News

In chapel on Tuesday, we reflected on the epic contest between Yahweh and Baal on Mt Carmel (1 Kings 18). If you’re like me, you look at Ahab and the Israelites and wonder how they could be so silly as to worship a false god like Baal. But we worship false gods all the time. John Calvin said, “The human heart is an idol factory.” We give the love and allegiance of our hearts to things that we shouldn’t. And one of our challenges, as God’s people, is to identify those idols. So how can we identify the idols hidden in our heart?

In his little book Counterfeit Gods, Tim Keller offers some really helpful suggestions. One way, he says, is to look at our imagination. Archbishop William Temple once said, “Your religion is what you do with your solitude.” In other words, the true god of your heart is what your thoughts effortlessly go to when there is nothing else demanding your attention. What occupies your mind when you have nothing else to think about? Is it some material possession? Some relationship? Your appearance? Your reputation? That might be an idol.

Another way to discern your heart’s idols is to look at how you spend your money. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there is your heart also.” (Matt 6:21). Our money flows effortlessly toward our heart’s greatest love. And the mark of an idol is that you often spend too much money on it. What’s that for you? Your clothing? Your car? Your home? Your children?

Thirdly, Keller suggests that we look at our most uncontrollable emotions: “Just as a fisherman looking for fish knows to go where the water is turbulent, look for your idols at the bottom of your most painful emotions, especially those that never seem to lift and that drive you to do things you know are wrong.”

• If you’re angry, ask yourself, “Is there something here too important to me, something I must have at all costs.”
• If you’re fearful, ask yourself, “Am I so scared, because something in my life is being threatened that I think is a necessity, when it’s not?”
• If you’re despondent, ask yourself, “Am I so despairing because I’ve lost something or failed at something that I think is critical to my life?”
• If you’re overworking, driving yourself into the ground with frantic activity, ask yourself, “Do I feel that I must have this thing, or achieve this result, to be fulfilled and significant?”

Keller says that when you ask questions like this, when you “pull your emotions up by the roots,” you’ll often find your idols clinging to them. In my experience, he’s right. Your imagination. Your money. Your emotions. Why not take some time in prayer this coming week, and look in these three places? The Lord alone is God, and he wants to free us from the idols that enslave us.

John

“Kia ora Carey whānau!

It's Levi again, your student representative.

I am praying that we all hold courage (and maybe a coffee and encouragement from a good friend) to complete these last assignments. It has been such a blessing this semester connecting with you all!

As always, if you are in need of āwhina and support, or just need someone to vent to, please feel free to reach out to the amazing student support team: Jarrahmal, Denise, Neroli, Siong, and Mei Ling.

On a different note, I am here to announce that I have joined the wonderful Carey staff team as a part-time marketing co-ordinator. In this role, I will deliver engaging content that promotes our college and builds connections with those interested in journeying with us, as part of Christ’s renewing work in the world.

So, if you hear a cheeky camera snap, give us a grin and a pose 😁— or let us know if you’re not comfortable being in a photo or video.

Feel free to contact me if you have any great ideas or questions: levi.dyer@carey.ac.nz

Ngā Manaakitanga,
Levi.”

End of Semester

A reminder that next week Tuesday, is the last Karakia for Semester One. It is also the last day for Tuesday classes and the last community lunch of the semester.

As Monday is King’s Birthday, Carey will be closed and there will be no classes. This means that for the following couple of weeks there will be catch up classes on Mondays. These are as follows:

• Monday 8 June — Pentateuch, Christian Spirituality, Intro to the NT, and Humanity & Hope

• Monday 15 June — Christian Spirituality, Intro to the NT, and Humanity & Hope

The end of the semester is 19 June. Contact Neroli if landing at that date is going to be an issue – the normal extension period changes with the end of the semester.

Reminder about Due Dates and Extensions

This is just a friendly reminder to check the due dates for assessments, and plan accordingly.

Assessments handed in up to one week after the due date are marked with 10% late penalty; assessments handed in between 7-14 days are marked pass/fail. Assessments handed in after the two-week period normally are not marked and receive a fail grade. So, be on time!

If you need an extension, please talk to your teacher and Neroli, and complete an application along with evidence of your valid reason for an extension.

Semester Two Enrolments

If you are currently enrolled in Semester Two and need to make any changes to your courses, make sure you talk to Neroli to action this.

Thanks for Your Feedback

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on teaching technology at Carey. Your insights, experiences, and suggestions are helping shape ongoing improvements across our learning spaces and teaching practices.

We’ve now posted a summary of the feedback received, along with some of the areas we’re continuing to work on moving forward.

You can read the updated here:

Soifua manuia everyone!

It’s Sāmoan Language Week next week — Sun 31st - Sat 6th.

In light of celebrating Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa, Tuesday Community Lunch will be Sāmoan style with Pork Chop Suey, Rice and Pani Keke (Fried Donut Balls) and Pani Popo (Coconut Buns).

Looking forward to celebrating Sāmoan language throughout the week - Jarrahmal will be sending out simple phrases each day to use in your conversations and emails.

Manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa,
Happy celebrating Sāmoan Language week!

Weekly Karakia

Next week at Karakia we have William HC from Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church bringing a message on 1 Kings 19

A reminder that this is the last Karakia of Semester One.

We are recording sermons from karakia this year, and they are being released through the CareyOPEN podcast. Stay tuned!

The Library

The library staff are keen as ever to help you out. Come see them, call, or send an email.

Library Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 6pm
Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 12.30pm

If you need access to the library after hours and on Saturdays, email the library.