e-Messenger The Methodist Church of New Zealand ~ Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa “Our Church's Mission in Aotearoa New Zealand is to reflect and proclaim the transforming love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and declared in the Scriptures. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God in the world. The Treaty of Waitangi is the covenant establishing our nation on the basis of a power-sharing relationship, and will guide how we undertake mission”. CONTENT S Official Communications…….. ………………2 - A message from the President & Vice President - A message from the General Secretary Connexional News……………………… ………..4 Remember in your Prayers ………………….4 Mission & Ecumenical…………….……. ………4 Ecumenical News & Views ……………..…4 Job Opportunities ……………………………….…4 Yearbook Amendments ……………………...4 September 2007 Web Site Address: www.methodist.org.nz A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT It’s September: we expect to be in springtime. Certainly, travelling through Otago last week, the new green is showing, blossoms are beginning to appear, lambing is underway. As is often the case, though, following a period of warm weather, a cold front then brought snow. The uncertainty of weather can make life difficult, especially for those tending new animals or new growth on tree or vine. We urban dwellers do well to remember the economic impact of what is often simply an inconvenience for us. As I noted last month, August was a month of celebrations – amongst the ongoing life of worship and business meetings and pastoral concerns. St Johns Church, Opotiki, celebrated the centennial of its church building, with a lively dinner and appropriate worship (even dancing from the worship leaders!). At Turangawaewae we remembered the life and contribution of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and celebrated the first anniversary of Kingi Tuheitia’s coronation. Mornington Parish, Dunedin, celebrated 50 years of musical leadership by Colin Gibson, and the wider Methodist and world church joined in that important occasion. A dinner and musical experience led into a celebratory service the next morning – the whole expressing thanks for Colin’s contribution to music and to our imagination as Christians in this country today. It was a privilege to be part of the occasion. During this month, there will be face-to-face meetings between presbyters and parishes who are looking for a new stationing appointment. Best wishes to all who are involved in this process. Our thoughts are also with those places that will need to explore other ways of engaging in ministry for the next year. ~ John A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT Travelling shoes! Or should that be various modes of transport? By air, bus and car I have explored much of the North Island during August. I found visiting 2 different Synods on consecutive weekends very interesting. Both cover a large portions of the North Island, actually everything south of the Bombay Hills! 2 e-messenger I had a very warm welcome at the joint lower North Island Synods held at Palmerston North. What a vast distances these synods cover, from Gisborne on the east coast, to Wanganui and New Plymouth on the west coast, combining with Wellington Synod. Synod preceded an invitation for me to preach at a combined service for the Palmerston North region. Thank you. With a brief overnight stop at home, I was off to Morrinsville for the NZMWF District AGM before driving to Auckland for Connexional meetings. I like travelling by bus, so long as it is not to far, or to frequent. The drive to New Plymouth took me past the marae where the tangi for Sister Heeni had happened, and the family burial ground where she was laid for her final resting place. I had my NZMWF hat on for the Taranaki Combined APW & MWF District AGM. My subject was HIV/AIDS and other taboo’s related to sexual health in the Pacific. This was an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences following the Methodist Consultative Council of the Pacific Conference (MCCP) held in April. I was complimented that although it was after lunch no one went to sleep! Tauiwi Strategy and Stationing meeting moved from Wellington to Rotorua. After the noise and busyness of Newtown, the members appreciated the peace of Bainbridge. It was great to see the facility being used for 2 sessions a day for Crèche / childcare. The families were intrigued seeing us. The parish provided ‘home cooking’ for the catered meals, this was much appreciated. Thank you to the cooks, and the team who served at the meals and tea breaks. Auckland airport is beckoning next week. This time I am heading to Sydney for the World Methodist Council meetings. Am I excited or nervous ? I am not sure. Watch this space next month. Now spring is officially here may you enjoy the beauty of the flowers, trees and bird songs. This is a wonderful, beautiful world in which we live. Let us rejoice and be glad. Sincerely, Mary 3 e-messenger Conference Registrations are well underway and the new on-line registration form has been working really well. Once an individual’s registration has been processed by the Connexional Office their email address is being added to a data-list which we will then use to keep in contact with all those registered. Interest Groups & Business Committees The Interest Group and Business Committee registration forms are available on the website, and will be sent out to the Conference delegates email group – so please forward through your choices to Hannah Flinn by the end of September if you would like to attend. The Conference Agenda will go to print soon and will be sent out to delegates with the Conference handbook once complete. Conference Report Ordering Conference Reports orders can now be sent in to the Connexional Office. Please note that you only need to order copies of the Agenda and yearbook if you are not attending Conference or if you are ordering a copy for your parish or organisation. Complimentary copies are sent out to those in Full Connexion who are retired. If you have any questions regarding the Conference Agenda and Yearbook please contact Hannah at the Connexional Office. On the next page is a reports order form – you are welcome to post or email your order to the Connexional Office. 4 e-messenger Methodist Conference 2007 Wellington Conference Reports AS CONFERENCE ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE A YEARBOOK AS INCLUDED IN THEIR REGISTRATION FEE, PLEASE ONLY ORDER REPORTS FOR: 1. Those people within your parish who are not attending Conference, and/or 2. Additional copies for your Parish / Board office N.B. Retirees who are in Full Connexion will also receive a complimentary copy of the Yearbook so only need to order if wanting additional copies. • Prices listed below are inclusive of delivery. • When completed, please keep a copy of this form for your records. DELIVERY • The Conference Agenda (Reports) is distributed in October. • Decisions and Yearbooks are printed and distributed in January. Please complete ALL sections: Parish / Board: Parish Code: Contact Name: Phone No: Street Address: Postal Address: City: Postcode: If purchasing an unbound copy of the Yearbook, we recommend that you use an A4 ring binder (size 4cm) to accommodate both the reports and decisions. Item No. Required Cost* Total Exclusive Inclusive *NB: GST is payable by Individuals & Union Parishes only GST GST Minutes of Conference $35.00 $39.38 Bound Minutes of Conference $50.00 $56.25 Additional Set of Addresses $10.00 $11.25 Bound Financial Statements $35.00 $39.38 Total payment enclosed: Please post your order WITH PAYMENT to: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Methodist Connexional Office INV No. PAID: PO Box 931, Christchurch 5 e-messenger _*Travel and Study Grants*_ Have _*YOU *_started to plan and dream how you will use your study leave in 2008/2009? A Travel and Study fund grant could help this to become real! Application forms are available on the Methodist web site. The final date for applications for consideration in 2007 is 15th November. Any questions to Mary West email: [email protected] Woodend Methodist Church 150th Celebrations 25-26 October 2008 Photographs etc to: David Ayers 03-313-6262 e-mail: [email protected] Enquiries to: Rev Ian MacLeod 03-313-7259 278 Kingsbury Av enue Rangiora 7400 e-mail: [email protected] MWF Smethurst Trust Fund 20th October is the Closing Date for receiving applications from Women for some financial assistance towards lay leadership training, academic post-secondary study, re-education, theological study . Application forms and Information are available on the Methodist Church - MWF web site – www.methodist.org.nz. MWF Friendship Scholarship Funds are available to assist Pacific Island girls Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, resident in NZ and attending secondary school. They must be 16 years and over or in Years 12/13, NZ Citizens or have NZ Residency status. Applications close 25 November. Application forms and Information are available on the Methodist Church - MWF web site – www.methodist.org.nz. 6 e-messenger New Plymouth Methodist Parish A SUNDAY OF CELEBRATION A Sunday of Celebration is to be held on 25th November to commemorate the Fitzroy Church Building Centennial and the 10th Anniversary of the combining of the St Luke’s, Fitzroy and Whiteley congregations. The Parish Council invites all past members of the New Plymouth Methodist Parish to this occasion. Contact New Plymouth Methodist Parish Office, 58 Liardet Street, New Plymouth 4310, phone (06) 759 9036 or email: [email protected] “MYC08: Where is God for young people?” 10th-13th January 2008, at Lincoln University, Christchurch. Due to changes regarding both the budget as well as campus charges, I first of all have to inform you of the current and confirmed conference registration fee of $150.00 per person.