Ashburton
Pastor David Jensen
On May 9 we held the final service in our current premises. Shortly, demolition of a major portion of the present building will commence, allowing for construction of a new auditorium and associated facilities. We will meet temporarily in the local college. In our final service we took time to reminisce about the past, giving thanks for those who gave so sacrificially to establish the buildings that we have worshipped in for several decades. Our pastor referred to Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem as a stirring challenge.

We proceed with anticipation, trusting the Lord to lead us.

Darfield
Pastor Jim Patrick
We praise God for the physical healing He has brought about by the skill of doctors in the lives of certain people in our congregation. Easter weekend saw many of our young people away at Easter Camp 2010. A number of the more hardy went four-wheeling through some local (rough) countryside. Our church family took up the E100 Bible reading challenge, with Pastor Jim addressing the concept in mid-April. Afterwards, we enjoyed a shared lunch spread out at four mystery locations in Darfield. Mavis Andrew celebrated her 98^th birthday and, a few days later, went to heaven. While she missed the card from the Queen, she received a welcome from the King!

Temuka
It was thrilling to have just over 50 go to Easter camp. Some made a decision to follow Christ and others a recommitment. Some of our young people shared in a Sunday morning service the highs and lows of camp. We are very grateful to our leaders who give of their time. Thanks to those who have preached when our pastor has been away. Music to tots and craft group are functioning well and are an outreach into the community.

Opawa
Pastors Paul McMahon and Ken McCormack
Our present church building was built in the ’70s when the pastor was Gordon Coombs. Gordon and Lois were with us again in early April when we celebrated the completion of our current building programme. Their son, Andrew, was our builder for this project. The new facilities are already well used and appreciated. The current challenge is finishing paying for them. A four-week Kingdom Resources programme, “Making Money Matter,” is in progress. The monthly Sunday afternoon hymn service continues to be popular. Usually Ken McCormack preaches. Our Girls’ Brigade has merged with one from Opawa Community Church as their leader moved on. Kristi Drew-Jaeger, who was one of our leaders and also ran our Light Party for some years, has moved to Australia, leaving quite a gap.

South Dunedin
Pastor Bruce Geddes
E100 Bible study challenge is being used and benefitting many people. Anzac Day was observed in the morning service. The church library is being updated. Youthies meets each Saturday night. The church farewelled Phillipa Wilson as she commences a faith mission to Ethiopia. A time of fellowship and luncheon followed. Mothers’ Day was recognised with little gifts from kids’ church and youthies. A Christian Disabled Fellowship meeting was held where the theme was light.

Invercargill Central
We journeyed through Lent with a series of messages and studies called “On the Road with Jesus”. Elke Keeling spent a weekend resourcing our children and family workers and Alistair Mackenzie, a team building day with our pastoral team. Laurie Guy presented a seminar on “Understanding the book of Revelation.” The church family is grieving the death by drowning of Mark Tressler – husband of Naomi and father of five.