Epuni
On February 27 we organised a community picnic at the local school. We encouraged the community to come along, play some games and have a free sausage or two. Messy church has become a big part of our church outreach, happening on the last Sunday of every month. The theme for our March messy church was Easter. We had crafts, games, singing, a small talk and then invited all who came to stay for a meal. This is a whole church event and everyone has a part to play. Our youth are great. They have grown in number and are such a big part of our church. Every second week the youth band takes worship, youth help with the children’s programme and they are all there having fun at messy church.

Rimutaka
Pastor Murray Gordon
In January weekly BBQs were held at members’ homes. Good news comes with Joshua Wood completing two gruelling years of chemotherapy. Youth organised a Hire a Youth Day to raise money for Easter Camp at Feilding. The youth group leaders have a mentoring system where the older Christians support and encourage a young person. In February we launched our children’s ministry programme with a family service where each child received an age-appropriate Bible and family reading plan. Pastor Murray is preaching from Philippians based on the DVD series Discipleship Explored. Prior to this we were inspired by the Louie Giglio DVD Indescribable. The men’s group, Anvil, started the year with social activities and offering practical help to church members. We are particularly grateful to those who are tidying the outside of the church. Worship band Two Shots Fired had a busy summer performing at Parachute, local high schools and Weltec.

Blenheim
Bill and Beryl Ward celebrated their 60^th anniversary with afternoon tea for more than 50 and congratulatory messages from the Queen and Prime Minister. Youth Pastor Paul Fletcher runs 24/7 at the Marlborough Girls College, and the principal says it has made a difference in the school. They go into the school at lunch most days and hang out with the students, take part in events like athletics days, and mentor troubled teens.