Ashburton
Pastor David Jensen
We welcomed back our pastor after a well-earned break. Some men attended a weekend camp at Mt Hutt Retreat with Greg Morris from Oxford. About 50 young people attended Easter Camp at Spencer Park. We praise God for two first time commitments. 

Darfield
Pastor Paul Cossey
The biggest change for Darfield Baptist over the past 6 months has been the arrival of Pastor Paul Cossey after an extensive search process. Paul and Angela Cossey, with their family, replaced Pastor Jim and Lois Patrick, who retired after 40 years of pastoral ministry at a number of Baptist churches across New Zealand. It was a privilege to be the recipients of Jim and Lois’ ministry over the past 7 years. Their various retirement services gave many across New Zealand the opportunity to say thank you and well done. The first three months of 2012 have seen an outdoor service and church picnic to celebrate the New Year, a revised leadership and service structure, a new emphasis on excellence and teamwork in the music team, a reminder of our role in world missions, a new approach to children’s church, and the beginnings of an Alpha programme. A number of people were among those recognized with an Earthquake Award for “acts of kindness, service, and heroism during and following the Christchurch earthquake.” 

Alexandra
Pastor Derek Pyle
On Palm Sunday we had the song from mainly music: L>O>V>E> Love, that’s why. The music team put actions to it for us and all joined in. Some church folk have helped sponsor the cost of the books that tell the story with this song so all the mainly music children had a book to take home. We had a Passover meal that about 70 attended, including a group of Israeli young folk. On Easter Sunday it was great to welcome a lot of holiday makers and the service concluded with triumphant singing of “Because He Lives.” 

North East Valley
We welcomed four new members. Weekly groups comprise Bible study, play groups, craft meeting, and Friday community lunch gathering. Many Valley groups also use the church hall during the week. Napthali Day Care Centre is ongoing. On Good Friday the ‘Walk of the Cross’ gathered all denominations for a service in the Botanic Gardens. Easter Sunrise Service on Mt Cargill was at 7am, with breakfast and service following in our church. Sunday morning services involve young and old, are followed by morning tea. We are working on the constitution with a view to making it relevant.

South Dunedin
Pastor Bruce Geddes
An inspiring message was delivered by Pauline as Bruce has been taking us through Luke. Six new members were welcomed into the fellowship. Family movie was well attended. Good Friday service was combined with St James Presbyterian, followed by a shared lunch. A number from youth group made decisions to follow Christ. Numbers are increasing in Kids’ Club South. Our prayers are with Rukku Nair with the passing of her mother in Fiji. Rainbow Preschool held an Easter service in the church. 

Gore Baptist Church
A new outreach youth programme, Edge, started with a great response. ICONZ had its camp in a Tautuku with great weather, an awesome speaker and yummy food. Seniors have had two morning tea events with sharing and reflecting times. The women’s ministry had a popular movie evening, and then a low-key but competitive, games evening. Kids’ church also had a movie night. They have been studying James 1:9. The church family had a picnic at Dolamore Park and we are looking forward to a Hospitality Sunday lunch. Rock Café is now open during the ICONZ and Edge times for parents to be ministered to with caffeine and company. It is also hosting a hot chocolate afternoon for parents of a local school to come and treat themselves and their children.