Despite the devastation of last weekend's earthquake, General Assembly 2010 is still on track to be held at St Andrew's College in Papanui, Christchurch, at the end of this month, says the convenor of the Council of Assembly, and commissioners should proceed with arrangements on this basis. Read the Rev Emma Keown's update on the situation as at Tuesday 7 September.
As you are aware, General Assembly is planned for late September to early October at St Andrew’s College, Papanui, Christchurch.
We are grateful to God that there were so few injuries and no loss of life from the earthquake that struck Christchurch on the weekend but we are mindful of the damage done and the cost involved physically, spiritually and emotionally at this time. Our prayers are with all those who have been affected by this and we will do all we can to support our brothers and sisters.
Yesterday afternoon I met with members of the General Assembly Business Workgroup, staff from the Assembly Office and representatives from Christchurch Presbytery to discuss the planning and contingencies for Assembly under these circumstances.
It appears that the Papanui area has not been affected as much as other parts of Christchurch and that the surrounding roads, electricity and water supplies are all operational. The venue for General Assembly, St Andrew’s College, has suffered some damage to their administration block but the 1500 pupils of the college are planning to resume classes tomorrow (Wednesday).
An insurance assessment on St Andrew’s will take place later this week but at this stage we are proceeding as planned. We will of course be guided by the advice of the Christchurch City Council and St Andrew’s.
Contingent on these reports, there is no change to the planned venue or dates of General Assembly.
Please book your travel and accommodation on this basis. It is advisable that insurance be bought for flights in case they need to be changed, and that everyone checks their accommodation plans carefully.
If subsequent events mean plans need to be changed, General Assembly will pay for any non-refundable costs incurred by attendees. If anything changes we will be in touch immediately.
In the meantime, please continue to pray for strength and courage for the people of Christchurch as they get back on their feet and for the General Assembly.
Yours in Christ
Rev Emma Keown
Convenor
Council of Assembly