News

GMIM - 7 May 2007

GMIM - 7 May 2007

by Deleted user -
Number of replies: 0

Liz Tisdall writes...

"Mother's Day", my mother comments every year, "- it's a commercial racket. Just forget about it. Don't go spending your money on me".

Right on, Mum. But I know that doesn't mean forget the event, or forget that she is special and is heartened by this being remembered once in a while.

A quick search on the topic of Mother's Day suggests celebrating the life-giving, life-affirming qualities of mothering or nurturing may be inherent to us.

The festival of Matronalia was observed in ancient Rome, dedicated to Juno, goddess of childbirth. Surprisingly, retailers have not yet cashed in on this with a "Matronalia in the Mall" promotion. Roman women were expected to prepare a meal for the household slaves on this day. No outing to the Coliseum for these ladies.

The values and aspirations behind Mother's Day were far from crass consumerism. Mothering Sunday in Britain fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, originating from the 16th century practice of visiting one's "mother church" annually. Often it was the only time working families could reunite.

Mother's Day in the United States was first devised after the American Civil War by social activist Julia Ward Howe as a peace movement. Ann Jarvis also launched a Mother's Work Day as part of a campaign to improve sanitation. Later her daughter managed to have this Memorial Day for women recognised widely in America.

Service, family, peace, easing the lot of others - these have all at some time been behind the urge to celebrate mothers.

My mother is getting on now. For me, she has always been around as a constant in my life - part of the familial landscape. It is a gradual process to switch my view of her from indestructible caregiver to someone to be cared for.

Although not wanting to be a slave to commercialism I find myself once again trawling the mall for a small token that says "I care". Having done my research on the origins of Mother's Day, something peaceful, clean and serviceable would seem appropriate - organic toiletries, perhaps? Instead I buy Mum a book entitled, "Wild Mary". I hope she enjoys it.


MONDAY 14th

Community Worship

12.:40-12:50pm

"Prayerstop"

Reflection and worship facilitated by George Wieland

TUESDAY 15th

 

Community Worship

11:15am-12pm

 

Earthing Life...

Brian Krum

 

Facilitated by Nicola Burrows and Brendan Lambert

 

After Dinner Mints

Karen Bycroft

A palliative care nurse at Starship Children's Hospital, Karen's daily work involves her  connecting with children and families who are dealing with suffering through serious health concerns. Karen is also a committed member of Royal Oak Baptist Church.

 

 

WEDNESDAY 16th

 

CHIPS PRAYER

9:00-9:25am  - chapel

Praying for the college, community & country

 

Community Worship

12:40-1:00pm

 

Worship for the whole community - creative, visual reflection.



 

 

 May 2007

 


CAFÉ THEOS

No Cafe Theos this week. Please do pick up a reading for the next one though.
                                                                                    Myk

 


VACANCY AT CAREY

Executive Assistant to

Vice-Principal (Administration)

Carey is looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic person to work alongside the Vice Principal (Administration).

This new & exciting fulltime position has emerged as a result of a change in the management structure that has recently seen the appointment of two Vice Principals.

The role is to give significant support to the VP (Admin) in the core areas of college administration including marketing, property & general finance

The job description and further information is available online at www.carey.ac.nz/Vacancies

Contact:          Graeme Smith
                        Vice Principal (Administration)

      Ph. 09 526-6594

                        Email: graeme.smith@carey.ac.nz Applications Close: 25 June 2007

 

 



NO MORE EXCUSES

Global Poverty in an age of unprecedented wealth is a scandal. In 1970 NZ along with other high-income nations made a commitment to give a tiny proportion of gross national income (0.7%) in development asistance to low-income nations. This was reaffirmed in 2000. We're actually giving just 0.27% and are one of only two nations that haven't even set a timetable for reaching the target. The NO MORE EXCUSES campaign aims to remind the government of the commitment that has been made and appeal for a timetable to be set. Hundreds of colleges, universities and schools are participating in a photo petition. We need another two or three volunteers to run it at Carey (taking signatures and photos after lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday). See George Wieland this week if you could help.


CONCERNS ON COURSE MATTERS

Robyn Mellar-Smith is the student rep on the Academic Committee, which is meeting this Thursday. If you have any specific concerns about course matters please email her on robyn.mellar-smith@maxnet.co.nz


  PREPARE/ENRICH

Pre-Marriage Counselling Training Seminar

Practical training on what to do and how to do it,

when preparing a couple for marriage.

Saturday, 19 May, 2007

10am-4pm at Carey

Facilitated by Brian Krum

$150 per person or couple

Please sign up with Brian by Tues 15 May or contact him for further details.

(ph 526 6597; brian.krum@carey.ac.nz)