Issue 23: 26 January 2006
Nga Rangatahi o Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa News

"Come with Me & Fish for Rangatahi"
Manu Karakia Lead "Awesome" Te Wai Pounamu Kura Raumati Rangatahi Programme

“Come with me and I will make you fish for people.” These words from Mark’s gospel captured the Hui Amorangi o Te Wai Pounamu annual Kura Raumati from January 10 – 15th. For Simon, Andrew, James and John following Jesus would have been intense, challenging, and very rewarding. This sums up the feeling of the four Manu Karakia (Christopher Douglas-Huriwai, Sharlene Smith, Rawinia Gray and Hinekura Hollis) who led the rangatahi programme that included bible studies, collect writing, as well as teaching waiata and dance. Twenty five rangatahi took part in the programme from Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Bishop Brown Turei and Whaea Mihi Turei were present for the first few days and the Bishop of Aotearoa celebrated the rangatahi presence during a Holy Communion service, also acknowledging Youth Yeah! as a time to recognise the ministry of rangatahi throughout Aotearoa.

Pihopa Brown’s inspiring words resonated through the Manu Karakia as the bible studies were brought to life through song and roleplay. One group interpreted John 1:43-51, as Sam and Bob in Brockville (a suburb in Dunedin) instead of Phillip and Andrew in Bethsida. Another study saw Jesus calling the road workers (instead of the fishermen).

During the evenings the Manu Karakia led what were described as “stimulating, thought provoking” sessions which covered topics from discipleship to whakapapa.

There was a festive atmosphere on Saturday with rangatahi involved in hangi preparations, sport activities and our new community garden under the supervision of Raymond Hina. The Kura wrapped up with a Eucharist service on Sunday and final farewells. Bishop John Gray was pleased with the hui, acknowledging the ministry of Manu Karakia on the final night.

Afterwards there was a sense of satisfaction from the Manu Karakia. Hinekura Hollis described the week as an “awesome experience… It went heaps better than first planned, even though the programme changed from the original every day!!! But on the upside, for a first time, and for a not too sure what was supposed to happen or what was gonna happen next, we did well.”
 

Tikanga Youth Exchange 06
Tikanga Maori host "best three Tikanga youth hui ever!"

From 19-25 January the youth of the thee Tikanga church came together in Turanga for a week of worship, fellowship and vision.

The Tikanga Youth Exchange is a common life conference of General Synod / Te Hinota Whanui, bringing together the rangatahi of the three Tikanga to share their visions and life as young Anglicans in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Over 50 young people attended from across the whole church, including 15 from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Hosted by Tikanga Maori, the hui left Tamaki Makaurau by bus and arrived in Ngati Porou for a marae experience, followed the next day by a pilgrimage to share a Tikanga Maori perspective. Participants were blown away by the beauty of the whenua and the culture.

The hui itself was held at Holy Trinity Church in Turanga, and hosted by Te Hui Amorangi o Te Tai Rawhiti. Bishop Brown and Whaea Mihi Turei were present throughout the whole hui, leaving a lasting impression on the youth delegates.

The business sessions were based around workshops including: General Synod / Te Hinota Whanui 06, creative ministry, leadership, youth theology, and social justice. Participants said it was the best Tikanga Youth Exchange they had ever been to.

Ven. Hirini Kaa in his role as Archdeacon of Kahui Rangatahi has been given the responsibility by the Tikanga Maori Bishops to coordinate and enable Tikanga Maori rangatahi participation in the three Tikanga life of the Church. Hirini believed that the hui was good for the whole Church, “strengthening our future as a true three Tikanga Church, as well as celebrating Youth Yeah!”

For more about this awesome hui including: youth reflections, photos, and music produced at the hui, visit the Youth Yeah! website @ www.youthyeah.com

TE KUPU NEWS

Youth Yeah! Resources
TORU: Anglican Centre for Youth Ministry Studies have developed an awesome resource for use in your Whare Karakia on Sundays. These prayers are based on the readings for Sunday, and have been written by youth groups from across the whole Church. You can find these free resources by visiting the Youth Yeah! site at www.youthyeah.com/resource.htm

TE KUPU LINK

Youth Yeah Official Website
http://www.youthyeah.com
Just because we can't plug this site enough, check it out now! Submit your ideas for Youth Yeah! , Add your events to the calendar and just generally keep up to date with Youth Yeah!
Check it out!



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