Click on the following links to download.

• Newsletter 2009
• From the Chair Templeton Welfare Council

Christmas Balls  2009

Before Christmas 2 very successful Christmas balls were held. Tickets were sold out months in advance and the excitement built in the lead up to the balls. A great time was had by all as people danced the night away. A visit from Santa and supper were some of the highlights as was getting a balloon from Shad the balloon man and spot prizes. Still the most important thing was to catch up with friends and have loads of fun with some old friends and making new ones.  

Early January is a quiet time for people after lots of parties at work and at home in the lead up to Christmas. The work places started again mid to late January. Three free BBQ picnics for the first week of January were organised by the chaplains and volunteers from various churches in various parts of the city. Each attracted around 100 people or more. The weather cooperated well enough and there was lots of entertainment with magic shows, lots of music and of course  plenty BBQ picnic food. Some brought some salads to add to the sausages and bread. A great time was had by all.  

After a short break the Chapel services started again with good numbers and enthusiasm. Other special Church services and clubs will start again soon.  

Unfortunately life is not all fun. Last year many people who used to live at Templeton Centre died and even over the Christmas – New Year period 2 people passed away. Fortunately Yanny was available to support all involved and assist other residents, staff and family during this time of sadness and grief.

Christmas ball at the Richmond WMC with the Drews performing          Burwood BBQ Picnic with Natural Magic performing         

Latest news from the Chaplains 

April 2010

Once again the year is racing by at an ever increasing rate! The work of the chaplains is going well building and strengthening relationships with residents and staff from the large number of homes in our individual work areas. Also supporting volunteers, visiting churches to inform of our work and encourage local involvement. 

The special services provided by a number of churches throughout Christchurch are well supported and provide for spiritual and social needs in a wonderful way. Our thanks goes to all those who put a lot of time, effort and creative energy into these events.The weekly services at the Templeton Chapel have been very well attended with 50 – 80 people attending each week. We have a wonderful band of volunteers who assist with music and the mandatory cup of tea each week. We are extremely grateful to these folk. We have had comments from staff that the people from their homes are more peaceful and calm after the church services. It is good to get this feedback. We are also pleased to hear how much folk look forward to attending these church services. An updated list for 2010 is available. 

Allan has been involved in taking progammes at a number of vocational day bases and also at PSAID, Hillmorton Hospital. One recent programme was particularly moving. He told the story about how Jesus wasn’t highly valued in his own home town because he was, “only the Carpenters son”. He explained how we all have unique gifts and abilities, then went around the room sharing about each persons special abilities, it was a very special time. 

Yanny facilitated a workshop on “Identifying values and spiritual needs”. Eleven people attended and their level of interest was obvious from the copies of further printed materials they asked to receive, and the positive feedback. They each have more ‘tools’ to assist them, particularly with people who have little or no verbal abilities.