Partnerships between Church of Scotland congregations and churches in different parts of the world can have an "extensive and beneficial impact on the community", says a new study.

Research commissioned by the Presbyterian denomination's Panel on Review and Reform claims that the lives of people on both sides of the link can be significantly changed, most notably for younger generations, and this has a positive knock-on effect for their local area. It suggests the benefits are particularly pertinent for those who have visited an overseas partner, or who interacted with international visitors whilst they were in Scotland. Researchers found 162 worldwide partnerships between Scottish congregations and other countries, 47 of which are within Malawi. Findings are contained in the Panel's report to the General Assembly, which urges congregations to establish a world church partnership with another congregation or project relevant to their situation.

Lent in 2010 starts on Wednesday the 17th of February and will continue until Saturday the 3rd of April, the day before Easter Sunday. Plans for the 2010 Lenten Appeal are well underway, and three projects have been developed for support by South Australian congregations. To read more detail about the projects and future resources, click here. 

Are you looking for that special gift to give at Christmas, for a birthday or Mothers’ Day, that will touch a heart and change lives. Look no further than UnitingWorld’s gift catalogue, 'Everything In Common', which is out now. Gifts start at $20 and cover all four areas of UnitingWorld’s work: Church Solidarity, Relief and Development, Peacemaking and the Experience Program.

International Mission officer, John Minchin, was in contact with the North Luzon Jurisdiction on Tuesday September 29th, following the devastation of Typhoon Ketsana on Saturday September 26th.