The Wider Church Newsletter - Number 1 - 2006

Greetings!

As you may know, at the end of last year I took over the position of 'Partner Representative' for Churches of Christ involved in New Zealand union parishes and cooperating ventures from Kevin O'Connor. In this position, which also includes some responsibility for other inter church representation, I am responsible to the Administration Team of the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand.

This email newsletter ('The Wider Church'), issued as needed, will be an attempt to keep the uniting churches up to date with Association and inter-church affairs. It will complement information from other partner churches.

Because other individuals and congregations within our association are interested in aspects of the wider church, I will be very glad to widen the circulation list on request.

Ron O'Grady, who has been producing an Ecumenical Newsletter, has graciously passed on his circulation list and will not continue with that separate newsletter. Our thanks to Ron for keeping many people informed on inter church matters. People who received the Ecumenical Newsletter have been placed on 'The Wider Church' emailing list. If you don't want to receive 'The Wider Church' just let me know.

Lyndsay Jacobs
PO Box 211, Kirwee 8170, New Zealand.
Phone:  +64 (0)3 317-8011 Mobile:  +64 021 424516 Email:
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Some coming inter-church events:

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - Friday March 3.
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions in more than 170 countries and regions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.

It is a movement symbolised by an annual day of celebration on the first Friday of March. All people (men and women) are welcome at the services in their local areas.

A service, prepared this year by women in South Africa and distributed by the National Committee of Church Women United in Aotearoa New Zealand, is available from the National Liaison Officer,
Helen Buxton, at PO Box 5077, Christchurch or
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General information: www.worlddayofprayer.net

Lorraine Jacobs represents Churches of Christ on the national committee of Church Women United. Elizabeth Crampton is completing eight years as representative.

NEW ZEALAND ALPHA CONFERENCES - March
A number of our churches use 'Alpha' as a tool for personal growth and outreach. Alpha Conferences this year are scheduled for Auckland (Greenlane Christian Centre, March 3 & 4), Palmerston North (St Albans Presbyterian Church, March 10 & 11), and Christchurch (South City Christian Centre, March 17-18). More information at
www.alpha.org.nz

TOMORROW'S CHURCH TODAY: TOM BANDY PUBLIC SEMINARS - March
Tom Bandy, an international church consultant, leadership coach and trainer for Christian mission is leading seminars in New Zealand sponsored by the New Zealand Methodist & Presbyterian Churches and the Auckland Anglican Diocese.

- Christchurch: March 8 & 9
(contact Rev David Bush:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    (03)385-3473 

- Auckland March 10 & 11
(contact Rev Marilyn Welch:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    (09) 302-7282 

Attend one or two days.
Maximum cost $80.
Form available from
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General information:
www.easumbandy.com

MIX IN '06

This quadrennial event organised by Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) women in the USA (& this time shared with women of the United Church of Christ) is being held June 21-25 this year in Indianapolis.
Lorraine Jacobs will be attending. If other women from our churches in New Zealand are planning to attend please let us know.
More information at:
www.dreamonsisters.com

WORLD CONVENTION, July 30 - August 3, 2008, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

New Zealanders and Australians are again working together on tours to include the World Convention (Churches of Christ - Christian - Disciples of Christ). David & Anne Coulter are coordinating New Zealand
participation with Bruce Greig in Australia. Contact David and Anne at:
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World Convention produces a free quarterly paper, 'World Christian'. Many New Zealanders receive this. Most will have received two issues towards the end of 2005. The first issue was mailed by a different mailing agent and was 'missing in transit' for several months! More information (and email address to request being added to the 'World Christian' or monthly 'ChristiaNet' mailing list) at:
www.worldconvention.org

ASSOCIATION MATTERS


- George and Pauline Langford are Church Developers for the Associated Churches of Christ. Amongst Union Parishes they are currently working with Matamata and Linwood Avenue.

Contact George and Pauline at

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- Association 'Leadership on Tour' workshops are being held in Nelson (March 4), Auckland (March 18), Christchurch (April 1) and Wellington (April 8). Information from

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- Chris Baigent (KiwiLink Zimbabwe) is planning two ministry trips to Zimbabwe this year: May 16 - June 7 and October 10 - November 1.

Contact Chris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MY ASSOCIATION DIARY

March 4: Church Extension & Property Trust Board meeting.

I invite union parishes and cooperating ventures especially to keep me up to date on property matters.

March 26: Wellington South Union Parish. I look forward to sharing with 'Wellington South' as I endeavour to get to know and understand all our union parishes.

March 28-30: Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand standing Committee. Again I invite churches to keep me informed of relevant matters.

April 30: Oamaru Union Parish: Leading worship and speaking.

June 10 - July 10: In the USA for 'Mix in 06', The North American Christian Convention and the Board meeting of World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ.)

Do keep me informed of items of interest. I look forward to keeping in touch and building up our networks.