Darfield
Pastor Jim Patrick
While many things have been happening in the church, the biggest focus has been on helping people after the February earthquake. Our pastor is also a Police Chaplain, and has had opportunities to pray with and counsel police officers during the recent calamity, as well as to pray with leaders and people affected. To enable him to do take on these extra responsibilities, Peter and Barbara Millichamp took over many of the regular pastoral functions for just under a month, and we are grateful to them.

Riccarton
Pastor Paul Cossey
The earthquake on February 22 changed so much in the life of our church community. We have a relatively undamaged property that has become the place of work and learning for many. Vision College came and shared our rooms and offices for 3 weeks, and as they were able to go back to their buildings we welcomed PEETO, a language school for refugees and new immigrants. It’s added wonderful colour and activity to our week. We are learning to work around each other. Working bees have resulted in freshly painted buildings. Evan and Maala Thomas from Israel shared about their ministry of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Weston Carryer led an evening of healing.

Caversham
Pastors Roly Scott and Martin Baldwin
Family camp was held at Dansey’s Pass. Adults were challenged about discipleship, being a link in the chain – not doing the “whole thing.” Playgroups are humming along. A number of boys attended an ICONZ camp.

Oamaru
We have just completed the first term of running Mainly Music from our church hall. It has been encouraging to have many mums and their children join with ours for music and action followed by morning tea. The mums enjoy being served by the team members and have the opportunity to get to know one another while their children play. A fun night out just for the mums was good team building. Pastor Derek Pyle took us through Extreme Church Makeover by Neil Anderson, which follows biblical plans for the healing and restoration of the Church to help to achieve unity and freedom in Christ. We have compiled a prayer list and strategy list from this time.

South Dunedin
Pastor Bruce Geddes

A congregational meeting was held with a shared lunch celebrating Bruce’s graduation from Carey Baptist College in Auckland, April 2. In his absence, Phillipa, home from Ethiopia, shared a graphic description of some of their experiences. The church was packed for an emotional service for Michelle Cunningham, who was a part of our worship team. Our prayers are with Mairie Ayres with the death of her sister. Many new people are attending the Sunday morning services, adding to our project of reaching into the community.