Hamilton Central
Pastor Derek Allen
We are still working through our Stepping Up programme. Rachel Cooke, children’s pastor, and Nathan Cunliffe, youth pastor, spoke to the church on the need for all to be involved with the young. Bronwyn Crighton-Pester and Pam and Olivia McCarthy have returned from short term mission work in India. Toward the end of 2010, Dinner for 8 groups helped us to get to know others in the church. We are having our annual Week of Prayer for God’s work amongst us and our community in 2011.

Palmerston North Central
Students are returning to Palmy and settling into various services and small groups. There was a good response from our church folk willing to open their homes up for people from Christchurch. A lovely picnic and lights evening was held as a fundraiser for the new organ. We have enjoyed having Deborah Henderson from Carey Baptist College for the summer. A newcomers lunch has been held.

Wanganui East Baptist
Pastor Calvyn Jonker
Had a great start to the year when the youth group had their “Big Splash” at Lake Wiritoa. Plenty of boats, biscuits and BBQ. Missions Sunday focused on the Bible Society of NZ (Merv Rive) and Adopt-A-Child (a Christian aid agency that disciples children in Guatemala and Albania). Dave Tastard started a new series through Ephesians called “God at work in the church,” and Calvyn is nearing the end of 1 Peter. Our men had a short retreat in the Greenoch Forest just outside of Wanganui, looking at Threats to Spiritual Wholeness. The BBQs, target shooting and walks in the forest were also enjoyable.