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At the inauguration of the new Southern Presbytery in February, the new Moderator,
the Rev Richard Dawson, stripped down to shorts and t-shirt; stressing in this way
the need to strip off the pretence and unhelpful traditions we sometimes carry as a
church institution and to trust in God for the future. The faith and prayers of
everyone is crucial, underlining the reality that it is only in "God that we will
see a new day", he said. This was echoed in the air of expectancy and the vibrancy
of worship and fellowship among the people who had gathered in Gore from the whole
region for the inauguration.
The Right Rev Dr Graham Redding preached at the service, from Luke 9 on the
Transfiguration of Jesus, and joined in the prayers for the new moderator and
council of Southern Presbytery.
The new Southern Presbytery is under way. It has vested its governance functions
in a presbytery council, with some advisory groups to assist. Alongside are resource
groups, based initially around the five former presbyteries, and other groups
reflecting areas of common interest. The vision of the new presbytery includes the
ongoing shift in focus from inward-looking governance to outward, missional concern;
the equipping and inspiring of the leadership of sessions and parishes; and the
active involvement of youth and younger generations.
"I am excited by the possibilities before us and do believe that this
change has opened a door not just to change but to real revival in both our
attitude and structures as a church. We stand before an open door through which
lies new opportunities to work in a more unified way to bring many back to faith
and to active involvement in the Church.
"In particular a larger presbytery should be able to encourage and resource
better children and young people's programmes and a much more integrated approach
to community ministries of all sorts. Two things greatly concern me. The first is
that we really do promote the discipleship of young people in every parish and that
our children's work and youth programme regain their strength and relevance. Secondly,
that we find ways as a southern church to fill the great need for ministry in
parishes throughout the presbytery."
Richard Dawson
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Kaimai Presbytery is really encouraged
Six months down the line, the Kaimai Council has reported some significant
advantages already flowing from the structures and events of the new Kaimai
Presbytery:
- Processing of both routine and special governance issues is happening more quickly. Needless waiting has stopped.
- A greater range of competent people are being accessed for necessary tasks, and the load is being shared among more people.
- There is ongoing feedback about the value of the last resourcing-focused, two-day presbytery meeting.
- Acclaim for two Press Go initiatives to help the presbytery grapple with Bay of Plenty growth.
The new ways of operating have also handled well a "very tricky" situation in one parish to
produce a positive outcome and outlook. Planning is also under way for the next presbytery-wide
event, with a focus on parish and mission assessment and planning.
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"Working today for 15 years away"
These are inspiring words from Sam Chapman, who was the key note speaker at a recent
combined presbyteries event at St George's in Takapuna on the North Shore. Over 170 people
from South Auckland to the North gathered to get a taste of what a new presbytery might
achieve, and the overall mood was one of optimism for the future.
"What we are doing today is not for now... it's for 10 to 15 years
ahead.
It's not so important how we do it, but why we do
it (there are a million and one 'hows')"
"The one you are waiting for is you!"
Sam Chapman
The day featured rousing music from Ron Lau'ese and his team (maybe a bit too rousing for some!)
, excellent hosting by St George's, stimulating group discussion, and a sense that the event provided
a good spring-board for the ongoing process of presbytery reform. Yes, there remain some tensions
and misgivings but a real sense of hope and optimism was experienced.
Many ideas for the future were shared on the day, and a discussion document outlining a clear
framework for the new presbytery and how it will operate is due to be sent to each presbytery for
their feedback.
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