Brian Krum writes...
Have you received your local politics voting ballot in the mail?* Are you going to use it?Because my wife has been involved in this Super City campaign, I have been able to see the most common fears and frustrations of candidates throughout this campaign. You know what the number one concern is? Will people actually vote? Only 44 percent of people voted in the last local body election…it doesn’t seem to take a lot of people to give a candidate the mandate to lead…
Politics is an essential aspect of human social activity. Because we are human beings participating in everyday relationships, we Christians are, by definition, ‘political’. And because knowledge of God involves concern for justice and love in action, today’s means of offering food to the hungry and a cup of cold water to the thirsty inevitably includes activity of a political nature.
So why would we not vote in this Super City election?
I have heard some say that there is no real difference between the mayoral choices, so it doesn’t matter if one votes. While candidate choices are often imperfect ones, deciding not to vote is still making a choice. Non-participation is a form of participation that makes us complicit with the outcome. Even when there doesn't seem to be a great deal of difference between candidates, it is usually worth the short time it takes to vote for the sake of the differences that are there…especially as the choices impact “justice and love in action.”
When it comes to “justice and love in action,” there are roles for both the church and the state, and both are necessary according to scripture and good theology. The body of Christ must demonstrate what the kingdom of God looks like and offer a prophetic witness to the state. But churches, by themselves, cannot provide for "the common good" for everyone – that is what government is supposed to do, in conjunction with many other institutions in society…including churches. Partnership can create influence.
Politics is concerned with debate over values, with worldview, and with the shaping of society. Isn’t that also part of the whole gospel, and therefore the church’s mission? And even if you feel its impact ends up muted or ignored, the church is at least being faithful in seeking to connect God with the contemporary world.
So mail in your vote, no matter whom you vote for, and then get busy in showing the city how Christians are supposed to live. This way you will now have the right and motivation to hold whoever wins accountable to the agenda of a kingdom-reflecting people.
* These ballot papers refer specifically to the upcoming Auckland Super City election.
TUESDAY 21st
Community Worship 11:15am - 12noon
Facilitated by Stephen Riddiough and Nigel Irwin
Speaker: Myk Habets
Matthew 5:44
After Dinner Mints @ lunch
Steve Maina: From Nairobi in Kenya, Steve, Mary and their two daughters moved to New Zealand in February 2009 for Steve to take up the role of National Director of the NZ Church Missionary Society, based in Christchurch. Steve is an ordained Anglican minister and sees this position as part of his ministry call in the world.
WEDNESDAY 22nd
Carey Prayer in the Chapel
12:40-1:00pm
Praying for the college, community, country and people. All welcome!
For those on-site, welcome back to classes and formation and the routines of study. For those around other parts of the country and world, hopefully you’ve managed to have a little break from your own study routines amongst the looming assignments and reading, and are ready to face the books again. For everyone we hope and pray that these final eight weeks of the semester will be positive. It’s not that long!
BLOCK COURSES
This week the remaining 2 days of the block course ‘Marketplace Leadership’ will be held on site (23-24 September).
NO FREE BREAD - Tuesday 21 September
Unfortunately, there will be no free bread at college on Tuesday 21 September as our supplier has informed us that they will be closed on that Tuesday. Bread will resume as normal on Tuesday 28 September.
DUTIES
For those with duties assigned, this week is Week 7…an odd week.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS..starts Sunday 26 September!
Make sure you put your clocks forward one hour when you head to bed on Saturday night!
MULTI-CULTURAL CHURCHES CONVERSATION … happening this week!
With David Boyd, John Yao, Timothy Yoa and Max Palmer
(an initiative of Life Resources)
Great opportunities to hear from pastors who have walked the multi-cultural journey, and network with others who are beginning it.
MCC 101 – Celebrating Cultural Diversity: introduction to multi-cultural and cross-cultural issues and topics.
Wed 22 September, Auckland (North Shore New Life, Akoranga Drive, Northcote)
Thu 23 September, Wellington (Abundant Life Centre, 71 Abel St.)
MCC 201 – A Church Without Borders: continuing the journey, follow-on from 101.
Tue 21 September, Auckland (Life Church, 60 Rockfield Rd, Penrose)
Fri 24 September, Christchurch (Riccarton Baptist Church, Rattray St.)
Cost per day: $45 ($80 couple)
Register: sales@lr.org.nz or tel: 0800 895 172.
OPEN TUESDAYS
There are two further Open Tuesdays for 2010. If you are aware of anyone that may be interested in study in 2011 in any of the programmes, please encourage them to come to this. Neroli has full details of the day and she will take registrations. registrar@carey.ac.nz or 0800 773 776.
28 September and 19 October; 8:45am-3pm
BOOK LAUNCH
“Who made God? And other tricky questions!” By Brian Smith
Carey’s Principal Emeritus, Brian Smith has been working on book of theology for children (with help for Mum and Dad included!) and the final product is ready! This is a unique book that addresses the big theological issues such as creation, incarnation, sin, the Trinity etc.
Friday 24 September; 7:30pm; Carey Baptist College
This will be a fun evening and all are welcome! The book will be available for sale for $30 each. Cash and cheques only. For catering purposes please register your attendance by Wednesday 22nd September with Rachel Murray; rachel.murray@carey.ac.nz; ph 09 526 6598
GRADUATION 2011…from the Academic Registrar
To all students intending to complete a Carey qualification this year – please remember to get the Graduation 2011 form from either reception or email Neroli for it. (registrar@carey.ac.nz) In order to graduate you need to complete this form in full whether or not you attend the ceremony.
The event itself will be held at the Manukau City Baptist Church on Saturday 2nd April 2011.
@ THE LIBRARY
Free access to ALL Sage journals until 15 October!! Go to https://online.sagepub.com/cgi/register?registration=FT2010-1 and register there. Please make use of this opportunity. Any problems, please contact the library.
MONDAY LUNCHTIME: get fit for summer!
INTERESTED IN POSTGRADUATE STUDY?
All students interested in postgraduate study with Laidlaw-Carey Graduate School are invited to speak with the registrar, Anne Aalbers, and Myk Habets on October 5 @ 1:00pm in the Chapel, immediately after lunch, about study options and courses for 2011.