Resources
BOOKS TO BORROW
The PYM Library
This amazing collection of youth & children's ministry books is now housed at Hewitson Library in Knox College, Dunedin. It's free to use, email: hewitson@knoxcollege.ac.nz. The librarians will arrange for the book to be sent to you, and once you've finished with it, you simply post it back to Dunedin. This is a great way to try out resources before you buy. PYM's always looking for new titles to add to the collection, so if something you're interested in is not in the catalogue, let us know. The catalogue is organized by subject, with great descriptions and can be downloaded from http://presbyterian.org.nz/national-ministries/youth-ministry/youth-library
Anglican Resource Centre @ the Cathedral
If you're someone who needs to browse a bit before you can decide what to read, then this is the place for you. Anyone can become a member http://www.ccn.org.nz/librgate.htm
CAMPSITES
Presbyterian Campsites
Did you know we have two fantastic Presy campsites in the Auckland region? Hunua Falls Camp and Houghtons Bush near Muriwai Beach. The Presbytery Camps committee are fantastic stewards of this great resource. If you haven't taken your group there, have a look when planning your next camp. www.parc.co.nz
Campsite Directory
If you're someone who needs to browse a bit before you can decide where to go, then this is the book you need. Order it from Aries Publishing Ph: 0800 366 072 or the website www.camps-directory.co.nz
Christian Camping International
Interesting pages on planning a camp as well as campsite listings in the search section. www.christiancamping.org.nz
EVENTS
The Light Party
Is your church interested in running a fantastic community event as an alternative to Halloween? All of the information you need to get started is posted online. If you're interested in visiting or helping out at a Light Party this year to see one in action, come to St Columba at Botany. www.lightparty.co.nz
MUSIC
Knox Centre Music Award, Grants & Scholarships
Each year, the Knox Centre offers six music scholarships, a musical project grants and an award for the best new hymn or worship song. The purpose of the music scholarships is to encourage and equip young musicians in the conduct of public worship. Each scholarship consists of an expenses-paid two-day workshop on music and worship at the Knox Centre, plus a $250 cash grant. Applicants must be under 30 years of age. The next music and worship workshop will be held in October 2010.
The purpose of the project grants is to help resource musical projects that will enrich the life of the PCANZ. Up to $2,000 is available each year to support one or more projects – e.g. recording, further training, putting out a Demo, going on tour. The purpose of the songwriting award is to encourage young musicians in the composition of music for use in worship. The award consists of $250. All entries will receive constructive feedback and be considered for recording. Applicants must be under 35 years of age. We realise that the age restrictions are rather arbitrary, but they are intended to make sure that we stay focused on our target demographic, which is young people.
Applications for the above grants will close on the 30th of April 2010. Enquiries can be directed to the Knox Centre or to Malcolm Gordon (0274767603) or Darryl Tempero (0276995449). The funding for these initiatives is made possible through the generous support given to the Knox Centre by the Alfred and Isabel and Marian Reed Trust.
RESEARCH
'Real Work' - Research Project Report
The first comprehensive National study of youth work in New Zealand released in 2006, written by Lloyd Martin of Praxis. This report is both a fascinating read as well as a source of interesting statistics regarding youth workers and their work. Copies are available thru the National Youth Workers Network (www.youthworkers.net.nz) who worked with the Department of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth Development to carry out this study. Would be of great interest to those planning for this area of ministry in their church, or anyone who's keen to get an overview of the history and status of youth work to date.
SHOPPING
Cheap and Cheerful
Keep an eye out, and your ministry can start benefiting from the increase of Christian bargains at both the Warehouse and $2 shops. Did you know both businesses regularly stock Christian merchandise? The Warehouse is particularly good in the craft and kids music section. There is often a full range of Bible action song CD's for $1.99! One time I even found a line of action figures based on Bible characters. We now have a Noah & Jesus hanging out in the toy box with Spiderman!
The $2 Shop and 1,2,3 $ shop varieties have a huge turnover of stock and different branches may stock different things. You never know what you'll find! Not only can you get great books and little things for prize giving, but there are often random Christian decorations or ornaments. For example, the shop in the Meadowbank mall has had a ‘Noah's ark' table cloth and bible activity/colouring pages.
InnovatioNZ
This company specializes in gifts and ‘branded' merchandise. It has a showroom bursting full of nifty gadgets and basic everyday objects that can be stamped, printed, embroidered or engraved with your organization or event logo. So if you're keen to make up some notepads, pens, magnets or otherwise get in contact with the team at: www.innovationz.co.nz/ph 09 272 8223