News

Vacancy - Community Church of Akaroa Banks Peninsula

Full time Minister for the Community Church of Akaroa Banks Peninsula – Is this you? Akaroa is seeking a visionary Minister to serve and lead its parish, and to help us in making …

Vacancy - Clinton Youth Worker

Clinton presy church are seeking to employ a part-time youth worker. Clinton Presbyterian is a vibrant, growing church serving our corner of South Otago in the name of Christ. We …

Study Theology at the University of Otago

Theology at the University of Otago • The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers the opportunity to think more deeply about Christian faith. Christian students have found our papers to be …

Carers Peer Support Circle

A new community group is being established at Mornington Presbyterian Church (MPC), for private Carers (spouse, partner or other family member or friend) who care for people living with …

Vacancy - Central Southland, Winton

Central Southland Presbyterian Parish The Central Southland Parish at Winton wish to employ a 0.5 time Nationally Ordained Minister (NOM) to work alongside our existing Church leadership and outreach groups, …

God within Matariki

Our whānau at Flagstaff Community Church have been part of a documentary from Shine TV celebrating Matariki. The Blurb reads: A stunning new documentary produced by Shine TV for the upcoming …

Introducing Common Grace Aotearoa

The ecumenical Christian group making waves on big justice issues Common Grace Aotearoa may be just over a year old, but is having a growing impact in the ministry of …

Bill and Margaret Best Travel Fund

For more information: CLICK HERE

The Leprosy Mission 2025 Youth Advocate Scholarship

Get ready for an incredible opportunity! The Leprosy Mission New Zealand is inviting students aged 18-24 to apply for our Youth Advocate Scholarship to Nepal in 2025. As Youth Advocates, …

Presbytery Training Reflection

Our first presbytery training event of the year was a great success. We had 45 in attendance, 6 ministers and the rest were elders. Attending this day was well …

Presbyterian Research Centre Volunteer Drive

Do you have an interest in history and an eye for detail? Presbyterian Research Centre now has fresh openings for help in our Archives. We have several volunteer roles …

Rev Brendon McRae's Waitangi Message

Rev Bendon McRae's from the Flagstaff parish in Dunedin, preached a Waitangi day sermon this past month. Some of the Flagstaff parish wished to share it with the wider presbytery …

Welcome to Reverend Richard McLean our Incoming Executive Officer

Statement from James Watt, Moderator of Southern Presbytery I am thrilled to advise that the Council of Southern Presbytery has appointed the Reverend Richard McLean of Wellington as the Presbytery’s …

General Assembly Update

Click here for General Assembly update

CRC Snapped Photo Competition

Christian Resources is organizing "Snapped," a national photography competition to promote the launch of our new stock media website, CR Media. From June 1st to August 31st, photographers of all …

Cyclone Appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu

PCANZ Global Mission Cyclone Appeal for the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu Category 4 Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin hit Vanuatu within 48 hours of each other on March 1 and 3 …

Bushfire's latest newsletter

The latest Bushfire newsletter is availabel HERE Bushfire is the newsletter of the Executive of PWANZ (Presbyterian Women Aotearoa New Zealand)

Southern Presbyterians New Office

We have moved offices, and would love you to come visit us. We have created a video to remind you who we are, and where we are: CLICK HERE Our new offices …

Moderator's Christmas Appeal for Ōhope Marae

Tēnā koutou. Greetings to you. Haere mai tatou, kia koropiko, kia tuohu; kia tukua nga turi ki te aroaro o Ihowa, to tatou Kaihanga. Ko ia hoki to tatou Atua; ko …

Study at Otago

Interested in studying Theology? The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers a wide range of papers and qualifications, all available via distance learning. We offer an undergraduate …

Give it a Go Grant - 2022

Presbyterian Foundation Grant - 2022

Press Go Story Writer Needed

Christian World Services Appeal

I am writing to ask you to support child justice. By donating to our Spring Appeal, Dalit and Tribal children in south India will have the opportunity to learn life …

PCFM WOVEN Term 2 Update

CLICK HERE for the term 2 update from Presbyterian Children and Families

Daily Encourager - Encouraging Hospital Chaplains

Daily Encourager has written a wonderful article on the impact of hospital chaplains in Dunedin CLICK HERE to be taken to the article

Global Leadership Summit 2022

The Global Leadership Summit is fast approaching. For all the information - CLICK HERE

Media Prayer Day 2022

It’s easy to criticise the media – but how often do we stop and pray for them? Sometimes we’re called to re-orientate our posture and see things through a new …

Jonathan Robinson on Modern Anti-Slavery Legislation

Jonathan Robinson is a Baptist Minister and a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Theology and Public Issues. He has just written an excellent short piece for Baptist Churches of …

SOUTHERN PYM Youth Ministry Resource Document for Regions

CLICK HERE for the SOUTHERN PYM Youth Ministry Resource Document for Regions

Youth Leaders Catch Up

W.O.F. Training

Are you a leader in our childrens/ youth programs? If yes, then you need to complete a WOF training. This training will be lead by Brad Kelderman and will …

WAY2GO Conference

CLICK HERE for more information

Special Assembly Website

The online Special Assembly will be held on April 27-29. PCANZ members can read information about the special assembly it on the assembly website, https://specialassembly2022.nz/, and sign up for news …

Faith Thinking on Zoom

Faith Thinking. Short courses jointly offered bt the Theology Programme, University of Otago in conjunction with Continuing Education at the University of Otago Landscapes of Grief, Horizons of Care Join: https://otago.zoom.us/j/95271538192?pwd=ZFQvWGJqQkl2VklhRXRuc0JtRnRGdz09 Password: 973851 Dietrich …

Vacancy - PSO Community Mission Liaison

Community Mission Liaison Presbyterian Support Otago Are you passionate about strengthening Presbyterian relationships across parishes and PSO in a role that is a true expression of faith? Our Organisation Presbyterian Support Otago is …

Whānau Friendly Process

Dear colleagues in ministry, We are excited to bring you a project we have been working on for quite some time now...the Whānau Friendly Process! In partnership with PYM (Presbyterian Youth Ministry), …

Vacancy - 24/7 Youth Worker Winton

The Central Southland Presbyterian Parish are seeking a person to fulfil the role of 24/7 Youth Worker at Central Southland College in Winton, Southland. The 24/7 programme is a three …

Southern Pres Children's Ministry Newsletter

Click Here for the March/ April Newsletter

Woven - Presbyterian Children and Families - Term 1, 2022

For the first update of the year from Presbyterian Children and Families - Click Here

CFM Easter and Holy week Ideas Share

Presbyterian Children and Families invites you to join us for a Ideas sharing Zoom call Register here

Invitation to a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Pine Hill Presbyterian Church

You are invited to the final service at Pine Hill, led by Moderator Anne Thomson. This Congregation will be dissolved later in the month. It is usual for services of this nature …

Vacancy - Mission Coach for Kaimai Presbytery

Kaimai Presbytery is a regional body of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ). The Mission Coach position is to assist the Kaimai Presbytery Council in the implementation of …

Connecting Communities in Prayer

International Rural Churches Association Connecting Communities in Prayer IRCA Round the World on ZOOM 7-8 March 2022 Come and share 24 hours of celebrating rural people, places and ministries! We start by joining …

Bushfire Newsletter - December 2021

The December newsletter of the National Coordinating Group of the Presbyterian Women of Aotearoa New Zealand can be found HERE

Forge Aotearoa Training

Forge Aotearoa Training Forge Aotearoa is a movement to help train leaders and cultivate missional communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. The first leadership programme for those wanting to explore new missional ventures, or different expressions …

Vacancy - PCANZ Compliance Officer

The PCANZ is seeking a Compliance Officer Click Here for the Job Description

Vacancy - PCANZ Director of Research Centre

The PCANZ is looking for a Director of the Research Centre Click Here for the job description

Student Soul 2021 Update

Student Soul have an update for 2021 found here

Studying Theology in 2022

Looking at studying theology in 2022? The University of Otago offers a comprehensive theology programme. Otago offers a wide range of papers, all available via distance learning. Some papers are taught via …

Vacancy - KCML Project Coordinator

The Role The Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting a wide variety of processes and functions for the new Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) Minister Development Plan project, …

Presbyterian Day of Prayer

Scots College Assistant Chaplain

Scots College is seeking to appoint a new Assistant Chaplain to assist the College Chaplain with day-to-day requirements and the promotion of the College’s special character at all year …

General Assembly 2021 Newsletter and Summary of Decisions

Attached are links to GA21 Newsletter and Summary of Decisions from the 2021 General Assembly

Otago University and Polytech Māori Chaplaincy Vacancy

Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy Trust Board Māori Chaplaincy Position at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic This position is 0.8 Equivalent Full-Time, with this being made up of 0.6 Permanent, and 02 …

Spiritual Renewal And Growth Task Group Update

The Spiritual Renewal And Growth Task Group (Margie Rea, Hilary Oxford Smith, Lynne Taylor and Peter Cheyne) has met a few times recently and is seeking to understand, and …

St Oran’s College Chaplain Vacancy

St Oran’s College Chaplain - Permanent, part time (0.8 FTTE), 1 Management Unit (days & hours by negotiation) beginning 27 January 2022 We seek an innovative and visionary school chaplain …

Mosgiel Children and Families Vacancy

Children and Families Ministry Coordinator/Worker We are seeking someone to design and deliver children and families’ programmes in our parish for 10 hours per week or 20 hours a fortnight …

Upcoming Faith Thinking Events

Faith Thinking in August-November 2021 Short Courses jointly offered by the Theology Programme, University of Otago and some Dunedin Churches in conjunction with Continuing Education at the University of Otago Faith …

CWS appeals for the people of Afghanistan

Recent events have made the existing situation much worse and the need for humanitarian aid more vital. The Afghan people are facing a food crisis that could easily tip …

Learn local

Want to meet Christians passionate about their local community? Want to learn about grassroots mission? Want to grow skills in starting and sustaining a new initiative in mission? Rev Dr Steve …

Suggested Guidelines for Congregational Meetings by Zoom

Below are some guidelines relating to how Knox Church, Dunedin set up its ZOOM Congregational Meeting. This meeting was for a resolution to support a recommendation from a Nomination …

CPE Spring 2021 Otago Southland possible course

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Spring 2021 Request Indications of interest for CPE Otago & Southland late August-mid-November 2021 Kia ora A Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) course for Otago and Southland may be …

Cromwell Children & Families Vacancy

Children & Families Leader Cromwell Presbyterian Church Part Time Position - 25 Hours Are you motivated to make a difference? Do you want to see Christ formed in the lives of young people? Cromwell …

Congratulations Malcolm Gordon

Congratulations Malcolm Gordon whose paper won the ANZATS Award. Below is Malcolm's summary of his winning paper: Paul’s use of the Gethsemane story in Romans 8:15-39? In a recent paper for the …

Childrens & Families Advisor Vacancy

Children and Family Ministry Advisor VACANCY The Southern Presbytery is seeking a full-time regional ministry advisor to support the Presbyterian churches of Otago and Southland in their ministry to children and …

Synod Moderator's Letter - March 2021

Letter to Parishes - Synod Moderator 26 March 2021 Dear All, Six months have passed since I wrote to you and we have been through Covid-19 Alert Level 2 twice since then …

The Sir Lloyd Geering Scholarship in Religion

The study of religion explores the horizons of human diversity and possibility. It invites us to understand the very different ways that people live their lives. In Religious Studies, …

Presbyterian and Catholic Dialogue

For the past 10 years, I have enjoyed being part of the Presbyterian / Roman Catholic Dialogue. This was established in New Zealand in 1981 and centred in Dunedin. The …

TELT Report

Theological Education and Leadership Training Report and Resources The TELT report is available to read, and can be downloaded by clicking here. The TELT work group has produced additional material to assist …

A Spiritual Anthology of Writing

Wanted - Submissions for a new Spiritual Anthology of Writing Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for …

Six Young Adults Wanted for GA

Southern Presbytery Young Adult Commissioner Programme (2020/21) The upcoming General Assembly is taking place from September 30th - October 4th, 2020 at Lindisfarne College, Hastings. This means we are looking for six …

Youth Pastors Retreat

One of the key factors in seeing a healthy youth ministry is the health and well being of the youth pastor. Two years ago PYM piloted a retreat in …

KCML Graduation 20

On December 4th, KCML staff, friends and family gathered together at First Church in Dunedin to celebrate the graduation of the 2018-19 class of interns. Annie-Kate Williams, Kalele Moresi, Gabe …

Reflections of an Intern

Tom Mepham Reflects on His Journey as an Intern Five seconds ago, I was knee-deep in assignments. Suddenly I find myself here, having landed on the other side of the …

Rev Clay Gets Inducted!

On Sunday 20th October in Queenstown, in front of a packed church, Clay Peterson De Oliveira was inducted as a minister into the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand …

Leaders Attend W.O.F Training

At the end of 2018 the Council of Assembly produced a new Child Protection Policy for all churches within the PCANZ. With a goal of staying up to date …

UCANZ Forum

The Standing committee of UCANZ met on Thursday 17 October. It was our usual meeting that is normally held in Miramar, Wellington. In coinciding it with the Forum made …

Sewing Seeds into South Dunedin

TEAM ATTENDS LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND At the end of August, Linda, Alice, and Julie from The Seedling South Dunedin attended “The Lighthouse,” an event for mission innovators in Auckland, facilitated by …

Connect Welcomed at Marae

What an incredibly special weekend we have just had at our National Marae, Te Maungarongo where we had our National Youth Leaders Conference; Connect. And Connect is what we …

Connect 2019 Subsidies

Connect 2019 Subsidies PYM TRAVEL SUBSIDY Southern Presbytery Reimbursement: For participants flying from the South Island, we have 20 reimbursements on offer. To receive a $80 reimbursement. Send the email confirmation of …

Pukerau Camps Celebrate 75th

Pukerau Christian Camps Celebrate 75 Years! “From humble beginnings in 1944 when the Mataura Bible Class District Committee held its first Easter Camp in some tents at Wyndham, to the …

A Warm and Wonderful AGM

2019 Synod AGM. A warm and wonderful day! On Saturday, April 13th, Synod members and guests gathered at Camp Columba in Pukerau for the 2019 Synod AGM. It was a …

Invercargill Churches Unite

Invercargill Churches Combined Worship Service a Great Event On Sunday 17th March, all of the Presbyterian Churches in Invercargill put a line through each of their own Sunday morning worship …

Dunedin Easter Camp - AWESOME

Dunedin Easter Camp Keeps Growing! The camp has outgrown the Tirohanga Campsite and is starting to fill up the A&P Showgrounds... Dunedin Easter Camp this year was awesome. Over 200 young …

Pukerau Easter Camp - AMAZING!

75 Years On And Still Going Strong! Pukerau Easter Camp is always special. But this year's Easter Camp, held out at Camp Columba was extra special. Pukerau Christian Camps celebrated …

Youth Work Job - East Taieri

East Taieri Presbyterian Church & The Saddle Hill Foundation Trust are looking for a new full-time youth worker to join their team. The Saddle Hill Foundation Trust (SHFT) was established …

Ordination of Aaron Johnstone

Aaron Johnstone Now Ordained and Begins Hawea Ministry On Thursday 21st March, well over a hundred people squeezed into the quaint St Ninians church in beautiful Hawea Flats for the …

Youth Leaders Gathering a Success

re:Gen Draws in Youth Ministry Leaders From Across Otago & Southland On Saturday 9th March, approximately 80 youth leaders from across Otago & Southland gathered at Calvin Community Church in Gore …

February Presbytery Gathering

February Presbytery Gathering This was an enjoyable and encouraging experience with the Mataura people hosting us very warmly. Interesting reports were presented from the 5 Resource Groups noting lots of energy …

Assessments for CV's

Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand Assessments for Cooperating Ventures Cooperative Ventures (also known as Union Parishes or Cooperating Churches) have two or three Church Partners – principally PCANZ, MCNZ and Anglican …

Church Schools Resource Office Job

Church Schools Resource Office Director Role The National Church is currently looking for someone to fill the role of Church Schools’ Resource Office Director. The ideal candidate would have a …

2019 KCML Lent-Inars

The 2019 Lent-Inars - with KCML Presbyterians thinking deeply, carefully and holistically about faith in life. Brought together by KCML and published as Snapshots in Mission - a collection of writings reaching back …

A New Addition to the Team!

KIDS FRIENDLY FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROJECT COORDINATOR Welcome to Rachel Bates who has recently joined the Southern Presbyterians team! This is a new 10 hour role, working alongside both Cheryl and Brad …

New Regional Alpha Support

Kia ora everyone! My name is Matt Stevenson and I am the new Alpha NZ Relationship Development Coordinator for the Otago/Southland region. I took over the role from Mary Somerville …

Maori Chaplain Otago Uni

Part-time Māori Chaplain (0.2 Permanent) at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy Trust Board The Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy Trust Board (OTCTB) is an ecumenical Christian Board responsible for …

Armistice Day Resources

Armistice Day THIS SUNDAY! If you are looking for resources to use to remember Armistice Day during worship this week, then you may find the following resources useful. Rev Malcolm Gordon For …

Season of Peace

Remembering Parihaka Seeking Peace in a Troubled World You are warmly invited to gather to affirm our commitment to seeking peace in a troubled world during this Season of Peace. Haere mai tātou! Hikoi of Peace Sunday 4th November Meet …

Buddy Programme needs you!

The Buddy Programme is growing and needs more adult buddies!! This programme contributes to the emotional and social well-being of children by matching them with carefully selected and trained adult volunteers …

"Love Reaches Out" - On Display

“Love Reaches Out - Caring for our World’ Art and Writing Competition 2018 151 entries in 5 categories 24 prize winners Preschool to Year 8 Visual and written art INSPIRING! THOUGHTFUL! FUN! On display at Knox …

Pulpit Radical

Pulpit Radical A biography of the influential Dunedin Presbyterian minister Rutherford Waddell – Pulpit Radical: The Story of New Zealand Social Campaigner Rutherford Waddell – has just been published. From his …

Workshops on Trauma

Beneath the Surface: The Nature and Impact of Trauma and Ways to Provide Support This half-day workshop is designed for anyone working with those who have experienced trauma in their …

Women in Ministry Report

Women of the Burning Bush: Still Burning 25 Years On In 1990 there had been a survey of women following a celebration of 25 years of ordination for women. At …

M&E Funding Applications due

MISSION & EVANGELISM FUND APPLICATIONS CLOSE JUNE 15 The Mission & Evangelism fund supports projects that further and promote the extension of the Kingdom of God within the Synod’s region. Priority will be …

Courageous Continuum still going strong

When you only have five registration forms to fund a 30-thousand-dollar event, your heart might sink a bit. A sticky situation Tasha Francis found herself in five weeks out from …

Direct flights to salvation

Every year travelling Brazilians soar to Queenstown for work, and inevitably find themselves drawn to the doors of Global Community. Clay Peterson de Oliveira, Associate Pastor at Global Community, believes …

Church at Play

St John's walls hadn’t seen a child in nearly 10 years, but now they’re a second home for many. Carlton Johnstone, Minister at St John’s Presbyterian Church in Arrowtown, says their …

There's no "I" in Clutha

The unforgiving cold of South Otago made it’s presence known in the house of a young Balclutha Presbyterian family, last winter. Desperate for warmth, a call by the Minister of the Balclutha …

Church going global

What started as a seedling prayer has now grown into a fruitful international ministry, that is seeing First Church Invercargill welcome their first Asian members. Nyalle Paris, Minister at First Church …

A workload friendly role

Over the last eight years the Otago and Southland region has been blessed with a full-time, fully energized Kids Friendly resource in Cheryl Harray. Now Cheryl has decided to take a few bricks off her …

Youth Leaders Gather Together

On Saturday March 3rd, youth leaders from across Otago & Southland gathered at Calvin Church in Gore to connect with other youth leaders and to upskill in the area …

Compelled by love

Forget flashy lights and the smell of hot coffee to entice people into your church, genuine love is the only ingredient you’ll need. Teina, Intern Minster at St Andrews Presbyterian …

Dials for change

With a rattle and a ring, every churches’ phone will be called, with questions that will shape the future. Southern Presbytery is running a review, that covers all the churches within …

Silver lining found after fire

In early morning stillness and cold, vibrant orange was seen glowing from within the churches’ stained glass. In 2015 at 5am, First Church Invercargill was the victim of a blaze …

Youth Leaders Retreat

Youth leaders were given respite from exhaustion after being treated to a free retreat, offering restoration, value and relaxation. Matt Chamberlin, Youth Director for Presbyterian Youth Ministry [PYM], decided to create …

Divine food deliveries

Angels will soon be sweeping through Wakatipu, gifting people in urgent need of food for the night. Though not technically angelic, BOB’s Angels is a branch off Baskets of Blessings, …

60 candles for camp

It been 60 years since Camp Columba was wild terrain of gorse, rocks and weed. Now it’s the home ground for adrenaline-pumping activities, teachings and worship. The camp’s 60th anniversary …

Moderators Exchange Briefcase

At the 151st annual Synod AGM, Rev Nyalle Paris was officailly inducted as the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago & Southland, taking over the role from …

Dunedin Easter Camp Doubles

Huge success for Dunedin Easter Camp 2017! Many Easter camps around the country were cancelled or postponed because of Cyclone Cook. Dunedin Easter Camp, however, pushed on as planned, but still had to …

Deborah Bower Goes to Nepal

Deborah Bower in her role as Church Leadership Supoort Advisor and as a member and Elder of the Wakitpu Parish, travelled to Nepal with fellow members of the Wakatipu …

Youth Ministry Training Grows!

On Saturday 11th March at Calvin Church in Gore, 130 youth leaders from across Otago & Southland gathered together to receive training and be encouraged in the area of …