Hillcrest
The young people enjoyed the Bob Dylan Band concert. Jonothan and Sarah Yeow and Joe and Theresa Ruriti were received into membership. Our PM Community service enjoyed a Passover meal in preparation for Easter. On March 21 we farewelled the Ruriti family as they returned to the Solomons.

The church donated goods and funds for specific items for them and we filled a container. Theresa intends to run a Mainly Music-type programme while Joe is teaching. Our youth attended Easter camps at Finlay Park and Mystery Creek. Our church has concluded a focus Bible study on John Ortberg’s newest book, God is Closer than You Think. Many small groups participated. We have been called to prayer as many of our folk have been hospitalised or are unwell. We particularly think of Joan Jones, Mervyn Finlay, Denise Hamer, Avis Wall, Trevor Smith and Malcolm Stewart. We continue to pray for a senior pastor for our church.

Paeroa
We have had a busy few months with many themed services, starting with Harvest Festival. Many of us hadn’t celebrated Harvest Festival for many years. On Good Friday we joined with the other churches in town and on Easter Sunday we celebrated our risen Lord. We had a special Anzac Day service and on Pentecost Sunday we focused on the need to have the power of the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. During Self Denial, as well as featuring our missionaries, we had a serial story of the life of William Carey and were inspired by his example to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. Some of our ladies enjoyed a day of fellowship when they went to the 40^th annual Festival of Flowers at Matamata. We also held a bazaar to raise funds to send to a church we support in Fiji. We were also joined by Faith Bible College in April.