News

Presbyterian churches surprise people affected by Christchurch earthquake with $70,000 of grocery vouchers

14 August 2011

On Sunday 14 August 2011 Presbyterian church-goers gave more than $70,000 - 365 $200 New World Supermarket vouchers - to homes in part of the red zone on the east side of Christchurch. 

 “The vouchers were given out to homes with no strings attached”, says the Rev Martin Stewart. “The homes are all in an area perceived as not needing help, so they hadn’t received much.”

The Presbyterian Foundation was established 15 years ago to provide grants, usually up to $10k to Presbyterian parishes and Groups, to fund church mission and new innovations in ministry. The deadline for applications has been extended until 15 October 2011.

You can read the August 2011 editions of Bush Telegraph and Council News on the Presbyterian Church website.

For information about preventing the risk of arson on churches please watch this video (80 MB, this may take some time to download when using a slow internet connection). If you would like to download the file to watch later please right click the link and select "save link as" to save a copy on your computer.

Christian World Service has launched an appeal for the Horn and East Africa in response to the worst drought in 60 years.  After two failed rain seasons and with food prices skyrocketing over 10 million people face starvation and are in need of rapid assistance.  CWS is asking for help now. Read more.

Read a Council of World Mission (CWM) feature on the work of Global Mission coordinator, and Presbyterian Women New Zealand (APW) United Nations Convenor, the Very Rev Pamela Tankersley.

Coverage in the Christchurch Weekend Press of the recent very successful, sold-out Connect PYM Youth Conference. Read more. See photos from the Connect event on the PYM website

Do you know of anyone who would like to help a Christchurch quake-affected family by contributing to a grocery voucher? Money donations to the Rev Martin Stewart, St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, PO Box 29-346, Fendalton, Christchurch. Include your details if you would like a receipt. Read more on Martin’s blog.

The Rev Dr Stuart Vogel, Secretary of the Church’s Asian Advisory, has released a media statement on behalf the Church about the food shortage in North Korea.

Realising a peaceful reunification of Korea would not only be a gift for the Korean people but also for the people of Asia and the world as a whole. For the church, both in and outside Korea, realising a unified Korea will also mean the church being unified in their efforts. Read the full World Council of Churches statement.