A meeting of the Dublin-Munster Presbytery for March 6th was cancelled as a gesture affirming solidarity with farmers and their families in congregations within the presbytery bounds and, generally, with animals under threat from foot-and-mouth. It is appreciated that this is a difficult and stressful time for all farming communities.
Members of all congregations are urged to unite in prayers for farmers and any others whose work and incomes are under threat as a result of the outbreak, and for Government officials seeking to respond to the crisis that they may do so in a manner which is professional and effective.
All are encouraged not only to pray for neighbouring farmers and families and those further afield but also to follow as conscientiously and completely as possible all the advice given to the general public by the Department of Agriculture.
The Rev John Flaherty, chairman of the Summer Outreach Teams, announces that outreach working groups are still being sought. Members are offered opportunities for innovative, interesting Christian service during the summer.
Prospective members, who must be aged 16 and over, are encouraged to ask for applications from the Youth Office, Church House, Belfast.
Ministers and Kirk Sessions in congregations wishing to host a summer outreach team next year are reminded that the closing date for applications is March 31st, 2001.
It is a Christian imperative that those in exotic places who grow and provide products for sale in our shops and supermarkets receive living wages. Fairtrade Mark bananas have been on the shelves of selected supermarkets since March 5th.
These bananas are imported from an independent plantation in Ghana and a co-operative in Costa Rica where workers receive "living wages" and where no herbicides or insecticides are used in production.
Contributions to the Church's World Development Appeal for 2000 should reach the Finance Office, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, by March 31st.
The annual Christian Aid Week is to be observed from May 13th to 19th this year. Resource materials and general information may be obtained on request from the Christian Aid Office, Christ Church, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
The Rev Andrew James MacLeod Smith was installed in February as minister of Dun Laoghaire Presbyterian Church in succession to the Rev David Clark Caskie, who had served the congregation for some 27 to 28 years. Mr Smith was ordained in 1995 and has served as Assistant/Associate in Ballywillan, north Antrim till now. He is a graduate in arts and divinity.
The response to a letter of the Moderator, Dr Morrow, appealing for prayers and funds for the relief and rehabilitation of the people of Gujarat, India, recently the scene of a devastating earthquake, is described as heartwarming and generous.
Dr and Mrs Morrow are at present on a five-day visit to Gujarat.
The Presbyterian Women's Association Special Millennium Birthday Fund raised £110,000.