Around the church this week included the following:
On Sunday, a great celebration of the launch of ICONZ, with bouncy castle, go-kart races and lots of sausages sold to fund-raise. Congratulations to the ICONZ leaders.
On Tuesday afternoon, a baptism explained class continued, with Paul McMahon exploring the question “Will you follow Jesus?”
On Tuesday evening, our espresso congregation met, enjoying each other’s company over a social night.
On Wednesday morning, the church hosted a Community Demographics Seminar, led by Lynne Taylor (sponsored by Baptist Union, Vision New Zealand and Life Resources). About 60 church and community leaders from around Christchurch gathered in the auditorium to pore over the 2006 census data for their communities. This included six people from Opawa Baptist, dreaming, talking, praying over what it means for us to be earthed in Waltham.
On Wednesday evening good feedback continued to emerge with Craig Fairhall’s leadership of the How to Read the New Testament for all it’s Worth (Term 2) evening block course. It’s great to be part of a church which offers places to go deeper Biblically.
On Thursday, planning for the Re-Launch of our youth ministry gathered pace. Three teams have begun to form: a team to disciple, a team to encourage relating and a team to enhance our whanau feeling. Over dinner they worked on expectations and sought to clarify a way forward. Good numbers, good energy.
On Friday, mainly music met, encouraged by new faces and good numbers.
Lots to give thanks to God for!