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Rediscovering Community

"A series on social and community issues run by the Hutt City Uniting Congregation (HCUC) has been "very well received", says Rev John Peill. The series has been held at St Marks, Woburn Road, as part of every third Sunday morning service.

The first session in April was Christianity and Contemporary Science. The topic of genetic engineering was explored by guest speaker Dr Audrey Jarvis from the InterChurch Bioethics Council, followed by a healthy discussion.

The second was on Christianity and Wealth with speakers including Tim Main, an economist and ANZ bank treasurer, congregation council chair Euan Campbell and congregation member Bill McCarroll. The trio drew on scriptures plus their own personal experience.

In Christianity and our Pacific Partners Winnie Laban, MP and Methodist Presbyterian, and Suiva'aia Te'o spoke on how Christianity has become foundational for Pacific Island people. "Our Pacific friends can teach us an awful lot as regards the simplicity of faith," said Rev Peill.

"It is so important that we get back to our roots to rediscover what community is about," he said adding that they had been a little disappointed not to attract more people off the street. However, he said the services had brought some of those on the 'fringe of the church' back to worship.

"The series is about affording opportunities for attending a different type of service."

More topics of contemporary relevance are being worked on such as Christianity, and Terrorism, but first the "experts" who can offer a Christian perspective on each topic have to be organised.