Wilberforce Community News

Lunch and Learn

Our upcoming Lunch and Learn webinar on succession planning covers a very important topic that should appeal to a wide audience. Andrew Fraser (formerly of Rhema Media Group) and Zelda Robertson (formerly of Alpha NZ) will share how they came to the decision it was time to move on from their role, and how this sits within their wider sense of call. We hope you can join us.

We look forward to sharing this rich conversation with you all on August 23rd, 2024 at 12:00 pm.

Thank you so much to Maja, Kirsty and Immanuel for sharing with us at the July Lunch and Learn. If you missed this session you can now view the video by clicking the link below.

Accompanying the webinar, we also have provided extra resources on our website for anyone who would like to learn more.

Special Premiere Event: Mana Atua - The Power of God

Fantail Studios are thrilled to announce the premiere of their feature documentary, Mana Atua - The Power of God. Over the past three years, the team at Fantail Studios have poured their hearts into creating this radical film that explores the transformative love of God.

Follow Lucky Te Koha's extraordinary journey as he ventures into some of New Zealand's gangs, bringing hope and healing along the way.

Join thousands around New Zealand in hosting a cinematic outreach event with a film that displays the amazing power of the Gospel in action.

From August 24th to September 15th, Fantail Studios are offering free screenings of Mana Atua to venues all over New Zealand.

They're calling on churches and NGOs to join them in using this film as a cinematic outreach event. By hosting a screening, you can share the message of love and redemption with your community.

To register your venue for a free screening, simply visit their website at fantailstudios.com.

Christian Savings Conference 

Christian Savings is passionate about seeing churches and charities thrive. Governance is one area that is often under-resourced, so this year we’re rolling out our Governance Conference which will tackle issues such as leadership succession, fruitful stewardship, and how those in governance should best be measuring success. This year we really want to ensure that hundreds of volunteer elders, trustees, and officers can make it (rather than just church leaders). To that end, we’ve re-designed our evening session to be more helpful and engaging. Please send on to those who would benefit.

Would be great to have you there!

Dan Mazengarb, CEO of Christian Savings

Social Enterprise Manager Springboard/Sheepworld

Owned and operated by Springboard, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people, Sheepworld is an iconic destination that serves as both a farm-based tourist attraction and a social enterprise aimed at positively impacting the lives of young people within our community.

The role of the Sheepworld Social Enterprise Manager (SEM) is pivotal in ensuring that Sheepworld sustainably contributes to the objectives and growth of Springboard by delivering a positive financial return and training opportunities for youth. Leading the operations of the Farm Park, Retail Store, Café, and Campground, the SEM works closely with department managers to provide a high-quality New Zealand Farm Park experience.

This position requires strong leadership skills to effectively manage and coordinate the departmental activities, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of Sheepworld and Springboard. While the role may at times require a ‘hands-on’ approach, the SEM works to ensure operations are well-planned and resourced. The SEM will also uphold safety, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability standards, aligning Sheepworld’s growth and reputation with Springboard’s objectives and organisational culture.

Closing date 18th August 2024.
For more information on Springboard and Sheepworld visit:

www.springboard.org.nz and www.sheepworldfarm.co.nz

If interested, please send a cover letter and CV to mail@springboard.org.nz

Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry 

In July, the final report from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry was released. 

If you are the leader of a Christian charitable organisation, it is important that you understand the findings and recommendations from this report.

Charlotte Cummings has specialist knowledge in this area and has put together a 12-minute video message offering some key points to aid your reflection.

The Commission's report is entitled 'Whanaketia - through pain and trauma, from darkness to light'. We pray that light will come in our nation, through the work of this Inquiry. 

Venn Residential Fellowship

This programme is for people in their twenties 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 members 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 - available now.

In this new book historian and theologian Dr Alistair Reese takes up some important 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.

With compassion and insight, he lays before us the challenge of how best to respond—how best, now, to honour te Tiriti. 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.

Available now.

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. Registrations are now open!

10-17 January, 2025

St Peters School, Cambridge