Thankful - Pastor's Pen for 21st December 2025

Christmas once again seems to have caught up with me. I suppose other issues have been top of mind, centred around family, health and well-being. However, as the festive season and summer break are upon us, it is good to take stock and give thanks. There is a lot to be thankful for, from the perspective of church life;

I'm thankful for the end of term prizegiving service that included young people we just had and for those who took it upon themselves to re-enliven a ministry with the young ones, a ministry that had taken some gut-punches in recent years.

I'm thankful for Carols in the Carpark which gets better year by year. Due to the less than ideal weather we ended up in the church auditorium, probably benefiting those who wanted to hear the music properly, and enabling more parking. We had such fun and welcomed a good number of folk through the door. I'm thankful for all those who worked together to make it happen, and for the good communication between our two churches, Kiwi and Korean.

I'm thankful for all of our members who serve in various ways, with Session, Board of Managers, Missions, Speakezy, Mainly Music, Worship Team, Morning Tea, Flowers and all the various hidden administrative tasks passing through the office that just seem to happen.

I'm thankful to have met some new faces in the congregation in recent months, each one bringing something unique and valued to our fellowship. God will have new things for us in 2026, new shoots will emerge.

Pastor's Pen will take a break until we host the combined service on the 18th January. I pray you all have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. Remember the other combined services 28th, 4th and 11th separately advertised. May you know the presence of Immanuel God with us this summer season.