MAHU MONTHLY OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
JULY 2021
NEWS ABOUT MAHU CHURCH AND MAHU VISION TRUST
WHAT'S NEW New Staff New Building New Ministries
HIGHLIGHTS Key updates Areas of need
OUR PEOPLE Faces of Mahu Church Celebrations
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JULY 2021
FROM RIGHT: David Macleod (Associate Pastor), Etitara Beia (Community Worker), Davina Monds (Foodbank Co-ordinator), Arney Bingham (Community Worker)
OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
Arney with her masters degree!
NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS! New staff have been appointed recently to work with Mahu Church and Mahu Vision Trust. We interviewed them to find out a little more about their backgrounds and the expectations of new roles at Mahu.
Davina: I have been involved with Foodlink for the past 5 years in a voluntary capacity. With the new Foodbank building, it’s become more efficient and increased public awareness which is great. We also have a new veggie garden which I welcome anyone to jump on in to help David: The first word that came to mind was ‘service.’ I’m with! I love sharing the ‘love of God’ with the community in excited to be able to support Nick and Roger for 2 days a week a practical way. My smile will only get bigger. in the role of Associate Pastor with special focus on 1) Connect Groups, 2) Alpha course. It never occurred to me to Arney: I was born here in this town and have grown up in be employed by the church after my retirement as Principal this community. I’ve recently completed my Masters in of Mahurangi College, but it struck a chord when I was Applied Social Work from Massey University. As a part of approached to consider this role. I’m looking forward to being my university degree course I spent a semester in 2020 on involved more in the life of the church and helping to bring placement working at Mahu Vision Trust and have change in the community. continued working as a volunteer for the Trust in the first 6 months of 2021. I’m happy and grateful for the work as it Please contact David Macleod (david@mahu.org.nz) for has variety and is meaningful. Sometimes you don’t realise more information on joining a connect group or becoming that even coping with everyday life isn’t as easy for some involved with the Alpha programme. people like going to birthday parties because they can’t afford to buy presents. I want to be part of creating a ‘safe’ Etitara: I have been an Early Childhood teacher and have place to ask for help so more people feel included and be worked as an Elder for my church back in Kiribiti. I am also listened to. part of the standing committee for Reitan Aine ni Kamatu (Women’s Fellowship). Since coming to New Zealand, I have always been asking God for an opportunity to continue the work I was part of in Kiribati, and I am happy and thankful to be able to bring my experience from the island into our church and community. I look forward to helping children and women in particular which are the areas I am passionate about.
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JULY 2021
OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
IMAGE: Artistic Impression of our new building on Mansel Drive
GO AHEAD TO BUILD! We have finally obtained a building consent from Auckland Council to start the first of the three phases of our construction. This means that we will be able to start assembling the outer shell of the building. Once this is completed, the next phase will be to fit out the sports recreation centre, offices, cafe and the church foyer. The third phase will be to complete the auditorium and the chapel. We are required to apply for a building consent for each of these phases. The building committee currently consists of the following members from our church, who meet regularly to discuss ongoing progress and ensure any arising issues are being addressed. Brian Dangerfield – oversees the capital fundraising Floyd Thomas– draughtsman Gary Caldwell – key liaison person between the committee and the building team Kevin Pyle Builders. Ltd. - Church Project Manager Noelene Pyle – admin and support for the building team Nick McLennan, Roger Mackay, Jonathan Lane, Neville Johnson – church and Mahu Vision Trust representatives
DONATION If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can donate to: Mahu Pres Capital Fundraising Account (12-3105-0003156-02) In the Reference, please include your name for a tax deductible receipt.
The team have recently consulted with flooring specialists in order to meet required standards for a "sprung floor" for indoor sports. They are also investigating kitchen fit-outs and cafés by visiting other churches and getting professional advice from café specialists. The team has also engaged with colour consultants and is seeking advice for interior designs. Please continue to pray for sufficient funding, safety and wisdom for the building committee. For more information about the progress, please contact Brian Dangerfield (bdangerfieldnz@gmail.com). P. 3
JULY 2021
OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
FROM RIGHT: Arney Bingham (Community Worker), Rosanna Ball, Janine Paewai (Community Worker), Moe Tobaru
IMAGE: From the cooking class
STRONGER SUPPORT FOR PACIFIC PEOPLES DIVERSITY
Our ongoing work with and support for the Pacific people in the local area has been recognised and supported by the government as our programmes align with its vision for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MMP).
A review of the Mahu Vision Trust’s Strategic Plan was recently undertaken. This workshop was led by Moe and Arney with staff and trustees participating.
This means that Mahu Vision Trust has been able to source funding from Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to employ Etitara and Arney as Community Workers.
The scope of this review included looking back at where we had begun 10 years ago, where we are today and possibilities for the future. The outcomes from this review will be shared in a future Mahu news edition.
While Rosanna has been the key person to counsel people from various cultural backgrounds, she is also focusing on empowering people such as helping to place people in work.
KIRIBATI LANGUAGE WEEK
Our team of Moe, Etitara, Arney and Janine have been working closely together with Rosanna to help interpret Island cultures by providing understanding around different cultural nuances.
SUN, 11 JULY - SAT, 17 JULY
Arney has also been able to follow up community contacts through Foodlink as well as assisting the community through Furniture Bank.
There will be an event held at Massey University to celebrate Kiribati culture in conjunction with Rodney Kiribati Association and Kiribati Rodney Sports Youth. See p.8 for details.
Some activities and events will be held to celebrate Kiribati Language week as part of Pacific Language Weeks.
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JULY 2021
OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
IMAGE: Melissa North and others from the Youth Group
IMAGE: Sarah and Melissa dressed up for Pink Shirt Day
YOUTH NEEDS SUPPORT GENERATION TO GENERATION
Mahu Vision Trust in conjunction with Mahu Church have been running a number of programmes specifically for children and young adults including 24-7, Mahu Target, Girl, Junior Youth and Senior Youth.
As a church, we are looking for ways to strengthen support. One way we believe we can achieve this is by developing stronger connections between these young adults and the wider church.
Sarah Crocombe, Melissa North, Moe Taboru and Lara Armstrong have been actively involved in various programmes to create a space where young people feel safe and valued.
“The Barn” will be held on Fri, 2 July at the Jones Farm (159 Goatley Rd) from 7:00pm. There will be games available, and the aim is for people from church and the youth to intermingle and get to know each other better.
The youth that participate in these programmes are generally interested, want to engage and learn. However, often due to challenging circumstances spiraling outside of their control, many are dealing with extreme anxiety. They often appreciate mature spiritual guidance and wisdom to navigate through the difficult times.
Please come along with food to share for supper, so that we can show the love of Christ with those in the community who need it. For more information, contact Sarah (sarah@mahu.org.nz).
“These are kids in our community where the only time they actually sit down to eat a meal together with others and are asked about their day or week is at our dinners with youth leaders on Fridays. They need to see what ‘faith’ means in the society.”
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OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
JULY 2021
BREATHING SPACE NEW MINISTRY
Breathing Space was initiated in April after engaging with many community parents coming to Mainly Music and realising the opportunities we have to help them practically. The aim is to encourage more interaction between the grandparent generation, the young parent generation and the youth generation by offering space, time and some home-made baking to the modern busy parents with young children. While more and more young families are shifting up into this area, many are time-poor and struggle to have access for extra help, support or to mind their children. Some families are far away, are split up, or they don’t have supportive relationships with parents or grandparents. The ministry is currently led by Robyn Fisher and Hana MoriRobertson along with the support from other Mainly Music Volunteers. We are however keen to gather a larger number of people to help to be present and connect with these young families. We meet fortnightly Friday mornings at 9:30am-11am at the Wilson Church Hall. All you need is yourselves and some time to reach out and share the love. Please email Hana (hana@mahu.org.nz) if you are interested in being part of this amazing new initiative to find out more!
SEWING CLASSES NEW MINISTRY
Sewing class is another ministry that Mahu Vision has recently started. Georgina Christie with her deft skills in sewing and quilting along with other volunteers from her the Warkworth Quilting club will start holding sewing classes on fortnightly Fridays at the Wilson Hall of Mahu church. They will be teaching basic skills in how to use the sewing machines. Fabric has already been gathered from Fabric Rescue by Etitara, so all you need to bring to the class is a sewing machine that may be covered in dust! Please contact Rosanna (rosanna@mahu.org.nz) or Etitara (021 0300897) for more info
FINANCIAL MENTORING NEW MINISTRY
Financial Mentoring is another ministry that has been recently launched with the help of a grant of $10k from Northern Presbytery. This service runs under the supervision of the Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service (https://www.wwbudgetservice.co.nz/). Michelle Salelupou and Moe Taboru from our church have recently been trained to become budget advisors. Their goal is to strengthen people’s financial literacy by helping them to structure budget plans, prioritise repayments, negotiate with creditors or work with WINZ. Appointments can be made by calling Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service (09 423 7123). Meetings are held either at the client's home or other venues where they feel comfortable. P. 6
JULY 2021
LOOKING FORWARD
OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
NOTICES
IN THE WORKS
HELP NEEDED
Hana Mori-Robertson has been working as the communication manager for Mahu church since the end of 2020. She has been conducting focus groups/ discussion groups with a range of people from the church and the Mahu Vision Trust gathering feedback and insights in order to provide input for our new branding development as well as our upcoming website.
We are seeking volunteers to be on a roster to help out with flowers, morning tea and other Sunday morning duties.
Thank you very much to those who have already contributed their time and ideas so far. She may get in touch to hear your thoughts and ideas, so please watch this space! The output from this research will be incorporated into a strategy for key focus areas so that God’s love can be shared as widely and deeply as possible through our worship services and various ministries. Please contact Hana (hana@mahu.org.nz) for more information.
Please phone (09 425 8861) or email Michelle (reception@mahu.org.nz) if you can help. DONATING GOODS
People’s needs in the community are always changing and we have limited storage capacity, so we ask if you could please contact us to determine if we have the ability to accept donations before dropping them off. We can also accept donations in the form of Flybuys or Air points which we can exchange for goods for specific needs.
THANK YOU ALISON HECKLER FACES OF MAHU CHURCH
Alison Heckler has been a member of our church. She has had a significant impact on people over the years living and ministering at Mahu Chruch. Alison and her late husband Derek lead the youth group for Mahurangi Presbyterian Church during the 80s and 90s, seeing it grow significantly in size over this time. Alison also pioneered the GriefShare ministry at our church after returning from San Francisco, USA. She was employed as a church receptionist from 2011 to 2017. Due to ongoing health issues, Alison recently moved to Hamilton to live in her own unit on the same property as her daughter Lara and son-inlaw Jeff. Alison will still be coming back to her home in Omaha from time to time, but we will miss seeing her on a regular basis. We would like to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to Alison for the way she has served for us and the community, and we will continue to uphold her in our prayers.
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OUR FIRST ISSUE! | ISN 1
JULY 2021
COMING UP!
Sat, 26 -30 June <24/7 Conference> Sarah, Melissa and Moe are away at the annual conference in Wellington Sun, 27 June – Sat 18 July <Pastor Nick’s Study Leave> Fri, 2 & 23 July @ 9:30-11am <Breathing Space> Held Fridays at the Wilson Hall Fri, 2 July @ 7pm <The Barn> Everyone welcome to come to Jones Farm. Bring food to share for supper, and play some games and have fun with the youth from our community (pool table, cards, darts, marshmallow roasting etc.) Fri, 9 & 30 July @ 9:30-11:30am <Sewing Class> Fortnightly classes to learn how to use a sewing machine and basic sewing skills will be taught at the Wilson Hall. Sat, 10 July <Event to Celebrate Kiribati Language Week> Rodney Kiribati Association is collaborating with Kiribati Rodney Sports Youth leading an event at Massey university to share their culture. Food, dances and cultural items will be showcased. Sat, 17 July <Laser Light Show> There will be a light parade held in Warkworth township as part of the Winter Festival of Lights 27 – 31 July <Week of Prayer> Thu, 29 July @ 10:00-1:00 pm <Swap & Meet > Held at the Wilson Hall. Bring quality items to swap with others. Sun, 1 August @ 5pm <Global Missions Potluck Dinner> Everyone welcome. Come dressed to represent a culture. Also bring a plate to share. This will be followed by a 7pm service. September <Church Annual Meeting> Specific date to be confirmed Sat, 16 October <Kowhai Festival 2021> An initiative to celebrate Pasifika will be incorporated at the Kowhai Festival this year.
CELEBRATING LIFE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Jul 1: Alison Heckler Jul 2: Eria Teteti Jul 3: Tycey Feleti Jul 4: Dawn Cory Jul 4: Helen Dalziell Jul 7: Saloni Fine Jul 7: Pale Vaotangi Jul 9: Anthony Macleod
CONGRATULATIONS!
Jul 14: Tireta Biremon Jul 20: Rudy Saleupolu Jul 22: Taylor Reddell Jul 24: Peter Tunnicliffe Jul 25: Tunoa Feleti Jul 27: John Lewington Jul 28: Beeba Tebau-Amuera
Beryl Good – On your marriage to Michael Penn! Rebecca Dangerfield – On your engagement!
If we missed your birthday, or want to announce happy news, make some prayer requests or simply want to give us some feedback on the newsletter, please email Hana (hana@mahu.org.nz). P. 8