Faith’s power to lift us up during mental distress
Last year in our posts we covered a wide range of challenges that mental distress can bring, both for those experiencing it and for those supporting them. We have greatly appreciated the feedback and contributions. This year we will bring a monthly post and we will look at further topics with the aim of increasing awareness, knowledge, and practical skills as we ‘do life together’ in our church communities, through thick and thin.
Prayer and goodness: Alistair Davis, ONZM
Alistair Davis from our All Saints Palmerston North whānau has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the motoring industry, business and sustainability. He spoke to us about his life's work, and the faith that underpins it.
Climate change mission planned for March
2021 is a momentous year for climate change policy in New Zealand. Later this year, our government will set the targets by which we hope to reduce our carbon emissions for the next 15 years. Right now, the Climate Change Commission is consulting on its first advice to Government on how Aotearoa can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is our opportunity to have our say.
Submissions are open now - and remain open until the 14th of March. To help everyone to have their say, we will be launching another advocacy "mission," much like the Climate Mission we launched in 2019 that saw us make a huge 500 submissions on the then-draft Zero Carbon legislation.
Bishops’ News: “A Time to Build Up”
Dear Whānau
We greet you in the name of Jesus; the one who makes all things new and the first-born of God’s new creation. As our season of Lent begins this week, we are reminded of the need to allow ourselves to be deeply moulded by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit so that Christ, who builds the church, may use us as he wills for his good purposes.
Oases of joyfulness: missional communities commissioned for the year
An increasing amount of people within our movement are choosing to live in missional communities, centred around corporate prayer, hospitality and mission to those who are vulnerable.
Listening at Waitangi
Tertiary student Anna Smart, a member of our Movement, is currently serving as a short-term intern for the New Zealand Church Missionary Society. She writes her reflections on visiting Te Tii marae on Waitangi Day.
Waitangi Day 2021: Deep Korero at Rangiatea
The 6th of February has long been a day of complex emotions for every New Zealander, but the leaders of our tikanga Pākehā and tikanga Māori whānau in Ōtaki did not shy away from having the crucial conversation at this year's Waitangi Day commemoration in the coastal town.
It's all go for the Wheelers
About a year ago, Scott and Nikki Wheeler from our Karori whānau were confirmed as new mission partners with NZCMS, destined for Kapuna in Papua New Guinea. But COVID-19 put a stop to all of that, throwing them into a year of waiting and wondering what might lie ahead. Now, their departure date has (almost) been set, and they're nearly ready to go.
Love into action: City Mission staff commissioned for important mahi
Wellington City Mission staff and their families gathered with our diocesan whānau at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Sunday afternoon, the 1st of February, for the first of what will hopefully become an annual event. Bishop Justin and Bishop Eleanor were there to commission the staff for their important mahi in the year to come.
