The students have now returned to India, but the fight continues to support this group of students to achieve the educational and work related goals which they were expecting when they came to NZ. Please give what you can via our givealittle page.
Peace & Social Justice
Indian Students facing deportation.
On 5th February our church considered an emergency request by Indian students for support from the congregation. The students are facing deportation from New Zealand and were asking for “symbolic” sanctuary. The idea of sanctuary, where a religious building can be used to protect those sought by the authorities, is an ancient practice but has no standing in NZ law. So, more specifically, the students were asking to be provided a place to stay while they make their case in the court of public opinion. This request was made last Thursday through a Catholic deacon involved in peace and social justice matters. It was clear from our conversation that all their appeals to Immigration NZ had been exhausted and other options were not apparent. Continue reading Indian Students facing deportation.
Dances of Universal Peace
Roy Harvey & Sally Mabelle
Roy Harvey © 15 January 2017
No text this week.
The Dances of Universal Peace are simple meditative community-building circle dances. They use sacred phrases, chants, movements and music from the world’s wisdom traditions. There are no performers, no audience members, and no experience necessary.
Find out more about Dances of Universal Peace.
Peace and Social Justice Group Update
An update from Paul Henriques on the recent work of the Peace and Social Justice Group.
Article in Quest (scroll to P4) re Samoan Dyslexia Aid Project.
Dances of Universal Peace
KJPhoenix Joy & Sally Mabelle
No text this week.
KJPhoenix Joy © 13 November 2016
Find out more about Dances of Universal Peace
Jammies In June
The “Jammies in June” programme is run by the Middlemore Foundation through which individuals and organisations such as Auckland Unitarians can donate pyjamas for children in South Auckland.
The Foundation started this programme because too many kids in the Counties Manukau were getting sick in winter with preventable illnesses such as Acute Rheumatic Fever.
In 2015 & 2016, our church got in behind this call. It was a fun project, and each year, the congregation donated around 50 pairs of warm night wear, including pyjamas, onesies, socks and robes.
Samoan Dyslexia Aid article in Quest, Spring 2016
Quest is the journal of the Australia New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association.
Follow this link to a detailed article on the early years of the Samoan Dyslexia Aid Project in the Spring 2016 issue. See pages 4-7.
Peace and Social Justice : Walking the Talk
The Peace and Social Justice Committee, represented today by Henri van Roon and Paul Henriques.
Listen
or download the MP3
Henri van Roon and Paul Henriques © 22 November 2015
For more about the projects mentioned here, see our Social Justice and Action page.
Also
Follen Community Church, Lexington, MA, USA.
Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Auckland City Mission
The church is a drop-off point for contributions to the Auckland City Mission for their food bank. The City Mission appreciates all the help the church can give. Traditionally, the Christmas Eve Service offertory is also set aside for the City Mission. Members individually also support the mission with contributions of useful clothing and household items.
From the Auckland City Mission:
“We greatly appreciate your support. On behalf of thousands of people who come to the Mission for help, thank you for caring.”
Cambodian Food Technology Laboratory Upgrade
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
In 2010, the church, through the PSJ group, financially supported the upgrade and refurbishment of the Food Technology Laboratory at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Supporting the refurbishment of this laboratory was considered important as it was integral to the redevelopment of Cambodia as a strong food producing country, after decades of the ravages of war. A donation for this purpose was provided from the PSJ Funds. The University of Phnom Penh kept the church updated on progress of the refurbishment, and on completion, sent photos along with their thanks and appreciation.
“Thanks to Dr. Paul Henriques and the generosity of the Auckland Unitarian Church, we received a donation of NZ$3400 to develop our Food Technology laboratory. The first step has been to replace the old brick and tile chemistry benches with a big stainless steel demonstration table with fume hood. Remaining funds will be used to buy some shelving, a deep freezer and microwave oven.”