News

News from the Council of Assembly meeting held from 10-12 November was emailed out to subscribers today and is now available online.

White Ribbon Day, 25 November, is the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women. In this country an average of 14 women a year are killed by their partners or ex-partners. Each year there are over 3,500 convictions against men for assaults on women.

Church leaders, including Moderator the Right Rev Peter Cheyne, are calling on all political parties to acknowledge their shared responsibility to provide a just share of society’s wealth and resources for all its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Global Mission has launched the Tuvalu Water Crisis Appeal in response to information received from our partner church, the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (Tuvalu Christian Church). Donate and read more here.

The latest issue of Spanz magazine is now online.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully, is to be commended for the prompt action taken in coming to the aid of the tiny island nation Tuvalu, says the Right Rev Peter Cheyne, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

On Monday, the New Zealand Government sent two desalination plants, emergency water containers and officials to Tuvalu, after a state of emergency was declared last week due to an extreme shortage of drinking water.

The first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. This year you can celebrate it as Global Mission Sunday with the theme, “A Place at the Table”. Congregations can become global mission-minded, as part of the global village.

The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has issued a media release expressing strong concern over the recent ban on Methodist gatherings in Fiji. The Fiji military imposed the ban this week, which includes a prohibition on all gatherings outside normal Sunday services.

The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and committed person to resource and support the growth and development of the mission and ministry of Pacific Island congregations, with a special emphasis on engagement with younger people.

Applications are now open for Faith Funding. Presbyterian Support New Zealand is a Faith Funding Manager for The Tindall Foundation for projects undertaken by Presbyterian parishes for supporting families and communities. Funding available up to $10,000 (typically between $6,000 and $10,000). Applications close 30 September 2011. Email admin@ps.org.nz or download forms.