'Being with the children is a highlight of my week and a significant part of my ministry here' enthused Ernie Trask, minister of St Mark's, Tokoroa and chaplain to St Mark's Community Preschool. Like many other congregations the people of St Mark's have learned that a ministry with pre-school children is a valuable service they can offer the community.

St Mark's Tokoroa is very close to the town's shopping area and began with a shoppers' creche in their little-used hall for a couple of hours a week several years ago. The venture grew into what is now a fully licensed early childhood centre providing quality childcare and learning opportunities five mornings and four afternoons each week.

One of the six dedicated and qualified staff, Noa Tereu-Solomona, explains: 'The preschool was established as an evangelical service to the community. The aim of the service was to provide low cost child care, as this met a great need in the town, as many of the centre's clients at the time were of low socio-economic status. It was hoped that through the child care service provided in the community that this would be a way of instilling Christian values. As the preschool has developed, an emphasis on care and education has taken place. The clientele of families has changed as well, with many of our families coming from professional backgrounds. However, the centre has still maintained its base of working with families of low socio-economic status.' The delighted expressions on the faces of the 29 children who attend each session shows they enjoy their learning experience. The people of St Mark's have also enjoyed their learning that a little-used building can become a wonderful opportunity to meet community needs.

Learning is part of everyone's experience when congregations discover their mission and focus on what they are most effectively able to offer their community.