Hamilton South
Following the call to short term missions, four couples will take a trip to Thailand in June and July. Ian and Nicky Tarbotton, and Phil and Camilsa Bruce left on June 18 for 12 days. Greg and Rachel Dixon, and Chris and Nadie Browning will leave mid-July. They will be going to Baan Itsara House run by the Cornelius family in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Pastor Mike, Rebecca Walker and Ian and Sue Foster went in 2010. Excel School of Performing Arts visited June 13-20. They performed at local schools and at the church. Jules Riding is performing July 12, featuring songs from his new release. Ten people attended a BYM Queen’s birthday weekend leader’s conference in Rotorua. On June 19, George Wieland, lecturer of Carey Baptist College spoke at the morning service.

Rotorua
Pastor Timothy Lee
Pastor Timothy started back with us in March. We also welcomed Alby Mascheretti as Associate Pastor, previously Youth Pastor at Te Puke. A very enthusiastic group of young people attended Easter Camps at Mystery Creek and Finlay Park. Awesome blessings! Successful newcomers lunch held recently. The highlight of our month was a morning baptismal service in May where Pastor Timothy was lowered into the baptistry from his wheelchair and, with Jason Mikaere’s help, baptised five people.

Havelock North
Pastor Kerry Brewerton
A second Alpha course has been held this term and a discipleship group has been established to help those who completed the first course and are new believers. The women’s Bible study group prepared 60 Promise Boxes as a token of our love and prayers for the women of our sister church in Christchurch, Beckenham Baptist. More than 50 people participated in the 40 Hour Famine. The King’s Kids enjoyed an afternoon’s fun at Laser Force. Pastor Kerry completed a series on 1 John and is now leading us through a series based on John Stott’s book The Radical Disciple. Lindsay Knowles and Lewis Thompson have been commissioned as elders. Several folk spent a Saturday at Waimarama assisting farmers with the clean-up after the recent storm.

Palmerston North Central
The women enjoyed a retreat, and also a women’s cultural evening with international food and colourful costumes. At a men’s evening with drinks and donuts, Pastor Bill Dewar shared about his time in Afghanistan. Weekly youth group meetings are held with a variety of fun activities. More than two thirds of the funds have been raised for the new organ.