At a recent meeting of national Church Leaders it was agreed that we would encourage our churches to be open on Saturday 30 April so that throughout New Zealand members of our church communities, and the community at large, could take the opportunity to pray for the peoples of the Pacific Rim following the recent disasters in Haiti, Japan, Queensland, Greymouth and Christchurch.
We want to acknowledge the uncertainty of life for so many people. We want to offer the opportunity for people to be blessed by using our buildings as places that may enable them to pray. We want to encourage our people to intercede for those who have lost so much and we want to acknowledge the pain that could be ahead for so many who have lost homes, loved ones and familiar communities.
There will be a press release giving the public the information that churches will be open on Saturday 30 April.
The date has been deliberately chosen as it immediately follows Easter when we celebrate a God who shows ultimate love and empathy sharing the pain of the cross but a God also who gives ultimate hope with the gift of resurrection and new beginnings arising out of despair.
Churches might simply be open or might also provide some tools for prayer and meditation
At midday we ask that participating churches share a brief liturgy of your own style but which could include the following:
- A brief theological statement concerning our hope in the crucified and risen Christ.
- An appropriate scripture such as Matthew 11:28 – 30, Psalm 23, Romans 8:38 – 39
- The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9 – 13
- The song Morning Light on YouTube
Some churches might seek to cover the whole 24 hours of that day in prayer by having people rostered on for each half hour.
We do hope you can join with us.
Peter Cheyne
Moderator