February 1996
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen, Royston Noel 10am, 7pm, Flaxmere 10am
A female Australian pastor was guest speaker at the inaugural dinner of The Bird and The Scarecrow Dinner Club. The club intends to encourage women in their faith and to reach out to non-believers. "Faith is the bird that sits on the scarecrow." Christmas celebrations included a church family dinner and the presentation of a musical involving actors, singers and puppets. Several members graduated at the BCNZ local branch's graduation dinner.
May 1996
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen, Royston Noel 10am, 7pm, Flaxmere 10am
Music and Movement, a new ministry to preschoolers, mothers and helpers, got off to an excellent start. Cell groups recommenced. A significant amount was raised for mission by a garage sale. Snippets from the Fridayfax in Sundays' newsletters keeps us aware of mission activity worldwide. A firewood bee provided good fun and exercise for workers as well as wood for needy people.
August 1996
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen, Royston Noel 10am, 7pm, Flaxmere 10am
In response to murders and violence in our city, an open air prayer time was held in the centre of town. Well attended by people of various churches, it was a powerful and moving experience. David Dell encouraged our worship team through his 'Effective music, Effective worship' workshop. Graham Brogden encouraged the prison ministry team. Men have enjoyed the newly formed Men's Fellowship group. Signpost Evangelism seminar broadened our horizons regarding evangelising Kiwis.
November 1996
HASTINGS Revs Colin Crocker, Ed Karlsen, Royston Noel 10am, 7pm, Flaxmere 10am
Our Missions Council highly recommends 'The Journey', 5 hours of fun, learning, food, action and challenge. 150 people from 12 churches were involved. Cook Islanders provided the cross-cultural component of this event. With mixed feelings we accepted the resignations of pastors Colin and Royston. Colin and Julie will be pastoring Boroko Baptist Church in PNG. 'Women Reaching Women' seminar enjoyable and valuable. Parenting seminars featured the Gary Smalley video series 'Hidden Keys to Successful Parenting'.