Earthquake Update
On February 22nd at 12:51pm Christchurch City experienced a devastating earthquake. Much damage occurred within the central business district of the city; however the suburbs of Sumner, Redcliffs, Mt Pleasant and Heathcote Valley are situated directly along the fault line and were therefore close to the epicentre of the quake and suffered considerable damage. The neighbouring port town of Lyttleton, as well as the eastern suburbs of Christchurch City were also badly affected.
This page contains up to date information about the effect of the earthquake on our church. It is not intended to offer any disaster relief information for which official sources should be consulted. If you are looking for such information on the Internet we recommend you start here: http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz
Pictures of the earthquake can be found elsewhere on the Internet and it is not proposed to include any images on this page.
Church Buildings
All Saints Church in Sumner has suffered some damage but is largely intact. There have been significant rock falls from the cliff behind the church and geologists have concerns about the stability of the cliff and the land below. For this reason the All Saints is currently off limits until a full geotechnical survey and also a structural engineering assessment have been undertaken. It may be some time before these can be completed and services will not be held at Sumner during this time.UPDATE: (26 June) Aftershocks subsequent to the 22nd February earthquake have confirmed concerns about the stability of the cliffs behind All Saints Church and there have been some significant rock falls. We have been advised that the cliff is now very unstable. The situation is that All Saints will be out of action for the foreseeable future. The long-term future for the site is uncertain with a realistic possibility that we may not be able to return.
St Andrew's Church at Redcliffs has sustained only minor damage and is fully operational. Some temporary buildings have been located on site to accommodate for the the loss of facilities at Sumner.
The church office is also fully operational. Please use the normal number (326-6251) to contact staff, or email office@sumred.org.nz
Church Services
Sadly no services can be held at Sumner. Sumner parishioners are encouraged to attend the services at Redcliffs.
Two services will be held at Redcliffs. There will be a traditional communion service at 9:00am and then a contemporary worship service at 11:00am.
Urgent Pastoral Support
At this time the Vicar and other pastoral staff are concentrating on urgent pastoral concerns and are available to assist where required.
If you require urgent pastoral support please contact Paul Heard on 376-4698 or 027 376-4043. You can also email him at vicar@sumred.org.nz and messages will be checked and responded to periodically.
Youth Pastoral Support
Please phone or text Sam Knight on 021 335-168
Ministry of Works
A team of volunteers is available to help with cleanup work, furniture shifting and similar jobs resulting from earthquake damage. Please phone 027 696-7480 for details.