Wilberforce Community News
Kia ora ,
We're thrilled to share a variety of opportunities in this edition of Wilberforce Community News!
You will find:
- An invitation to the 2025 ISMNZ National Conference
- Two job opportunities with Sports Chaplaincy NZ
- Information about this month's Lunch and Learn webinar with James Stewart
- Links to the recording of our Fundraising Webinar
- Links to Charlotte Cummings video, unpacking the Royal Care Commissioned report.
If you have content you'd like us to include in a future edition of the Wilberforce Community News, you can email news@wilberforce.org.nz. Please note that requests must be submitted by the first Friday of the month to be included in that month's newsletter.
Ngā mihi,
The Wilberforce Foundation Team
P.S. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others you think may be interested in the content - the best way to do this is by using the 'FORWARD' button at the bottom of this page. This will ensure all the links work correctly. Look for the envelope symbol below.
The 2025 ISMNZ National Conference: "Abiding and Fruitful"
We are excited to announce that our 2025 ISMNZ Workers Conference will be held from 6-9 February 2025 at te Waiora / the Centre at Massey University. This year’s theme, "Abiding and Fruitful," invites us to deepen our relationship with Christ while equipping ourselves to serve effectively in ministry to international students.
Taking advantage of Waitangi Day on Thursday, 6 February, we will gather for a retreat-style experience focusing on abiding in Christ. The first two days will include ample time for devotion, reflection, and worship, fostering a space for spiritual renewal.
The latter part of the conference, on Saturday and Sunday, will shift our focus towards being fruitful for Christ. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss best practices and receive equipping for their ministry work.
The cost for the conference is $120 per person, which covers cost-equalised and
subsidised accommodation and meals. Check-in will begin at 3 PM on Thursday at the Centre. For directions please click the button.
If you are passionate about international student ministry in NZ and resonate with the ISMNZ vision, mission and values, you’re most welcome to join us.
You can register below or the QR code
Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is recruiting!
If you value people in sport, align with our core values, and are keen to drive the expansion of SCNZ in Aotearoa…we are looking for someone like you!
The current two vacancies are:
- Regional Leader for Waikato / Bay of Plenty area. Full-time (negotiable)
- Regional Leader for Auckland South area. Full-time (negotiable)
We are seeking a highly motivated and faith-filled leader to proactively lead SCNZ’s movement within the region toward the vision of a placed Sports Chaplain for every sports community.
Please read more about both roles in the information below or contact Phil Pawley (CEO): phil.pawley@sportschaplaincy.co.nz
Lunch and Learn webinar: Faith and Action Report
The Faith In Action Report profiles the 3,200 registered church entities and 1,000 para-church organisations across New Zealand. For the first time, trends across denominations & geography over the last decade have been compiled to provide insights into where the church is growing and shrinking across Aotearoa.
Join James Stewart to discuss the recently released report, in particular the insights for the parachurch sector.
You can read through the report and gain more from the Faith and Action website or click the link below to access the report directly.
Don’t forget to register for the webinar!
Lunch and Learn; The Fundraising Special
If you missed last month's session, don't worry—you can catch up by watching the video through the link below.
A huge thank you to Bruce, Jenny, and Sean for sharing their valuable insights and expertise in fundraising with us.
Abuse in Care Royal Commission findings:
As we grapple with the profound sadness surrounding the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, it’s helpful to revisit the key insights and recommendations from this report and consider their potential impact on the work of Christian charitable organisations.
Charlotte Cummings, who has specialist knowledge in this field, has prepared a 12-minute video message to share important points for your reflection.
The Commission's report, titled Whanaketia - Through Pain and Trauma, From Darkness to Light, inspires hope that light may emerge in our nation through the work of this Inquiry. Read the full transcript on our website.
