From the Billboard Easter 2020
This Easter: Don’t go to church, be the church
All Church Gatherings Suspended
Today we received notice that the Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa has suspended all church services – this includes ours at Durham Street. This is not only in consideration of the risks of those attending, but also to reduce as much as possible any further spread of the virus to … Continued
We celebrate birthdays
Celebrating a first birthday (and a few several years older at the same time) in our church community.
February Public Issues Update
Getting to Know and Improve Water Use in our Homes and Churches: There is a link between water and carbon emissions. It is easy to overlook the energy used in treating and delivering water to our taps, and for heating water. Energy is used to treat water and pipe it to our homes and churches. Energy … Continued
The Real Face of Jesus
This beautiful mini-coffe table book, by Sean Hawkey, is a dramatic collection of portraits and very short true stories of men and women in Honduras, who are called Jesus. Honduras is full of drama at the moment: violence and gangs, political upheavals, mass migration, the assassination of indigenous leaders like Berta Cāceres. But among the … Continued
Singing, Oxytocin and Ancient Urges
By Carol Barron Singing is one of our most ancient urges. It connects us to our tribal past and fills us with happiness. When we sing, our whole body is the instrument. Our ribcage vibrates, our airways hum, musical vibrations move through our body and alters our physical and emotional landscape and a light goes … Continued
What is Prayer?
Even though we may not all agree what prayer actually is, as a church community that doesn’t stop us from praying together – tolerant of each other’s understanding. Here is one person’s view, which also offers an interesting exploration of both the scientific and spiritual value of prayer and meditation. (And there are some fascinating … Continued
Ministry of Teddy Bears
The chaplaincy team at Christchurch Women’s (which also includes Children wards, Child Haematology and Oncology, and Neo-natal Intensive Care) have a ministry of giving teddy bears. They are looking for knitters to join their team. The Ministry began after the earthquakes and has made a positive impact on children and their families. The bears are … Continued
Be a Lifeline this Christmas
Christian World Service is committed to tackling the causes of poverty as well as its effects. CWS works in 22 countries with committed local partners deeply rooted in their communities, because they are most likely to make long term lasting change happen for the poorest people.
December Public Issues Update
We are heading to Christmas with the passing of the Child Poverty Reduction Act. The big news is that it was supported by all political parties, so it should give stability for continuing attention to reducing child poverty regardless of who is in power. The Act also sets measures for reporting so we can track … Continued