Marilyn and I were in the South congregation on Sunday. Boyd and Sharon have built a vibrant, exciting congregation that continues to grow. We met up again yesterday with our property guys to see how we can create some more seating as the current capacity of the chapel is close to full. It is a lovely historic building so we need to be sensitive in what we do, but the existing mezzanine gives us scope for some extra seats. It’s a good problem to have.

On Tuesday we held our Elder’s Meeting. We have a great team of dedicated guys over our congregations; Phil Gaze (Chairman), Aubrey Christmas, Jon Gundy, John Roberts, Danie Vermeulen, Roger Carnachan; and I really appreciate the support and wisdom they bring. I would hate to lead the church without them. http://www.elimchristiancentre.org.nz/leaders.html

Tonight we have Introduction to Elim in the East. We have 52 so far registered for this. We hold these sessions about three times a year in each congregation, to introduce new members into our values and the way we lead our church. It then helps new members to find a pathway to become involved and meet others.

This weekend Jeff and Melva Beacham are our guests in the East. Jeff is based in the USA but a Kiwi and has been a great friend of the church for over twenty years. Jeff has had a brush with death due to cancer in 2009. He is still in that battle, so come and be enriched as Jeff shares from his faith and life experiences.