Whangarei Central

There are now two family services at 9 and 11 with a Chinese service also at 11 and an evening youth service. An Alpha course and an Alpha marriage course have both been running this term with 60 people involved overall. We have had the privilege of Rob Harley, well-known journalist, speak at a dinner to 150 people and also at the morning services. Eduard Klassen also visited with his Paraguan harp.

He represents HCJB Global; he gave us a strong message as well as beautiful music. When 7 teenagers were baptised at an evening service they each gave an inspiring testimony.

Albany

Our thanks to Lainey Mills for the Promotion for Self Denial Sunday recently. This included a foot inspection of a group of volunteers in connection with the theme “How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good tidings.” Two were recently baptised and our congregation surrounded the indoor pool in true Albany style. Cherie has taken on more responsibility as assistant pastor though her marriage to Graham Wallace is fast approaching. Monthly Friday family nights continue to be well attended. A womens’ “shwopping evening” led by Gaby Munro was a new fun outreach. We surround Matt and Louise Clark with our prayers as they have a short O.E. including visits to Cambodia and Kolkata. A Medieval Dinner will farewell Graham and Julie Read on August 21. Our love and prayers are with them as they leave after 11 years of service.

Auckland Tabernacle
Pastoral Team Leader Peter Hart

Pentecost Sunday service was like something out of Acts 2 – many languages giving praise to God. Pastoral team leader Peter (with Carol) Hart has indicated their intention to conclude at the Tab at the end of the year or earlier should our search committee locate a new senior pastor before then. Good to have members of our overseas mission team home with us – Alan and Averil Bennett, Paul and Anna White, Ben and Stephanie Poulton, and Simon and Alison North. Tabernacle Trust grant will enable the much-needed refurbishment of the upstairs hall, used extensively by our Global congregation. Great sermon series in Romans.

Manurewa

A recent four-part series based on John Stott’s The Living Church with guest speakers Lionel Stewart, Mike Walker, Luke Kaa-Morgan and Bruce Patrick was much appreciated. Men cooked breakfast for the church family on Mothers’ Day and Marjory Gibson brought the message. We farewelled Ian and Sally Williams as they move to Nelson. They have been very involved in Prison Ministry/Angel Tree during their time here. Our Carey Baptist College student, Ryan Bond, is responsible for NITEchurch Café every second Sunday. Wondermums commenced fortnightly Bible study. “Guess who’s coming to lunch” was enjoyed by participants. Weekly children/youth ministries: ICONZ, Wondermums, Girls Brigade, FUEL, mainly music and TRIBAL continuing to grow in number. Thank you to all the leaders for their input. We continue to pray for a new senior pastor. MBC will celebrate its 70^th birthday October 9-10 with dinner and special service Sunday. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (09) 267 4411 for information.