49 people came together at Eden Community Church in Mt Eden for the AGM Dinner, always a popular time to catch up with one another, look over the past year and begin a new Club year. A slideshow of trips over the past 12 months was shown on the screen during the informal mix-and-mingle over drinks that began at 5:30pm. This was followed by part of a slideshow of John’s recent trip on the Otago Central Rail Trail, set down as part of the upcoming Summer Tramps programme. We sat down to a yummy dinner of soup, meat and vegies, and apple pie and ice cream at 6pm. The tables were decked out in black, with posies consisting of a fern leaf on three rings to symbolise the London Olympic Games that were happening.

At 7:15pm we gathered in the lounge area for the formal time, which began with devotions from Paul Ungemuth. He reflected on new beginnings seen in spring and he compared these with the new beginnings of the Christian life.  The Christian news is a transaction but it is not a quick fix.  Shallow thinking may see it as a mere transaction – a mere formula.  But real Christianity is more than that. The Holy Spirit at work, bringing all things anew as we step into a walking relationship with Christ. His love and grace changes us – we can never be the same. Have you come through the door?   Have you come all the way? And he prayed we have faith to step forward with Christ. Stuart and Helena Gane shared their change of plans as they would be setting off in their mobile home at the end of August. They would be travelling around the country and looking for new avenues of opportunity and ministry, as well as leading a trip for FMC in Sept next year to Albania and other countries. Lynley Smith shared a few of her experiences in China. There are lots of challenges as a Christian who cannot share their faith. The Chinese think so differently - ‘have you eaten?’ means how are you?  And "where are you going?’ is a common question to strangers. Traffic culture is very different as well. Lynley would be moving to Beijing to do the ‘big city’ thing. Chinese are very polite to foreigners and invite you in for meals. The Forbidden City is visited by thousands.  She showed us scenes of typical streets and the Great wall, as well as of the Kindergarten teaching English. Lynley told of opportunities to share with Christians and the need to practice English with visitors rather than hold a ‘meeting’. Lynley expected to go to a new job at an orphanage run by American Christians who are rescuing children with medical problems, helping the children and eventually offering them for adoption to Christian Families.

We were unable to announce the 2012 Photographic Competition winners and display the finalist’s photographs as Rosalind, who was in charge, was unwell. After a 5 minute break, the AGM began at 8pm. President Peter York gave his report using the acronym of CHOICE: Christ / commitment / contributions:   Helpers / health / hope and Hospitality: Opportunities & openness: Inspirational & International: Caring / creative & cooperation: Experience / enjoyment / encouragement and Exploration. The new Executive was elected on a confidence vote by secret ballot: Paul Ungemuth (President), David Kilgour (Vice President), June Sinclair (Treasurer), Noreen McArthur (Secretary). David Walker, Gary Thompson, John McCarthy, Linda Sutton, Nelson Young, Warren Prestidge, Barbara Langridge, Roger Donnell, Phillip Donnell, Mandy Korff. Linda, June and Barbara gave a vote of thanks to those exec members who had decided not to stand again. Peter York was farewelled on his move to Western Australia (Karatha) with a song Waltzing Karatha sung by Katrina, Helena, Barbara, Joy, Linda, Roger and Phillip. He finished the AGM with a karakia at 10pm. COST: $20