crossing magazine winter 2015
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P4 : DISCUSSING COMMUNITY
P10 : A WINTER WARMER RECIPE
MT. ALBERT BAPTIST MAGAZINE
WINTER 2015
MABC.ORG.NZ
free issue
P7 : MY STORY WITH PRINKA RANA
$20 PER TERM
MT ALBERT RD
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WEDNESDAY MORNINGS AT MT ALBERT BAPTIST
ENGLISH CLASSES
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7
We all remember certain milestones in our lives, whether it’s a graduation or getting married. For me, the memories of celebrating those events with the people I love are what make them special.
That’s certainly the case for Mt Albert Baptist (MAB) as the church prepares for its first centenary. We love to celebrate and we’d like you to join us! Read about the first 100 years and events planned on page 5.
Another important milestone in a church’s calendar is welcoming a new lead pastor to the helm.
Steve Worsley and his family moved into the pastor’s house next to the church in May, and have been getting to know the neighbourhood. Read about his interesting path from concert pianist to pastor on pages 8 & 9.
Crossing magazine is about connecting with the community – we’d like to hear your news and any story ideas!
CROSSING PATHS IN LIFE, FAITH AND COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTORS Editor Amy WilliamsDeputy Editor Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeodPhotographer Victor Carter Design Husk CreativeSales Manager Denise Easden
Contributors Greg Liston, Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod, Ann Chin, Julie Craig, Emily Baker, Jonathan MoyEditorial Enquiries Amy Williams [email protected] Advertising Enquiries Denise Easden [email protected]
WHAT'S INSIDE?
8-9
FEATURESP5 WHAT A CENTURYA hundred years ago, two 24-year-olds decided to start a new church in Mt Albert to impact the local community. This year Mt Albert Baptist (MAB) celebrates this vision.
P7 MY STORYPrinka Rana is raising money for people affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck her country, Nepal, earlier this year. Ann Chin finds out more.
P8 & 9 A BIG WELCOMESteve Worsley is the new lead pastor at MAB. The former concert pianist tells Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod about his career path.
P11 SARIS, SWEETS & SLUMSWhen South Asia beckoned to Rebecca from Mt Albert, she couldn’t say no. The graphic designer tells Amy Williams about volunteering in a poverty-stricken city.
REGULARSP4 FIVE MINUTES WITH GREGMAB pastor Greg Liston discusses our western sense of community and whether that fits with Jesus’ teachings.
P6 CHAT ROOM & COMMUNITY NEWSDESKA story about a beach baptism and a storm, plus snippets of news to keep you up to date.
P10 LIVING THE GOOD LIFEJulie Craig lives self sustainably in the city. She tells us what’s happening at her place this season, and shares her favourite recipe to wipe away winter blues.
P12 & 13 FROM THE PEWSWe asked two people to tell us about one of the biggest decisions they’ve made.
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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It started with a row over the remote. The arguments seemed constant. But TV’s are
cheap, especially on Trade Me. And so the situation was easily solved – soon there was one TV in the bedroom, another in the lounge, and TV on demand at the computer.
Peace at last. Finally, we could all watch what we want, when we want.
But two weeks later, we found ourselves watching the same programme in different rooms, and an uneasy feeling settled in. Something doesn’t seem quite right here!
The New York based pastor Tim Keller says that modern western society is the most extremely individualistic culture that has existed in the history of the planet, ever.
Never before has a human society been as isolated and disconnected as ours. It takes the visitors to our country to make us realise how extremely odd our situation actually is.
Here is one African student’s experience: “In my home country, I walk along, my eyes raised, meeting the eyes of the people coming along the road towards me – neighbours, family, friends. We call out, we greet one another. Here I walk along your streets. People’s eyes do not meet mine. They look away, avoiding my glance. No one greets me, no one calls out. Everyone seems to be rushing, silent.”
And for some strange reason, we all just seem to accept that this is normal.
Even our homes, previously the final fortress guarding relationships and belonging, are now often merely places where people are lonely together.
We may do life, we may do life morally, we may do life with God, but by and large, we don’t do it together.
When you look deep into yourself, don’t you wish that was different? Don’t you wish life
was a little less busy and a little more connected? Don’t you wish we didn’t just do life, but that somehow we could learn to do life together? It is one of the core concepts of Christianity that it should make a difference not just with God, but with each other. Modelling our lives on Jesus means
not just starting a relationship with God, but growing our relationship with others.
Maybe we could try that? In fact, I think I might introduce myself to that woman and children I’ve seen lurking around the house I live in. They look like nice people. Perhaps we could hang out sometime?
Greg Liston's book The Anointed Church is being published in September. It's about how the church can be truly God-led, and not just another human institution.
“Never before has a human society
been as isolated and disconnected as ours.”
GREG LISTON IS ONE OF THE PASTORS AT MT ALBERT BAPTIST. HE’S GOT TWO DOCTORATES UP HIS SLEEVE, AND HIS FIRST BOOK IS ABOUT TO BE PUBLISHED. HE AND WIFE DIANE HAVE TWO SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. HERE HE WRITES ABOUT COMMUNITY.
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It took guts and passion for good friends Ross Penman and Harvey Turner to start a church in the early 1900s.
In their early 20s, they could see that the Mt Albert population was growing and more people wanted to go to church locally. At the time, there were two churches in Mt Albert which had been built in the late 1800s. Penman and Turner’s vision to serve the community quickly caught on, and they were able to pool resources with other families to buy land (at four pounds an acre) and build the first church hall. The church, Mt Albert Baptist (MAB), was officially constituted in September 1915 with 21 founding members.
Fast forward to 2015, and 400 people call MAB their home church. Among them is Bill Edgar, who has been a member for 80 years! He began coming to the church when he was boarding at the nearby grammar school.
“I am now the member with the longest continuous membership! And I have ever been grateful to God that I became part of MAB where I met my wife, found my faith and have been able to serve in various ways,” says Bill. He says the vision the founders had to impact the community has carried on through the years.
MAB’s lead pastor Steve Worsley says the church has a real heart for the community, and wants to continue that focus. “We have a lot of community connection groups, such as Mainly Music, a Toy Library, ESOL classes, recovery courses and an associated preschool Kids Forever,” he says.
“I noticed when I arrived that people talked about these groups in an animated way. They believe serving the local community really matters.”
Since taking the helm in May, Steve has seen how passionate people at MAB are about the annual Love Where You Live event, when they volunteer their time and skills to help others. This year MAB made-over Mt Albert Primary School’s garden and outdoor seating.
“I also think a church like MAB can help the community by providing seminars on things like parenting or teens and technology – a lot of us could do with help on that one!” says Steve.
And in order to better welcome the community, the church is updating the brick auditorium (built in the 1950s) with a view to providing flexible space. As for the future, MAB plans to approach it with the same guts and passion as its forebears!
WHAT A CENTURY!A HUNDRED YEARS AGO, TWO 24-YEAR-OLDS DECIDED TO START A NEW CHURCH IN MT ALBERT TO IMPACT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THIS YEAR MT ALBERT BAPTIST CELEBRATES THIS VISION.
Photo Collection Do you have photos to share of times gone by in Mt Albert? You are welcome to drop off photos and memorabilia at the MAB church office during the week, for a weekend display.
What a Ball Step back in time to 1915 before the jukebox jingled, and dust off your dancing shoes for a fox trot and evening of jazz at our Centennial Ball. Friday September 11, from 7pm till late. Tickets on sale at the MAB church office.
High Tea Our Edwardian High tea will be held on Saturday September 12, from noon till 3pm. If there’s no 1900s costume lurking in the back of your wardrobe, come for the games. Tickets on sale at the MAB church office.
Celebration Services Church services at MAB on Sunday September 13, held at 9am and 11am, will celebrate and look forward to the years ahead, with a morning tea in between services. Come as you are.
We can't vouch for a letter from the Queen, so help us celebrate this centenary in 1900s style - September 7-13
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Here’s a story about a storm, a beach baptism and a neighbour who rescued the day.
It all started one Saturday three years ago, when Mr Tung came to Mt Albert Baptist’s (MAB) Chinese Fellowship, learnt about Jesus being the son of God and committed his life to Him.
When Mr Tung was diagnosed with cancer several months later, it was a great shock to him and his family. However his faith continued to grow and he recovered from the cancer. A year later, though still ill, he decided
to be baptised at a local beach.
When his baptism day came a storm was brewing and the sea was rough; it was too dangerous to attempt the baptism.
Albert Ng, MAB’s Chinese Ministries Pastor, suggested pouring water from the sea over Mr Tung’s head but he really wanted to be immersed in water. What to do?
That’s when Albert’s friend came up with a solution – he knew someone with a pool who would be happy to host the event.
Mr Tung was able to be baptised and it was one of the happiest days of his life.
A community pulling together to fulfil the spiritual dream of another – that’s a great story!
MAB's Chinese Fellowship has celebrated 11 baptisms since starting three years ago - for more information contact Pastor Albert Ng [email protected]
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOUR SHORT STORIES. WE’D LIKE TO TELL THE FUNNY, HEART-WARMING AND JUST PLAIN INTERESTING STUFF.
HIGH FIVE-0MAB regular Vaughan Henry is helping to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.
Earlier this year he joined Kiwi adventurer Mal Law on the 42nd day of an epic challenge to climb 50 peaks and run the equivalent of 50 marathons in 50 days – all for a good cause.
Vaughan joined Mal for a complete traverse of the Pirongia ranges in the Waikato – believe us, that’s one for the hurt box. He covered over 30km and almost 2000m of uphill in eight hours!
He’s half way to his goal of $2,000, which will go towards Mal’s goal to raise nearly half a million dollars for the foundation.
We think Vaughan deserves a high five, so go online and donate to the Mental Health Foundation through his page fundraiseonline.co.nz/VaughanHenryHigh50
FAVOURITES FROM FRIENDS Everyone who buys this recipe book is helping to pay a teacher’s salary in a remote hilltop village in Thailand!
The book is a collection of much-loved recipes from the community of MAB.
It costs $8, with all of the proceeds going towards teacher Apaporn’s salary.
She is the sole teacher of children in the Northern Thailand village Krey Mo Kee, at a school built by people from four churches including MAB.
You can buy Favourites from Friends at the MAB church office, Mainly Music, the Mt Albert Toy Library, and the information desk at MAB’s Sunday services.
Find out more about the Thailand Project at hilltribehope.co.nz
MT ALBERT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONMt Albert Residents Association meets on the first Monday of each month to discuss issues concerning the community. For more information, visit the association’s Facebook page.
STRONG ROOTS The community has rallied in support of staff at the Four Kauri Family Medical Centre, after a fire severely damaged the building in May. GP Sarah Stewart says they incredibly thankful to their patients who have given them so much support. Patients’ records were not lost in the fire.
A collaboration of Mt Albert Baptist
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What was it like growing up in Nepal?The world heard about Nepal when Sir Edmund Hillary climbed the Himalayas in 1953. For me, it was the best place to grow up. I grew up in the lakeside city Pokhara, with the magnificent Annapurna range as a backdrop. It’s a popular tourist destination for adventure sports. Pokhara’s natural beauty and rich culture has inspired me to be a nature lover, to be passionate and open minded.
What brought you to New Zealand?I arrived in 2011 to study computing in Tauranga. After a year there, I moved to Auckland to study at Unitec, and came to Mt Albert Baptist. The church family has helped and supported me in hard times. I am blessed to have this church family that truly cares for me.
Has the earthquake affected your family?My family is safe, praise the Lord. Many houses in my city Pokhara have cracked. My relatives in Kathmandu are safe. I feel really sad that I can’t be with them when they are going through such hard times.
That’s tough, so you’re raising money for people back home?I was in the team of Nepali students in Auckland that raised $40,000 through the Red Cross. I’m also fundraising for the Pokhara ‘Helping Hands’ team, which is a vibrant secular youth group. They’re helping earthquake victims in rural villages where official help has not yet arrived. I want to raise at least $300 a week.
To donate money to the Pokhara Helping Hands earthquake relief, please email Prinka at [email protected]
PRINKA RANA IS RAISING MONEY FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES THAT STRUCK HER COUNTRY, NEPAL, EARLIER THIS YEAR. ANN CHIN FINDS OUT MORE.
MY STORY
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STEVE WORSLEY IS THE NEW LEAD PASTOR AT MT ALBERT BAPTIST. A MAN USED TO TACKLING BIG GOALS, THE FORMER CONCERT PIANIST TELLS ELIZABETH KIRKBY-MCLEOD ABOUT HIS CAREER PATH.
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A younger Steve Worsley had only one goal – to be a star piano player. And he was good, really good.
“I loved it. When I got older it had really become a part of who I was, music was the only thing I wanted to do,” Steve says.
Leaving school at 16 to pursue this dream, Steve gained a Masters in Piano Performance from Otago University and moved to London to study and play.
But after a couple of years his singular passion for music waned and he began to wonder whether there might be more to life than performing.
“I just started to think, is this what I was put here for? My personal experience of God started to happen around then and it really changed my outlook,” says Steve.
“It made me start to ask those bigger questions. Winning people over to classical music just started to seem like a really shallow goal for my life.”
And so he decided to close the door on an international music career and make a new start back in New Zealand.
Once home, he began to contemplate becoming a missionary before something unexpected happened – he fell in love.
Jo (now his wife) was planning to go to theological college and the mission group Steve had been in discussions with suggested he also do some theological study and then see what the next step might be.
So, newly married, he and Jo headed off to Auckland’s Laidlaw College. He recalls it as a great time of life.
“We had a blast, staying up all night studying or chatting with other theological students. During that time I felt a real call to church ministry.”
After graduating, Steve’s first job as a pastor was at Otumoetai Baptist Church in Tauranga.
Steve and Jo now have three school aged daughters, Madeleine, Amelia and Alice, and have served in churches around New Zealand, including most recently in Petone (they arrived in Auckland just before the Wellington region floods in May!).
It was in Petone where Steve’s talent and love of music, his care of those in the developing world and his church ministry really came together. He was a star performer in a fundraising concert for an orphanage in Vietnam.
“It was loads of fun, there was lots of interaction and we raised more than we had hoped to for the orphanage,” says Steve.
“For me it was one of those moments where my whole life made sense. I could see where music fits, but with the bigger goal of having a purpose in it, promoting an important cause.”
Now a few months into his role as Mt Albert Baptist’s lead pastor, Steve says it’s another fresh start and one they are excited about.
He says they were happy in Petone and weren’t thinking of a change but realised,
through a time of prayer, that God had other ideas.
Although it was hard to leave a church that had become the family’s home community, the sadness has been softened by the great welcome they received from the Mt Albert church community.
The Worsley family arrived to find the pastor’s house freshly cleaned, spruced up and with a pantry full of food.
“Mt Albert Baptist is a church in really good heart. It’s a real privilege to be here, there is a sense of real care for the community,” says Steve.
“‘We are not about ourselves’ is the message the church is telling me and that’s the kind of church I really want to be a part of.”
1. WALKING FROM A TO BLiving in Mt Albert so many things are within walking distance. Schools are very close. And there’s a boardwalk to the local shopping mall.
2. THE YMCA GYM We were rapt to find out they have a really good deal for families joining. And even better, Amelia won a spot prize for new sign ups in April – $500 of travel vouchers!
3. BIG CITY GIGSOur girls have attended X Factor and we have seen the musical Singing in the Rain.
“It made me start to ask
those bigger questions.
Winning people over to
classical music just started
to seem like a really shallow
goal for my life.”
STEVE & JO’S TOP 3 MT ALBERT FINDS
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Sometimes a winter garden just hurts. There’s always plenty to grow, but the delight of being in the dappled sunshine diminishes as you hunker down for the colder season.
Your vegetables feel exactly the same way.
Now is the time to put cloches over your last lettuces and herbs and prepare warm beds with manure and compost for the broccoli, cabbage, onions, garlic and any root crops that you enjoy.
Tend to your herbs well and they will give you an aromatic and rewardingly fresh taste in your rice salads and sturdy warming casseroles and pies throughout the winter months.
We are now making rabbit pie (rather a delicacy for us) from our own stock. I’m not sure that I can breed another litter for the freezer though as that would mean despatching the little bunnies again, so we may go vegetarian for a time.
The vegetarian option is sounding good to me right now. So, when our meat stock is gone, I’ll be turning to warm root vegetable meals with home-made cheese, sauerkraut, preserves and hot fruit crumbles.
This is a great time to reflect on what you would like to plant and eat in the spring. Dreaming of eating fresh spring beans and peas, and the smell of sweet-peas can help you through winter.
JULIE CRAIG 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
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
TIPS If you have a large crock
pot – or a large family, the mixtures can be easily doubled.
To cook this in an oven, put ingredients into a casserole dish and bake at 160 degrees celcius for 30 minutes or until the knife comes out of the sponge clean.
Cho
colat
e Self-
Sau cing Pudding
FOR THE SAUCE• 1 ½ litres boiling water• 2 Tbsp cocoa• ½ cup sugar
FOR THE SPONGE• 1 cup self-raising flour• 25g butter, softened• ½ cup milk• 1 tsp vanilla essence• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder• ½ cup sugar
STEP 1 Turn your crock pot or slow cooker onto high and mix in the sauce ingredients.
STEP 2 In a separate bowl mix the sponge ingredients together, then gently drop the sponge mixture into the a sauce in the crockpot with a spoon.
STEP 3 Put the lid on the crockpot and leave for at least 4 hours or until you are ready for pudding. Serves 4. Enjoy!
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To get to work each day, Rebecca skirts around the edges of one of South Asia’s largest and most infamous red light districts. She’s working as a volunteer for a fair trade business that employs women who have been trapped in the sex trade, giving them a way out of a profession they never chose.
“It’s a joy to share smiles with the women as we begin the day’s work, and watch them have fun and laugh throughout each day. They have been given a new start to life, one of freedom, and knowing I’m a small part of it all is a great privilege,” Rebecca says.
The business employs close to 200 women, who make quality bags and t-shirts that are sold around the world. The women who walk in off the streets looking for work are taught skills and offered friendship and support.
Rebecca uses her graphic design skills to create catalogues and other publicity materials for the business as well as helping the design team create prints for the products they sell.
The business invites skilled volunteers to work for a year or two, and Rebecca is financially supported by family and friends at home (including from MAB).
It’s the connection with the women working there that she particularly relishes.
“Part of living in community here is getting to know your neighbours. I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the women from work, being welcomed into their homes and treated like royalty,” Rebecca says.
“Their generosity and hospitality is limitless and always humbling, especially when you notice your surroundings.”
She recently visited a friend whose baby boy was less than a week old. “It was such an honour to visit them yet still the father goes out to buy us sweets and drink. Again I was humbled by the level of hospitality and generosity. They have so little, yet they give so much.”
Rebecca started working for the business two years ago, after visiting it in South Asia briefly. For a number of years she’s had a desire to use her design skills to serve God.
“Seeing first-hand the business’ mission of freedom for women tansformed something inside me. Hearing about the design roles they have, it was an opportunity to serve that I couldn’t turn down,” she says.
Although the heat and language barrier is difficult at times, she feels that it is a defining experience of her life.
“God has taught me a lot over these past couple of years. One thing I have gained is a bigger, wider understanding of what freedom for myself in Christ means. The freedom journey isn’t just for the women in South Asia, it’s for us too.” Rebecca says.
She admits that coming home early next year will feel bitter sweet, after making life-long friends at work, but she’s looking forward to what the next opportunity may be.
For safety reasons, Rebecca’s surname and the name of the business she works for are not mentioned.
SARIS, SWEETS & SLUMSWHEN SOUTH ASIA BECKONED TO REBECCA FROM MT ALBERT, SHE COULDN’T SAY NO. THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER TELLS AMY WILLIAMS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING IN A POVERTY STRICKEN CITY.
“THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW
START TO LIFE, ONE OF FREEDOM, AND
KNOWING I’M A SMALL PART OF IT ALL IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE.”
I guess I can call myself lucky because I’ve been sure of the career path I wanted to pursue since I was a high school student.
For six years I was involved in Bubbles, the children’s ministry (Sunday school) at Mt Albert Baptist (MAB). This was the catalyst for me pursuing a career in early childhood education, as I really enjoyed teaching the three and four year olds and engaging with them.
After finishing school I went straight to Unitec to study education, and I
recently completed the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) there.
Deciding on the right job was a big decision. I was offered a job at the end of last year. I prayed about it and talked it over with other people but had a gut feeling that it was not the right job for me, so I declined it!
It was a big risk to take because it would have been a step in the door and it is hard for graduates to get jobs. However, I put my trust in God, knowing that He would find the right job for me.
A few months later I was offered another job and this time had no hesitation in accepting it. This was because I had an immense feeling of peace and felt that God had provided it for me. I am now working as a full time early childhood teacher at a childcare centre in Mt Eden.
Emily Baker is 21 years old and has been coming to MAB for 15 years. She lives at home with her parents and twin brothers.SHE SAYS
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Chinese Fellowship breaks for summer Dec 28th & restarts Feb 1st.
We asked two people to tell us
WHAT ’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECISIONS YOU ’VE MADE?
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
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One of the most difficult decisions I have had to make took me over a decade of consideration!
Like many young people when I left school I had little idea of what I wanted to do. I went to medical school because of the structured career path and job prospects as a doctor.
But even as a student I quickly realised being a doctor wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I didn’t understand why not.
I continued working and training towards specialising in psychiatry, and as I grew more senior my discontent and feeling of being in the wrong occupation grew stronger.
Over the following decade I had discussions with friends, other doctors and the odd stranger about careers. In that time I also became a Christian and my personal values gained greater conviction from my new faith.
I started to better understand the complexity of my various values, motivators and personality and came to realise that I did not need to remain working in medicine to help people, contribute to society and do God’s work.
I decided to leave medicine to retrain and work in the field of career counselling – it was better to be a good counsellor (and a happy father and husband) than to be a depressed burnt-out doctor.
My career-change decision came as a result of years of self-reflection, prayer, discussion with friends and mentors, and professional counselling.
I needed to challenge my own preconceptions about societal stereotypes and norms, and I needed the support of my wife to do so.
Eventually, when I understood myself and understood God better, my decision came naturally.
Jonathan Moy is a professional careers practitioner and runs a careers clinic in Greenlane. He and his wife, Dr Fen Moy, and children Hannah and Daniel have been coming to MAB for six years.
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HE SAYS
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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 and full days 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 St Francis Retreat Centre. Saturdays July 25, Sept 19, Thursday Nov 5, 9.30am-12.30pm. For more info call Jackie or Janferie Wise on 630 4929.
MUMS IN PRAYER NZWe are women who pray together on a regular basis. Praying together provides hope and strength to mums who carry burdens for their children. For more
info please email [email protected] or call Melinda Turner on 846 7572.
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 [email protected]
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.
WOMEN’S WALKING & TALKING GROUP
The first Tuesday of every month during school terms from 9–11am. 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.
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.
SANDRINGHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
Your local farmers’ market held at Sandringham Community Centre, 20 Kitchener Rd, 9am–12.30pm every Saturday.
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!
STEVE WORSLEYLead [email protected] 09 849 2849 021 049 3409
GREG LISTONPastor [email protected] 022 0432 396
ALBERT NGChinese Ministries Pastoralbert.ng@ mabc.org.nz021 659 501
JESS BROCK Youth Pastorjess.brock@ mabc.org.nz0211615300
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