prayer ‘Face to face’ together. This experience or you may be ready to • Each initiate a conversation with Exodus 33:11 Undertake to meet regularly for could be the opening for each focus on the areas of difficulty. meeting. You may also wish to discuss For some, this may be around the another person Help us O God, an agreed period of time. Set some ground rules the scripture verse and the quotes issue of interpretation of scripture. • Share your experience of meeting to be open to each other with your home group, minister to listen to each other (confidentiality, being respectful, that are printed in this booklet. At this point in the conversation to hear what is being said stopping for a coffee if you need time- At the next meeting you might remember that it is important to listen and/or congregation often painfully out). each share your own life experience to each other. Agreement may not be • Post a blog about it! Choose a suitable place to meet, in relation to the issue you disagree possible, but it will be possible to All of the above. Assist us, we pray to respect the other to value the other to accept the integrity A process for group dialogue of the other The principles and guidelines for Try to get variety of viewpoints. It may be a good idea to involve 3. Any dilemmas you feel in regard Develop in us group conversation are similar to For example, if the issue you are a skilled (neutral) facilitator to guide to the issue the art of dialogue those for one-to-one conversation. discussing is sexuality and leadership, the process. How stories are The facilitator may call for the skill of debate Building trust and understanding are consider inviting a gay or lesbian discussed or responded to needs questions or comments, but these the grace to disagree the aims of the exercise rather than person to be one of your speakers. careful prior discussion and should not be an opportunity for with good humour trying to win people over to a It is vital to emphasise that this agreement. grandstanding. The facilitator has the particular point of view. is primarily an exercise involving story These are the kinds of questions right to judge a question to be May our faith in Christ In your home group or telling. Stories need to be told which could be given to those asked inappropriate. Those asked to share shape our longing to share: should have the right to decline to determine our discipleship congregation plan a series of sensitively and heard carefully. The and enable us to live with meetings in which people who have point is not to debate or challenge 1. Your personal story or experience answer any question. harmonious discord differing perspectives share their the story being heard. This means of the issue being discussed Remember the point is not to in Jesus' name, Amen. stories and experiences particularly that clear guidelines need to be in 2. Your beliefs or convictions about change minds but to engage in a in relation to the issue being place in order to create a place in the issue. What’s at the heart of conversation that might build greater Terry Wall (used with permission) discussed. which it is safe for people to share. the matter for you? trust and understanding. Prayer of Commitment We will live with ambiguity and paradox. We will accept that I have discovered too In a true dialogue, The Spirit may work we have blindspots slowly and unwillingly both sides are willing in debate at least as and can be mistaken. that it is possible to to change.... If we do much as in face issues, speak the We will grow to appreciate not believe that, consensus, and we difference as strength truth in love and work entering into dialogue shall have done and diversity as enriching. through to a new would be a waste something if we place. I have of time. have only initiated We will critique our own ideological passions. discovered that it is Thich Nhat Hanh such a debate. possible to disagree Rowan Williams We resolve to keep meetings alive good-humouredly. by refusing to have the last word. Donald Eadie Amen.

Acknowledgment • For further information • www.publiconversations.org Terry Wall (used with permission) This resource has been prepared by Rev Dr Susan Thompson and Rev Alex Webster. TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 7 NEWS AND VIEWS Australian Uniting Church rethinks attitudes towards Jews, Aboriginals Among the decisions the resolution by consensus. This There was some discussion on Uniting Church in Australia failed, with about seven dissenters. whether evangelism was (UCA) took at its recent Assembly The Assembly then moved to inadvertently included in that was to realign its relationships formal procedures where a 75 per statement. The presenters of the with two peoples with whom ties cent majority is required. An statement were adamant that have been fraught for centuries – overwhelming majority then evangelism was in no way included Aboriginal Australians and Jews. supported the proposal.. in that clause and that the very In July the UCA held its 12th The preamble takes the nature of evangelism would be triennial Assembly at the Uniting Church Covenant between corrupted if it did include methods University of New South Wales, Indigenous and non- Indigenous of coercion and manipulation. in Sydney members to another level. UCA Among the steps the Assembly says it tells the truth about the The UCA’s statement on Jews took was to create a new preamble history of Australia and places the and Judaism states that Jesus to its Constitution that defines itself Aboriginal and Torres Straits cannot be understood apart from in terms of its relationship with the Islander people at the centre of the the Judaism of his time as he was people dispossessed by denomination’s life and witness. born, lived and died a faithful Jew. colonisation. This is the first time The preamble states: Historically, understandings of a major Christian denomination in 1. When the churches that Judaism have been imposed from a Western nation has made such a formed the Uniting Church arrived The UCA has placed Aboriginal people at the centre of its life and witness. without, and Judaism should be statement. in Australia as part of the process understood on its own terms. Although strongly supported of colonisation they entered a land ceremony. The same love and grace Jews and Judaism. Again, after The UCA acknowledges anti- by the Uniting Aboriginal and that had been created and sustained that was finally revealed in Jesus much discussion and debate, Judaism developed in Christianity Islander Christian Congress by the Triune God they knew in Christ sustained the First Peoples members of the Assembly could and created fertile ground for the (Congress) and many others, solid Jesus Christ. and gave them particular insights not reach consensus on the decision spread of anti-Semitism opposition had been signalled in 2. Through this land God had into God’s ways. and it was passed after moving to culminating in the Shoah advance. nurtured and sustained the First The preamble affirms that formal procedures. (Holocaust). Deliberations became highly Peoples of this country, the many church members “shared the Much of the discussion focused The Church does not accept emotional and many speakers Aboriginal and Islander peoples, values and relationships of the on two clauses of the statement. Christian teaching that is expressed profound distress. At who continue to understand emerging colonial society including Clause 7 acknowledges that many derogatory towards Jews and one point Congress representatives themselves to be the traditional paternalism and racism towards of the early Christian writings in told the meeting they felt “unsafe” owners and custodians of these the First Peoples. They were the New Testament were written Judaism, that God has abolished and withdrew from the Assembly. lands and waters since time complicit in the injustice that in a context of controversy. the covenant with the Jewish UCA president Rev Alistair Macrae immemorial. resulted in many of the First Clause 19 states that the people, or that Christians have then led the entire Assembly of 3. The First Peoples had Peoples being dispossessed from Uniting Church does not accept replaced Jews in the love and 265 members outside the meeting already encountered the Creator their land, their language, their forms of relationships with Jews purpose of God. hall where they joined with the God before the arrival of the culture and spirituality, becoming that “require them to become The UCA encourages its Congress representatives before colonisers; the Spirit was already strangers in their own land.” Christian, including coercion and members and councils to seek re-entering. in the land revealing God to the Another decision the Assembly manipulation that violate their opportunities to meet with Jews Alistair sought passage of the people through law, custom and made was to adopt a statement on humanity, dignity and freedom”. and to learn about modern Judaism. Otago University’s Distance training now popular option One of the striking things about the distance programme offered Leave a by the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Otago is its wide range of students. That’s the view of Dr Tim Cooper, who teaches Church History in the Department and offers course advice to new and current students. Lasting “At one end of the spectrum,” Tim explains, “there are nearly 100 Year-13 students in the distance class for my Early Christianity paper. “These are top students in participating high schools who complete a university paper to stretch their abilities, give them confidence and gain Legacy credit they can apply to any degree when they go to university. “They bring energy and liveliness to the experience of teaching that paper, and the other students enjoy their presence.” “The greatest use of life is to spend it On the other end of the spectrum, Tim says one distance student for something that will outlast it.” completed her Bachelor of Theology degree with Honours in her 70s. “This demonstrates that anyone can take part in our distance William James programme,” he says. The students Tim teaches come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Most are studying theology because they are serious about understanding their faith. • A bequest to the Methodist Mission Aoteoroa University of Otago’s distance programme is growing. There are now several papers in the study of religion that were not available by distance is an investment in the future. until recently. And the number of students is increasing. “I think that shows that students enjoy what we offer,” Tim says. • A bequest enables the Methodist Mission, in Students receive a course book for each paper, which includes notes and readings prepared by the lecturer. And papers are delivered in a partnership with your legacy, to provide variety of modes. opportunities for change and social justice “At the heart of our approach is a two-hour audioconference held in the evening every second week. This keeps students in touch with their within our community. class and their lecturer as they discuss their own reading and thinking.” Other papers are offered as block courses, often in Dunedin but also • A bequest in conjunction with the Methodist in Wellington and Auckland. Still other papers are internet-based, allowing Mission ensures that the tradition, integrity, students extra flexibility in their study. security and practical strengths of the Methodist Movement will work in conjunction 50TH JUBILEE with your gift and your memory. Celebration of the 50th Jubilee of the Methodist building used by the Bluff/Greenhills Co-operating Parish. To ensure your legacy lasts longer than footprints in the sand, contact; To be held on Sunday 15th November 2009 Ruth Bilverstone Sunday Worship at 10am, followed by Conveenor, Methodist Mission Aoteoroa Pot-Luck Lunch, sharing and fellowship, 23 Tarbottons Road, ASHBURTON, 7700. guest speaker and afternoon tea. Phone: 03 307 1116 Contact for further information, Parish Secretary, Email: [email protected] Mrs. Olive Ladbrook, Phone: 03 212 8722 8 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 9 WOMEN IN THE CHURCH From pioneers to feminists Ordained women in the Methodist Church Women opened doors as society changed Rev Dr Susan Thompson wrote her and in the mission field itself. Women, who 1960s including the late Enid Bennett, who “Enid Bennett was very well known as Among the highlights of Methodist Conference 2009 will be several PhD thesis on the history of ministry had taken leading roles in these types of became Trinity College’s first woman lecturer a Christian feminist when she lectured at events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev Dr training in the Methodist Church of NZ. organizations and had done well at them, in 1986. Trinity College. She wrote some challenging Dame Phyllis Guthardt. As a part of this wider project, she provided role models for early women Susan says the early women presbyters pieces which caused all sorts of controversy seeking ordination,” Susan says. were supported by key people in their lives, Not only was Phyllis the first woman to be ordained on an equal explored the training given to women in among the more conservative students.” the second half of the 20th century. Phyllis confirms this and cites Lorna including male colleagues and church women In the 1960s and 1970s the pace of social Hodder and ‘Lena Hendra as prominent but they did not face an easy road. status with men in the Methodist Church of New Zealand, she was The 1948 Conference of the Methodist change accelerated in NZ and around the church women who had earned respect for “For a long time, those first women had the first woman to be ordained as a minister in any mainline New Church of NZ approved a motion to accept world. Civil rights and indigenous people’s their capabilities. to struggle to be accepted. Many were told Zealand church. women for ordination. It was another five movements were active, the birth control pill Changing attitudes toward women among to keep their heads down and not make a was widely available, and more women years before Phyllis became the first woman NZ Methodists mirrored those emerging in fuss. Phyllis herself has said that she kept To put the event in some context, in 1965 Margaret Reid became entered the workplace and politics. to enter Trinity Theological College in 1954. some churches in other parts of the world. quiet for her first 15 years of ministry but the country's first woman ordained as Presbyterian minister, and in Women in the 1970s and 1980s were Susan says a number of trends in society The role of women in the Church and their then decided that silence was over-rated and much more outspoken than they had been a 1977 the first four women entered the Anglican priesthood. In 1984 and the church after World War II were admission to ministry was discussed at the after that didn’t stop speaking her mind. Phyllis again made history when she was the first woman elected behind the move to stop excluding women inaugural assembly of the World Council of “When they were at college they had generation earlier, Susan says. She herself president of the Methodist Church of NZ. from ordained ministry. Churches in 1948, for example, though it few role models. And in parish ministry most entered ministry training in 1989 and was One was that during the war years, men was acknowledged that churches held a range church committees were made up supported to do so by Phyllis who was the To add to the chorus of commemoration, Touchstone examines were away and women proved themselves of attitudes about it. predominantly of men. Ecumenical superintendent of her circuit. The women on some of the experiences of the Methodist women who pioneered capable of taking on new roles and Phyllis attended Trinity Theological committees were worse. her selection committee also provided ordained presbyteral ministry. First historian Rev Dr Susan Thompson responsibilities. College from 1954 to 1956, became a “It wasn’t until the 1970s that feminism encouragement. “Within the Methodist Church women probationer in 1957 and was ordained in started to come on the scene. Some of the “We did not have to fight the fights that places their experiences in wider historical context. Then Phyllis and had long played quite significant roles – as 1959. She was closely followed by the late ordained women got involved in the feminist the early women faced,” Susan says, “but two other women who entered ministry training early on, lay preachers and deaconesses and in Dorothea Noble nee Jones, who was at Trinity movement and spoke out about relationships they gave us the strength and love to fight Phyllis Guthardt’s induction as president of the Methodist Church at the Women’s Fellowship, mission auxiliaries College 1956-59. Others followed in the between the genders. our own.” Pat Jacobson and Lois Clarke, reflect upon their lives in the church. 1985 Conference in New Plymouth.

Trailblazing presbyters tell their stories Ordained women at Women trained in the Phyllis Guthardt £1000, a sizeable sum in those days. Lois Clarke and based on lectures, not seminars. Classes were had been an all male establishment, and everything Trinity College 1954-84 home-setting 1979-84 Though she had intended to do her PhD in English, taught in three-year cycles so all Trinity students was quite rigid, even the seating arrangements. By Phyllis Guthardt 1954-56 Phyllis Guthardt was 23 years old and teaching Phyllis ended up writing a thesis in Biblical theology. Lois Clarke jokes that she had the longest attended classes together. the time I graduated, there was much more freedom After three years she returned to New Zealand. “I appreciate the formal theological training I of expression, and women and students’ wives were Dorothea Jones 1957, 1959 Mary Astley 1979 primary school in Christchurch in 1952 when training period of anyone in the history of the New Glenys Anderson 1980-83 on New Year’s Eve she had a clear and irrevocable She went on to have a career that included parish Zealand Methodist Church. In 1961 Lois became received in the 1960s. It gave me a sound grasp of taking part in lectures,” Pat says. Lois Baker 1961-62, 1980-81 sense that she was called to full-time service in ministry in Methodist and Presbyterian parishes, the third woman to enter Trinity Theological College. the basics. But I also appreciated the seminar style Two Anglican women were in theological training Enid Slaney 1964-66 Gillian Richards 1980-81 the Church in ordained ministry. hospital and university chaplaincy, teaching and She was not ordained until 1982, however. that was brought in later, and the ability to study a the same time as Pat, and two Methodist women – Patricia Jacobson 1972-74 Gillian Telford 1980-82 When she approached the local district writing. Her story reflects the attitudes that prevailed 50 variety of topics. In 1980 I did part of a paper on Diana Tana and Ailsa Thorburn – were also enrolled Diana Tana (D) 1973-75 Her field of ministry included work in committees icons because I was interested in them. It was great.” at Trinity at that time. Ann Thomas 1980-82 superintendent about putting her name forward for years ago. Between 1961 and 1962 Lois completed I. Marie Greenwood 1974-76 Wendie Hansen 1983-84, 1986 candidacy to the ministry, he of the world church and also 21 18 months at Trinity College. Her life changed when Returning to theological college when she did “I was also excited by the new theology that was Lynne Wall 1975-77 refused. Fortunately, she had not years on the University of she was engaged to fellow student Edwin Clarke. was also exciting for Lois because of the social being taught. Rather than see the Bible as the word Doris Elphick 1984, 1986 Canterbury Council where she “The principal Rev Eric Hames invited me to activism that was in the air. A number of Trinity of God for all time, we were encouraged to see it as Norma Graves 1976 transferred her membership from Lynne Upson 1978-79 her home synod of Nelson when eventually became Chancellor. resign because my position had become anomalous. students were involved in the anti-Springboks the story of a people and their search for God. Some she went to teachers’ training In 1993 she was honored by a I still remember that he asked me to type up a letter demonstrations and later the anti-nuclear campaign. people found it frightening not to take the Bible Audrey Dickinson 1980-82 college in Christchurch, and the DBE ‘for services to women of resignation and slip it under the door of the She says she regrets that divisions over the gay and literally but it allowed me to see new things in the Margaret Burnett 1981-82 Nelson Synod was willing to and the Church’. secretary of the Board of Examiners,” Lois says. lesbian issue have taken the wind out of the Church’s scriptures.” Margaret Springett 1981-83 sponsor her. “When I got back to New “He was a person of his time. He did not believe activism. Pat found that she was generally readily accepted Zealand some people told me As for many other women in the church, Phyllis when she entered ministry. At her first appointment Mary Caygill 1982-84 Phyllis and the other candidates that Edwin and I could have children and cope with Robyn Goudge 1983-85 then faced the intimidating prospect seriously not to expect to be the pressures of the job if we were both in ministry. Guthardt was an inspiration for Lois. She attended she was welcomed by the local Catholic priest. She invited to parishes or theological He may have even said I should go out and earn the Lincoln Road congregation where Phyllis was believes some women had a harder time than the Sue Paterson 1983-86 of appearing before the examination Anne Vaughan 1983-84 committee in Wellington. It was colleges because I was a woman. some money so we could get things together for the stationed after completing her training. Lois says men accepting a minister of their own sex, and some made up of some 70 people, all of It was not like that, however. marriage.” listening to Phyllis’ sermons “lit her up” and sparked in the wider community thought of her as an oddity. them men but for one woman. My first two stationings were Lois says she and Edwin were engaged on June her interest in theology. “I met a variety of responses. One of my Methodist by appointment but other posts 11th and she had left the College by June 30th. She colleagues said to me, ‘I don’t approve of women Phyllis says there was Phyllis Guthardt opposition to her becoming an have been by invitation.” never considered refusing the principal’s request. Pat Jacobson colleagues but I am pleased you are going into the One factor in Phyllis’ life ministry’. Most people were just wonderful.” ordained minister from some quarters but for the “We hadn’t thought it through. I suppose we Pat Jacobson recalls that when she was about was that she did not marry. She was warned when The heady days of the 1970s were also stimulating most part the church was positive. thought we could go on as we were and go into parish to finish her studies at Trinity Theological College accepted as a candidate not to get married too soon for Pat. She attended a radical women’s conference “Trinity College was very welcoming and the ministry together. in 1974 the general secretary of the Methodist because it was assumed a married woman would “I did have some difficulties with it afterwards. Church took her aside and told her to stay in general in Christchurch in 1977 and found it exciting and other students were great. Throughout I received a resign from the ministry. By contrast, to the Church, challenging. She also recalls a ‘theologically trained lot of support from women though not all were I believed I had been called to a vocation – so what ministry. a single woman could be as moveable as a married had happened to my call? Was I mistaken? Had my “I was the fifth woman to go into ministry and women’ conference in 1978 sponsored by the pleased with the idea. Male colleagues generally man. Christian Conference of Asia, which brought together were brotherly and supportive. calling changed? I didn’t talk with two or three of the others had She believes women have anyone about it but I was gone into chaplaincy. I had a women from many denominations. “Some people argued that men would stay away some advantages in ministry. Later, when stationed in from any church with a woman pastor but I did not confused. giggle to myself because I was Pastoral visits with families are “We were very busy with intending to go into general Wanganui, she was a member of Your bequest can find this to be true. On the contrary, it seemed to almost second nature to women, the Committee on Men and bring out the latent chivalry of male parishioners and children and work so that I didn’t ministry.” for example. And in hospital have time to dwell on it but that Her career in ministry Women. This committee met in help ensure that the mobilise their resources so that they could be inclined chaplaincy, many female patients Palmerston North and reported to take over the business and property side altogether. aspect of it was painful. And extended from 1975 to 1997 and important work of find it easier to talk to another being a minister’s wife was not Methodist Conference from 1985 “For quite some time it was society outside the included parish appointments in woman and male patients seemed me; I was too outspoken. I don’t to 1991. Pat says it was based on Presbyterian Support church that had to get used to the idea. There were Christchurch, North Shore, less afraid of losing face in denigrate the role of ministers’ Wanganui, and South Kaipara. consensus well before the church often double takes at weddings and funerals because weakness or distress. wives. So many of them have was and it helped her grow can continue to plenty of people didn’t know there were ordained She spent about half her career Phyllis observes that major done fantastic service for the in Union and Cooperating considerably as a woman. benefit families for women. For some people it became mildly fashionable shifts in attitudes took place in Church but they are in a difficult “The feminist movement did to have a woman minister at their wedding.” parishes, and says she enjoyed the 1970s with the advent of position. They must be neutral experiencing how other churches a tremendous job opening up generations to come. Phyllis says as the first woman in ministry training feminism. She says she felt like and remain on the sideline.” opportunities for women, and she quickly became aware of the pressure to do well. Lois Clarke “live, work and have their a hardened old thing and younger After 14 years of parish being”. Pat Jacobson Phyllis Guthardt was an amazing Freephone She certainly responded to pressure. women tended to look down their noses at what the ministry in Riccarton, Kaeo/Kerikeri Union Parish vanguard. She was intelligent, She completed her Bachelor or Arts degree in Raised in a staunch Methodist family – both her 0508 86 4357 earlier generation had accomplished, perhaps because and Gisborne, Lois and Edwin were stationed in coherent, and well-respected. The men took their English at Auckland University while she was doing father and grandfather were lay ministers – Pat served they were seen as not radical enough. She was always Manukau. By then it was the late 1970s, and attitudes hats off and listened to her.” her ministry training at Trinity Theological College. a strong advocate for inclusive language. as a missionary in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea Pat says it was an honour to be ordained at www.ps.org.nz She then completed her Masters degree at Canterbury Despite the obstacles Phyllis overcame in her had changed. Lois returned to Trinity College at St before she entered Trinity College in 1972. Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaruawahia during the University while she was on probation in the Riccarton career, she considers it could be harder to be in John’s Meadowbank part-time. She completed her “I was at theological college the first year that presidency of Rev Rua Rakena and to represent the Circuit. ministry today. studies and was stationed to Edwin’s Manurewa Trinity and [the Anglican Church’s] St John’s College ordinands entertained by the Maori Queen. Her academic accomplishments earned her a “In the 1950s the Church was growing and we parish to do her stint as a probationer. joined together. It was quite an amazing time. “Through ministry I was given the privilege of scholarship to do a doctoral degree at Cambridge had good strong congregations. It is very hard work The long gap has given Lois an insight in how “Before that St John’s was a rather monastic sharing with people on many occasions in their lives Help make a difference by leaving a gift in your will University. To support her during her studies in trying to build the Church today. I am not sure I ministry training changed in the 1960s and 1970s. place. I think joining with Trinity College gave them particularly at times of grief and joy. It is a rich and England, Methodist women throughout NZ raised would want to begin again.” Training in the earlier years was much more formal an acceptable way to change outdated practices. It rewarding task we are given by the church. 10 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 NEWS AND VIEWS Never give up The gospel readings set down for We see this in Mark 10. Jesus enters from Mark 8:27 onwards. On leaving sense “losing” their lives in order to October in the lectionary invite us into the region of Judea. Immediately Jericho Jesus enables blind Bartimaeus receive a great deal more (10:29-31) . enter into Mark’s story of Jesus. he encounters conflict in discussing the to receive his sight. Bartimaeus joins As readers and hearers of Mark’s gospel Mark’s gospel is the earliest gospel, issue of divorce. This issue is still the crowd and follows Jesus. story we are invited to do the same. controversial. Jesus declares “what God The story world of Mark is full of Mark is consistent in emphasising written around AD 65-70. I suggest the faults and failings of Jesus’ disciples. you sit down and read it all as one has joined together let man not conflict and suspense. What will happen separate”, a phrase often still heard at next? It is a difficult story to put down. Perhaps this was Mark’s way of integrated story. This will enable you wedding services. Mark portrays a Jesus intent on moving reassuring his early Church readers that to put what you hear read in Church A little later on Jesus takes children towards the goal God has set for him. if there was hope for these very this month, in context. in his arms and blesses them. Soon It is made clear that Jesus is prepared inadequate first disciples of Jesus, there was still hope for them. When we, many An ancient tradition recounts that afterwards he challenges a rich young to die as a consequence of proclaiming years later, read or hear Mark’s gospel Mark was an associate of Jesus’ chief man to sell all he has and give it to the God’s loving reign. and identify with the disciples, we are pupil Simon Peter. Around AD 140, poor. His disciples are amazed when Jesus goes ahead of his disciples on Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis wrote that graciously reassured that there is still Jesus declares that all things are possible ‘the way’. His disciples dare to follow, hope for us also. “Mark, being Peter’s interpreter, wrote with God and that the first will be last captivated by the uniqueness of this Jesus offers his disciples ongoing down correctly all that he remembered and the last shall be first. intriguing character from Nazareth. pardon and restoration in spite of their on the Gospel of Mark Greg Hughson reflects of the things said and done by the Lord”. Then Jesus is on the move again. Following Jesus is not boring. Mark, failures. This is good news indeed. So, if we are to believe Papias, Mark is He leads his astonished disciples on the throughout his gospel emphasises the Through Mark’s portrayal of Jesus we a reliable witness (via Peter) to the road up to Jerusalem, informing them humanity of Jesus, the importance of encounter a God at work through Jesus ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. what will happen next. He paints a faith and the cost of discipleship. who never gives up on people (including Mark’s story of Jesus is full of frightening scenario. The shadow of the As the disciples follow Jesus they us!) and we are encouraged to never action. Jesus is always on the move. cross falls across the Markan narrative are urged to take up their crosses, in a give up on each other.

CONNECTIONS Yesteryear collectables By Jim Stuart Having just crowds of tourists like myself. appointment and attacked Guthrie, pelting The dividing wall remained in place for returned from a As I travelled I noticed that while many him with stones and mud and knocking 280 years until 1936 when it was finally short trip to of the big historic churches such as the him down. In response the Synod removed. Europe and the Potsdamer Dom in Berlin, the intervened, overturned Guthrie’s decision The image of the Church of the Holy United States I am Grossmunster in Zürich, and St Giles in and replaced Rule by appointing Matthias Rude has become for me a powerful more convinced Edinburgh were overrun by tourists. Others Symson. reminder of the challenges facing the than ever that the were struggling to survive or had been Symson was a supporter of a more church today. The Christian church is so Christian church converted into community centres, cafes moderate policy towards England while deeply fractured and divided that unless is undergoing and bookshops. One church I came across Guthrie advocated a much more extreme it finds new ways of healing itself, it can profound in Edinburgh is now an antique shop position: full Scottish independence and hardly address the enormous challenges specialising in ‘yesteryear collectibles’! the imposition of Scottish Presbyterianism of the modern world which threaten to changes. My trip took me to Los on all of England as well! To resolve this The church that stood out for me as reduce it to being a purveyor of ‘yesteryear Angeles, Zürich, Berlin, Edinburgh symbolic of what I encountered was the dispute, the Town Council of Stirling collectables’. and San Francisco in that order. Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling, authorised the building of a partition in Along the way I felt the growing Scotland. One of the direct consequences the church for the “shunning of further One image from the Church of the weight of the western Christian past of the Reformation in Europe was the controversie.” Holy Rude, however, gave me hope. High alongside the pervasive disorientation of Scottish Reformation led by John Knox Therefore a solid wall was built thus above the choir of the church was a small the emerging world. I felt like I was tracing in 1560, which eventually led to the dividing the building into two parts. 19th century stained glass window the footsteps of my ancestors in an attempt creation of the Presbyterian Church and Guthrie preached in the choir or ‘East depicting an angel with arms outstretched to give some larger meaning to my life. the Westminister Confession in 1648. Church’ and Symson in the nave of ‘West welcoming everyone. It is accompanied I wandered through art museums, stood In 1654, the then presiding minister Church’. Guthrie remained deeply by the words: “This window was designed on the ramparts of old castles, explored of the Church of the Holy Rude, Rev James committed to full Scottish independence to be an encouragement to us to be open narrow streets and relaxed in the Guthrie, appointed a colleague, Robert and in 1661 he was charged with treason, to God’s message and to see the angel in contemplative silence of old churches. Rule, as his assistant. Many within the found guilty, hanged and beheaded. His every person and in every situation.” That Almost everywhere I went I encountered congregation were opposed to Rule’s head was displayed in Stirling for 27 years. I think is a good place to start.

COMMUNICATING AS ONE David Ross I recently returned from my Sunday morning service at Trinity The Biennial Forum is all about consideration and communication, ‘second home’ in Canada and am United Church in Charlottetown. communications: communications Forum 2009 will provide directions looking forward to Forum 2009 The service was led by the Rev between parishes, communication to the new Standing Committee and the opportunity to once again David Moses. David is a very between parishes and the UCANZ appointed at the Forum and the meet with representatives of impressive communicator, but what Executive and Standing Committee, Executive Officer for the future Uniting Congregations from was unique for me was his reciting and communication with the Partner priorities and directions of UCANZ. of the scripture lessons. Churches. It is also about around Aotearoa New Zealand. I am reminded of a saying about David presented the scripture communication of parish In my travels I have been why communication is often lesson to the congregation entirely representatives back to their parishes. reminded in a number of different difficult. It is that when two people from memory. In doing so, he In 2007 Forum asked for better talk, six possible messages can get ways of the importance of quality brought those scripture passages to communications with parishes and through: 1) What you mean to say; communications. Some experiences life for every person in the in appointing Rev Peter MacKenzie 2) What you actually say; 3) What have been good, some bad but in congregation. This was not story as our new Executive Officer in the other person hears; 4) What the each case I have noted that quality telling but expressive relating of the 2008, this request was a prime other person thinks he hears; 5) What communications depends on full actual bible passage. It emphasized consideration of the Appointments participation of both the speaker and to me how effective a well-prepared Committee. the other person says about what the listener, whether the reading of scripture is in our Standing Committee has charged you said; 6) What you think the other communication is amongst family Reformed tradition of preaching the Peter with increasing the visibility person said about what you said. and friends, or within service Word of God. of the UCANZ movement through Forum 2009 ‘Weaving Threads” organizations, and perhaps The skill of making the Bible visiting with parishes and working is about being inclusive and particularly in our churches. Our come alive in this way is rather rare with executives of the Partner thoughtful in our communications opinions of each other are often but I believe the impact of the entire Churches. All organizations know so that together we formulate a clear coloured by such interactions. worship service was strongly that communications within their message to our communities and can While in Prince Edward Island impacted by David’s clear structure can be improved. celebrate, organise and worship as I was privileged to attend a regular enunciation of the text. Through discussion, prayerful one. TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 11 NEWS Sisters nurture sprouts of hope in Timor Leste On the 10th anniversary of rent out rooms to raise funds for the independence referendum the children’s food and education. in Timor Leste, there are Already, the children and the increasing signs of optimism Sisters have harvested bananas, and progress for the struggling peanuts and rambutan. The boys new state. from the orphanage helped to lay Esther Water has just returned the foundations for the buildings from visiting CWS partner, the with rocks from the land – no Dominican Sisters, who care for mean feat given that Timorese children and provide training foundations are typically very opportunities for young people, deep. They plan to construct their families and the wider rainwater harvesting tanks so they community. She was impressed can become even more self with the drive of the Sisters and sufficient. the way Timorese are embracing With recent criticism of how peace, despite the many Dominican Sisters in Timor Leste are building a new community centre that will provide little of the US$5.2 billion in aid training and grow vegetables for an orphanage they run (pictured left). challenges that remain. that has been poured into Timor “I arrived in Timor Leste as the Timorese have improved but despite the programmes are helping orphans and is trickling down to local people, it is independence referendum was being sense of optimism and peace, Timor Leste vulnerable families meet some of these reassuring that the Sisters’ programme is feels like it is only tenuously held together, challenges. It gives young people in bringing clear benefits to the children living celebrated,” explains Esther. “The optimism says Esther. particular a sense of hope for the future as at the orphanages and the wider community was only slightly tempered by evidence of It is a long process to build up a new they produce food for their families, find who are receiving livelihood training. a water canon strategically placed in a public state, and poverty remains a major challenge. new ways to earn income together and get Instead of money being syphoned out area, just in case the crowd for the evening’s Timor’s recent history of civil unrest shows the chance to learn computer skills. through international salaries, foreign concert got unruly.” just how fragile it is. The poverty rate is Esther visited Hera, where the Sisters consultants and overseas administration, The recent completion of the first growing and rural to urban migration, food are building a new centre. They have a broad CWS funding is going directly to local successful ‘Tour de Timor,’ a four-day bike insecurity, lack of formal education and high vision for the land. Firstly, the centre will groups. Through their work, the Sisters are race, was also cause for celebration. It urban unemployment threaten security. Poor provide vegetables to help feed the children meeting head on the poverty-driven attracted a number of people from outside communications, the rugged terrain and at the orphanage in Dili. Secondly, it will uncertainties which are increasing tensions of Timor Leste signalling growing stability. seasonal flooding add to the stresses. provide community training opportunities and conflict, especially among young people. Since the official declaration of CWS is supporting the Dominican in farming, animal husbandry, computing, Your support of CWS is helping generate independence in 2002, the lives of ordinary Sisters, who through their food and training sewing and embroidery. Thirdly, they may these positive opportunities. LESS THAN ONE QUARTER OF KIWI CHRISTIANS CRISIS? READ THEIR BIBLE DURING THE WEEK.* IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION.

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Make sure you join with tens of thousands of other Kiwi Christians, from all denominations, taking part in the E100 Bible Reading Challenge. LAUNCHING ACROSS NEW ZEALAND 18 APRIL 2010 Register your church now at: www.E100nz.org.nz *Bible Society New Zealand research 2009

An initiative of - 12 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 REVIEWS

We Celebrating People – By John Hunt 2009, Caxton Press, 83 pages Life enriching rituals in the Celtic spirit Reviewer: Diana Roberts With warmth and openness John Hunt welcomes shape the meaning of the day. the author has prepared for the marking of life events. The his readers to share in a vision of the world expressed Here is John’s prayer for lighting of a candle is often included, whether for an in small rituals for everyday activities and significant dressing in the morning: anniversary, a remembrance of parents who have died, or events in our life journey. He is minister of St Giles “May my top keep warm the birthday of a young person who has just become a Presbyterian Church, Christchurch and has written my heart. May my pants keep teenager. two other books inspired by the Celtic spirit: We Spirited strong my legs. May my shoes The prayers are short and simple, some of them from People and We Well People. take me to good places. May the Carmina Gadelica, a record of songs and prayers handed Any notions I may have had about Celtic spirituality I be clothed in love and down within families of the Scottish highlands and islands. floating mistily in a Druid-haunted twilight were quickly gladness today.” Many New Zealanders have their roots in Scotland and dispelled. For the Celts, God’s presence was seen in This is a spirituality that is Ireland and perhaps that is why Celtic spirituality fits us so everything around them. Celtic Christianity developed free familiar and dear to the well. But it is also a spirituality of indigenous people, close of the theology of Augustine, which saw only sin in this reviewer, a kitchen theologian. to the land and the processes of living. world, with goodness in the world to come. It does not withdraw into the I love this book; its words are shaped by strength of silence of an uncluttered space but recognises the spirit of faith, sincerity, wisdom, gentleness, humour and good sense. A ritual, the author tells us, is an action that engages God in all things and all places. Refreshment comes from The book begins with the author’s welcome, and ends with with the holy. Rituals can celebrate ordinary daily routines the awareness of the holy in the common things of life. his goodbye. I hope this doesn’t mean that we won’t be like eating and sleeping, showering and dressing, and can There are no complex lists of instructions in the rituals hearing from him again.

By Robin Meyers Saving Jesus from the Church – 2009, HarperCollins, 231 pages How to Stop Worshipping Christ and Start Following Jesus Reviewer: Michael Dymond This book has a prologue headed ‘A preacher's either you believe that Jesus from faith as a cosmic transaction”. nightmare, am I a Christian?’ This is an intriguing is God or you don't. Therefore I agree with him. The call of God was not propositional. and strange question for any minister of the Gospel to either you're a Christian or It was experiential. It was as palpable as wine and wineskins, ask. you are not. the lost coins and frightened servants. But now we argue But I found similarities with the author because I too The book covers the over the Trinity, the true identity of the beasts in the book was born a preacher's son. Like Meyers, I grew up in that question: How can our faith of Revelation, and so on. generation that listened to Bob Dylan and Martin Luther become biblically responsible, It seems to Meyers that we have a sacred story that has King Jr, so when I read this prologue it spoke to my heart. intellectually honest, been stolen from us, and in our time it has been replaced It tells of a time when Meyers had a dream, a nightmare emotionally satisfying and by insistence on right belief instead of right worship. really. After taking Sunday morning service he goes home, socially significant? While this “Our arguing over the metaphysics of Christ only divides has a meal and heads off for a little lie down. He woke up is a big ask, I found that the us. But agreeing to follow the essential teachings of Jesus wondering if he was a Christian. chapters titled ‘Faith as Being, could unite us. We could become imitators, not believers.” He writes: “The moment I opened my eyes, with the not Belief' and 'Original He claims that, “We have been on the road of the Fall dream still fresh and vivid, I wondered about the future of Blessing, not Original Sin' really speak to me and reflect and redemption, original sin, and the Saviour.” And “The the church to which I have given my life. Is it toxic now the position I hold. other road is the road of enlightenment, wisdom, creation beyond redemption? Should it be allowed to die, so that The immediate need to turn back and repent is a call to centred spirituality, and the nearly forgotten object of disciple something else can take its place, or should we go in search be so radically different as to be unrecognisable to today's ship: transformation. It seeks not to save our souls but to of Jesus one more time? It was as if something had brought Christian churches. Imagine abandoning our penchant to restore them.” an urgent message...if this is Christianity and these are use armaments to protect our positions of privilege in a I found this inspiring and full of hope. In the original Christians, I must not be one.” resource depleted world. early church, the disciples called it ‘the Way’. It took The rest of the prologue continues in a similar vein, Meyers sees prosperity as dangerous not divine. The travellers into the heart of God, singing all the way. with brilliant one liners criticising the political, military god mammon must be abandoned‚ is his clear call to us in It welcomed all who would come, especially the poor and Religious Right consortium of his home country. He the West. and the lost. He concludes 'After centuries of being told questions the doctrinal position that says 'you must believe He writes that it is time to take the road less travelled. that “Jesus saves”, the time has come to save Jesus from these truths if you are to be an acceptable Christian’. By this he means that we must move “away from entitled the church.' Meyers suggests that 'doing' rather than 'believing' is nation-states and standing armies, away from the fear, the I have been awakened by this read, shaken to realise the key to the saving of the world. He adds that a whole enemy of the moral life, away from religious systems that that this is a book that I needed to find. If you feel the need generation has been asked to accept a false dichotomy – sanctify the saved and render the lost dispensable, away to remap your life, this book will do it. Just do it. Joan Mary Morris (Sister Mary Cyprian) 22 November 1923 – 4 September 2009 For many years Sr Joan In 1954 she was a government and business offices in Samoa the Solomon Islands. Of the 10 years she Morris (known in her religious foundation member of the and elsewhere are or have been held by spent there, eight were at Nazareth Apostolic life as Sr Mary Cyprian) Wellington Catholic Social women taught or influenced by Cyprian? Centre, which offered a programme for the reviewed books for Touchstone Services working as a From Samoa, Sr Joan went to Boston for renewal and upgrading of catechists, and also and its predecessor publication caseworker and counsellor. a congregational renewal in 1974. It happened prepared those who felt called to priesthood Crosslink. The twisting Old Porirua road that Bishop Dozier of Memphis had asked Joan was born in Dunedin from the convent in Aurora for an smsm trained in social work to help and religious life. During Cyprian’s time in and attended St Dominic’s Terrace, Wellington to the his diocese by working in Catholic Charities. the Solomons, 21 young men went on to the College, where she imbibed an ‘borstal’ at Arohata was well Unemployment impacted on one third of seminary. interest in the whole world and known to Sr Joan who visited the black population in this diocese, and Back in Wellington in 1995, Cyprian developed a heart that embraced the universe. frequently. She encouraged other women, refugees were coming from South East Asia found two jobs: Executive Secretary for the Later she served as a missionary to peoples especially Maori, to work with those in in the wake of the Vietnam War. During her Conference of Congregational Leaders of and countries far away from Otago. residence there. She also collaborated with time in Memphis, Cyprian helped settle 1000 Aotearoa New Zealand (CLCANZ), and She professed on 11 February 1949 as Maori missioners in Taranaki and the Hawkes refugees and was involved in a number of research officer for the Presbyterian-Methodist Sister Mary Cyprian in the Missionary Sister Bay in community development with women. programmes to combat poverty. newspaper Crosslink. of the Society of Mary at the Heretaunga In 1964 Cyprian was missioned to St When she returned to Wellington in 1976 It was at this stage that she began to write novitiate in the Hutt Valley. She went on to Mary’s College, Vaimoso, Samoa. For two she worked for a time on the National Mission book reviews, an activity she continued even qualify as a teacher and to gain a diploma in years she was a member of the staff, then Council including mission awareness social work. In researching for her social principal for eight. programmes in schools and parishes when she was in Marian Rest Home in work thesis entitled ‘Makogai – a community A feminist in her own way and a woman throughout New Zealand. Auckland. This ecumenical contact broadened study of a leper colony’ she spent several ahead of her times, she gave an education At the age of 60 this intrepid missionary her connections – as did the regular contact months in Fiji with the community of smsm that produced wonderful mothers and leaders. did an MA in religious education at Fordham with the various religious congregations in working at Makogai. How many of the senior positions in University in New York. She then set out for New Zealand. TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 13 REVIEWS

ON SCREEN A film review by nine year old Kayli Taylor and her fossilised father, the Rev Dr Steve Taylor

Get down to Up. Take your imagination rekindled. children, it is both poignant and children. Then ask your The messages are worth comic, reflective and clever. neighbour’s grandchildren. pondering. For Russell: “It might Might I also suggest you Whatever you do, do not forget sound boring, but I think boring purchase free tickets for all your your church leadership team. stuff is the stuff I like the most.” church leadership team. In the cafe Up is yet another triumph from Fun times are neither Playstation afterward, read Luke 10:1-12. the Pixar stable, a creative collective nor theme parks but sitting curbside, Many churches are like Carl, aging, currently riding the commercial and slurping ice cream, and counting bereft of children, dwarfed by creative crest of the animation cars alongside his father. shopping mall developers. industry. This is their 10th movie Savour the handwritten message Up invites you to dream again. and follows in the animated from Ellie to Carl: “Thanks for the Start by closing your precious book footsteps of critically acclaimed adventure. Now go have another of memories. Lay it aside, gently, creations included The Incredibles, one.” It sounds like great theology and thankfully. Now get up and go Finding Nemo, and Monsters Inc. and essential Christian spirituality. looking for another adventure. Despite cutting edge computer Too many of us live our lives You will need to look for a technology, it is the plot, that good anchored to our past and refusing partner, and be prepared to accept to chase our dreams. old-fashioned ability to tell a one in the form of an eight year compelling story, that makes Up It reminded me of The Message paraphrase of Romans 8:15. ‘This old. As you dream, you might well great. find yourself saying goodbye to Carl Fredricksen has lost his resurrection life you received from childhood dream, buried with Ellie, God is not a timid, grave-tending faithful furniture and well-worn his lifelong sweetheart. Until, aged life. It's adventurously expectant, furnishings. You should expect to 78, dwarfed by apartments, greeting God with a childlike find yourself sitting on the curbside surrounded by shopping mall "What's next, Papa?" Life is for of your street, ready to greet God developers and destined for the rest living, an open, trusting, hope-filled with a childlike ‘What's next, home, he ties balloons to his house adventure.’ Papa?’ and finds himself up, aloft, heading It is the little things that make Steve Taylor is senior pastor at for South America. Pixar great. The dialogue is witty. Opawa Baptist Church and senior Eight year old Russell is an The attention to detail is lecturer in mission and ministry, unintended stowaway. Adventure extraordinary, including the saliva Laidlaw College. He is the author binds them together. A host of that drips off the ball the dogs chase of The Out of Bounds animals threaten to drive them and the stubble that slowly grows Church?(Zondervan, 2005) and apart. Together they find a on Carl’s face as the plot develops. writes regularly at friendship forged and an Get down to Up. For adults and www.emergentkiwi.org.nz.

CREATURES STRANGE AND SCARY NZers help Eastern Europeans The last day of October is Halloween or All Hallows Eve. Tradition has it that strange and scary By Andrew Wilks, Director, Mission Without Borders NZ things come out to party. The reason being that evil things would not dare show themselves on the When someone says ‘Europe’, perhaps you think ‘wealthy, following most holy of days All Saints Day, for bad things know good overcomes evil. sophisticated, educated’. For the West – Germany, France, The Bible mentions many creatures that caused fear and several unpredictable fantasy creatures, Austria, Switzerland and EU countries – that may be so. But though some later translations exchange fantasy names for possible animals of the time. for many in Eastern Europe, the key word is survival: just getting enough food to feed their families. Mission Without Borders is an international organisation that currently works in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. What do these countries have in common? They are all former Communist countries, and they all once aggressively excluded or controlled the practice of Christianity. Until the fall of Communism, Mission Without Borders was known as ‘Underground Evangelism’ and supported the persecuted church with Bibles, Christian literature and support. When the Iron Curtain fell in the early 1990s with the collapse of Soviet Communism, the barriers to the Christian Gospel and message crumbled. But new needs emerged: the desperate poverty of people in countries facing economic collapse. Today, our work is with the poor, abandoned or orphaned children, the elderly, disabled and the sick. We provide for material needs, as well as emotional support, educational opportunities through scholarships for vocational training, and Christian input where appropriate. We aim to serve people no matter what their religious or ethnic background. We raise support in the form of money, through gifts and family or child sponsorships, and donated new or hand-knitted goods, to equip our local workers in each country to work with the needy.

EUROPE RIVER CRUISING

r y sat ms, r wo t, a b e, c li ts, s locu ile; d croco at, n g phim, a ser ; e mol ons, g dra ail, n s , a fle et, r fer h, t mo , s wolve

; s flie moth, e Beh pent, r se nicorn, u ure, t vul than, a Levi leon, e cham ogs, r f orpions, c s

Bible Challenge Bible Answers © RMS Explore the Old World Fantastic up close and in comfort, Early Bird experience fine cuisine, Savings to be and graceful touring on made for 2010 a floating hotel. Departures! With 20 different itineraries to choose from you can explore up to 20 countries from 7 to 21 days! Check-in, unpack and you’re done, no traffic lights, no rush hour and with a guest capacity of 150 passengers your cruising experience will be intimate and friendly. As a European Specialist we also have access to Self Drive Canal Boats, UK Narrowboats, Motorhomes, Rental Cars, Luxury Train Journeys, Walking & Cycling Holidays & Escorted Coach Holidays.

Ph: 09 361 3661 • [email protected] • www.europetravel.co.nz 14 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009

ForgetForget

informative presentationMeMenegative commentsNotNot from one or two people about Alzheimer’s disease who felt that the entrance way to a and associated issues. One supermarket was no place to be raising funds misconception, as explained and more importantly raising awareness of by Andrea, was that an illness such as Alzheimer’s. Whilst such Alzheimer’s was a condition negative feedback was disappointing we ‘make Him known!’ only experienced by older people – the fact As most of us know ‘To know God need to pray for those who lack compassion and to make Him known’ is the motto After a few weeks discussion about is one in four people experience some form for those less fortunate than themselves. that has been adopted by the Methodist various mission work ideas, it was decided of dementia and it can affect people as young that the group would work to raise funds as 25 years old. La’asaga plans to invite Andrea Jupp Church of New Zealand. In New that could then be gifted to Alzheimer’s To date, La’asaga have raised funds by and her team to a special youth service to Plymouth this motto was the inspiration Taranaki, a non-profit, self funded having a sausage sizzle, running raffles and be held prior to Christmas, where they will for La’asaga (the New Plymouth Samoan organization that works to assist Alzheimer’s also plan to hold a garage sale and a fun gift all the funds raised throughout the year Methodist Youth Group) to begin raising sufferers as well as their families cope with walk/run in the near future with all proceeds to Alzheimer’s Taranaki. funds to assist Alzheimer’s sufferers in the many challenges they face. Alzheimer’s to go towards this worthy cause. What are you doing to make Christ the Taranaki region. disease is one that affects many families in During these fundraisers we have known in your community? Maybe you La’asaga decided early this year that as New Zealand and is therefore an issue that received tremendous support from the might be thinking ‘what can I do or what Christian youths they needed to do more is close to home for many within our church community with comments such as “Keep can our youth group possibly do to help than simply meet and fellowship together and society in general. up the good work – we didn’t think young once a fortnight for bible study, games and To begin the whole process La’asaga people cared?!” “My dad had Alzheimer’s others?’ Remember any good deed, big or shared meals. It was now time to get out invited Andrea Jupp who is the coordinator and I know that families really do need help small, can make a HUGE difference in the and do some mission work within the for Alzheimer’s Taranaki to attend a special and support – thank you for caring”. lives of others. When you serve others you community and hopefully in the process youth night where she gave a very However on the flip side, we also fielded are serving God! Kidz Korna! KidzWelcome to this month’s Kidz Korna. I want to say thank you to Korna!the children and their teachers at Wesley Broadway in Palmerston North for sharing what they have been learning in church.It would be great if more of you could share what you do with the children in churches around New Zealand.

SHOWING peeled and chopped to make vegetable video clips on YouTube of children in soup. other countries. We wanted to show WE CARE The following week small pottles of we care for these people who have so Recently the children and youth at frozen soup were given to older little so we prepared morning tea for Wesley Methodist Church in members of our congregation. our congregation (pikelets with jam & Palmerston North had a module for In week three we heard about the cream, muffins and biscuits) and they four weeks called Showing We Care. Foodbank and the help given to people made generous donations to Tearfund. When planning for this module the in need. We went shopping at the Everybody enjoyed morning tea and adults wanted the children to think supermarket and bought some basic we raised $170. We were able to buy beyond their family and friends. So food items to give to Foodbank. a goat, immunisation for five children, during week one the children were In our final week we connected up and employ a teacher through asked to bring vegetables which they to the Internet and watched Tearfund Tearfund! PUZZLE CORNER Find the answers to these questions.(If you are very young a grown up might help you). When you have found all the answers put the first letter into the boxes below. The letters will spell out the name of an Old Testament hero. 1) He killed Goliath with his slingshot. 2) They told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. 3) Jesus‘s mother, Mary lived here. 4) These people were slaves in Egypt for many years. 5) Cleopas and a friend met Jesus on this road after the resurrection.

SOLUTION TO LAST MONTH’S SUDOKU. TOP: 6) The third book in the New Testament. Wesley Broadway kidz making soup. MIDDLE: Fundraising for Tearfund. BOTTOM: Shopping for food to give to the foodbank. TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 15 NOW AND THEN Take EFM to cure that lazy feeling ‘Deliver me, O God from a identify a course of action.” go on to seek ordination training. slothful mind…’ That prayer of Aucklander Anne Priestly Some develop their gifts in John Wesley resonates with Rev admits to being cautious at first. ministries outside the church. Scott Thomson, a former “The mysterious rules of “I’m not even greatly worried minister in Uniting and theological reflection developed if people don’t go the full four Presbyterian parishes. Scott has into the natural steps of a dance years,” Scott says, “because EFM come out of retirement to co –sometimes serious, sometimes grounds people in disciplines of ordinate the distance learning playful – as together we discovered searching and study. Some other theological programme connections between Scripture and courses concentrate more directly Education for Ministry. church history, politics, social on ministry skills and offer Over 25 years more than 600 trends, a movie or a book,” Anne certificates, like the one for Kiwis have joined an estimated says. Methodist lay preachers. 70,000 world-wide who have Frank Nelson is involved as “The EFM programme suits completed this ecumenical four Dean of Wellington Cathedral with pilgrim people who benefit from year course in scripture and church two EFM groups. He constantly working with the support of a small history. Education for Ministry is hears positive comments: group. EFM’s trained mentors are a significant lay resource for the • We really can say and facilitators rather than teacher church. think what we like, and no one figures and groups aren’t into “I’m attracted because I’m still will jump on us. personal problem solving. I happen awed by scripture and still • I never realized that’s to be in a Wairarapa group where how it all fitted together. we have a co-mentor - a great way passionate about finding this-world Scott Thompson heads the distance learning theological relevance from church history. I programme Education for Ministry • So there are other ways of spreading the load and also respectfully share John of interpreting that passage. leadership.’ common culture because, of Wesley’s concern for lazy minds. reflection. Kathy Hey of Waiapu found Parish leaders can encourage EFM has a sound academic basis, “We all have views about many course, a lot of everyday taking on study in her 60s a people to explore the options EFM or I wouldn’t be interested,” Scott things but theological reflection is perceptions have risen on Christian challenge in itself. “EFM was a offers as students or mentors Any says. something else. Basically we dig foundations. Sometimes our faith soul searching journey of faith, for lazy minds in your area? How He likes the way EFM students out the sort of wisdom that floats tradition critiques popular culture. which I’m very grateful.” about starting an EFM group? covenant a year at a time to study round the box or the pub. Then we Sometimes the two are directly Scott Thomson notices that Contact Scott Thomson on 06- at home and write a journal while bang that together with what our opposed. EFM students are EFM people travel their own road. 377-0805, email also joining in regular small-groups Christian tradition has to say. encouraged to define their personal Many become better informed and [email protected] or visit the for worship and theological “Sometimes this buttresses position and, where possible, more articulate lay people. Others EFM website: www.efm.org.nz.

State-of-art digs for Presbyterian Archives PRESBYTERIAN ARCHIVES

Presbyterian Archives’ new office has a State-of-the-art technology provides better production The new reading room gives researchers better access professional and welcoming look. for the documents stored at Presbyterian Archives. to reference material and archivists.

More than 40 former Archives were able to move from and the Church’s continuing This ensures better security suggested some overkill with the Historical Records Committee the basement office to ground commitment to supporting its for the records, and enables the number of units installed we can members, staff people, floor level. Archives and Heritage project.” research archivist to be directly confirm that the mechanical volunteers and friends of the Archivist Yvonne Wilkie says The relocation means the on hand for advice and assistance. engineers knew far more about Presbyterian Archives recently it was with a sense of anticipation Archives have a greatly improved In addition researchers now have the outcome then we humble the staff watched the new reception and research area for access to the Archives’ reference joined with the current staff to archivists. Archives space take shape. visitors who wish to use the library, which is housed in the celebrate the opening of the “We are delighted with our “As the storage floor extensive church records. “In the new readers' room. newly renovated Archives new facilities the openness and reinforcement of steel girders past it was something of a Most importantly the ready access, but most Research Centre facility at visible on the ground floor ceiling mystery journey for visitors to collections are now stored in a importantly our new environment Knox College in Dunedin. begged the question whether find us at all in our basement safe and controlled environment offers us new opportunities to The relocation of the Archives anyone over six foot could ever office, located as it was down a in easy mechanical moveable raise awareness of the rich Research Centre is stage one of be employed the skillful narrow and dark flight of stairs,” shelving. New ‘state-of-the- art’ resources held in the Presbyterian a larger project to redevelop the architectural design and setting notes research archivist Jane climate control units from Italy Hewitson Wing that will bring of lights removed any concerns Bloore. are installed in four corners of Archives. together the staff of the Centre of we held. “One obvious advantage of the storage space. “We thank all those who have Ministry and Leadership and the “The seamless ground floor our move is that the readers' Yvonne says all climate supported us throughout the years theological training programme layout, colour scheme, carpet, room, which used to be a floor control units are digitally linked as we strove for the re-housing into one location. lighting and new office furniture away from the old office, is now and ‘talk to each other’ as a means of the Archives, and especially Almost seven months from definitely offers a professional a spacious glassed off area, of controlling any fluctuations thank the 2008 General Assembly the commencement of the and welcoming look that located directly opposite the that may occur. meeting for their reassuring renovation in January 2009, the confirms the work we undertake reception area.” “Although our initial reaction support and confidence.” 16 TOUCHSTONE • OCTOBER 2009 Pukolea VAHEFONUA TONGA ‘O AOTEAROA Ko e Talanoa Oceania 2009 Lava ‘a e Toko 2 ke fai Na’e fakahoko meihe ‘ehe Microlene Water Purifier, Jenny Plane-Te Paa (Te Rau http://sites.google.com/a/nom ‘a e Ako Faifekau, Tu’apulelulu ‘aho 10 ki he pea pehee ki he tokoni Kahikatea); Ko e kau lea kehe oa.com/talanoa/talanoa-2009 Tokonaki ‘aho 12 ‘o Sepitema fakanaunau ‘a e Methodist ko Dr Winston Halapua pehee Na’e folau mai ‘a e pea toko 5 ke 09 ‘i he Fale Pasifika ‘i he Trust Association mo e Konica ki he kau lea kehekehe mei faifekau Rev Taitusi Nau Kanititeiti ki he Ako ‘Univesiti Aokalani ‘a e Minolta NZ. Aositelelia ‘aia na’e taki mai Ahosivi mei Aositelelia ke ha’u Katoanga Talanoa hono ua ia Ko e ‘aho ‘e tolu na’e ai ‘a Rev Dr Jione mo Monica ki he Talanoa Oceania pea ‘i Faifekau ‘o e Talanoa Oceania. Ko e fakahoko aí na’e fakafiefia mo Havea, kae ‘uma’a ‘a Rev he’ene tu’uta ‘i mala’e Ne lava lelei he faka’osinga he mahina ‘uluaki Talanoa Oceania na’e fakakoloa talu pe meihe kamata Paula Onoafe Latu na’e lava vakapuna ne fakafetaulaki atu fai ia ‘i Senee, Aositelelia he he ‘uluaki ‘aho ‘o a’u ki he’ene mai mei Tonga; Professor e ongoongo ‘o kau ki he’ene kuo ‘osi ‘aho 11 ki he 13 ‘o Sepitemá ‘a 2008. ‘osi mo e matuku fiefia ‘a e Sitaleki Finau, Dr Melenaite fa’ee ko Uikelotu ‘Ulufonua hono faka’eke’eke (Assessment) ‘a e kau Ko e Talanoa Oceania 2 tokolahi mo e ngaahi Taumoefolau, Dr Linita Ahosivi ‘aia ne si’i Kanititeiti ki he Ako Faifekau mo e Tikoni na’e fokotu’utu’u mo tokanga’i fakakaukau mo e ngaahi ‘ilo Manu’atu mo e kau Toketa mo faingata’a’ia pea iku aipe ki e toko fa fakakatoa. Ne lava lelei ‘a e toko ia ‘e Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta mo e a’usia fo’ou ‘e ‘aonga e kau mataotao he ngaahi he’ene pekia. Ne poaki aipe ‘a 4 ko ‘eni ‘aia ko Rex Nathan ma’ae Te mo ha kau komiti Talanoa lahi ki he ngaue he lotu, fonua, mala’e kehekehe. Neongo foki e faifekau he Talanoa, kae Taha Maori, Mary Nicholas (Tikoni) mei Oceania pea na’e poupou mo famili, ngaahi ako’anga, ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha fakataha’anga fakakakato ‘a e fatongia ki he Taranaki, pea Nehilofi ‘Aholelei mo Tevita tokoni’i ia ‘ehe School of ngaue’anga, ngaahi kalapu mo faka-siasi ka na’e fakafiefia ‘a fa’ee ‘o lava lelei. Ne lava atu Finau meihe Vahefonua Tonga. ‘Oku Theology mo e Centre for e ngaahi kautaha fakakolo mo e kau atu kiai ‘a’etau kau ‘a Jione Havea, Nasili Vaka’uta ‘oatu ‘a e talamonu ma’a kinautolu he Pacific Studies ‘o e ‘Univesiti fakamatakali. faifekau hange ko Setaita mo e kau Talanoa mo e kau vaa’ifononga ‘oku nau hoko atu kiai. Aokalani mo e Ako’anga Na’e huufi ‘a e Talanoa ‘aki Kinahoi Veikune, ‘Epeli Tasilisili ‘o a’u kia Nau mo Ne tali ‘ehe Vahefonua Tonga mo e Metotisi Lotukalafi ko Tolu- ha Powhiri ‘aia ne tataki ‘e Dr Taungapeau, Siosifa Pole mo Moana mo e famili. ni’ihi ko ‘eni ke nau hoko ko e kau Taha’i-‘Otua (Trinity Te Tuhi Robust mo e kau Tiuta e ni’ihi kehe, pea na’e ‘iai mo Ko e Talanoa Oceania 2010 kanititeiti ako faifekau ki he 2010. Ko Methodist Theological mo e Fanau ako mei he Kolisi e Tumuaki ‘o e Te taha Maori ‘aia ko hono 3 ia ‘e toe Foeata Tu’ipulotu mo Kalolo Fihaki meihe College), kae ‘uma’aa ‘a e vai Uesilii. Ko e lea fakaava ‘o e Rev Diana Tana. Te ke ma’u fakahoko pe ia ki ‘Aositelelia Vahenga Ngaue Aokalani/Manukau, pea fakamokomoko na’e ‘omai Talanoa na’e fakahoko ia ‘e Dr ‘a e kakato ‘o e ngaahi hingoa neongo na’e pehee ‘ehe kau mo’enau ngaahi Sione Lea’aetoa meihe Vahengangaue Tonga ‘e lelei ke ‘oatu e Tanoa Tokaima’ananga (Otara), Metali Havili kaveinga takitaha mo ‘o Oceania ki Tonga. ‘Oku ha ngaahi fakamatala meihe Vahengangaue Saione (Papatoetoe), ‘oatu ‘a e fakamalo meia Dr lahi mo kakato ange ‘i mo Sione Na’a Sina mei Upper Hutt, Nasili Vaka’uta mo e kau ha’o siu Uelingatoni. ‘Oku ‘oatu ‘a e talamonuu Komiti he ngaahi tokoni mo e he ‘initaneti ‘i he ki he kau kanititeiti ko ‘eni. poupou kotoa pe na’e fai.

Vahefonua Tonga Princess Ashika Appeal – Kole Tokoni ki he Fakaevaha ki Tonga Takilotu ‘o e ngaahi siasi kehekehe na’a nau ‘iai. ‘Oku fakamafana ‘a e vakai ki he lava ‘a e ngaahi siasi kehekehe ‘o ngaue fakatahataha pe pea Polokalama Ako pehe ki he ngaahi kulupu mo e ngaahi tokoni fakafo’ituitui Lotukalafi Lea Faka Tonga na’e fakahoko he ngaahi taimi pehe ni ‘o ma’u ai ha $7700. Kuo tali lelei ‘ehe Ako’anga Tohitapu ‘E tokanga ‘a e ako ko eni Na’e fakahoko he Sapate Faka-Lotukalafi ko Tolu Taha’i ‘Otua ke fai ha fakataukei ki he tuku’au tatau mo e ouau lotu makehe ‘i pe ‘Apiako Teolosia Trinity ‘a e mai ‘a e Tohitapu mo hono ngaahi Petone, Lower Hutt ‘i kole ‘a e Vahefonua Tonga ke tohi. ‘E fai ai foki mo e tokanga ki Uelingatoni. Na’a tataki pe ‘a e ouau ‘e Rev Tevita Taufalele, fakahoko ha ngaahi polokalama ako he ngaahi fehu’i mahu’inga hange pea na’e lava ki he lotu makehe fakaTonga ma’ae kakai Tonga ‘o ko e kenoni mo e fakamaanava. Ko The Vahefonua Tonga na’e fai atu, na’e lava ‘o ni ‘a e Talafekau Lahi ‘a Tonga hotau ngaahi kaingalotu Tonga. Koia e taumu’a hono fakahoko e ako ni parishes, congregations and fakakakato ’i he ngaahi Sapate ki NZ ni ko Siaosi Taimani ai kuo fakapapau’i ‘e fakahoko ha ke ‘oange ki he tokotaha ako ha fellowships are responding kehekehe pe ‘o a’u mai ki he ‘Aho, Tokoni Talafekau Lahi ko Sateki ‘Ahio pea mo ‘ena polokalama ako ‘e taha ‘i faingamalie ke fai ha vakai fo’ou ki generously to the appeal for ngaahi uike si’i kuo toki ‘osi. Uelingatoni, pea taha ‘i Hamilton financial assistance to families ‘Oku ‘oatu pe heni ha ha ki’i kau ngaue. Na’e lava mai kiai he Tohitapu mo hono natula. affected by the sinking of the ongoongo makehe mei he ongo mo e Talafekau Lahi Niue ko mei Fepueli ki Novema 2010. Lotukalafi II: Fakataukei ki Princess Ashika in August 5th kaingalotu ‘o Gisborne mo Talagi. Ko kinautolu te nau fie kau ki he he Vete Tohitapu ‘E tokanga ‘a e at the Ha’apai Group of Petone ke tau ‘inasi ai. Na’e hulu tahataha ‘a e polokalama ako ko ‘eni pea mou Islands. Donations may be Na’e fakahoko ‘a e ngaahi ‘ata ‘o e kau pekia ‘o ako ko eni ke fai ha fakataukei ki he fetu’utaki mai ki he Sekelitali ‘o e deposited to its BNZ, ouau lotu ‘a Gisborne he Sapate lau tautau toko 10 kinautolu ‘e tuku’au mai ‘a e vete Tohitapu, pea Christchurch, Vahefonua ‘aho 15 ‘o Sepitema, pea na’e Tevita Taufalele mo Sateki Vahefonua Tongá he ‘uluaki mo e ngaahi founga kehekehe kuo Tonga O Aotearoa, Account ‘iai ‘a e Pule-kolo pe Mayor ‘o ‘Ahio. Na’e tutu ‘a e ngaahi faingamalié. ‘E tu’o taha pe he Number: 020800 0110726 00 Gisborne ko Meng Foon pea ngaue ‘aki ki he fatongia fo’i te’elango ‘o fakafofonga’i mahina ‘a e fakahoko ‘o e ‘Oku ‘aotu ‘a e fakamalo mo e ngaahi siasi kehekehe ‘o ‘aki ‘a e pekia kotoa pe. Na’e faka’uhinga. ‘E fai foki mo e tokanga lahi ki he ngaahi kaingalotu e kakai Tonga ‘o Gisborne. polokalama ni. Ko kimoutolu ‘i he foaki mo e matala’i ‘akau ‘o mavahe ki ha founga ‘e kuo ‘osi a’utaki hifo ki he Ko e ngaahi kulupu pe fakafofonga’i ‘a e kulupu kotoa vahe Aokalani mo e vahe Manukaú Vahefonua Tonga ‘a ho’omou kautaha na’a nau tokoni ko e faka’aonga’aki ‘a e faka’uhinga ‘oku pe ‘aia na’e toe ‘oatu ‘a e ‘e fakahoko pe ho’omou akó ‘i ngaahi me’a’ofa fekau’aki mo Corner Stone School, Pacific ngaahi matala’i ‘akau koiaa ‘o tau fai ki he fatongia malanga. e kole tokoni ma’ae ngaahi Island Community Trust, Aokalani ‘i he feitu’u ‘e toki foaki ki he kau mahaki ‘i he famili ne uesia he ngoto ‘a e Gisborne’s Wesley Samoan Ko e Faiako Pule ‘o e Falemahaki Lower Hutt. Na’e fakamahino atu. Ko kimoutolu ‘i he Princess Ashika. ‘Oku kole atu Methodist Church, Gisborne Polokalama Ako ni ko Rev Dr Nasili vahe Waikato mo Waiariki ki he ngaahi kaingalotu ‘oku Fijian Community, Mana’ofa tanaki he ouau mamalu mo fakalaumalie ni ‘a e $2400. (Tauranga, Rotorua mo Hamilton) Vaka’uta, pea tokoni kiai ‘a Rev te’eki a’utaki mai ho’omou Tongan Society, Siasi Siosifa Pole. ‘Oku vave pe ‘a e fonu ngaahi ‘ofa, ke mou kataki ‘o Tokaikolo-‘o-Kalaisi, Siasi Na’e fakatefua ai ‘a e ‘e fai ho’omou akó ki Hamilton. Ko kaingalotu Ha’amoa, pea pehee ‘a e ‘u kalasí koia ai mou kataki ‘o fakahu hake pe ki he ‘akauni Tonga Hou’eiki, Uesiliana - kimoutolu mei Gisborne, Hastings, ko’ena ‘o e Vahefonua Tonga Metotisi Tonga, Siasi Uesiliana ki he kau fakafofonga mei he Palmerston North, Levin mo e katoa fetu’utaki mai he ‘uluaki faingamalie ‘a’ena ‘oku ha atu ‘i ‘olungá. Tau’ataina ‘o Tonga, kau taki ‘o e Hutt City Uniting ‘o e Vahe uelingatoní ‘e fai pe ‘a e kia Tevita Finau he Ne fakahoko mai mei he Kaingalotu Metotisi Tonga. Congregations. Fakamalo lahi atu ki he akó ‘i Uelingatoní. ‘E konga ua ‘a [email protected] pe te mou telefoni ngaahi kaingalotu ne nau Ko Rev Kepu Moa pe na’a fakakakato ‘a e ngaahi ouau ne tataki ‘a e ouau lotu ‘o e ngaahi lotu mo e ‘ofa kotoa pe e polokalama akó ‘aia ko e : mai ki he (04) 232 8486 pe 027 231 lotu makehe ‘o hange ko e kole ‘aho pea tokoni kiai ‘a e kau kotoa pen e mou fakakakato. Lotukalafi I: Fakataukei ki he 4678.