Local artist Emma Weakley from The Meadows Church is about to have her first book published - and she's still a teenager.

Wellington publisher Random Static will be releasing "Jack and the Beanstalk", a quirky take on the classic fairytale.

"Emma's illustrations are delightful," said Random Static editor Kelly Buchanan.

"The story is simple enough for young children, but the sense of humour and the little details in the artwork make it entertaining for adults who haven't completely lost touch with their inner child, too. It's a bit outside our usual remit, but we enjoyed it too much to pass up."

"I didn't expect anything to come of this little project, so it is very exciting to have it published," said Emma. She lives on the Kapiti Coast and turned 19 last November.

She likes drawing monsters, listening to irritating music, and quiet days investigating dead things on the beach. Last year, she won the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Professional Art, for her cover illustration for "Newtons Sleep".

The SJV Awards are presented anually by SFFANZ, New Zealand's national organisation for science fiction and fantasy.

What an absolute stunner... the weather was great... the food was great... the company was great!!

After another amazing message from John Steele in the morning, we all headed along to the Domain. There was a Family Fun Day there aswell and we got to join in with some of their activities from egg and spoon races to racing down the mud slide and not to forget the the good old bouncy castle. While the youngersters were entertained the older lot played volleyball and various other sporting games.

It was just such a great time of fellowship and for the newer people in the Church to get to know others a little better.

The ALT (Apostolic Leadership Team) which heads the overal Leadership for New Life Churches who are from around New Zealand all met in Paraparaumu, here at the Meadows Church this week.
It was a busy time for those involved with lots to discus especially since we are now heading into March which will see the National New Life Conference "Cause 2010" being held towards the end of the month.

Interested? Sound like you? Want to get out and about?

John Gibson is interested in forming a weekly recreational cycling group for local outings. Possibly Monday or Tuesday mornings for a couple of hours. If you are keen or simply want to find out more information phone John Gibson (04) 905-9897.

A HUGE congratulations to Ken and Iola Thompson who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday 20 February 2010

A HUGE congratulations to Alan and Judy White celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Waitangi Day (6 February 2010)

After 2 1/2 years working as Receptionist & PA to Pastor Adam White, Rochelle Dewe worked her final day on Friday 5th February. Rochelle & her husband Adam will be moving up to Auckland on Sunday 7th to both become students - Adam will study teaching and Rochelle will study law and business. Adam has been part of the church since early childhood, always involved and happy to help out. His smily face and cheerful spirit will be missed. Rochelle was a great asset to the church with a wealth of information and will also be sadly missed. Miriam St George has now taken over Rochelle's position and is looking forward to all that's ahead.

Don MacFarlane jumping for joy and excited about the day ahead!

The India team have had a great time so far, working in Pune doing medical camps and ministering in churches. This week they have travelled on to Mumbai to work with World Vision.

This Tuesday at Pram College students were handing out free sausages with personalised New Generation cards that had messages like "God has a plan & a purpose for your life"...."You are special and unique and Jesus loves you"...

Pastor Michelle walked down to see how it was going.

She got there just as the bell rang and literally HEAPS of students were running out of the classrooms to get their free sausage.

The team did really well....and there were BAGS & BAGS of sausages distributed (we raised $400 at Meadows).

There was a HUGE line waiting at the end of BBQs and a couple of teachers had to help with Crowd Control.

I think most of the students at Pram college would have either got a sausage or heard about what was happening.

Lots of students thought the personalised cards were awesome and were stoked to get a free sausage.

Let's keep praying for the students at Pram College!!!