Community Ministries of Thames Baptist Church

Karen Hutchinson- Counsellor Parehana Ehrhorn - Social Worker Abbey Namana - Manager Pauline Weeks - Admin-Coordinator

In the last 3-4 months there has been a complete turnaround in the staff
at Thames Baptist Community Ministries.

In November we were delighted to appoint a vibrant Christian from the
Kapiti Coast to be the Manager. She also became part of our faith
community with her son Ihaka. Early in the new year Pauline Weeks from
our own faith community became the Admin-Coordinator. And in March
Parehana Ehrhorn from Waihi Baptist took on the role of Social Worker.
(She travels on her work days). Karen Hutchinson continues as our counselor.

(February 2018)
Abbey Namana, our new TBCM manager, is taking a series of ten lessons in
Te Reo Maori in two weekly classes. For free! A good number are
attending and finding it very helpful. All are welcome. Thanks Abbey!

The church pastor, elders and council organised an appreciation dinner for the staff, volunteers and Trust Board of Thames Baptist Community Ministries. A great time was had by all! The delicious food was provided and served by people of the church. Paul Silvester, Trust Board Chair, addressed the group. We appreciate all the good work done by these people.

Volunteers pack food parcels ready for distribution at Christmas in a joint effort between the Inter-church food bank and the Salvation Army.

There are lots of ways in which we live out the Good News of Jesus in the community; not least of which is the impact of individual members in their school boards, community groups, fire brigades, work-places etc. We also work together to provide a more systematic response to specific needs. These include Counselling and Social Work services, the Open Door Drop-in, a craft group, and occasional programmes for parents, couples, children, and individuals. We also host the inter-church food bank.

A programme advertised throughout the district schools brought children together for two days of 'Social Circus' - learning the tricks of balance and trust that give confidence and skill. Volunteer instructors came from Auckland and Australia to make it a success.

In September 2018 our new counselling room was opened with the view of providing greater privacy for those accessing this service. A small group of people met to celebrate its opening and to support our Pastor Brian Kenning to bless the room and service. Abbey Namana (Manager), Zoe and Pastor Brian Kenning and Karen Hutchinson our Counsellor