Happy Easter everyone. Assembly Office will be closed from 5pm Thursday 24 March reopening 8am Wednesday 30 March.

We are interested in feedback from all groups within Presbyterian and Uniting parishes - ministers, elders, members, youth pastors, family workers, members and others - about the usefulness of Church communications like our website, Bush Telegraph and Spanz.

In his Easter message to the Church, Moderator, the Rt Rev Andrew Norton, reminds us that "death is not the final word - life is!" Andrew's message has been sent to all parishes, so look for it in your parish bulletin or service, or

Christian World Service has launched an appeal for Fiji after Cyclone Winston caused widespread destruction. The death toll has reached 42 and continues to rise. Many more have been injured, and government authorities report that more than 13,000 people are sheltering in evacuation centres.

Read more or give to the appeal here.

This year, Neighbours Day Aotearoa - the weekend that brings neighbours together to help build stronger, more resilient communities - falls on Psalm Sunday, with Good Friday just a few days later.

Church Moderator, the Rt Rev Andrew Norton, has published two documents as a follow-up to his June 2015 It's a matter of faith white paper.

The Church's leadership subcommittee has made available some resources relating to the use of inclusive language.

Read the InterChurch Bioethics Council (ICBC) submission against introducing legislation to allow “physician-assisted dying”.

Help New Zealanders live in better quality rental housing. The government is calling for public submissions on the issue until 27 Jan. The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) has teamed up with ActionStation, Unicef, CPAG and Sustainability Trust to create a simple way for you to make a submission here http://www.actionstation.org.nz/minimum-housing-standards

Christian World Service is asking churches to give their full support to the 2015 Christmas Appeal. This year's appeal has the theme "Help rebuild lives" and focuses on stories of determination and courage among displaced people.