Karori
Pastor Mike Enright
At the end of May we looked back over the year in our AGM. In June several youth leaders attended the annual BYM leadership training weekend. We had another newcomers’ lunch. We had two further MyServe events in June and in August where we helped out at two local primary schools. We farewelled Dave and Judy Petrie at the end of June with a fellowship lunch, as they have now moved to Nelson.

Two more Search for Life courses ran. We had great fun at a Global Midwinter Christmas Dinner in July where we shared music and dance of different nationalities performed by many attendees. The men enjoyed an evening at laser strike in July and a breakfast in September. In August several young people shared their experiences at Xtend, which they attended in the July school holidays.

Rimutaka
Pastor Murray Gordon
Three couples have formalised their membership. The belief statements in our constitution have been expanded to reflect our values after a process involving input from the congregation. A family “Quizanoke” provided fun and fellowship on a cold winter night. Dramas, quizzes, singing, costume and model making provided plenty of scope for laughter and the identification of new talents. A second Taize service was well supported by people from different fellowships. A community light party is planned for the end of October.

Blenheim
Pastor Aaron Salisbury
At the AGM on August 29 we approved the appointment of volunteer pastor Ernest Stevenson (retired) as assistant pastor with responsibility for teaching, development and projects, and Wendy Salisbury as pastor working in relationships with the senior pastor and elders. Mike Mitchell, assistant pastor for seniors, is developing new outreach ministry. There is a bi-monthly seniors celebration service with more than 30 present, including some with no church affiliation. Mike and his team visit two rest homes for monthly services, which includes a special gathering for “Forgetmenot” residents. Pastoral care for seniors is covered by the team and a seniors Connect Group. Mike and Gloria have built a home theatre (Cinema de Michelle) seating over 40 guests to enjoy old technicolor extravaganzas of the 1940s-’50s.