Ashburton
Pastor David Jensen
We recently celebrated the initial stages of construction on our new church auditorium. After a major portion of our old structure was demolished, the demolition company hosted a gathering after a recent morning service, graciously supplying the church with sausages for a barbecue as a way of identifying a togetherness with us in the bringing down of the old and preparing for the new. The foundations are being prepared for the new complex, for which we continually give thanks to God. We sympathise with, and pray for other churches in the wider Canterbury region who have suffered earthquake structural damage.

Darfield
During August, Pastor Jim preached through the book of Philippians. A number of our men attended the annual PromiseKeepers event mid-August. Alan and Bev Brown accepted the call to pastor the Hokitika Baptist Fellowship, with a starting date to be confirmed. Our youth pastor, Sam Broughton, announced that he will be running in the upcoming local government elections. September will be remembered as the earthquake month. The initial earthquake was located very near to some of our church family, but aside from some property damage, no one was seriously hurt. Church members were involved after the earthquake in helping and comforting those affected by the earthquake. We take great comfort in the words of Revelation 12, that we "are receiving a kingdom that can not be shaken." We continue to praise God for his care and faithfulness towards us each.

Oxford Terrace
Rev Chris Chamberlain
The church is investigating how we can get a van for church use. It could be used in a variety of group activities, children's holiday programmes etc. Seventy nine high school and university age young people attended groups at OTBC. Ideas have been sought as we consider a future use for Newell House. It was agreed to seal the gravel carpark without losing any of our current casual spaces. Morning tea with Chris is held on Fridays in the lounge for a time of fellowship and catching up on the activities around the church. There are many complex issues that the earthquake created. A final decision about the building is not going to be arrived at for some time. The amped holiday programme will be going ahead as planned.

South Dunedin
Pastor Bruce Geddes
Another active month with many blessings. Kidz family service was an awesome event with interaction between young and old. Church concert was another blessed event. All local artists with compére the one and only Pastor Bruce. A men's dart night was held and shortly they are off to the movies leaving the ladies at home for coffee and chat's crazy hat meeting. Christian fellowship for the disabled monthly meetings are growing in numbers. A quiz at the last meeting drew much response. A new ladies' Bible study group has formed, led by Pauline Geddes. A new men's group will be led by Les Facoory. Speaker Stephen White visited from the Bible Society. Regular emails are coming from our girls in Ethiopia, Phillipa and Jayde, who is now married.