Presbytery Central Gathering, 9 March 2024, St Albans Church, Palmerston North
The Gathering
Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. This is an opportunity to learn, fellowship and grow together. We welcome all members of Presbyterian and Uniting churches in the Central region, along with anyone else interested, to join us for a marvellous weekend.
March 9, 2024
Our Gathering is back in the middle of our Presbytery at St Albans Church in Palmerston North. We encourage key people from the parishes to make Saturday March 9th March a road trip to Palmerston North to learn and grow together!
Keeping Going
This day is about getting together as the wider Church across the lower North Island with others who serve God and ‘keep the congregation going’.
If you are involved in the mechanics of Church life and are interested in the ideas of others serving in similar ways (or, you have all the answers!) this is a totally worthwhile day – sharing helpful practical ideas and resources, as well as seeking inspiration.
Keynote Speaker
“He has gone ahead of you . . . there you will see him just as he told you” (Mark 16)
by Geoff New, Principal at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
This is the great resurrection message at the end of Mark 16. However, as Mark tells it, what happened next did not go according to plan. This story has a timely message for our story as we seek to follow Jesus in our time and place. This story has a wondrous message for all who serve Jesus’s church.
Get involved
On the left side of this page, you can find out more about the content of the weekend and register your place for the Gathering. We’d be delighted to have you take advantage of this opportunity. Register today.
Saturday 9 March
| Time | What’s happening |
| From 9am | Registration and Morning Tea |
| 10:30am | Welcome and Worship |
| 11:00am | Keynote Speech: “He has gone ahead of you . . . there you will see him just as he told you” (Mark 16)” Rev Geoff New |
| 12:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm | Workshop 1 |
| 2:15pm | Sharing Stories and Business |
| 3:15pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:30-4:45pm | Workshop 2 |
| 4:45-5:15pm | Concluding with Communion |
Workshops
| Workshop Slot #1 13:00 | Workshop Slot #2 15:30 |
| Serving God’s Mission Practically. with Craig Donaldson, Convenor of the PCANZ Resource Sub-committee Using reserves, getting financial and spiritual returns, working together well
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Serving God’s Mission Practically. with Craig Donaldson, Convenor of the PCANZ Resource Sub-committee Using reserves, getting financial and spiritual returns, working together well
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| Eco Church.
with Mo Morgan, Regional Eco Church Coordinator, A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand As well as explaining what being an eco church is all about, this workshop will include hopeful stories and useful resources to encourage and help you become more intentional about Creation Care in your church and community. Facilitator Mo Morgan works for Arocha as the regional Eco Church coordinator, an initiative which helps churches across Aotearoa actively care for God’s creation as an integral part of their mission. |
Firing on all Cylinders with Ross Chesney, Commercial advisor working in regulatory environments Facilitated sharing of experiences, resources and problem-solving. If you have experiences and/or questions about keeping a congregation running, come and be part of this discussion. Including issues about:
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| Pastoral Care: Discerning the Presence of God in the Pastoral Encounter. with Geoff New, Principal at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership By using the story of the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) we will engage with four movements which help us to listen to others and listen to God. This workshop will provide you with a simple way to provide pastoral care in the midst of situations which can be overwhelming and complex. |
What Does it Mean to be an Elder?
with Geoff New, Principal at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership In this workshop we will explore our spiritual call and ministry as those who serve the church as elders. We will engage with Scripture and also PCANZ resources which clarify and explain our ministry and mission as leaders of the church of Jesus Christ. |
| Resilience in Ministry
with Andrew Nicol, Lecturer at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership Contrary to some popular opinion, true resilience is not grit. This means it is not something that you simply have or not – it can be learned. Research tells us that resilience is also variable and context dependent. How we cope changes across our life situations. In an age of increasing anxiety, how, from the perspective of Christian ministry, might we understand and nurture resilience? This workshop is for every leader and disciple (not just ordained ministers). |
Resilience in Ministry
with Andrew Nicol, Lecturer at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership Contrary to some popular opinion, true resilience is not grit. This means it is not something that you simply have or not – it can be learned. Research tells us that resilience is also variable and context dependent. How we cope changes across our life situations. In an age of increasing anxiety, how, from the perspective of Christian ministry, might we understand and nurture resilience? This workshop is for every leader and disciple (not just ordained ministers). |