We have had a fantastic weekend of celebrating the 25th year of the congregation in the east. Saturday afternoon was a coming together of folk who were there for the first five years. Many are still with us today. Great to have Roger Nichols along as Roger has been in and out of hospital this year. Roger being a builder has been a regular on site most days since the auditorium was built.
David Acraman in his usual humorous way hosted the Saturday evening programme which was a light-hearted trip down memory lane. And then Sunday afternoon was a fun afternoon for the children with free rides and food.
One adult wrote--"My 8 year old nephew told me he had: 6 sausages, 5 lots of candy floss, 3 fizzy drinks and an icecream... I think we owe you more than a gold coin donation!!"

The team have produced a great 25th Anniversary book. If you would like one, contact the office - we would be happy to send one to you while we have stock. 

This coming Sunday I will be in the South for the morning. We are still waiting on Resource Consent to begin work on converting the gym there to a new daycare. Keep praying for the sale agreement on the land in Golflands for the expansion of the college. The council meeting is next Wednesday.

We woke on Saturday to the terrible news of the massive earthquake in Christchurch City. The devastation is huge and the repair bill predicted to top $NZ4 Billion. Amazingly no lives were lost. If it had happened several hours either side of when it did there would have been many deaths and serious injuries.
Our three churches in Christchurch and the homes of the pastors and staff appear to have suffered very little damage, but some other churches were not so fortunate. The beautiful historic buildings have suffered because of their older building methods and materials.  After shocks are still continuing; another five already this morning.
Our South Island people are a pretty tough lot; they keep beating our Auckland boys at Rugby. I am sure they will rebuild and come out of this stronger.
Elim Cathedral of Hope has a fund to help folk; contact number 03 365 5674. 

We had a lot of fun at our staff meeting this week as Policeman David Fox made the draw for the two iPads for Father’s day. Two winners were from the East congregation and they were Joseph Tekai and Arron Te Haara. Congratulations guys.

The 25th Anniversary team have put together a great weekend of celebration. The highlight will be the Saturday night. Make sure you don’t miss this. Some of our guys could make a living as comedians so it will be a night of laughter, reminiscing and food along with the release of a free copy of our 25th Anniversary book.