AnglicanLife Dec 2015 Jan 2016 by Anglican Diocese of Christchurch

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He Oranga Mihinare

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INVITING / FORMING / SENDING / SERVING

On a Mission this Christmas Te Waiora House – time out, restoration, and growth When in Rome The Message Project Diocese of Christchurch ISSUE THIRTY NINE – DEC/JAN 2015-16

Contents

BISHOP’S ADDRESS

ISSUE 39 Dec 2015/Jan 2016

BISHOP’S ADDRESS: Living hope this Christmas

CURRENT EVENTS

LIFESTYLE: Christmas is about presents…right? Life giving friendships for all What to buy a King for his birthday? Te Waiora House – time out, restoration, and growth

05 07 08 09

FEATURE: On a Mission this Christmas

DIALOGUE: When in Rome

+Victoria Matthews, the Venerable Canon Susan Baldwin, Graham Button, the Rev. John de Senna, Grace Manning, Lyndon Rogers, Beth Smith, Gillian Southey, the Rev. Josh Taylor, Lukas Thielmann

WORKPLACE: Working on a new outlook

Advertising Enquiries Ivan Hatherley – ihatherley@clear.net.nz

CULTURE: Gluten-free banana, coconut, and lemon loaf 18 To Pimp a Butterfly 19 Simply good news 19 ART ESSAY: The Message Project

CLOSING ESSAY: Deeper camp 2015

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

WORDS: BISHOP VICTORIA MATTHEWS

ISSN 2253-1653 Editor – Jo Taylor-de Vocht Contributing Writers – Cathy Maslin Contributors

“As recipients of the greatest gift ever given, let us celebrate the birth of Christ this year by loving others.”

Editorial Enquiries 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.

Cover Image: Jo Matla, Brennan Matla (9 years) and Riley Matla (11 years) delivering Christmas donations to the Christchurch City Mission. Photo taken by Jan Taylor.

Advent & Christmas at The Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square

Further details at www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz | admin@christchurchcathedral.co.nz | (03) 3660046 CATHEDRAL SINGERS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT:

FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 6.30PM

CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS CAROL RECITALS:

17, 18 & 22 DECEMBER AT 12 NOON

SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS:

SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER AT 7.30PM.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE WITH ANIMALS:

WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER AT 3.00PM

CHRISTMAS EVE: CATHEDRAL CHOIR CAROL RECITAL AT 6.00PM; CAROL SINGING AT 11.15PM; THE MIDNIGHT EUCHARIST AT 11.45PM CHRISTMAS DAY: HOLY COMMUNION AT 8.00AM; FESTIVAL EUCHARIST AT 10.00AM; CHORAL EVENSONG AT 5.00PM

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Living hope this Christmas

†

The question I am most frequently asked about the celebration of Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere by those far away is: “Do you really sing carols about snow and winter even though it is summer where you are?” The answer is YES! I then explain that what our carols describe is the situation in Bethlehem, not North America or Europe. In short, Christmas is about Jesus. This Christmas I hope Anglicans in this Diocese will find someone who has not heard the story of the birth of Jesus and tell them the story. We have adults and children in this Diocese who have never heard the Christmas story. Children particularly know more about Frosty the Snowman than the Son of God born in a stable and laid in a manger. But when the chips are down and they do not know

where to turn, Frosty is not going to be much help. One way of sharing the story of Jesus is to give gifts that help the less fortunate. Many charities now allow families to purchase animals for thirdworld communities or provide assistance to disaster areas. This year refugees have extraordinary needs. If you explain that you have chosen to give that sort of gift in thanksgiving for what God has given us in God’s Son, Jesus the Christ, I think people begin to understand the connection more readily than when they witness rampant consumerism by Christians. Another way of sharing your faith with those who do not know the Gospel is to talk about celebrating Christmas gently so that your celebration does not harm the

environment. The Creator of heaven and earth is not honoured when we trash the creation. Both generosity towards those who have less, and being gentle with the environment, demonstrate that Christians live lives that care for others and those yet unborn. Climate change will not be reversed in our lifetime but we still have a responsibility to show care for future generations. As recipients of the greatest gift ever given, let us celebrate the birth of Christ this year by loving others.

Current events LOCAL / NATIONAL / WORLD

24 windows until Christmas! WORDS: VENERABLE CANON SUSAN BALDWIN & JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT PHOTOS: THE VENERABLE CANON SUSAN BALDWIN Trinity Church in Darfield has a new tradition. Following on from its very successful exhibition in 2014, the Church will again use the front windows of its building to tell the story of the gospel. From the beginning of Advent, members of the Darfield community can come along each day to paint a new nativity picture to celebrate the Christmas story. Volunteers from the Church will paint 24 blank picture frames on the outside of the windows and provide an image to trace based on passages from Luke and Matthew on the inside of the windows. A corresponding passage from scripture will be printed and pasted next to the picture. Painting begins each morning at around 8.00am to catch the local children as they make their way to school. “Last year more than half of the artists came from families and children who had walked past and become interested in what we were doing,” says the Vicar of Malvern, the Venerable Canon Susan Baldwin. “One parent who came by told us, ‘I bring my children here every couple of days to see the windows. I want them to know the real Christmas story.’ That was from a mum who doesn’t attend a church.” “The paintings are intentionally small so as not to be seen too clearly from a distance,” says Susan. “The idea is to encourage folks to walk across the lawn so they are able to read the accompanying descriptions and scripture passages.” After a warm response to the 2014 exhibition, Trinity Church looks forward to celebrating Advent again with the community in Darfield. 2

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Out from St Martin’s

WORDS: THE REVEREND JOHN DE SENNA PHOTO: BILL THORNE

It is estimated that over a period of some sixty years, upwards of 125 people with connections to St Martin’s have been called into ordained ministry or to the mission field. A new book, Out from St Martin’s, comprises a collection of engaging stories that recount the lives, callings, and missionary endeavours of 62 of those people. Ministry locations are diverse and each story is different, but all are wonderful examples of how God uses our trust in Him and our faithfulness to His calling for His glory. As one reviewer wrote, “under God’s grace and passionate leadership in the parish, the little church in Spreydon became a mini-Pentecost with the fire and wind of the Holy Spirit coming upon those who gathered to study the Scriptures and worship God.” Through the years, as faithful clergy and parishioners have kept the faith alive and thriving at Spreydon, many have heard the call of God in their hearts and on their lives and have followed that call onto the mission field or into ordained ministry. This collection of stories about God’s goodness, provision, and protection inspires and challenges. It’s a wonderful tribute both to the faith of those who have responded to God’s call and to the unremitting dedication and passion for evangelism and mission that has always burned in the hearts of St Martin’s parishioners and clergy. Copies may be ordered by emailing Lyn Smith at lynatwyn@icloud.com ($25 plus P&P).

Eight hours of hope WORDS: GRACE LE HEUX For a young mum caught shoplifting baby formula, a fine or a sentence may not help. But perhaps some of your time might? The Community Justice Panel (CJP) and Anglican Advocacy are looking for short-term mentors for low-risk offenders. The CJP is a collaboration between Canterbury Law, the Police, and community agencies. Their focus is on prevention and rehabilitation, rather than simply punishment. Operating since 2010, the CJP has a 29% lower re-offending rate than the court.

Mentors would be asked to commit to up to eight hours spread across six weeks. We are in need of mentors of all ages (over 18) and from all backgrounds. Maybe you are a keen gardener, or can help someone write a C.V., or perhaps you enjoy tinkering with cars. If isolation, peer pressure, or financial pressures are drivers of crime; someone who can listen, chat, and perhaps share some of their skills can be of huge value. This is a chance to join a success story and help to turn somebody’s life around. Lower re-offending, fewer victims. Are you the right person for the job? For more information, contact Anglican Advocacy at researcher@anglicanlife.org.nz 3

Lifestyle

CURRENT EVENTS

Rebuild lives this Christmas WORDS: GILLIAN SOUTHEY PHOTO: CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE Five-year-old Tarek carries the scars of last year’s war in Gaza. At first, the war was on everyone’s minds, but while the rest of the family were doing their best to move on, Tarek would only talk about the cracks in the wall and the damage to their home. The rest of the time he said nothing. When his mother or anyone else tried to touch him, he pushed them away. Desperate for help, his mother took him to the medical clinic in Shijai’a where they live. The clinic run by Christian World Service partner, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, provides medical and psychological help primarily to mothers and children. At the clinic they met clinical psychologist Budour who welcomed them warmly. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common diagnosis in the territory and DSPR staff have the expertise to help. After their second session, Budour said Tarek was calmer and could sit on a chair. “God willing, I believe he will get better,” she said. With treatment, he is now drawing happy pictures much to his mother’s relief. Day in, day out, Budour and her colleagues work tirelessly to help as many families as they can deal with the effects of the war. It is help made possible because of your gifts to the Christmas Appeal. Seventy years ago Archbishop West Watson launched the first Christmas Appeal in The Press on December 15, 1945. He appealed for immediate help from families celebrating Christmas for “the hungry, cold and homeless” in Greece. It was the first appeal of many made by CWS asking for funds for people recovering after war. Once again the focus is on conflict. This year’s poster features a young Sudanese refugee facing an uncertain future in neighbouring South Sudan. Through ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) of which CWS is a member, she is getting help, but it is education she wants most of all. Carrying her seat to school, she longs for peace and the better opportunities school will bring. Please support the 2015 Christmas Appeal: Help Rebuild Lives. Tarek’s story is one of five featured in this year’s resources to illustrate the work done by your agency. See: christmasappeal.org.nz. 4

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FAMILY / SOCIAL JUSTICE / ENVIRONMENT / SUSTAINABILITY / SPIRITUALITY

Christmas is about presents…right? WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT Member of the

Donate Today

www.christmasappeal.org.nz

Llamas, giant kunekune pigs, dogs, ponies, goats and rabbits — the Transitional Cathedral is not phased by unorthodox visitors as preparations begin for its Advent and Christmas celebrations. During December the Cathedral offers many opportunities to celebrate Christ’s birth, with a special highlight being the Service for Children and Animals at 3pm on the 23rd of December. Carols, a live nativity play, and plenty of fun guarantee that this service will always attract a crowd. “The pigs get bigger every year,” says the Reverend Nicky Lee, Deacon at the Cathedral and Volunteer Manager. “The cute little kunekune pigs that arrived tucked under someone’s arm five years ago are now taking up half of the front aisle. We have someone in the front leading the pigs and someone in the back cleaning up after them.” Nicky has obviously never heard of the old adage “never work with children or animals,” as this year’s nativity cast again boasts a healthy number of both. Each year the Transitional Cathedral makes a special effort to reach out to children in the community. Nicky 5

LIFESTYLE

“Many of the school children that come through are just not familiar with the nativity story or the church. This may be the only time in the year that they encounter it.” remembers one year during a school’s Christmas visit to ChristChurch Cathedral overhearing a child visiting the nativity scene comment, “it’s just like a church really isn’t it?” According to Nicky, “many of the school children that come through are just not familiar with the nativity story or the church. This may be the only time in the year that they encounter it. It is so important we share the good news with them,” she says. This year, the Cathedral has an extra special new addition to its Christmas attractions: a brand new 22-foot Christmas tree donated by Friends of the Cathedral. The beautiful tree will be decorated and ready for visitors by the first week of Advent. Most importantly, from the first of December as in keeping with previous years, children and adults can place a gift for a child in need under the tree. The Christchurch City Mission then collects the presents and distributes them to children through local social service agencies. ”Each year we receive thousands of presents but demand always outstrips supply,” says Nicky. “A lot of families comment that they would like to teach their children that Christmas is about giving as well as receiving. You will see parents crouching down by the tree and talking to their children about children who don’t receive presents. “People are so thoughtful, some of the families who give are second or third-generation givers. Many people who gave to the tree when they were a child now bring their grandchildren to give gifts,” says Nicky. Donations to the tree should be new items for a child or young person aged between 0-18 years. Non-perishable Christmas food gifts are also accepted. Visit www.cardboardcathedral.org. nz for more information about the many Christmas and Advent celebrations on offer at the Transitional Cathedral this year. 6

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Life-giving friendships for all WORDS: CATHY MASLIN

“At the beginning she never smiled…” Social isolation causes poverty of spirit: “…a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14). Having seen its impact on the elderly while visiting care facilities, a group at St Paul’s Anglican Church Papanui were spurred into action. Sadly, many of the isolated included those who had faithfully attended local churches. As a result Lifefriends, a simple concept where people volunteer to take 5-15 minutes once a week to visit a person in residential care, was conceived. Now 18-20 people ranging from teenagers to those in their late seventies are committed to the visiting programme. “I believe when God highlights a group of people to you that we as a community have overlooked, then you know He’s got a plan,” says Nigel Matthews who initiated the project. Deidre* has been regularly visited by a Lifefriend. At the beginning she never smiled and constantly remarked, “I want to walk.” Deidre was helped by her Lifefriend to gain access to supported low-impact exercise and three weeks later the onsite physio had her up and walking using a frame, something she had not done in years. Her interest in and concern for others has since flourished. Yet it is her Lifefriend who claims to be the one who has benefited the most from their friendship. People of all ages contribute and benefit from the richness gained through shared knowledge and experiences. Actively recognising this inherent value of people, regardless of ability, can help guard our communities from overlooking the gift God has offered us to build one another up: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens

another” (Proverbs 27:17). Lifefriends training and procedures have been developed with input from residential care facility managers. St Paul’s is also in the process of extending their outreach to include another two residential homes, with a further vision to see Lifefriends rolled out nationwide. All those interested are encouraged to contact St Paul’s at info@ lifefriends.org.nz. Also consider sharing your personal experience of residential care facilities at agedadvisor.nz – a sister website set up to help fund Lifefriends. *Name has been changed to protect the person’s identity.

LIFESTYLE

What to buy a King for his birthday? WORDS: AN INVESTIGATION BY CATHY MASLIN What do you buy a King for his birthday? With this perplexing question in mind I went in search of some little people to help with an answer. A crown appeared on the top of the list. All kings need a crown — or two it seems. They also need to eat, so a snack and a few treats were amongst the suggested offerings. Alongside a new outfit — a king must be clothed. Then with the need for companionship in mind, my friends suggested a Robot King or a visitor may be a good idea. A delight in gifts and something beautiful to admire are also a necessity, with Frozen Lego, a rocket ship, and a Christmas tree among the top ideas. But there is no doubting a true King’s nature is above a mere mortal’s, and he must be given a star — because Kings like stars. So what can I finish with but: “...Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Te Waiora House – time out, restoration, and growth WORDS: GRAHAM BUTTON PHOTO: TE WAIORA

“Te Waiora has been a rich blessing in my life over the years. I have come to Te Waiora as a way of enabling myself to cope with a chronic illness....”

God belongs to those who are like these children.” (Luke 18:6) Many thanks to the Mainly Music Kids at Marchwiel and the Mums‘n’Kids Group at St Peter’s for their help.

Te Waiora House is situated in a beautiful rural setting in Hororata. It is one of the few operating retreat venues in the Canterbury region. The Te Waiora Christian Trust was established in 1984. It was inspired by a divine prompting experienced by Patricia Entwistle who had just returned from missionary service in Pakistan with her husband Stewart. Jesus’ words from Matthew 11 have been foundational: “…come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Te Waiora welcomes guests of all faiths and none, to come and enjoy some peace and security post-earthquakes, to recuperate after surgery, for respite care, to study or plan, or just for a break. The House offers a large lounge, dining room, chapel, library, IT facilities, and five twin-bedrooms with ensuites. Recently-appointed hosts, John and Ruth Thompson, have been involved in numerous pastoral care and leadership roles in

churches in Christchurch over the past 40 years. Coming to Te Waiora has been the fulfilment of a desire they have had over many years to live and serve in a setting where people can take time out to rest and encounter God afresh, in the midst of His creation. A recent guest commented: “Te Waiora has been a rich blessing in my life over the years. I have come to Te Waiora as a way of enabling myself to cope with a chronic illness.... Every time you step through the doors the presence of our precious Lord can be felt, and I always leave feeling restored — ‘He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul’ (Psalm 23:2-3). Thank you to all those volunteers/hosts who keep the running of Te Waiora to be a tranquil place of restoration.” Looking ahead, the Trust and hosts hope to see an increasing number of people come to experience the restorative peace of God’s abiding presence at Te Waiora, either as individuals or groups. While a modest guest fee is expected, a subsidy is available to assist any who cannot afford such a stay. Do visit our website — tewaiorahouse.org.nz or enquire via tewaiorahouse@xtra.co.nz or 03 318 0789. 9

FEATURE

On a Mission this Christmas WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT PHOTOS: CHRISTCHURCH CITY MISSION

Full bellies, church, presents, and fun with friends and family. These are the things that many of us associate with Christmas celebrations. However, we know that for many people, Christmas is less a time of celebration and more a time of stress, loneliness, and disappointment. Michael Gorman and his team at the Christchurch City Mission see this every year. I ask him about the major trends he sees during the Christmas period. “For a lot of people, Christmas is a time of fear and loneliness,” says Michael. “Many people are estranged from their families and will become extra aware of this during this time. “We also see a lot of frustration around the economics of Christmas; the more you spend can be equated with love. A lot of people will risk horrific loans and bankruptcy to give their children what we all want to give to our children.” Family violence and incidents with drugs and alcohol are also known to peak over the holiday period. The Christchurch City Mission does what it can to help those coming through its doors struggling over the holiday season. “The Mission will help out with presents for children, provides celebrations and a sense of community, offers food parcels, and delivers budgeting advice,” says 10

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Michael. Demand for food parcels from the Mission more than triples over Christmas, rising from an average of 30 parcels per day to 100. “People need extra things at Christmas time,” says Michael. “They may want to offer something better than beans or spaghetti for Christmas lunch. Our clients are no different from the rest of us, they want to celebrate Christmas.” The Mission always puts on a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings on Christmas day. The lunch is a very popular event, attended by approximately 650 people each year. It makes a big difference to those who attend. “Last year a solo dad brought his three children to the Christmas lunch as he knew he could not afford to provide a good lunch and he could not cook different food,” says Michael. “He said that he knew that the children would be given some toys and so it would feel like a real Christmas, even though they would not be seeing their mother. “Gloria, another lunch guest, told me that she comes to the Christmas dinner each year. She goes to the Mission Op Shop and looks for some good clothes to wear to the lunch, planning her attendance weeks in advance. For Gloria this is the major social engagement of the year and she loves being looked after by others for a few hours.” The lunch is also important to the

volunteers who help out with preparations and serving on the day. Michael tells me about a recent phone call he took from someone interested in volunteering at the lunch. “A woman told me that this was her first Christmas since her husband had died. Her two sons lived overseas and her other extended family were caught up with their own children and she did not want to interfere. She said that she was scared of being alone, so she rang up the Mission and offered to be a volunteer. In this way she was able to be with people and appreciate watching the children and their parents enjoy their Christmas lunch.” For Michael, this is an essential part of supporting people at Christmas because it offers an opportunity to find a sense of community and a place of belonging. “I am convinced that the

corroding nature of loneliness eats away at us. It is the worst poverty we have,” he says. A special Christchurch City Mission carol service is also held at the Transitional Cathedral. The Mission has just begun its Spring Appeal to support its work over the Christmas period. “We have so many wonderful parishes, parishioners, businesses and members of the community that support us,” says Michael. “We receive donations right across the spectrum, from the lady who sends me $5 each year along with a letter about her year; to the man who recently walked in and gave us $27,000. Each of those gifts has the same value in terms of promoting the face of Christ in the community.” That, essentially, is the Mission’s core business. “I think it is really important to show the world hope. Some people can’t see 11

FEATURE

a way out of their desperation. If we can hold the hope for them while they work through the barriers in their life that is really helpful.” The support provided by the Mission is guided by humility. “I don’t agree with the theology that if you pray for prosperity you will always get it. What does that mean for people who pray and still have nothing? I believe that I was fortunate to be born into a family that loved me, be provided with a good education, and have people around me who supported me. Not everyone gets that. Hard work can get you certain things but to be able to work hard requires a lot of pre-conditions. My own view is that because I have been so gifted I want to assist others who haven’t had my luck. I always think of Jesus’ statement in Luke ‘from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required’ (Luke 12:48). That drives me in my work.” Michael encourages us to “be the star that the wise men followed. Shine your

light on the community and show you care by making donations, by taking care of your family relationships, and by being aware that there are people in the community who struggle day-to-day to provide for themselves and their children.” To families that are struggling Michael says, “Hold in there, our experience tells us that things can get better. Ask for help when you need to.” In relation to Christmas he suggests, “Love does not have to be reflected with expensive presents and debt. Show love by improving family relationships and with kindness to others.” Each year the City Mission receives donations of money, food, presents, and volunteer support. Although the least “fun” of gifts, money is the most useful contribution because it allows the Mission to purchase what they need, when they need it. Good opportunities for children to get involved include putting a present under the tree at the Transitional Cathedral for other children in need or

visiting the food bank at the City Mission to offer a donation. The difference made by this support is immense. “It means people are able to celebrate Christmas who wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” says Michael. “Families have extra food, children have presents, and people are part of the community. It helps prevent people living in isolation.” It is also important to note that the need does not end at Christmas. Many times, pressure on budgets peak with the back-to-school costs that come along in February, often compounded by the need to cope with residual Christmas debt. For the clients of the Mission “Christmas will come and go, and our people will continue to fight the day-to-day battle for a decent life,” says Michael. To find out how you can support the work of the Christchurch City Mission visit their website www.citymission.org.nz, phone them on 03 365 0635 or drop by to 76 Hereford Street, Central Christchurch.

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 12

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Dialogue

“Symbolic action is a powerful way to share a vision”

JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT WITH BEN TRUMAN

Ben’s trip by numbers

When in Rome

Hours travelling: 68 Hours with Brett’s elbow in my ribs: 50 Watch changes: 7 Churches visited: 20+ (I lost count) Distance from the Pope: 20m People on the course: 18 Countries represented: 7 Pasta eaten: Too much

Jo Taylor-de Vocht talks to Ben Truman about his recent trip to the “Christian Leaders in the Church Today” conference in Rome. WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT & BEN TRUMAN PHOTOS: BEN TRUMAN Ben Truman was one of three young Anglican leaders from St John’s College to attend the conference “Christian Leaders in the Church Today” held in September of this year in Rome. An international group of 18 people gathered in Rome for the event which was hosted by Archbishop Sir David Moxon at the Anglican Centre and led by John Hornblow and Jenny Boyack of All Saint’s Palmerston North. Teaching content was based on the book Christian Reflection on the Leadership Challenge. Ben is in the final year of his studies at St John’s College and is looking forward to his ordination in Christchurch in November. I had a chat with him about his experience in Rome and what he learned during the conference. Taking time to reconnect with God I asked Ben about his most significant learning during his time away. “One of the things I took away from the conference was the need to take time to reflect on the vision you have for your community.” You mean not just charging in and doing what you think is best? I asked. “Yes, I was surprised to learn that St Francis of Assisi would spend three lots of 40 days in retreat each year. That means for one third of the year he simply focused on him and God. The other two-thirds were about living out the vision he formed during that time.” In Ben’s own life, this means taking more time out to seek personal clarity about God’s purpose for his work. “It emphasised to me the importance of taking the Sabbath and retreat seriously. It makes it much easier to share a vision with a parish or community if you have done this. It was good to be reminded of the fruits of this practice in the ministry of the saints.” 14

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Conference attendees

Ben Truman and Archbishop Sir David Moxon

Brett Roberts, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, Ben Truman, Cruz Karauti-Fox.

Symbolic action During the conference and his travels around Rome Ben was “greatly impressed by the power of symbolic action.” I inquired what he meant by this, “One of the themes of the conference taken from the book Christian Reflection on the Leadership Challenge was ‘modelling the way.’ For example, we went to see Pope Francis’ Papal Address and I watched as he walked down to greet two visiting Anglican Bishops from Nigeria and Pakistan. That simple gesture of choosing to walk down to people rather than waiting for them to come up to him spoke of the real humility of the man. I also learned that he has set up free showers and hair cuts in St Peter’s Square for those in need. This is in contrast to another church in San Francisco that recently became infamous for turning sprinklers on all through the day and night to stop homeless people sleeping near their building. I think in a world that is full of words sometimes symbolic gestures are the most honest form of communication. The Christchurch phenomenon of flowers in road cones to commemorate the anniversary of the February earthquake is another example of this. Symbolic action is a powerful way to share a vision and it is something that speaks of integrity.”

On change I asked Ben whether he thought the trip had changed him. “It was incredible to be in a place of such history and to be reminded of the roots of the faith and the accumulated witness of the church. For example, we were able to go down to the catacombs of San Callisto and have a communion service. It was an amazing sensation to be breaking the bread and sharing the wine where people had done so for centuries and centuries before, surrounded by people who died for their faith. This is the ultimate symbolic action. I have come back inspired by the saints, equipped by the course, and itching to return to the eternal city again.” 15

Workplace FINANCE / CAREER / STEWARDSHIP / ETHICS

Working on a new outlook WORDS & PHOTO: CATHY MASLIN

Alan Shaw remembers a sign outside a church he regularly travelled past as he worked. It read, “Don’t wait to seek the Lord at the 11th hour, only to die at 10.30.” “I used to think ‘that will be me,’” he says candidly. Years later Alan suffered a heart complication as he was fixing a traffic light. He was technically dead for days as he lay attached to life support in hospital. After regaining consciousness the doctor told him only 7% of people who suffered from what he experienced lived. Alan thinks there is a valuable lesson for everyone to learn from what he has walked through. He was a person whose work was his life. Work took precedence, and he got satisfaction and enjoyment from working. “I tailored my life around it,” says Alan. If his wife Aileen wanted to do something on a Saturday he would check first that he wasn’t required for work at the Theatre. It is not that work in itself is a bad thing; being so focused on one aspect of life so as 16

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“Alan thinks there is a valuable lesson for everyone to learn from what he has walked through. He was a person whose work was his life.”

to overlook the wider picture is. This carries the possibility of hard consequences down the road. For Alan there have been many of these to work through. One of the biggest was sudden retirement and the instant loss of recognition and status employment provides. It is a good reminder as we head towards Christmas and the New Year to take a fresh look at our lives and re-evaluate how we are living. The Bible often refers to “being prepared” — it means to put time into maintaining all the things beneficial to our relationship with God so when He comes again we will be “ready and waiting.” How can we stay prepared throughout the coming year so as to live a life more beneficial for us and those whom we have relationships with? Instead of writing New Year’s Resolutions make time this coming season to contemplate this question. Here are a few thoughts to help: • What unique gifts has God given you (for example love of nature, problem solving, creating, and learning) as ways to draw nearer to Jesus? In doing so seek to discover your worth based on who you are and what you mean to Him. • Is the way you spend your time in proportion to what matters the most? Are you willing to say no in order to alter the balance, even if it is saying no to things you want to do? • When things in life get tough what points of reference do you have from past experiences to keep your current situation in perspective? • Are you prepared to give yourself the grace to change? Reflect on your up-bringing: Are there any beliefs or habits you are still living out long past their use by date? • Employ your imagination and dream a little. What do you enjoy doing, what skills have you learnt, and how might you apply them in different contexts? Aileen, who had grown accustomed to living her own life, is now with Alan learning again how to live life together. They have enjoyed a few weekends away, as well as a trip to see grandchildren in England. Alan, like many of us, is still on a journey of faith which involves doubts and questions; one being, “Why was I spared?” Whatever the answer is, he and everybody in a similar situation can rest in the fact of God being a God of redemption. We may have regrets but God is able to take whatever is in our past and use it to achieve the purposes He has for us in our future. Alan and Aileen Shaw worship at St John’s Church, Timaru.

Culture

To Pimp a Butterfly

Gluten-free banana, coconut, and lemon loaf RECIPE: NADIA LIM WORDS: JO TAYLOR-DE VOCHT This delicious recipe from Nadia Lim is a favourite in my house. It’s great for those with dairy or gluten allergies and only takes 10 minutes to whip up. The simple steps make it a fantastic holiday project for kids. I make mine with almond flour which is a good gluten-free substitute if you can’t get your hands on any buckwheat flour. I’ve also been known to squeeze a little lime juice on top for a bit of extra zest. For the best results use very ripe bananas (almost black) and mix it as little as possible to keep the air in the mixture. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS • coconut oil or butter ½ cup • honey ½ cup • bananas 3 large ripe, mashed • desiccated coconut or coconut thread 2 cups • flour 1 cup (e.g. plain, wholemeal, or buckwheat) • baking powder 1 teaspoon (check it is gluten-free if required) • free-range eggs 4 • lemons 2, zested • salt one pinch METHOD • Preheat oven to 180 degC/355 Fahrenheit. • Gently melt honey and coconut oil/butter together in a small pot. • Use a fork to mix mashed bananas, coconut, flour, baking powder, honey mixture, eggs, lemon zest and salt together in a large mixing bowl until combined (be careful not to over-mix the ingredients, especially if using wheat flour). • Pour into a greased and lined loaf tin and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. *The loaf will keep (unsliced) in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes well. A slice of this is delicious warmed up and spread with a little butter! Recipe by Nadia Lim from www.nadialim.com

AnglicanLife Issue 39

WORDS: LUKAS THIELMANN

A review of N.T. Wright’s latest book Simply Good News: Why the Gospel is News and What Makes It Good.

I’m not a music critic, and I hate the idea of rating art or spouting my pretence as fact. But I do like talking about music, especially when an album speaks as honestly as this one does. Kendrick Lamar grew up in Compton. The N.W.A Compton in Los Angeles. The one that reflects what gangsta rappers of the ‘90s wrote about. You hear this setting in his lyrics. But not in a stereotypical gangsta rap way. He’s not glorifying anything but he’s not shying away or dismissing anything either. Kendrick Lamar is real and raw. I would go as far as to say that he is prophetic. For example in the track “How Much a Dollar Cost” Kendrick tells a narrative about a guy who Kendrick assumes is a crack addict asking him for a dollar, Kendrick shrugs him off. Eventually the guy asks Kendrick if he has ever read Exodus 14. Most reviewers link Kendrick to the humble leader Moses figure. Implying that is what Kendrick’s community needs, a humble leader. But what struck me is the idea of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. To me it seems like Kendrick is seeing his own hardened heart in this encounter which prompts him to ask himself “how much a dollar cost?” That’s just one example of how Kendrick’s faith informs his art. The album is full of tracks like this. His faith informs his art but he doesn’t segregate himself to the realm of Contemporary Christian Music. As a songwriter myself I feel that this album raises the bar for Christian songwriters. However, I do feel like I need to give a parental advisory notice — this album is real, raw, and contextual and is probably not one for the kids.

Christmas is coming and once again we will find our churches full to the brim with what the urban dictionary calls “chreasters,” those folk who only turn up at church at Christmas and Easter. I consider this an invitation for us to work out how we will tell the story of the Gospel. Tom Wright’s new book is a great place to start, asking the question, “So what exactly is the good news?” Wright opens the book by pointing out that for many Christians, answering this question is more difficult than we might think. In the opening chapters Wright argues that the good news has often been reduced to good advice. This takes the form of techniques on how to live well, how to pray, or how to get to heaven. What Wright suggests is that the church needs to recover the good news that through Jesus Christ “something has happened as a result of which the world is a different place.” In chapters 4-7 Wright addresses many caricatures of the Christian faith and popular, but not necessarily biblical, views of God. What struck me the most was Wright’s insight that to the ears of many people the good news doesn’t actually sound good, in fact sometimes it sounds like bad news. An angry and violent God that punishes his Son, what is with that? What is important about this book is that it places the good news within the context of the biblical story, reclaiming a full biblical picture of the gospel. It addresses the questions that people are asking today. Wright insists that the church needs to tell and live the good news. As we approach Christmas I reckon that every one of us could ask ourselves the question: “What is the good news and why is it good?” A good way to start is to pick up this excellent book!

A review of Kendrick Lamar’s March 2015 album.

FILM / MUSIC / LITERATURE / WEB / FOOD / EVENTS

Simply good news WORDS: THE REVEREND JOSH TAYLOR

ART ESSAY

CLOSING ESSAY

Deeper camp 2015

he Message T Project

WORDS: BETH SMITH (YOUNG PERSON) AND LYNDON ROGERS (LEADER) PHOTO: GRANT BENNETT

ART & WORDS: ANGELA MOLE The Message Project illustrates the biblical story from Advent to Epiphany with references back to Genesis. It comprises a poem, “Message” and eight paintings: Faith, Genesis, Message, Journey, Chosen One, Rejoice, Shelter, and Trinity. Featured below are Genesis, Message, Chosen One, and Trinity. Angela is also selling Christmas cards from this collection to support her work. Contact angie@angelam.co.nz if you would like to purchase a set.

Genesis

In the beginning God created a perfect pearl-like planet.

Message

Message to a pure one — carried in secret: the perfect conservation plan.

“Dwell upon the story these pictures have to tell: the trusting eyes of a child shine Truth - For you and all on earth as well...” Angela completed a Diploma in Painting at Aoraki Polytechnic in 2011 and has been painting and exhibiting in Canterbury for over a decade.

Chosen One

A baby born in Bethlehem — God’s treasured only Son.

AnglicanLife Issue 39

Trinity

This precious child grew in wisdom into destiny: to teach and lead, beloved of God and by man, eternally. Still we follow the star, discover the Way, share His love.

Every youth group talk is based on one of the most complex and controversial books you will ever read. Telling young people that faith is as simple as praying and reading their Bible is just setting them up to fail. Unless we teach them and show them how… Deeper camp 2015 was held in the middle weekend of the September school holidays. All 100 young, gorgeous Anglican youth (the most young people ever to attend), were challenged to analyse the Biblical story, build relationships within and outside of our own churches, and try out some of the activities that Waipara Boys Brigade campsite had to offer. The overall theme of the camp was “HOW You Know”, as we were led on a Biblical journey that left us both in fits of laughter and full of knowledge. We went through the Bible as if it were a television series, with each talk an episode. Episode one, led by Lyndon Rogers on Friday night, illustrated the creation story. Episode two, with Anna Chirnside, covered sin, pain, and God’s plans in the Old Testament. Episode three, brought to us by Rachel Smith, discussed Jesus’ life and mission and the introduction to the New Testament. The camp concluded with Episode four by Spanky Moore, covering God’s plans for the church and how His Spirit is with us. Bishop Victoria shared, very candidly, her testimony and how God has led her walk in life. The Bible tells us story upon story of God’s presence and promises in other people’s lives, which can help you to understand where God’s grace lies in your own journey. Unfortunately, the Bible can be confusing and quite a task to read. Having the main points throughout the camp related to real-life experience was a high impact and well chosen approach for Deeper camp. Young people were also given time to reflect on each talk, asking “What do you think God is saying to you?” And, “What are you going to do about it?” Everyone had a small group to keep them accountable for the changes they wanted to make as they go back to everyday life. From the 100 young people present, 30-40 asked God’s spirit into their lives in new ways on Sunday morning, before joining

together in communion. We are all really excited to see the changes-to-come in young people’s lives back in their own faith communities. If you know young people who were at Deeper camp, go right ahead and ask them: “What did God say to you that weekend?” “How is your faith and life different now?” The holidays are just around the corner, bringing freedom, opportunity, and plenty of sun. Teenagers will be ripping through the deodorant, tanning to the max, and no doubt gaming online a fair amount too. The surf will be up, and camps and road trips will boom. But anxiety will also be a major feature of most young people’s holidays, as the rates of mental health and anxiety issues continue to rise amongst teenagers and children in Christchurch. Whatever you do to connect with a teenager: going surfing, bringing ice creams to church, or hosting a movie night; will be sure to remind them that there is one more person in the world that they don’t have to impress, who loves them just as they are. 21

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