He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti
Honouring and Upholding Mana and Dignity for All
Visit this articleWelcome to the July edition of Touchstone. Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori. Mānawatia a Matariki.
As we recently celebrated the third annual Matariki public holiday - the first new public holiday to be introduced in Aotearoa since 1974 - it is encouraging to witness the cultural significance of the Māori New Year and the nation’s understanding of Matariki evolving. The many events taking place throughout the country reflect a growing awareness of the occasion and people’s willingness to honour, embrace and deepen their understanding of the cultural traditions and history related to Matariki and our bi-cultural heritage. This edition includes a hymn Rev Norman Brookes has written celebrating Matariki.
In recognition of another significant event – all be it far less celebratory – Rev David Poultney has written a Liturgy of Lament in advance of the public release of the comprehensive report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. The Liturgy, in several languages, will be distributed to all parishes, Synods and rohe this week. It invites reflection over a report that includes former Methodist leaders involved in abuse that has impacted the lives of vulnerable children and adults.
In keeping with our MCNZ decade commitment to Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku, we share initiatives being undertaken by people and parishes committed to making a difference to our planet. Rev Mark Gibson introduces a kete of liturgical and devotional resources he has created for the Season of Creation designed to enrich the understanding of the theme “In Full Connection.”
Rev Michael Lemanu reflects on six months of parish ministry in Taranaki in a new role that is bringing Methodists together in bold, new ways. Jennie Hood, MCNZ archivist, reports from the Cook Islands where she is engaged in a year-long archiving project that brings novel and unexpected daily challenges, adventures and rewards. A variety of contributors reflect on issues of theology, review films and books, bring news from local parishes and further afield, and share the stories of people past and present doing mission in many ways.
As always, I hope you will find information that inspires and informs.
Nga mihi nui Ady Shannon
Contents
Liturgy of Lament for Healing and Compassion
Ahead of the wider release of The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry report, Touchstone shares the genesis of a Lament Liturgy Render Your Heart, A Liturgy of Lament About the Reality of Abuse in the Life of Te Hāhi created by Rev David Poultney on behalf of the Methodist Church of New Zealand.
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Wasewase Ko Viti Kei Rotuma E Niu Siladi
For four days over King's Birthday weekend, Wasewase women from all over Aotearoa gathered in Otautahi to share wisdom, food and fellowship.
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Commonality Between The Trinity and Te Tiriti
I have been reading a book. I like reading books but this book is unusual - I bought this book in 1979 and only just finished reading it.
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Celebrating Abilities and Disabilities
“Take my gifts” could well have been the theme at Wesley, Western Bay of Plenty Parish as we observed Disability Awareness Sunday on 16 June. Using Rosalie Sugrue’s liturgy, we heard the stories of some special people.
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Takapuna Methodist Church and the Puriri Centre on a Journey Towards Sustainability
Takapuna Methodist Church and the Puriri Centre are engaged in a journey towards sustainability that honours the profound interconnectedness between humanity and te taiao (the environment).
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Waitakere Wesley Weekend Workshop and Worship
On 24 May 1738 John Wesley attended a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London and his “heart was strangely warmed”. To celebrate this event Waitakere Parish Superintendent Rev Augusten Subhan organised a weekend of activities.
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Sea of talanoa: A creation story from Tonga
Rev Dr Jione Havea shares the meaning of talanoa and its importance to the people and nations of Pasifika.
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Te Whānau Weteriana o Taranaki – Taranaki Methodists Together
in February this year, Rev Michael Lemanu was stationed to the Lower North Island Synod, as Regional Ministry Enabler. Six months on, he reports on the newly established position and his approach to mission in small town Aotearoa.
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A Bespoke Kete Rich in Resources
The Season of Creation 2024 for Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa will be resourced with a kete of liturgical and devotional resources.
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O Purapura Pai
Adapting to new situations in any organisation requires an open and willing attitude. When we are open to change, God will bring out the best from our efforts, leading to growth and abundance.
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Reforming Health and Safety Law And Regulations
The government is consulting on workplace health and safety regulations and calling for submissions. You can have a say.
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Refugees Lives Transformed
Samer, a former Syrian refugee, is a translator in the Netherlands. He credits Christian World Service partner, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) Lebanon, for his success.
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Campaign to Stop Free Carbon Credits for High Polluters
Last month the Don’t Subsidise Pollution coalition, including Christian World Service, presented a petition signed by 6,070 people, calling for an end to free carbon credits for high polluting companies.
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David Hume; The Man Behind the Enlightenment Movement
As a proponent of the Enlightenment Movement, David Hume is celebrated for his wit, irony, and profound insights into the study of knowledge or epistemology.
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Making a Difference to Our World
Welcome to the July Kidz Korna. I’m writing this on a very cold morning but thinking of the wonderful country we live in.
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A Song to Celebrate Matariki
Rev Norman Brookes has written a hymn to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki.
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Refill your own cup first
Avoiding winter illnesses means taking care of yourself before others.
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The Bible Society; Transforming Lives Through Scripture
July is Bible Month in Aotearoa. Bible Society Group Chief Executive Officer Neels Janse van Rensburg, reflects on the work being undertaken.
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“In Memoriam: Professor Jürgen Moltmann (1926 -2024)”.
Two of the most precious books on my bookshelves at home are written by two of what I consider ‘my heroes of faith’.
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Thinking Out Loud
In Auckland next year, regional leaders of CV Partner Churches will meet to consider the theme, ‘Our Future Together’. It could be a defining moment.
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Hope Amidst the Horror
Recently Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, a renowned Palestinian scientist and human rights activist from Bethlehem University in the Occupied West Bank, toured New Zealand.
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Restoring the Story: The Good News of the Atonement
Author: Anne van Gend Publisher: SCM Press 2024Reviewer: Rev Dr Jenny Dawson
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Restoring Identities: The Contextualising story of Christianity in Oceania.
Editors: Upolu Vaai and Mark LamportPublisher: Cascade Books, Eugene Oregon. 312pp. Published 2023.
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Kia Orana from Rarotonga!
MCNZ Archivist Jennie Hood, is currently living and working in Rarotonga as part of a one-year assignment with Volunteer Service Abroad.
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