Morrinsville
K2K on March 19 was a fundraiser for stage two of the church building project. Starting at Kawhia, the 120 km cycle ride was followed by a half marathon to Te Aroha, with the third stage being a “bike-hike-bike,” biking to the Tuahu track, hiking over the Kaimai range then a short cycle ride to the beach for a family barbeque. Three of the athletes tackled the entire challenge, while others were part of a relay team. The barbeque was most welcome, with two hardy people braving the cold water for a dip. The amount raised is yet to be finalized.

Havelock North
Pastor Kerry Brewerton
The first term was busy with an Alpha course and a family camp at Whakamaru, near Taupo. Monthly Nite Church services have continued with the most recent one featuring a video competition based on the Easter story. Our church has formed a partnership with Beckenham Baptist to support them in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake. Graham and Nancy Robertson spent six weeks in Christchurch providing chaplaincy and practical support. Myan Subrayan from Hope to Overcome provided an inspirational message on dealing with adversity. A team of five young people and two adults returned to the Homes of Hope in Fiji in the April holidays to encourage them in their ministry to solo mothers. Open Air Campaigners (OAC) provided a programme for local children in the holidays.

Hastings
All ministries are up and running for 2011 with the exception of Friendly Hour, which reluctantly closed down after 53 years because of decreasing attendance and increasing age. What will take its place? The Sunday school, Kidzown, is in explosion mode – numbers doubled over recent months. A church picnic and fundraiser for the youth was held. Girls’ Brigade held a garage sale on a Saturday morning. Pastor Paul has been conducting Two Ways To Live, a course helping people to know and share the gospel. The church family appreciated afternoon tea at the recently purchased manse. Church folk continue to contribute to the Salvation Army foodbank. Michelle Baines and Anneke Knegtmans are away for two months on the hospital ship “Africa Mercy” in Sierra Leone. We farewelled the Maddox family, who moved to Auckland, and Eric Thorpe, who has shifted to Napier. We will miss his contribution to the church music.