We can all play our part in helping to Let the Children Live.
“Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear. Take care of what they see. Take care for what they feel. For how the children grow so will be the shape of Aotearoa.” Dame Whina Cooper
A 10-year Vision to “Let the Children Live – ending Child poverty, Child abuse and Youth Suicide in New Zealand” was launched at the National Methodist Conference in Wellington on 4 November 2012.
The Vision took shape as Council of Conference members considered how the centenary of the Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand might be marked. The decision was to seek to build something that would make a difference in the fabric of New Zealand Society.
At the heart of the Vision is the belief that ordinary people can make a difference and that our churches are uniquely placed to foster positive interaction in their communities.
In response, Durham Street Methodists committed ourselves to provide long-term support to two projects – one local and one international:
On the first Sunday of the month, all are invited to contribute canned or fresh fruit, tissues and toothpaste, for the use of Aratupu Pre-School and Nursery – a family-focused service of Christchurch Methodist Mission, based in Papanui, with a strong emphasis on Māori culture and language. You can also follow them on Facebook.
Aratupu Pre-School and Nursery Video can be viewed here.
Internationally, we make regular donations to help support the John Wesley School, Eshowe – an eco-school founded by the Eshowe Methodist Church in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. You can also follow them on Facebook.
To support this work, cash or cheque donations (made out to ‘Christchurch Central Methodist Parish”) can be put in an envelope – with your name and “School” or “Eshowe” on the front – and popped into the collection bag during any church gathering. If you include your name a receipt will be provided.
