FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO - WHAT’S ON DURING MAY 2009

WHAT’S ON DURING MAY

Friday 1 6– 8pmYOUTH GROUP Burns Hall Mon 4 1.30pm Mah Jong - McLean

Tues 5 12.15-12.45 Weekly Prayer Stevely Room

Thurs 7 9.30am Craft group meets

Friday 8 6– 8pmYOUTH GROUP Burns Hall

Sat 9 9am – 2pm Elders Retreat at Leith Valley Mon 11 1.30pm Mah Jong - McLean

Tues 12 12.15-12.45 Weekly Prayer Stevely Room

TUES 12 4.30pm Property Committee

WED 13 7.30pm SESSION

Friday 15 6– 8pmYOUTH GROUP Burns Hall Mon 18 1.30pm Mah Jong - McLean

4.00pm Finance Committee meeting

Tues 19 12.15-12.45 Weekly Prayer Stevely Room

WED 20 7.30pm DEACONS COURT

Thurs 21 9.30am Craft group meets

Friday 22 6– 8pmYOUTH GROUP Burns Hall

Sunday 24 12 noon cafe lunch Wig n Pen

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY 2009

SUNDAY MAY 3

10.00am - Morning Worship - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

12 noon - Cook Islands - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

2.00pm - Samoan Service - The Reverend Anne Thomson

10am DOOR DUTIES: Elizabeth Bremner (487 9865) Isobel

Napper, Noeleen and Brian Williscroft.Finance: Joyce Dyer

TEA/COFFEE Shirley and Gifford Brown

SUNDAY MAY 10

10.00am -Morning Worship - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

12 noon Cook Islands - The Reverend Anne Thomson

2.00pm - Samoan Service - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

10am DUTIES: .Stan Catchpole (471 0633), Ian Mitchell,

Margaret Mitchell, June Evans.Finance: Stan Catchpole.

TEA/COFFEE Maureen and Les Green

SUNDAY MAY 17

10.00am – Morning Worship - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

12 noon - Cook Islands ` - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

2.00pm - Samoan Service - The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

5.00pm - Youth Worship - Ben Bates

10am DUTIES: Ian Robertson ( 454 4513) Jenni Elmes, Vicki

Penny, Maara Williams Finance: Tony Stevely

TEA/COFFEE Janet and John Takacs

SUNDAY MAY 24

10.00am -Morning Worship - The Reverend Anne Thomson

12 Noon Cook Islands - Takau Brydon

2.00pm - Samoan Service - N Vaitupu

10am DUTIES: Catherine Todd ( 477 5263) Selina Mulder and

Sina Muliau Finance: Catherine Todd

TEA/COFFEE Ian and Margaret Mitchell

SUNDAY MAY 31

10.00am – Morning Worship First Church Youth Group

12 noon - Cook Islands Family Worship

2.00pm - Samoan Service - T Vaitupu

10am DUTIES: Nineva Vaitupu (455 3375), Russell Duff, Vaine

Metuatai, Les & Maureen Green Finance: Les Green

TEA/COFFEE Isobel Napper and Zena McKie

SENIOR MINISTER: The Reverend Tokerau Joseph, phone 477 7792 cell 027 371 4733

PART TIME ASSISTANT MINISTER: The Reverend Anne Thomson 477 7150 cell 027 467 5488

PART TIME PASTORAL ASSISTANT MINISTER : The Rev John Sinclair (473 9950 or 027 436 9204)

YOUTH WORKER: Ben Bates 021 027 07862

FIRST CHURCH BELL RINGERS - Practice 7.30pm Thursday nights; Contact Phone 498 -0221

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays 1.30pm Mah Jong - McLean Room

Tuesdays 12.15-12.45 Weekly Prayer Stevely Room

Thursdays 7.30pm Bells Practice

Fridays - 6– 8pm YOUTH GROUP Burns Hall

WEEKLY PRAYER AT FIRST CHURCH

The weekly gathering for prayer is on

Tuesdays, 12.15-12.45, in the Stevely Room.

We use the Lord's Prayer as a pattern for our

praying. All are welcome.

——————————————————————

ELDERLY EXERCISE EVERY THURSDAY

10.30am-11.30am BURNS HALL FREE

Run by: Otago Peoples Health Trust

Enquiries Contact Tangi Joseph 477 7792

REPORT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

For the 9 months of the current financial year to end of March Offering income totalled $72,468

being 98% of budget .

Investment Income and donations totalled $89421 being 105% of budget.

Expenditure excluding property maintenance totalled $133207 being 96% of budget.

Property expenditure including maintenance, insurance, power, cleaning and security totalled $84656

being 96% of budget.

The value of investments has fallen as a result of the worldwide financial crisis. This year it will be

necessary to write down values of the church investments.

We thank the congregation for their support both financially and also for the huge amount of voluntary work carried out

by members.

Dear John Sinclair

I would like to thank you on behalf of the year 7 and

8s from Riversdale School. It was amazing to be able

to visit the First Church in Dunedin.

I couldn’t believe how old it was and how hudge the

oragan inside was. It played beautiful music.

I would like to thank you again for taking your time

to give us a brief history of the first church.—

Yours sincerely, Samantha

FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO

NEWSLETTER - MAY 2009

FIRST CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT: “We are striving to become a truly multi-cultural community, providing a warm, creative and affirming home base, enabling us to

reach out with the Good News to those working and living in the inner-city and beyond.”

Message from The Reverend Tokerau Joseph

Greetings! Tena kotou! Kia orana! Talofa! Malo ni!

Last month had its high and low points. Beginning with the positives, it’s been encouraging to receive affirm-

ing feedback about our Palm Sunday and holy week services. Once again, they enabled us to re-engage with

the Easter story that evoked all kinds of feelings and thoughts of our faith. From the betrayal, suffering and

death of Christ through to the resurrection accounts, we have been challenged to explore the relevance of

these events for us today as individuals and as a church. The one symbol that encompasses and remains at the

fore of this season is the cross. It is the cross that symbolises the paradox of both the curse and salvation of

Christ in which we are drawn. My hope is that as people are drawn here to experience the beauty of our

buildings, grounds and rich heritage, may they also encounter the story of the cross reflected in our own live

experiences as First Church people.

It was also a privilege to have acknowledged in one of our services a special group of people who have made significant contribu-

tions to our ministry here. Again, I would like to convey thanks to Reverends Jenni Elms, Brian Williscroft, Peter Matheson, Ian

Robertson and John Sinclair for supporting Anne and me in leading our various services. The team spirit among our ministers was

further demonstrated in our ―Refreshment‖ time together on St. Martin’s Island last week. It was a glorious day that provided a

wonderful opportunity for us to explore the island and its history while giving time to also share our various life-stories as a way of

edifying our relationships.

Since working in a fulltime capacity, my attendance to various committee meetings has also given me a greater appreciation of the

effort that others put into the life and work of First Church. We are so blessed to have not only the expertise and diligence of folk

to tasks, but also the caring heart that they express in doing what they do; much of which is given little or no mention. I would like

to thank everyone doing their bit in assisting our ministry together. In particular, I would like to mention the enormous effort and

time that Mr. Ian Mitchell has put into the installation of our CCTV system. His service, including that of the many volunteers, has

saved us a considerable amount for which we are greatly indebted. Saying thank you is really not enough, but I, for one, am truly

grateful for his dedication and example of servanthood.

I would also like, at this point, to honour the services of Mrs. Pepe Henry who was recently made a senior elder at our last Session

meeting. Due to declining health, Mrs. Henry has retired from her eldership duties, but is always welcome to attend meetings and

offer her wisdom to the spiritual matters of our church. Meitaki maata and kia manuia mama Pepe.

It was a marvellous opportunity to celebrate with our Cook Islanders community in their Easter celebrations that included, a sports

day (Edgar Centre), evening social (South Dunedin Town Hall), worship service, uapou (First Church) and picnic at Woodhaugh

Gardens. Well done to our own folk Mr. Ioaba Dean, Mr. Ben Bates and Mrs. Tangi Joseph representing our leadership. Congratu-

lations also to our youth group for another successful representation and achievement at the sports tournament run by the Otago

Pacific Peoples’ Health Trust during the school holidays.

On an unhappy note, it was very sad to have lost two members and elders in Mrs. Dorothy Leffly and Mr. Martin Hosking. We will

miss them dearly and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. Thank you to all who showed their support to both families

in their time of need. May the Lord continue to be with us all. Tokerau

C C T V Installed in First Church Closed Circuit Television is being installed at First Church. Lately we have had a number of incidents in the Church and grounds so

we are attempting to deter these events. The aim for this is to discourage people from stealing or vandalizing our property either

inside or outside. We prefer the cameras would work as a deterrent but in the event of something happening we will have the

evidence on record to be used by the police.

Dunedin City Council say that there will be more cameras installed in the Octagon – George Street area. History shows that when

the D.C.C. install security cameras we get more troublesome people using the Church property for illegal purposes.

The aim is not to embarrass the congregation; our main concern is when there are no services on in the

Church. When there are services the recording would normally be fast forwarded and deleted.

The cameras are motion activated and will be operating 24/7. This will provide a safer environment for

people in the Church and Heritage Centre.

Management of the C.C.T.V. will only be done by myself, Rev. John Sinclair and Malcolm West.

Ian Mitchell –Property Management Convener

Dear First Church folk,

It has been good to share Easter with you this year, from Palm Sunday through the evenings of

Holy Week, at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, and then the joy of Easter Day. And now we

continue to live in ―Eastertide‖, the period of anticipation before Pentecost. Remember Jesus' words

to the disciples: ―Stay here until you have been clothed with power from on high‖ (Luke 24:49)

Pentecost this year is May 31, a 'fifth Sunday' when the youth group will be leading the 10 am ser-

vice. I would like to encourage those who are coming to worship at 10 am to wear something red.

Red is the liturgical colour for Pentecost, reminding us that the Holy Spirit rested on each of the

disciples in 'tongues like fire', and the colour of celebration. Pentecost is often described as 'the

birthday of the church', the day when God's power was given to the assembled believers so that

they could proclaim boldly, in their words and in their lives, the love and power of God at work in

Jesus Christ.

There are a number of things going on in the next month that may form part of our 'waiting' before

Pentecost this year.

Session is having a retreat day on Saturday 9th. We will be led for part of that time by Lynne Baab, a lecturer at the The-

ology Dept, who carried out a survey of elders in the Synod area three years ago. She will help us consider the roles and

responsibilities of eldership.

The 'Bible with Attitude' study group will be meeting from 13 May till the end of June. I hope that later in the year we will

be able to run a second group, meeting in the evening. Please let me know if you would be interested in that.

Spiritual Growth Ministries are offering a guided retreat on 22-23 May – the details are in the notice in the newsletter.

And then there's regular Sunday worship, and our own personal devotions, and all the ways in which God meets us, speaks to us,

moves in us day by day. I pray that over this coming month we will be aware of God's presence in our lives individually and as the

people of God here at First Church.

Anne Thomson

MESSAGE FROM THE REVEREND ANNE THOMSON

NEWS FROM THE YOUTH GROUP

On Sunday the 5th April three of our young people helped with the bed pushing at the hospital while some of us were involved in

singing during our morning service. During the family service of the late Mr Martin Hosking the youth were privileged to take part

in singing a couple of songs. We will miss our Papa. Our prayers and thoughts go to Mama Vaine, the children and the families.

We also enjoyed being part of our Good Friday service which I thought was well presented. Thank you to all the young people who

were involved. We have received positive feedback from our congregation.

On the 23th & 24th April we were involved

in Otago Pacific People's Health Trust

sports tournament for the Pacific commu-

nity in Dunedin. We played netball on

Thursday and volleyball on Friday at Edgar

Centre. There was a good turnout with 24

netball teams and 27 volleyball teams. We

had one primary/Intermediate team, one

high school team and two adults' teams. In

the netball competition, adult A team came

first runner up, adult B team came first run-

ner up for good sportsmanship and the high

school team came first runner up. Our pri-

mary/intermediate team came first in the

volleyball tournament, and brought home

the trophy – our congratulations to those

players. It was a good effort overall by eve-

ryone who played. Thank you to those who

joined our teams on the day and also for the

support of our parents. We look forward to

our next tournament on the 9th & 10th July.

Youth group continues to meet every Friday night 6-8 pm in Burns Hall. The youth will lead an evening service at 5pm on 17th

May and the 10 am service on 31st May. All are welcome!

Please get in touch with me if you want to know anything about what the youth group are planning and how to be involved.

Ben Bates 02102707862(Mobile) 455-5278 (Home)

APW NEWS At the recent APW meeting held on Tuesday 21 April, a good attendance listened to a talk by Mrs Marion Rae, who

had spent five months last year in Indonesia. This opportunity arose when her husband the Rev. Simon Rae was seconded

by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to teach at the Gadja Made University at Yogyakarta, (Jogja) Indonesia. He was to

teach at the Centre for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies. The University has 53,000 students in a huge campus. As

all of the studies are Masters Studies, the students are required to already hold a recognised degree, as a condition of

entry into the University. All courses are taught in English. Students are expected to finish all courses and thesis work in eighteen months. Core

courses include, World religions, Philosophy of Religion, Indigenous Religion along with elective courses. Students don't

flat.......they hire a room and eat at one of the many roadside food stalls. This very interesting talk was enhanced by the viewing of

many photographs, that were passed around. Members were reminded of our next meeting on Tuesday 16 June, and the next meeting of Presbyterial on May 26th in the

McLean Room.

Fair Trade Fortnight

APW will again have Trade Aid goods for sale and provide ―Fair Trade Cuppa‖ for morning tea on Mother’s

Day 10th May. A record number of churches took part in last year’s Fair Trade

Fortnight and reported a keen interest from parishes wanting to make a difference for the small producers who

benefit from Fair Trade sales.

Association of Presbyterian Women/ Methodist Women’s Fellowship - Special Project for 2008/09

“ Here and There‖ will support the Hearing Association New Zealand, which has 32 member associations throughout new Zealand

and is the oldest and largest organisation working in the hearing disability sector in this country. Its role for 76 years has been to

make an invisible disability visible

The overseas project is the Women of Lauru the women’s programme of the Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Communities,

which seeks to improve women’s role in decision-making and sustainable living. Women are brought together on a regular basis to

identify the issues of importance to them and develop a plan of action. Activities have included the preservation of traditional crafts

and training in new skills to give women income-generating opportunities.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BIBLE STUDY - THE BIBLE WITH ATTITUDE

Wednesdays at 2pm McLean Room FROM 13th May

―The Bible with Attitude‖ is a seven-part series which links the Bible's stories with our own stories, asking how the Bible is rele-

vant for our life today. The seven sessions will have two foci. The first half will explore some aspect of our own life/faith journey.

The second half will explore the Bible, seeking to gain insight into our own stories. The purpose of this approach will be to discover

the Bible's relevance for our lives today.

The 'Attitude' with which we approach the Bible shapes the understanding we gain. It is possible for us to encounter the dynamic

living God, in whom we live and move and have our being, through the stories and traditions of the Bible.

PLEASE give your name and phone number to Anne Thomson by 5 May if you intend to join the Bible with Attitude group

beginning on 13 May

REPORT FROM THE SESSION CLERK

I trust you enjoyed the warm weather. Easter Services moving special thanks to Ministry team and eve-

ryone that helped.

The Cafe lunch for April was at Mitchells tavern and 20 people enjoyed the fellowship and surprised John

Takacs on his birthday.- The next lunch is at the Wig "N" Pen on 24 May at 12noon

names to Catherine 477 5236 hank you.

The Harvest Festival service was taken by Anne and a special thanks to Maureen Green for the lovely dis-

play and to all who contributed food for PSO foodbank.

It was with great sadness we learned of the death of Dorothy Leffly. a member and friend of many.

Our Elder Martin Hosking also died recently . Martin was interred in the Cook Islands . He gave great

service to the Church and Session and is sadly missed. Our prayers are with Vaine and family at this time.

An Elders Retreat to be held at Leith Valley on Saturday 9th May 9am—3pm.

Catherine Todd, Session Clerk

FIRST CHURCH INDOOR BOWLING CLUB NOTICE

A bowls afternoon will be held on MONDAY MAY 12

commencing with a meeting of members at 2.00pm. Future plans for the year to be decided