March 1995
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen 10:30am, 7pm; Flaxmere 10am
The Puppet Team performed at Fantasyland's Year of the Family celebrations. Ed and Linda Karlsen's induction a busy and exciting day for Hastings and Flaxmere congregations. A BBQ followed by square and line dancing was energetic fun to end the year. Carol singing put a sparkle in the day of people we visited. Royston and Ruth Noel join the pastoral team early March. 'Our' Baptist College graduates, Steve and Maryann Trim, were inducted at Papamoa.
May 1995
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen 10:30am, 7pm; Flaxmere 10am
Noel family warmly welcomed to the pastoral team. Quiet Day prayer retreat low on numbers, high on meeting God in creative ways. Seeker Service well attended and presented. Pews replaced by coffee tables and chairs, puppets, dramas, testimonies, a message and our own Forrest Gump. Lived up to the advertising, "Life's a little bit like a box of chocolates - you don't know what you're going to get". Flaxmere rejoices in two baptisms and looks forward to steady growth.
July 1995
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen 10:30am, 7pm; Flaxmere 10am
Girls' Brigade Company celebrated 50 years of continuous existence. Easter services were greatly enhanced by a rugged cross draped with material and surrounded with stones and green plants. A different colour at each service stimulated thoughts, prayer and worship. Helping Hand Trust continues to help people with finances and budgeting. The church is benefitting from revamped worship team meetings. The treasure pots raised interest in prayer and giving and challenged us to think about our lives as treasure pots.
September 1995
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen 10:30am, 7pm; Flaxmere 10am
"It's all my parents fault" dinner and debate caused lots of laughter. Hospital singing on rostered Sunday evenings ministers to the sick and their visitors. Two teams entered the Bible Society Quiz and were placed 4th and 6th of 10. Seeker service "Mask-a-rade" unmasked real issues for real people. A challenge to be real. Rob Kilpatrick and Neil Perry educated, entertained and challenged us during a Missions weekend.
November 1995
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen 10am, 7pm; Flaxmere 10am
Church family camp at Lake Taupo an excellent event deepening relationships with each other and with God. One group's dramatic presentation of the sheep and goats parable "Great Skifield in the Sky" foretold Mt Ruapehu's eruption. However, Clinton was blamed for wanting warm lake water for his baptism the next day. Puppet team invited to KMart mall and presented a 2 hour programme. Morning service now 30 minutes earlier with cup of tea and fellowship following.