Kamo
Around 20 took part in the 24-hour Relay For Life on the March 19-20. This gave some of us an unscheduled opportunity to reach out into the hurting community. A candlelight ceremony was very moving as a reminder of loved ones who had been lost to cancer. There was also the joy of being with many who have survived cancer – we had three present. Being the only church team, we were asked to share a time of worship on Sunday morning. We thank the Lord for this amazing opportunity. The majority of the church have finished the Network course, which has and will continue to motivate people to use their spiritual gifts.

Whangarei Central
We celebrated 20 years of Graeme and Marion Young’s ministry with a service of thanksgiving and a presentation to them. Lyn Campell, Baptist Union President, addressed the congregation and brought greetings from the wider church. Fraser Campbell bestowed a blessing on Graeme, Marion and their family. Helen Brereton has started a Carey College internship with a focus on improving communications between church members and church ministries. She will work with individuals and ministries to enhance the sharing of stories, information, testimonies and encouragement. Sixty-five men enjoyed the Manaia weekend camp where Bruce Patrick spoke. It was a great time of fishing, food and fellowship.

Epsom
Our Chinese congregation has a new leader, Anson Sia. Services are held every Saturday evening and a prayer group meets on Thursday mornings. Jeff Whittaker, Martin Sutherland and Andrew Picard are preaching on different aspects of the cross in the lead-up to Easter. Mainly Music finished the first term with a delicious spread supplied by parents and caregivers. Olwyn Halder has returned from Bangladesh, where she joined in the centennial of the Brahmanbaria Baptist Church. Our prayers continue for Helen Mousavi, still undergoing treatment, and we remember our organist, Brian Jones, who has been unwell.