Anglican Life August/September 2018

CHRIST-CENTRED MISSION

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ANGLICANLIFE.ORG.NZ

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DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

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ISSUE 55

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018

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A SOWER OF SEEDS

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TO BE A PILGRAM

FROM THE VICAR GENERAL: Christ-Centred Mission CULTURE: The Field Guide to The Bible IN BRIEF FEATURE: A Sower of Seeds Is our Right to Die right?

Youth and all that Jazz Discipling For The Future #2 To be a Pilgrim

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SHINING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

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IDENTIFYING YOUR GOD-GIVEN STRENGTHS

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GLOBAL DISPATCH: Shinning the Light of Christ Rural Churches HARAKEKE: Loving our Neighbour and Walking in God’s Ways THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: Sustenance and Strength in the Midst of Challenges 24. DIALOGUE: The Gospel according to Joshua 26. PROFILE: Identifying Your God-Given Strengths 29. CULTURE: Stella Polaris – poem

AnglicanLife is published bi-monthly by the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. Editor: Jo Bean: editor@anglicanlife.org.nz Contributing Writers: Rev’d Indrea Alexander, Rev’d Susan Baldwin, Jo Bean, Edwin Boyce, Veronica Cross, Milton Howard, Cathy Maslin, Anne McCormick.

Editorial and Advertising Enquiries: Jo Bean: editor@anglicanlife.org.nz, Printed by: Toltech Print, Print Sustainability: AnglicanLife is printed on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks. ISSN 2253-1653 (print), ISSN 2537-849X (online) Cover image: Seed Stones by Wendy Edwards Credit: Adrian Bell

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INTRODUCTION

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, What does Christ-centred mission look like?

As this article goes to print, the successful rescue of the twelve boys and coach from the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand has just been completed. The international dive team, shared expertise, global attention and world-wide, heartfelt prayers offered on behalf of all involved, speak to me of Christ-centred mission – an outpouring of compassion and shared skills readily and sacrificially given to save the lives of others. Concurrently, huge rescue efforts have continued as floods in Japan see millions evacuated from their homes. Many countries continue to grapple with the massive influx of refugees generated by conflict, drought and corruption.

A recent article in the Anglican Communion News described a multi-faith event in Cyprus organised by the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, and the Roman Catholic-linked Agapi Migrant Centre in Limasso. The event celebrated the different cultures, with traditional foods offered by refugees and migrants from Syria, Palestine, Wales, England, Greece, Columbia, Sri Lanka and Lebanon. The sessions were planned to help with integration and to value the varied backgrounds of the different cultural and ethnic groups. A Syrian refugee who has been in Cyprus for ten years, Abeer, opened the day with a short message about her journey. “I think of every one of us as being a small piece in this very

large mosaic, the human race, and each piece must be the right shape and best colour so that the mosaic becomes the masterpiece that God, our creator wanted it to be,” she said.

Surely ‘breaking down the walls that divide’, turning from fear and misunderstanding to love, appreciation and inclusion, is Christ-centred mission.

But we don’t need only to look across the world to identify and participate in God’s mission. Here in this diocese, mission also flourishes – both local and outreaching beyond our shores. In this issue we read of many missional expressions – the many and varied ways we sow and nurture seeds of faith and shine the Christ-light in our communities. Both individually and collectively, as disciples of Christ, every day offers opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action, in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for selfindulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.

For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” Gal 5:13–14 Helen Roud

Vicar General

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CULTURE

THE FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIBLE MAKING SENSE OF AN ANCIENT BOOK WITH REALLY TINY FONT

WORDS: Veronica Cross

The Field Guide to The Bible has been created for teens and young people or anyone new to the Bible, and is choc-full of easy-to-read tips and explanations to get you started. Created by a highly talented team on behalf of the Bible Society, the aim of the Guide is to help people understand what the Bible is all about.

The Field Guide to The Bible begins by acknowledging that the Bible isn’t an easy book to read, that it isn’t an ordinary book – you don’t start at the beginning and work your way through the book. The Guide is broken into sections: • What is the Bible?

• Reading the Bible • The Story • a Book Guide and • Help Along the Way. I was especially impressed by the visual aids and timelines, and the suggestions for how to tackle reading the Bible. The explanations of the various books of the Bible are easy to grasp and provide context to help you understand what the author is getting at.

The Field Guide to The Bible is a “How to…” book, an introduction to reading and understanding the 2

Bible – even an engaging attempt at “CliffNotes” for the Bible.

I seriously recommend it to anyone teaching others about the Bible, those reading the Bible for the first time, or anyone who would like to be able to read it but just can’t get past the tiny font and constant numbers. It’s especially great for visual learners and people who like their learning broken into bite-sized chunks. So grab a kitkat and get reading!

THE BRIEF

BIG SPACES AND STARLIT NIGHTS THE INTERNATIONAL RURAL CHURCHES ASSOCIATION (IRCA) CONFERENCE

WORDS: Rev’d Susan Baldwin, PHOTOS: c/o IRCA Urban and Rural ministries – are they really so different? In many aspects, the heart of ministry is the same, but the physical and social milieu of rural ministry is quite a different beast, so to speak.

So, it’s not surprising then that people with a passion for rural ministry gathered from thirteen different countries, including India, America and the UK, for the International Rural Churches Association conference held at Lincoln University in April this year.

Approximately 100 people came to rural Christchurch to discuss the highs and lows of rural congregations, inspire and support each other and learn new ways to equip the people involved in ministry in rural areas. The conference is also a vehicle to raise the profile of the rural church and continue to build international and ecumenical partnerships that strengthen the work of the Gospel of Christ.

Dynamic and inspirational speakers such as Dr Rosemary Dewerse and Rev’d Jenny Dawson, case studies, visits to local farms, and presentations from different countries were all part of the mix, along with shared meals, shared resources, entertainment and great fellowship. This year, because the conference was held in New Zealand, there was a bi-cultural element. A

A visit to a local farm was an enjoyable part of the conference programme.

The delegates at Lincoln University.

Learning Community groups during the conference.

formal welcome or pōwhiri, speakers giving their mihi, and an entertaining NZ night were all well received.

Providing a forum for rural lay and ordained ministry to learn about, collect and pool resources is a fantastic way of ensuring you don’t feel alone in your ministry journey. This concept is reinforced in the Maori proverb or whakataukī that Rev’d Dawson quoted: “With your basket and my basket the people will live”.

It was amazing to discover that ministry in rural areas is surprisingly similar across the globe. Issues like poverty, domestic violence, mental health, environmental concerns and a scarcity of resources are the same all over the world. Rev’d Dawson spoke of commonalities such as elderly congregations, upkeep of buildings, and needing to be a “Jack-of-alltrades”. Other global issues discussed were land use, water use, and how we can be good stewards of God’s creation.

But while the challenges are many, the delight of gathering and sharing in positive aspects of rural life also shone though: “We are so fortunate to live in a place where we can still see the stars.”

To find out more about ministry in rural areas, talk to Rev’d Sue Baldwin, Rural Life Missioner on revsuebaldwin@gmail.com

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THE BRIEF

Archbishop Philip and the EA/PAs at the Anglican Centre in Christchurch.

GETTING TOGETHER FACILITATES WORKING TOGETHER PAs AND EAs JOIN FORCES

WORDS: Veronica Cross, PHOTO: Jo Bean On Monday and Tuesday 18–19 June, Personal and Executive Assistants who work within the Anglican Church around New Zealand were in Christchurch for their second annual gathering. Ten people gathered from Bishops’ Offices in Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Tai Rawhiti along with staff from the General Secretary’s Office and the Inter-Diocesan Council, to form and deepen relationships, and for professional development.

The time together began with a Mihi Whakatau, where Bishop Richard Wallace welcomed the group to Christchurch/Ōtautahi. He and Archbishop Philip Richardson who answered the welcome, assured those gathered that they are ‘taonga’ or treasures, valued for the important work they do. Staff from the Christchurch

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Anglican Centre joined the Mihi Whakatau and delivered a well-rehearsed welcoming waiata.

Workshops were held on a range of relevant topics such as archiving; finding your strengths; complaints, communication and conflict; professionalism; and sessions exchanging computer hints and tips.

The camaraderie and networking were highlights of the gathering, along with having dinner cooked by Jo Seagar. It was an entertaining evening of cooking lessons and banter, topped off by eating the delicious results!

Next year’s retreat will be in Gisborne, and it is hoped that even more PAs and EAs will be able to enjoy the opportunity this “get-together” offers.

THE BRIEF

A CONVERGENCE OF CLERGY WORDS: Jo Bean, PHOTOS: c/o Peter Carrell

Late in May, at Living Springs Governors Bay, our Christchurch Diocesan clergy converged for their annual conference.

Led by Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell, Director of Education, and Rev’d Helen Roud, Vicar General, the conference consisted of fellowship and fun, workshops, Bible study and learnings from Synod (GSTHW). Two speakers also presented: former CEO of World Vision, Chris Clarke, and Dr Rebecca Burgess, a Nelson-based theologian and lecturer.

Chris gave four addresses, thematically driven by the biblical narrative of Joshua and the tribes of Israel approaching and then crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land: Life in the Muddle, From Tabernacle to Temple, Crossing the River, and Life in a More Promising Land. Drawing on sobering statistics from a recent report on religious life in New Zealand (www. faithandbeliefstudynz.org), Chris set out the likely challenges and opportunities facing Christianity in NZ over the next ten years; the posture we should adopt in leading change; and the opportunities and risks that lie ahead as we move into a more promising land. He reminded us that the Christian voice has never been

Chris Clarke speaking at Clergy Conference 2018 about what Christians are for.

Diocesan Chaplains leading prayer time at Clergy Conference 2018.

Dr Rebecca Burgess encouraging clergy to spread the good news that our God reigns.

more needed in ‘the public square’ and that we have been absent for far too long. Nationally, Christians have become known more for what we are against than what we are for. Our tone, however, should be humble, faithful, intelligent and open to learning from the experiences of others.

As well, Chris facilitated a twopart session on the kind of qualities and experience clergy thought were desirable in the next Bishop of Christchurch. These thoughts, along with others across the Diocese, were fed into the Diocesan Profile that was created for prospective bishops to consider.

Dr Rebecca Burgess, with 2 Timothy as a starting point, took clergy on an exploration of what the Bible has to say on gospel ministry: ‘Suffering for the gospel: Why am I doing this?’, ‘What is the good news?’ and ‘Guarding the Gospel: live it and teach it’. Rebecca especially encouraged us with the insight that the good news is the news that our God reigns – the kingdom of God has come into the world.

Apart from teaching and learning, there was also time for relaxing walks, taking in the scenery, watching movies and lively games.

The closing Eucharist was led by Archbishop Philip Richardson.

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FEATURE

A SOWER OF SEEDS WORDS: Cathy Maslin

Wendy Edwards has been on a mission planting stones for close on seventeen years now. Her story intertwines with those of many others. It echoes the truth of Jesus’ words to the Pharisees, that even if his disciples remain silent… “… the very stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).

The Beginning As a teenager Wendy was determined to live life her way and often went to parties with her older brother. Alongside folk music, their peer group was into drinking and sleeping around. She began to notice a certain feeling of lost-ness

amongst those they were hanging out with. This and the death of one of their contemporaries became a turning point.

After a conversation with her sister she decided to open her life to Christ and his forgiveness. God’s peace and love became real to Wendy but she remained hesitant to share the experience with friends.

It was a vision she had while praying one night that first planted in her heart the seed of telling others about the Good News of Jesus. In the vision people she knew who did not know God were asking her why she never told them about him. Rather than the sense of being told off

Seed Stone Prayer Changes Caption: Just one of the many ‘Seed Stones’ Wendy creates Credit: Adrian Bell

Wendy at home being prayerfully creative Credit: Adrian Bell 6

FEATURE

what was conveyed was the love God feels for people, the pain he experiences when they try to live without him and a pervading desire to share her knowledge of him.

Years later Wendy felt called to become a member of the Church Army, an evangelistic arm of the Anglican Church.

She went to train in Australia before returning and being commissioned during a service in Christchurch Cathedral.

At the back of the Cathedral was a Gypsy caravan of all things. Surprising to many but of great significance for Wendy. During training she had dreamt of travelling around in a Gypsy caravan doing parish missions and had endured not a little teasing about this by other students!

Gypsy caravan, Caption: The Church Army gypsy caravan on mission in Tahunanui, Nelson Credit: c/o Wendy Edwards

The Church Army The Church Army is part of the Anglican Church with a mandate for evangelism and social work. Originally formed in England the intention was to have the flexibility of working amongst all parishes rather than being its own church body like the Salvation Army.

Wendy’s first appointment within the Church Army was in Fitzroy, New Plymouth where she was a youth worker.

WE TRIED TO PLACE THE STONES WHEN NO ONE WAS LOOKING, LIKE A COUPLE OF SCHOOL GIRLS. WE FELT LIKE UNDERCOVER AGENTS!” WENDY EDWARDS During this time many Ministers mentioned they would love to have her come to their parish on a mission. Soon after she spoke at the local Synod she was seconded as Diocesan Enabler of Evangelism for Waikato. A committee was set up to oversee her work, and her brother and brother-in-law built a lovely gypsy caravan for the team! She travelled with lay volunteers, often spending a month at a time at one parish.

The volunteers usually gave one year to the ministry and came from all walks of life including a physio, pharmacist, retailer, farmers and others.

Wendy is still a part of the Church Army and sees their role as two-fold. Firstly to reach people who are church goers but have never known what it means to fully open their lives to God. Secondly, to share ways people can communicate the good news with others while also providing an opportunity for congregations to invite people to outreach events in their communities— as it often is hard and scary to speak of your faith in settings when you know people well.

The Church Army is still faithfully at work, they offer evangelism training and will arrange to visit Parishes. If you are interested to learn more contact Church Army Director Captain Monika Clark phone (09) 278 6825 or email moni@canz.kiwi The Seed Stone Story Later on in life Wendy found herself in a place where her time was consumed by caring for the needs of others yet still yearning to share God’s message. The seed planted so many years ago was still growing. After seeking some advice it was suggested she do something “just for herself.” Although 7

FEATURE

doing something pleasurable seemed a somewhat selfish answer to Wendy’s dilemma she took it on board and joined an art class. Painting was something she had wanted to do ever since she was at school. At the class she met Susan. They fell into the habit of praying after the class and it became clear they both shared a desire to tell others about God. A series of events followed including discounting Susan’s suggestion of walking around Sumner beach with a billboard saying God Loves You, Wendy’s daughter receiving a book about painting stones, and her husband’s penchant for picking up pieces of paper to see what they said. It all led to the idea of painting pictures on stones with scripture verses and sowing them around town. Wendy talks of their first planting expedition, “We tried to place the stones when no one was looking, like a couple of school girls. We felt like undercover agents. We couldn’t wait to go back and see if any had been picked up and to our amazement all but one had!”

Stones were painted and sown throughout Christchurch.

It wasn’t long before stories about how the stones had influenced the lives of people who had stumbled upon them started to drift back. After a couple of years Susan’s life took another direction and Joy, Wendy’s sister, felt called to assist with the demand for stones. Soon afterwards God placed on Wendy’s heart the desire to distribute the stones nationwide.

By this time they had visited many people in parishes and churches teaching them how to paint stones.

The most obvious way to distribute stones further afield was through Christian stores. Gathering her courage Wendy

made an initial approach with 20 stones in hand to the manager of the local Christian Superstore. He graciously agreed to give them a go. By three in the afternoon she received a call asking for more as 19 of the 20 stones had been sold. She took this as confirmation of this move being God’s will. Since then the seed stones have gone global but that is another story!

There are now several painters of stones and Wendy continues to operate the ministry from home. She has to live by faith where finances are concerned in order to continue to make the stones sold commercially as cheap as possible.

Sometimes it is the picture that comes to painters first, other times the scripture. Prayer is always a big part of the process during the painting and before the stones are distributed. It hasn’t all been plain sailing and difficulties set in every time there is an expansion of the ministry. An evident sign of a corresponding spiritual battle.

As Wendy talks about the journey she remarks, “God has used the simple stones as much as the beautiful ones.”

In her eyes this is how God is. Like with people he is not so concerned with the outward appearance but the message and the intention of the heart. She believes it is the things that move us—our passions—God uses in our lives for his purposes. For her this is still the intense desire to share the good news with others. It has been a step by step journey and at each step this desire within her has proved to be stronger than any internal apprehension. Looking back now she “stands in awe” of how God has used the stones.

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FEATURE

Kevin’s Story I had decided to become a Christian, but an annoying voice of doubt in my mind would not go away. I asked God for tangible evidence of His reality so that I could ignore the voice. This is what He did.

I was at a staff meeting and Wendy’s stones were on the table. The manager asked us each to take one. The stone I wanted was taken by someone else, so I chose one I thought my five-year-old daughter would like. I planned to give it to her the next day.

At five the next morning I woke suddenly. My whole body was pumped full like a balloon with living energy— far more intense than anything worldly. I received three messages: “Don’t hold back or be afraid: give (cousin) Earl his book back, and give him the stone.” I said “no” to the stone…but God made it clear that it was not just a suggestion! Then the energy left me. I realised I was breathing like I’d been running a race, but could only remember lying there while God spoke to me.

I lay there for a few minutes, amazed and wondering if what had just happened was real. The energy filled me again, much stronger this time but different. I did not get any new messages, but my body was filled with a living moving energy I like to call God’s physical love. Imagine

With many of us, gifts we have been born with can lie dormant for years. Sometimes it is out of the pressure of difficult situations that we recognise opportunities to deploy those gifts. When the author found that her role as caregiver constrained her ability to continue itinerant evangelical work, she sought God’s guidance as to what she could do. She didn’t have to wait long. Her daughter Laura was given a book on how to paint stones. Wendy soon recognised the opportunity that this presented. God had given her the ability to paint; now she knew why. She could use stone painting as a vehicle for sharing the Gospel! And so began the Seed

(Excerpt from The Stones Cry Out, pp. 24-25, re-printed with permission)

Wendy Edwards | The Stones Cry Out

The Stones Cry Out The idea of writing a book had been percolating for a few years before it came to fruition. Despite Wendy’s friend continuing to encourage her to write a book it just didn’t seem to come together. One morning God woke her at 5am and the structure and content of the book was crystal clear in her mind. As she was finishing writing her friend phoned to say she was coming for a visit. God told Wendy after the call that he was sending her around for a purpose. This didn’t happen often so Wendy was curious! It turned out Vivienne did a lot of editing and she offered her services to Wendy along with those of her husband. The book was published by Wycliffe at the end of 2017.

every single part of your body inside and out being massaged at the same time—and you get the general idea.

It was the most beautiful thing. Completely unique and unlike anything else you can experience.

The stone: I arranged to meet Earl at a café that morning. I told him what had happened and gave him the stone. I remember a tear running down his face. He was going through a difficult time, and the little verse on the back was the same verse Earl had used to get through another tough time years ago. I think it was God reminding him that He is there, and confirming my experience to me as well. The amazing thing is: Earl’s stone was not the one I wanted to choose; also I didn’t want to give it to him and, of all the verses in the Bible, the one verse he needed to be reminded of at that time was handed to him on a seed stone. I don’t have any doubts about God now.

To top it off, at my baptism a lady in the congregation that I didn’t even know, came and gave me a seed stone— it was like God giving me one back again!

The Stones Cry Out

Stone Ministry, which has been running continuously for seventeen years. This book traces the beginnings of the ministry in Christchurch, New Zealand, then its development nation-wide before expanding world-wide.

This book is for those who want to follow the mandate to ‘Go ye into all the world’,

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but have found themselves constrained from being able to follow that injunction.

The reader cannot escape the sense of excitement as Wendy realistically, and with humour, relates and relays many of the stories that have been pivotal in propelling this ministry forward. The sheer variety of the ways that seed stones have been

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e ed Sto ne Sto

ry

used to promote the Gospel of love will provide a raft of ideas - not only for those who wish to take part in this ministry, but also for others who are seeking creative ways to extend the kingdom of God through their individual talents.

The Seed Stone Story

Wendy Edwards

“The Stones Cry Out” Wendy’s ‘Seed Stone’ story Credit: Adrian Bell

To learn more about the seed stone ministry and how the stones have touched peoples’ lives you can purchase The Stones Cry Out at Christian Superstores or Manna Stores nationwide. Alternatively you can order a copy directly from Wendy by emailing wledwards3@gmail.com and she will send you a copy for $12 (including postage).

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IS OUR ‘RIGHT TO DIE’ RIGHT? AN UPDATE ON THE EUTHANASIA BILL

WORDS: Jo Bean Changing laws in our land of Aotearoa is a tricky space to work in. We all play a part in letting government know what we think. Having a say about proposed law changes is important; it means the Christian voice is heard and individuals on both sides of an argument can outline their beliefs and rationale. How else will our politicians know what we really think? Via the media, social media, or popular opinion? Bear in mind that popular opinion kept David Seymour in a dance competition while the elegant Suzy Cato went home. Hmmmm.

Currently parliament is considering a law to allow a terminally ill person to choose to end their own life. This bill has already had its first reading in parliament and had the highest number of submissions in recent history – people feel very strongly about it. The topic elicits different responses on both sides of the argument even within our Anglican community.

David Seymour’s End of Life Choice bill, purports to “give people with a terminal illness or a grievous and irremediable medical condition the option of requesting assisted dying.”

However, debate rages on both sides and even some who support euthanasia in general do not support this bill. So this article is an attempt to outline the arguments and positions for you to make up your own minds, and pray for the politicians with the responsibility to make this call.

Facing death of yourself or a loved one, be it from cancer, old age or some other crippling disease, is certainly confronting. A slow dissolution of the self demands our very deepest resources. There is no denying that.

However, within David Seymour’s assisted dying bill, some believe the legislation is “quite loose” and if passed, 10

Watching loved ones die challenges our humanity, faith and compassion Credit: Photo supplied

would mean a potentially wider range of people than originally intended could be assisted to die. The below criteria need to be satisfied: • you must be over the age of 18 and • suffering a “grievous and irremediable” condition and • experiencing “unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved” and • you must understand the outcome of your decision.

But the wording, in their minds, is not sufficiently precise to ensure that the intent of the bill is captured, while the worstcase scenario is prevented.

People who write submissions on a bill are also offered the opportunity to speak to the Government on their submission. Some choose to speak and others let their

submission speak for them.

For this bill, Bishop Richard Randerson spoke to parliament about the submission that he and six other Tikanga Pakeha Diocesan Bishops had submitted. He argued that current laws were satisfactory and recommended no change to existing laws. However he also urged for more resources to be allocated to improve palliative care. A particular concern of the bishops was that elderly people will come under pressure to agree to die. They argued that this has been observed in Europe where euthanasia is legal.

In contrast, Bishops Jim White, John Bluck and David Coles made a submission which supported the bill. They submitted that for some individuals experiencing terminal illness, assistance in dying is an appropriate moral choice, the take away being that ideologically, they are comfortable with euthanasia in general, under certain provisions. And as a society, we can see the tragic life-wasting illnesses that some are dealing with, perhaps even in our own families. No one can deny the heartfelt pain involved.

Alternatively, the Inter-Church Bio-Ethics Council (ICBC), of which the Anglican Church is a part, made a submission through Rev Dr Graham O’Brien. That submission drew attention to the fact that in countries where the legislation was introduced on a restricted basis only, it quickly led to pressure to expand the basis on which people may seek assisted dying. It seems that once the philosophical right of a few to choose early death is legislated for, it becomes difficult (if not impossible) to restrict that right to, for example, the terminally ill.

Late last year, our Diocesan Synod requested our previous Bishop, Victoria Matthews, send a letter from the Diocese in opposition to the Bill. Bishop Victoria called on the government to protect the vulnerable people in our society, and requested instead that they fully fund Hospice Care and increase training for palliative care specialists.

Christchurch Diocese Anglican Care supported the ICBC submission and also highlighted their concerns that the term “grievous and irremediable medical condition” is too broad and subjective to be effective. They discussed the high level of elder abuse and the very complex nature of families where emotional and psychological pressures can interfere with

good decision making. Basically they argue the wording does not provide sufficient safeguards for the elderly. They were also concerned that the ability for doctors to conscientiously object was provided for, but not organisations with particular beliefs. This is obviously important to an organisation such as Anglican Care.

Another aspect of contention is the time set out between a request for assistance and the actual deed, which in this legislation, sits at 48 hours. While this is a cool-down period of some description, not all believe 48 hours is long enough to ensure the right decision is made. After all, you’re a long time dead.

Another concern is that assisted dying, in any form, can lead to society as a whole normalising suicide. New Zealanders are deeply concerned about our young people and their high suicide rates. What impact might accepting the dying, the sick and elderly have a right to choose have on our youngest and most vulnerable? Are we comfortable with sending the message that it’s ok to opt out?

So, for a church engaged in Christ-centred mission, what is our response? We each need to make up our own minds.

But perhaps we can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”

For me that means praying for the politicians, the doctors, the sick and suffering, the elderly and the troubled. Because when this bill is decided, either way, all of these people deserve our prayers and compassion.

This article was written with help from a number of sources. Thanks to Taonga for their informative article on the submissions (www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/ common_life/thanatos), to Graham O’Brian and to Bishop Randerson for copies of their submissions, to Bishop Victoria for a copy of her letter, to my colleagues Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell and Rev’d Jolyon White for their patience, information and opinion, and Cathy Maslin’s “A Question of Life Or Death” AnglicanLife Issue 48 pages 4–7.

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YOUTH AND ALL THAT JAZZ BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND EMPOWERING YOUTH IN THE EAST

WORDS: Jo Bean Great News! The Anglican Parish of East Christchurch has just been granted $30,000 each year for three years to employ a community youth development worker. Wow! This is thanks to the David Ellison Trust, a source of community funding run by the Public Trust.

Vicar Katrina Hill, is humbled and excited that the Trust recognised the value of putting resources into youth in east Christchurch. There is now a widely recognised need for mental health and well-being support for vulnerable youth post-earthquakes, and one of the hardest hit areas was the east. Key to the new programme will be building relationships with young people, supporting them,

Jasmine enjoys hanging out with young people. One of the many activities she gets involved with — an invigorating early morning surf before church on a Sunday. Spencer Beach. Credit: c/o Jasmine Peate-Garratt 12

advocating for them and encouraging them in their journeys.

This urgent and ongoing need by youth has been recognised by the Trust, which has committed three full years of funding.

“The Trust has recognised the importance of the work and by providing three years continuous funding they are guaranteeing the best possible outcomes for our youth,” says Rev’d Hill.

“It takes a village to support and build resilience, to strengthen our young people’s skill base so they can cope with the challenges that get sent their way.”

Jasmine Peate-Garratt is a recipient of the David Ellison Trust Grant to support youth in the East.

Credit: c/o Jasmine Peate-Garratt

The youth worker being employed to do the task, Jasmine Peate-Garratt, is grateful for the generosity of the Trust and was keen to learn about the body or person behind the grant.

“Your first thought when hear someone is a philanthropist is that they must have had a big heart.

And David obviously did. But when I dug deeper what I learned was inspiring. David Ellison was a man of great faith. And action,” says Jasmine.

Born in England in 1933, and educated at Oxford, he started out as a teacher of Maths. In 1964 he travelled to New Zealand teaching both maths and music at Wanganui Collegiate. In 1969 he moved to Christ’s College here in Christchurch and thoroughly entered into every aspect of school life, except hanging out with the other staff. He was a little eccentric and preferred his own company to that of his peers. Although extremely accomplished he was a very humble man with huge drive and energy. He followed many out-door pursuits and was known to wear shorts even in the most cold of winter weather. He retired in 1992 and shifted to North Beach. Early on in his retirement he suffered a stroke and was unable to do as much as he had previously. That was when he decided that although he couldn’t do anything physical, he could use his money to help others less fortunate.

“Having known David for many years,” says Rev’d Hill, “I would have described him as an academic who chose to live very simply, who chose to use only the money really necessary for his minimal living expenses, and save or give away everything else.”

David did not have children of his own yet has been able to provide care for many young people through his philanthropy. He donated to various charities, was a patron of the ChristChurch Cathedral Choir and began the David Ellison Trust.

“For the next generation hearing the story and benefiting from an authentic follower of Christ is inspiring and hopeful,” says Rev’d Hill. “David was a true disciple, and his Christ-centred ministry lives on through the work of the David Ellison Trust.”

Could the David Ellison Trust help you to start something new in your community?

The David Ellison Trust: Special Project Funding – 2018 The David Ellison Charitable Trust would like to invite registered Charitable Organisations who are based in Christchurch or supporting services in Christchurch to apply for funding to the Special Project Grant for a New Programme(s) / Project(s). Projects are expected to support individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and who meet the Trust’s Mission Statement.

Funding may be up to $30,000 per year for three years. Expressions of Interest open 3 September 2018 and close at 5pm on the 31 October 2018.

David Ellison Trust: Contestable Grant – 2019 The Trust will continue to invite applications for contestable grants to a maximum limit of $5,000.

This grant round will open beginning March closing end of April 2019.

For more information about either of these grants or to apply online: • Visit: www.publictrust.co.nz/grants/how-do-ifind-one/grants/david-ellison-charitable-trust • Phone: 0800 371 471 • Email: funding@publictrust.co.nz

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DISCIPLING FOR THE FUTURE — #2 YOUTH ADVISORS SAMMY, PAUL, PHIL, AND SPANKY TALK ABOUT YOUTH INITIATIVES IN OUR DIOCESE

WORDS: Jo Bean Following on from last edition’s Discipling For the Future article (about the Kiln and APC), the article about 24-7 worker Sophie Madsen, and the chat with Rev’d Lucy Flatt, Chaplain at Craighead School, in this edition we investigate some other ways we are working with those under 40 to invest in the future of our Diocese...

Dodgeball Competition 6 July We’ve just had another round of Dodgeball! It’s a competition for intermediate and high school teams.

They do trophies for winning teams and a fairplay award for the team with the best spirit! In this ever evolving games event, this year for the first time they had a leaders’ game. Youth Ministry Developer Sammy Mould says, “With 300 plus intermediate and high school students spread across two gyms—it’s organised chaos—but the youth have a blast!” Roll on next year!

Dodgeball 2017 Credit: c/o Diocesan Ministry and Mission 14

New Thinkers Banquet 24 July The New Thinker’s Banquet was the pre-synod gathering for youth and youth adults to engage with the Synod process. It’s an evening of fellowship, food, debate and synod matters, but anyone who is 16–30yrs is welcome.

Young Adults Ministry Developer, Rev’d Joshua Moore, says, “It’s a chance to bring the young adults together as a whanau. And they love it.” Missed it?

Make sure you keep an eye out for it in 2019.

Amped Camp 28–29 Sept Amped Camp, run by Christchurch Youth Services (CYS), is a two-day camp filled with awesomeness for Intermediate aged students (years 7–8). Intermediate groups for all over Christchurch come together for games, sports, music and food—all the best ways to a bouncing teen’s happy place!

Intermediate students having fun at Amped Camp Credit: Anglican Youth Christchurch

Of course, we also hit them with vibrant group worship and teaching, so it’s a bit like a mini-Eastercamp, but for Intermediate ages. Youth Ministry Developer, Sammy Mould, says, “CYS do an awesome job of delivering the gospel in a way that’s relevant for the intermediate age group.”

You haven’t missed this one!

Contact Sammy on youth@ anglicanlife.org.nz or chat to her on the Anglican Youth Chch Facebook page.

Want to know what else is going on for young people in our Diocese? Look out for the next instalment in Anglican Life—where we’ll explore… Oh wooops! We were supposed to do Deeper Camp and Thirsty Workers this Edition?? Ok… next edition—maybe? And of course, if anyone wants to know more about any of these groups, including how their parishes can get involved, contact Sammy on youth@anglicanlife.org.nz or Spanky on youngadults@ anglicanlife.org.nz

TO BE A PILGRIM CHRIST-CENTERED LIFE AND MISSION WITH CURSILLO

WORDS: Indrea Alexander Ensuring Christ is at the heart of everyday life is central to the colourful Cursillo movement, which has been active in the Christchurch Diocese for 22 years.

Cursillo gives opportunities for committed Christians to refresh and deepen their understanding and experience of Christian faith and community, and provides ways to intentionally live and share the gospel in daily life. Cursillo’s bold ambition is to help the Church “win the world for Christ, one believer at a time.”

Cursillo uses the imagery of Christian pilgrimage, and begins with each “pilgrim”, undertaking a threeday course in Christian living. Around 600 people have participated in the 40 men’s, women’s and combined weekends offered since 1996. The most recent weekend was held at Kaiapoi’s Blue Skies Scout Camp in May this year.

The Cursillo weekend has teaching and reflection focussed around three questions “What does Christ see in me?”, “What do I see in Christ?” and “What is Christ saying to me?” It is also an immersion in loving Christian community. People often leave with a new perspective and understanding of God, God’s people and God’s call on their lives.

Anita Murray (left) and Suan Bowler with the banner they created for 2018 Cursillo Credit: Mike Bowler

Roosters crow to herald a new day – one of the images used in the Cursillo movement Credit: c/o Cursillo Ultreya 2016

To ensure people continue the pilgrimage begun at Cursillo, they are invited to become part of ongoing small groups that provide mutual support, encouragement and accountability—“how are you getting on living out your faith?”

Diocesan-wide gatherings are also

held, typically bursting with colour as rainbows remind people of God’s promises, butterflies represent change and new life, and roosters herald the dawning of a new day.

Cantabrians David and Glenda Prosser are Cursillo’s national lay co-directors. They attended their introductory Cursillo weekend in Christchurch in 1998.

“During that weekend we caught a glimpse of how ordinary Christian faith could be transformed into worldchanging action through an outwardlooking perspective and the support and encouragement of a vibrant community of like-minded sisters and brothers.

“Everyone can be effective in leadership in its broadest sense, and true Christian community transcends artificial boundaries of congregation, parish and diocese.”

They celebrate the way God continues to use Cursillo. “Most participants find themselves encouraged, enthused, and re-energised in their Christian walk,” David says.

“Many participants gain the confidence to become far more active in their parish and in Christian witness than they would previously have thought possible.”

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Christchurch Ultreya 2016 Credit: c/o Cursillo Ultreya 2016

“The business of Cursillo is to grow disciples of Christ, help them discover their vocation, and make them effective in whatever God is calling them to do.”

Most “cursillistas” in the diocese are aged over 60. Efforts are being made to target 40-60 year olds, an age group often hungering for spiritual growth, community and connection with the wider church.

The origins of Cursillo are in the 1930s when a network of young Catholic men and women in Spain were planning to make pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. They were prevented first by the Spanish Civil War and then by WWII. The pilgrimage was finally undertaken in 1948.

On Spain’s Mediterranean island of Majorca, the years of delay had grown the young people’s yearning for deep spirituality and renewal, and the idea of Cursillo as a “virtual” pilgrimage was born. The first Cursillo weekend was held there in the late 1940s, using the imagery of comradeship among fellow pilgrims who are striving together to reach the common goal of a life fully given to the love of God and humanity.

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National Directors Glenda and David Prosser at the 20th Anniversary celebrations in Christchurch Oct 2016 Credit: c/o Cursillo Ultreya 2016

Imagery used in Cursillo is colourful: A rainbow reminds us of God’s promises and a butterfly symbolises new life Credit: c/o Cursillo Ultreya 2016

The movement spread as a Roman Catholic renewal to mainland Spain, then to Spanish-speaking South America and up to North America.

In the 1970s the Episcopal Church in the USA and the Anglican Church in Canada embraced the movement.

In 1979 the first Anglican Cursillo was held in Australia and in 1988, at the invitation of Archbishop Brian Davis, people involved with Cursillo in Brisbane offered Cursillo courses in Wellington (Cursillo has now been

in New Zealand 30 years!), which in turn gifted it to Christchurch Diocese in 1996. Christchurch gifted it to the Dunedin Diocese in 2000. It has also been planted in Waikato/Taranaki and Waiapu.

Cursillo is established in a diocese with the support of the bishop, and has both lay and clerical leadership. The Christchurch Diocesan Lay Director is Stephanie Johnston while Archdeacon Lynnette Lightfoot is the Diocesan Spiritual Director and a Secretariat guides Diocesan Cursillo life.

Stephanie says Cursillo isn’t simply a long weekend. “Cursillo is much more than a three-day course. Cursillo’s fourth day is the rest of our earthly life”.

Cursillo invites you to join the pilgrimage. The next three-day course for new pilgrims will be early 2019. For more information about Cursillo, browse their website: www.cursillo.org.nz or talk to Stephanie on stephjanej@gmail.com or 03 381 1351.

GLOBAL DISPATCH

SHINING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST FROM OUR MISSION PARTNER IN CAMBODIA

WORDS: Anne McCormick, PHOTO: Song Sokhim My journey towards mission started before I was born.

My mother, a woman of quiet but strong faith, had three miscarriages. When she finally held a baby in her arms, she, like Hannah in the Bible, dedicated me to God for His work and purposes (1 Sam 1:27-28).

I remember praying every night with my parents before bedtime, sitting on my father’s knee in the red rocking chair next to the living room fire. Sometimes we would sing: “Jesus bids us shine, with a clear, pure light, Like a little candle, shining in the night.

In this world of darkness, we must shine, You in your small corner, and I in mine.”

As an adult, my “small corner” was at first a mission school in Pakistan and, more recently, a trauma hospital in Cambodia. This is the “sphere of service God Himself has assigned to me” (2 Cor 10:13). Here I will remain until God tells me otherwise. Here I will strive to shine my light faithfully, to point others towards Jesus. Sharing the gospel here in Cambodia can be a challenge. Being a strongly Buddhist culture, Christianity is tolerated, but overt evangelism is not, and anyone who dares to convert faces considerable opposition.

A recent sermon, preached by Pastor Khiev Pon, founding pastor of our church, spoke of the importance of letting my light shine where God has placed me. He reminded me that shining for Jesus and telling others about Him, are both vital actions in seeking to live for Him. To apply the old adage “actions speak louder than words”, I must shine for Jesus by caring and showing kindness to others, thus opening the door to opportunities to pray for those around me and, sometimes, when the grace of God allows it, sharing my faith. As I carry out my role at the

hospital, I trust that people will see past the job I do, to the reason I do it.

Christians in Cambodia long for change from corruption, poverty and dishonesty which are all rife here. It is hard to imagine the stronghold of Buddhism ever being broken. However, we serve a mighty God whose Anne spending time with a 90 year old power will achieve His patient after giving her a hand knitted purposes in His time. In blanket sent from New Zealand the meantime, I am to be faithful to His call to shine for Him in this small corner where I have been placed.

Steve Maina, NZCMS National Director, wrote in a recent email: “May the work of your hands continue to bear fruit for God’s glory.” May it be so for me as I shine a light for Christ in my small corner, and participate, albeit in a small way, in Christ-centred mission in Battambang, Cambodia.

Since writing this article, the 35 year-old brother of Anne’s new assistant died of HIV. She received the sad news from their mother, a cleaner at the hospital.

Anne writes, “At that moment, Christ-centred mission for me involved drawing them both into a hug and crying with them. I have a feeling that is exactly what Jesus would have done.” And we do too, Anne. Keep shining your light.

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RURAL CHURCHES— GRATEFUL LEGACY AND PRESENT REALITIES THE SHIFTING CONTEXT OF MINISTRY IN RURAL CANTERBURY

WORDS: The Ven. Sue Baldwin, Rural Life Missioner

If you drive through rural areas or small towns in Canterbury you’ll notice that the majority of churches were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Built during that time in New Zealand history, they were mostly Protestant: Presbyterian, Methodist, Uniting, and of course Anglican, quite a proliferation of Anglican churches in fact.

Our history, and how this region was developed and settled, has much to do with that. As the countryside was being settled, churches were built to serve the communities around them. Not surprisingly, what had been done in the home country was replicated here: a church in every community and farming district,

The ups and downs of rural life: the majesty of mountain vistas and the isolation of long distances are both pictured here. Credit: Sue Baldwin 18

just as it had been in Great Britain.

Those who first arrived made sure that Christianity was being transported and transferred successfully from Great Britain to newly settled New Zealand.

To some extent it also depended upon who was doing the settling. The Scottish contingent who arrived in the south meant more Presbyterian churches were built. The Church of England’s Canterbury Settlement had grand plans for this region, which meant that most churches hereabouts were Anglican. If your only way to get to church was on foot or on horseback, or in a cart or carriage, churches had to be nearby. Churches were placed in communities that were just getting started, anticipating that early settlements would eventually become small towns. A town’s identity was linked with whether it had a church (or two or three) in it. A church was a critical piece of infrastructure for a settlement.

Something today’s Anglicans may not know was that in those early days of the church in New Zealand, many small rural parishes were treated as mission

parishes. Due to their size and remote locations, they were not self-sustainable, and they relied on the kindness and donations of the home church, and/or city churches. I belong to a parish that has five churches in five communities. None of the five have been on their own for very long, if at all. They were always working in partnership with one another, or relying on larger parishes to provide a visiting priest. That was true in the 1880s when they were originally built, it was true in the 1920s, as well as now, nearly 100 years later.

Of course, sometimes our forefathers got it wrong.

Sometimes churches were built where the development of a small town was anticipated, but changes in transportation, soil quality, availability of water or a drastic reduction in resources meant that they didn’t eventuate, or experienced a very quick boom followed by an abrupt bust and all that was left to mark the place where a community had once existed was a church, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

On the West Coast, there were originally eleven Anglican churches in eleven communities. Very few of those communities still exist beyond being road markers at the side of the road. Of those eleven only two still remain: All Saints in Hokitika, which was rebuilt in 1936, and the merged churches of St Aidan and St Columba, now the Parish of Kowhitirangi. Others are long gone and the communities they served have largely disappeared or have dwindled dramatically in size.

But that’s simply the history of where we’ve come from.

The real question for today is, what can we achieve with

Ellesmere, St Luke’s church, Brookside c/o CPT

what we have?

I believe that in all ministry, theology needs to be contextualized, but this is even more important for rural ministry. The church must be relevant and be able to answer the questions asked by the people who are hearing the gospel at a particular time and in a particular place. As a result, theological and religious activity is a constant interchange between the questions and needs of a particular people in a particular place and the answers of the Gospel. Definitely not a ‘one-size-fits-all’.

The context in which we do ministry in rural areas and small towns needs to shift and change with the years as the physical and social context changes. For example, changes that came about due to the farm crisis of the 1980s, and more recently, droughts, growing concerns about the environment, and diseases that impact either livestock or crops. And it needs to be remembered, our rural or small town parishes are not always about farming. They might be former mining towns, railway towns, tourist towns or places that were once necessary stops on a journey that are no longer required since the arrival of modern transportation.

These are the contexts in which we engage in rural ministry, where we strive to be faithful witnesses to the transforming love of God. How we do that will be different in Hanmer than it is in Tekapo and different again in Hari Hari and in Ruapuna. It all starts with looking at what we’ve got, what are the needs, and asking God to reveal and bless the work he has set before us.

Malvern, St Peter’s church, Springfield, c/o CPT

Mayfield-Mt Somers, All Saints’ church, Ruapuna c/o CPT 19

HARAKEKE

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOUR AND WALKING IN GOD’S WAYS. Junior (2–7yrs) A man helped another man he met who was hurt.

Parent or caregiver: Ask your child(ren) to close their eyes and imagine someone they love, then tell you who they are.

Respond: “Yes, God wants us to love our _____family/ friends/pets/etc. Ka pai, your answers are good! But today we are learning that God wants us to love everyone in our lives — even people we wouldn’t normally like!”

Parent/caregiver: read aloud the story of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37. You can read it from the Bible or any good children’s bible.

Parent/caregiver: Ask your child some/all of the questions below. See what they come up with themselves and explore that. You can use your own or any of these questions as a prompt for further exploration of the story.

• What did you think of that story?

• What part did you like best? Why? • What part did you like least? Why? • Do you think the people who didn’t help knew that God wanted them to help?

• When they didn’t help, how would God feel about that?

• Who was the person that helped? Where did he come from?

• Why did he help the man?

• When we don’t do something we know we should, how does God feel?

• When someone we know gets hurt, what does God want us to do?

Note to parent/Caregiver: The children may also enjoy watching the Veggie Tales movie: Accepting and Helping – Are you my neighbour?

Pray together: Dear God, help me to think of something I can do to help people who are hurt, even if I like them or not. Amen.

(Colouring-in picture from www.lewistoncheer.org under Good Samaritan)

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Middle (8–12 years) A foreigner who was not liked by Jews went out of his way to help a Jew who was hurt, even though he was his enemy and would not have helped him.

Act out story from Luke 10: 25–37. Alternatively, you may want to do a ‘one-person-show’ and act out all the characters as the story progresses. The characters are: a Jewish worried business man, a proud Jewish Priest, a hurrying Jewish church person, some nasty robbers, a foreign traveller,

HARAKEKE

an inn keeper, and maybe a donkey. And be careful when you act out the robbery – remember you’re just acting! Make sure no-one gets really hurt! Try it first with mime only and no sound, other than the narrator. Then do it again with full sound! If you want to turn this into a play, do it again with the characters speaking, describing what’s happening, where they are, what they see and hear, and what they are thinking.

For Discussion: This story is called ‘The Good Samaritan’ and can be found in the Bible in Luke 10:25-37. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Take a few minutes to think about the heavenly meaning, then discuss this with a friend or adult. What was Jesus trying to tell the Lawyer?

Some more activities: Do one, some or all of these activities.

1. Draw a sequence of pictures, or story board, to retell the parable of the Good Samaritan.

2. If this story was on the front page of a newspaper or on “The news at 6” today, what would be the headline? What would it say? Be a reporter and write/perform this news item.

3. Retell this story in a modern setting. Who would the feared foreigner be? Discuss your characters and setting and why you have chosen them. You could also act it out for your family or friends.

4. Write a song about this parable. You can write your own song, or choose a song you like and write new words to fit the tune. It would be great if the chorus tells the real meaning of the story. Perform it for your family or friends or make a clip of the song and send it to your friends.

5. Think about: Have you ever helped someone who was hurt or sad? Describe the situation. Who were they? Were they your friend or someone you respected? Can you imagine doing the same for someone you don’t know? Or someone who dislikes or is mean to you? How much harder is it to “love” someone who doesn’t love you back?

6. Extra activity: Think of someone you know of that might be lonely, sad, different, sick or just in need of cheering up.

Make a hand-made card and/or a batch of cookies and take it to them. Don’t forget to discuss this with an adult before you get started. It could be delivered in person or anonymously!

See if you can be a secret agent and do it without them knowing!

Prayer: Father God, help me to show kindness to others every day. Show me small things I can do for other people and give me the courage to do them. Amen.

Senior (13+ years) Don’t be a Bystander – Be a Good Samaritan Christians are called to help everyone. This is one of the messages in the parable of the Good Samaritan. If you need to refresh your memory about the parable, read Luke 10:25-37.

We are all called to be “Good Samaritans.”

Did you know there is a “Good Samaritan Day”? Good Samaritan Day was created to honour Catherine “Kitty” Genovese.

Kitty was murdered on March 13, 1964 in New York City just outside her home. Her killer tried to kill her not once, not twice, but three times. On the third time, her killer was successful. However, the previous two times, the killer was interrupted by witnesses, but NO witness ever called the police.

To this day, we wonder if Kitty would still be alive if a Good Samaritan had come to her rescue. It may not be March 13th today, but there are ways you can decide to be a Good Samaritan.

Credit: www.findagrave.com/memorial/7195328/kitty-genovese

Ask yourself: Have you passed a person by?

• Have you ever witnessed a car accident and kept going due to a time crunch?

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HARAKEKE

• Have you ever seen a parent trying to open a door while pushing a stroller and walked past them?

• Maybe you haven’t witnessed a murder, but you have likely experienced an incident where you could have helped but were “too busy” to stop.

We have all done this in some way, shape or form. And there are some legitimate reasons not to stop: Safety, other commitments, and the like. We are all busy, but helping others in need is something that all Christians need to be committed to. So, even if stopping makes you late for class or meeting up with mates, helping someone is important and the following suggestions are things you could think about doing. This definitely takes commitment, so you need to decide what’s right for you.

Below are is a list of ideas you can put into action to demonstrate you are committed to being God’s Good Samaritan.

1. For this activity you will need to have a safety plan in place or take a number of responsible adults with you. You might also need to think about organising a “drive” as an earlier activity to collect the goods you need. Get a group of friends together and put together some goodie bags to give out to homeless people. The Bags could include: toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, mouth wash, floss, soap, baby wipes, some muesli bars, fruit or other kind of snack, a warm beanie or blanket. Of course it depends on what you can source and what’s practical for you to carry. You may also like to put a message inside the bag that says: God cares about you. This activity can be adapted to other groups of people such as school kids in lower decile schools or teens in the skate park etc.

2. Go grocery shopping for an elderly neighbour. Sometimes our grandparents or elderly neighbours have a hard time walking to the store. Take an hour out of your day to go get some essentials like bread, milk, eggs and meat for them.

Alternatively, ask them if they want a companion as they shop. Sometimes just having someone to help carry the bags, help reach the high shelves and have some conversation with them is just as good.

3. Stand up against bullying. When you see someone bullying another person in public, at school, or at work, say 22

something. There is power in numbers. There is a way to do it so you don’t engage in petty arguments or get dragged into drama, but don’t let another person be bullied on your watch. You might like to practise role playing an intervention in groups so you can practise saying “This feels like bullying behaviour. It needs to stop.” Or something along those lines.

4. Tutor a student who is struggling. This could be volunteering for literacy tutoring, ESOL help or just offering to help a student achieve something they are struggling with.

Or you can just offer to read stories to younger students.

5. Help a neighbour take care of their lawns or backyard. Sometimes we have a neighbour who is either disabled, elderly or a single parent who struggles to keep their gardens under control. Mowing lawns, sweeping up, pulling weeds or putting out rubbish are all easy to achieve.

6. Volunteer at City Mission, SPCA, CCS, Aspire etc.

7. Prepare and deliver meals to the elderly, lonely or needy in your church or neighbourhood.

8. Offer to babysit for a solo parent, grand-parent who’s parenting or any parents who need a break.

Other activities: Click on this website www.apostolicsundayschool.com/skitgood-samaritan-retold to rehearse and perform a modern-day skit based on the Good Samaritan. Ask your Minister if you can perform it in church!

To find out more about Kitty, and the psychologicalsocial phenomenon of “bystander” effect, you might like to visit www.criminalmisconduct.blogspot.com/2016.

[This lesson was adapted from www.ingredientsofoutliers. com/10-ways-good-samaritan] Prayer: Christ our Saviour, you loved the poor, the lonely and the marginalised. You spent time with cheaters, the sick and prostitutes. You fed the hungry and healed the sick. Help me to be like you, love my neighbour, do good to those who want to harm me, and be a friend to the foreigners and forgotten. I want to be a Good Samaritan, not a bystander. Give me the courage to reach out and help those around me. Amen.

THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS

SUSTENANCE AND STRENGTH IN THE MIDST OF SICKNESS WORDS: Rev’d Lucy Flatt

This year found me on a pre-ordination retreat with morning sickness. Amidst the dry and wonderful Canterbury heat I was invited into daily rhythms of communal prayer, where there were quiet trips to the bathroom and hidden dry retching in a summer scarf.

Pregnancy comes in its fullness whether we are ready for it or not. Morning sickness waits for no woman and when employed one must simply contend with the nauseas slant of life for however long it goes on.

On retreat, I was struck by the morning readings of Abraham and Sarah, and the news that they were to bear a son. I couldn’t help but wonder that the laughter of Sarah must be because she was yet to start throwing up, and the raw reality was still yet to sink in.

Yes, how great! How wonderful are the works of God… and oh how real and raw and vomit filled they really are!

How raw the need for sustenance in God really is!

I must admit, like many, I intellectually know that my sustenance and strength must be in God; for man (or rather woman and very small boy) do not live on bread alone but from every word that comes from the Father (Deut 20). Yet the reality of living into this can be rather daunting.

How do we, as Eugene Peterson puts it, “take our everyday ordinary (vomit filled) life and place it before God as an offering?” (Romans 12:1).

We pray. After most of 2018 spent feeling rather rubbish, I can soundly say that prayer works wonders. When we pray, we bring all of ourselves before God. We acknowledge that we are not enough. We are drawn out of ourselves and redirected toward God, redirected toward life in community;

for “we who are many are one body; for we all share the one bread” (ANZPB).

The joy of being a disciple of Christ is that we have God’s word to encourage and to correct us. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us as we “try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph 5:10). Yes, we hurt and we ache, yet that doesn’t mean God has left us. As the apostle, Paul constantly reminds the early churches “Do not be surprised that you endure suffering, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1Pet 4). Suffering is a part of human life. Yet within this we are called to look to and to rely on God, not simply as individual believers but as the Body of Christ. “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thess 5:11).

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DIALOGUE

A Taylor family selfie at Caroline Bay featuring Josh, Jo, Phoebe and Esther. Credit Jo Taylor

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOSHUA CATHY MASLIN DISCUSSES ‘THE GOOD NEWS’ WITH REV’D JOSHUA TAYLOR, VICAR OF ST JOHN’S, TIMARU

When and why did you come to accept the Christian faith?

At the time my parents were having difficulties with their marriage and I had taken on the responsibility of trying to make things right again, but I couldn’t. I was at Easter camp and heard the message about the forgiveness of sin and Jesus taking on the burden of brokenness in our world. I realised although I couldn’t make things right, Jesus came to do just that—to work in peoples’ lives to restore what is broken. It lifted a huge burden off me knowing it wasn’t on me to fix everything.

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Do you believe this Good News message is for everyone?

Yes: for two reasons. One is objective: Through Jesus God provided a practical solution to the problem of sin and its consequences for the whole of humanity. The other reason is personal: God comes to each of us in a unique way. He knows what our struggles are and speaks into that.

As my own Christian journey has progressed I have found the Gospel makes the most sense out of life. It explains beauty and suffering and provides a practical way of living life with the most hope and joy. With a sense that things will be okay.

DIALOGUE

If the Christian message offers people Good News, why does Christianity get such bad press in the media and in society in general?

Because of the message. We want to be independent and do it on our own, especially in New Zealand. Embracing the Good News means accepting what someone else has done and that makes us uncomfortable. I often think of 1 Cor 1:18 when Paul talks about the Gospel being foolishness to those who are perishing. Giving up reliance on ourselves has always appeared foolish from the outside; it is so counterintuitive.

Other faiths also have positive messages to share— what is different about the Christian faith?

Most other faiths place their emphasis on the need to get to their god or gods. In Christianity the message is about how God has come close to us through Jesus. Jesus is the distinctive element. In Him the revelation of who God is, is made clear.

Can you tell me about a time where you have seen God at work?

For me, I love the God-filled moments involved in adult baptism. The depth of meaning in Baptism, of having a completely fresh start, moves me. Hearing peoples stories of how Jesus has worked in their lives and journeying with them in this is a privilege.

I still remember a time as a youth worker when I journeyed with five boys who were preparing for confirmation. It was special to witness how important Jesus had become in their lives. Everything was against them following Jesus, yet they still chose to.

In many ways your calling is a family affair. How do you work in together for this single purpose?

When we first moved to Timaru, my wife Jo and I tried to take on the posture of being a family on mission. This transcends my role as a Parish minister and takes in the wider mission of us all equally living out our faith as Christians.

My daughter is very good at asking people why they weren’t

at church this week! My wife and I meet each week to review how we are going on this intentional journey.

If you met someone who knew nothing about the Good News what would be your first thing to say?

Actually my first approach would just be to listen and to find out what their needs were. I might ask if I could pray for them or if there was anything they wanted prayer for.

Just this last weekend we had the Church Army here speaking to us about sharing our faith. Monika, [Capt Monika Clark] who spoke, talked about bridging questions.

These are questions that help bring Jesus into conversations.

For example, “Have you ever had any experiences you think of as spiritual?”

How can Christians, in their everyday life, communicate the Good News?

To live in such a way as to convey our faith in word (what is said), deed (in what is done and shared) and sign (moments when the power of the Holy Spirit is evident such as healing prayer). I really value preaching, showing hospitality and warmth to others, being a good neighbour, and going the extra mile for people.

I believe as Christians we have the potential to stand out as an alternative people with an alternative vision of living life. One thing on my mind at present is counteracting our cultural habit of putting each other down. The Good News offers a different way—that of being encouraging and kind. More than just being nice, it is the biblical concept of blessing rather than cursing.

LONG STORY SHORT…

Joshua, a self-confessed compulsive reader, has a blog called ‘longstoryshort.nz’ where he reviews and summarises theology books “so you don’t have to.” So for all those people who want to read about their Christian faith but just don’t get around to it, this blog is for you.

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PROFILE

IDENTIFYING YOUR GOD-GIVEN STRENGTHS JO BEAN DISCOVERS SAMMY MOULD CAN HELP PEOPLE TO WORK TO THEIR STRENGTHS.

Sammy Mould has a number of roles: She’s a mum to 4yr old Jonathan, the Diocese Youth Ministry Developer managing Dodge-ball tournaments, running camps for teens and mentoring young leaders, but on top of all that she is also a Strengths Finder coach.

Strengths Finder identifies what you’re naturally good at, articulates that particular strength and encourages you to use it with joy, while, at the same time, not beating yourself up about the things you find more challenging.

For example, an Achiever is someone who concentrates on getting things done. We all know someone like that.

Someone with Empathy is someone you

Sammy and Jonathan doing a fun run for Playcentre Credit: Sammy Mould

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want to talk to when you’re sad. Again, we all know a person who provides that comfort. Strengths Finder identifies 34 strengths, and promotes the philosophy that each person is unique.

We habitually work in our top 10–12 strengths, so knowing what those are is like having insight into your true, authentic self. But let’s chat to Sammy about it…

When did you first come across Strengths Finder and why did you do it?

I was in my first year of youth leadership, it was 2009, and I was already heading towards burn-out by overdoing things. Then the Strengths Finder programme was introduced at the Kiln, and I loved it. It opened my eyes and finding my Top Five strengths helped me a huge amount. I also learned that I needed to keep them in balance. Luckily I did, or I probably would have burned out in the first 18 months of my job. But it’s now been ten years, and I’m still leading youth programmes.

When did you switch from learning about yourself to coaching others in the programme?

Once I did the Top Five, the first session of Strengths Finder, and spoke

to other youth group leaders who had also done the programme, I found we were speaking common language and that was extremely helpful. So the next step after doing the initial Top Five, is to explore the Full 34 attributes and figure out what order they are for you. So I did that in 2013, and again I got excited, because while the Top Five was great, the Full 34 was even better! Knowing the next five to ten strengths after the Top Five, filled in the puzzle for me. So later in 2013, when Tessa [Dodge] from Strengths Net. [Strengths Network South Pacific] came down to do coaching with some youth counsellors, she invited me to train as a Top Five coach, so I did. In 2016 I did Partnership (where two people who work with each other, do the programme together to learn how to get the best from and how to communicate effectively with each other); Team and the Full 34 Coach training, so I’ve been coaching individuals, groups and partnerships for two years now.

Where do you use it, Sammy?

Who wants to learn about this stuff?

I encourage the youth in the Kiln to do it. It’s such a great tool to discover when you’re new to knowing who you are. I also coach teams, mostly

PROFILE

Credit: c/o Strengths Finder.

youth-worker teams, from different parishes. They find it really helpful. In my position as Diocesan Youth Ministry Developer, it fits right in and I haven’t met anyone who says they didn’t learn something about themselves from it. Even older people, who know themselves pretty well, find they learn more about themselves and their preferred methods, why they find certain aspects of their jobs or relationships more challenging, and how they can refine their approach to what they do. I also do partnership coaching. This can be particularly useful for a team of two youth-workers.

They learn the common language and find that helpful in articulating what they need and how they can help their colleague. They end up working together in much more harmonious ways and that is always a good thing. Doing team coaching with your Vicar included is always a great exercise. It helps people to learn to work within their strengths and value the uniqueness of others. Sometimes it can be a real revelation.

If someone has done the TOP Five and is unsure if they need to bother about the Full 34, what would you say to them?

I would recommend it totally – it gives a much rounder

picture and helps you understand others more too. The Full 34 is much more in depth. The Top Five is great for younger people – it’s the meat and potatoes course of a meal. The Full 34 is like a splendid roast dinner with all the trimmings, and dessert! It really gets into who you are, and, as we all operate out of our top 10-12 strengths, it helps make sense of our gut reactions to tasks and workplace requests. It helps in relationships as well. Married couples often do it together and receive partnership coaching. It’s truly an insight into yourself and your partner’s preferred method of working.

Can you explain that in a bit more detail?

For example, I have the strength Responsibility as my Number 3. A person with Responsibility high in their profile takes psychological ownership of whatever task they have agreed to do. They will walk the extra mile to ensure they deliver. This is fabulous for getting things done and sticking it out until the end, but if it gets too dominant, a person with Responsibility will say ‘yes’ to tasks even when there is not enough time to do them. So someone with Responsibility, eg me, [Sammy], has to learn to say no and learn to be ok with saying no. I need to keep myself in balance so my Responsibility trait doesn’t take over. When my Responsibility is out of whack, it affects all 27

PROFILE

aspects of my life. I’m a mother, and I have Responsibility and Achiever as dominant traits. And anyone who’s been a mother knows that motherhood teaches people to go with the flow – you can’t control everything. You can’t control when the kid has a poo explosion, or when they vomit down your best suit – you’re not always able to direct what happens, so you have to learn to “let it go!”, as Elsa would say. But knowing your strengths in parenting is amazing. It’s so helpful. They also have a Strengths Finder Parenting book. If you’re a parent of young ones, I’d recommend it.

So, you’ve totally sold me – but how does this compare to other personality-based programmes like Myers-Briggs, for example?

The thing I love about Strengths Finder above other similar programmes is that it focuses on the positive. It focusses on what’s right with you, not what’s wrong.

We can’t all be brain-boxes or good all-rounders, but we can work to our strengths and that way we can achieve good outcomes with confidence and less angst and stress. Another aspect of Strengths Finder that works for me is that it recognises each person’s skills regardless of whether they relate strongly to a particular job outcome. Some people have more of the “soft skills” and although these might not necessarily be valued by an employer, they should be, because they contribute to team cohesion or team wellbeing, for example. I have some people who when they find a strength they have, say, “but that’s just what I do” and because it’s natural to them they often don’t identify it as a strength. Or they think, “but doesn’t everybody do that?” And, no, they don’t. And, yes, it is one of their strengths.

It makes them unique. They are valued for who they are and what they can contribute. Some people really get surprised by the programme. To see their “just what I do” as a strength is empowering. It’s awesome.

Yes! You’ve won me over. How do I do this course?

First, go to the website and have a look around: www.gallupstrengthscenter.com.

The coaching for the initial Top Five course is a 15 min test followed by 1hr to 1.5hr coaching session. If you want to go further, the Full 34 is two separate 1hr sessions and the team coaching takes about 3hrs or a half day.

There are costs to do this programme, but talk to Sammy – she will let you know what’s available, when and at what cost. Email her on youth@anglicanlife.org.nz Sammy is available to work with individuals and youth-workers or teams in parishes across the Diocese. Her private goal is for all parishes to do this programme, building cohesive teams who respect and work well with each other in spreading the Gospel of Christ. Email her on youth@anglicanlife.org.nz

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CULTURE HEADER

STELLA POLARIS You dwell above the turnings of my days, That ever brighter guiding northern star, A comfort, herald beacon from afar, Who came to me with warm and gentle rays.

A golden compass shining on my ways, That fixed and faithful reference, there you are, That all sufficient source, loves reservoir, Life’s light through storms and nights of many greys.

How long I’ve searched for means to vain express, With thoughts of gracious hallowed tenderness, Love’s choice affections language holds in chains, Forever kept within…. my heart proclaims My praise to Him who brought my soul to this, My only lodestar, Stella Polaris.

To Christ my Lord Milton Hayward, May 2018

Milton has been writing poetry and songs, mainly for private use, for over 40 years.

Stella Polaris, a love poem, is dedicated to his wife, Karen. It expresses his love for Christ and his love for Karen, to whom he has been married for 42 years.

Milton explains the line “How long I’ve sought for means to vain express” refers to his inability to find words good

enough to express his love for both his wife and his Lord.

“The ageless reliability, stability, and guiding comfort to mariners of Stella Polaris, and its utter assurance of true North (that is, the true way) is an image I consider to be worthy of my Lord. This heavenly body illustration also connects to Rev 22:16 where Christ refers to himself as “a bright morning star,” says Milton.

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