Camp forms are out now for our church family camp, 19-21 September at Karakariki Christian Camp, Hamilton. It's going to be a fantastic camp but spaces are limited so register today! Download a camp registration form.

On Saturday 9 August, two teams of detectives from St Margaret's were summoned to St Mary's by the Sea (Torbay) to help solve a terrible mystery. Our high school youth joined with other highly skilled detectives to interview witnesses (including a volcanologist, a grave digger, a mad scientist, a gypsy and Maggie, the homeless lady) and try to piece together what had really happened. We soon discovered that St Mary's had been plagued by mice and rats, which had then all suddenly disappeared - but whodunnit? Who was responsible for getting rid of the plague? Our team named "pHat" came up with the most creative solution of them all, while our other team, "I have a rash", managed to come very close to the truth (it was the scientist!), scoring a second place prize. A great big thank you to the wonderful parents who drove us to the shore and back on the night! See the photos.

On Saturday 2 August, around 40 of our senior members enjoyed a delightful and varied concert featuring musical items from members of our church family. Following the concert, a hot lunch was served in the beautifully decorated hall where there was plenty of time to chat and catch up with old friends.
Many thanks to all those who prayed and worked so hard to make this event a success. The next one is eagerly anticipated.

We have a great new venue for our Church Camp. It's the CampKCC at Karakariki near Hamilton. The new date for the camp is 19-21 September 2008. Please note these changes in your diaries and plan to join us at camp. Registration forms and more details to follow soon.

On Friday 11 July, a group of 45 people of all ages from St Margaret's headed off to the AMF Panmure Superbowl for a great evening of family fun playing Ten Pin Bowling. Although this was a non-competitive event, we soon discovered who'd spent a lot of time practising as four of the men reached high scores in the 100s. Our Vicar, Max Scott, achieved a strike with his last bowl. Famished bowlers filled up at Burger King after the game. A big thank you to the organisers! See the photos.

We're back from 25 July with an action-packed term 3! Term planners are out now, Spratz Term 3 and Atomic Term 3. We've got two Ignite services coming up this term, and you can look forward to an awesome message from Emily at the one in August! There's going to be a big mystery to solve (whodunit?) and a great big youth service with all our friends from throughout Auckland. Also we'll be competing in the Indoor Netball competition at the end of term. Plus loads more!! Can't wait!

Themes, readings and rosters for June - August are now available in the Resources section.
The 6.30am Holy Communion service on Wednesdays has restarted.

It's great to have our Vicar, Max Scott, back from his three month sabbatical. Come and hear about his trip to India and Egypt at a special service on Sunday 8 June, starting at 7pm. The service will be followed by a south Indian 3 course meal (white rice, yellow dahl, Bangalore rasam, potato fry, chicken masala, yoghurt and dessert).
Everyone is welcome to attend, however for catering purposes please RSVP by contacting the church office.

The lounge was decorated with balloons and party lights, the food was delicious and it was a most enjoyable evening. Twelve of us sat down to dinner and we appreciated having Don & Eleanor join us. We look forward to next week! See the photos.

On the last Friday night of term 1 our high school group "The Core" had an awesome night of duct tape games and challenges, including taping a team member to the wall, creating an object out of duct tape and loads more, all to win the amazing duct tape trophy! It was a great finish to an incredible first term of our new outreach focused high school ministry, and we're excited about what term 2 is going to bring! See the photos.

Over Easter weekend, we held the 5th E-fest - an Easter camp all about Jesus! Throughout the weekend, over 170 young people gathered to hear messages from Toby Collins (from Hamilton Life Church), as well as each of the camp's directors - Charlie Baker, Glenn Paddison (Church of the Saviour) and Benjamin Brock-Smith (Diocesan Youth Facilitator). Worship was led by 'Eden Restored' (formerly 'the DSB') featuring our own Andrew Baker on guitar.
This year the team of 'E-diots' provided our entertainment, ranging from early morning 'gospel aerobics' to porridge spitting competitions! There were also performances from four bands, a dance competition, an 'E-mazing Race', a photo scavenger hunt and loads of fun for everyone.
While there were many highlights for the campers and leaders, from the worship and speakers to the dance competition, the overarching highlight was the amazing power and presence of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. Many lives were changed throughout the weekend as people responded to the message of Christ's death and resurrection, and chose in faith to get rid of their old life and embrace their new life in Christ. Praise God! Charlie Baker

Today we say farewell to our vicar, Max Scott, as he leaves for his well earned three month sabbatical. We pray for safe travel, good health and warm fellowship wherever he travels and look forward to his return on 18 May.
While Max is away, we are delighted to have Don & Eleanor Battley with us. Don & Eleanor are both ordained and have kindly agreed to help in the church during Max's sabbatical. They will be available in the Church Office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will be leading the services on Sundays at 8.00am & 10.15am and on Wednesday at 10am. They can be contacted at church on 625 8808 or for urgent matters on 416 8428.

We've finished our big church directory update, so now you can easily log in and get in touch with members of our St Margaret's Church Community.

We are very excited to finally launch our new look website! Have a look around and check it out. This is much more than a "facelift" - we've made it easier to use (especially for visitors) as well as enabling members to easily access information. There are still a few developments to be made, especially in the members section, so you will see it continue to evolve over the next few weeks.

This year we are very excited to announce our new Friday night programme for Atomic... "The Core"!
"The Core" will be held every second Friday night, 7-9pm in the youth room. There'll be heaps of crazy events, outings and loads more, with a focus on connecting together as a community, and connecting new people into the group as well. There'll also be discussions on the "BIG issues" which teenagers are faced with - including relationships, parties and loads more.
These new Friday night events will mean that the focus of our Sunday night events will be much more on growing in our relationship with God through worship, prayer and Bible study.

Our youth ended the year with their third annual end of year party. This year's party had a fairytale theme, "Happily Ever After". The costumes were amazing and we had heaps of fun dancing the night away and celebrating 2007 with our end of year awards. Atomic youth then stayed the night, which was a great way for our new year 9s to get to know the rest of the group.