Greetings
2008 moves steadily along! We take a look at what’s been happening and set our sights on the rest of the year.


Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand (UCANZ) Update
The Standing Committee had a very positive meeting in Johnsonville June 25-26.

Clarity of vision about the direction and purposes of our continuing partnership is emerging and a vision statement should be completed at the next meeting in October.

Methodist President (Brian Turner) and Presbyterian Moderator (Pamela Tankersley), as well as the Presbyterian Executive Secretary (Martin Baker) attended for half a day. Brian & Pamela affirmed the ongoing commitment of their churches to UCANZ and the Cooperative Venture parishes.

Rev Peter MacKenzie is doing an excellent job having already met already with all South Island JRCs. He is also engaging with partners at national levels.

The next Uniting Congregations Forum will follow the biennial pattern and will be held next year - almost certainly in Auckland. Planning is under way for a significant event. Dates will be confirmed as availability of possible venues is clarified.

The latest issue of uNETy, the UCANZ email newsletter was issued in July. If you don’t receive this and wish to, contact your local Joint Regional Committee or office@ucanz.org.nz direct.

The next Standing Committee meeting of UCANZ will be held in Johnsonville, October 14-15.


New World Convention President from Zimbabwe.
Bafundi ‘BJ’ Mpofu will be installed as World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ) president at the World Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, USA at the end of this month. He will be president until the next convention in 2012. As many know, this year’s convention was to be in Zimbabwe but the deterioration of the situation there meant it needed to be relocated. On July 1, BJ retired from his position as a school principal to work full time resourcing the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe. This group of churches with strong links to New Zealand is part of a total witness of about 1000 Churches of Christ congregations in Zimbabwe. Please pray for BJ as our global president and in his new role in his challenging homeland.
We know of the following ‘Kiwis’ who will be attending World Convention: Mary and Chris Ambrose (Christchurch), Lois and Rod Brown (Melbourne, Australia), Velma and Bevan Clarke (Christchurch), Margaret and Norman Cook (Christchurch), Linda and Bill Curwood (Kentucky, USA), Patricia and Bill Frith (Wellington), Ron Hurst (California, USA), Lorraine and Lyndsay Jacobs (Christchurch), Gwen Segal-O’Regan (Levin) and Valerie Sutton (Hastings).


World Convention Sunday
The first Sunday in August is always observed as World Convention Sunday. (Every fourth year the World Convention is meeting on that Sunday.) During services on that Sunday please include a ‘world view’ in your worship and prayers. Pray for the President and Convention on that day and the witness of the Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches (as part of the wider church) in about 180 countries. More information at www.worldconvention.org (Find over 100 national stories on this site!) You will also find a suggested communion meditation for this Sunday.


Christian World Service (CWS)
In early May I attended the annual council meeting of CWS on behalf of Christian Churches New Zealand. Angela McMorran of Dunedin is our representative but was unavailable for this meeting. This ministry on behalf of the member churches is involved in remarkable ministry. Thank you to those individuals and churches that support CWS. I urge all of our churches to use the opportunities that CWS provides to bring justice and better life in an unjust world. CWS is especially known for the Christmas Appeal but CWS is very active and receives and channels your support throughout the year. CWS emphasises working with partners overseas so that money is used effectively in ways that are endorsed locally. (You might be surprised how many agencies make these decisions for, not with, others.) CWS also helps us to understand the causes of poverty so that we can be more effective in eradicating it. Information at www.cws.org.nz

From Here and There
In the USA representatives of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ gathered in St Louis June 8-11 for the 11th meeting of the Stone Campbell Dialogue, an ongoing discussion intended to strengthen ties amongst the three streams of the 19th century movement associated with Barton Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell. This year’s dialogue focussed on global mission.

Dr J Daniel Joyce, president of the World Convention in Mexico City, Mexico in 1974, died in late 2007. Dr Joyce visited New Zealand in his capacity as president.

We welcome Rev Sandra Warner as minister of the Point Chevalier Cooperating Parish (Christian Churches - Presbyterian)

Tawa Union Parish and Kapiti Uniting Parish have begun the search for new ministers. If you are interested you could contact the chairperson of the Wellington Joint Regional Committee, Geoff Donovan. donovans@actrix.gen.nz

I am a corresponding member of the national Lay Preachers’ Association with its national executive now located in Christchurch. If you want details about courses and accreditation to become a lay preacher please contact Garth Cant at gandecant@xtra.co.nz

Future New Zealand Ecumenical Relations
Recognising that discussions to find some national expression of our unity, to replace the National Council of Churches and the Conference of Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand, had not been successful led to a meeting of ‘traditional partners’ in Wellington in early June. The meeting was held on the initiative of Brian Turner, President of the Methodist Church, to follow through a resolution of their 2007 conference. Those represented were Anglican, Baptist, Christian Churches, Congregational, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Society of Friends. George Langford and Lyndsay Jacobs were present from Christian Churches New Zealand. The meeting was positive, but preliminary. A further meeting is to be held on September 3. Please let me have your thoughts.

‘Uniting Congregations’ language - it can confuse. The following will - hopefully - help.
- The term ‘uniting’ is used mainly nationally for the leadership and coordinating role of the Forum and Standing Committee of the Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand. Some union and cooperating parishes have included this in their title.
- Union and Cooperating parishes mean the same thing except that because Anglican parishes could not join ‘union’ parishes, the term cooperating came to be used.
- There has been a growing tendency to use the term cooperative ventures (CVs), as meaning Union and Cooperating parishes. These parishes are CVs - but not the only form of CV. The Guide to Procedures in Cooperative Ventures defines CVs as The inclusive term to cover Union and Cooperating parishes, Joint use schemes, Shared ministries, Covenants and other joint local ecumenical activity working together within approved guidelines. (Pg 10.) So the term ‘CV’ or Cooperative Venture should be used in this wider sense.

150 years in Otago
A very well planned and well attended celebration of 150 years of witness in Otago was organised by Church of Christ Community Dunedin (St Andrew St Church of Christ) for April 4 -6. A brochure with photos and extended captions for each of the Otago churches was produced by Jim Bennett. There was good coverage in the local media and the mayor of Dunedin brought greetings personally.

My Association Diary
Please contact me with comments or questions for these meetings.
July 13 - August 18: World Convention and associated travel and events. (World Convention July 30 - August 3)
August 20: Heads of Partner Churches meeting in Wellington.
August 20-22: National Christian Churches New Zealand convention in Nelson.
August 23 (following the national convention): Church Extension and Property Trust Board quarterly meeting (Nelson).
September 3: Ecumenical exploratory meeting in Wellington.
October 13: Ministry review at Wellington South Union Parish
October 14-15: Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand (UCANZ) Standing Committee.
A consultation with Oamaru Union Parish is being planned.


Lyndsay Jacobs
Christian Churches NZ/Associated Churches of Christ in NZ
Uniting Congregations Partner Representative
PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543 (new postal code), New Zealand.
Ph: +64 (0)3 317-8011. Mobile: +64 021 424516
lyndsaylorrainejacobs@xtra.co.nz

Greetings
It is some time since the last issue of The Wider Church. The new year provides an opportunity for a ‘wider church’ update.

Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand (UCANZ) News
The Forum held in November was very much focussed on the future and gave clear, practical direction to the Standing Committee. Enthusiasm was high. The challenge lies in developing the cooperative ventures with their unique witness as they play their part in the lives of the partner churches as well. Chris Nichol’s keynote address can be read at ucanz.org.nz

John Jones is retiring as Executive Officer and Rev Peter MacKenzie has begun working in this role.

The February issue of the Methodist monthly paper Touchstone has information about Peter and an article by him.

Most cooperative ventures have forwarded their Charities Commission applications to the UCANZ office. Any who have not should do so urgently.

The latest issue of uNETy, the UCANZ email newsletter was issued in January. If you don’t receive this and wish to, contact your local Joint Regional Committee or office@uncanz.org.nz direct.

The next Standing Committee meeting of UCANZ will be held in Wellington, March 12-14.

World Convention will launch Stone-Campbell Bicentennial - July 30 - August 3
On the Sunday of this year's world convention a global comunion service will be held that will lead to a series of Great Communion services throughout the USA and around the world in 2009. They will celebrate the publication of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address in 1809 - documents that lifted up a bold vision for unity which became foundational for the Christian Churches. Perhaps you would like to share in this historic occasion!

It’s not too late to register for the global gathering of the Christian/Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ family! Contact David and Anne Coulter at 264 High St, Roslyn, Dunedin 9010. [dmcoulter@xtra.co.nz (03) 477-4269] Also worldconvention.org

All women are invited to the Global Women Connecting women’s retreat prior to convention at the Millennium Maxwell Hotel, beginning evening Monday July 28 and concluding lunch Wednesday 30. Adonna Bowman is the Secretary-Treasurer: abowman@dhm.disciples.org

150 years in Otago
Church of Christ Community Dunedin (St Andrew St Church of Christ) has organised a celebration of the sesquicentennial of Churches of Christ witness in Dunedin for April 4 -6. Friday evening - informal gathering at the church; Saturday - daytime bus trip around former church locations including Kaitangata and evening celebration dinner; Sunday worship 10 am. Registrations have officially closed for the Saturday events but if you’re interested contact Jim Bennett at jimb@ihug.co.nz ASAP re possible spaces.

•Ecumenical leadership in the USA
In the USA the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is providing leadership in three significant national ecumenical partnerships.
Dr Michael Kinnamon is the new General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. He began on January 1.

Dr Richard Hamm (previously Disciples General Minister and President) is Executive Administrator of Christian Churches Together in the USA (christianchurchestogether.org). CCT is a new forum growing out of a deeply felt need to broaden and expand fellowship, unity, and witness among the diverse expressions of Christian faith today. It is inclusive of the diversity of Christian families in the United States — Evangelical, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Pentecostals, historic Protestant, Racial and Ethnic churches. CCT (and Christian Churches together in the United kingdom) is a model we could well study in relationship to New Zealand.

Dr Suzanne Webb is president of Churches Uniting in Christ, a relationship among ten Christian communions that have pledged to live more closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and to combat racism together. (cuicinfo.org)

News and Notes
John Gilmore takes up the position of Executive Director of Global Mission Partners (Australian Churches of Christ overseas mission board) on February 11, taking over from Peter Overton.

Kiwilink Zimbabwe has established an excellent web site at www.kiwilink.org Take a look for up to date news!

With sadness we record the death of Edna Richardson, long time member of our churches and secretary of the association. Edna died during conference in November.. With sadness also we report the sudden death of Muriel Garrow of the United Kingdom on November 19. Muriel was an outstanding president of Global Women Connecting (formerly World CWF) and led their gathering at Brighton World Convention in 2004.

Onehunga Cooperating Parish is looking for a further minister (part time) with particular responsibility for youth work. intetested people could contact Ron O’Grady at ronalison@xtra.co.nz

Judith Todd has been in New Zealand promoting her new book, Through the Darkness, A life in Zimbabwe. Judith is the daughter of Sir Garfield and Grace Lady Todd. This is her third book on Zimbabwe. See www.zebrapress.co.za; available from amazon.com

The 97 Churches of Christ in Vanuatu celebrated their 106th anniversary on November 26th. Ten years ago there were about 80 congregations.

World Convention General Secretary, Jeff Weston, attended the Global Christian Forum in Kenya in November. This forum is an exciting adventure in bringing together the widest possible gathering of the Christian community. 240 leaders gathered ‘representing’ perhaps 95% of the world’s Christian population. See www.globalchristianforum.org for a report and details.

A summary of our November conference (Christian Churches New Zealand) has been prepared and was distributed in December. Available from Debby Hoffman (admin@ccnz.org) or PO Box 2184, Stoke, Nelson

Support for the Christian Conference of Asia.
2007 was the 50th anniversary of the CCA (formerly East Asian Christian Conference) and an appeal has been launched for a New Zealand Endowment Fund to support the work of the CCA. To honour Rev Alan Brash who travelled to the planning meeting fifty years ago to advocate for New Zealand’s inclusion, the fund will be a memorial to Alan. Individuals and congregations wishing to support the fund can send their gifts marked Alan Brash Memorial Appeal for CCA, to CWS PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8142. Both Ron O’Grady and Barbara Stephens are amongst the patrons. For more information see presbyterian.org.nz/brash

From Cottages to Congregations
Mark Willis has written and published a 245 page history of Churches of Christ in New Zealand, 1844-2004. It is the story of a cappella (non-instrument) Churches of Christ in New Zealand but in the 19th century there was only one story which both ‘streams’ now legitimately claim. The 20th century saw division and the development of two distinct paths. Mark is generous in some of his comments and there is some ‘bridge building’ with the association in his book. There is also some continuing misunderstanding but that is not surprising. Globally, there is a dismantling of fences within our movement and we can see our New Zealand story in this context. Of course there is still a distance to travel. I think all members of ‘associated’ churches who are interested in our history will want to have From Cottages to Congregations on their shelves. To obtain a copy send me your mailing address (to PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543), with a cheque for $30 made out to Mark Willis, by February 29. I will forward cheques and addresses to Mark at that time.

Cooperating Ventures Coordinator
Initially I took up this role within the association for two years (2006/2007). That has been extended to 1 February 2009. Cooperating Ventures which include Christian Churches NZ congregations should contact me with any CV-CCNZ questions they have. It is also helpful, when you are contacting the CCNZ office in Nelson, to send me a copy of any letter/email. I will be working closely with George and Pauline Langford, Church Developers with CCNZ. Because I continue as partner representative on the Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee I will be glad to help with any UCANZ related matters too.

My Association Diary
Please contact me with comments or questions for these meetings.
February 29 - Meeting with George Langford, Church Developer: coordination and future planning.
March 1 - Church Extension and Property Trust Board quarterly meeting (Wellington).
March 12-14 - Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee. A further issue of uNETy will be published following this meeting.
July 30 - August 3. World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ) in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The World Convention Board, Global Women Connecting and the international Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council will meet at this time.
I am looking forward also to being involved in visitations to Matamata and Oamaru Union Parishes

Lyndsay Jacobs
Christian Churches NZ/Associated Churches of Christ in NZ
Uniting Congregations Partner Representative
PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543 (new postal code), New Zealand.
Ph: +64 (0)3 317-8011. Mobile: +64 021 424516
lyndsaylorrainejacobs@xtra.co.nz

THINKING OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE
I am very encouraged by the way many union/cooperative churches are responding to their call to ministry and witness in this new century. But being effective parishes/congregations in this post modern, post denominational, post Christian, post Christendom era is a huge and constant challenge to us all.

IT IS A NEW WORLD. Like many others, I feel absolutely sure that trying to do what we've always done, but doing it better, JUST WON'T WORK. That is like looking through the wrong end of the telescope or trying to get ice cream into the cone through the bottom. It's coming at things from the wrong end. That's thinking 'Inside the Circle' - looking out from where we are. THE WORLD HAS CHANGED. We're not where we were anymore.

The first (and major, huge) step for any congregation wanting to be real in 21st Century New Zealand, is to understand today's community and HOW THE COMMUNITY SEES CHRISTIANITY and the CHURCH. We need to step outside our circles, see ourselves (our congregations) from the outside looking in. We need to think outside the circle.

I have prepared a one day or two evening discovery/action program for congregations which feel they're ready, like Abraham, to explore moving into a 'new country'. Let me know if you're game.

FROM THE UNITING CONGREGATIONS NATIONAL OFFICE
Parishes have received (June 13)
- Information/registration forms for the biennial Forum of Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand, Riding the Wave, to be held in Upper Hutt, November 8-11. I urge all union/cooperative congregations to be well represented. Any partner congregations can have members present - not just uniting congregations!

Nomination forms for the positions of president, vice president/president elect (subject to this position being approved by the Forum) and standing committee members. Nominations close August 7.

A notice board notice regarding 'complaints procedures' in partner churches.

Information re procedure for registering union/cooperative parishes with the Charities Commission.

CHURCHES' AGENCY ON SOCIAL ISSUES TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER
In May the Council of Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa - New Zealand announced a decision to cease funding CASI from June 30. At a subsequent meeting of Christian Churches, Methodist and Presbyterian representatives, the decision was taken to wind up CASI. I imagine that most members in our union and cooperative parishes, and many others, will be saddened to see this partnership disbanded and concerned at the haste and general process followed. Maybe ways will be found for it to be 'saved'.

CASI will be working strongly through to the end of the year. A key contribution it makes to the life of our churches is providing resource material for forming our thinking to major issues. Outlook - Still Unsettled is a climate change discussion resource at the printer (& already on the web site) right now. The latest bi-monthly Broadsheet (July) helps us think through imprisonment/parole issues. Resources related to our binge drinking culture will be coming soon. Necessary? You bet!

(Christian Churches/Churches of Christ joined CASI in 1999; earlier the Association had its own Public Questions Committee. Janet and Hugh Scott are our representatives. Hugh is currently chairperson.)

PROPERTY IN COOPERATIVE VENTURES - THE BASICS
Property in union/cooperative ventures confuses many people. Few now have the 'original' memory. I have prepared a one page hand-out summary of the basics that can be shared with all members of parish councils or others interested. If you'd like this, this ask me for an original which you can copy.

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE COUNCIL MEETING
The annual meeting of the CWS Council was held on May 19. Angela McMorran (St Andrew St Church of Christ, Dunedin) is the official representative of the Association on the Council. As she was unable to attend, I attended at her request. The meeting - and the work of CWS - is very positive. Through the Council we have a direct say in CWS, New Zealand's only 'home grown' churches' aid agency. On our behalf CWS takes action to end poverty and injustice throughout the world.

Its main areas of work are:
1. Funding groups working in their own communities to overcome poverty and build decent livelihoods for local people. CWS works with local partners who decide what is needed most.
2. Responding to humanitarian emergencies - again through grass roots partners.
3. Raising awareness and educating within Aotearoa New Zealand. Unless we understand 'aid' issues, huge errors will be made and money will be wasted. Yes, our ignorance can get in the way of real solutions.
4. Campaigning against the causes of global poverty and injustice. The 'top down' causes of poverty must be addressed to ensure grass roots help is effective. (We all understand that ambulances and fire engines are needed but we also know we must invest primarily in health care and fire prevention to make a long-term difference.) CWS responds to people in greatest need, regardless of race or religion.

Recognising that local people are best placed to understand local needs and find their own solutions, CWS supports the initiatives of community organisations. Inspired by faith in God, CWS strives for a just social order through community partnership and service. What can you do? CWS has many excellent resources. Go to cws.org.nz or phone (03) 366-9274. Be an active CWS advocate in your congregation. Make this year's Christmas Appeal a record in your congregation! God is lifting up the world's poor before us - our neighbours.

FORMER DISCIPLES' LEADER TO HEAD CHRISTIAN CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE USA
Dr Richard L. Hamm, a former General Minister and President (CEO) of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the USA and Canada, one of the three streams of our movement in the USA, has been appointed Executive Administrator of Christian Churches Together in the USA . He will assume the post on August 1.

Officially organized in 2006, Christian Churches Together in the USA is composed of 36 churches and national organizations, representative of the diversity of US Christian families, who are committed to meeting together for fellowship and worship and to working together on issues crucial to Christian witness in the USA. At its 2007 annual meeting Christian Churches Together focussed on evangelism. Its 2008 meeting (January 8 - 11) in Washington DC will strengthen and expand efforts to overcome poverty in the United States.
'I have always been drawn to the vision of the various parts of the church of Jesus Christ in the United States seeking common ground and working together in all ways possible,' Hamm affirmed. 'We must seek every opportunity to manifest the unity that is ours in Christ if we are to have a significant impact on this culture and nation.' He called Christian Churches Together an 'appropriately post-modern model, with its focus on networking, consensus building and action. The prospect of helping to shape and grow such a post-modern organization for the sake of common witness and mission is truly exciting!'

Christian Churches Together in the USA, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (ctbi.org.uk), Churches Together in England (churches-together.net), Action of Churches Together in Scotland (acts-scotland.org) and Churches Together in Wales (cytun.org.uk - web site under construction) provide contemporary models of Christian cooperative vision and action desperately needed in New Zealand but apparently beyond our willingness to grasp.

ECPAT - Ending Child Prostitution and Child Pornography
We share the following email (July 2) from Ron O'Grady
Dear Friends - Have you a concern for issues relating to child prostitution and child pornography? If so you might like to look up the new ECPAT-NZ blog we have just started - End Child $ex Abuse. I will be writing a weekly comment on the news and others will contribute from time to time. Go to: www.nochildsex.blogspot.com Hope you might find some of it helpful. Ron.

BOOK NEEDED - FORWARD INTO FREEDOM (Second request!)
I have two people who would love to have copies of Forward into Freedom, Murray Savage's book two on the story of New Zealand Churches of Christ missionary endeavour in Southern Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. If you have a copy of this book that is no longer needed, please mail it to me (address below) and I'll pass it on. (Any 'extras' will be kept to meet future requests.) Thanks for copies of Achievement (book one) sent or promised!

CELEBRATING AND SHARING!
Sunday July 15: July New Zealand National Bible Sunday www.biblesociety.org.nz
Sunday August 5: World Convention Sunday (Christian/Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ global day) www.worldconvention.org
Monday August 6: Hiroshima Day. Focus on peace.
Sunday October 7: World Communion Sunday
Sunday October 21: World Week of Prayer for World Peace
Thursday - Sunday, November 8-11: Uniting Congregations Forum www.ucanz.org.nz
Thursday - Saturday, 15-17 November: Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Conference.
Now beginning Thursday instead of Wednesday. www.churchesofchrist.org.nz
Sunday December 2: Beginning of Advent - first Sunday of the Christian year.
Launching of Christian World Service Christmas Appeal. www.cws.org.nz

MY ASSOCIATION DIARY
Please contact me with comments or questions for these meetings.
July 11-12 - Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee. uNETy will be published following this meeting.
August 11 - Church Extension and Property Trust Board quarterly meeting (Nelson).

Lyndsay Jacobs
Christian Churches NZ/Associated Churches of Christ in NZ
Uniting Congregations Partner Representative
PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543 (new postal code), New Zealand.
Ph: +64 (0)3 317-8011. Mobile: +64 021 424516
lyndsaylorrainejacobs@xtra.co.nz (the Yahoo address is for distribution only)

IDENTITY, VISION AND COMMUNICATION BECOME FOCUS FOR 'UNITING' CONGREGATIONS

The March 14-15 meeting of the Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing (UCANZ) Standing Committee was very successful. It was attended by the chairpersons of the seventeen regional committees of UCANZ. As well as providing an opportunity to share in the regular items on the agenda, it also provided opportunity for strengthening relationships and focussing together on the future of this unique group of churches.

The April issue of the Methodist paper, Touchstone, has an excellent centre spread which conveys the enthusiasm and business of the meeting. I urge you to read it carefully. It should be available in all uniting congregations; others can request it from touchstone@paradise.net.nz

A new logo, the strengthening of the web site and the introduction of uNETy (an email newsletter) are recent steps in providing more effective communication.

Further establishing identity and vision will be part of the busy UCANZ Forum agenda, November 8-11, at the New Zealand International Campus in Heretaunga, Upper Hutt. (Registration forms in July.) Plan to be there! All are welcome - not only those from cooperating ventures.

'CHRISTIAN CHURCHES' IN LOGO
The new Uniting Churches logo has the names of the partners included. In the initial drawings of this logo we retained 'Churches of Christ' but they have been redrawn to read 'Christian Churches'. Although it is over to each congregation to decide what name to use, the beginning of widespread use of the new Uniting Churches logo is the time to make the change there. For individual cooperating churches the ideal time to make the change is when they are re-doing signs, stationery and other communications. Change may be challenging or exciting, Either way it is part of moving forward.

VIRGINIA TECH, Blacksburg
Our Independent Christian Churches have a congregation and campus ministry at Virginia Tech. Steve & Stacey Wilkin are ministering as they are able. They see counselling as the greatest need. Many students have gone home for the week following the tragedy. Disciples have a congregation in Blacksburg and nearby Radford (pastor Gina Rhea). Regional minister, Lee Parker, and Week of Compassion (Disciples Aid) are assisting. Disciples minister Doug Smith, EO of the Virginia Interfaith Center, has coordinated a remembrance service at Richmond, the state capital. Geunhee Yu, Disciples national Asian Executive Pastor has issued an appeal to people not to make this a racist issue - a plea that should not be necessary, but unfortunately will be for many.

FAIR TRADE FORTNIGHT
28 April - 13 May
Have you become a fair trade congregation? Worship resources and information kit from gillian.southey@cws.org.nz


CELEBRATE ASIA - MAY 20
Each year the Christian Conference of Asia challenges us to celebrate our links with Asia on the Sunday before Pentecost Sunday. For Asian Christian Church/Churches of Christ links to lift up in this ecumenical celebration go to www.worldconvention.org and click on 'national profiles'. The April CWS Update has several items on Sri Lanka too. You could use these in conjunction with their 'water' documentary (based in Sri Lanka) if you haven't used that yet. www.cws.org.nz

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY - 22-27 May
This is celebrated in the northern hemisphere in January but because that is a holiday period in the south it is celebrated in May 'down under'. Resources: www.wcc-coe.org (resources) There is an ecumenical service at Christchurch Cathedral - 10 am, Wednesday 23 May. Watch out for (or organise) services in other areas.

CONGRATULATIONS
Ray Blampied, a retired minister and elder statesman of our churches, celebrates his 95th birthday on May 13. Our congratulations and best wishes to Ray. (10 Becmead Drive, Bishopdale, Christchurch). Ross Heyward celebrated his 80th on April 13. Lourdino Yuzon has had his work permit extended to March 2009 and is therefore able to continue ministry at Matamata Union Parish.

PROPERTY SCHEDULES
Recently I have been helping a Methodist-Presbyterian Cooperating Parish establish its property schedule. The ratio of assets that congregations contribute to a uniting congregation when they are set up, establishes their 'shareholding' in the parish from that point on. It alters only when/if a partner contributes totally 'new capital'. Most churches did not obtain valuations for their properties when they united because they thought all property would soon relate to the nationally united church. Not knowing the 'shareholding' can lead to difficulties later. If your congregation has not fixed these ratios and wants guidance on how to do it, please contact me.

UNDERSTANDING THE ASSOCIATED CHURCHES OF CHRIST/CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN NEW ZEALAND
The response reinforced the feeling that there was a need for this publication. I have appreciated the many positive comments. About 100 remain. $5 each; $4 each for orders of ten or more. Postage included in price. Send your cheque to address below.

CELEBRATING AND SHARING!
Sunday May 20: Asia Sunday
22-27 May - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Sunday June 24: New Zealand Refugee Sunday
Sunday July 15: July New Zealand National Bible Sunday
Sunday August 5: World Convention Sunday
(Christian Churches global day)
Sunday October 7: World Communion Sunday
Sunday October 21: World Week of Prayer for World Peace
Thursday - Sunday, November 8-11: Uniting Congregations Forum
Wednesday - Saturday, 14-17: Christian Churches Conference

VISITING THE USA?
You may wish to include
- the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Assembly (July 21-25; Fort Worth, Texas - www.disciples.org) or
- the North American Christian Convention (July 3-6: Kansas City - www.nacctheconnectingplace.org).
- 2008 - World Convention, July 30 - August 3. www.worldconvention.org
- 2010 - Women's 'Quadrennial', June 23-27, Greensboro, North Carolina.

SNIPPETS
- 'Standard Publishing' in the USA will be know to many. Now they are out-sourcing their printing, they have left their former seven acres of buildings and relocated within Cincinnati. www.christianstandard.com
- USA Disciples have sent over 300 work groups into the New Orleans area in the past six months. Goal 750 groups. We don't always hear about the amazing grassroots work being done by churches. God is alive - and busy!
- Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches are working together in Darfur where 250,00 have died and 3,000,000 have been displaced.
- Remember that the national Association Secretary (Christian Churches New Zealand/Associated Churches of Christ) is now contacted at PO Box 2148, Stoke, Nelson.
- CWS has launched an emergency appeal for the Solomon Islands following the devastating 8.1 earthquake on April 2. Mail to PO Box 22652, Christchurch or donate on line at www.cws.org.nz
- Shore Community Christian Church (an independent congregation in the Albany area, related to the 'Christian Churches' movement) has a 30 minute TV program on Prime at 8.30 am each Sunday. Reuben Munn is the teaching minister - recently returned from Cincinnati Christian University.

BOOKS NEEDED
I have had two requests this year for copies of Murray Savage's books on Churches of Christ missionary work in Zimbabwe - Achievement and Forward into Freedom. If you have copies you no longer need, please mail them to me (address below) and we will provide these folks with copies. Any surplus copies will be sent to our archives at Annesbrook to help with future requests.

MY DIARY
Please contact me with comments or questions for these meetings.
May 18-19 Christian World Service (CWS) Council meeting
May 26 - Church Extension and Property Trust Board quarterly meeting.
May 27 - Morning service at Wellington South (Trinity) and evening session at St Anselms, Karori, Wellington.
July 11-12 - Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee.

Lyndsay Jacobs
Christian Churches NZ/Associated Churches of Christ in NZ
Partner Representative
PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543 (new postal code), New Zealand.
Ph: +64 (0)3 317-8011. Mobile: +64 021 424516
lyndsaylorrainejacobs@xtra.co.nz (the Yahoo address is for distribution only)

This is a major interchurch event. Last year over 1000 New Zealand congregations participated in nearly 300 services. This year's service has been prepared by the women of Paraguay with the theme, United under God's Tent. World Day of Prayer in New Zealand is organised by the WDP committee of Church Women United. Everybody is most welcome at all services. At a church near you: Do find a service to attend this Friday!

GLOBAL (and ecumenical) DAY OF PRAYER FOR BURMA - Sunday, March 11
For more than thirty years Burma has suffered internal warfare and military oppression. It is one of the world's poorest countries and also has one of the worst records of human violations. Half the world's heroin comes from Burma and half the national budget is spent on arms. Despite persecution, the church (7%) continues to grow.

BOOK NEWS
The first ever contextual history of the Stone-Campbell movement is now underway. Publication is planned for 2012. This volume is a natural progression from the recently published Stone-Campbell Encyclopedia with the same authors. They represent all streams of the movement in the USA so this will be a deliberately inclusive, broad history.

The Threat of Tourism is the title of a new book by Ron O'Grady and published by the World Council of Churches. This book looks behind the glossy advertising of exotic locations, highlighting a number of issues that are becoming increasingly acute: tourism's contribution to ecological damage, forced changes in cultures, violation of human rights and the growth of the global sex industry. The church has to deal with tourism too: historic sanctuaries are suffering irreparable wear and tear and Christians in developing countries are seeing their customs under threat. Congratulations to Ron on the writing and publication of this book. To obtain copies go to the WCC web site: www.wcc-coe.org

The Rhetoric of Sir Garfield Todd: Christian Imagination and the Dream of An African Democracy (Baylor University Press, 2007) by Mike Casey (in my opinion the expert on the Todds) is now available. It retails for US$49.95 but may be found on other web sites for less. Sir Garfield Todd's story is a compelling one. He was the first missionary to become a head of state (prime minister of Southern Rhodesia from 1953-58). Opposing the racist policies instituted by later Prime Minister Ian Smith, Sir Garfield was in and out of detention in the 1960s and 1970s for supporting Africans in the revolution. Originally paternalistic, Sir Garfield fought for a full democracy and political freedom for all people in Zimbabwe. Mike Casey argues that his religious heritage (the Stone-Campbell Movement - NZ Churches of Christ missionary) explains his political rhetoric.

I have produced a 24 page booket entitled, Understanding The Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand/Christian Churches New Zealand. It has sections on our global and national stories as well as a focus on the present and future. Two copies are currently being sent to each church. Hopefully it will help Christian Church leaders and members, our partners and others understand who we are. It is written in the context that we are part of the wider church. Copies within New Zealand are NZ$5, post free. USA and Australia - send a $5 note in your own currency.

uNETy
Is a new email newsletter from the Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand. uNETy will be published after the three UCANZ Standing Committee meetings each year and at other times as needed. It is being distributed by Joint Regional Committees through their email lists but you can request a direct (free) copy from office@ucanz.org.nz

CHANGE OF DATES FOR CHRISTIAN CHURCHES CONFERENCE
The initial dates chosen clashed with the Forum of the Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand so the Administration Team has notified churches of a change.
Conference dates (all in Wellington area) are
Methodist - November 3-7
UCANZ Forum - November 8-11
Christian Churches - November 14-17.
I hope all twelve uniting congregations in which Churches of Christ are partners will be represented at both Forum and Conference. I will arrange informal but intentional meetings within both events for these representatives.

WELCOMING WHO? WELCOMING HOW?
This is a four session program I have prepared for congregations wanting to focus on discipleship and strengthening the church. It is not 'general' - participants will discover things they and their congregations can do immediately. Let me know if you are interested in exploring using Welcoming Who? Welcoming How?

WORLD CONVENTION
(Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ) is NEXT YEAR - July 30, August 3 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. All welcome. Why not join the New Zealand party. Contact David Coulter - dmcoulter@xtra.co.nz or 264 Highgate, Roslyn, Dunedin.

SNIPPETS
- The Christian Conference in Asia is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Prapat, Sumatra (site of the first assembly), March 3-8. Thousands will attend. Rev Ron O'Grady has been invited to give a paper.

- Early in February, the Churches of Christ Theological College in Mulgrave, Victoria, Australia, celebrated its centenary.

- The Australian Churches of Christ Overseas Mission Board has changed its name to Global Mission Partners.

- Water, Who Owns It? is the name of a new video/DVD documentary with study material produced by CWS. Many people believe that after oil, water will be the next big war-provoking issue in the world. Plan to use this to consider and be informed about this important issue. cws@cws.org.nz

Lorraine Jacobs will be attending the international World Day of Prayer planning meeting in Toronto, Canada late in May. She and Helen Buxton will be repesenting the New Zealand WDP Committee.

Churches of Christ in Malawi celebrated their centenary last year. One in fifty people in Malawi belong to Churches of Christ. Their theme was 'Practise peace and show unity and harmony as you live.' The president and first lady of Malawi attended the celebrations.

Churches of Christ in the Cameroons have celebrated 50 years. There are 190 congregations.

Average church attendance of Churches of Christ in Poland has increased from 1680 in 1996 to 3178 in 2005.

MY DIARY
March 10 - Church Extension and Property Trust Board quarterly meeting.
March 11 - Morning service at Wellington South (Trinity) and evening session at St Anselms, Karori, Wellington.
March 13 - Partner Support Fund meeting. This once-a-year meeting deals with the support uniting congregations give to the wider church and how it is distributed to partners.
March 14-15 - Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee. Joint Regional Committee chairs are attending this meeting.
May 20 - Morning service at Wellington South (Trinity) and evening session at St Anselms, Karori, Wellington.

When many (in our global church family) think about the movement of the 'ecumenical movement' ... they often imagine a movement that is linear: advancing pretty much from point A (the place of division) to point B (a place of growing unity and oneness in our life as Christians and churches). Unfortunately, that is not always, if ever, the way things go. It is, rather, more of a dance: a couple of steps forward, a couple of steps backward, and some steps to the side. My prayer ... is that God will be at work to enliven our dance; to direct all of our steps to greater faithfulness; and, especially to encourage us to take all of our partners more seriously in where they are, and where they have too often stumbled or stepped on feet that have already endured too much pain. It's the dance of ecumenism. - Robert Welsh, President, Council of Christian Unity, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the USA and Canada.

Lyndsay Jacobs
Interchurch Coordinator and UCANZ Partner Representative
Christian Churches/Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand
PO Box 211, Kirwee 7543 (new postal code),
New Zealand.
Ph: +64 (0)3 317-8011
Mobile: +64 021 424516
lyndsaylorrainejacobs@xtra.co.nz

We often read of the scale of disasters and feel nothing much is be done. Positive grass roots activity seldom makes good headlines. At the end of August the USA marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. You will be interested to know that just one group of our movement in the USA, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has 750 volunteer work teams planned for the area in the next two years! God is working in millions of places globally.

On August 13, Onehunga Cooperating Parish marked one year since the death of David Lange with a memorial service and the dedication of a memorial plaque. Special guests included Rt Rev Sir Paul Reeves and the Rt Hon Helen Clark.

NEW ZEALAND CHURCHES TOGETHER

A Strategic Thinking Group, established after the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand was disestablished, has this month made recommendations about possible means of expressing shared commitment and mission in the future. Three possible 'models' are offered to the churches for discussion and response. You can see these (& other background information) at www.stg.churches.net.nz Responses are requested by December. Congregations (not just union/cooperating parishes) should forward their thoughts to the Association Secretary. I would be glad to receive copies.

WORLD CONVENTION

The latest issue of 'World Christian' arrived late August. If you did not receive a copy and wish to in future (no cost), email worldconv@aol.com Ask to receive the email ChristiaNet too.

This issue highlights the real need for this ministry amongst the global family of Christian/Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ Churches to continue strongly.

The mailing included an insert from New Zealand contacts, David and Anne Coulter, about the next convention in Nashville, Tennessee (& related tours) mid 2008. Email (dmcoulter@xtra.co.nz) if you would like that info sent direct to you. Register this year and save!

The World Convention web site has been redesigned. See it at www.worldconvention.org

World Convention is supported mainly by Friends (individuals and congregations) around the world. Your help is very much needed. Send NZ cheques to David at 264 Highgate, Dunedin by mid November, to have them included in the 2006 gift from NZ. Your gift will be gratefully received and individually acknowledged.


RELOCATION

Our Directors of Church Development. George & Pauline Langford have moved to Nelson. You can write to them at P O Box 2184, Stoke, Nelson. Email unchanged: george@churchchrist.org.nz

The Christian Conference of Asia has moved from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai, Thailand. The mailing address (since July) is CCA, PO Box 183, Chiang Mai Muang 50000, Thailand.

CHURCHES AGENCY ON SOCIAL ISSUES (CASI)
Christian Churches/Churches of Christ are members. Janet and Hugh Scott are our representatives.

If you want to receive CASI's paper, Broadsheet (mail or email) contact casi@casi.org.nz The latest issue has info on Easter trading, violence, discipline of children, problem gambling. Be informed about issues. While we may not agree about everything, it is important that we are thinking and that a church voice is heard.

Just published: Race Relations: Issues & Practicalities. $9.90 incl postage.

Because of budget pressures, Christian Churches/Churches of Christ have needed to reduce their contribution by $300. Some individuals and churches have funds available for wider church activities. If you would like to help bridge this reduction, please mail cheques to me made out to CASI and I will forward them together after October 31. Twelve cheques for $25 would do it.

NATIONAL CONVENTION: 6-9 November
The gathering begins Monday with dinner; closes Thursday with breakfast - at Bridge Valley, Wakefield, Nelson. I would like to have a get-together of those present from union/cooperating parishes at some stage during the event. Please email me if you are attending. I hope there will be a good number of us.
Registration forms are now available online at: www.churchesofchrist.org.nz. They will also be mailed to each church. The focus and theme of the Convention is "The Next Generation". Each church leader is encouraged to bring someone they are encouraging as a present and future leader in their church.
The Administration Team meets following the Convention.


CELEBRATING/SHARING COMING EVENTS

Churches Education Sunday - September 17. Focussing on the work of the Churches Education Commission, especially the witness in schools.

World Communion Sunday - October 1.

WCC International Day of Prayer for Peace on UN Int Day of Peace - Thursday, 21 September.

Presbyterian Assembly, Auckland - September 28 - October 2.

Methodist Conference in Rotorua November 3-7.

Association Convention in Nelson - 6-9 November.


MY ASSOCIATION DIARY

Lorraine and I are looking forward to 18 days in the Auckland area, attending Presbyterian Assembly as Christian Church/Churches of Christ observers and visiting the four area union/cooperating parishes we are partners in. September 24 - Matamata; October 1 - Onehunga; October 8 - Whangarei; Point Chevalier - being arranged.

October 11 - 12: Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand Standing Committee. Wellington

Nov 6 - 9: Association meetings in Nelson.

December 2: Church Extension & Property Trust Board, Wellington.


Unity begins at home. Universal Christian unity must grow out of the attitudes to and relationships with those we know - family, friends, congregations and 'our' part of Christ's church. It is not possible to eliminate from these contexts things that lead to differences of opinion, tension, friction and division. What must distinguish us as Christians is not the challenges we face (much the same as those facing others) but rather how we deal with them - together. The church needs to be seen modelling 'living together'.