Ashburton
Pastor David Jensen
With much excitement we await the completion of the building of our new auditorium. A faithful praying group have been meeting regularly early mornings to pray for the safety of the construction team since construction began. We will be having a weekend celebration to officially open the new facilities from April 29 to May 12. Late in January we farewelled the Hitchens family as Pastor Brett accepted a call to a church in Nelson. We give thanks to God for his tireless dedication. Thanks also to God that we inducted Clint Hawkes as the new fulltime youth pastor that same weekend.

Oxford Terrace
Rev Chris Chamberlain
The bonfire in October was enjoyed by young and old of our congregation. We have had an exciting and slightly disturbing ride over the weeks since the earthquake, and now find ourselves resting for the foreseeable future in Christchurch East School’s hall. There was much excitement as the Pastor of Oamaru Baptist drove into our church car park with three members of his church. They came bearing Christmas gifts and a 1993 Toyota Hiace van! The van has been gifted to Oxford Terrace by Oamaru Baptist as they no longer have a need for it. The van was given to them years ago and when they learned of our needs following the earthquake they gifted the van to us. It is certainly timely and hugely appreciated. Thank you Oarmaru Baptist! At short notice we took up a special offering to send to the Greymouth Minister’s Association as they minister in the aftermath of the Pike River mine disaster. We sent off $655. Thank you for your generous support at short notice and at a hectic time.

Caversham
Pastors Roly Scott and Martin Baldwin
Our Christmas choir entertained at several events (thanks Ahi). Kidz Club has begun for the year. We have been working our way through Amos. Planning is well underway for our camp in March. Looking forward to Vision week.

South Dunedin
Pastor Bruce Geddes
All groups within the church are back in action as we look to God’s leading in our plan to reach out into the community. A steady growth in numbers at Sunday morning services. A number from men’s ministries attended Parachute. BMF members attended combined meeting with Peter and Leonora, overseas workers in Asia. First social event for 2011 was a church picnic at Woodhaugh Gardens. We are enjoying Bruce’s teaching in Discipleship from Luke’s gospel.