Welcome to the final CCNZ newsletter for 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and input to the Movement and the local churches throughout the year and wish you all Christmas blessings for the holiday season. We pray you will be refreshed over this time and look forward to all that God has planned for 2012.
I love spending time with family and friends at any time of the year but there is something particularly special about having them around at this time of the year. I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my husband, children and extended family with what promises to be plenty of noise and laughter, getting out enjoying another fantastic Nelson summer and creating lasting memories for years to come. Whatever you have planned for the holiday season I trust it will be an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and look forward to working with you all again next year.
We will be kicking next year off by holding a Pastors Retreat in March. Pastors Retreat is a great opportunity to bring together pastors and spouses for a time of pastoral care, gathering stories, receive input and encouragement from each other and enjoy times of laughter and fellowship. While on retreat, we know that God will meet you; we are confident that He will encourage your walk, strengthen your marriage and ministry, and renew your passion for Him.
We are still confirming a suitable venue and accommodation but at this stage Retreat will be held in the week of 19th to 23rd of March and will be a 2 or 3 night event. For churches that are contributing financially to the Mission Development Fund retreat will be partially subsidised. More details on location and costs will be available to Pastors in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or want to know more in the meantime please contact the National Office.
Nomination forms for the NLT were sent out to churches in November and must be returned to the National Office by Monday 20th February 2012. Once nomination forms are received voting papers will be posted out to Churches in March.
I was asked recently if we (Annesbrook Church) would consider joining another movement. Well, to be honest I might have been tempted for a brief moment … the group have a lot to offer in this nation. They are very well resourced and have great momentum, so it has been an interesting concept to think through.
This got me thinking again about how possible it could be to have these particular traits in our movement where Churches would want to think about joining us rather than us joining them! Could we become well resourced and gain enough momentum that could enthuse the independent church looking for relationship and support. If we thought it possible who then would we need to be for that to take place?
Firstly, United.
Who wants to join something that is fragmented and dysfunctional at the relational level? Jesus greatest desire was that we would be one so that the world would know we are His disciples.
Secondly, Alignment.
Are we on the same page? What would our core beliefs be that those of us who are connected to CCNZ would wholeheartedly agree with (we should sit down and work that through sometime). I know we pride ourselves in the statement ‘no creed but Christ’, it does seem to be open to misinterpretation. For CCNZ what does ‘but Christ’ really mean?
Thirdly, Purpose.
Why does CCNZ exist? To protect property? Are there any other reasons? What about relationship? What about vision? What about mission? Why CCNZ?
Fourthly, is our role in Gods Kingdom expanding because we are a part of something bigger?
I look forward to discussing these matters with you at Pastors retreat in March.
For those of you who attended Summit conference this year you may have had the opportunity to find out a bit more about UNOH and to hear Ash Barker and Dave Tims share from their heart of what the vision of UNOH is both in New Zealand and in other countries around the world.
UNOH was birthed out of Churches of Christ in Australia, with the first NZ team starting up in partnership with CCNZ this year. Currently UNOH NZ is based in South Auckland and consists of three workers: Dave and Denise Tims (with their three teenage kids), and Heather Oulton.
UNOH is a faith-based organization which means that all living and ministry expenses must be covered by donations. If you would like to find out more about UNOH please visit their website www.unoh.org or for more information contact Dave Tims on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or 02108256001. If you feel called to contribute financially to support Dave & Denise or Heather donations can be made through the CCNZ National Office and you can email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to find out how.
Below is an article by Dave Tims which you are sure to find challenging and thought provoking and indicates the heart of UNOH workers.
It’s just a story. Or is it? This is the story that brought Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) to New Zealand. This is the story that breaks the heart of our God. Recent reports from World Vision and the OECD have raised alarm at the increase of child poverty in our country. This is real.
UNOH workers aim to live in response to this story. Surrendering their careers and incomes, they gift their time and skills to serve struggling communities, moving in, sharing life, resources and faith. They work at three levels: on the ‘ground’ connecting with and supporting neighbours; with local leaders, developing community strengths, projects and responses to issues; and at the structural level, advocating for change and for local partnership with Councils, police, schools and other institutions. This multi-layered approach is necessary because poverty is about more than just a few unlucky or foolish individuals, and a sustainable response to poverty is about more than just a food parcel.
In this issue ….
National Office Christmas Closure
Important Dates for 2012
Thoughts from the President’s desk
Uniting Neighbours of Hope (UNOH)
Linwood Ave Union Church 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Welcome to the final CCNZ newsletter for 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and input to the Movement and the local churches throughout the year and wish you all Christmas Blessings for the holiday season. We pray you will be refreshed over this time and look forward to all that God has planned for 2012.
NATIONAL OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE
The office will be closed from Friday 16th December and will not officially re-open again until Tuesday 7th February 2012. I will have access to my emails and files and will be popping into the office from time to time to clear the mail and check any messages left on the phone. If you require anything over this time please don’t hesitate to contact me via email on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
I love spending time with family and friends at any time of the year but there is something particularly special about having them around at this time of the year. I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my husband, children and extended family with what promises to be plenty of noise and laughter, getting out enjoying another fantastic Nelson summer and creating lasting memories for years to come. Whatever you have planned for the holiday season I trust it will be an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and look forward to working with you all again next year.
Linda
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2012
Pastors Retreat
We will be kicking next year off by holding a Pastors Retreat in March. Pastors Retreat is a great opportunity to bring together pastors and spouses for a time of pastoral care, gathering stories, receive input and encouragement from each other and enjoy times of laughter and fellowship. While on retreat, we know that God will meet you; we are confident that He will encourage your walk, strengthen your marriage and ministry, and renew your passion for Him.
We are still confirming a suitable venue and accommodation but at this stage Retreat will be held in the week of 19th to 23rd of March and will be a 2 or 3 night event. For churches that are contributing financially to the Mission Development Fund retreat will be partially subsidised. More details on location and costs will be available to Pastors in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or want to know more in the meantime please contact the National Office.
Conference 2012
CCNZ Conference will be held in Nelson on 19th to 21st September. This conference will begin with a business component which will lead into a Summit Conference. We would encourage you to start planning for this now and begin rallying as many church leaders as possible to join with us in Nelson in September.
Nomination forms for the NLT were sent out to churches in November and must be returned to the National Office by Monday 20th February 2012. Once nomination forms are received voting papers will be posted out to Churches in March.
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Hi All
I was asked recently if we (Annesbrook Church) would consider joining another movement. Well, to be honest I might have been tempted for a brief moment … the group have a lot to offer in this nation. They are very well resourced and have great momentum, so it has been an interesting concept to think through.
This got me thinking again about how possible it could be to have these particular traits in our movement where Churches would want to think about joining us rather than us joining them! Could we become well resourced and gain enough momentum that could enthuse the independent church looking for relationship and support. If we thought it possible who then would we need to be for that to take place?
Here are just my thoughts …
Firstly, United.
Who wants to join something that is fragmented and dysfunctional at the relational level? Jesus greatest desire was that we would be one so that the world would know we are His disciples.
Secondly, Alignment.
Are we on the same page? What would our core beliefs be that those of us who are connected to CCNZ would wholeheartedly agree with (we should sit down and work that through sometime). I know we pride ourselves in the statement ‘no creed but Christ’, it does seem to be open to misinterpretation. For CCNZ what does ‘but Christ’ really mean?
Thirdly, Purpose.
Why does CCNZ exist? To protect property? Are there any other reasons? What about relationship? What about vision? What about mission? Why CCNZ?
Fourthly, is our role in Gods Kingdom expanding because we are a part of something bigger?
I look forward to discussing these matters with you at Pastors retreat in March.
Have a great Christmas
Love & Blessings
Brent
URBAN NEIGHBOURS OF HOPE (UNOH)
For those of you who attended Summit conference this year you may have had the opportunity to find out a bit more about UNOH and to hear Ash Barker and Dave Tims share from their heart of what the vision of UNOH is both in New Zealand and in other countries around the world.
UNOH was birthed out of Churches of Christ in Australia, with the first NZ team starting up in partnership with CCNZ this year. Currently UNOH NZ is based in South Auckland and consists of three workers: Dave and Denise Tims (with their three teenage kids), and Heather Oulton.
UNOH is a faith-based organization which means that all living and ministry expenses must be covered by donations. If you would like to find out more about UNOH please visit their website www.unoh.org or for more information contact Dave Tims on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or 02108256001. If you feel called to contribute financially to support Dave & Denise or Heather donations can be made through the CCNZ National Office and you can email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to find out how.
Below is an article by Dave Tims which you are sure to find challenging and thought provoking and indicates the heart of UNOH workers.
As the last rays of sunshine trailed their way down our ramshackle, state house fence palings, I worked hurriedly to bring in the last pieces of washing. The lonely howl of a siren echoed in the distance and I could hear the rumbling of a police helicopter on its way. ‘I wonder how close the runaway is to us today?’ I wondered. ‘Better make sure the kids are inside.’ Clutching the washing basket I hurried to the house, shuddering as I heard a thud and then a woman’s cry from the gang house next door. ‘God, that poor woman! I’ll call the police, again.’ Closing the door behind me a million to-do’s played on my mind. Sighing heavily I put the washing down and turned for the phone, when a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I’d seen her before – she was a solo mum from down the road. “Please help me” she stammered, nervousness and desperation creasing her tired face: “Our – our power’s been cut, I’ve been cooking on a fire in our back garden but I don’t have any more food for my kids… the debt collectors came knocking this morning… I think my neighbour’s the thief that broke in last week so I’ve been keeping the kids locked inside… I’m so afraid; I just don’t know what to do…”
What did I say? How would you respond?
It’s just a story. Or is it? This is the story that brought Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) to New Zealand. This is the story that breaks the heart of our God. Recent reports from World Vision and the OECD have raised alarm at the increase of child poverty in our country. This is real.
UNOH workers aim to live in response to this story. Surrendering their careers and incomes, they gift their time and skills to serve struggling communities, moving in, sharing life, resources and faith. They work at three levels: on the ‘ground’ connecting with and support
In this issue ….
National Office Christmas Closure
Important Dates for 2012
Thoughts from the President’s desk
Uniting Neighbours of Hope (UNOH)
Linwood Ave Union Church 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Welcome to the final CCNZ newsletter for 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and input to the Movement and the local churches throughout the year and wish you all Christmas Blessings for the holiday season. We pray you will be refreshed over this time and look forward to all that God has planned for 2012.
NATIONAL OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE
The office will be closed from Friday 16th December and will not officially re-open again until Tuesday 7th February 2012. I will have access to my emails and files and will be popping into the office from time to time to clear the mail and check any messages left on the phone. If you require anything over this time please don’t hesitate to contact me via email on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
I love spending time with family and friends at any time of the year but there is something particularly special about having them around at this time of the year. I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my husband, children and extended family with what promises to be plenty of noise and laughter, getting out enjoying another fantastic Nelson summer and creating lasting memories for years to come. Whatever you have planned for the holiday season I trust it will be an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and look forward to working with you all again next year.
Linda
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2012
Pastors Retreat
We will be kicking next year off by holding a Pastors Retreat in March. Pastors Retreat is a great opportunity to bring together pastors and spouses for a time of pastoral care, gathering stories, receive input and encouragement from each other and enjoy times of laughter and fellowship. While on retreat, we know that God will meet you; we are confident that He will encourage your walk, strengthen your marriage and ministry, and renew your passion for Him.
We are still confirming a suitable venue and accommodation but at this stage Retreat will be held in the week of 19th to 23rd of March and will be a 2 or 3 night event. For churches that are contributing financially to the Mission Development Fund retreat will be partially subsidised. More details on location and costs will be available to Pastors in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or want to know more in the meantime please contact the National Office.
Conference 2012
CCNZ Conference will be held in Nelson on 19th to 21st September. This conference will begin with a business component which will lead into a Summit Conference. We would encourage you to start planning for this now and begin rallying as many church leaders as possible to join with us in Nelson in September.
Nomination forms for the NLT were sent out to churches in November and must be returned to the National Office by Monday 20th February 2012. Once nomination forms are received voting papers will be posted out to Churches in March.
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Hi All
I was asked recently if we (Annesbrook Church) would consider joining another movement. Well, to be honest I might have been tempted for a brief moment … the group have a lot to offer in this nation. They are very well resourced and have great momentum, so it has been an interesting concept to think through.
This got me thinking again about how possible it could be to have these particular traits in our movement where Churches would want to think about joining us rather than us joining them! Could we become well resourced and gain enough momentum that could enthuse the independent church looking for relationship and support. If we thought it possible who then would we need to be for that to take place?
Here are just my thoughts …
Firstly, United.
Who wants to join something that is fragmented and dysfunctional at the relational level? Jesus greatest desire was that we would be one so that the world would know we are His disciples.
Secondly, Alignment.
Are we on the same page? What would our core beliefs be that those of us who are connected to CCNZ would wholeheartedly agree with (we should sit down and work that through sometime). I know we pride ourselves in the statement ‘no creed but Christ’, it does seem to be open to misinterpretation. For CCNZ what does ‘but Christ’ really mean?
Thirdly, Purpose.
Why does CCNZ exist? To protect property? Are there any other reasons? What about relationship? What about vision? What about mission? Why CCNZ?
Fourthly, is our role in Gods Kingdom expanding because we are a part of something bigger?
I look forward to discussing these matters with you at Pastors retreat in March.
Have a great Christmas
Love & Blessings
Brent
URBAN NEIGHBOURS OF HOPE (UNOH)
For those of you who attended Summit conference this year you may have had the opportunity to find out a bit more about UNOH and to hear Ash Barker and Dave Tims share from their heart of what the vision of UNOH is both in New Zealand and in other countries around the world.
UNOH was birthed out of Churches of Christ in Australia, with the first NZ team starting up in partnership with CCNZ this year. Currently UNOH NZ is based in South Auckland and consists of three workers: Dave and Denise Tims (with their three teenage kids), and Heather Oulton.
UNOH is a faith-based organization which means that all living and ministry expenses must be covered by donations. If you would like to find out more about UNOH please visit their website www.unoh.org or for more information contact Dave Tims on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or 02108256001. If you feel called to contribute financially to support Dave & Denise or Heather donations can be made through the CCNZ National Office and you can email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to find out how.
Below is an article by Dave Tims which you are sure to find challenging and thought provoking and indicates the heart of UNOH workers.
As the last rays of sunshine trailed their way down our ramshackle, state house fence palings, I worked hurriedly to bring in the last pieces of washing. The lonely howl of a siren echoed in the distance and I could hear the rumbling of a police helicopter on its way. ‘I wonder how close the runaway is to us today?’ I wondered. ‘Better make sure the kids are inside.’ Clutching the washing basket I hurried to the house, shuddering as I heard a thud and then a woman’s cry from the gang house next door. ‘God, that poor woman! I’ll call the police, again.’ Closing the door behind me a million to-do’s played on my mind. Sighing heavily I put the washing down and turned for the phone, when a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I’d seen her before – she was a solo mum from down the road. “Please help me” she stammered, nervousness and desperation creasing her tired face: “Our – our power’s been cut, I’ve been cooking on a fire in our back garden but I don’t have any more food for my kids… the debt collectors came knocking this morning… I think my neighbour’s the thief that broke in last week so I’ve been keeping the kids locked inside… I’m so afraid; I just don’t know what to do…”
What did I say? How would you respond?
It’s just a story. Or is it? This is the story that brought Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) to New Zealand. This is the story that breaks the heart of our God. Recent reports from World Vision and the OECD have raised alarm at the increase of child poverty in our country. This is real.
UNOH workers aim to live in response to this story. Surrendering their careers and incomes, they gift their time and skills to serve struggling communities, moving in, sharing life, resources and faith. They work at three levels: on the ‘ground’ connecting with and supporting neighbours; with local leaders, developing community strengths, projects and responses to issues; and at the structural level, advocating for change and for local partnership with Councils, police, schools and other institutions. This multi-layered approach is necessary because poverty is about more than just a few unlucky or foolish individuals, and a sustainable response to poverty is about more than just a food parcel.
Dave Tims
LINWOOD AVENUE UNION CHURCH 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Next year will be the 40th Anniversary of Linwood Avenue Union Church. A celebration is planned for Saturday 5th February 2012. For information and details please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
ing neighbours; with local leaders, developing community strengths, projects and responses to issues; and at the structural level, advocating for change and for local partnership with Councils, police, schools and other institutions. This multi-layered approach is necessary because poverty is about more than just a few unlucky or foolish individuals, and a sustainable response to poverty is about more than just a food parcel.
Dave Tims
LINWOOD AVENUE UNION CHURCH 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Next year will be the 40th Anniversary of Linwood Avenue Union Church. A celebration is planned for Saturday 5th February 2012. For information and details please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
