Methodist Conference 2013 Te Háhi Weteriana O Aotearoa

Transcription

1 Methodist Conference 2013 Te Háhi Weteriana O Aotearoa CONFERENCE SUMMARY The Annual Conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand met in Paerata at the Wesley College from Saturday 5 October until Wednesday 9 October 2013 This is an informal and condensed summary of Conference 2013 as recorded by Rev Alan K Webster, for the purposes of delegates reporting back to parishes. Full proceedings and formal records of conference decisions are available elsewhere on the Methodist website, and that source should be regarded as the completely authorised version. FRIDAY At the Wesley Historical Society dinner John Steele gave a fascinating overview of the life and very hard times of one of our lesser-known early Methodist missionaries, Gideon Smales. SATURDAY The Evangelical Network held its breakfast early on Saturday morning. Tauiwi Youth led us in a devotion asking us to consider what it might mean to be a model or example in our leadership to those who look for us to guiding...we were asked What kind of example would we be if the whole church were like you?. Page 1

2 Opeta Amani spoke as an advocate for breaking the cycle of family violence: we need to do more than keep an eye on it. Not just vision what are we doing as individuals, so that after ten years we can look back and see a difference as a result of what we are doing now? We farewelled the presbyters and lay people in our connexion who have died in the previous year: Edward (Ted) Baker, Alison Beeston, Edward (Ed) Petrie Boyd, Hughan Morris Craig, Barrie Crichton, Arthur Dickie, Graham Harris, Tevita Kilifi Heimuli, Ruth Le Couteur, Evan Rhys Lewis, Veronica Madeleine Lowe, Noeline Nuttall, Henry Heremia Pate, Mori Pickering, Gillian Anne Telford, Sunnah Thompson, lani ila Uasi, Wiremu Waiomio, Alexander (Alex) Crushington Watson, Alan Charles Webster, Francis Henry George Westaway and Maurice Wilson. And recognised those who have retired through the year: Rev Brian Eagle, Rev Wallis Browne, Robyn Westaway and Thelma Efford. Methodist Womens Fellowship: MWF president Marie Smith will officiate in the celebration of fifty years of MWF. Special Projects from home and overseas include the Mokopuna programme, funding for National Council of Women, various trusts and funds for women, the World Day of Prayer and support for the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church women. Re: Integrating Ministry with Children, Young People and their Families Esme Cole and Sue Spindler facilitated a discussion that agreed that we need a sustainable ministry: one not looking over its shoulder every ear wondering about funding. This is about the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole family: ministering to, and as the whole household of God, and a biblical approach to ministry. The steering committee strongly commended the establishment and ongoing secure funding for one 1FTE co-ordinator for these two linked but separate ministries. This is to be not a top-down hierarchical and a consultative process, determining what parishes need. The children s team would consist of six people: a representative from each of Sinoti, Vahefonua, Wasewase and three from the geographical regions; and the youth team would consist of seven people: a representative from each of Sinoti, Vahefonua, Wasewase and three from the geographical regions plus one from our largest Tauiwi youth group, Wesley College. Re: Lay superintendency Rev Dr Trevor Hoggard proposed that that there be no change in the lawbook: that teams be encouraged, and that so long as there is at least one presbyter (for sacramental reasons) in those teams there need be no primacy of personnel, and as many lay or ordained deacons as any synod may wish. Re: Pacific island congregations and English speaking parishes (Rev David Bush) proposed revision of the Law Book s Section 4 (Synods) to have one set of regulations for all synods (2.2.2) The memorial from Upper Hutt Uniting Congregations was extensively discussed, with the questions of what cultural and language identities and lines of oversight and authority debated at length. Saturday concluded with Conference Dinner, an address from the President and entertainment from Wesley College students, including a year twelve Samoan dancer Leota Inoke, whose performance netted $610 for our ten year programme Let the Children Live. SUNDAY The Ordination service, with an address by Rev Terry Wall, saw Rev Freddy De Alwis coming into full connexion and Rev Suresh Chandra, Rev Tevita Finau, Rev Sunia Ha unga, Rev David Palelei and Rev Makeleta Tu uhoko ordained into ministry into Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa. Wesley College young people produced and performed a moving drama looking at Youth Suicide and those support systems that can help young people through difficult times. Page 2

3 The Liberal Society and the Evangelical Network had a good evening in their annual gathering The Gay, Lesbian and Methodist group and friends met at a local Turkish restaurant and had an enjoyable evening MONDAY Morning devotions led by Te Taha Maori reminded us of God s charge to Joshua, Jesus call to remain in the vine (John 15:1-11) and reminded us of the presence of God in our Methodist history in New Zealand, and that it is still with us, and ended with the words of Emile Sande s You will find him next to me. The Evangelical Network made a presentation calling the church to carefully consider Recruitment, Retention and Renewal as a vital part of our continuing life. Tauiwi moved a motion congratulating MWF on their fifty years of service. Council of Conference presented their report. Te Tahi Maori We heard from two of the students for Kai Karakia training, and saw for ourselves evidence of their growing confidence and equipping for ministry. We voted thanks for the Grey Institute Trust s work over the years, as it wound up in September Tauiwi reported back to Conference. Rev Peni Tikoinaka gave thanks for the establishment of Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma e Niu Silandi. We heard a report from Rev Mataiva Robertson from Sinoti Samoa about aspects of family violence. We were introduced to Rev Olive Tanielu as new president for the MWF for Administrative Division Greg Wright made some suggestions regarding trusts that were endorsed by Conference. Mission Resourcing Chris Johnston informed Conference about funding and resourcing for existing and proposed ministries... Rev Trevor Hoggard inspired us about growth and evangelism... to bring together the right mix of people, to talk about the future of our church. Good things are happening: perhaps Mission and Resourcing will be able to pull together resources for growth. Rev Andrew Gamman reminded us that Refresh funding remains an issue. There is now an international appetite for the lectionary based material, Ten Minutes on a Tuesday. This has now completed the three year cycle: it is currently in the process of being indexed so that archived resources can continue to be used. Ten minutes on a Tuesday will cease publication at the end of Hospital Chaplaincy: Margaret Poynton updated Conference on the status of Hospital Chaplaincy at the moment, and Conference honoured and thanked Ron Malpass, who has carried this role for many years.. Page 3

4 Mission and Ecumenical Keith Hopner presented the MME report: Prince Devanandan reminded us that Christian unity is not an ideal which we must realise: it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate (Bonhoeffer Life Together) and reported back: - on a course on ecumenism run in New Zealand, that is planned as an ongoing biennial event. - on the Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, Republic of Korea October/November 2013 will be attended by eight people from te Taahi Weteriana o Aotearoa. - Christian Churches of Asia consultation on the moving of people in Asia January 2014 hosted by Methodist, Anglican and Korean Presbyterians churches in Auckland. - Goldie College water supply budgeted for $15,000: a total of $17,000 has been raised, largely by MWF groups in New Zealand. - Sasamuqa hospital solar panels technical requirements are being assessed, and the refurbishing of the wards is taking place as well. - Methodist Consultative Council of Pacific May 2013 climate change, especially as it affects the low lying islands of Tuvalu. - The centenary of the gospel arriving in Bougainville in Ecumenism 2015 as local conferences around New Zealand. - Vocational training centre for women in Bougainvillle. Rev Prince Devanandan launched a NEW PROJECT: $42,000 is required to upgrade the sea ambulance belonging to Helena Goldie Hospital: conference was called upon to dig deep there and then: the presidential team donated $50 each, Vahefonua $500 and the boxes went around, eventually garnering $2, from the members of conference present at the time. - Morven Sidal commended the Christmas shoebox appeal on the basis of her and Bob s experiences in Fiji World Methodist Council Report (Rev David Bush) The WMC currently has 80 member churches. Rev David Bush, our General Secretary, attended their most recent meeting Sept 9 13 in London in It was suggested from the New Zealand contingent in Durban last year that every Methodist member worldwide contributed US. 50c per member, to set up an endowment fund to self-fund the work of the World Methodist Council, the international family of John Wesley: and that possibly wealthier Methodists might be able to subsidise those less well off...so this is something to consider.. We were addressed after dinner by the president of the Tongan Conference Rev Dr Finau P Ahio, president of the free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, who passed on warm greetings. We heard some heart-warming stories from around the churches about things happening in various Let the Children Live initiatives. Close of Day was led by Rev Abhishek Solomon using Robert Frost s poem The Road Less Travelled. Page 4

5 TUESDAY We were led in morning devotions by Tau-iwi youth, presenting us with a drama and reflection about family violence and the presence of God in his absence... Trinity College Rev Dr David Bell Opportunities to grow in new directions open out at Trinity College with the pending appointment of a new principal. Rec Dr David also informed Conference about some of the new initiatives planned from Trinity: - Faith in the Fridge, discussions with young people in a Kingsland cafe about possible courses. - TRoQ government targetted review of qualifications in theological sector so that a level 5 or 6 degree means the same thing across all providers. - Spirituality courses run by Andrea Williamson, Rev Dr Mary Caygill. - Lead Worship expanded. - E-learning initiatives continue to expand. Lay Preachers reported back Administration Greg Wright reported from the Methodist Connexional Property Committee with regards to where we stand following the Christchurch earthquakes, in terms of how it affects our building codes. Travel and Study fund reported and reminded us of the conditions and parameters of that fund. NZ Methodist Trusts Association report was received. We welcomed representatives from the Seoul South Conference of the Methodist Church of Korea and representatives from the New Zealand Korean Methodist Church to the stage, and exchanged greetings. We were presented with a beautiful porcelain communion cup and plate by their delegation, and responded with a rimu bowl and honey from David Bush s family apiary. The delegation then sang to us in Korean...indescribably moving! The five plus five panel advised us that President Rev Tovia Aumua and Vice President Dr Arapera (Bella) Ngaha had been selected by the church for the coming term, commencing with the Hamilton Conference in Communications Rev Dr Barbara Peddie presented a report from Touchstone and media communications. Siu Williams-Lemi gave a presentation about Generation Y s use of social media, calling us to understand even if we don t use it; and to remember that relationships still depend upon face to face connexions. Rosalie Sagrue presented her new books Bible Challenge I and II, and Sophia as resources for worship. Paul Titus updated us on Touchstone. PAC Communications Endowment presented their report. Page 5

6 Faith and Order David Poultney presented their report. Rev Dr Trevor Hoggard talked about relationships with the Catholic Church and David Poultney about our relationship with the Anglican Church. The resource for Holy Communion and the study series Wesleyan Economics were distributed and commended. Social Issues Committee Public Issues Network report presented by Rev John Roberts. Dr Tracey McIntosh, head of Sociology of the Department of Auckland and Co-Chair of the Children s Commissioner s Expert Advisory Group on Child Poverty, gave a presentation about her work. - Poverty of hope, the lack of opportunities is the worst poverty of all. - Society has as much poverty as we can tolerate. - Young women in adult women s prison, aged 16-18: all economically disadvantaged, have all been excluded from education system by 13, all been victims and now perpetrators of violence. - Income insufficiency is a huge issue. - Loss of jobs, breakup of family. - Cumulative disadvantages in education, health, trauma, racism. - Social Sector trials: it costs $92-98,000 per year to keep people in prison: to spend that money on (e.g.) building a youth club has a huge effect on offending rates. Three Discussions on Solutions to Child Poverty: Income, Housing, Health a resource for churches were launched. Interchurch Bioethic Council report presented by Rev Dr Barbara Peddie who also announced the launch of a Facebook page. facebook.com/bioethicsnz Mission Resourcing continued their report. Esme Cole spoke about the children and young person s report, and shared her dreams: - special memories of our own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. - Esme was thanked for her contributions, especially over the last three years. Filo Tu gave an energetic, enthusiastic, and even occasionally rhyming report of Tauiwi Youth, and for MYC13, held just prior to Conference. Sue Spindler called us to find the commitment and money for a National Children, Young People and Families Co-ordinator. Rev Jill Van de Geer challenged every Parish to find $20 per week, $1000 per year from each of the 198 parishes of the MCNZ to fund our future...and then Sue Spindler issued her own challenge: talents for selling to our parishioners...$10 a talent, with 20 per church, paid into a special account BNZ with TALENTS as the reference. Our evening speaker was Damon Salesa Critical Trends amongst Polynesians Pasifika are a growing population Most Pasifika are NZ born Most Pasifika will have English as their first and only language Page 6

7 The numbers of Pasifika people without religious affiliation will grow Younger Maori are marrying non-maori more and more Only half of younger Pasifika marry other Pasifika Young Asian was 92%, now 72% marrying Asians 17% of Pasifika with no religion in last census 90% of those were NZ born 32,271 were Methodist 2006 census Median age general population = 36 Median age of Maori = <23 Pasifika = <21 Pasifika born in New Zealand = 13 Maori ¼, Asian ¼, Pasifika ¼ of all babies born in Auckland Pasifika unemployment rate 3 x rate of general population Unemployment rate of young Pasifika 40% Yet Pasifika on unemployment benefits have dropped 12% in last year: being supported by families Pasifika families working harder, longer for less Pasifika health die 4 years earlier 50x more likely to have rheumatic fever, 3x diabetes, 2x strokes, 2x depression, 2x suicide attempts Hospital admissions = admissions per 1000 people: Palangi 1 The wealthier the school the better the results Every decile one performs worse than every decile ten school We are able to reproduce wealth by decile performance 67.8% of Pasifika are in decile 1-3 schools Pasifika stay in school longer than anyone else except Asians 80% of Pasifika go to schools with over 50% Pasifika More education for less benefit Paying off (ie benefitting financially from) student loans far less than anyone else Spatial clustering is occurring in Auckland and it is getting worse: Maori and Pasifika getting more and more segregated Two thirds of Pasifika people have no Palangi living near them In 2006 Auckland 477 meshblocks are Pasifika: 61 are Asian, though there are 80,000 more Asians Suburban Auckland with a school with >1000 students and no Pakeha: within 6km is a 600 strong school with no Pasifika What is the future? Wesley College Report We heard from Rev Sylvia Akauola-Tongotongo about the tight five chaplaincy team, Chris Johnston reported on the financial well-being of the College, and Rev Ian Faulkner spoke with pride of his 312 students, 228 of whom live in residential accommodation at Wesley College, with some 100 staff. Ian thanked those people in the connexion who contribute to the Principal s Discretionary Fund which enables him to clothe and help and subsidise fees for those students who are in need. He informed us that he will be retiring at the end of 2015, and that a replacement principal will need to be appointed. Page 7

8 Wesley College students led us in close of day. WEDNESDAY Morning devotions was brought to us by Tau Iwi youth... Our Future - We are all meant to shine, in some way...as we let our lights shine, we give others and encouragement to permission to shine. - Go and serve, knowing that the Lord is our light, our salvation, of strength. Methodist Mission Aotearoa Social Services Revs Michael Greer and Rev John Murray - Methodist Services unambiguously represent the economics of God: justice, fairness, goodness, compassion, hope, equality and integrity. Dogmatic belief that that God is in every person s life, no matter what kind of mess it s in. - 31% of people >65 years old will be in labour market in 2013, up from 19% in % of NZ population captures 22% of personal income. - Ten Christchurch families have most of the landbank under their control. - Electricity prices rocket, increasing numbers of people have had power cut off. - ACC corporation surplus of $4.9B..how come? - 97 prisoners aged 70 years still incarcerated and over because no support outside prison. - Withdrew $400M from early childhood education despite indicators. - 90,000 housing unit deficit in greater Auckland area alone. When our communities are sick, we are all sick...if we fail to see God in everyone, we all suffer. An uncompromised commitment to fairness and justice, to the issues and circumstances of ordinary people and the wellbeing of all. In the last three days ten more families have found themselves homeless...and this is an ongoing issue for us all. Conference closed with a covenant service NEXT YEAR IN HAMILTON! Page 8