MAHU MONTHLY APRIL 2022
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NEWS ABOUT MAHU CHURCH AND MAHU VISION TRUST
WHAT'S NEW Good Friday Experience Church is back! Ministries starting up in Term 2
HIGHLIGHTS Key updates Areas of need
OUR PEOPLE Faces of Mahu Church Notices
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APRIL 2022
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THE GOOD FRIDAY EXPERIENCE This year’s Good Friday service was a little different. Sarah and Rebekah created a Good Friday Experience, featuring seven prayer stations. The Youth Leaders worked two days putting everything together, and then ran the event from 7.30am to 9.15pm. Many community and congregation members attended, with estimations of over 130 people.
Each station featured a visceral experience, such as washing your hands to ignore injustice like Pilot, holding silver coins and feeling the weight of betrayal like Judas, and tasting vinegar to feel the bitterness that Jesus felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. There was even a movie theatre running a seven minute video about a letter to Jesus from death, and Jesus’ response.
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The church itself was transformed, featuring a crown of thorns hung from the ceiling lit by red light. The cross was moved and stood upright in the centre of the church, wrapped in ivy. The end of the day saw the cross covered in hearts that had been nailed to the cross, with the names of all who participated. A kid’s “easter egg hunt” quiz was provided. Each kid was given a clipboard with questions about the easter story, and if completed they received an Easter Egg.
Many thanks to all of our helpers in this event; Ange, Kylie, George, Megan, Moe, Aronna, Joseph, Bernie, Bill, Tynan and Nick. P. 3
APRIL 2022
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"CHURCH WAS BACK TO CELEBRATE EASTER TOGETHER!” It had been 8 months since we gathered together to worship Easter Sunday. There were about 72 people for the 9am service, and 150 adults and children for the 10.30am service. Visitors were also spotted in the congregation. Rebekah and Sarah led Kids Church where they celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. It was a special time of blessing and joy to celebrate a very special occasion together.
Nick's sermon was on 'the Lifesaver'. To those who missed the service in person, you can view it on our website or on Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3Twh ZPUtuP08qwZPxoMEg 2 P. 4
APRIL 2022
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"MINISTRIES ARE STARTING BACK IN TERM 2!” Many of the different ministries will be running back again now that the COVID restrictions are starting to lift!
Mahu Target
Mainly Music
Aimed at Pacifica children in year 3 and 4 to assist in expanding their learning at school through play, crafts and experiments.
For pre-school children from infants to toddlers. Parents and care-givers are welcome to come along for fun through music, activities and meeting people.
Tues 3.30-5.15pm at Church Hall Contact Aronna (aronna@mahu.org.nz) for more info
Wed 10-11.30am at Church Hall Contact Robyn (robyn@mahu.org.nz) for more info
Kiribati Language Class
Homework Club
Designed to preserve and instill the Kiribati culture through reading, writing and telling stories.
Senior college students (yr11-13) get together to develop a club where peers help each other with school work through socialising and activities.
Thu 3.30-5.15pm at Church Hall Contact Etitara (etitara@mahu.org.nz) for more info
Thu 6.30-8.30pm at Church Hall Contact Moe (moe@mahu.org.nz) for more info
Junior Youth Group
Senior Youth Group
Designed to preserve and instill the Kiribati culture through reading, writing and telling stories.
Senior college students (yr11-13) got together to develop a club where peers help each other with school work through socialising and activities.
Fri 3.30-5pm at Church Hall Contact Rebekkah(rebekkah@mahu.org.nz) more info
for
Thu 6.30-8.30pm at Church Hall Contact Sarah (sarah@mahu.org.nz) for more info
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APRIL 2022
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“PRAYERS NEEDED FOR PROTECTION OVER OUR FOODBANK ” One of the sheds that was used to store some food and toiletry items was unfortunately broken into just before the Easter weekend. Although the volume of missing items was not significant, the security camera had been taken down so that there wouldn't be any video footage left, and the padlocks had been cut up. This has been the second time that the Foodlink shed had been broken into after Christmas time in year 2020. However, the response to offering help in resorting the place was phenomenal. Thank you to those that came around to offer helping hands in an urgent manner. The response from the community has also been very positive and supportive where many have proactively offered to replenish things that were taken.
While we are in the process of filing a burglary report, we would appreciate your continual prayers for divine protection over the place and the ministry, and for proper investigation to be conducted. If you would like to donate some food items, we have been collecting items in the Warkworth Countdown Food Box (top of the escalators). Alternativly, financial contributions can be made to:
Warkworth Christian Foodlink ANZ 01-0482-0005321-11
*Donations to the Foodbank are now Tax Deductible. If you are in need of a food parcel, or are aware of someone who is, please email the church office.
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APRIL 2022
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EASTER CAMP @ HOME After the tragic cancellation of Easter Camp, Mahu Youth needed a replacement. Therefore, the day titled EasterCamp@Home was born, and executed accordingly. Saturday began with a surprise visit from Melissa, and the distribution of “Friend of Narnia” name tags. This was followed by a competitive round of mini-golf where John showed everyone up with the only hole-in-one in the group, and the winning score. They then travelled to the Jones' farm on Goatley Road where they split into groups to create a boat for a fairy that was somehow going to contribute to the Narnia war effort.
Three boats were collated from pieces of nature, including a beautifully decorated piece of bark, a sturdy combination of leaves and sticks, and then my team’s which featured a small log pierced by a dead leaf that was wrapped in an alive lead which in the end resembled a green dumpling, (that one may have sunk as the group played “My heart will go on” but that’s not important).
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The most beautiful boat won congratulations to Anna, Issy, Craig and Ash!
The night ended with half of a viewing of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. But it was a very interactive half-of-a-movie featuring Ange’s home-made Turkish Delight and hot chocolate so that the audience could betray their families along with Edmund Pevensie. Red, blue, green and yellow flags (also a signature Ange product) were distributed among the audience, each representing one of the four main characters in the movie. These came with instructions of waving your flag emphatically any time your character was doing something cool or running away or towards something. Unfortunately, just as Edmund was rescued and reunited with his siblings, the data cutout and we could not continue. The clan remains eager for part 2. The event ended with the smallest human sacrificing his two front teeth in the battle for Aslan. While the action was noble, this did inevitably result in a late night trip to A&E. Otherwise, the youth enjoyed the day, and are looking forward to the next camp.
APRIL 2022
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BUILDING UPDATE
Many local companies have contributed to the build. Project Manager Kevin Pyle speaks highly of these companies and their commitment to the project. ATLAS Silverdale has produced and delivered all of the tilt slabs for the building. ITSS Engineering stood up the tilt slabs, and have set the steel structure for the roof. The team has been paying close attention to detail to ensure perfection to the millimetre. This week they started work on the bridge across the foyer, and further steelwork on the roof structure. Jacobson Projects have poured foundations and floor slabs for the building, meeting every deadline which has kept the project moving forward consistently. This is particularly impressive given the current environment of various supply-chain issues. Davco Electrical Ltd. has risen to the challenge this community centre posed. They have installed all the necessary services, ducts and wires on the property. The building team is looking forward to working with Davco again when they are ready for the electrical fitout. Other local contractors who have contributed to the project include Mason Contractors Ltd., JG Wech Plumbing & Drainlaying Ltd., and Coast to Coast Painters Ltd. Continuing progress following the Easter break will see a set of precast stairs fitted in the office/kitchen area of the building, and also the placement of all remaining unispans supporting the first floor.
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN LANE
DONATION If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can donate to: MAHU PRES CAPITAL FUNDRAISING ACCOUNT 12-3105-0003156-02 In the reference, please include your name for a tax deductible receipt.
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APRIL 2022
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6 ALPHA COURSES ARE STARTING IN MAY! From the beginning of Term 2, from Sun 1 May, there will be 6 of the 10-week Alpha courses scheduled to start to reach our wider community. Alpha leaders have gathered together to set up Alpha groups. While there are some details to be finalised, there will now be 6 Alpha groups including a couple of online options. Please contact David Macleod (david@mahu.org.nz) for more information or if you have any questions regarding this. Youth Alpha- Fridays 6.30pm at church (Sarah and Lara) Matakana (St. Andrews) - Tuesdays 6.30pm @ Sharp Rd (Barbara, Bronwyn, Neville) Warkworth (Besoul) - Wednesdays 6.30pm @ Jade River Pl (Brent & Kesia + Tony & Cush) Online Alpha 1- Tuesdays 6.30pm @ Zoom (David and Joy) Online Alpha 2 - Wednesdays 6.30pm @ Zoom (David and Joy) Alpha Heart - Day time 11:30am @ Mahu Church (Martha & Cheryll + Sue & Anna) There is also now a registration page that can be found on our Mahu Church website for those that would like to come: https://mahu.infoodle.com/f/AlphaCourseMay2022 So please start thinking about which neighbour, friends or family members you would like to send invitations to!
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APRIL 2022
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WITH LOVE & APPRECIATION The Mackay family wish to acknowledge and say thank you to our Mahu Church family for all of the kind and generous expressions of love and sympathy in the passing of Christine—a treasured wife, mother and grandma. Recently, we attended a tree planting ceremony at Snells Beach Primary School where a puriri tree was planted in memory of Christine. Principal Kathryn Ramel told us how Christine influenced many of the establishment decisions in the junior school and library and they still remain today. The words from a Peter Shurley song seem very relevant at this time— "I'm glad nothing takes you by surprise you never turn your back or close your eyes and though your ways are often a mystery to me in everything, through thick and thin, time and again I'm learning to be a thankful man." As a family, we have much to be thankful for.
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APRIL 2022
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COMING UP! Fri, 15-Mon, 18 Apr <Easter Holiday> Sat, 16 Apr - Sun, 1 May <School Holidays> Starting 1 May <Alpha Courses Start> Six Alpha groups are currently being set up for community outreach which are starting in May. Tue, 3-Sat, 7 May <Prayer Week> Meet at the church hall at 8am and 6pm Sun, 8 May <Mother's Day Service> Let's celebrate all mothers! Morning tea will be provided after the service.
CELEBRATING LIFE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Apr-04 Apr-06 Apr-08 Apr-08 Apr-08 Apr-09 Apr-14 Apr-15 Apr-17 Apr-18 Apr-20 Apr-20 Apr-22 Apr-24 Apr-29 Apr-30
Anne Wood Lapi Feleti Marie Anticich Ann Cates Jennifer Walmsley Tevalega Feleti Kathy Carter-Lee Janice George Benjamin Baukie Karite Kotua-Koraubara Boata Taboia Anne-Marie Brown Graham Turner Otetika Baukie Bev Adolph Karen Jones
CONGRATULATIONS!
May-01 May-03 May-07 May-08 May-12 May-14 May-15 May-18 May-19 May-21 May-23 May-24 May-24 May-26 May-28 May-29 May-31
Ben Feleti Donald Algie Megan Boyce Aidan Burridge Dilys Parry Chance Trotter Ana Fine Jayden Husselmann Joy Saleupolu Bronwyn Lane Emily Shaw Brian Dangerfield Mele Fine Gail Duncan Nasia McLennan Etitara Beia Kelly Hall
Rob and Robyn Courian welcomed beautiful baby Nora on 16 Feb!
Jess and Isaac Perkins welcomed beautiful Sophia Lynnette on 23 Dec!
If we missed your birthday, or you want to announce happy news, make some prayer requests or simply want to give us some feedback on the newsletter, please email Hana (hana@mahu.org.nz). P. 12
APRIL 2022
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NOTICES Online Prayer Room Online Prayer Room is for anyone who would like someone to pray with personally and confidentially with them about any matter at all. Contact prayer@mahu.org.nz or ring Barbara at 021 255 0274.
Donation of items to Church As we have slowly started the process of decluttering in preparation of moving to our new building, please contact the church regarding donation goods before bringing items to site
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