Overflow - Issue 16

Issue 16 October 23 ISSN 2815- 9322

Overflow

ConneXion - Multiply New Maths - Rev. Brett Jones National Superintendent

Saturday Keynote Sessions

WYCamp 2024 Registrations are now open!

Cyclone Gabrielle Living Waters Church

Priortising Prayer Good Practice Workshop

From the Editor Tēnā koe, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, atu, Kia orana, , Noa‘ia, Hello!

你好

안녕하세요, Fakaalofa lahi

The recent elections emphasised to me the importance of, “[being] prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But [to] do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 One of the challenges in sharing in areas we are passionate about is that passionately sharing can so easily lead to forgetting to ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’ as we try to impress on others our ideas. It is in these times that I find the importance of prayer and knowing scripture well becomes important. I regularly found myself retreating into silently praying scriptures when faced with others who would share passionately about why I should vote for their preferred party or candidate.

I am thankful for those whose support and instruction helped me to discover the importance of prayer in my life and how being prayerfully grounded in scripture strengthens my faith and gives me confidence. And how this posture helps me to have peace and stay calmer in situations when others enthusiasm is expressed so effusively.

I pray that this edition of Overflow provides you with something that supports you on your faith journey.

Denise Barrington

Editor

New Maths

National Superintendent: Rev. Brett Jones

I was never much good at maths. I had to work really hard at it. Or at least I should have. Multiplication was a mystery for much of my early maths career. When it came to maths I was better at talking. Which had me contemplating my life choices outside the classroom on at least one occasion!

When it comes to maths in the church we need to work really hard at it. And talking is not going to get it done. Nor is addition.

We need to master multiplication of disciples, leaders and churches.

Which is why this Conference, MULTIPLY, is focused on multiplication. Multiplication of disciples who multiply. Disciples who make disciples and who are learning to love people so deeply that they are compelled to share the gospel with them.

Multiplication of leaders who are investing in the people and leaders around them. Multiplication of churches which are focused on reaching their communities with the gospel.

Recently, a number of leaders and church planters became involved in a Church Planting Learning Community, a 2 year commitment to invest in developing a church planting culture. It was a great investment. We reflected on a number of truths: We have a great legacy of church planting but our recent practice has not reflected this God is currently raising up church planters and church plants in the Wesleyan Methodist Church - we’ll get to celebrate much of this at the Conference We need to grow our vision and confidence as churchplanting churches

We have some very talented younger people in our movement who deserve our investment We need to solve some challenges around resourcing, training and recruitment There are some clues to all of this in some of the fruitfulness that God is producing. City Cross Link Kaiwaka is our newest church plant. It has flourished as part of a relentless disciple-making culture initiated by City Cross Link. The Waikanae Church Plant project is putting down roots in its neighbourhood. The Well’s church planting project is being underpinned by intentional, strategic investment. West Vision is about churches collaborating around a shared vision. God is at work in our midst and teaching us some new maths as he multiplies our faithfulness and surrender.

Over time, I actually became quite adept with my numeracy. It soon became instinctive through hard work. As a movement we need to become instinctive with our multiplication. Instinctive about multiplying disciples, leaders and churches. We will know that we are on the right track when multiplication becomes a part of our culture. See you at Multiply as we take steps together to live out our call to be a church planting movement.

Saturday Programme

This year at Multiply our intent is provide opportunity for churches to build their plan for 2024. Saturday's programme is focused on practical options for multiplying disciples, leaders and churches.

We're glad to be welcoming Rex Rigby (NS Australia) and Nathaniel Sulis (NS Bougainville) along with our local team. This is the key event to invite your local church leaders to.

Click here to register. Registrations close Friday 20th October.

Priortising Prayer

The priority of prayer is something that God made sure was impressed on me early when I experienced a year focusing on prayer in Australia in 2007 followed by another year with Shore Grace in 2008. I remember thinking, “OK God, I get it, you want me to prioritise my prayer life.”

One of the things I discovered is that there are so many prayer formulas, standardised prayers, and prayer resources available that can support you on your prayer journey. In the end though we each have to find our own prayer times, styles and rhythms.

John Wesley said, "The primary means of growing in faith and experiencing God's grace include prayer… studying and reflecting on the Scriptures… and participating in the Lord's Supper... We believe that these practices are established by God as the usual channels through which His grace flows into the lives of people.”[1] Lately, I’ve noticed increased activity in the area of prayer amongst many churches - pre-service prayers, evening prayers, early morning prayers, monthly prayers, prayer chains. There are also a number of apps becoming available now that support prayer e.g. Lectio365, Reimagining the Examen, Echo, YouVersion Bible, Inner Room.

Sometimes the number of opportunities can be overwhelming.

One of the key things I have learned about prayer is the importance of remembering it is a conversation which requires not just sharing what’s on our heart with God but allowing time to hear what’s on His. All of the tools and techniques that we have available are designed to support prayer as a “means of growing in faith”.

However, you do prayer, may it nurture your faith and lead you into a deeper relationship with God.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9 NIV [1]Wesley, John. The Complete Works of John Wesley: Volume 1, Sermons 1-53 (The Compete Works of John Wesley) (p. 214). www.DelmarvaPublications.com. Kindle Edition.

Prayer Points

Give thanks for our Members of Parliament and for those who offered themselves for election but who were unsuccessful.

Pray for the incoming Prime Minister and Government that they act wisely, govern and make good decisions for the benefit of all.

Pray for ConneXion 2023 and final preparations. Pray for our organisers, speakers, ordinands and guests. Pray for safe travel for those attending from other parts of New Zealand and the world.

Pray for WYCAMP 2024 preparations and our young people attending. Pray for WYCamp to touch lives and draw people closer to God. Pray for the conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine.

THEME & REGISTRATION FOR WYCAMP 2024 The WesoYouth Camp team is excited to launch the theme and registration forms for WYCamp 2024.

A committed team of young people from a variety of churches have been working hard to coordinate this year's camp and we would be grateful for your support in encouraging youth to register! We also welcome anyone who's interested in helping to prepare for and organise camp -- do let us know as we'd love to get you involved.

Make sure you and your young people are following WesoYouth on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.

Theme This year's theme is Into the Deep, guiding our young people to take the next step on their journey from the shallows to the deep end in their relationship with God. Key details When: Friday 12 - Monday 15 January 2024 Where: CYC Ngāruawāhia Cost: $231 per person (this applies for anyone who is staying the weekend at CYC).

Who? Campers (ages 13-24) This year anyone ages 13-24 can register as a camper.

Volunteer Crew Anyone 18 or older who wants to focus on serving others at camp.

Those who register as Volunteer Crew will be able to indicate their preferred areas of service including activities supervision, kitchen, etc Registration Click here to register!

Do get in touch at wycamp@wesleyan.nz if you have any questions or concerns so we can work towards camp being the best experience for all involved with camp.

Cyclone Gabrielle - Living Waters We all remember the devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and reading the stories of our churches who were impacted and responded. Through amazing donations and miraculous logistics Living Waters received a generator to provide power. Here is the testimony of what happened once power was restored in Tamatea.

For the next four months the generator was loaned to people in the Esk Valley where it enabled a number of those homes which had lost their powerlines to have some limited electrical supply until their power was restored. The generator is now being kept in our container for future emergencies.

Cyclone Gabrielle united communities in supporting each other and Living Waters has been able to be part of that support in a number of ways: Over three months our Living Waters’ women provided over 300 containers of baking which were distributed to families displaced from their homes, those involved in recovery efforts, and others significantly impacted by the cyclone. There are still people living in caravans and temporary accommodation and home baking is still being distributed, albeit less frequently.

We provided $1600 in cash and new Bibles to three families who completely lost, or were flooded out of, their homes.

We provided $1200 to three families in food and clothing vouchers or cash who had lost their businesses and income streams.

We provided $1300 in food or fuel vouchers to 13 people who donated significantly of their time and resources to helping others with recovery and welfare activities.

We contributed $400 to the flooded Esk Valley War Memorial Church to assist them with the extensive work their church now requires.

Our individual contributions may well have been very small in relation to the magnitude of what people and families were experiencing. We know, however, from those involved in the distribution that recipients were genuinely appreciative of the assistance given.

We are extremely grateful for all those who have enabled us to respond as we have. Most of the recipients are unknown to us.

Some may have no idea who has provided the blessing they have received. What they will know is that others care. That others want to share their burdens. Our prayer is that they too, will discover the source of the love and concern which unites and drives us at times like this – Jesus Christ. This is truly the church in action.

Above: Esk Valley devastation Right: Living Waters youth who live in the Esk Valley involved with others from the community rescuing sheep from the mud. 5 people per sheep to get them unstuck.

Employment Opportunities National Safe Church Positions Do you have a passion for seeing that our (WMCANZ) churches are safe places for work, worship, and study that are free from harassment, bullying and violence? If so, perhaps you could be our next National Safe Church (HBV) Officer and/or the Safe Church (HBV) Implementation Manager.

As the National Safe Church (HBV) Officer you will oversee the ongoing operation of the Safe Church Policy with a key emphasis on raising awareness and overseeing the complaints process. This is an ongoing unpaid role.

As the Safe Church (HBV) Implementation Manager you will lead the ‘Safe Church (HBV) Policy Implementation’ project which aims to ensure that the policy is effectively implemented across the denomination. This is a short term paid contract.

If this piques your interest, contact the Director of Operations (Rev Peter Benzie) – dirops@wesleyan.nz or ph. 027 243 9363 to talk further and for the job description.

Applications for both roles close on 10 November 2023

Employment Opportunities Youth Pastor - The Well Christchurch We are looking for a Youth Pastor!

Are you passionate about the spiritual formation of young people?

Do you get excited about developing a team of leaders?

Do you want to serve local young people in their school?

If so, you might be just who we’re looking for.

We are seeking someone who can lead our growing high school youth ministry at The Well Church. Central to this role is the need to lead out of the overflow of your own relationship in and with Christ and a proven ability to lead a team of volunteer youth leaders, disciple young people, and support parents in the spiritual formation of their teenagers.

You will also serve as our 24-7 Youth Worker at Cashmere High School.

The position is part-time: 20 hours per week (10 hours church, 10 hours school).

Are you interested? Or do you know someone who might be a good fit?

To apply or enquire about this position, please email David Graham: david@thewellnz.org. Applications should include your resume and a cover letter. Applications close 9th November.

News from Global Missions, Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand Click here to read the latest news, and for opportunities to respond Get in touch......... missions@wesleyan.nz

www.wesleyan.nz

National Church Contacts

National Resource Centre Tuesday | 9am-2pm Thursday| 9am-2pm 219 Burswood Drive Botany, Auckland 2013 Ph: (09) 271 6460 National Support Assistant Sian Sidwell Email: office@wesleyan.nz Overflow Editor Denise Barrington Email: overflow@wesleyan.nz

National Superintendent Rev. Brett Jones - natsuper@wesleyan.nz Ass't National Superintendent Rev. Atu Lagi - pastoralcare@wesleyan.nz Director of Operations Rev. Peter Benzie - dirops@wesleyan.nz National Treasurer Kerrin Thomson - treasurer@wesleyan.nz Director Discipleship & Training Rev. Jo Verkerk - training@wesleyan.nz Director Global Missions Michelle Yates - missions@wesleyan.nz Director Ministerial Formation Rev. Melissa Powell - nbmf@wesleyan.nz Director Multiplication Rev. Mike Yates - churchdevt@wesleyan.nz Director Next Generations Rev. Stephenie Couch - youth@wesleyan.nz

Our Values | Enduring Foundations | Embracing Grace | Embodying Oneness Flourishing Churches | Celebrating Belonging

Event Calendar Local Ministers Cluster | 28 October ConneXion 23 | 3 -5 November Click here for our full WMCANZ National Calendar

Donations We invite you to make donations to the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Join us to make a difference and reach the lost with the grace and holiness of Jesus Christ.

Using the WMCANZ bank account number below, please include your first initial and surname in the particulars field and 'donation' in the reference field.

03-0206-0380248-00 Particulars: e.g. 'J Smith' Reference: e.g. 'Donation' Please email accounts@wesleyan.nz with your details to receive a donation receipt.

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Gathering to Pray for Auckland City This is happening at Eden Park; doors open at 6:30am, mihi at 6:55am, and breakfast will be served at 8:20am.

The Auckland Prayer Breakfast gathers church, NGO, mission, business, and other Christian leaders from across the city every year.

Gather your teams and leaders, and come along to this unique time of unified prayer for our city.

Guest speaker is ImpactLab CEO and 2021 Xero Hi-Tech Young Achiever Maria English.

Don’t miss this special gathering of fellowship, prayer, networking, worship, and of course an excellent breakfast.

Go to the Auckland Prayer Breakfast website for more information.