April 2006
Rural churches cultivate new initiatives
By Paul Titus
Rural churches today are like electric fences. Whereas traditional seven-wire, post-and-batten fences are sturdy and stationary, electric fences can be easily moved to change the shape of a paddock or open up fresh pasture. Read more...
Fun, service and protest at world church gathering
By Fuailelagi Samoa Saleupolu
Youth are the church of today. This was the key message from some of the young people who attended the 9th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Brazil last month. Read more...
Deacons – holy stirrers, honoured servants, or marginalized ministers?
By Julia Stuart
You can find the title ‘deacon’ in churches around the world, and New Zealand is no exception. In at least six of the mainstream denominations – Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Orthodox – permanent deacons are working out their costly calling in day-to-day service. Read more...
Kiwi deacons follow a road less travelled
By Julia Stuart
While all deacons are called to serve in Christ’s name, the path to reach that point and the calling once there are individual ones. Here are the stories of some deacons who serve New Zealand Methodist congregations. Read more...
Church youth trek to first Parihaka peace festival
A contingent of Methodist young people was among the thousands who made the pilgrimage to Taranaki last month to attend the inaugural Parihaka International Peace Festival. Read more...