By Kaye Bustin and Becky Sussex

On 1 December 2024, we officially opened The Makery—a creative, multi-purpose space at the back of All Saints Church. Since then, the vision has taken shape and grown quickly. The Makery has become a hub of activity: a home for the youth group each week, a venue for Kids and Coffee, after-school art classes, evening workshops, and our monthly Soulcare Saturdays.

Alongside these programmes, we run Kids and Cooking every month, Whānau Nights once a term on a Saturday, and are preparing to launch Whānau Church just before Easter.

During the school term, we offer a weekly kids’ after-school art class, as well as adult ceramics classes—both daytime and evening options available. School holiday workshops are also proving popular. What’s been especially encouraging is the crossover between different groups. They support and flow into one another, forming a vibrant, relational network within our church and local community.

Creative Outreach and Community Connection

We’re thrilled to be reconnecting with the local primary school, which has led to funding for some students to attend the after-school art classes. The school principal has commented on how motivating this opportunity is for the children, and has expressed interest in the whole school, class by class, visiting The Makery for future art sessions. It’s a beautiful way for us to share our gifts and resources with the wider community.

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How You Can Get Involved

We’d love your prayers as we continue to build meaningful connections and serve our neighbourhood. Here are some ways you can take part:

• Attend a Soulcare Saturday – A contemplative, creative prayer morning starting again on Saturday 5 April, and continuing monthly.
• Invite a friend or whānau – Book a child or grandchild into a class or workshop, or bring a friend along to experience the space.
• Arrange a private group workshop – Kaye runs customised sessions for groups of up to 20 people.
• Spread the word – Let your neighbours, family, and wider networks know what’s happening at The Makery.

To find out more or register interest, check out:
facebook.com/TheMakery

‍facebook.com/KayeBustinStudios

‍instagram.com/kayebustinstudios

This journey has already exceeded our hopes. In such a short time, we’ve seen deepening relationships, growing trust, and a true sense of belonging. At the heart of it all, God is weaving people together—each one known, loved, and valued.

Ngā mihi,
Becky and Kaye

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