Issue 21: 17 November 2005
Nga Rangatahi o Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa News

God’s People Gather at Te Runanganui 05
But sadness at passing of Reverend Puti Murray.

Up to 200 people including delegates, observers and guests gathered from the 3rd – 6th November 2005 at Te Whare Wananga o Raukawa education campus in Otaki for this year’s Runanganui (Synod) of Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa.

This Runanganui was the first under the leadership of Pihopa Brown Turei, the 5th Bishop of Aotearoa. Highlights of the gathering included the strong display of team leadership amongst the Bishops and the growing presence of rangatahi.

The Runanganui received reports by each of the 5 Hui Amorangi, and reports were given from the educational institutions within the church including a brief insight into Te Māra Rangatahi Ministry School. Church structures and legislations were also reviewed.

On the Friday morning two Maori women politicians, Tariana Turia (Maori Party) and Metiria Turei (Green Party), addressed the Runanganui sharing their concerns and plans for the future. It was an interesting session and both women were humbly and warmly received by the gathering.

The following day the hui came to a sudden end after the Reverend Puti Murray (83) passed away that afternoon. In 1978 Puti had cleared the path for generations of women to follow by becoming the first Maori woman to be ordained. The Runanganui paid tribute to Puti by being with her until she travelled back to Te Tai Tokerau after the Sunday service held at Rangiatea Church. Archbishop Whakahuihui Vercoe noted that Puti died giving her last breath to the Church she loved.

All unfinished business is to be taken to Te Runanga Whaiti (Standing Committee) and the hosts for the next Runanganui are yet to be decided.

“Pray Without Ceasing”
Te Tai Tokerau Manu Karakia Reflect On Journey

Te Tai Tokerau Manu Karakia candidates began their ministry journey as they intend to continue: seeking God’s guidance through prayer.

As one participant noted “we often just go through the motions when it comes to karakia and ministry. A lot of our training and thinking can be about what to say and when to say it… We need to be clear about what we believe, and live what we preach.”

The Manu Karakia Spiritual Formation and Discipleship wananga was held at the St Francis Retreat Centre in Tamaki Makaurau from 11-13 November. An intensive experience, the Saturday alone included over 18 hours of discussion, small group work, prayer and silent reflection.

Experienced rangatahi ministry practitioner Reverend Canon Lloyd Popata shared his perspective on ministry to young Maori on the edges of society, and the vital importance of a prayer life for ministry.

The retreat was led by the Te Tai Tokerau Manu Kokiri (Youth Enablers) Tapu Laulu and Kersna Cherrington, ably supported by the Te Wai Pounamu Manu Kokiri, Reverend Terry Timutimu. Kersna was particularly heartened by the response of the kōhine (young women) to the wananga. “Young women will lead our Church into the future. We need to empower them in their ministry journey.” The wananga also reflected on the contribution to the Church of the late Reverend Puti Murray, who served God her whole life.

Seven Te Tai Tokerau candidates will be commissioned as Manu Karakia at Matauri Bay on Advent Sunday, 27th November. The dawn karakia will also welcome the start of Anglican Youth Yeah!
 

TE KUPU NEWS

Te Tai Tokerau Manu Karakia Commissioning
The Te Tai Tokerau Manu Karakia will be commissioned at Ngapuhi Marae, Matauri Bay on Advent Sunday, 27th November. Bishop Brown Turei will lead the karakia, including the Tikanga Maori welcome to Youth Yeah! Contact tapu@rangatahi.org.nz for more info.

Youth Yeah!
Youth Yeah! is a celebration of the young people in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Youth Yeah! starts on Advent Sunday (27th November), and lasts for … a year! Awesome! For more info visit the website www.youthyeah.com

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Wikipedia
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TE KUPU INFO

Te Kupu is published fortnightly by Te Māra Rangatahi Ministry School. Feel free to copy this and distribute it to your networks. For more information visit the Te Kupu website at RUIA, www.rangatahi.org.nz. Contact the editor Nikii O’Callaghan on nikii@rangatahi.org.nz