Bücher veröffentlicht von Philip Garside Publishing Limited

Why are the policies of a church at national level, which seek to bring together people of different cultures and ethnicities as one people in Christ, so seldom reflected in local congregations and parishes? New Zealand Presbyterian minister Rev Dr Tokerau Joseph shares the insights gained from his doctoral research into this topic. While his study focussed on the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), his findings are also relevant to other denominations with multi-cultural and multi-ethnic parishes and congregations.This exercise in practical theology examines the tension between two realities. On the one hand, there are the stated policies of the PCANZ that encourage its members to live out a diverse life together. On the other hand, there is the reality that PCANZ congregations reflect ethnic homogeneity rather than diversity. The author observes the extent to which the ethnic composition of congregations is influenced by people's theological understanding of the church and of their Christian identity, as opposed to tendencies affirming their ethnic/cultural identity. Tokerau Joseph challenges and encourages people in congregations to learn to live out more faithfully our ecclesiology of unity in diversity. This will involve re-evaluating our Christian identity, cross-cultural engagements, a pan-Pacific model of church, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. He hopes that this book will be thought-provoking and impactful for change in people's lives.Key topics discussed are:Ethnicity mattersAn ecclesiology of unity in diversityThe historical development of PCANZ ethnic componentsEthnic relations in congregations, and Rethinking our fellowshipThe book includes a full bibliography and references.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the external pressures of too much information, too many conflicting voices and too much media noise? You are not alone. These influences invade our personal space and erode our sense of inner peace and well-being. This book will help you discover your inner sacred self. The breathing exercises, poems, prayers and reflections offered by Ian Kilgour will re-connect you with the Divine Presence, the source of your life and all that is.

This book will help you face your own death with courage and faith. Some simple things can help ease your mind and bring peace to your heart. Much of the book is written in the first person singular to help you personalise your reflections. There are many prompts for you to write in a notebook or journal your reflections and memories of significant people, places and events in your life, and ideas for your funeral. Dip into the book where and when you want, pondering only one or two paragraphs at a time. It includes readings and meditations from a wide range of perspectives and faith traditions.

The Southland Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand was formed in 1860. It merged with four other presbyteries in the south of the South Island to form the Southern Presbytery in 2010. This book records the key people and events that took place during these 150 years. 34 parishes were established from Te Anau in the north to Oban on Stewart Island in the south. Churches arose to meet the needs of local communities. Lay people offered faithful service, supporting ordained ministers, who were appointed as the churches flourished and finances allowed. While membership of some churches grew, over time, many churches and parishes dwindled to the point they were no longer able to support paid clergy. Local churches, in both city and rural settings, often found it hard to amalgamate with neighbouring churches as they perceived they had little in common. The book records the many ways the leadership of Presbytery supported parishes to restructure and remain viable. The final 20 years of the life of Southland Presbytery has been researched and collated in this publication, recording the many challenges and changes that took place over that time.

Worship leaders, this engaging collection of prayers will support your work of creating meaningful services that reflect the church year in our part of the world.Joy provides prayers for many different purposes: Gathering - Candle lighting - Thanksgiving - Intercession - Petition - Confession - Assurance - Illumination - Offering - Blessing - Commissioning. In Aotearoa New Zealand the church year begins in early summer, harvest comes during the fast of Lent, and we celebrate Easter not when life is emerging anew in a burst of spring flowering but when leaves are turning red and gold and falling to the ground. The prayers and poems in this collection have been arranged to reflect the cycle of the seasons as we experience them, and the church's feasts and fasts, and other commemorations, as they occur within those seasons. To lead a congregation in worship is both a great privilege and a great responsibility. Prayer is a vital part of public worship. Many of the prayers are responsive, giving congregation members an opportunity for more active involvement in the service. The poems for personal reflection are ideal for printing on the front cover of an order of service or within a church bulletin.Joy's hope is that this book will be a useful resource for worship leaders, providing just the right words when they need them, and that they, and others who happen to open these pages, may find within sparks of inspiration to ignite their own devotional creativity.

Lay preachers, clergy and worship leaders, are you looking for new prayers and liturgy to refresh your worship and engage your congregations? Do you want worship-tested liturgy that honours southern hemisphere seasons? Does your congregation enjoy responsive prayers? Then this extensive collection of new material by a longstanding New Zealand Lay Preacher is just what you need. Many types of liturgy are included: ¿ Opening / Gathering ¿ Candle lighting¿ Praise / Thanksgiving¿ Intercession¿ Confession¿ Illumination¿ Offering dedication¿ Blessing¿ Commissioning¿ MeditationThe 326 entries are divided into three parts:1. The Liturgical Year2. The Season of Creation3. Social ThemesTo help you easily find the best liturgy for your next service, the book includes a comprehensive Table of Contents and a full Scripture Index.Many of the entries are suitable for devotions at the start of church meetings. Readers will also find plenty of stimulating material to support their personal devotions.

The natural world is crying out for our loving attention. Does your church or community group want to get involved but don't know where to start? The contributors to this book explore the issues, share their personal visions, and offer practical ideas that your church or group can act on today. Awhi Mai Awhi Atu tells the stories of 30 women, living in Aotearoa New Zealand from many cultures, who are leading in environmental action. Through their experience a powerful story emerges of God at work in a rich diversity of ways. Awhi Mai Awhi Atu documents the emergence of a dynamic mission movement, and builds that movement with practical, creative ideas and resources. It includes: Vibrant stories of hope and creativity in the face of local and global problems81 action points which provide practical tools for churchesA wealth of prayer and poetry that connects heart and soulDiscussion of theology in ecological mission. Now, more than ever before, God is calling the church to care for God's creation.

What is life like for aid workers who gather from around the world to serve refugees who have fled their homes due to famine, political unrest, and disasters? Kiwi nurse-midwife, Barbara Walker - who spent 20 years working for international aid agencies - shares her dramatic, heart-rending, and inspiring stories of the situations she faced and the people she sought to help.From the Sakeo One Refugee Camp in Thailand, where she cared for those fleeing Pol Pot''s regime in Cambodia in a make-shift bamboo-framed field hospital, to her last placement in Mozambique that ended due to a death threat, Barbara''s Christian faith gave her strength and kept her focussed.We also learn of Barbara''s early life in New Zealand, and her later call to ordained ministry as a chaplain when she returned after serving overseas.Barbara hopes that her story will inspire and encourage all who read it to think outside the square and seek to make a difference in the world in which we all live. Post COVID-19, we all have a chance to move forward, working together to address the inequalities which she has seen around the world and here in her country of Aotearoa New Zealand. We cannot make changes alone, but by listening, sharing, building trust, and working in partnership, we can make a difference for all. It''s up to us all.