AnglicanLife Apr May 2016 by Anglican Diocese of Christchurch

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The Easter collection Pathway on the edge of society Dementia Friendly Churches Easter Camp 2016

Diocese of Christchurch ISSUE FORTY ONE APR/MAY 2016

Contents

BISHOP’S ADDRESS

ISSUE 41 Apr/May 2016

BISHOP’S ADDRESS: The new creation

CURRENT EVENTS

WORKPLACE: Pathway on the edge of society

LIFESTYLE: 5 ways to include children at Easter Dementia Friendly Churches

AnglicanLife is published bi-monthly by the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch.

PHOTO ESSAY: Connections

DIALOGUE: Looking in from the outside

CULTURE: Rich, dark, hot cross buns Good Disagreement? Grace and Truth in a Divided Church The War Room

CLOSING ESSAY: Easter Camp 2016

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Editor – Jo Taylor-de Vocht Contributing Writers – Cathy Maslin, The Rev’d Indrea Alexander. Contributors +Victoria Matthews, Tim Wilson, Annabel Howe, the Rev’d Peter Carrell, the Rev’d Wally Behan, Naomi Haussman, Angela Brighton, Sammy Mould Advertising Enquiries Ivan Hatherley – ihatherley@clear.net.nz Joanna Taylor-de Vocht – editor@anglicanlife.org.nz Design – www.baylymoore.com Printed by – Toltech Print Sustainability – AnglicanLife is printed on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks.

The Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square EASTER DAY - SUNDAY 27 MARCH 10AM CHORAL EUCHARIST

5PM CHORAL EVENSONG

TUESDAY 5 APRIL 1.10PM: ORGAN RECITAL FOR EASTERTIDE BY JOHN LINKER, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC SUNDAY 15 MAY - 1.00PM DONOR TRANSPLANT SERVICE CONCERTS COMING UP: FRI 24 JUNE - CONCERT BY WILL MARTIN WITH ALI HARPER AND REBECCA NELSON SUN 31 JULY - ORGAN RECITAL BY JEREMY WOODSIDE, FORMER ORGAN SCHOLAR AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF REGULAR SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS COMING UP!

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“His offering, which is ever ancient and ever new, brought about the redemption and salvation of those who God first created in God’s own image.”

Editorial Enquiries

Further details at www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz | admin@christchurchcathedral.co.nz | (03) 3660046

8AM HOLY EUCHARIST

WORDS: BISHOP VICTORIA MATTHEWS

ISSN 2253-1653

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FEATURE: The Easter collection

The new creation

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At St Mary’s Church in Timaru there is on display a remarkable musical instrument called the Alexander Piano. It is the creation of Adrian Mann, a young Kiwi who decided that the tone of low notes on a piano could be improved in clarity if a piano was elongated. The elongation he decided upon was 5.7 meters. Starting at age 16, the creation of the piano took four years. Adrian built the piano in a farm shed he borrowed on Peter and Jane Evans’ farm (Jane is the former Chairman of the Board of Proprietors of Craighead Diocesan School). It is a most impressive accomplishment and is the world’s largest and longest piano. The instrument which is as beautiful as it is long, is named for the creator’s Grandfather. Many millennia ago God also created a masterpiece. He said it was good and then after the creation of humanity, very good.

But in time the creation was flawed by the very creatures God had made, and it was no longer as good as it was at the start. But God was not actually finished with creation. It was only one part of God’s never–ending story. What was still to come was the new creation. The difference between the old and the new has nothing to do with length or size, but rather sacrifice and humility. This new creation came by means of God–incarnate, Jesus. God’s only Son came to earth as a baby, and grew into a teacher, preacher, and healer. His offering, which is ever ancient and ever new, brought about the redemption and salvation of those who God first created in God’s own image. Indeed God was in this Christ reconciling the world to Himself. The instrument which made the vision of the new creation a reality was a form of barbaric torture, devised by the Roman Empire, to keep the

Jews in line. But the horror of the cross did not stop Jesus. He was prepared to and did sacrifice Himself totally, that we might have eternal life. Jesus died on the cross and three days later rose again, thus ushering in the new creation. This Holy Week I invite you to hear again the story of the new creation. Some of it is painful to listen to because someone many of us love very much, dies in the most agonising way. But love does triumph and death is defeated. This Easter come and celebrate the new creation.

Current events LOCAL / NATIONAL / WORLD

The release of the A Way Forward report WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT In late February the Way Forward Working Group released the findings of its 18 month investigation into a mechanism for the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia to accommodate divergent views on the blessing of monogamous, committed, life–long, same–sex relationships. The working group was assigned the difficult task of finding a solution that allows the church to preserve its unity, while recognising and honouring the differing, genuine, faith–held positions held by its members. Revisiting the Doctrine of Marriage, which was reaffirmed by the 2014 General Synod as being between a man and a woman, was not part of the scope of this work. The report proposes two rites of blessing for couples who have been married in a civil ceremony—one for heterosexual couples and one for same–sex couples. The Anglican General Synod will consider whether to adopt the recommendations of the report when it meets in May of this year.

If the recommendations are assumed, each diocese will be able to elect whether to adopt both or only the former blessing. The canons of the church already allow any priest or bishop to decline to perform a rite of marriage, and it will be prohibited for priests to “parachute” into another diocese to perform rites of blessing. The covering letter for the report written by the Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia asks: “can we acknowledge that those who have strongly–held views which are different to our own are also seeking to be obedient to the one Gospel of Jesus Christ? Can we honour the integrity of a position we cannot in conscience agree with?” This is the crucial question for the Anglican General Synod as it considers and debates the recommendations of the A Way Forward report.

Flowers in Transition WORDS & PHOTOS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT

Last month Christchurch Transitional Cathedral hosted the lively new floral show Flowers in Transition. The exhibition, which stretched the full length of the Cathedral, featured installations and costumes by local artists Jenny Gillies and Patricia Proctor. Dynamic, living displays showcased contemporary floral and fashion design. Throughout their works Jenny and Patricia combined and juxtaposed organic and man-made materials to form scenes that ranged from the sweet to the outright bizarre! “It was a delight to welcome the many visitors who came,” says Cathedral Dean Lawrence Kimberley. “The colours and creativity added an extra dimension to Cathedral worship. It was a celebration of the beauty of creation and the creativity of the human spirit.” All proceeds were generously donated to the Transitional Cathedral.

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CURRENT EVENTS

Persecution of Christians intensifies Open Doors 2016 World Watch List WORDS: TIM WILSON The Open Doors World Watch List has been released for 2016. The list ranks the 50 countries where persecution of Christians is the worst. For the 14th consecutive year North Korea ranks as number one. Though North Korea tops the list, the major source of persecution identified in 36 of the 50 countries on the list is Islamic extremism. The second country on the list is Iraq. Since the late 1990’s the Christian population in Iraq has shrunk from over 1.5 million to less than 220,000. Islamic State is the main reason for this and it still holds swathes of territory in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria, ranked at number five. Number three on the World Watch List is Eritrea, labelled by many as “the North Korea of Africa.” The small nation has a brutal and oppressive regime that imprisons anyone considered to be a dissenter. Afghanistan appears at number four, battling a continued insurgency from the Taliban. The nations of Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, and Libya round out the top ten. The full World Watch List of 50 countries is available for free on the Open Doors website www.opendoors.org.au. Open Doors is a

charity that provides support to Christians facing persecution in over 60 countries worldwide.

Indonesian church in flames after an attack by Islamic extremists in October 2015

Call for an appointment or email: operations@anglicanliving.org.nz

24 Dorset St - 03 977 2320

437 Armagh St - 03 982 2165 www.anglicanliving.org.nz

Aged Care | Among friends 4

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Workplace

FAMILY / SOCIAL JUSTICE / ENVIRONMENT / SUSTAINABILITY / SPIRITUALITY

FINANCE / CAREER / STEWARDSHIP / ETHICS

Pathway on the edge of society The Rev’d Indrea Alexander talks to Carey Ewing about his work supporting prisoners as they restart life on the outside. WORDS: THE REV’D INDREA ALEXANDER Deep belief in personal and community transformation motivates Carey Ewing in his role as manager of the Prisoner Reintegration programme at Pathway Trust in Christchurch. Pathway works with prisoners before and after their release and also offers employment and accommodation services. Carey joined Pathway 13 years ago as a social worker and has spent the past 10 years with the Prisoner Reintegration programme. He now manages a four person team. “We seek to provide people with a fresh start,” Carey says, “release from prison, a new home, and a new job.” Prisoner Reintegration team members begin working with men in prison to support them after their release when they are nearing completion of a prison term and have made a commitment to change. The six month programme tackles issues that lead to crime and replaces them with strategies for a new life. “Our job is not to promise change, but rather to create possibilities for a new path for each of our clients,” Carey says. “Even though it is a hard job with many disappointments, if we [Carey’s team] keep turning up then we keep giving opportunity for change to occur.” 6

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Lifestyle

Pathway Trust grew out of Riccarton Community Church 18 years ago “to give a pathway for people on the edge of society,” Carey says. “Christian faith informs our work—how we work and why we work.” Carey sees multiple benefits of successful Prisoner Reintegration—individual lives are turned around, restorative justice offers a way forward for offenders and victims, reoffending reduces, and the wider community benefits. Those who engage with Prisoner Reintegration are 43% less likely to be re-imprisoned within 12 months of release than men outside the program. Carey believes this proportion could be improved by the establishment of a targeted pre-release unit. If the Corrections Department agreed, Prisoner Reintegration would need to find about $250,000 per year to co-ordinate the programme and provide support. One option is to sell 250 $1,000 shares to church and community members—“You would be able to say you reduced reoffending in your community.” Pathway is dependent on community support and networking. They welcome volunteers such as community mentors who will walk alongside released prisoners. “We have some very special volunteers doing some remarkable stuff with our guys. We would love more church support. They’re getting ready for life in the community with us.” It doesn’t always go well. “Many times we’re disappointed or we find it very difficult to see God’s plan in a situation,” Carey says. “Without faith I don’t think I’d have been able to keep going so long… is `calling’ too strong a word? I don’t think I’ve finished yet.” Isaiah 58 verse 12 is foundational: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” Carey has a little envelope that says “don’t quit till you’ve read these.” It contains reminders of lives that have been transformed. Check it out: pathway.org.nz.

5 ways to include children at Easter PHOTOS & WORDS: ANNABEL HOWE – CHILDREN’S WORKER AT ST CHRISTOPHER’S CHURCH 1. Be intentional Did you know that a survey by the International Bible Society indicated that 83% of all Christians make their commitment to Jesus between the ages of 4 and 14? Studies have also shown that our world view is largely fixed by 13 years of age. Despite this, it is rare that a church focuses more than a very small portion of its resources on children. The traditional church service doesn’t usually engage children. Therefore, for Easter services to include children effectively, churches need to take the time to plan and pitch them that way. Easter may be the only time of the year that many children visit church. This means it is especially important that it is a meaningful experience for them.

2. Look through their eyes “But didn’t he just get born?” I get this question all the time! From a child’s point of view we have just had Christmas—Jesus has only just been born and now he is dying?! We need to give children context and make sure we take them through the Easter journey so that they understand events in the context of Jesus’ whole life. Live re-enactments or using pictures are the most effective ways to let them experience and understand this.

LIFESTYLE

3. Use inclusive language Jargon or complex language immediately tells children you are not speaking to them. Keep it simple! Try your message out on a child to see how much they understand and whether they are interested. Remember to introduce people up the front fully so that visitors and children who are not usually in the service understand who they are. We also need to be mindful of how we present the story to children in terms of the gruesome aspects. 4. Provide age appropriate ways to engage At St Christopher’s we do a big Palm Sunday celebration with a live re-enactment that includes a real donkey. We set the scene by making a big effort to decorate the hall so children (and adults) can fully experience the story. A short, simple, sermon that uses illustrations allows children to stay

Dementia Friendly Churches involved in the message. We also give out children’s packs at Palm Sunday services and Easter services which include treasures and activities for children. The packs are usually taken home and continue to be used and talked about after the service. A favourite activity is a charm bracelet we construct with children that has a charm for each day of Holy Week. 5. Include them in the celebration Many churches have some kind of Easter celebration. At St Christopher’s we break a giant Easter egg to share with everyone after the service, and have a big Easter party which involves a shared meal. Before the party, children come up and break off part of the Easter egg as a child-friendly form of “remembrance” or “communion” that is extra to what we do in the service.

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“What does it mean to be known, loved and held by God when you have forgotten who God is…” – John Swinton, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God. WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT Dementia is a condition which affects a vast number of people. It is estimated that there are 53,000 people in New Zealand currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. The term dementia is an umbrella term used to cover a range of conditions that affect the cognitive function of the brain. The most common of these is Alzheimer’s Disease which is experienced by two thirds of people with dementia. According to Alzheimer’s NZ, common dementia symptoms include: “changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality, and emotions.” Over time, these symptoms greatly impact a person’s ability to do everyday tasks and interfere with many aspects of their lives. So how do we as the church respond to those in our midst living with this condition? How do we make sure they are included, valued, and loved in our churches and communities? This is something that Alison Jephson, Director of Anglican Living, has been concerned about for some time. “More people with dementia live in the community than in rest homes or in specialist care units,” says Alison. “We talk about the last, the lost, and the least, and in a lot of ways that is people with dementia. They

may not have the confidence or memory to speak out, they are definitely lost, and they can become the least unless we are quite deliberate about how we go about meeting their needs.” This is why Alison and her expert team at Anglican Living’s Dementia Care Unit created a resource to assist congregations to become “Dementia Friendly Churches.” So what can we do to help people with dementia remain real participants in the family of God? “First and foremost a person with dementia needs recognition that their needs are a bit different to yours and mine,” says Alison. According to Alison, some very simple changes can make a significant difference. She suggests churches put in good wayfinding signage at eye level for places like the toilets, try to use carpets without complex patterns that can cause confusion, and ask someone to sit with those affected through the service to help them find their way. Dementia is a degenerative disorder of the brain and memories of the recent past are often affected first. This means that including aspects from a person’s childhood or younger experience of church in a service allows many people with dementia to participate in ways they

couldn’t have otherwise. Things like using an older hymn, including a reading from the King James version of the Bible, or acts of ritual such as communion or lighting a candle, work well. Additionally, Alison points out that “the part of the brain that processes music is different to speech and normal language, so you can hook into a person’s memory for music and they will be able to sing words they couldn’t recite. They may even be able to sing in a choir.” Alison also urges churches to consider how people can use their gifts to contribute to the life of the church. Often people still have the ability to greet at the door, arrange flowers, or provide hospitality. This ensures people feel valued. Carers of those living with dementia also need special care from the church community. “Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a very stressful, all consuming job” Alison says. “A drop-in centre, carers group, or someone to relieve a carer for a couple of hours so they can get their hair cut or have some down time are great ways to help.” Visit Anglicanliving.org.nz/publications/ to access the full resource.

FEATURE

The Easter collection

Thank God it’s “Forever Friday”

A collection of perspectives on the Easter story

Cathy Maslin discusses what is so good about Good Friday. WORDS & PHOTO: CATHY MASLIN

The journey towards Easter The Rev’d Peter Carrell takes us on the road to Resurrection Sunday. WORDS: THE REV’D PETER CARRELL Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Home territory for Jesus was Galilee. He had no need to go to Jerusalem. But go he did. Each Gospel account of what happened strongly suggests that Jesus knew what was in store for him. His journey towards Jerusalem would end in death. We too go on that journey, following Jesus to the cross, when daily we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him wherever he leads us. The season of Lent is an invitation to make that journey in a different way: to spend six weeks in self-examination, exhorted by lectionary readings to repent, so that through this season our lives are re-aligned with Christ’s life. Along the way Lenten study groups help us, fasting focuses our minds, and special services, beginning with Ash Wednesday, mark the way. Holy Week is the climax of this penitential season. On Palm Sunday we enter Jerusalem and begin

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counting the days down. Daily eucharists through this week draw us again and again to “remember” Jesus and his sacrificial suffering for us. Lectionary readings unfold the poignant story of the last days of Jesus. On Holy Thursday we participate

in the last supper, solemnly entering into the darkness of that last night as Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and tried. Good Friday we are at the cross, seeking again to enter into the mystery of Christ’s death.

“Eloi eloi lema sabacthani.” Why was Jesus separated from God the Father? “It is finished.” What was finished when Christ died? Moving and memorable though it is to journey to the cross, we would never make that journey today if that was the whole story, if Jesus died a criminal’s death in a city on the edge of the Roman Empire and once buried was soon forgotten. The Easter journey continues beyond the cross. On Holy Saturday we sit with the silence of the tomb in which Jesus has been lovingly placed. But the silence is not empty with despair. It is filled with anticipation of the “third day,” Easter Day when Jesus rises from the dead. Jesus, the writer to the Hebrews tells us, endured the cross “for the sake of the joy which was set before him” (12:2). Our journey to Easter has a joyful end. Death has not overcome the Life of the World. Darkness has not smothered the Light of the World. Jesus is risen from the dead.

“The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak; They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne; But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak, And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.” - Edward Shillito

Good Friday is an enigma. What can be so good about a day when Christians remember the death of Jesus? The use of the word “good” in this context actually morphed from the word originally used to recognise this day, “holy.” That which is holy, by implication, is always good. The key of it being a good day, I believe, is rooted in the eternal paradox of the crucifixion of Jesus. By taking on flesh and dying, Jesus the Christ, defeated the author of human death, the devil (Hebrews 2:14). In the Garden of Eden where humans first had eternal life, the devil schemed man’s downfall by drawing people away from God who is life. After humanity’s repeated falls from grace God sent Jesus, His Son into our world. He took upon himself the punishment for all our failings by dying on the cross so we may again be reconciled to God and have eternal life.

The ecumenical Easter Friday Walk of Witness, Temuka, 2015.

Since the day of Jesus’ death, Good Friday has been remembered. Arguably it is the one Christian festival whose primary significance retains its original origins in a commercial culture. Even the buns we eat carry the cross. Kiwis continue the trend of remembering Good Friday more than 2,000 years later. Churches join ecumenical walks of witness carrying a cross around the streets while acting out and/or reading the journey of Christ to the cross. Many others hold a service on Good Friday morning. Still others, set up art installations of the “Stations of the Cross” (events marking the last 12 hours before Jesus is crucified) inviting people to come and reflect. Movies also feature; when Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was released in New Zealand it made waves in the general populace. Mel said his motivation for the movie was to help people “unforget.” So let us not cease from remembering and thanking God for his love demonstrated through His Son on Good Friday. “For the joy set before Him, He [Jesus] endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). We are that joy. The reward for His suffering. As St Paul states: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). For when we accept the gift of Jesus’s sacrifice paid “once for all” (Romans 6:10) this day becomes for us a “Forever Friday.” 11

FEATURE

The great joy of resurrection The Rev’d Wally Behan reflects on the experience of salvation. WORDS: THE REV’D WALLY BEHAN

Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, is also an occasion to remember one’s own and each others’ resurrection to new life. In our liturgy at the confession, the leader quotes the words of Jesus: “...there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). A repentant sinner (and we are all sinners) is one who has been given new life. They are born again and have entered the kingdom of God. When just one sinner is resurrected, heaven celebrates! Over the years, witnessing this miracle of new life has brought the greatest joy and privilege in my ministry. Yet, I have experienced but a fraction of the joy and celebration that heaven does. This Easter, I’m remembering a particular joy. Some years ago, a girl in her late teens who was terribly shy, began coming to our evening service. She came primarily because her boyfriend who had recently become a Christian attended, but one could see that she was honest and genuine herself. She listened to God’s word preached each Sunday and we would often speak about it after the service. Although on the one hand she had a desire to learn and even believe the gospel, on the other, she found things from the Bible hard to understand. She worked in a factory, and I think because of this, she felt she wasn’t “learned” enough! This feeling went on for sometime, but she persevered. Then, during one particular conversation after a Sunday night service, sensing her frustration, I suggested a few things. Firstly, that she begin to read God’s word herself. Romans chapter 10, verse 17 gives a wonderful promise and principle: “… faith comes from hearing the word.” It is God who gives the gift of

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faith. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God...” (Ephesians 2:8). God both gives and encourages faith through hearing God’s word. I also asked her to pray before she reads, trusting and believing that God would open her eyes as to what she was reading. I suggested that at this stage, she not be concerned with things she couldn’t get her head around in the Bible, such as Moses parting the Red Sea, or where evil comes from, but rather, read and pray about what is simple to understand. One doesn’t need a theology or science degree to understand that God loves me, gave His Son for me, wants me to know Him, and spend eternity with Him. To help with that, I asked her to read God’s word sometimes as God speaking to her personally. For example, when Jesus said in John chapter 3, verse 16 “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” she should substitute her own name in the place of “the world.” This mustn’t become a “me-ism” approach to reading the Bible of course, but it can help a new Christian to know that God deals with and loves us personally, as well as corporately. Most importantly, we spoke about her approaching God honestly and sincerely, and asking Him to grant her the gift of faith and understanding. It has always seemed to me that Thomas the Apostle, who wouldn’t believe easily that Jesus had risen from the dead, was given the gift of faith because he wanted to believe. Compared to the Pharisees, who didn’t want to believe, and to whom Jesus said in Luke 16 verse 31: “...’they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” God rewards honesty and a desire to believe, even when there’s some doubt, as with Thomas. This

“One doesn’t need a theology or science degree to understand that God loves me, gave His Son for me, wants me to know Him, and spend eternity with Him.”

young girl, like Thomas, wanted to believe. We then prayed that God would reveal Himself to her. When she came to church the next Sunday, I didn’t need to ask. I knew. She had been given new life! Resurrected! She didn’t know, nor understand everything, but she knew she had been living life without God, that Jesus had forgiven her, and that she wanted to turn her life around and follow Christ. She’d been lost, but now found. Dead spiritually, but now alive. Resurrected. Hallelujah! When one is resurrected to new life however, it’s not the end of a journey. Rather, as when a baby is born, it’s the beginning. Just as a baby has to learn and grow in understanding and their life, so too does a new Christian need to grow and learn spiritually to know God, the gospel, and the Lord Jesus Christ. To work through how “God wants me to live, be, think, and grow in Him.” Therefore it was important that this young girl became involved in a good sound Bible study group that she might grow in her God given faith and understanding. Important also that I and others pray for her in this regard. The same prayer that Paul prayed for the Christians at Colossae: “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people

in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:9-12). All that was 15 years ago. Has life been a breeze for her since then? No. There have been difficulties, problems, and issues to face. There have been times of doubt. Failures. Struggles with faith. Things every Christian who seeks to truly live for their Saviour faces. But through such struggles, she has learned much and (although she wouldn’t say it) has grown in her faith. She also knows that she still has much to learn. God is immeasurable! This young girl has gone on to lead Bible studies herself and help younger Christians. She married her then boyfriend who is now ordained. They have three young children and their lives are fully involved in Gospel ministry. They are a great witness to the resurrected life that following Jesus brings. As Christians today, we often don’t meditate on and realise sufficiently the exceeding greatness of our Lord’s death and resurrection. We therefore don’t realise fully the greatness and privilege of our own death and resurrection to new life. We somehow become more concerned about “church stuff” than “resurrection stuff.” Take time this Easter to meditate on yours’ and others’ resurrections to new life, and let the thought of Jesus and all heaven rejoicing encourage us to see more enter this resurrected life. Have a wonderful Easter.

PHOTO ESSAY

Connections PHOTOS & WORDS: NAOMI HAUSSMAN Leading up to Easter the idea of connectedness stood out to me. How across borders, oceans, cities and even suburbs, humanity is connected. In my view, everything that Christ died and rose again for brings that connectedness to the forefront. In the Easter story there is a notion that Christ sees our pains, our struggles, our shame and everything in between—and he chooses us. In the same way we are beckoned to see each other like this, to fight for each other and to love unconditionally. These pictures are from years travelled, meeting people that came from different ends of the earth, yet faced equally hard struggles and possessed a similar strength to overcome and carry on.

Byllie Jean - New Zealand In 2013 Byllie Jean found herself living in a caravan with her three children, unable to access housing. After surviving a damp winter, the community came around her to raise money so she could afford to rent a home.

Man and Son - Himalayas, Kashmir I met this man and his sons at the foothills of the Himalayas. They were nomads and had set up a make–shift shelter for the night. While the other kids played, his one son lay on the ground as his father massaged his feet. The boy had diabetes and the father wasn’t sure where the medication would come from next. There was a strength and a hope in this man, and a complete utter devotion to his son. He had trekked from Pakistan to here and would keep going until he could help his son.

Ngoie - South Africa Living in Cape Town at 16, Ngoie had lived many lives beyond her years. Over the past few years she had spent most of her days running from war. When her family arrived in Cape Town they were faced with more challenges. Despite all this, Ngoie’s face was barely ever void of a smile—they had made it, no matter how hard. She was in school and had the ones she loved most around her.

Egypt - Garbage City A lot of people don’t know this place exists. It’s not something talked about much. A place where the city of Cairos’ excess ends up. Walking through streets lined and stacked with rubbish it was hard to believe people lived here. Despite where they lived they would beckon us in, offer us a cup of tea and share food. Ladies would sit in doorways sharing stories and laughing. It sounded much like any other neighbourhood.

Naomi Haussman is a full-time professional photographer living in Christchurch, you can see more of her work at www.nayhauss.co.nz. 14

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Dialogue JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT WITH DR BOB ROBINSON

True, how then do we make Easter relevant in a personal sense?

Looking in from the outside Jo Taylor-de Vocht catches up with Dr Bob Robinson, Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, about Easter, culture, and mission. Dr Robinson, do you think that the Christian understanding of Easter is culturally relevant for the average New Zealander today? “It’s a challenge. The coming–alive of Jesus strikes people as very unlikely, even bizarre, and certainly not ‘scientific.’ So, how do we explain it to fellow Kiwis? “When confronted with this I get my students at Laidlaw to start with two lines of explanation. Firstly, the ‘unhistorical’ complaint. Aussie academic Behan McCullagh lists the six criteria that historians use in testing historical claims: explanatory scope, explanatory power, plausibility, superiority to rival hypotheses, and so on. He argues that the claim ‘God raised Jesus from the dead’ can be tested by precisely these criteria. In other words, the resurrection hypothesis fares very well when assessed by the standard methods for testing all historical claims. And, it is more

AnglicanLife Issue 41

plausible than any or all alternative explanations. “Then I move on to science and use a key tool in the philosophy of science these days—‘inference to the best explanation.’ Right now, scientists are debating whether there is a ninth planet in our solar system. There is no ‘absolute proof’ but the existence of such a planet seems to be the best explanation for anomalies in how the solar system behaves—anomalies illuminated by the unexpected news of an unknown planet. The same with the resurrection: it’s by far the best explanation of a whole set of anomalies in the first century that launched the Christian faith. It’s useful for the ‘you can’t prove it’ mentality to realise how often science can only offer the best explanation. “That’s all under the umbrella of ‘explanation’ which we do need from time to time with people outside the faith. But Easter isn’t merely about something that happened ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ...’”

“We Christians claim that the first Easter morning is the beginning of the new world that the God of Jesus had always intended to make. And, that the resurrection validates and vindicates the life, teaching, and death of Jesus. The resurrection offers reassurance, hope, and purpose for everyone. Most Kiwis don’t want more explanation from us— they actually want some tangible evidence of transformed lives and costly love, and just actions here and now. To put it simply, the Gospels tell us that ‘God acts; Jesus appears; the disciples are transformed.’ We don’t just believe and say that we are raised with Christ; we are challenged also to show—as individuals and a church—what it means both to die with Christ and then to live in ways that are shorn of pure self–interest.”

So how do we actually do that at Easter in a way that is missional and relevant in our current context? “At least four possibilities about transformed lives and costly love come to mind: 1. “How about we revive the old tradition of an Easter missional offering? With Syrian refugees about to start arriving in Canterbury, this could be a visible expression of Easter hope and love. 2. “Instead of the Vicar preaching on Easter day, why not get two articulate members of the church to describe what Easter faith and hope mean to them in cliché–free testimonies? 3. “I was once in a European city where Easter Sunday included the baptism of teenagers from local high schools who came to faith through the equivalent of our local 24/7 teams. Their testimonies were simple, clear, and moving. Could this happen here? 4. “And how about challenging our congregations with: ‘When a neighbour, or someone at work or school asks you ‘What did you do over Easter?’ how are you going to work the resurrection of Jesus into your answer?’”

Culture FILM / MUSIC / LITERATURE / WEB / FOOD / EVENTS

Rich, dark, hot cross buns Recipe by Simon and Alison Holst, as seen in the Dominion Post. WORDS: ANGELA BRIGHTON Rich, dark, hot cross buns Makes 16-20 buns Difficulty level – medium

Making bread is a craft, definitely not a push-over. Homemade hot cross buns deliver “real food” rather than the squishy cardboard imitation bun you get from the supermarket. It does require some effort, especially when kneading the dough, but do this thoroughly and you will have a good product to enjoy and be proud of. In general, New Zealand flour is not high quality bread making flour. The Surebake Yeast in the recipe has been especially designed to be used with New Zealand flour. If you’re going to put some effort into making your own buns, it’s a good idea to use this yeast mix—you are more likely to be baking something that will turn out well. It’s great putting crosses on the buns to remind us of the real meaning of Easter, but my crosses usually fall off in the oven so don’t be too disheartened if this happens. I love making my own hot cross buns because the smell of them cooking is a real treat. It’s a real Easter aroma! And that’s before you even get to eat them!

AnglicanLife Issue 41

Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup boiling water 4 tsp Surebake yeast 75g soft butter 1/4 cup honey 1 1/2 tsp salt 3 1/2 cups (475g) high grade flour 1 tbsp each mixed spice, cinnamon and cocoa powder 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup mixed fruit short or flaky pastry for crosses, optional Using a bread maker: Measure the milk and boiling water into the bread machine bowl, then add the yeast, butter, honey, and salt, then stir gently. Add the flour, spices, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Then set the machine to the sweet dough cycle and press “start.” Check the dough after about five minutes of mixing— it should have formed a smoothish ball. If it looks too sticky, add two tablespoons of

extra flour. If it looks too dry, add one to two tablespoons of extra water. Add the mixed fruit at the beep (if your machine does this) or after 10-15 minutes of mixing. Making by hand: Measure the milk and boiling water into a large bowl, then add the yeast and leave to stand for about five minutes. Measure in the softened butter, honey, salt, two cups of flour, the spices, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly then leave for 15 minutes or longer in a warm place. Add the remaining flour and stir to make a soft dough, adding a little extra warm milk or flour if necessary. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, satiny, and springs back when pressed gently. Turn the dough in 1-2 teaspoons of oil, then place in a clean, dry bowl. Cover with clingfilm and leave to rise in a warm, draught–free place for 30-40 minutes.

Shaping and baking: When the dough is ready, divide it evenly into four pieces. Divide each of these again into four or five pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball, then arrange the balls in non-stick sprayed or baking paper lined baking pans, or in a rectangular roasting pan, leaving about 1-2cm between each bun. Cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place until they have doubled in size (usually 30-60 minutes). If you want crosses, roll the pastry very thinly then cut into strips about 7mm wide. Brush with beaten egg and carefully arrange, egg side down, in crosses on the risen buns. Bake at 200°C for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned and hollow-sounding when tapped lightly. Remove from the oven and glaze immediately with syrup made by bringing to the boil one tablespoon each of golden syrup, honey, and water.

CULTURE

CLOSING ESSAY

ood Disagreement? G Grace and Truth in a Divided Church WORDS: THE REV’D PETER CARRELL Whether we are in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia or in the Church of England where most of the chapter writers in this book worship, we have a profound disagreement (or two) going on and we seem at a loss to know what to do. Resolution of some current disagreements may seem impossible. Forcing “one side” to agree with “the other side,” let alone forcing them out of the church, is unbecoming. Is there another way forward? The gist of this book, with ten varied chapters looking at past and present disagreements (without attempting to resolve any of them) is that “good disagreement” is possible, providing, as ++Welby says in the foreword, Christians “engage with one another and their profound differences in an attitude of sacrificial love and openness to Christ.” With top Anglican thinkers such as Ashley Null, Ian Paul and Tom Wright contributing, there is some cordon bleu food for thought. Kiwi Anglicans are likely to both admire their theological acumen and ask “does good disagreement work?” Read the book (it can be borrowed from Theology House Library) and draw your own conclusion. In doing so, you may be in good disagreement with the authors!

AnglicanLife Issue 41

The War Room WORDS: CATHY MASLIN If you like a bit of humour, aren’t too concerned with perfect acting, and are intrigued by the power of prayer, I say watch this film. The story line is relevant to our lives in the Western world. It portrays the issues of working parents, the pursuit of material wealth and the all too common temptation of cheating on one’s spouse. What is uncommon is its emphasis on spiritual warfare in the realm of relationships. A Christian’s war room is a prayer room to protect one’s family from the influence of the evil one, according to the African American character Miss Clara. Her spunk, frank talking, and “out there” antics made the movie for me. There is no room for the word lukewarm in Miss Clara’s dictionary. The film ends with a few questions for us to answer. Do we believe our fight is not against people but against the powers and principalities in the spiritual realm? Are we willing to battle in prayer for those close to us? With a PG rating The War Room is an easy, entertaining watch for all age groups.

Easter Camp 2016 WORDS & PHOTO: SAMMY MOULD Five days, around 4,500 people (mostly aged between 13-18 years), mud or dust (we have experienced both in extremes in the past two years), camp food, tents, smelly portaloos, queues for the showers (even at 6am), music playing around 17 hours a day, the Easter story, midnight mass, JESUS, portaloos (did I mention the smell?)—this is what many teenagers will be experiencing this Easter weekend. Easter Camp is the lifeblood of many youth groups in Christchurch and further afield. Groups travel from as far as Nelson and Dunedin to Spencer Park each year. Two years ago it was rained out which was heart-breaking for the organisers, the youth workers, and most of all the young people—some of whom spend most of their year looking forward to Easter Camp. Cancelling the camp was an enormously hard decision for Canterbury Youth Services (CYS) but the safety of campers had to come first. What we, as leaders in the youth community, didn’t expect was the effect of not having Easter Camp on youth groups around the city for the rest of 2014. Many groups struggled with numbers, and energy was low across the city as 2014 progressed. No-one had quite realised the amazing impact of Easter Camp on the building up of individual youth communities. Of course that is a CYS’s goal as part of Easter Camp, but we really did experience first–hand how Easter Camp has been equipping youth groups to become strong, faithful communities, where young people experience belonging, friendships, and God’s love. Easter Camp has been essential for the growth of many of our Anglican youth groups as they develop and work with their local communities. We have many youth groups now doing 24-7 Youth Work or other types of community outreach. This has seen an increase in community young people (young people who haven’t grown up attending church) coming to Easter Camp with Anglican Party Central (APC). A super exciting result, and part of the vision of Easter Camp—helping young people who have never heard the Easter Story hear it and be given the choice to follow Jesus.

Easter Camp is for every young person whether they know Jesus yet or not, and CYS do an incredible job of providing speakers and workshops that cater for everyone’s stage of faith. I have occasionally heard vicars and parishes complain that Easter Camp takes their young people away from parish life during a crucial time in the church’s calendar. And yes it does, but what if we view it this way: young people only get to go to Easter Camp for five years, and as shown in 2014, no other camp/event has the proven ability to build a youth community like Easter Camp—then, it’s a small price to pay. There is just something about five days together going through the smells, sounds, and tastes of Easter Camp that breaks down barriers and enables youth leaders to really connect with their young people. This year many of us come to Easter Camp with heavy hearts as we mourn the death of treasured Sumner youth leader Rachel Smith. We hope that Easter Camp will be a time to be together, pray together, cry together, and then laugh together as we remember the HOPE Jesus’ death on the cross brings to this broken and hurting world. Easter Camp is five days of…. JESUS. 21

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