Touchstone

April 2025

Tenā koutou katoa

As the season of Lent draws to a close, we look towards Holy Week, Easter and the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of great sorrow and  joy. Beyond the significance of the event for the Christian community, Easter has become synonymous with chocolate, Easter bunnies, egg hunts  and hot cross buns. University student Annabella Third encourages readers to consider Lent as a special time to focus on God and the guidance and support that faith connection offers.

A recent Netflix series, Adolescence is gaining global attention for its raw and profoundly confronting insight into social media, youth culture, violence and the devastating consequences of exposure to harmful messaging and ideologies. Vice President Rev Peter Norman, deeply moved by the 4-part series, reflects on the complex challenges of the digital world our youth are navigating today.  As the world is changing, so too is church and we must evolve and embrace more ‘fluid, inclusive and grounded expressions of faith’ firmly founded on Te Tiriti and our bicultural commitment. It is a compelling read.

In response to the challenges facing church and youth in Aotearoa, Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau are empowering and transforming youth in their communities with programmes  designed and led by Tongan church leaders. As well as  strengthening their faith and wellbeing, the programmes recognise and explore the unique challenges of navigating societal pressures from a bicultural identity perspective.

At Conference last year, MCNZ made a bold and transformative decision to allocate significant funds to resource special projects that will contribute to the growth and impact of our Church in coming years. We share some of the proposals recently approved by the Budget Task group and invite you/your parish to be inspired to apply for additional funding available for projects that support our Climate Justice decade mission to Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku  and other new visionary  initiatives via the Moemoeā Grant Fund

I wish you a safe, happy and joyful Easter.