March 1997
HASTINGS Pastor Royston Noel 10am and 7pm
The play "Mary had a Lamb" was produced in church, with children and older church members taking part. Royston Noel was commissioned as pastor, with family potluck tea held. Carols were sung at rest homes and homes of older members. Neville Williamson, Pam Rowlands and Neil Donaldson took services during Royston's holiday. Church members took prison service. The Men's Fellowship organised a visit to Cape Kidnappers. A "family day" was held at Riverbend Christian Camp.
June 1997
HASTINGS Rev Royston Noel 10am, 7pm
Havelock North Baptist Church joined for a recent morning service. Review Team visited Church Council then interviewed individual members and groups and attended morning worship and visited Sunday School the following day. Pastor Royston & Ruth attended Pastors' & Spouses' conference at Waikanae. Bebarfald Missionary family, home from Ghana, visited - potluck tea and morning service. Delighted to have Sam Emery, Union President, and Alma to speak during morning service. Combined Easter Good Friday Service with Methodist and Salvation Army Churches.
September 1997
HASTINGS Rev Royston Noel 10am, 7pm
Anne Bartlett welcomed back from Australia after her daughter's death and Michelle Baines from four weeks at Macau Hope Clinic. Mother's Day tribute by special speakers. Maurice Harvey, photo-journalist and most travelled Bible Society member spoke during morning service. Annetta Moran took training session for anti-abortion counsellors. Inspiring address by Gideon, Mr Stitchbury, also a testimony from Lou Stewart. Update received from Crockers of work in PNG. Three month's prayer period for church instead of evening service.
December 1997
HASTINGS Rev Royston Noel 10am, 7pm
Pastor's wife and church members participated in women's ministry at Palmerston North, leading music and worship. Flaxmere Baptist won regional Bible quiz. Flaxmere and Hastings pastors exchanged pulpits for morning service. Ron Shakespeare honoured with achiever's gold award at Christchurch. Discussion after morning service "What a congregation desires in a minister". Successful family camp at Taupo, speaker Paul Grimmer. Neville Williamson took home service. Peter and Heather Millais and Gordon Baker, missionaries on furlough, welcomed home and shared their experiences.