The sun shone on the Wanaka Community Hub for its official opening last Saturday, 2 November.

A large crowd gathered in the car park; local Maori spoke of whakapapa; a kapa haka group sang waiata; former bishop, Kelvin Wright, told of the hopes realised in the building; and well-known local, Sir Tim Wallis, cut the ribbon. The journey to this day wasn’t always easy; but something of beauty has emerged out of the struggle, as is evident in the architecture and in the vibe already present about the hub. And it’s a win for the church as well – the grounds have never looked better, and our doors are now open during the week; an outward and visible sign of the community allowing the wairua, the spirit of Jesus, to move in this place and to lead us ever deeper into the heart of God.

God, you shape our dreams. As we put our trust in you may your hopes and desires be ours, and we your expectant people. Amen.