WelCom February 2019:
Trevor McGlinchey
On February 20, the United Nations Day of Social Justice, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services will join with its member churches and church social services agencies in worship to focus on those who are poor and marginalised in society. Joining in prayer is a witness to our unity in tackling society’s problems and reinforces why we are engaged in this work.
To give focus to this day we will be holding a prayer event at the Anglican Wellington Cathedral of St Paul at 5.15pm and invite all to be a part of it. NZCCSS is a major ecumenical endeavour of the partner churches, and a sturdy witness to our shared belief in the Gospel. We invite members to celebrate this union through a day of prayer, worship, thanksgiving and continued call to action.
The event will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of NZCCSS. Across Aotearoa New Zealand member churches and social service agencies are being invited to take some time on this day at work, or a place of worship, and celebrate what we continue to achieve together as Christian churches. Resources are available on nzccss.org.nz to support these reflections. Other events to commemorate the NZCCSS anniversary will continue throughout the year.
NZCCSS works for a just and compassionate society in Aotearoa New Zealand. We see this as a continuation of the mission of Jesus Christ. In seeking to fulfil this mission, we are committed to:
a) giving priority to the poor and vulnerable members of our society; and
b) Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
NZCCSS has six foundation members: the Anglican Care Network, Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Catholic Social Services, Presbyterian Support New Zealand, and the Methodist and Salvation Army Churches.
In addition, to the 5.15pm prayer service on 20 February at St Paul’s Cathedral, during the afternoon each of our member churches will spend time in prayer as part of a vigil from 12.30pm until 5.15pm. All are welcome to be part of this celebration.
Trevor McGlinchey is Executive Officer of NZCCSS.