The First Church of God will next month celebrate 50 years of leadership by Bishop Vernon Lambe Sr and Elder Ruth Ann Lambe.

A spokesman for the church said the couple had worked for five decades to “transform lives, build communities and inspire generations through ministry, education and civil engagement”.

As part of the celebration, the church will host a series of events starting on Saturday with the staging of a skit, The Man and Woman of the Cloth, which dramatises the couple’s journey of faith and service, at 6pm.

Festivities will continue on July 5 with the Bow ties and Brims Celebration Brunch at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club honouring the couple.

At 11am the following day, the North Shore church will host a unity service with the Angle Street, Sound View and North Shore congregations coming together to deliver a “powerful worship message”.

The service will be followed at 5pm by a Celebration Service with political, religious and civic leaders attending to recognise contributions of Bishop Vernon and Elder Ruth Ann Lambe.

Anthony Richardson, chair of the First Church of God Board of Directors said: “Fifty years of pastoral service is a rare and sacred milestone.

“Bishop and Elder Lambe have not only shepherded a church — they have helped shape a nation.”

Tickets to the Bow ties and Brims Celebration Brunch are available at the First Church of God book store or church office and cost $100 for general admission, $150 for patrons and $200 for gold patrons.

Entrance to all of the other celebratory events are free.