This Saturday is one of the big events on our Calendar when we distribute “Christmas in a Box.” Over $60,000.00 in food will be packed in boxes and delivered to families who have had a tough year. It is not just those in financial need but also those who just need to know that God loves them and that there are people who care. On Sunday we will include in our morning services a time of remembrance for those who are feeling the loss of special people in their life at Christmas.

This time of the year is always one of eating. We have had outstanding weather (if you are not a farmer) which has made end of the year BBQs and staff dinners extra special.

Caleb Murdoch is up from Timaru, staying with us for a couple of weeks. Caleb is taking over from Steve as our Youth Pastor next year. Steve will step up to the Associate Pastor role in the East. Caleb and Steve are in the middle of planning for Solar Camp at Rotorua over Christmas. They usually hire a huge tent for their camps but the company has closed, however a couple in the church donated $10,000.00 so they could buy one rather than hire. Church is full of great people. Caleb spoke at the final Oxygen service of the year on Friday. He has been driving around Auckland and getting lost even with a Navman.

Mike and Liz Griffiths have been up from Dunedin in preparation for joining us next year. They move quickly; they have sold their house, brought another up here, and have enrolled their children in our school. Mike preached for us at our MTC Graduation on Sunday; he was outstanding.
Marilyn took a group of ladies down to Oxford in the South Island. They had a fantastic day at Jo Seager’s cooking class. With cheap fares it was an inexpensive day out.