It has been a long few months for the Reach Te Awamutu Assembly of God church faithful so when church leaders suggested a “phasing out of vaccine passes” celebration on Sunday, there were plenty of takers.
Pastor Ariki Ashford was put in charge of the barbecue while parishioners got reacquainted after months of a mixture of online worship and limited numbers in the church.
Meanwhile the change in numbers able to attend church means evangelists Lesley and Joseph Lee can hold their outreach meetings in the Reach Church from April 7-10.
Joseph Lee grew up in Te Awamutu, so it is a return home for him.
Other churches are supporting the events with two healing and miracle meetings held on Saturday and Sunday.