News archive

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 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.

Read the CWM News story on the Church’s response on the proposed changes to New Z

 The latest issue of Spanz magazine is now online. Our September issue looks at how visitor programmes can alleviate loneliness for elderly people living alone.

The General Assembly Budget for 2010/2011 can now be viewed online. It reflects continuing tight control over expenditure, enabling Assembly Assessment to be kept at the same level for the second year in a row.

General Assembly 2010, which will be held in Christchurch, is less than seven weeks away. You can read the papers and reports to be presented to the Asembly, find out about the theme and about the incoming Moderator.

GA10 contact: Juliette Bowater, phone 027 2228302

You can read the latest update from Press Go, which helps fund growth projects throughout the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Record breaking monsoon rains have killed at least 800 people and affected one million in the north west of Pakistan. Officials fear the worst is yet to come if the flooding hits the more populated areas of Sindh and Punjub. Urgent needs are for food, shelter and health care. Presbyterian aid partner CWS is launching an appeal - visit www.cws.org.nz to donate now or read further information, or phone 0800 74 73 72

Read the latest newsletter from the Council of Assembly, which includes highlights of their 22-24 July meeting. Convenor the Rev Emma Keown reports that much of the meeting was spent considering reports that will go to General Assembly 2010.