As you will know Christchurch suffered a damaging earthquake in the early hours of Saturday 4 September. The prayers and best wishes of the Church go out to our churches and the people of Christchurch. While we can be thankful there are no fatalities (as far as we are aware at this time), and that few people have sustained serious injuries, the earthquake will have had an unsettling effect on everyone. Some buildings have suffered extensive damage, and some areas have had power and water supplies disrupted. Many people and their communities will be inconvenienced by this event; some for a considerable period as the damage in their area is attended to.
I offer this prayer on behalf of our Church:
God our refuge and strength,
who offers hope in the midst of adversity,
assure the people most affected by this earthquake of your comforting presence;
grant wisdom to those who must exercise leadership at this time;
and strengthen those who will be working hard to repair the damage to streets, buildings and utility services.
Encourage your church,
that, through its worship and community service,
it will be a channel of your hope and compassion.
These things we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Graham Redding
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Earthquake Donations
People wishing to make donations towards earthquake relief in Canterbury can do so through: the Salvation Army phone 0800 530 000 or the NZ Red Cross phone 0900 33 200. New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square supermarkets are accepting donations of food nationwide. Westpac banks and Westfield shopping centres are collecting donations. Christchurch City Mission is accepting donations.
CWS office closed
The CWS national office in Christchurch is closed due to the earthquake, the office is in the area that remains cordoned off for safety reasons. All staff members are safe and well. CWS are saddened by the damage sustained to their supporting churches in the Canterbury region and their thoughts and prayers are with those parishes.