Building to be a resource for all

Drop in and say hi place is for you too.

That’s the message from Mangere Bridge Baptist members, following the completion of the church’s new building. But the church isn’t just opening its doors on a Sunday, rather its hoping the local community will feel welcome to make use of its brand new facilities all week round, including at a new drop-in service it will provide for young people.

Church elder Reti Ah-Voa says the plan is to run an informal sports and homework club for 13-18-yearolds every Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

‘‘The vision is to offer informal 3-on-3 basketball games outside, and in the foyer run table tennis and then have a homework section as well as offering some light refreshments.

‘‘We have seen young people walking past all the time, so we’d like them to feel welcome to use this facility.’’

The church will begin its Friday night youth drop-in programme on September 22 and run it as a trial for six weeks to see if it strikes a chord with local teens. Reti will be assisted - because this by her nephew Andreouis and Wendy Lovatt.

Wendy says, while you’re unlikely to find her on the basketball court, she hopes those needing a quiet space to do their homework might drop by.

‘‘I work in the libraries, so I’ll be quite happy to encourage kids with their homework. I’m no expert in maths or science, but I’m happy to help.’’

Reti says having a multi-use facility like they do now has taken years of planning, with the congregation meeting at St James’ Anglican Church since October while the new building was constructed.

‘‘Our biggest problem [over the years] is that we haven’t had a facility that could cater for the community very effectively. But now we have a new building, we want to say to the community that this building is theirs too.’’

And why are they doing this? For Andreouis it’s simple.

‘‘I like basketball, and it’s a good way connect with the community.’’

*Mangere Bridge Baptist Church officially opens its new building on September 9, 2pm at 28 Woodward Avenue, Mangere Bridge. All are welcome.