Chaplains in schools, hospitals, prisons, aged-care facilities and universities, throughout New Zealand, provide support for the spiritual and moral wellbeing of students, patients, prisoners, residents, service personnel, and their whanau. This month Rev Chris Purdie, an ordained Presbyterian minister employed as a military chaplain based at Trentham, gives an insight into his ministry.

Kua hinga te tōtara i te Waonui-a-Tāne Moe mai rā e te Rangatira, i te aroha o te Atua. A mighty totara has fallen in Tāne’s great forest. Sleep well Phyl, in the love of God

Walk for the Planet joined forces with the Oxford Area School Observatory to organise a 5km planet walk around the streets of Oxford in Canterbury on Matariki Day, Friday 14 July.

After a break of many years, Parish Superintendent, Rev Augusten Subhan, decided it was time there was a confirmation service in the Waitakere Parish.

William (Bill) Wallace, a retired Methodist Minister and one of New Zealand’s most prolific hymn writers, has ensured his legacy of music and prophetic writings are available to all.

At the 2023 Wellington Architecture Awards in May, the extensively renovated and seismically strengthened Wesley Methodist Church was one of 32 projects acknowledged.

On 25 June Trinity Methodist Church in Pakuranga staged a mid-winter Christmas musical, primarily to ‘chase away the winter blues’. The event did that and much more. According to those who attended, “It was one magical night – an experience never to be forgotten.” Maheeka Gunasekara-Ariyapperuma shares the story.

“What’s it like being President?” some have asked me. It is a mixture of privilege and burden.

It’s high time our two-legged species evolved from being human to being eco-human, and a significant role for churches in this generation is to help make that happen.

How the Rain falls Differently upon Māori is the title of a recent article by Rawiri Taonui, on the controversy over the $15 million post-Cyclone Gabrielle Māori Relief Fund announced by Minister Willie Jackson.

Our regular cartoon that seeks to find the funny side of faith.

Fires within our buildings present the biggest impact of our known safety risks. Although fire impact is big, there are some things we can do to prepare for the worst and minimise the impact when disaster strikes.

Samoan Judy McFall McCaffery started lay preaching in Tonga.

Rev Andrew Doubleday, UCANZ Ministry Facilitator

During my last university break I was lucky enough to go on holiday to the United States of America and visit Zion National Park in Utah which has long been on my bucket list.

Te ao Māori is the Māori world view where we believe that everything is connected. Sir Mason Durie’s model of health, Te Whare Tapa Whā, highlights how wellbeing comes from ensuring that you take care of all four walls of your whare (house).

Last year we witnessed at the Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament, a national movement, the regeneration of the poi used in sport. ‘Wā poi’ was the call for supporters of our Aotearoa Women’s Rugby Team to get behind their team.

In the bustling city of Auckland, I found myself in deep thought about a crossroad and decision I faced that would shape the trajectory of my life.

René Descartes

The agenda for the World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland in June included developing the strategic direction and programmatic response to the assembly as a pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation and unity. Tara delivered the following address at a plenary session.

In June Rev Dr Susan Thompson attended her first meeting as a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee (2023-2030 term) in Geneva, Switzerland. She reports on a diverse ecumenical gathering committed to global change on many fronts.

For most churches today, Sunday morning worship includes a dedicated time to talk to the children of the congregation.

AI is covered by existing laws, including the Privacy Act, the Human Rights Act, the Fair Trading Act, the Harmful Digital Communications Act, among others, and obligations under te Tiriti o Waitangi apply.

Christian World Service has put together materials for Peace Sunday on 6 August. Through this resource CWS encourages churches to explore their responsibility for peace-making in communities and the wider world.

National Director, Murray Overton, finishes his time with Christian World Service on 4 August. After two years, Murray decided to step aside so the Board could appoint a new leader for the next stage of the CWS journey.

The Wellington Methodist Endowment Trust supports and develops projects for children and young Māori or children and young people of other cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Trust is looking for a new member willing to make a difference in young people's lives.

A film review by Dr Steve Taylor

Jenny Dawson reviews a poetry book highly recommended for those who think they do not like poetry.

Garth Cant reviews a collection of prayers compiled by the prayer leader of a Christchurch congregation that loves to worship.

I hope you all had enjoyable school holidays although in many places the weather was not great. Are you enjoying reading the Kidz Korna online? Let me know what you think about it.

Rachel Hurd, Archivist Presbyterian Research Centre (Archives)

Leonard Monk Isitt 1855 – 1937

NA DUIDUI EDA KAUTA VATA MAI - (Differences that we bring together) Na Lesoni na Luke 12 : 49 – 53, e tukuna na tawase kauta ma na Gone Turaga, Ia e levu na kenai vakavakadewa na tawase oqo. Eda rawa ni kaya na Tawase baleta ni