Touchstone February 2024

Welcome to the February issue of Touchstone, the first for 2024. Last year when we transitioned from a printed version of Touchstone to an online version, we promised to undertake a review in 2024. We invite you now to spend just a couple of minutes answering five questions regarding the relevance, format and content of Touchstone. Your feedback will be helpful as we look ahead to how we continue to communicate as a Connexion and as a church community.  To access the survey online, CLICK HERE.

Our lead article this month provides an insight into the work planning World Day of Prayer 2024, undertaken by a group of Palestinian Christian Women. They share the challenges of being a minority group in a Holy Land under siege, the evolution of the service that has been in the planning since 2017 and their hope that prayer will bring justice and peace to Palestine and all of its people. 

Closer to home, Marama Hotere provides an overview of the recent Hui-ā-Motu where 10,000 people gathered at Turangawaewae marae, "to wānanga, to look at what shared Māori aspirations we have around aspects of our identity, our language, youth engagements, economic health, and other elements that contribute to the well-being of Māori." She left the hui feeling prepared, inspired and hopeful of a justice filled Aotearoa for all. 

We profile a MCNZ identify Carol Barron who has spent her career working to ensure social justice for all. Although Carol is retiring from her role as National Coordinator for the Methodist Alliance, she will continue to bring her wisdom, vision, advocacy and sense of humour to church and community.