Overflow Magazine - Issue 5

Overflow

ProgrammeHighlights

Friday 4th November

9am - Welcome and Worship

11am - 5pm - National Conference designed for WMCANZ Ministers and Lay Leaders

6pm - 10pm - Dinner and Tributes

Tributes: Rev. Kathy Clifford, Rev. Luisa Taufa, Rev. Dr Richard Waugh All Welcome!

Saturday 5th November 9am-10am - Worship 11am - 4pm - Keynote Sessions All Welcome!

- 9pm Ordination Service and Supper

Ordinands: Denise Barrington, Jon Emmitt, David Graham, Stefanie Oh, Ashan Rodrigo All Welcome!

programme is available for children

From The Editors Desk................

Tēnākoe,Maloelelei,NisabulaVinaka,Annyeonghaseyo, Fakaalofalahiatu,Kiaorana,Nǐhǎo,Hello!

WemarkthebicentennialofthebeginningsinAotearoaNew ZealandofWesleyanMethodistwiththestoryofmissionariesRev. SamuelLeighandhiswifeCatherine.

IamremindedthatGodisinthebusinessofstories.Hisstoryis woventhroughouthistoryandthelivesofmillionsofpeoplewho haveencounteredChrist.Hehasrestoriedmanypeople’slives fromthebeginningoftimeandhecontinuestorestoryourlives today.

"Kamua,kamuri"isawhakataukithatmeans"walkingbackwards intothefuture"theideaweshouldlooktothepasttoinformthe future.Welooktothefuturefullofloveandhopebecauseofwhat Jesushasdoneforus.

DeniseBarrington

Piercing Conversation: ConneXion 2022

By Rev. Brett Jones - National Superintendent

With a day left to register I wanted to personally invite each of you to be a part of ConneXion 2022! We’re excited to be together in-person after 2 years and we guarantee this will not be a dry and dusty business meeting! In fact, we ’ re looking to John Wesley himself for our “conferencing” posture.

One of the more surprising practices that John Wesley promoted was the inclusion of Christian “Conferencing” as a “ means of grace ” , along with prayer, searching the Scriptures, the Lord’s Supper and fasting. Of course, he meant much more than what we might think of as “Conferences”. We might frame the term as the means of grace provided by authentic community that we experience in small groups, accountability relationships, local church worship AND our larger gatherings as a movement. Christian conferencing has been described as: “..piercing conversation about our lives with God, our experience of God, and how to live as a result.”

From 4-6 November we will be engaged together in a “piercing conversation” about our lives with God, our experience of God and the Mission he is calling us to live out together. ConneXion 2022 draws together a number of threads that will be a part of our time together as together we seek to AMPLIFY our mission as Wesleyan Methodists in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Collective Missional Discernment

What has traditionally been called the “Business Session”, a term that has not always felt like a good fit. The “why” of this part of our Conference is to discern God’s will for the church as a body on mission together:

Discerning national leadership through Spirit led elections

Aligning around our shared values and practices through Constitutional amendment

Assessing fruitfulness and understanding the mission field through reports

Resourcing mission through passing a budget

Providing clarity and focus through approving a National Strategy

Our Collective Missional Discernment will be a key focus for our time together on Friday 4 November as Ministers and congregational representatives gather.

Worship, Celebration & Inspiration

One of the high points of our “conferencing” is what happens when we welcome the ministry of the Holy Spirit among us as Ministers and local church leadership gather for worship and teaching. It’s a literal embodying of the oneness of God in the ways we live out our God given distinctiveness together (gender, culture, age etc) and confirm the pastoral call of Ministers through ordination.

Our Conferencing will start on Friday morning with a time of worship and sharing in the Word. We’ll be celebrating together on Friday evening with a meal and reflecting on the faithfulness of God through the service of those who are retiring or in transition. On Saturday evening we’ll be worshipping together from 7pm as we celebrate the ordination of Ministers and the installation of our national leadership.

Equipping for Missional Fruitfulness

We’ll also be taking time to prepare ourselves heart, spirit and mind for missional fruitfulness through training, inspiration, teaching and testimony. We’re setting aside Saturday 5 November for this crucial work of preparing for AMPLIFYING Mission as we seek to Reach, Grow and Serve. We hope to have as many local church leaders as are able to join us at this time. We pray for “piercing conversation” at Connexion 2022, that you and I might be amplified in our mission together.

Bicentenary of first Wesleyan Methodist mission in Aotearoa New Zealand (1822 - 2022)

By Rev. Dr Richard Waugh

The 18th Century Wesleyan revival had a considerable global impact. Originating in England with Anglican clergyman the Rev John Wesley (1703-1791) and his brother, the Rev Charles Wesley (1707-1788), the renewal movement became influential with the expansion of global missions to America, where it became the largest denomination in the 19th Century, and later to many parts of the world. It is true to say that the Wesleyan revival’s “farthest ripple” was to the South Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The term “Methodist” gained popularity in the 19th Century and especially in the 20th Century, because of the methodical discipleship, devotional commitment and evangelistic practices of the early Wesleyans. The Wesleyan Methodist Conference in Great Britain from about 1813 encouraged the forming of district missionary societies and these became influential and led in 1818 to the formation of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society (WMS). The new society had a big challenge and worked hard to raise missionary funds from Wesleyans throughout the nation. An early appeal was for funds to establish and grow Wesleyan Methodist work in Australia and the South Pacific. Work had already began in Sydney with migrant lay leaders establishing class meetings for deeper discipleship training. A request was made for an ordained minister to be sent to lead and guide the growing work.

Rev Samuel Leigh (1785 1852) was selected as the young minister to lead the new work. He arrived in Australia in August 1815. Despite vast distances, work was expanded all over the continent, with many societies, circuits and schools established. Methodism eventually became Australia’s third largest denomination. While working in Sydney, Leigh got to know the Church Missionary Society (CMS) leader, Rev Samuel Marsden. The “two Samuels” became friends, and it was

Marsden who encouraged Leigh to join a CMS visit to New Zealand in the winter of 1819. After one month’s visit Leigh was impressed with the missionary potential to Maori in this new frontier land and returned to Australia enthused to prepare to establish a Wesleyan Methodist mission here.

Leigh returned to England and raised the necessary funds. He also made contact with two Maori chiefs who were also in England at that time. Leigh gathered a wide range of donated goods that would be useful in the establishment of the New Zealand mission. This included such things as spades, axes, ploughs, saws, cutlery, pins, buttons, bails of calico, clothes and fish hooks. While in England Leigh was ordained, commissioned as the missionary to New Zealand, married Catherine Clewes, and they eventually set sail for Australia. They crossed the Tasman and arrived in New Zealand in January 1822 and were welcomed by the Anglican (CMS) resident missionaries.

They were soon joined by James Stack and Luke Wade. Stack was inspired by one of Leigh’s sermons in Sydney and proved a big help with good linguistic skills learning Te Reo. Wade was also useful as a practical handyman. The Wesleyan group were hosted by the Anglicans for quite some time as they acclimatised to the new situation and were mindful of unsettled times for Maori. Other Wesleyans arrived; Rev William White and Rev Nathaniel Turner. But it was not until 10th June 1823 that the Wesleyan Methodist mission was actually established at Whangaroa, near Kaeo [27km from Kerikeri] and named ‘Wesleydale’. Preparation work involved continual learning of the language and getting the new mission station up and running to serve the community. From Australia further supplies of flour and other goods had been procured and also a cow, goats and poultry.

A further Wesleyan lay leader, John Hobbs, came to assist and proved to be an ardent worker and good linguist. Outreach work to Maori commenced with worship services and a range of helping ministries.

Catherine Leigh and their helpers to commence

Wesleyan Methodist work and witness in Aotearoa. Today, a large cairn marks the spot of the Wesleydale mission, nearby is the Centennial Methodist Church in Kaeo (opened in 1922) on Leigh Street. In Parramatta, near Sydney, there is the 1885 Leigh Memorial Church and in Milton, Stoke on Trent, Leigh’s birthplace, is the 1865 Leigh Memorial Church opened as a tribute to Rev Samuel Leigh who

Unfortunately, Leigh soon struggled with persisting ill health and had limited ability to minister and eventually had to withdraw back to Sydney, but the Wesleyan Methodist mission under Rev Nathanial Turner continued. There is not space here to go into detail about the up and down story of the Wesleydale mission. Ultimately it was shortlived with the site being evacuated after only a few brief years but in 1828 re established at Horeke in the Hokianga, where the 1838 mission house still survives to this day. Nonetheless 2022 marks the 200th bicentenary anniversary of the arrival of Rev Samuel & who was the first ordained Wesleyan Methodist missionary to Australia and New Zealand. While our own Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand has indigenous beginnings in 2000, we claim a theological continuity with the great John Wesley family of churches and the heritage of earlier Wesleyan Methodist mission work.

We pay tribute to Rev Samuel & Catherine Leigh, and other early workers, for their missionary intent, sacrificial service, and evangelistic outreach to Maori. At the National Resource Centre at East City

Wesleyan Church Centre you will see a sign “Samuel Leigh Offices” which is a small tribute to Rev Leigh’s organising work for mission and outreach. We work in the same way for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed here at “the ends of the earth”.

Spotlight on Congregations

Shore Grace has a 'New Church Home'

By Mike Yates

Shore Grace has recently moved its church services to a new more visible and strategic location. It’s more than just a change of location away from the school hall, for Sunday services. It’s the fulfilment of goals for the property we have always had plans for, indeed a stake in! The commercial lease of St Michaels Church property in the heart of Greenhithe Village, conveys a renewed vision to be salt and light for Christ in the Greenhithe & Upper Harbour area of Auckland. And it gives the church a sense of ‘ownership,’ and community identity, without owning the property per se!

Planning is underway to maximise the potential of the site we call ‘No. 12’. In fact we have already been renting the Vicarage there as an office, the garage as an Op shop and have been partnering with Greenhithe Community Trust who run community programmes in the

house. One of those partnerships is running ‘Mainly Music’ on site every Monday, plus ‘International Friends’ (migrant connection) and a Seniors in the community connection, led by Shore Grace people. Also, youth programs happen on site, including a young Mums Group. ‘Breathing Space,’

Michelle Yates

Counselling work is also based there. Then, three days a week, we run an Op shop called the ‘Hope Shed'.

We are thankful for the local Anglican community who have been supportive and have offered this opportunity and are delighted to see the potential of the property being maximised.

We look forward now to new ways of optimising the property, beyond also worshipping there. We have a ‘Boot and Book sale’ planned as an ‘ open day’ there in late November and will provide a true ‘light’ and ‘hope’ stop for the trick and treaters who trawl past there on Halloween night!

And there are plans to offer more ‘alternative reflective services’ in the Chapel. In that space we look forward to doing a ‘Christmas art installation’ this year.

Home hospitality is still important at Shore Grace. Two modes are the ‘Young Adults’ group and ‘Desert and Discussion’ group both which have also been flourishing.

Please pray for us in this new season, that these community outreaches, along with our new church home, become a connection and home for people encountering Christ! Also please pray for a need we have to find a paid Youth Pastor/Ministry Leader. Thank you!

Spotlight on Congregations

The Streams Community Church

This year we had the privilege of moving into new premises in Panmure. The church continues its many ministry activities and outreach programmes. In conjunction with the wider Wesleyan Methodist family and the Fijian Forum we are looking forward to hosting this year ' s ConneXion.

Please continue to pray for our congregation and team as we minister in Panmure, continuing to serve in our outreach programmes and prepare to host ConneXion. Please also pray for our youth ministry as they work towards WYCamp. We look forward to seeing you all at ConneXion with us for food, fun and fellowship!

Wellbeing - Body

Areastonurture(noteexisting practicesandareasfor development):

Nutrition Exercise Sleep Rest/Re creation“fillingthe bucket”

Medical

Somemeasures:

Healthyweight(whatisthatfor you)

BloodPressure(healthyrange)

WOF-AnnualHealthcheck

'Foryoucreatedmyinmostbeing; youknitmetogetherinmy mother’swomb.Ipraiseyou becauseIamfearfullyand wonderfullymade;yourworksare wonderful,Iknowthatfullwell My framewasnothiddenfromyou whenIwasmadeinthesecret place,whenIwaswoventogether inthedepthsoftheearth.Your eyessawmyunformedbody;all thedaysordainedformewere writteninyourbookbeforeoneof themcametobe' Psalms139:13 16(NIV)

Canwereframeourunderstandingof physicalwellbeing?Thereareso manydietsandexerciseregimesthat arepromotedas‘theway’tokeep yourselfhealthy.Whenwesearchthe scripturesforunderstandingwe spendtimegettingtoknowthe historyandoriginsofthetext. Perhapsthatmighthelpuswithhow wechoosetolookafterourphysical wellbeingtoo.

TheworddietoriginatingfromGreek diaita,originallymeant"wayoflife, regimen,dwelling."Ifwechooseto returntothinkingaboutdietas choosingawayoflifethathelpsusto beallthatwecanbetohonourGod inourlivingitwouldmakethose choicesmorepleasing.Thenwecan reframeourthinkingandchoices aroundnutrition,exercise,sleep, rest/re creationandmedical support.

Do you have some practices that you would love to share with others? Please email them to overflow@wesleyan.nz

St John's Theological College

Anniversary Picnic - Saturday 29 October | 12.30pm

Wesleyan Methodists are welcome to join in the community picnic at St Johns Theological College as part of the Howick 175th anniversary year. St Johns is the oldest higher education institution in New Zealand where Anglicans and Methodists train. A number of Wesleyan Methodists trained for ministry at St Johns, including Richard Waugh, Allan Oliver, Ruth Boswell and Kathy Clifford

Richard in his capacity as chairman of the Howick & Districts 175th community anniversary year will be leading the East Auckland group as they visit St Johns, marking the 175th anniversary since the early Fencible families were welcomed to Auckland at the college in October 1847.

Visitandbringyourownpicnic(food &drinks,blanket)toStJohns College,202MeadowbankRoad, Meadowbank.Tourthehistoric 1840sbuildingsandseewherethe Fenciblefamilieswerewelcomedin 1847,beforetheycametoHowick. Whenyouarrive,pleaseparkyour carandleaveyourpicnicetcinyour car.WalktotheReceptionArea, whereyouwillbewelcomed.Abrief introduction,thenatourofthe roomsusedforthedayandthe chapel.

Thelibrarywillbeopenandwill displayacontinuousPowerPoint presentation.Laterreturntoyour carstoretrieveyourpicnicetcand relaxandenjoyyourselves

Iftheweatherisnotthebestthere willbealternativeareas.

Pastor Children's Ministry - cession|community cession|community (Church) is seeking a passionate, child focused person to lead our Children's Ministries. This role functions across the church and community space, combining Sunday children's ministry with mid week community initiatives. Your primary tasks will include:

Growing the Children’s Ministry team at cession|community|church Working with our wider team to engage with the Howick community

Coordinating our mid-week Playgroup

Assessing family needs and opportunities for offering services to the community

You will have proven experience in working with children, families and adult volunteers in the education, pastoral care and/or development areas. You'll be a motivated self-starter who loves working with a team. Relevant educational qualifications are preferred.

This is a unique role to work with an innovative team across the church and community. Together we ' re motivated to help people find their village as part of the cession|community family.

Contact info@cession.org.nz to apply or for further information.

Employment Opportunities www.cession.org.nz

from Rev. Stephenie

FromStuffYouCanUse(https://stuffyoucanuse.org/)

GAMEOFTHEWEEK!

EveryMondaywe'llbesendingyoutheGrowGames"GameoftheWeek".You canfindthesegames,plushundredsofmoregamesintheGrowGames& IcebreakersAppavailableoniOS,Android,andDesktop.

DiscipleshipPathwayNZ

Acollectionofincredibleministrytrainerswhohaverecordedandpackaged theirskillsandwisdomintodigitalclasses.

https://bibleprojectcom/app/

NationalChurchContacts

NationalSuperintendent

Rev.BrettJones natsuper@wesleyan.nz

Ass'tNationalSuperintendent-Church Development Rev.MikeYates churchdevt@wesleyan.nz

Ass'tNationalSuperintendent-PastoralCare Rev.AtuLagi pastoralcare@wesleyan.nz

DirectorofOperations

Rev.PeterBenzie-dirops@wesleyan.nz

DirectorMinisterialFormation

Rev.MelissaPowell nbmf@wesleyan.nz

NationalTreasurer

KerrinThomson-treasurer@wesleyan.nz

NationalMissionsMinistryLeader

MichelleYates missions@wesleyan.nz

NationalYouthMinistryLeaderandNational YouthConsultant

Rev.StephenieCouch youth@wesleyan.nz

NationalChildren'sMinistryLeader

Rev LaurenMillington children@wesleyannz

Event Calendar

National

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church Services are held in English, Fijian, Rotuman and Tongan with several churches using multiple languages in their worship.