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P4&5 : A BICENTENARY WORTH CELEBRATING

P10 : A FLAVOURSOME SPRING RECIPE

MT. ALBERT BAPTIST MAGAZINE

SPRING 2014

MABC.ORG.NZ

free issue

P7 : LOVE WHERE YOU WORK

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FEATURESP5 200 YEARS OF KIWI FAITHIt’s been two centuries since the gospel was first preached in this country. Find out what celebrations are planned.

P7 LOVE WHERE YOU WORKEileen Asbury knows when she’s on to a good thing – she’s been married for decades, attended MAB for decades and worked in the same job for decades! She tells us what she does, and why she loves it.

P8 & 9 PAY IT FORWARDThe Roskill Coffee Project café is meeting its aim of giving back to the community. Michael Bain sips on a flat white, all in the name of research.

P10 LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN THE CITYJulie Craig lives self-sustainably in the heart of Mt Albert. She tells us what’s happening at her place this Spring, and shares her favourite seasonal recipe.

P11 A QUANTUM LEAPGreg Liston’s a recent addition to the pastoral team at MAB, find out why this accomplished physicist became a pastor.

REGULARSP4 FIVE MINUTES WITH JDMAB’s lead pastor Jonathan Dove discusses the significance of 200 years of the gospel in New Zealand.

P6 CHAT ROOMA heart-warming story involving a storm, damaged tents, and people’s generosity.

P12 & 13 FROM THE PEWSWe asked two people to tell us what they love about the service they attend at MAB.

P14 NOTICEBOARDWhat’s on in the community and at MAB.

P15 COME AND SAY HI!Check out what happens on a Sunday at MAB and who’s on the church pastoral team.

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I’ve often driven past the Roskill Coffee Project café and wished I could drop in to check it out, rather than carry on to the supermarket with a baby and two pre-schoolers!

This issue, Michael Bain found the perfect excuse to have a few coffees with the project’s founders, all in the name of researching a story of course (pages 8&9). It’s amazing what three people with a dream to help a community can achieve.

Talking of visionary leaders, we’re also celebrating 200 years of the gospel in New Zealand. The Reverend Samuel Marsden is said to have given the first

Kiwi sermon on Christmas Day in 1814, and Christian organisations are planning different events to mark this bicentenary (page 5). Mt Albert Baptist’s (MAB) lead pastor, Jonathan Dove, explains what this means to him, see his column page 4.

As for me, I’m certainly going to make sure I drop into the Roskill Coffee Project cafe and sip a latte for a good cause (there’s even a playground nearby)!

CROSSING PATHS IN LIFE, FAITH AND COMMUNITY

CONTRIBUTORS Editor Amy WilliamsDeputy Editor Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeodPhotographer Victor Carter Design Husk CreativeSales Manager Denise Easden

Contributors Jonathan Dove, Michael Bain, Julie Craig, Robyn Dove, Kathleen Wilson, Aidan Kirkby-McLeod, Marion BainEditorial Enquiries Amy Williams crossing@mabc.org.nz Advertising Enquiries Denise Easden crossing@mabc.org.nz

WHAT'S INSIDE?

8-9

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Amy Williamscrossing@mabc.org.nz

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It was a basic service. Apparently, on Christmas Eve, a Maori chief organised an open air

church with an improvised pulpit and canoes for pews. His name was Chief Ruatara, of the Ng puhi iwi.

It was Christmas Day at Oihi in the Bay of Islands, 1814, and the Reverend Samuel Marsden (with translation by Ruatara) shared the story of Mary receiving news that she would give birth to a Saviour who was to be called Jesus. The Bible text was Luke 2:10 – “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

If you visit the bay, you’ll see a lonely cross standing in a grassy field etched with these words: “On Christmas Day, 1814 The First Christian Service in New Zealand was held on this spot by the Rev. Samuel Marsden.” This year is the bicentenary of the first recorded sermon in New Zealand, and it’s worth making a deal of before we get to the busy summer holidays.

For me, as a pastor, I find it incredibly refreshing to realise that I am part of something much bigger than me – something that came before me and will continue long after me.

I have found myself thinking about this ‘good news that will bring great joy.’ I’ve found myself reflecting on the difference Jesus has made in the

past 2000 years since he was on earth and the past 200 years of New Zealand history.

Think about it: The teachings of Jesus have fuelled civil rights movements, elevated the status of women, and led to the development of hospitals and universities worldwide. Jesus has been a major focus in art and he is a catalyst in political theory, human rights and dignity, education, compassion, and the love of enemies.

Whether you’re a religious person or not, you can’t deny the reality that Jesus has had a huge impact of historical and global proportions! The fact that people are still given names like Peter, Paul, John, Phoebe, Deborah (names of people who embraced his teaching 2000 years ago!) shows us that his legacy continues.

Sure, the messengers have changed since the first New Zealand sermon but Jesus continues to use ordinary people today to bring “good news” and “great joy” to people’s lives and communities.

I love the way people at Mt Albert Baptist step in to provide community help through the likes of the Toy Library, Mainly Music, Kids Forever, the English language classes, and Love Where You Live events. I love the way people bring hope to others through their careers. I love the impact of parents raising the new generation. This good news and great joy is a timeless and impressive message. It’s worth celebrating at any time of the year.

“I find it incredibly refreshing to realise that I am part of something much bigger than me – something that came before me and will

continue long after me.”

JONATHAN DOVE IS THE LEAD PASTOR AT MAB AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN PASTORAL MINISTRY FOR OVER A DECADE. HERE HE DELVES INTO WHY IT’S WORTH TAKING NOTICE OF THE FIRST SERMON PREACHED IN NEW ZEALAND 200 YEARS AGO.

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AT THE END OF THIS YEAR CHRISTIANS IN NEW ZEALAND WILL BE CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF KIWI FAITH. ELIZABETH KIRKBY-MCLEOD EXPLAINS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT.

WATCH THE STORY

Of Janielee as she discovers how the Bible came to New Zealand in 1814 and how it spread like wildfire throughout the country. Presented by the New Zealand Bible Society.

tinyurl.com/o6n26a3

KEEP AN EYE ON

The 2014 Bicentennial Facebook page for event information, including a planned Christmas Day celebration service on the beach at Blockhouse Bay.

facebook.com/2014bicentennial

TAKE A PILGRIMAGE

To discover the events of the Marsden Cross at Oihi Bay, with the NZ Church Missionary Society this Oct 24-27.

nzcms.org.nz/our-story

GET TO THE GATHERING

This year the annual Baptist Assembly is being held in the Bay of Islands to celebrate the gospel bicentenary. Remember the stories and sacrifices of those who travelled to our land to share the hope of Jesus Christ and delve into the theme Te Karanga ki Tua – The Call to the Future. Nov 13-16.

baptist.org.nz/assembly

Everyone who calls themselves a Christian heard about God from somewhere. In fact, everyone who says they don’t believe in God also heard about Him somewhere!

But in Mt Albert, where there’s a church on almost every corner, it can be hard to remember that many seas had to be travelled and lives risked to bring the Bible and the name ‘Jesus’ to New Zealand.

So it’s worth celebrating that at the end of this year it’s been 200 years since the words in Luke, “behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy,” were first spoken in Aotearoa.

That’s the book of the Bible from which the Reverend Samuel Marsden preached at Oihi in the Bay of Islands on Christmas Day in 1814.

His sermon came about through the encouragement and faith of the Maori Chief Ruatara, who acted as a translator on the day.

When asked by other Maori present at the time what the Reverend was on about, Ruatara is said to have replied “in its time, the fruit will show”. This year we can celebrate the fruit that has grown, and dream about the fruit still to grow, through the arrival of the word of God in New Zealand all that time ago.

What's On

PHOTO CREDIT: FULLERS GREATSIGHTS BAY OF ISLANDS

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This is the scenario. Thousands of teenagers from youth groups are packing their bags in anticipation of a weekend camping at Mystery Creek Events Centre, for the annual Easter Camp. Some leaders have arrived a day early and erected tents, to grab a spot before the masses arrive. Then a storm hits, and it’s so brutal that the tents are damaged so badly that even a teenager wouldn’t sleep in them. What do you do?

Mt Albert Baptist’s youth leaders reached this desperate point. They had set up the camp the night of the storm, and all but one tent was damaged. They weren’t keen to dash the hopes of the young folk heading their way, and decided to put out a mayday call to people at church via lead pastor Jonathan Dove.

An urgent email was sent from the church office, canvassing the issue

(ahem), asking if anyone had a tent they could loan for the weekend. Some people prayed, many others also loaned their tents, and a camping disaster was avoided because the youth of MAB were able to go, in the knowledge they were being looked after.

THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOUR SHORT STORIES. WE’D LIKE TO TELL THE FUNNY, HEART-WARMING AND JUST PLAIN INTERESTING STUFF.

When Mt Albert Baptist (MAB) ditched their Sunday service for a day of DIY at Mt Albert Primary School six years ago, it was a catalyst for the community to support the school. At the time, the school had about 150 kids on its roll. Now nearly 400 children attend and principal Unasa Enosa Auva’a says the school is blossoming thanks to the support of its community. “I think it’s a really beautiful story. The church has certainly had an impact in linking the community together.”

Love Where You Live is an annual event, held this September 13th. To learn more visit lovewhereyoulive.org.nz

We like how Crave Café offers customers a chance to shout others a cuppa – buy an extra coffee and they’ll put it on hold and give it to someone who needs it. Check out their rebranded website (it’s the work of our friends at Husk Creative) cravecafe.co.nz

Sponsors are desperately needed for this year’s Christmas in Rocket Park (Nov 30) to ensure the event goes ahead. Last year 4000 people attended, and thousands of dollars were raised for Plunket Mt Albert.

For more info please call the MAB office on 849-2849 or visit christmasinrocketpark.org.nz

Children living in a remote village in Thailand now have a school and a teacher, thanks to a team from MAB and City Bible Church in Hamilton. The team finished building the school in February and teacher Apaporn began teaching in May. It’s a big step for the 80 families who live in the Karen village of Krey Mo Kee. Four churches, including MAB, are providing the teacher’s salary and school set up costs. Find out more at hilltribehope.co.nz

Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod is the new toy librarian at Mt Albert Toy Library! She enjoys seeing parents and caregivers discover the hundreds of toys available for hire and welcomes new members. A special thank you goes to Marion Bain, who was the toy librarian for over three years.

For more info see P14, or visit facebook.com/MtAlbertToy Library

$1.3million dollars. That’s the amount the folk at MAB have donated out of their everyday budgets for the next three years to help fund the church’s building project. Read more about the plans at hub.org.nz

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What does your role at Communicare involve?I work in the Friendship Centres, where we run craft programmes for people who are older, lonely or disabled. A key aspect is facilitating people to accomplish a project themselves. The crafts I devise for those who attend the 23 drop-in centres around Auckland are designed to promote a sense of accomplishment in the people who attend. At times it can be frustrating when helpers intervene too readily, as the point of the craftwork is to give the (mainly elderly) attendees a sense of satisfaction from what they can produce.

You’ve been a craft specialist for 20 years, what is it about your role that keeps you there?In my mind there are two aspects of any job that allow it to stay fresh and meaningful, and these are flexibility and autonomy. In my role I have both. I started back when my youngest daughter Katie was six as the hours were so good, working till three, four days a week, and having Fridays and school holidays off. Now my kids are all adults, I still find the hours allow me to have balance in life.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?What is so great about my job, is that I am working in my two main areas of giftedness: craftsmanship and organisation. I not only organise the crafts in the various friendship centres but I put together the biennial ‘Olympic Games’ where teams from all the centres compete at the ASB Stadium in a range of fun sports like golf and twister! This year we had Sir John Walker present the medals. It was a lot of fun.

Can you describe your normal working day?In the mornings I pick up the work van, write schedules, source supplies and then hit the road. Being self-directed I make sure I have enough variety to keep it interesting. I truly can’t imagine being happier doing anything else. I absolutely love where I work.

EILEEN ASBURY KNOWS WHEN SHE’S ON TO A GOOD THING. SHE CAN HAPPILY CLAIM OVER THREE DECADES OF MARRIAGE TO HUSBAND DAVID, THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME SHE’S BEEN COMING TO MT ALBERT BAPTIST. HERE SHE TELLS ROBYN DOVE WHY SHE’S BEEN A CRAFT THERAPIST AT COMMUNICARE, A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION, FOR TWO DECADES.

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A COFFEE SHOP THAT DONATES ALL OF ITS PROFIT BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY IS GOING GANGBUSTERS. MICHAEL BAIN GRABS A CUP OF JOE IN SUPPORT OF A GOOD CAUSE.

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Eight months later and the trio are meeting their goal of raising thousands of dollars by the end of the year, to pass on to local community projects.

Paul, who manages the café (pictured left), says the community’s support has really helped and he’s pleased with how well it’s going, despite the struggles of running a new business and sharing the space after hours with local youth. “We want to be generous and give to people doing good things in the community and that’ll happen no matter what,” he says. What helps is that Paul is a self-confessed people person, and he believes this has been a real strength, as a café is defined by the people who work there.

Located just behind the Wesley Community Centre in the Roskill Youth Zone, the cafe also offers work experience to local youth. The project aims to give the youths skills they can use to gain meaningful employment.

For Paul, having a healthy staff culture is key and as the trainees spend time in the café, he spends time investing in them, and giving constant encouragement. And it’s working – the café has been overwhelmed with referrals and has just taken on its third trainee coffee crew. Of those who’ve already done the café’s work experience, three are now employed full-time by the cafe, one has gone onto other hospitality opportunities, while another two have returned to school.

When you walk into the café you’ll most likely be greeted by Kesaia Sisi’s welcoming smile (pictured below right). She’s completed the training programme and is now employed at the cafe full time. Born in Tonga, she moved to Mt Roskill with her mum as a child and considers the area her home. She started her work experience during the summer and really enjoys working at the cafe. “The vibe here is amazing” she says, adding with her trademark smile that “Paul is an amazing boss, but don’t tell him that”. She admits that she enjoys making coffee so much that she’ll race Paul to the machine in her quest to make the perfect cup. And she often practises her technique during quiet times. Kesaia says her ultimate dream is

to join the police but she loves being a barista at the moment, and is happy to see where it could take her.

It’s plain to see the friends behind the Roskill Coffee Project really care about their community, and believe choosing to be Fairtrade champions is also showing a heart for global communities. The café’s coffee is made from beans supplied by People’s Coffee (their beans are sourced from co-ops worldwide, including Ethiopia), and it uses dates sourced from co-op farms in Palestine.

For Anashuya, the knowledge that local choices can also affect global communities has been a first-hand experience. Her desire to make ethical choices emerged through volunteer work she did with a human rights

organisation a few years ago, when she documented the appalling work conditions of people enslaved in a rice mill. “For all I knew, I might have purchased that particular brand of rice – rice that was undeniably made using forced labour,” she acknowledges on the Roskill Coffee Project’s website. She, Paul and Rowan have discovered that choosing Fairtrade has also linked the

cafe in unique ways with their local community. During Fair Trade Fortnight earlier this year, one of their friends performed a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony just outside the cafe. It was a beautiful and poignant link between Mt Roskill and the coffee producing communities of East Africa.

There’s no doubt that the trio behind the Roskill Coffee Project are passionate about their community. In fact they make no apologies about being pro-local, desiring to see the area and its people flourish. And as you sip on your flat white, you can indulge with a clear conscience, knowing that you’re positively impacting both the local and global communities.

WHEN THE ROSKILL COFFEE PROJECT OPENED ITS DOORS LAST DECEMBER, FOUNDERS PAUL AND ANASHUYA FLETCHER AND THEIR FRIEND ROWAN JOHANSEN DREAMED OF A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, 100% FAIR-TRADE CAFE CONTRIBUTING TO A COMMUNITY LIVING LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS AND GOODNESS.

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Spring FalafelsThis is the most delicious falafel recipe I have ever made. Full of fresh greens and bursting

with flavour, you’ll be making them all the time. Makes 20-25.

1. Put everything (except the oil) into a food processor and mix until you have a bread crumb

consistency.2. Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly on each side to form a disc.

3. Heat the oil in a saucepan (this ensures you don’t need a lot).

4. When the oil is hot enough to cook the falafel, place the balls into the mixture.

5. The cooking time should only be a few minutes per batch. If your falafel is cooked on the

outside and raw in the middle it’s possible that your oil is too hot, just turn down the heat

and start on the next batch.

• 400g chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked – or 1 can of chickpeas

• A good handful of both parsley and coriander and a couple of sprigs of mint (optional)

• Garlic (to your taste) 3-6 cloves • 1 onion

• 1 tsp baking powder • ¼ cup of flour• 2 Tbs cumin• Pinch of salt and pepper• Oil for frying

Come in and browse our comprehensive collection of inspirational, spiritual and informative books, DVD’s, devotionals, Bibles, calendars and gifts.

Plus a huge selection of Christian music.

361 MT ALBERT RD (CORNER DOMINION & MT ALBERT RD) | BOOKS.CCNZ.ORG.NZ | (09) 620 5008 | OPEN 9AM–5.30PM MON TO FRI & 10AM–2PM SAT

Spring is a magical time of rebirth and renewal in the garden and the growth of weeds is no exception. Depending on the type of weed, we’re either eating them or feeding them to the rabbits.

We’re preparing the seed beds for the next rotation of summer planting of herbs and

vegetables. With the winter being so mild, we’ve had to manage pests and as we don’t spray any chemicals, we are finding that the good parasitic wasps and ladybirds keep a lot of the nasties under control. We pick off any others we find.

We are often given gifts of Tradescantia, an invasive weed in most gardens, which the chickens love to eat! Filled with an incredible amount of minerals, our girls are laying on a diet of turned over compost, garden scraps and mealy worms. This means we don’t have to buy any seed for the chooks.

We’re really excited that our two does (rabbits) have had their first litter of kits (babies) and are feeding well on a diet of grass, supplemented with dried seaweed, pea-straw, rosemary, thyme and apple so they remain as healthy as possible.

We have four Chinese quails, and these are laying eggs so prolifically that it’s lucky they’re only a tiny mouthful. With one cock and three hens there’s always plenty of action in their enclosure!

JULIE CRAIG LIVES SELF-SUSTAINABLY IN MT ALBERT. SHE KNOWS HOW TO TURN MILK INTO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEESES, FRUIT INTO PRESERVES AND EVEN GROWS HER OWN PROTEIN! SHE TELLS US WHAT’S HAPPENING AT HER PLACE THIS SEASON.

LIVING THE LIFE IN THE CITY

To share self sustainability skills, Julie + Derek are holding FREE classes in the Mt Albert and Mt Eden areas. Find out more at oakandthistle.co.nz

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GREG LISTON’S CAREER PATH ISN’T WHAT YOU’D EXPECT FOR A MAN OF THE CLOTH. ROBYN DOVE EXPLAINS HOW THIS HOLDER OF TWO DOCTORATES CAME TO BE ON THE PASTORAL TEAM AT MT ALBERT BAPTIST.

A QUANTUM LEAP

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There are not many pastors whose future dream includes the phrase ‘space and time paradigm’ but Greg Liston’s thinking runs deep.

This year MAB welcomed Greg as the church’s Spiritual Formation Pastor, which is a job title worth explaining! It means he oversees the structures that help our people to grow in their faith, for example through Life Groups (see page 15), and facilitates the practical care we show to one another and to our guests, such as visiting people in hospital.

But back to Greg’s dream. He wants to “make a difference in the lives of people by exploring the role of the Holy Spirit in the space and time paradigm,” which means looking at how a creator who is outside of space and time relates to his creatures who operate in both.

Science and theology have always been dual passions for Greg. “I couldn’t help but see God in everything,” he says of his time in sub-molecular studies and quantum optics.

“I was constantly blown away by how intricate, precise and beautiful everything was.”

Greg completed his PhD in theoretical physics and then spent five years working across Australasia as a Strategic Management Consultant, “kind of like a doctor for business management” he explains, citing Telstra and Telecom among his clients.

After marrying Diane, he realised that the time had come to step into the vision he had received from God back when he was a scientist, and he completed his pastoral training at Carey Baptist College.

Greg spent seven years as Senior Pastor at Hillsborough Baptist, then went on to complete his second PhD, this time in theology. Currently

he is achieving what for him is a good balance, splitting his work week between MAB and lecturing at Carey Baptist and Laidlaw Colleges.

Greg and Diane have two children, Emily and James. Being an Aussie hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for supporting kiwi sports teams – but Greg has not yet shied away from making quantum leaps!

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A TEAM OF LOCAL GRAPHIC AND WEBSITE GEEKS WITH HEART

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We asked two people to tell us

I know my generation is well represented at the Classic Service, but there’s more than a sprinkling of us at the contemporary service too!There are several reasons why my choice is to worship at the contemporary service. I enjoy the lively music with lots of singing to band accompaniment (despite the occasional protest of my ear drums when the music is too loud!).

There is a warm and vibrant welcoming atmosphere, encouraging everyone to feel at home.

It is very interesting to hear the interviews our lead pastor, Jonathan, does from time to time with church members about the activities of Christian service they’re involved in.

For me, the preaching of the Bible is central, and I look forward to the sermon and to being able to see the pastors as they preach. The messages are informative and very interesting. I like the way the pastors use props to make the Bible come alive, and I appreciate all the research that goes into the preparation.

I appreciate the opportunity at the monthly Communion to quietly meditate on Jesus and what He has done for us at Calvary. At the close of the service, should anyone wish, there is a team available to listen and pray with you. And sharing over a cup of coffee or tea is a lovely way to bring us together at the close of the service.

Kathleen Wilson has been attending Mt Albert Baptist for decades. She's a retired nurse and teacher, and worked in Papua New Guinea for many years as a missionary.

SHE SAYS

"WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE CHURCH SERVICE YOU ATTEND AT MT ALBERT BAPTIST?"

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE

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HE SAYSCLASSIC SERVICEI have two young children and my world is busy and noisy. I like that there is a space on Sunday which is not like that.

The Classic Service is held in the Chapel at 9am on Sundays, at the same time as the early

Contemporary Service. We sing hymns accompanied by wonderful piano playing, and take more time for silence and reflection, prayer and poetry in our worship.

The sermon is the same (we watch it through a video link) and the location is sort of the same - we are still at Mt Albert Baptist, just in the wooden building not the brick one.

We are not a huge gathering, and yes, most of us would be retired (but not all of us, although I can wish!) Our family feels welcomed and loved, and enjoys the closeness of the smaller congregation.

I like the writings of the Christian thinker Tom Wright. He refers to times when the boundary between heaven and earth thins. To me, the

birth of Jesus could be viewed as one of those times in that God came to earth and the angels could be seen and heard.

I think worship is the same because in worshipping God, we join with those who have gone before and the earthly constrains of time and space are ‘flattened’. So when I stand and sing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” in the Mt Albert Baptist Classic Service, I sing in unison with generations of Christians, and centuries of Christianity, before me. I like that.

Aidan Kirkby-McLeod has been attending Mt Albert Baptist for over 5 years. He works as a town planner and is married to Elizabeth.

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Noticeboard

TRACTION YOUTH

Each Friday night (during the school term) students in Years 9 to 13 gather for Traction. Starts with a $3 dinner at 6.30pm, the programme ends at 8.45pm. Downstairs in the wooden building at Mt Albert Baptist.

TOY LIBRARYHire toys, dress-ups, games, DVDs or puzzles from the Mt Albert Toy Library. It’s a bit like a public library where you become a member and pay a small borrowing fee per item. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.15-11.15am during the school terms. Street level in the wooden building at Mt Albert Baptist.

MAINLY MUSICA music and dance programme for pre-schoolers, sessions at 9.15am and 10.45am on Monday mornings during the school term. Newcomers are welcome to attend a session before going on the waiting list. Held in the large, brick building at Mt Albert Baptist.

WIGGLE AND RHYMEA fun, free programme for babies zero to two years. Mt Albert Library, Monday, 11.30am, during the school term. Pt Chevalier Library, Monday 10.30am during the school term.

STORYTIMEStories and songs led by librarians ideal for kids aged 3-5 years. Pt Chevalier Library, Tuesday and Friday, 10am during the school term. Mt Albert Library, Friday and Saturday, 11am during the school term.

KIDS FOREVER PRESCHOOLOur Christian preschool is held during the week for 3 and 4 year-olds with morning and afternoon sessions during the school term. For more information call Kids Forever on 846 8081.

THE WELLA praise, prayer and study group for women of all ages with childcare provided. Thursdays from 9.30-11.30am during the school term. Held in the large, brick building at Mt Albert Baptist.

QUIET MORNING Join an organised time for reflection and prayer, led by a trained Spiritual Director or member of Mt Albert Baptist. Held in the beautiful, historic grounds of the St Francis Retreat Centre. Thursday September 4, 9.30am - 12.30pm and Saturday October 11, 9.30am - 12.30pm. Contact Jackie or Janferie Wise on 630 4929.

CHINESE FELLOWSHIP A group especially for MAB’s Chinese friends. Meets regularly for outings, meals, celebrations and encouragement. For more info contact Pastor Albert Ng albert.ng@mabc.org.nz

ENGLISH CLASSES

Conversational English classes, Wednesday mornings from 9.30 am to 11.30 am during the school term . Start any week, at any level (beginner to intermediate). Costs $3 per lesson or $20 per term (9-10 weeks), childcare is also available at a cost of $3 per session. Held in the large, brick building at Mt Albert Baptist.

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED

Explore Christianity in a relaxed open environment during this seven week course. You don’t have to know anything about the Bible, you won’t be asked to read aloud, pray or sing and you can ask any questions you like! To find out about the next course, call the MAB office on 849-2849 or email office@mabc.org.nz

DISCOVER MT ALBERT BAPTIST MORNING TEALearn more about Mt Albert Baptist by joining us for morning tea. Held every six weeks on a Sunday at 11am, street level in the wooden building at MAB. For the next event call the office on 849-2849.

WOMEN’S WALKING & TALKING GROUP

The first Tuesday of every month during school terms from 9am-11am. Meet at McDonald’s, Pt Chevalier (1159 Great North Rd). This is open to all age groups. No problem if it’s raining, we’ll still enjoy a chat at McDonald’s. Enquiries to Hazel - 021 217 6305.

SANDRINGHAM FARMERS’ MARKET Your local farmers’ market held at Sandringham Community Centre, 20 Kitchener Rd, 9am-12.30pm on the second Saturday of each month.

MT ALBERT FOOD MARKET Taste something fresh and take home something delicious from the Mt Albert Food Market, a premium quality outdoor food market. Saturday 9am–1pm at 847 New North Road.

&Women’s Walking Talking GroupWHEN: The first Tuesday of every month

during school terms from 9am – 11am.

WHERE: Meet at McDonald’s, Pt Chevalier

1159 -1161 Great North Rd,

Pt Chevalier (park on the roadside please).

We leave on our walk at 9.05am,

and return to McDonald’s by 10.30am for a chat.

This is open to all age groups...

from Mum’s with pushchairs, to Grandma’s who want to stay fit.

No problem if it’s raining, we’ll still enjoy a chat at McDonald’s.

I hope you can join us... it will be fun!

Enquiries to: Hazel Jackson – 021 217 6305

FUN FOR FAMILIES JUST FOR YOU CULTURAL BEYOND CHURCH LOOKING AHEAD

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WHAT HAPPENS ON SUNDAYS?WE HAVE SERVICES AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND IN DIFFERENT STYLES. AT THE ENTRANCE TO OUR AUDITORIUM YOU’LL BE WELCOMED AND OFFERED ONE OF OUR MONTHLY BULLETINS. TAKE A SEAT. WE START A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE SERVICE WITH OUR BAND OR A VIDEO PRESENTATION.

Our services are different each week but the one constant is that we want our lives affected and changed by God. We believe that God – Father, Son and Spirit – is our supreme audience. We praise Him in song. We listen to teaching from the Bible designed to nourish and challenge our lives. We draw near to Him as individuals and as a community.

09:00/11:00 KIDZCHURCH We have a variety of age-related kids programmes running at the same time as our 09:00 and 11:00 Contemporary services. Children begin with adults in the main auditorium and leave around 15 minutes into the service.

09:00 CLASSIC (CHAPEL)Our Classic service meets in the middle building at 9am. It’s a quieter service which features a mixture of traditional and modern hymns and songs, with the piano. The service then joins the live message from the contemporary service via video feed.

09:00/11:00 CONTEMPORARYThis is a contemporary service with a band leading the worship. We seek to combine God’s word with music (both modern and hymns) to motivate and encourage each other. This is a more upbeat and varied service that features biblical life-related teaching supported by a variety of creative arts and multimedia. It’s an informal time so come as you are – no need to dress up.

11:00 GRAVITY This is the Year 7-9 youth group who get together every Sunday in school terms during the 11:00 Contemporary service.

NEWCOMERSWe have a barista at your service! After church, roll on up to the coffee machine and place your order – your first coffee’s free. Here are a few ways you can connect: • Sign up for the next Discover MAB morning tea • Fill out an info form to receive our weekly e-news at the welcome desk.

LIFEGROUPSThese are small groups of MAB people that meet during the week to study the Bible and share a meal or cuppa. Pick up a booklet in the church foyer, or call the office on 849-2849 to find out where and when they meet. COME SAY HI!

ALBERT NGChinese Ministries Pastoralbert.ng@mabc.org.nz021 659 501

JONATHAN DOVELead Pastorjonathan@ mabc.org.nz021 449 237

KAREN FOUNTAINChildren & Families Pastorkaren.fountain@mabc.org.nz021 067 8178

GREG LISTONSpiritual Formation Pastor greg.liston@mabc.org.nz 022 0432 396

JESS BROCK Youth Pastorjess.brock@ mabc.org.nz0211615300

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