Whangarei Central
David Moko, the Kaihautu for Maori Ministries, commissioned Gary Nathan to work among his people, the Ngati Whatua. Tony Chen was inducted as Intern Pastor to the Chinese Fellowship to replace May Zhang when her visa expired. A ministry fair was held to enable the congregation to see what each ministry does with a view to joining one or more.

John Edwards’ 100th birthday was celebrated in a service and afterwards with tea, coffee and cake. John was the founder of the Boys’ Brigade company and an early Sunday school teacher. Fay Hohaia’s verbal Christmas message via Skype was in both Chinese and English.

Auckland Tabernacle
Interim Pastor Rodney Cowell
Annual Global congregation camp and Christmas services were well attended. Glad to welcome Rodney and Beryl Cowell to a 6-month interim pastorate while the search for a new senior leader continues. Children and family ministries recommenced. Barry Austin led a useful summer series of midweek Bible studies, “Building an Active Faith.” A full carpark on Sunday mornings reminds us that the consistent preaching of the Word and a Spirit-led congregation bears fruit!

Epsom
It is with great sadness we report the death of Pastor Bethel Hui on December 24. More than 300 people were at the funeral to honour a gracious, humble servant. Our loving sympathy to Willa and family. We also extend our sympathy to Beverley Hayward on the death of her brother. In December new members were welcomed into our Chinese congregation. Christmas celebrations included Combined Churches Carols under the Oaks, a carol service, a nativity play by our children, a beautiful nativity scene by Kate McBurney and a Christmas Day service. Helen Mousavi continues with treatment. Mavis Rhind, Peter and Marion MacGregor are progressing well after hospital stays.

Manukau City
Senior Pastor Alastair Hall
Christmas was celebrated superbly culminating in a Christmas concert – who would have thought our pastors had such great voices? A group of 30 plan to attend Sunday night worship at Parachute. A small group leaders training course is happening over the next few weeks. Our church will be sending a multigenerational short term missions team to Thailand in July with tranzsend.

Ponsonby
Minister Jody Kilpatrick
While Jody has been taking parental leave we have enjoyed having Dale and Di Campbell with us, along with Thomas. Dale’s sermon series on “God is like...” generated great interaction in our “Free for All” discussions at the end of each service. Our quarterly tithing to ministry beyond our borders went to a theological seminary in Peru where students sacrifice almost everything to train for ministry. Jim has organised barbecues and film nights which have been a great success in bringing CORT tenants and church people together regularly. We continue to support those who through age and/or ill health can’t be present as much as they would like. They are a valued part of our community: Peter Shearer, Mary Short, Mani Naran.