Camp was Awesome!

Last weekend a large bunch of us headed out to Waipara, for our annual Church Camp. Our theme for the weekend was 'BRAVE'. With God's help, we can have the courage to face whatever challenges we encounter in life.

Over the weekend, we sure got to put our courage to the test... with a number of challenges such as Spotlight, obstacle courses, flying fox, waterslide, jumping from rope swings into the river, DANCING IN PUBLIC, solving puzzles and 'running the gauntlet' (racing piggy back, while other teams threw wet sponges at us!)

On the Saturday night we had a camp concert, and anyone who wanted to could put their name down to perform. We had an amazing range of acts, from song and dance, to karate and who could forget 'The Invisible Bench Skit'?

If you missed camp this year, make sure you mark it on your calendar for next year. Camp 2020 will be 14-16 February. We'd love to see you there!

12 Disciples Song

Check out this cool version of the 12 Disciples Song. It starts of slow, but ends up rather rocky! I love it!

Hooked on Jesus

Last Sunday we heard the story of Jesus calling the first of the disciples to come and follow him. He told them they would be fishers of people. We talked about how sharing God's love with others is being a good fisher for Jesus. We prayed that we would be brave to follow Jesus, show love and kindness to others, even when it is hard.

We made magnetic fishing games and a net full of fish to remind us we need to work together to spread the net of love to others.

First CHYPS of 2019

CHYPS (Youth Group) started off 2019 with an awesome bunch of young people, in school years 7-13.

We played Hovering Bunnies, Protect the President, and some games where we had to 'not follow the crowd' but think about what the right thing to do was. We ended with our God Time, in two groups (intermediate and senior) and a scrumptious supper! Thank you so much to Belinda and Sue for providing such delicious treats!

Thanks also to our new minister Rev Anne Preston, who was such a great sport, joining in all the games (even 'Hovering Bunnies' - "Teeth! Teeth!") and helped with supper.

We also enjoyed the new games - table soccer, pool and air hockey!

Being Brave because of God's Super Big Love

This week's story was about Jeremiah. Jeremiah was surprised to be called to do God's work - he thought he was too young. Heather shared with us a story of a home for scaredy-cats and we coloured in some cool cat pictures.

We talked about our fears and things that made us afraid... and how God's SUPER BIG LOVE for us helps us to be brave, to try, and to know what to do and say. 

Back to school

Our children and youth gathered for the Blessing of the Backpacks at the Chapel Street Centre last week. Heather gave our young people a special blessing as they begin the school year.

We created some awesome artwork for the Chapel Street Gallery, using oil pastels and photocopies of our hands!

Our new Year 9 youth who are starting secondary school this year, were presented with bibles.