'Bruisers' - Blue Team BC Camp 2010

November the 12th - 14th was the weekend of the BC camp. Camp Re'treat' was the theme. To have time away to rest and be restored, ready to complete the year on a high with our Lord.

Our very first post from this weekend comes to you from the Blue team, called 'Bruisers'.

The birth of the "Blue Bruisers" with face paint and bandana's alike, it was reminiscent of a scene from the Mel Gibson blockbuster hit movie 'Braveheart'. The only difference was that swords were replaced by water guns and war cries taken over by team chants. However the passion to win all the spoils to the victor was very much still alive. Whoever said the theme for this was 'REST' obviously did not take into account 'Dodge Ball'. All that aside the friendly team banter was a great way to break barriers between the young and old. The sounds of hugging and puffing were quickly taken over by sounds of joy and laughter. Team challenges were a hit throughout the weekend. It wasn't about winning, it was all about fun. Mark Tele'a

It was requested that this year's camp was to be more relaxing and fun as opposed to the more intense - filled programmes that we were used to. And that is exactly what we were given. Our great leadership team yielded and camp up with an awesome programme that incorporated rest, fun , retreat and reflection in every aspect of the programme.
Matt 11:28-30 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden; I will give you rest...

The above reading shared during one of the devotions, stood out for me the most for it epitomized and emphasized the very theme of our weekend getaway.

I came away from camp having been restored, refreshed, rejuvenated and revived to carry on with the remainder of this year....and I'm sure this feeling was mutually shared by all. Aloema Fainu'u

Going to BC camp for my first time was AWESOME! Morning devotions, games, swim, FOOD, everything on that weekend was 'O' for awesome. My highlight of the whole three days was going to the beach for the morning devotion collecting shells representing members of our families was great. It was a really great time of rest and retreating. For those of us who were carrying heavy loads...God will give us REST! Leauma Uelese

Attention, attention wake up time is 9am!! A ripple of 'Hooray' echoes throughout the room (me included sshhh) Saturday morning the sun penetrates through our cabin with no thought of getting up but just resting. "Come on Aunty, we're going to the beach and you have to come". I get ready and walk down the road with the others and what a blessing this was. The sheer beauty and stillness of that morning was absolute perfection, and truly felt God's presence and power in just being there. We were asked to collect shells representing each member of our family and with both hands needed to hold onto the shells Maroroa had collected, we were to pray for each person. With our family circle planted in the sand upright and firm we prayed for each one, thanking God for our family. Thank you Jesus for my family. Teiho Tengaru

It is well

It is well is a well loved hymn over a century in age. Bibleclass led our morning service on the 31st October 2010 where they shared about the author of this hymn. Horatio Spafford is the man who wrote this hymn, his past was one full of adversity. His life story is an inspiration to Christians. The following was a summary that was shared at the end of our servic.

Because God can work all things for good, we can have peace knowing that good will come even under bad circumstances - adversity. Horatio’s grief was so great, a son lost to scarlet fever, 4 daughters drowned and lost at sea...yet he holds fast to his life line - as written in this hymn
‘ though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

Today, Horatio Spafford reminds us that we can also sing ‘ It is well with my soul because . . .
1) God is in control.
2) All things work together for good.
3) Trouble is only temporary.
4) Salvation is for all.
The end result is victory.

Lotu a Tamaiti 2010

A sea of white flowed through our church doors and filled our pews. Beautiful singing was to be heard...all coming from what seemed an endless line of beautiful children. Boys and girls, strutting their stuff in their newest white clothing. A scene certainly to make any parent happy and reminded of the precious gift we have in children.

This year's service had so many different and valuable messages for parents and families alike. Stories of creation, the tempting of Jesus, Joseph and Jephthah were presented to us today by our children. Some made us smile, laugh and cry as we received and reflected on their messages.


Well done to all our children, teachers, Tama and Tina who prepared another uplifting White Sunday for us all to enjoy and grow from. We hope you had an enjoyable lunch with family and friends. God's blessings be upon us all as we venture into the last few months of the year.

Ia manuia outou matua, ae ola matou le fanau. Ia soifua ona o Iesu.

NZ Sunday School Union Scripture Examinations

NZ Sunday School Union Building, Queen St, Auckland.

Yes they're still around! They are still a vital part of New Zealand Sunday Schools. Bringing to the forefront many exciting and impacting stories from the Holy Bible. This year's exams were based on servants such as King Josiah, Queen Esther, Mordecai and the disciples - and the ultimate - Jesus. The story of creation was also part of this series. All these lessons teach and remind us of the awesome creation of God. SSU exams rock! It's an awesome way to study His word deeply and to build your understanding of why we stand in awe of Him.

Our Sunday School did extremely well with all our students and teachers passing. We also received 10 special placings!

As part of our preparation for the scripture union exams, the senior Sunday School and Bible Class carried out extra studies on the lessons. These activities were to help reinforce our learning as well as committing to memory God's days of creation. Check out the following movie.

If you'd like to share how you found this year's exams, leave us a comment and take our survey.

God bless and keep you in his steadfast love. Looking forward to the proclaiming of God's word tomorrow during Lotu a tamaiti.

Phillipians 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

On Sunday 12th September, our Grades 1 and 2 classes led the morning Family Service. Their theme was called 'I CAN', and their focus verse was based on Phillipians 4:13. The awesome children showed off their talents and portrayed their message through drama, song and dance. Well done to all the students of Grades 1 and 2 for an uplifting and enjoyable service. May we all be encouraged that WE CAN do all things through Christ.

Cast your net on the right side...

After the Grades 11 and 12 students delivered their service to our congregation. A couple of the same students along with their families led our afternoon service. This service is led in the Samoan language. Families once a month have the opportunity to minister through their creative items. This service had wonderful items that included a lot of beautiful singing and actions. The acting was fantastic too! Both young and old were involved and delivered a heart felt message.
If you were present, leave a comment and share what you enjoyed from this service.

Go Airlines

A message from our Grade 11 and 12 classes...'We’re here today to remind you that you can go forth and share the good news of Jesus. Remember the words of Jesus before he left his disciples - I have given you all authority in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations...and if you think you can’t do it alone - well you’re right. You can only do it with Jesus - that’s why he says - I will be with you always until the end the age.
Aren’t these words powerful, whatever your reason or excuse - Jesus’ words encourage you to rise and spread his gospel. He wants to use you today. You can start by sharing in your home, your church, your schools, communities and workplaces. For Jesus said, ‘Do not be afraid for I the Lord am with you until the end of the age. Go...go...go.’

Thanks to our parish and our two classes for the uplifting service. May we all be encouraged to Go in the name of Jesus.

Kindy Family Service

Be like Christ, a humble and obedient servant. This was the theme of our service which was confidently led by our Kindy Department. It was full of colour, talent and creativity! Our children, sang, danced and acted out what it is to be Christ like.

It was a blessing also to have it follow our birthday breakfast celebration. This was for our mother in Christ - Lealofi Setefano who celebrates 65 years of life. It is fitting that the Kindy service was immediately after the breakfast as this is one of our mother's passions - the early childhood nurturing of our children.

All praise and honour be to God for the many blessings that poured forth on this day. Well done children and teachers of our Kindy, and Happy Birthday to Mama Lealofi Setefano. God bless you all.

Part 2 'Take a sentimental journey...'

Here's part 2 of our slideshow, come and take a sentimental journey...

Cherished memories of the last 30 years

This slideshow was watched during our Sunday morning service. This is the first of three parts that were presented. This was presented after members of our parish shared testimonies about their time in the church. A very rich time of history for all. We got to hear about the last 30 years and more. It's awesome that this place of worship has been used for God's work for over a hundred years.
Do you have some cherished memories you'd like to share here? Leave us a comment.

30th Anniversary for Tamaki PIPC

We've just finished celebrating 30 years as a PIPC. It was a hugely successful event in that we had people smiling, crying and singing God's praises all weekend! We promise to bring you a more detailed report soon. Hopefully our little movies will give you a picture of how it was.

Here's the first of our snippets from our Masquerade Ball. This is our Sunday School prize section. Check out the fantastic masks. We had some very creative entries! You can leave us a comment of which masks you think are the best! Check out the panda!

Tamaki's Annual Dance - A celebration for 30 years!

In a couple of weeks the Tamaki PIPC will be celebrating 30 years of life together under the banner of the PIPC. This is an invitation to all of the Tamaki family to attend. We are planning for this evening to be one of joyous celebrations. All are welcome. Attendance from 6pm onwards is a must, we want you to capture everything that happens on this night. God willing we will see you there, Saturday 22nd of May at 6pm.

(To get a close up look at the above poster, double click it)

God bless and keep you in his steadfast care.

Tamaki Dance Komiki

Fono Samoa 2010 - Persevere - don't quit!

Fono Samoa 2010 - Finau aua le fiu!

Praise be to God for all that he revealed to us before, during and after this year's Fono. Lord we lift your name on high, Lord we love to sing your praises! Here are only some of the beautiful moments we were able to capture on camera. There's more to come.

He created you!

Grades 3 and 4 kicked off our year with our very first Family Service. Their theme was based upon creation. They danced, acted, recited and sang about the many beautiful things our Lord has made.

If you were present you will agree with us that they were certainly an enthusiastic bunch! They would love to receive feedback from you.

This class has a number of keen bloggers who visit this blog often. You will find on the side bar links to blogs that some of these students own.

2009 Tamaki PIPC Yearbook

The year 2009 has gone by so quickly. Many successful events and occasions that are all part of building up the body of Christ here in Tamaki. We hope you will also have the chance to reflect and give glory to God for what has been. Lead us on Lord!
God bless