July Wilberforce Community News Kia ora ,It's great to see the range of opportunities we are able to share through this month's Community News. The Venn Foundation is sharing their upcoming events and courses, Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is on the lookout for two regional managers, and Interserve Te Riu Wakaaoreore are looking for a new Finance Administrator. You will also see our next Lunch and Learn webinar promoted, where we have a panel of speakers sharing about embracing disabled people in an organisational
setting.
Lunch and LearnJoin us as we discuss the value of embracing disabled people in an organisational setting. We will be hearing from theologian Rev Dr Maja Whitaker, practitioner Kirsty Armitage and Manny will bring his lived experience. This discussion will be invaluable to all of you in leadership roles in organisations. We will bring you some deep theological thinking, some personal insights and some practical ways in which you can consider the place of disabled people in your organisation. With disabled people making up Aotearoa’s second largest minority group this is a conversation that is relevant to all of us. We look forward to sharing this rich conversation with you all on July 26th, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Upcoming events and coursesThe Venn Foundation is an educational institution, who help people embrace the riches of Scripture and the Christian tradition for the good of their homes, workplaces, universities, churches, and communities. Check out what Venn have coming up for the next few months. Upcoming Venn Short Course Growing in prayer: pursuing a deeper life with God Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington This short course is designed for people who want to pursue a deeper life with God by growing in prayer, whether you’re at the start of your life with God, or many years on the journey. There’s a particular emphasis on learning to pray, drawing near to God, and developing new rhythms of prayer for everyday life. Designed to be a spacious and engaging learning experience, this two day course includes group learning, shared lunches, and times for individual reflection and prayer. Where: Our Lady’s Home of Compassion 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington When: 9:30am – 4:30pm Fri 3 August and 9:00am – 4:00pm Sat 4 August Upcoming Venn Conversation Evenings The Arts and Early Christianity: Conversation evenings with Prof. Robin Jensen (Auckland and Wellington) In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you two conversation evenings with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, these evenings offer are an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making. Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington Tuesday 23 July, 7.30pm PORTRAYING THE VISIBLE GOD: How Early Christian Artists Depicted Christ The New Testament refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, but it never describes his physical appearance. Robin will explore how early depictions of Jesus expressed Christian beliefs about his divine and human natures as well as his mission as healer, teacher, and saviour. Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Wednesday 24 July, 7.30pm ART OR IDOLATRY? Challenging the Myth of Christian Hostility to Visual Art. The history of Christianity and the visual arts has been marked by concern over images and idolatry. Robin will consider how, contrary to what is often assumed, Christians made and used pictorial art no later than the early second century. These artworks drew upon stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament and, as such, they were not regarded as idolatrous but instead served important purpose. Venn Residential Fellowship This programme is for people in their 20's who desire a deeper understanding of God, the world, and themselves, and who want to serve and lead in their communities with vibrant faith and wisdom. This is an opportunity to be part of a unique and rich context for Christian formation - to explore Scripture and the Christian tradition, examine culture, and consider life's big questions. With our next intake happening in November, now’s the time to get in touch for a kōrero – please contact us. Our team are happy to meet up for coffee to talk through any questions or considerations you might have. Contact us at mail@venn.org.nz. November 2024 to June 2025, Auckland New Resource: He Tatau Pounamu Book – Presale In this new book, historian and theologian Dr Alistair Reese takes up these questions, helping us to understand how the treaty is ‘he tatau pounamu’—a covenant pathway of reconciliation. He considers the history and context of this foundational document, including the role of the Church and the Christian gospel in its shape and interpretation. And with compassion and insight he lays before us the challenge of how best to respond—how best now to honour the Treaty. Produced as a special bilingual edition, with forewords by Professor Tom Roa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato) and Archbishop David Moxon, He Tatau Pounamu represents the distilled wisdom and committed action of a lifetime from this remarkable advocate for the Treaty and the gospel in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Presale available now. Short Term Residential Rental Opportunity As this year's Residential Fellowship draws to a close, we have the opportunity to fill the big, beautiful, 6-bedroom Fellowship house in Epsom, Auckland. Rooms are available for rent from early-July to mid-November, 2024. Rent per room varies between $170-$285 (excl. expenses). The house is setup with everything you need, and bedrooms can come furnished or unfurnished. Some rooms are large and would provide an economical option if shared. If you are interested, or know anyone who might be, please get in touch. Venn Summer Conference Join 100 young adults from around Aotearoa, New Zealand for a week of learning, conversation, good food, and fun, and come to see the truth, beauty, and challenge of the Christian life. If you haven’t already saved the date for Venn Summer Conference 2025, do it now and tell your friends!: 10-17 January. Keep an eye out for registrations opening in soon. 10-17 January, 2025 St Peters School, Cambridge Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is recruiting! Could this be your next opportunity?Join our team as a Regional Leader! Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand offers pastoral care and support to the sporting communities of Aotearoa New Zealand. We achieve this by training Sports Chaplains to volunteer within these communities, providing free, accessible pastoral care, support, and mentoring to athletes, staff, officials, and their whānau, both on-site and at the point of need, regardless of religion, lifestyle, or beliefs. 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 If you value people in sports, align with our core values, and are keen to drive the expansion of SCNZ in Aotearoa…we are looking for someone like you! We are seeking highly motivated and faith-filled leaders for the Auckland South region and for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty to proactively lead SCNZ’s movement and strategy within the region toward the vision of a placed Sports Chaplain for every sports community. If reading this gets you excited about what we do here at SCNZ, and you think you’d be a good candidate for these roles or you’d like to know more, please contact Phil Pawley (CEO): phil.pawley@sportschaplaincy.co.nz Interserve, Te Riu Wakaaoreore, are looking for a new Finance Administrator Are you good with numbers? Do you have a good eye for detail, with a focus on accuracy? Are you looking for a flexible part-time role? Interserve is a Christian mission organisation. We are looking for a Finance Administrator who will be based in Auckland: someone who is an enthusiastic team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills. We need someone with knowledge and experience of finance systems, who is computer literate, familiar with Xero, accounts administration, and invoice and payment processing. We are looking for someone who is a motivated self-starter, a quick learner, who relates well to people at all levels and who aligns with the values of our organisation. Applications close 19th July 2024 Please contact: Charles charles@interserve.org.nz |