EDITORIAL
Kia ora tātou,
This issue of the Adventure magazine looks at some pretty serious topics. Topics that can feel heavy.
We wanted to look at them though because here in Scripture Union we know that these are issues affecting children and young people that we know and care about. And that makes them important. It makes the way we respond to them crucial.
As you read please be aware of the children and young people who are represented in these articles and be praying these words from Romans 15:13 for them.
Nā, mā te Atua, nāna nei te tūmanako, e whakakī koutou ki te hari katoa, ki te rangimārie, i runga i te whakapono, kia hua ai tō koutou tūmanako, i runga i te kaha o te Wairua Tapu.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are praying too.
And also remember the stories of God at work bringing hope and peace amidst the struggles.
1 Not
Stories like that of a young person I know who dropped out of school at 14 because of her high level of anxiety.
Her name was Lena.1 During her time off school, Lena went to a local Scripture Union camp—and it took a lot of encouragement to get her there. Afterwards as I talked with her and asked how she had found it, she reflected on the care and friendship she had been shown and the confidence it had given her. I asked her about God and she said this, “Well I don’t know. But the people I met think he’s ok. I’ll come to church with you and see.”
That was two years ago and God has been at work in her life. She’s moved away from Wellington now but last week she messaged me to say she’s found a new church and she is going well. It was lovely to hear from her and we prayed together.
God is at work in the lives of many of the children and young people we work with and we are glad for that.
Thank you, God!
Ngā mihi nui, HILARY HAGUE
National Director
Youth
Scripture Union has a team of Youth Consultants based across Aotearoa New Zealand with the aim of supporting and equipping youth ministries and leaders. This issue of Adventure magazine will focus on some of the issues facing youth ministries and ways we can support these youth ministries through training and resourcing.
I have been involved in youth ministry in Aotearoa for around 37 years and I have seen many changes and many challenges, but what we have faced in the last five years and where we currently sit is the hardest space we have found ourselves in. Large numbers of the young people we work with face challenges with their mental health and a world that is in turmoil after a worldwide pandemic. On top of this, youth ministry is incredibly diverse, it’s fun, it’s rewarding, and it is extremely draining on our physical and mental wellbeing. The articles that follow this one will look at some of the challenges we face in youth ministry, and they will
give some pointers and explain how the team at Scripture Union can provide training, resources, and other support. It may seem a bit of a hard read but I make no apologies for that. We thought we needed to show you what things are really like for those in your churches who are working with youth.
Let’s look at several of the areas that we will cover in this edition. I will begin with volunteers. Firstly, if you have volunteers running any of the ministries in your church, please make sure they are appreciated and give them whatever support you can. In youth ministry, many churches find themselves noticeably short of volunteers and many of the volunteers have no training—or even much biblical or spiritual knowledge. What they do have is a passion to say 'yes' to working with youth. Many of the volunteers are also short on time that they can offer and that causes pressure for them and for the person who heads up the youth ministry. One of our key roles here at
Ministry IN AOTEAROA
Scripture Union is to provide training and resourcing for these volunteer leaders. You can imagine that if you have very little training and you are working with young people who are struggling with mental health challenges along with all the other pressures that go with being an adolescent how very quickly you may feel out of your depth, and then that puts a strain on your own physical and mental wellbeing, which then restricts your ability to lead, and so the cycle continues. This, of course, means that others are reluctant to volunteer because they see the effect it is having on those already involved.
Then we have restricted finances. With many church budgets stretched, the youth ministry will often find itself with barely enough to work with the young people in their care, let alone find the means to pay for training and resources. This means that many youth pastors and volunteers often dip into their own finances to make stuff happen. Many denominations run wonderful training weekends across the
country, but many of the volunteer leaders just do not have the time or the finances to be able to attend. That is where we try our best to provide top quality training for as small a cost as possible and to fit within the time restraints the leaders have.
Finally, there are the elevated levels of mental health challenges among our young people—and often among the youth leaders themselves. With 3 out of every 5 young people suffering from mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, it makes being a leader very taxing. It means you are always on the lookout for who is not coping well in the group you are working with. It is for this very reason we have begun running a fully-accredited Mental Health First Aid course to help train these pastors and volunteers.
The interesting thing is that because young people are struggling and because they are looking at their world wondering what will happen next, they are asking big
NEVILLE BARTLEY | SUNZ Youth Team Leader
NOW IS THE TIME
THAT YOUTH
MINISTRIES ACROSS AOTEAROA CAN BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
questions, and they are looking for places that care for them, support them, and help them grow. I can say that because many of them are turning up to our local youth groups looking for support, looking for love, and looking for answers. We are, in fact, seeing many young people who are neurodivergent and others who are part of the rainbow community visiting our youth groups looking for the safety and answers they seek.
Now is the time that youth ministries across Aotearoa can be making a difference in the lives of the young people
in their communities. Now is the time that we need well-equipped, well-trained, and well-supported paid and volunteer staff to run these ministries. Now is the time for us to think about how we can be involved. You are never too old, and you can be useful through providing food, finances, and your time. Please support those who are running your youth ministries. Help them to get the training and resources they need and encourage them that it is well worth it. I hope you are encouraged by our ministry and challenged by the articles that follow.
YoutHSUNZ
Neville as National Youth Ministry team leader, is responsible for the oversight of SUNZ programmes for youth and leadership of staff and volunteers within this ministry. He is passionate about training, supporting and equipping both leaders and young people to be all they can be in Christ. Neville is loyal, independent and pack orientated.
Andy has been with SUNZ for 20 years working in youth ministry in the Auckland area. He helps lead our Anamata youth leader training, YouthServe urban mission and It’s Your Move schools transition programmes. Andy is an MHFA facilitator and runs our Āpōpō mental health training. He leads Pōnui Island Boys fishing camp,
TEAM
helps on Exodus Prime and many other SUNZ camps. Andy is intelligent, cheeky and kind.
Eli is based in Hamilton as our Waikato & Bay of Plenty youth consultant, connecting with, training and supporting those doing the mahi in youth ministry. He is always looking for opportunities for conversations about mental health and wants to see the church empowered to fulfil the great commission. Eli is fun, chaotic and needs something to fidget with.
Piper works three days a week in Wellington as Youth Team Administrator and Youth Consultant. She also works parttime as Associate Youth Pastor at her church.
She is passionate about youth development and seeing young people's mana enhanced and given opportunities to lead and grow in their faith. Piper is chill and level-headed. She gets things done.
Larissa is our youth consultant for Otago & Southland, based in Dunedin. She has recently trained as an MHFA accredited facilitator and is passionate about equipping people with practical tools and strategies for supporting their own and others’ wellbeing. Larissa is strong and assertive but loves a caring cuddle.
Our SUNZ Youth Team had fun linking their character traits with animals for this issue. Read more on www.sunz.org.nz/youthconsultancy/
EXP LAIN ING
This issue is looking at the things that face those people doing youth ministry in our churches across Aotearoa. Because we have a team of Youth Consultants on the ground to support these ministries, we have created our training and resourcing arm called Anamata.
Anamata, in te reo Māori means a time to come, hereafter, the future.
So, we have created—and continue to create—high quality workshops to train those who are working with our rangatahi across the country. We create training that is not just looking at the issues we face today but that help to prepare us for what we will face in the future.
Anamata works at several distinct levels. Firstly, we run one-off full-day training events in major centres across Aotearoa. These training days are on a Saturday in March to help to give youth leaders some training as they progress into the year. Each day has 3 streams of workshops with three 90-minute workshops in each stream. One stream is for newer leaders or leaders that find they have very few skills in a certain area. The next stream is for leaders who have been around for a few years and the final stream are for those
senior leaders who may have some greater responsibilities in the running of the youth ministry and for the youth pastors. These days are a fun way to learn and to meet other people who are working in youth ministry like yourself. We have kept the cost of these to a level so that we just break even and that way hopefully making them accessible to everyone.
Secondly, Anamata has regional training events which range from events where we have 2 streams with two workshops through to just one workshop provided for youth leaders within that area.
Finally, Anamata can be where a youth ministry asks us to collaborate specifically with their team on a certain topic or topics, and this workshop can be delivered during their youth leaders retreat weekend or on a separate evening.
Our aim is to provide high-quality training in a way that best equips and supports the people who are doing youth ministry. If you have any questions about topics, costs or availability, just head to our website sunz.org.nz/youth/anamata for more information on this programme or contact your local Scripture Union Youth Consultant.
NEVILLE BARTLEY | SUNZ Youth Team Leader
ENGAGING NON-FAITH YOUTH WITH SCRIPTURE
PIPER CLARE | SUNZ Youth Consultant Wellington
Following his resurrection, one of the last things Jesus says to his disciples is, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. Jesus’ final instruction to them is to go and spread his word, the great commission. A challenge faced in youth ministry, however, is how to engage young people with scripture who have never encountered Jesus, have never read a Bible, or have never been to church.
One of the first ways that we can engage non-faith youth with scripture is through a video-based programme (VBP). Scripture Union has a great resource called NUA that is a VBP designed for both non-faith and faith youth to engage with scripture. Another popular VBP is Youth Alpha. This is being relaunched in November this year and is a resource designed and presented by youth for youth. The Bible Project is a clever VBP that provides a lot of historical contexts. Their short and informative videos pair visual aid with context and explanation to introduce viewers to books of the Bible, core concepts and much more.
Another way to engage nonfaith youth with scripture
is through physical engagement. A great way to do this is through using different Bible translations that are easy to understand. Using things like the ESV, The Message, The Voice, and the Graphic Bible which are all translations that can help non-faith youth to digest scripture and engage better. When doing this, pairing it with an interactive activity like the Discovery Bible method or Bible jamming can help with engagement. SUNZ also has an app called the Engage Bible Reading App. This app has daily short scripture readings and discussion questions that young people can listen to either by themselves or with others.
And this brings us to the last and probably most important point, to encourage group engagement. The Bible is a powerful message when read in community and fellowship with others. God speaks to us all differently and will draw different truths out when we engage with scripture. When we engage with others we allow for a deeper and richer engagement with scripture.
NEURO DIVERGENT YOUTH WORKING WITH
DONNA FUNK | Children's Bible Ministries
Everyone thinks differently! Aren’t you glad about that? Every one of us thinks, learns, and interacts with others in social circumstances in a special and distinct way. But for certain people, there are noticeable differences in the way they process and respond/react to information… differently than you do.
Notice I wrote differently, not incorrectly. These individuals are neurodivergent in their thinking and processing.
What is neuro divergence?
Neuro = brain | Divergent = tending to be different than the norm
The term neurodiversity was coined in 1997 by sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic. Neurodiversity means that certain people's brains receive and process information differently than neurotypical brains. This information includes learning styles, social style standards, and behavioural patterns.
It is estimated that 20% of the world’s population are neurodivergent. That means as many as 1 out of 5 people you know are neurodiverse, and many experts feel that this number is under-represented.
Individuals who are not neurodivergent are referred to as neurotypical. Because the brains of neurodivergent people are wired differently than those of
neurotypical people, they see and feel the world in ways that most people do not. This can be difficult since people who are neurodivergent often find it difficult to fit in with the way the neurotypical society works, and vice-versa.
Neurodiversity is not a diagnosed disability but rather an umbrella or catchall phrase which describes numerous diffabilities. (I prefer to use this term indicating that they have different abilities- as opposed to disability which stigmatizes them as lacking abilities). The umbrella of diffabilities includes autism, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourettes. While these diffabilities can make life challenging and sometimes difficult, they can also present as strengths such as:
• innovative, out-of-the-box thinking
• attention to detail & great focus
• a keen ability to recognise patterns
• excelling in technological skills
Difficulties can include:
• various learning disabilities (reading, writing, maths, etc.)
• social interaction (not understanding interpersonal/social cues)
• oral and written communication
• motor coordination and physical skills
It is tough for individuals with divergent thinking to navigate shared spaces (work, learning social) which can often lead to
feelings of social exclusion and isolation.
I am a divergent thinker, seeing the world much differently than the average, neurotypical person. This is, at times, frustrating, even maddening for me and others around me. My two granddaughters are out-of-the-box thinkers as well. One day my granddaughter Aria said, “That sounds like blue.” She sees specific colours when she hears certain sounds (technically called synaesthesia). It seems like a very cool superpower to me!
TRUE: a neurodivergent individual’s brain functions differently
FALSE: said person is deficit or disabled
Unfortunately, when neurodivergent people interact with the world around them in the only way that they know how they are often misunderstood and seen as troublemakers, scatter brained, flighty and other pejorative descriptions. Because neurodivergent people tend to be out-of-the-box thinkers, they can be mavericks, pioneers, and risk takers. Some of our greatest thinkers, writers, artists, singers, and inventors were/are neurodivergent: Leonardo DaVinci, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg.
What can we do to be of support?
We must:
• be flexible and adaptable
• show them respect and patience
• talk with them—not at them
• encourage their out-of-the-box thinking
• offer noise-cancelling headphones
• allow them space to move around
• give them extra time to accomplish certain tasks and offer to help
• ask how they feel e.g. a person with dyslexia may not want to go to a youth group for fear of being asked to read aloud
In the same way we celebrate certain aspects of human diversity, ethnicities, cultures, languages, giftings/talents, and so forth, we also need to celebrate the unique way God wired our brains. We also need to recognize that no two brains are alike when it comes to how we process, perceive, and respond to the world around us!
If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But as it is, God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one. So, there are many parts, but only one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (paraphrased from ICB)
Donna Funk is a wife, mom, and Mimi. She is also a former Special Education teacher. 20 years ago, she and her family left California for a 2-year church planting mission in NZ. God had other plans, and they have stayed on doing full-time ministry. She and her husband, Todd work alongside Children’s Bible Ministries as part of the teaching/training team as well as helping run the holiday camps at Camp Raglan. Donna is passionate about seeing the church and wider community become more inclusive and accepting of people with “diffabilities.” She has written an advocacy workshop called “Special to God: Meeting the Needs of Special Kids.” donnafunk@gmail.com
forward FEED
Most of our Anamata workshops are followed up with an evaluation survey where participants are asked to rate and comment on the training. Overall, the comments have been positive, and participants are grateful for training and support. Over 90% of those surveyed replied the training was amazing, and they would recommend Anamata to friends or other youth ministry leaders. Surveyed participants expressed the value of the training and the opportunity to learn and grow as leaders.
It was refreshing to see discipleship explained from such a passionate perspective by the SUNZ staff.
SIt was really good, I loved connecting with other leaders.
I loved the variety! All the speakers have different life experiences and skills.
I loved the theological and Biblical grounding for the content and how it also had practical things to take away and try out.
Such a good space to download and get respectful advice. Extremely valuable.
UNZ offer a range of workshops at our Anamata training days. These are developed in response to need and delivered by SUNZ ministry staff and others experienced in these topics. Here are some great feedforward comments about the Anamata workshops.
YOUTH 101 TOOLBOX WELLNESS OF YOUR TEAM
This was super helpful and definitely something I want to implement.
I found the small groups section really helpful. I also found that silence is a helpful tool.
I enjoyed the interactive elements of this workshop, and despite the topic it wasn’t too heavy or overwhelming.”
Awesome life changing stuff for so many people. Practical and thoughtprovoking applications.
YOUTH GROUP VS YOUTH MINISTRY
CALLED TO LEAD
I enjoyed the historical examples we look at from the Bible. The workshop reiterated that everyone has different gifts.
I learnt SO much and was SO inspired by the stories told from the presenters own experience.
Shocked that I didn’t know this before.
Good reminder to be careful not to neglect your own spiritual growth in the pursuit of your ministry. It was interesting to consider the distinctions and overlap between youth group, youth work and youth ministry.
FILLING UP YOUR CUP
A useful reminder of things we often know but don’t put into practice.
YOUTH MINISTRY AOTEAROA
I loved the point about mana-enhancing relationships, this was something I hadn’t heard before but is obviously so important in our NZ context.
Very comprehensive, gave a useful framework for understanding calling, enjoyed very much!
DISCIPLEMAKERS
This was a fantastic session around what we do now and what Jesus actually did and painted a biblical picture of discipleship.
Epic workshop, my fave of the day! Hearing about the uniqueness of youth ministry in Aotearoa was so helpful to my leadership journey.
NZ CODE OF ETHICS
It is good to recognise what some of the additional challenges of being a youth leader are. It was nice to be thanked and encouraged.
The importance . . . and the encouragement to be bold and upfront in my youth ministry.
HARD YARDS
I enjoyed the sharing aspect, hearing different individuals share about their own battles within ministry.
It is good to recognise what some of the additional challenges of being a youth leader are. It was nice to be thanked and encouraged. It is good to recognise what some of the additional challenges of being a youth leader are. It was nice to be thanked and encouraged.
KAUPAPA MĀORI
I really enjoyed looking at the Māori concepts. It allowed me to come up with and realise new ideas or activities that can be incorporated into youth group.
Thegreatest of allGift
Welcome! Check out our ideas! Pull it out! & pass it around
I’m sure someone has already counted how many days it is until Christmas. Around our office there’s talk of decorating our desks, but I’m a staunch believer in 1st December being the start date for that. No doubt some of you have already sorted the cake and there are careful conversations about whose family to be with on 25th December, and then there’s the summer holidays to plan.
What about presents? What traditions do you have? Secret Santa? Op shop specials? And when’s the cut off date for overseas posting?
Of course, we all know that Jesus—the greatest gift of all— is the reason for the season. So how do we hold that close as we navigate everything else that society is throwing at us? In amongst the busyness of the silly season how can we keep sane and faithful at the same time?
This edition of the WAY2GO magazine contains ideas for Christmas at home and in the community around us —sharing the hope of Jesus, a gift for all.
Liz Eichler Children and Families Team Leader, SUNZ
Paper Christmas Chain
You will need: strips of coloured paper, pens, stapler (& staples!) Make a paper chain with the messages below written on each strip. For each day in December remove one chain and follow the instructions.
Talk about ‘What gives you peace.’
Talk about ‘What gives you joy.’
Talk about ‘What gives you hope.’
Say something nice to each other.
Read Jeremiah 33:14-16.
Give each other a hug.
Do some Christmas baking together.
Read Isaiah 11:1-3.
Play a game together.
Read Micah 5:2-4.
Tell the Nativity Story together.
Make some Christmas cards.
Read Isaiah 7:14.
Talk about what you like about Christmas.
Sing a Christmas carol together.
Do something nice for each other.
Eat some Christmas food together.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7.
Go for a walk together.
Draw a Christmas picture together.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Reverse Advent Calendar
Christmas is a wonderful time for many, but for others it can be a very lonely and challenging time. Rather than an Advent Calendar that is about getting something, a Reverse Advent Calendar is about giving something away. The idea is to put something in a box each day to be given to someone in need this Christmas.
Here’s a list of suggestions of what you might like to give:
Bless Others
canned food, breakfast cereal, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, pasta, rice, noodles, sauces, spreads, biscuits, crackers, cooking oil, sugar, tea, coffee, soya or long-life milk, washing powder, box of chocolates…
This could be a whole church activity, partnering with a local food bank or city mission, or another connection your church may have.
You will need: small chocolate bars, paper, scissors, pens, adhesive tape.
The end of the year is often a time of thanking people who have been a part of your year in some way. A small chocolate bar with a personalized message can be one way of doing this.
Talk about who you might like to give these to schoolteachers, swimming instructors, supermarket checkout operators, sports coaches…
Cut out some rectangular pieces of paper. These will be the wrappers. Write a thank you message on the inside of the wrapper and decorate the outside in some way. Wrap the chocolate bar and secure with adhesive tape. Pray that the people who receive the gifts will know the real meaning of Christmas.
Are you passionate about children’s ministry? Are you keen to see those in ministry encouraged, supported, and upskilled in their roles? Do you live in Christchurch, or want to? Then we have the job for you! Scripture Union is looking to appoint someone into the role of Children and Families Consultant for the Canterbury region. This is a vital role for our churches. For the job description and/or more information, please contact Liz Eichler, Children and Families Team Leader, liz.e@sunz.org.nz.
Available from sunz.org.nz/shop
THE GRUMPY OWL AND THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
This fantastic new book is the story of a grumpy owl who is desperate to find some peace and quiet. Follow his adventure and see the nativity unfold as he returns to the very place he was trying to escape from!
$10
GOD BECAME LIKE ME?
A poetic retelling of why Jesus came, how much he loves us and how he is always there for us. It features stunning line illustrations for children to colour in while reflecting on the words.
$3
LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES AND INSPIRATION?
Check out our SUNZ Children and Families blogspot and Breakthrough websites childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.com | sunzbreakthrough.squarespace.com
ANXIETY DEALING WITH
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is an emotion that triggers the body’s response to danger. Adrenaline rushes into the bloodstream to enable us to stand and fight, freeze, and keep still, or run away from the danger. It is the body’s alarm and survival mechanism, especially useful if you are facing down a sabre-toothed tiger. Fortunately, we are unlikely to encounter such predators face-to-face, however our inbuilt danger system is still in operation. So, when anxiety strikes, our survival mechanism kicks in whether the danger is real or perceived. Anxiety ranges from mild unease, to panic attacks (often mimicking a heart attack). It also varies in duration, frequency, and intensity. Like many things, it becomes a problem when it interferes or interrupts our day-to-day (normal) life, and the longer it goes without treatment the bigger the impact of anxiety.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY?
Anxiety will show up in thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and body. Some of
15% of adults (16 yrs or older), meet criteria for an anxiety disorder each year.
LARISSA PEARCE | SUNZ Youth Consultant Otago-Southland
these signs (what you see) and symptoms (what you feel) are: worrying a lot, racing or blank mind, indecisiveness, confusion, excessive fear, irritability, anger, avoidance, sleep disruption, racing heart, blushing, shortness of breath, vomiting, headaches/muscle aches and pains. Often in children and young people it shows up as difficult behaviours; issues others find difficult to deal with.
WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY?
The physical response can be triggered by external events (what is happening to or around the person), or internal events such as thoughts or memories. The bottom line is anything that seems threatening can trigger anxiety for a person. The trigger also varies from person to person, and what one person finds scary and anxiety-inducing, another person may find invigorating or fun (for example bungy jumping, or public speaking).
For panic disorders anxiety is usually linked to a specific event where danger was perceived. The brain and body then associate similar situations and respond with anxiety for protection. The brain is
Anxiety is more common in females than males.
Half the people who experience an anxiety disorder will do so by age 15.
saying “uh-oh, I recognise this situation, this is not good,” and the signal goes to the body so it can physically respond to the danger through the fight, flight or freeze response.
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO ANXIETY?
Take time to develop healthy relationships in your context, as soon as possible so that when challenges arise there is a foundation of trust already in place. Identifying if there is an existing diagnosis or history of anxiety is helpful as there may already be strategies or a safety plan in place. When challenges do arise, responding calmly prevents the situation escalating. It could be as simple as encouraging someone to participate in an activity or partnering them with a peer. If the anxiety is a panic attack (sudden intense burst of anxiety), the person may not be able to respond with words, however reassuring them in a calm manner will go a long way to reminding them that you are there, and they will be okay. Encouraging them to focus on the environment around them can help too. Try asking what they see, hear, feel, taste and touch?
If you are experiencing anxiety, having some grounding tools to calm yourself is useful. Websites such as Anxiety NZ
Anxiety can be a good thing —it can alert us to real danger with our mental and/or physical health.
(anxiety.org.nz), Just a Thought (justathought.co.nz), or Small Steps (smallsteps.org.nz) have helpful suggestions and resources. These suggestions are more effective when practised regularly, as well as in response to anxiety. It is also important to have something to focus on outside of anxiety, such as social events, hobbies, exercise. These help to build confidence as well as distraction from the impending doom feelings of anxiety.
As youth consultants, we increasingly see and hear about anxiety and mental health challenges, and how they are impacting faith communities across the country. Our desire is to equip people with tools, strategies, and support to approach these situations confidently and in a caring way.
SOME OF THE TOOLS WE OFFER
ĀPŌPŌ is a workshop designed for young people to equip them to support themselves and others when it comes to mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
TRAINING SUNZ have three MHFA accredited facilitators on the youth team ready to deliver this intensive 2-day training programme.
ANAMATA These tailored workshops are for leaders in youth ministry to share and learn more about specific topics and issues.
Contact your local youth consultant for more information or visit the youth page on SUNZ website sunz.org.nz/youth.
Light
JEREMY WATSON
for the path
Aword that has been on my heart for the last few years has been abide. Now, depending on your experience, that word could have a variety of meanings and connotations. For some, abide could sound very demanding or legalistic, such as “abide by the law.” For me, abide provides an intriguing sense of comfort, particularly when read within the context of the well-known scripture in John 15.
This is what Jesus says in John 15:4-5, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”
This gives me immense relief when it comes to living a life dedicated to following Jesus, because it is not all about me! It is not about how good I am, how skilled I am, or how smart I am. It is not about my successes or my failures, my past or my future. As a follower of Jesus, I am simply called to abide in him. I love the part that says,
IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT ME! ... AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, I AM SIMPLY CALLED TO ABIDE IN HIM
“apart from me you can do nothing.” To some, that might sound restrictive or deflating, but I know that Jesus is already at work in the world. He is already working to restore all things and bring good to a broken creation. And he invites us to join him in what he is already doing.
Abiding is not restrictive, it's life-giving. And from that place of connection to Jesus, we will see good fruit in our lives. As soon as we go off thinking we can make it on our own, disconnected to the vine, we have no sustenance, no longevity and we produce no good fruit. It is refreshing and sustaining to live a life connected to Jesus—abiding in him.
|Youth Pastor, Central Baptist Church Palmerston North
Meet Jeremy
Kia ora e te whānau! My name is Jeremy Watson, and I am the youth pastor at Central Baptist Church in Palmerston North. I have been here for almost three years now and can very easily call this place my home. However, I was born and bred just north of Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington) in a place called Porirua. Porirua is where I first heard the Gospel, where I grew in my faith, and where I first felt the call on my life to serve God in ministry.
Throughout my time as a youth, there were significant moments, camps, and retreats where I fell deeper in love with Jesus. But when it comes to my growth as a leader, there is one camp run by Scripture Union that stands out from the rest. I attended Exodus Prime in its inaugural year and was part of the first cohort to complete four years of leadership training.
Even now as a youth pastor, having gone through a Bachelor of Applied Theology
and a certificate in Youth Pastoral Leadership training, I find myself looking back to Exodus Prime and seeing it as one of the most foundational times where I learned about God, leadership and how that plays out in everyday life.
I love to play football, indoor or outdoor, 4 aside or 11 aside, social, or competitive. In whatever form, it brings me such joy and passion for sport. I also enjoy board games, one of the coolest ways I have found to connect with people! And in each part of these every day, mundane activities I can see how a love for God and leadership skills play a role.
I also love working with youth. Young people hold a passion and enthusiasm that is desperately needed in a world that often seems hopeless. One of my great privileges is seeing young people with a passion for our world, fuelled by the power of the gospel. I believe that everything we do, even the mundane, needs to be fuelled by the power of the gospel.
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A SUNZ YOUTH CONSULTANT
After the happy chaos of a Monday morning getting my young sons out the door and dropped off at school, I arrive at Agora Church where the Kirikirirora SUNZ offices are based. I am greeted by the friendly café team who make my one-a-day coffee. Caitlin Janes, SUNZ North Island Camps facilitator and my office buddy, catch up and discuss our plans for the week, and ways we can support each other.
I check my calendar to see I have a meeting with a youth pastor today, and an Āpōpō workshop on Wednesday morning to prepare for. An Anamata training day is coming up and I am speaking at a youth group later in the week, so I need to make sure I slot in time for prayer and preparation. I often go for a walk and pray through my ministry.
When I meet with a youth pastor, it is important to be prepared through prayer. You never know what is going to come up. It is my role to encourage a youth pastor in the Lord, to hear about the struggles and victories supporting them in their calling.
Each day I deal with a few emails, but I much prefer to call people. I usually have
ELI SAVILL | SUNZ Youth Consultant Waikato-Bay of Plenty
up to four zoom meetings every week too. My morning coffee is replaced by a chai latte.
On Thursday night, Agora have a session for budding young artists and musicians to come and play. It’s so cool for a church to create an engaging space for young people to grow and share their struggles and talents in a faith setting.
SUNZ youth consultants continually hear about the changing needs of youth and research ways to best support the church in youth ministry. Our Anamata training has tapped into this need, as well as Āpōpō, suicide awareness training and the introduction of MHFA (Mental Health First Aid).
Friday arrives and I sign off early to spend the afternoon with my boys, as I’m usually out at youth groups during the weekend. The day ends with a hot chocolate together.
This gives you some insight into the average week of a youth consultant and the importance of our role in supporting youth ministries through mentoring, supervision and the provision of Anamata training. Thank you for your continued prayer and support.
OUT & ABOUT
Please check out the News and Stories section on our website www.sunz.org.nz for more information.
We'd love to see you at a SUPPORTERS EVENT in November & December. Information on sunz.org.nz/ sunz-supporters-event/
JULY HŪRAE
SUNZ Camps came and went…57 campers and 21 leaders at 3 camps, with all enjoying Bible engagement centred on Luke.
Camps Admin Donna Beech helped as camp cook at Ruapehu Adventure. She has been updating a how-to guide for SUNZ camp cooks with sample recipes for 30+ hungry campers. It is seriously impressive. If you want to see this, sign up as a camp cook!
Penelope Trought & Ruby visited SU Tonga on our behalf. They had a great time, especially joining SU staff in ministry to schools.
AUGUST Ā KUHATA
SU Camps Team took a breather after winter camps. SU Youth team also took the opportunity for leave after a lot of youth workshops and events across the country.
On the 8th, Hilary led an online chapel for all SUNZ staff, prayer group leaders, board and finance team members. On the 11th SUNZ Auckland held an open day at their new Henderson office.
There were 45 attendees at GATHER South 16th-18th, Karitane. Selwyn Yeoman led studies and discussion on ecotheology; and GATHER North 23rd-25th, Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.
Paul Humphreys at E3 Train the Trainers 27th-29th. Eli Savill took family and friends to SU Adventure Lodge to celebrate his birthday by having a working bee clean and repair. Huge thanks also to Stan Shepherd and Steve Cameron who undertake regular maintenance at the Lodge.
The Children & Families Team enjoyed a hui and planning time 19th-22nd in Wairarapa. Unfortunately, the southern snow caused one flight delay, and a flu bug got loose, but they did enjoy a good time to connect and strategise.
Fundraising Coordinator Peilin Cheng rushed back to China to be at her mother’s hospital bedside. Her mother died on 25th. Peilin will be away until 16 October. In her absence, AnnaMarie Slessor, Hilary Hague and Paul Martell successfully managed the annual September giving appeal mailed out on 30th.
SUNZ Youth Team leader Neville Bartley & SUNZ Youth Consultant Piper Clare attended The Abbey, Anglican Youth conference 30 Aug – 1 Sep.
Marketing Manager Meshach Singh proposed and was accepted. We are delighted for him and Rea as they are now planning for their wedding. And Children & Families Admin Grace Clark, will be married to Dell on 14 December.
SEPTEMBER HEPETEMA
Children & Families team leader Liz Eichler was very out & about this month; to Christchurch, 2nd-5th, networking with children’s ministry workers there. Home for a change of clothes, then to a course at Carey College; Faith Formation in Children, 9th-11th. Kairos training in Whanganui, then an extra WAY2GO in New Plymouth on 21st.
MHFA training for Baptist Church & 24/7 leaders and staff 3rd-4th and a MHFA Wellington planned for 17th-18th.
SUNZ Youth Consultant Auckland Andy Banks moved house.
Our AGM on 10th was successful, with National Director Hilary Hague, Board Chair Neil Walbran and Treasurer Ruth Early in front of the camera. Thanks to all who attended this online event, asked questions, gave feedback and voted.
On 24th, SUNZ Wellington office staff went on a private tour of Whakamaru (Wellington City Mission) our new neighbours. Thanks to Murray Edridge for hosting us. It's an amazing facility.
Anamata Hamilton was on 28th. Spring Camps
SUNZ have eight spring camps with Bible engagement centred on eco-theology and creation care.
28 Sep - 2 Oct| Going Deeper, Pōnui Island
29 Sep - 3 Oct | Gain, Momorangi
30 Sep - 3 Oct | SUPAkidz Polar Explorers
OCTOBER OKETOPA
Spring Camps (continued)
2 - 6 Oct | Creative Edge, Wainuiomata
3 - 7 Oct | Pōnui Spring Adventure
6 - 10 Oct | Season & Alight, Hanmer Springs
6 - 10 Oct | Snow Blast, Whakapapa
6 - 10 | Sustain, Raglan
MHFA Christchurch 8-9th. Liz Eichler on leave 9-30th and Hilary on leave 18-20th. Camps team take time in lieu. Youth team meet in Auckland 22-24th.
NOVEMBER NOEMA
SUNZ will hold Supporters Events across the country from 3rd November - 8th December. Huge thanks to volunteers who are helping with these annual events. Visit sunz.org.nz/sunz-supportersevent/ for more information. We want to see you there!
SU Global Week of Prayer 4th-8th, themed on The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6.9-13. Annette Osborne will be away at SU International meetings 10th-28th.
GATHER South 9-10th, Canterbury area. GATHER North 23-24th, Pōnui Island.
NLT & Board meetings in Wellington, 28-30th.
Our 35 Beyond Experience ’24 participants conclude their BE programme at the end of November. One BE’er, Kaitlin Sampson wrote about her dance experience trip. Read about it here sunz.org.nz/kaitlins-dance-experience-inamerica/
make a
You can help us to come alongside young people and youth leaders, to support, guide and train them to become lifelong disciples who serve the world around them.
“Now is the time that youth ministries across Aotearoa can make a difference in the lives of the young people in their communities. Now is the time that we need well equipped, well trained, and well supported staff to run these ministries. Now is the time for us to think about how we can be involved.”
—Neville
Bartley
Your donation will support our youth ministry, so we can change the lives of young people as they ignite their faith and passion for God. Together, we can make a difference.
$50 could provide a mentor for a young person who is struggling, ensuring they get help and support on their faith journey
$120 could enable us to run a training session on ‘helping hurting young people’ for youth leaders
$600 could help more young people experience the Apopo - mental health awareness programme to learn how to look out for and support their friends and whanau.
ways to give
Bank transfer to Account 02-0560-0036204-00 with reference ADV1024 and your supporter number (you’ll find this along with your address on the cover letter).
SUNZ are no longer including reply paid envelopes with the ADVENTURE as part of our effort to be sustainable and good stewards of resources we are blessed with. We continue to receive donations by mail, but please use your own envelope. See above for other ways to give. Thank you! Scan QR Code Online at sunz.org.nz
Set up an Automatic Payment to Account 02-0560-0036204-003 and include your supporter number and ADV1024 in the reference.
Over the phone by calling
If this is your first financial gift to SUNZ, please email accounts@sunz.org.nz with the details of your donation—this enables us to thank you and send you a tax receipt.
Scripture Union NZ
760 Wellington 6140 accounts@sunz.org.nz 04 385 0485 0508 423 836
S UMM ER
JANUARY
PŌNUI JUNIOR
3-9 JAN Pōnui Island, Y8 - Y10
PŌNUI SENIOR
10-17 JAN Pōnui Island, Y11 - Y13
ASPIRE
5-9 JAN Hāwea, Y7 - Y10
RAGLAN SURFARI
6-10 JAN Raglan, Y7 - Y13
EXODUS PRIME
12-16 JAN Wellington, Y10 - Y13
TE ANAU EXTEND
12-17 JAN Te Anau, Y11 - Y13
SUMMER SUPREME
19-23 JAN Mt Ruapehu, Y9 - Y13
TE ANAU
WIND ‘N WATER
19-24 JAN Te Anau, Y7 - Y10
CANTERBURY
WIND ‘N WATER
19-24 JAN Takamatua, Y7 - Y10
The Gospel Online
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