Anglican Life October/November 2018 by Anglican Diocese of Christchurch

STEWARDSHIP

ANGLICANLIFE.ORG.NZ

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

ISSUE 56

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018

I X

04. PEACE IN THE PARISH OF ROSS/SOUTH WESTLAND

06. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

1. CELEBRATE WITH US! Meet The New Bishop-Elect 2. IN BRIEF: Cathedral ready for action 3. IN BRIEF: Praising our creator God 4. IN BRIEF: Peace in the parish of Ross/South Westland 5. IN BRIEF: A special box for a special item 6. We Will Remember Them 8. Making Good Men 10. Shouting and Stomping for Peace!

11. IN HIS PRESENCE: MYSTICISM AND MUSIC

14. FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY

11. FEATURE: In His Presence: Mysticism And Music 14. Free From The Love Of Money 16. Discipling For The Future 3 17. THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: Armistice Day – 100 Years On 18. WORKPLACE: The Lady With The Lamp Of Christ 20. ARTS/CULTURE 22. Authority and stewardship 24. A decade overdue

AnglicanLife is published bi-monthly by the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. Editor: Jo Bean: editor@anglicanlife.org.nz. Contributing Writers: Jo Bean, Grant Bennett, Edwin Boyce, Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell, Dennys Guild, Liz Hay, Rev’d Peter Hurricks, Prof. Richard Jackson, Sammy Mould, Ross Seagar, Rev’d Chris Spark, Jane Teal, Rev’d Jolyon White. 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: The Ven. Dr Peter Carrell – our Bishop-elect in the Anglican Centre Chapel. 28 August 2018. Credit: Mandy Caldwell Photography www.mandycaldwell.co.nz

The Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square

Further details at www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz | admin@christchurchcathedral.co.nz | (03) 3660046 SUNDAY 30 SEPT: 10:00AM ANTARCTIC SERVICE, ASKING GOD’S BLESSING ON THOSE HEADING SOUTH FOR 2018/19 SUNDAY 21 OCT: HERITAGE WEEK FUNDRAISIER - AFTERNOON TEA IN THE CATHEDRAL WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS, FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE CHRISTCHURCH CLUB. SEE OUR WEB SITE FOR DETAILS SUNDAY 11 NOV: REMEMBRANCE DAY. 11.00AM SERVICE AT THE BRIDGE OF REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2 DEC: ADVENT: 7.30PM THE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF REGULAR SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS COMING UP!

†

INTRODUCTION

CELEBRATE WITH US! MEET THE NEW BISHOP-ELECT

Wow! Bishop-elect of Christchurch. How do you feel? Excited about the future, extraordinarily humbled by the vote of confidence in me as next Bishop of Christchurch.

“WE ARE DELIGHTED FOR PETER AND TERESA, AND FOR THE DIOCESE UNDER PETER’S LEADERSHIP.”

What do you want the Diocese to know? I love the Diocese of Christchurch and I am looking forward to serving the Diocese in my new role. I thank everyone who has been praying for the election and its outcome and ask you to continue praying as I prepare for ordination and installation as the next Bishop of Christchurch. Our present challenges are opportunities. Dare we ask the Spirit of God to blow mightily through us and do great things among us? I hope so and pray so.

“I AM EXCITED ABOUT SUPPORTING PETER IN HIS NEW ROLE.”

Mrs May Carrell, Peter and Bishop Brian Carrell, a very happy mum and dad. Image: Mandy Caldwell Photography www.mandycaldwell.co.nz

What are you most excited about? The opportunity to strategically lead the Diocese forward as we meet present challenges, the greatest of which is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the people of Canterbury, West Coast and the Chatham Islands in words and deeds which connect with 21st century Kiwi culture.

Peter and Teresa, his wife. Teresa Kundycki-Carrell is a Lay Chaplain at Cathedral Grammar School; they have four adult children, all in their twenties. Image: Mandy Caldwell Photography www.mandycaldwell.co.nz

IN BRIEF

CATHEDRAL READY FOR ACTION WORDS: Ross Seagar

“BEING INVOLVED IN THIS UNIQUE PROJECT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE.” Suzanne Price CPT Recovery Manager Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock for eight years, you will be aware that we have all been on a long journey together over the future of our Cathedral. It was resolved at last year’s Synod that Christchurch Cathedral would be reinstated in an arrangement with the Crown. And while we may have held differing views as to the best way forward, we all understood how important it was to make a decision to get progress for our Diocese and the city. It’s taken some hard graft but in August an agreement was reached between the company set up to deliver the joint venture (JV), called Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL), Church Property Trustees (CPT) and the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust (CCRT) who are the fundraisers for

“THE CPT STAFF HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY AND I THANK THEM FOR THEIR PERSEVERANCE AND COMMITMENT TO SEEING THIS PROJECT THROUGH.” Gavin Holley GM CPT

the reinstatement project. CPT, in conjunction with Chancellor Jeremy Johnson, has been working tirelessly to champion the requirements of the Cathedral to ensure the design and functionality of the building will suit the Cathedral’s needs. Yes, it will be available for public-use, but primarily it’s a place of Anglican worship. Once

Behind the barriers: the Cathedral grounds have been cleaned up and are now ready for the Joint Venture to begin reinstatement works. Credit: c/o CPT

“THIS STEP IS A SIGN OF HEALING, HOPE AND NEW LIFE. I PRAY THE CATHEDRAL WILL ONCE AGAIN BE A GATHERING PLACE WHERE ALL CAN FIND GOD’S LOVE AND PEACE.” Very Rev’d Lawrence Kimberley, Dean of Transitional Cathedral

safeguarded, CPT were able to sign over the physical reinstatement to the JV Company (JVC). And the JVC will now begin the intricate and exciting work of rebuilding the once-revered and loved Christ-centred building our forebears gave us. The purse currently holds $86 million – a good start. And now the JV has been signed, CCRT can get stuck into fundraising in earnest to raise the additional finance required. You may have noticed that some clean-up and ground-work started in August, and this is a good step. We look forward to the beginning of a new chapter marked by co-operation and delivery, which ultimately will result in a unique space where the brand new and historical are in juxtaposition: the new/old Cathedral in the Square, to the Glory of God.

“WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE TIME WHEN WE CAN BE BACK IN THE CENTRE OF CHRISTCHURCH, IN OUR CATHEDRAL, A PLACE OF WORSHIP, SANCTUARY AND SERVICE TO THE GLORY OF GOD.” Moka Ritchie, Deputy Chair, CPT Trust Board

IN BRIEF

The brewing storm seen through the bare foliage of an Oak

PRAISING OUR CREATOR GOD THE TREES CLAP THEIR HANDS

WORDS & IMAGES: Dennys Guild

Did you know that trees talk? They do! Even the Bible corroborates this numerous times: Isaiah 55:12, Ps 8:8 and Ps 96:12 to name just three. But for those who can’t tune in, Dennys Guild, botanist and forester, told the story of the trees at St Peter’s Upper Riccarton. While winter is not the ideal time to listen to the trees, a hardy bunch of would-be tree enthusiasts came one Sunday late July to learn about the special and curious traits of different species of trees, their personalities and quirks. First was the avenue of Yew trees, with the paradox of their war-like connections in a place of peace. Then on to elms, both weeping and English, and the parallel rows of

flowering cherries and silver birches (on Yaldhurst Rd). The high point was the King Edward VII oak at the pointy end of the property, planted by the children of Upper Riccarton, to mark his coronation in 1902. As the clouds started threatening to release the cold, wet stuff, the enthusiasts quickly visited the Chinese Ginkgo, American and noble Oaks, and Prunus Autumnalis before scuttling into Bowden Hall for a warm glass of mulled wine and a homily on the Spirituality of Trees. Want to learn more? The next talk will be in spring 2019. In the meantime, practice listening to the trees and hearing creation shout out God’s praise.

IN BRIEF

PEACE IN THE PARISH OF ROSS/SOUTH WESTLAND WORDS: Ross Seagar

In this issue of AngicanLife there are several articles addressing Armistice Day – the day we remember the formal cessation of hostilities following what would become known as World War One. An interesting aspect of the conclusion of both World Wars is seen in the stamps that were issued by the Post & Telegraph Department / Post Office to celebrate their end. The stamps show a marked change in how war was viewed. In 1920 a set of Victory stamps was issued. The stamps, all with ‘Victory’

printed on them, have heroic images and all but one referenced the King and Empire for whom New Zealand soldiers had fought. The stamps issued in 1946 use quite different language – Peace. The language reflects a societal change in thinking about war. No longer were the atrocities ‘victorious’ or to be celebrated. What mattered now was to ensure a lasting peace. The Parish of Ross / South Westland is represented in two of the eleven peace stamps. The 1/2d stamp ‘Peace and Tranquility’

has a view over Lake Matheson towards the Southern Alps, including Mt Cook. The 9d ‘A Spirit of Thankfulness’ stamp has the vista seen through the plate glass windows behind the Alter of St James, Franz Joseph. It shows a view up the Waiho Gorge with Franz Joseph Glacier [the glacier has retreated and is no longer visible from the Church]. The plate glass windows at St James [1931] pre-date those of their more famous ‘cousin’, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekepo [1935].

The Parish of Ross/South Westland keep St James open each day for tourists to visit. They are currently raising funds to assist with the maintenance of the church. You can help by visiting their ‘givealittle’ page: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/repairstjames

IN BRIEF

A SPECIAL BOX FOR A SPECIAL ITEM WORDS & IMAGE: Jane Teal When the Diocesan Arms were granted in 1950 they were housed in a slim red plain cardboard box, and the parchment and seals were all tucked in neatly together. However over the years the box and the lid came adrift and the arms were in danger of getting damaged. So last year money was granted to have a more permanent and long-lasting container made. Enter ‘City Art Depot’, a local Christchurch company, and their skilled staff. The result is a box that is both practical and elegant. This archival box, known as a Solander Box, was named after Daniel Solander who designed it while he was working at the British Museum between 1763 and 1782. Interestingly, Solander accompanied the naturalist Joseph Banks on James Cook’s first voyage (1768–1771). The box is made to measure and archivally sound with an inner lining of museum board and an outer covering of library buckram, a special cloth that is durable and mildew- and water-resistant. It has a collapsible spine, which means that the parchment can be rolled out and viewed without having to remove it, hence not incurring damage, and the seals also remain stable. The arms are now well protected and in their special box, should last well into the next century.

The arms and seals that make Christchurch a Diocese of the Province. Credit: Jane Teal

We will remember them. Credit: Mandy Caldwell Photography www.mandycaldwell.co.nz

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM WORDS: Edwin Boyce We Will Remember Them At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 World War One (WW I) came to an end. At the same hour on the same day in the same month in 2018 we will mark 100 years since the end of that war. The war that started when one man, Gavrilo Princip, fired a shot to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, ended with a total of 37 million causalities, 7 million civilian deaths and 10 million military deaths. 6

We Will Remember Them It is estimated that 18,000 New Zealanders died in, or because of the war, and about 41,000 were listed as wounded. More than 2,700 New Zealanders died at Gallipoli and almost 12,500 on the Western Front. Twelve nurses died. Other New Zealanders died serving in other Imperial Forces.

We Will Remember Them This was the war to end all wars. It didn’t. The Polynational War Memorial identifies 210 wars since 1918 with an estimated 180 million deaths. World War II (WWII) alone, claimed the lives of 80 million people, either directly from war, or war related diseases and famine. About 140,000 New Zealand men and women served in WWII; 104,000 in 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZDF), the rest in the British or New Zealand naval or air forces. New Zealand fatal casualties during WWII numbered 11,928. We Will Remember Them Civilian deaths in WWI were ten percent of the deaths. Today, such as the internal conflict in Syria or the US invasion of Iraq, and even with all the modern technology of warfare, civilian deaths now range from 80 to 90 percent of war casualties. We Will Remember Them War is the final arbitrator of diplomacy. We have called war by different names such as conflicts, crises, emergencies, and troubles. No name can disguise the fact that war is war; it is not glorious, nor should it be glorified. War takes lives, and destroys families both physically and mentally. Those who have lost family members to war are left to wonder what might have been; humanity is left wondering what those who were killed may have given to the world. We Will Remember Them Regardless of our feelings about war we must honour and respect those who have served, and those who currently serve in the armed forces of New Zealand. We must honour and respect those who have given their lives in the wars of the past and in the conflicts of today. We must honour and respect those of our military service personnel who suffered, and who continue to suffer, as the consequence of war.

respect them by insuring that we as Christians fight our wars. These are the wars against… • poverty (15 percent of our population live in poverty), • homelessness (40,000 New Zealanders live on the streets), • mental illness (582,000 adult New Zealanders have a common mental disorder at some time), • addiction (109,000 New Zealanders are in ecstasy abuse), • famine (70 million people worldwide needed food assistance in 2017), • climate change (21.5 million people have been displaced since 2008 due to climate change), and • family violence (525,000 New Zealanders are harmed every year). These are not the casualties of war but they are casualties of a war not being raged; a war where we, as Christians, as Anglicans, must become warriors. In generations to come will people honour and respect us and say… We will remember them? At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 2018 we will mark 100 years since the end of WWI. In that war nearly 60,000 New Zealanders were either maimed or died. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them. (From For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, 1914) In one hundred years from now will people respect this generation for the war we wage on these insidious forms of social injustice? Will we be worthy of remembrance?

We Will Remember Them Our young men and women gave their lives in wars that we might live in peace and freedom. We need to honour and 7

MAKING GOOD MEN TEACHING AND ENGAGING IN BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP AT CHRIST’S COLLEGE.

WORDS: Grant Bennett

Christ’s College, an Anglican boys’ school, aspires to make good men. A big part of that broad goal is teaching the boys about being good stewards with their time, talents and treasure. Two years ago the school created a new programme called ‘Immerse and Inspire’ which teaches about many useful life skills such as leadership and stewardship. It’s a four-week programme where boys aged 13-14 participate in activities to get a Duke of Edinburgh award. They take a local issue and think about possible solutions. They hear from invited speakers such as Matthew Mark, the City Missioner. Recently Matthew spoke to the boys about the real problems people face every day and gives them ideas of ways they can help. The boys then engaged with the issue by doing some related “service”, in this case painting the

Boys serving their community by painting the City Mission fence. Photo Credit: c/o Christ’s College

fence at the City Mission. The boys have fun, engage with what they are learning and come away with a sense of having participated in something bigger than themselves. “It’s great to watch the boys stand back and reflect on their work and come to a realisation that small things can make a big difference,” says the Rev’d Bosco Peters, Chaplain at the College. “And this lesson then can translate into many areas of their lives.” Another example of how the boys engage with the community came while learning about environmental stewardship. One Sunday in June this year, a large group of volunteers from the College met with the Avon-Otakaro Forest Park group and planted around 1800 Carex Secta (donated by Orari Nursery) on the banks of the AvonOtakaro. The hardy native grasses contribute to the ecological restoration of the Red Zone, recreating the wetlands that previously existed there, providing a habitat where pukekos and other wild fowl can once again thrive. One of the College’s prefects and Head of Environment, Cameron Jones, says about the programme: “It is great to see Boys caring for the environment by such a strong commitment planting grasses in the wetlands. to our shared environment. Photo Credit: c/o Christ’s College

It’s important to help the land recover and good to know we’re doing something so worthwhile and giving back to the community.” The new grasses are in close proximity to where the Environment Committee (and friends) planted other natives last year. Cameron says seeing how much they had grown made it feel very real and important work. “The birds are back; the muddy, swampy environment is ideal for them. We even saw some pukekos checking out the new planting before we left.” They plan to grow the event. “We’re hoping more people will want to get involved and this will get bigger and bigger each year,” says Cameron. “Imagine the difference that would make.” Another group of boys (aged 16-18) went to Samoa in July to repair and refurbish the preschool buildings and play equipment in a village called Sattoa. It took over a year to plan and fundraise but the desire to make a difference drove them on. Sam Howard and Wilson Murray, two of the students who went were amazed at the generosity of the Samoan people who have so little but give so much. “It feels like we did so little, but it meant so much to them. It was so cool to see the kids’ faces light up and see how much they enjoyed the new equipment,” says Sam. “We definitely bought a smile to their faces,” says Wilson.

“It was fun and it didn’t take a lot of work from us to make a big difference to them.” We pray that the boys will not lose that vision and continue to grow up into good men and stewards and take action to make a difference in the world.

Boys serving others by working in a Samoan preschool. Photo Credit: c/o Christ’s College

SHOUTING AND STOMPING FOR PEACE! THE CENTENARY OF THE ARMISTICE WHICH ENDED THE FIRST WORLD WAR IS ON SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2018.

To honour the sacrifices made by all New Zealanders during the First World War, as well as to reflect on peace (rangimārie) and hope (tūmanako), the Christchurch Diocese has been invited to join in the global Roaring Chorus campaign. The idea is to recreate the ‘roaring chorus’ of thanksgiving and jubilation that erupted across New Zealand and the western world as word of the Armistice spread 100 years ago! One reporter described the noise like this: “There were songs and cheers, miscellaneous pipings and blastings, and tootings and rattlings – a roaring chorus of gladsome sounds.” Similar noisy outpourings of joy and relief were reported across NZ. Here in the Christchurch Diocese we are invited to recapture this moment immediately following the twominute silence that will be observed nationwide at 11am. We are encouraged to gather whatever ‘instruments’ we can get and help create a ‘roaring chorus’ to once again celebrate peace and hope for the future.

SYMBOL guideLineS July 2012

ROARING CHORUS HELP CREATE A ROARING CHORUS TO MARK THE ARMISTICE CENTENARY

“There were songs and cheers, miscellaneous pipings and blastings, and tootings and rattlings—a roaring chorus of gladsome sounds.” Armistice in Wellington described in The Evening Post, Wellington, 12 November 1918

Stay connected

#Armistice100 #Roaringchorus

.govt.nz

@WW

As many of us will be in services on the morning of Sunday 11 November, options for creating a roaring chorus could include the ringing of church or hand bells, choral or congregational singing, or the playing of organs or other church music – or all of these at once! At 11am there will be 2 mins of silence, then at 11.02 go nuts with joyful noise! He maungārongo ki runga i te whenua. May peace prevail on earth.

The crowd in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, celebrating the news of the signing of the Armistice. Image courtesy of the Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19181121-35-2

Find inspiration from what happened in your community 100 years ago, check out the research tips at www.ww100.govt.nz/armistice Register your interest at info@ww100.govt.nz

FEATURE

IN HIS PRESENCE: MYSTICISM AND MUSIC WORDS: Jo Bean

Eastern mysticism, enlightenment, auras, guardian angels, an altered state of consciousness – what does this have to do with Christianity? Mystics, seers, prophets? People who see visions… many are documented in the Bible: Jacob, Mary, the Magi and Stephen to name just a few. Two other well-documented historical visionaries are Joan of Ark and J.S. Bach as he composed “Messiah”. So if visions and dreams are rampant throughout the Bible, we can’t honestly say mystical experiences are not part of God’s plan for his people. If we believe visions and dreams can come from God, it’s only a short step to believing that practitioners of Christian Mysticism have a valid place within Christianity. So, let’s explore a little about Christian Mysticism and what it might mean for today’s Christians in the Anglican tradition. Christian Mysticism is the belief that you can experience heart-felt intimacy with God. It’s a sense of union with God and a knowledge that you’re in His presence. So all Christians, to some extent, are mystics, but some believers develop this side of their faith in a most beautiful and passionate way. Meet Father Chris Orczy. Recently returned to Christchurch and now the Vicar of St Michael and All Angels, Father Chris is the first person to say that ten years ago he would never have believed that he would become a Priest. His background is in music and he is a talented but

unconventional musician who composes ambient sounds. If you look him up on the web you will find a number of albums and pieces you may like to listen to. But Father Chris had a unique conversion experience, and ever since then has only written music for his God and to encourage others in the faith, and has a way of being with God that many of us “old hands” might wish for. What is this intangible quality Father Chris has? May I suggest it’s a totally unshakable belief that God met him, spoke to him, and still speaks to him moment by moment as he goes about his day? So does that mean his head is in the clouds and he is of no use to us here on earth? No – he’s rooted in real life, has a job, a wife and family, friends and a great sense of humour just like anyone else. But there is something about him that’s different. Father Chris believes that the current structure of the Anglican Church and its tradition of music is fantastic – but really only suits some people. There are a whole bunch of people who don’t respond to words and print, or our culture’s focus on the written. As an educator, you might call these people tactile learners or auditory, even. So why not give them a way to respond to God not bound up in words or traditional hymns? Father Chris creates space, quiet, ambient music that allows people to rest, relax, focus. The ambient music paints different pictures and moods and allows complex and not-often-expressed thoughts and emotions to emerge. “We all have that feeling of God overwhelming us at

FEATURE HEADER

some point in our faith journey – often at conversion or baptism or something significant like that. That feeling that you’re in the right place at the right time, the elation of God being right there with you. The thing is, you can have that sense of being in God’s presence more if you genuinely seek it. That’s what I do with mediation and music: I use a scripture, another mystic’s thoughts, an image of light or the beauty of God’s creation, for example, and put it together with the appropriate and comparable musical sounds and just sit there – at peace, listening and bathed in God’s light,” says Father Chris. Now, some might find it a bit ‘airy-fairy’ ‘touchy-feely’ for them, a bit mystical, if you will. But others will be curious and keen to further develop their sense of connecting with God, using their senses rather than just words, so will give it a go. If this sounds a bit like something you could be into, maybe you could come along to one of Father Chris’s services and see what’s up. Or find another parish that also has quiet, contemplative or tazze-style worship services. On the other hand, this mysticism gig may be totally foreign to you – like a foreign language – but that’s also ok. Because it takes all sorts to make a world and God is big enough to cope with all of us and our different needs – He made us after all – so He knows what we need and what relational style suits us. But if you have a glimmer of interest, come along, with an open heart. You just might touch the divine.

Adventurous? Try this mystical/musical exercise… We invite you now to try this exercise to enter into a different way of being with God, entering his divine presence or meditating on his Word. On the next page is an image with a scripture to use for this exercise. We also invite you to play the music found at this link www.youtu.be/e2c0a_thNMw but please note you need internet access for this. This music has been composed by Fr Chris especially for a mediation on the scripture quoted. You may like to light a candle or some incense as well, and if so, have these ready. The music lasts about 15 minutes, which is a good time frame for a mediation, but if this is your first time, you may wish to stop it after five or ten minutes, as you feel is right for you. Afterwards, you may wish to talk to someone about how this went for you. Alternatively you can email Fr Chris on christopherorczy@gmail.com or the editor on editor@anglicanlife.org.nz To begin, find a safe, warm, comfortable and quiet place to sit. Light the candle/incense (if wanted), and press play on the music. Place your feet firmly on the ground and your hands in an open, palm-up, receiving position. Begin by praying the Lord’s Prayer. Next, look at the picture supplied and say the scripture. Repeat the scripture as you feel led. If a word or phrase sticks out to you, repeat that. Let the flow of the music lead you with the scripture in your heart.

HEADER

GOD IS LIGHT, AND IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.

PHOTO: Ivana Cajina - Unsplash MUSIC: Light. Piece 1 from 5 Pieces for the first letter of John www.youtu.be/e2c0a_thNMw Credit: Fr Orczy SCRIPTURE REF: 1 John 1:5 ESV

Photo: Christian Dubovan - Unsplash

FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY WORDS: Liz Hay Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to choose – we hear much about such freedoms today. There’s another freedom that’s rarely spoken of – being free from the love of money. Improving our lot is something that’s taken for granted in Western society. We are expected to climb the ladder in our careers and earn increasing amounts of money. Advertising is based on the premise that we are not satisfied with what we’ve got – we need this new product or the latest version. 14

Paul was unequivocal in his letter to Timothy when he said that the ‘love of money is the root of all evil.’ (Note it is not money itself that is the root of evil – Paul is often misquoted here. It is the LOVE of money he is referring to.) Christians often focus on other sins, but how often do we hear about greed? Christians can appear the same as anyone else in their pursuit of material things. Often it’s an unconscious pursuit – and it is only when

we encounter people from another culture who are very poor materially, but rich in life and community that Western Christians are brought up short to think about their attitudes to money. I remember seeing Ugandan children joyously playing soccer, with a “ball” made of plastic bags tied with string. Being free of the love of money is wonderfully liberating: sharing what we have with an open heart, being generous of spirit, being grateful to God for what we do have. How do we cultivate such an openness? Nothing we have is ours It begins with recognising that we don’t actually own anything at all – we are simply stewards of the good gifts of God. Everything we have comes from him. We arrived into this world with nothing – and there’s nothing material we can take with us. Anything we have been given during our lives, or earned through our labours, is a gift. On top of that, we are responsible for what we do with what we have been given. How does God want us to use his gifts? Whether we earn pocket money or millions of dollars, we are equally responsible before him. The Bible says plenty about giving a proportion of our income as a tithe for His work. But that doesn’t mean that the rest is ours to do what we like with. It is still the Lord’s. God – the good Giver Sometimes God chooses to give us far more than we could ever ask for. He is a wonderful Giver! We have seen times of special provision. Other times we have run very close to the wind. I’m grateful for such times, because they teach us to rely on God. The more we are given, then the more responsibility we have. That’s a big task, if we have been given a lot of money. It’s no wonder some Christians give it all away. (Think of Francis of Assisi.)

A soccer ball made from plastic bags or ‘Ball ya Juala’ in Kenya. Credit: Pulse Live, Plive.co.ke

How does it impact our spirits? Does having more than enough wealth cause us harm? It can do if we start relying on ourselves and not on God. Wealth is not worth anything if it tarnishes our souls. For those without much money, the temptation is to covet what others have – and to be anxious about not having enough. That too can depress our spirits. We can be encouraged by God’s promise (Matthew 6: 32) ‘Your heavenly father knows you have need of these things.’ Proverbs 30: 8–9 says, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.” Is that a prayer we can pray? Original article published by Press Service International and Christian Today: https://christiantoday.com.au/ news/being-free-of-the-love-of-money.html

DISCIPLING OUR YOUTH #3 THE ABBEY

WORDS: Sammy Mould More than 200 youth leaders from all over the Province recently attended a weekend of encouragement and equipping full of prayer, worship, laughter, new friends and old, workshops, keynote speakers, team competitions, good coffee and chill spaces. Now in its sixth year, ‘The Abbey’ was set up as something a bit different from other conferences, something that reflects our Anglican heritage. The name ‘Abbey’ was chosen to echo a place of withdrawal where people dwell who serve God with their life and minister to the people in their community. So it’s a place where youth ministry leaders can retreat, be encouraged, be celebrated, and go back out to their communities to serve equipped and enthused. The theme of The Abbey this year was ‘Overflow’ (Luke 6:45 ‘The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart’). Youth were immersed in God’s love, hope and power, learning how a relationship with God flows out from us into our families, friends, schools, workplaces and local communities. Teaching included encouragement by Merrilyn Withers (35+ years in youth ministry), practical help from Dion Fasi who provided tools to help spread the gospel, and worship with Hope and Eugene Fuimaono. Other speakers were Andy Spence, Bishops Justin Duckworth and Ellie Sanderson and Lorna Grey, the newly appointed National Youth Facilitator. Charlotte Rodley, a youth leader from St Timothy’s,

Burnside/Harwood, and first time participant, says she loved that the speakers focused on how a leader’s heartfelt relationship with Jesus can’t help but “overflow” and impact on others. “I also learned that it’s really important to create authentic relationships in the youth space as that is key to nurturing disciples and growing together in Christ. One talk was about brokenness and afterwards we got together in our church group to pray. I loved being able to open up to the other leaders and really share what was on our hearts.”

A walk on Waikanae Beach during free time from the Abbey where Anglican youth leaders from all over NZ were training for leadership in Ministry. From left to right: Rosa Elliott and Charlotte Rodley, St Timothy’s Burnside/Harewood. Credit: Amy Rodley

They Abbey was sponsored by Laidlaw College, Bishopdale Theological College, World Vision, Scripture Union, and the NZ Church Missionary Society.

THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS

ARMISTICE DAY – 100 YEARS ON WORDS: Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell

Chou En Lai, China’s Premier in the Mao era, was once asked what he thought about the impact of the French Revolution some 200 years earlier. He replied that it was too early to tell, or so the story goes. Something like that is likely also true of the First World War. One hundred years later the impact of that great slaughterhouse of wars is too early to tell. Clearly it has not stopped wars. It did not become the war to end all wars. But it lingers in the mind of the world. If we see the Second World War as a tragic epilogue to the First World War, then across the trenches of northern France, the steppes of Russia, the Middle Eastern deserts and the islands of the Pacific, the lunacy of sending millions of young men to die at least gives pause for thought today. Politicians and military planners try to minimize death when war cannot be avoided. Such concern seemed to be the last thing on the minds of generals in World War I. The greatest impact of Armistice Day, the effective end of World War I, would be a shift in global mind-set from minimization of death to complete cessation of warfare. Our forebears who resolved 100 years ago that war would be no more could truly rest in peace, along with those young men who never came home. Theologically, such an outcome is also in the mind of Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9); “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). We must not, however, commemorate Armistice Day by muttering into our beer mugs at the RSA about “if only” people would choose peace and not war. That is an obvious reflection on Armistice Day but it does not take us towards a solution for the problem of war. That solution requires us

to attend carefully to Scripture. A few lines earlier in Isaiah 2:4 we read, “[The LORD] shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples.” And in the Beatitudes we find, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). War will only cease when injustice ceases. Arbitration of disputes will prevent war; failure to arbitrate, letting disputes fester is a recipe for disaster. Arbitration will succeed when parties to it are satisfied that justice has been done. World War I cost many, many lives. The ultimate sacrifice. Justice in the world today is not free: sacrifices will need to be made. Are we prepared to make them? It will likely cost us less than it cost those men whose names fill our war memorials up and down our land.

Early morning light on the Harewood War Memorial, Anzac Day 2018 Credit: Gavin Kingsley

WORKPLACE

THE LADY WITH THE LAMP OF CHRIST PHILIPPA RODLEY, A NURSE AND A SERVANT OF CHRIST.

WORDS: Jo Bean

How long have you been nursing? I was 18 when I first went into the wards doing my hospital-based training. I’ve now been there 37 years and can’t imagine doing anything different! Did you always want to nurse? No – having lived on a farm, I wanted to be a vet. But I discovered it cost a lot and you had to go to Palmerston North to train, so that was that. At that time I was involved with youth group, Red Cross and Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF), so felt a calling to a pastoral/care role of some description. I chatted to mum and found out that before children she had been a nurse. We both felt it suited me, so I chose that. Today’s nurses often seem undervalued by the health system, with a huge workload and low staffing. What makes you keep going? Each shift I have a system where I write a timeline of work to be done and go through the handover briefing adding in the jobs required. This is the starting point of the shift, then of 18

course, other things crop up such as helping a colleague or an admission etc. Some nights the list starts to look really full. So I pray that God will give me the strength to do the work and the grace to recognise the patients that need a few more minutes of my time. I pray for peace of mind amongst the busyness so that I can concentrate on the person in front of me. Older patients especially tend not to ask for assistance when they see we are busy, but often just need a few minutes to shift them in bed or change a pillow, so I pray God will help me to notice these things. I pray for judgement to see what really needs doing and for my approach to patients that I say the right thing at the right time. What do you do to recover in the times you feel burned-out? I’ve learned for me that I do best on nights and have been doing nights for 29 years. I also work with a good bunch of Christian nurses and this helps a lot. And I enjoy things away from the work environment too. My family – of course – my children and grandchildren. I love singing and have sung ever since I was 13 years old. First

Philippa Rodley RGON (Registered General and Obstetric Nurse) has been dedicated her entire adult life to nursing. Credit: Courtesy Philippa Rodley

it was the St John’s singers (Timaru), then the Celebration Singers (8.5 years) then St Martin’s choir and now St Tim’s music group that I have been in for 25 years. I love crafts and costume making and have costumed many school plays at Kendal School and for the girls’ Irish Dancing. And I also run a playgroup – the total opposite of what I do at work – and being among babies and mums is very life-affirming. All of these things help me to keep the balance.

WORKPLACE

How do you work out your faith in your job? I make sure I do the job as well as I can possibly do each day. I try to spend time with the lonely, hold hands with the scared and sit beside the cancer patients in the dark hours. If we get prisoners, I treat them the same as any other human being who is ill and suffering. If I notice a patient has beads or a crucifix, or have requested a visit from the chaplain, then we talk about that. I’ll pray for people, if they ask me to. I’ve even sung with some older patients who love to hear the old hymns. Sometimes I start a little banter and see where it leads. For example, sometimes when I’m checking on a drain I need to get down on the floor to see it, and when on my knees I say: ‘shall I say one while I’m down here?’ And many times they say, ‘yes’. I just do what I do, to the best of my ability, and pray that God places me in the right place for His work to be done.

Can you tell me about a special God moment you have experienced while nursing that might encourage the readers? There have been a number of times when some kind of instinct has caused me to intervene in a patient’s care and it turned out to be the right thing to do. Some might call this intuition, but I know that God directs me in these moments. For example, a few years ago a young man came in with a throat infection who was doing ok for a few days. But the next night when I came on, I felt that things didn’t look right. I prayed about it and later that night I decided he really wasn’t right and called the Doctor who agreed to come and check him. I was with him when he collapsed and arrested. I knew that night that God had inspired me to seek him help. He quickly got the attention he needed and eventually fully recovered. I know God directed me at that time. I think of the scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”(Proverbs 3:5–6) This works for me. 19

ARTS

NON-VIOLENT RESISTANCE – DOES IT WORK? WORDS: Professor Richard Jackson, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago

Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan, 2011, New York: Columbia University Press. When this book was first published (seven years ago), it made an immediate impact, winning numerous awards and influencing protest movements around the world. Today, as popular protest movements continue to grow, anxiety about potential military conflicts rises, and Christians all over the world renounce any idea that a war can be “just”, it remains one of the most important books of the last decade. The book’s main idea, based on a large and detailed academic study, is that over the past 100 years, non-violent action has proved to be twice as successful as the use of violence in overthrowing corrupt governments, winning independence, changing laws, bringing about democracy, and protecting human rights. This is a world-changing finding, because it affirms that there are genuine alternatives to using violence, that military violence is a failed strategy, and that ordinary people are never powerless in the face of threats and oppression. It is clearly written and accessible. If you want to live in a more peaceful world while at the same time strengthen democracy and human rights, this book is inspiring and constructive.

Do you remember this? Do you think the 1981 ‘Stop the Tour’ protest against racism instigated by HART (Halt All Racist Tours) had some influence on South Africa? I’d like to think it did and I had a very small part in this national and global voice. I wore a badge like this walking down Riccarton Road. What side of the argument did you take? (image c/o Te Papa).

ARTS

VISITED THE RESOURCE CENTRE LATELY? WORDS: Rev’d Chris Spark There are some fantastic resources available at the Anglican Resource Centre. Here are just a couple of the newest arrivals: The One Coming (by Daniel Avenell & Phillip Brown) See Advent through the eyes of the Old Testament (OT) expectation of the coming Messiah. This short and easy read shows you how the OT biblical prophecies were all about the coming of Christ. A great devotional tool for individuals or groups this Advent. Broken (DVD movie) Heard of Tārore? This is a modern retelling of the wonderful story of the young daughter of Chief Ngākuku, and the way the Gospel of Luke she treasured brought forgiveness and reconciliation. Saying Grace (by Gregory Pearce) Many of us pray at mealtimes. This quick read is a reminder that we are actually praying to God and encourages us to deepen that practise, or at the least, reflect on it a little. This book will remind you to thank God in the every-day things!

It’s free to borrow!! Visit the Anglican Resource Centre page on the Theology House website (theologyhouse. ac.nz) or drop into 10 Logistics Drive. The Anglican Resource Centre exists to provide free access to resources for people in the Christchurch Diocese. There are books, CDs, DVDs, and study kits to resource preaching, worship leading, family services, small group studies, children’s ministry and youth ministry.

AUTHORITY AND STEWARDSHIP WORDS: Rev’d Peter Hurricks

As a vicar or minister of the Gospel you get called on to do some pretty strange things every now and then. The most exciting and challenging are those head on encounters with the spirit world. One of the most precious gifts Jesus entrusted His disciples with was His authority. This was the authority in the realm of the spirit that He had as of right by being the Son of God. In the Gospels we see Jesus exercising this authority when He cast out evil spirits. This was the one thing that immediately impressed the people about His ministry (Mark 1:22). Jesus gave the disciples this authority when He sent them out to preach Good News (Luke 9:1) and the conferring this authority forms a key part of the so called “Great Commission” (Matt. 28:18). This authority is can be exercised by anyone in relationship with Jesus. Without the relationship there is no authority as the seven sons of Sceva discovered to their cost (Acts 19:13-17). I experienced a vivid demonstration of this truth when the Cathedral staff fielded a call from a man who was convinced his house was haunted. Strange things were happening and he was hearing voices urging him to kill himself. More seriously, his adult son living with him had in fact attempted suicide. He wanted “the Bishop” to come and exorcise his house. So, in due course Archdeacon Mark Barlow and I visited a state house on the East side of Christchurch. Listening to his story it would have been easy to dismiss it as schizophrenia or something similar except for one

thing. He said that because he was so scared he had called on the name of Jesus and the voices and evil presences left him alone “but still hung around”. He was impressed and so started reading an old Gideon’s bible he found. While he was reading he was left in peace. Even more impressed he started attending a church. His problem was he couldn’t keep speaking the name of Jesus and he couldn’t read the bible all day. He wanted the evil out of his house. Mark and I went from room to room and in the name and authority of Jesus commanded whatever evil beings were in the room to leave and then we asked the Lord to wash the room clean and then blessed the room with water. In the son’s room we also prayed for the son’s recovery. We also prayed with the man himself and led him to commit his life to Jesus, cast out the spirits that were in him and encouraged him to continue attending church and join a group where he could be discipled. The wonderful thing was not only was the house a different place, he himself was a different person when we left, even his voice had changed. He was so grateful. I don’t know where this fits into your theology but this is what priests and other ministers are increasingly confronted with in today’s so-called secular society. Many avoid this side of ministry often from lack of experience or training yet the example in Jesus ministry and the early church is clearly before us and the need is very definitely there. The Church is uniquely positioned in our post-Christian society to demonstrate the reality and power of the Gospel to “a people walking in darkness”. Let’s not side step it but use the privilege of relationship and the authority Jesus entrusts us with. This too is a question of stewardship.

We are called to minister to “a people walking in darkness”. Photo: Victoria Quirk on Unsplash 23

A DECADE OVERDUE PROPERTY MANAGERS AND POWER

WORDS: Rev’d Joylon White, Director of Anglican Advocacy

Anglican Advocacy recently launched a report on property management called ‘A Decade Overdue.’ The report not only details various horror stories that both tenants and landlords have experienced at the hands of property managers, it looks at the reason property managers are not regulated in the first place. Ten years ago when the Real Estate Act came into effect a distinction was drawn between letting and managing, and selling property. Property managers were left out of the legislation. Both the Justice Select Committee and the majority of submitters said there was urgent need to regulate property managers. However, Government decided action was not necessary because potential damage did not meet the ‘significant harm’ test. Significant harm is defined as damage totalling more than $15,000. Push-back after the launch from the Independent Property Managers’ Association (IPMA) was that this report was just a social-media shout-out, and it wasn’t balanced by good stories. What the IPMA fails to appreciate in this objection is that good stories don’t balance out bad stories. We would not ignore structurally unsound bridges on the grounds that many engineers build safe things. When the potential consequence to bad practice is serious enough, we try to prevent harm by insisting on training, a code of practice, and licencing. The question was not “is the balance of practice on the ok side?” The question was “is there bad practice happening,

and is it serious enough to warrant action?” The answer to that question is yes. The question of the consequences of property management behaviour is at the heart of my reflection on the debate and comments we heard after our report launch. Is the harm ‘significant?’ That is how the question was asked a decade ago. The ‘significant harm’ test of $15,000 is entirely from the perspective of damage to a property. Repeatedly breeching the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), allowing raw sewage to flow by the back step, privacy breeches, and dishonesty may not cause $15,000 damage to a property, but does cause emotional distress and helplessness for tenants. So often how we see things depends on where we stand. The decision makers were property investors, not renters. They thought about the problem from that standpoint.

The same standpoint was apparent when ZBs Mike Hosking said “surely people will just choose a different property manager if they get bad service?” Well yes, the landlord can do that – the tenant can’t. The same standpoint is apparent in suggestions that the new team-up between the Property Institute of New Zealand and the Independent Property Managers Association could handle voluntary regulation since collectively they cover so many properties. They do, but both are set up explicitly for property owners. Property managers hold billions of dollars of other people’s assets, but they also hold personal information and the keys to tenants’ homes, have power over repairs, how people live in their homes, and whether they get to stay. And yet, there is no licencing, no code of conduct, no training, and no ability to stop them practicing if they behave poorly. It is difficult at the best of times to see things from another person’s – let alone another group’s – perspective. In this case the power imbalance is stark, and the decisions makers, mediators, and commentators are generally not renters. Yes, there are some great property managers out there (or so I am told), but that is not the point. The point is there are bad ones, and there is a massive power imbalance between them and those who have grievances with them. Anglican Advocacy will continue our interest in property management through the RTA overhaul, and will always try to be mindful that how we see often depends on where we stand.

Rev’d Joylon White addressing the power imbalance problems inherent in the way we currently do property management. The Anglican Advocacy report is called A Decade Overdue. Photo Credit: c/o Anglican Advocacy

Grow your savings while empowering us to make aﬀordable loans to churches and charities in Aotearoa.

Growing Investments. Growing Churches.

www.christiansavings.co.nz A copy of our Product Disclosure Statement is available on our website. Deposits are issued by Christian Savings Limited.

When the need arises, let our family care for yours. Owned and operated by local families since 1872. Available 24 hours on 03 389 7999.