While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 21^st October 2018

 NOTICES: A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service. Many thanks to Trevor Crew for leading this morning’s worship.

Getting Across the Line…. We made it! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this fundraising campaign. Receipts will be issued in March 2019. This week we received $6000, culminating in a grand total of $37,670.

Labour Day commemorates the struggle for an eight hour working day in New Zealand. Around 1900 parades were held followed by picnics and sports events to celebrate the importance of good working conditions. For most it is now just another holiday.

Managers’ Report: Our thanks to Cyril Morris and David Hodder for completing work to transform a garage into two sheds on our property for storage purposes.

Our insurance bill for $10,000 has been paid.

Approval given to explore using the old Bible Class rooms at the rear of the property as a MenzShed.

Judith Mackay was thanked for her service to the Board of Managers and as the secretary.

We are keeping our eyes and ears open for a possible person to undertake cleaning duties in the refurbished church.  We will need to appoint someone early in the new year.

Building News….

Scaffolding around the front of the building has been removed as exterior painting has been completed.  The new sliding door in the west wall has been installed and broken windows have been replaced.  There is still unplanned strengthening work to be completed on the west wall (furthest wall from the street) demanded by the engineer which means gib lining in the new bathroom cannot be completed.   This hold up will mean planned opening on the 25^th Nov will need to be delayed until December 9^th or 16^th.

In the coming week the construction containers will be moved from the front of the property to allow work to begin on sealing the area in front of the church office.

Inside the work of installing plaster moulds around each of the small windows is now complete and gib stopping almost finished.  Work to install the hanging ceiling will commence this week and interior painting will get underway.  Kitchen joinery has been delayed because the plans as drawn were inaccurate and need to be altered but the architect has been away.

We now have a clearer picture of the cost of the over 30 variations demanded by the engineer.  We estimate costs have increased by over $100,000 due to this extra work.  We have of course expressed our displeasure at this situation.

Dugald has produced an estimated budget going forward which indicates that we still face costs of $413,000 (GST incl) and currently we have approx. $420,000 in available funds.  We will receive a large GST return (hopefully about $70,000) in January 2019.

Global Voices invite you to their concert on Saturday 3^rd November 7.30pm at Elmwood Auditorium. Tickets $25 or $12 for children – available from Anna in the Office.

Singalong Messiah with the Jubilate Singers Sunday 18^th November 2pm at the Transitional Cathedral. Tickets $25/$20 unwaged. Door sales available (cash only).

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison 332 0554 or Joan 338 8700.

Wednesday Walkers 24^th October Meet 9.30am at Janette’s 62 Frankleigh St for a stroll in Spreydon, and return there for coffee. All are welcome.

Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist Church. New faces always welcome.

Our next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 11^th November at 8.45am, hosted by the Worship committee. Details to follow.

Armistice Day A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

St Mark’s Avonhead Twilight Fair, 150 Withells Rd on Friday 2 November 5 – 7pm. Bargains galore, children’s activities, plenty of food for tea. Plant stall opens at 11am. 10% of net proceeds to be donated to St Luke’s Centre.

Articles are now required for the next ‘Messenger’. Email contributions to: anneke.howie@gmail.com please before Thursday 15^th November.

All Saints Memorial Service: Once a year on a Sunday close to All Saints Day we remember in particular people close to us who have died in the past year.  We do this by remembering their names and placing a lit candle on the communion table.  There is also an opportunity for people to remember all those who are gathered in God’s eternal embrace by lighting your own candle of remembrance.

This year we will celebrate memorial Sunday on November 11^th and you are invited to forward any names of those close who have died in the past year to Anna in the office that you would appreciate being named in the service.

Parihaka Day: In the lead-up to this year’s Parihaka Day on 5th November  the documentary T?tarakihi: the Children of Parihaka will be screened in Christchurch. This film is not commercially available and can only be viewed in arrangement with presenters from Parihaka. It is an incredible story and one that all New Zealanders should know something about. Suitable for children/general admission. Entry is free/koha.

Screenings are at:

Hope Presbyterian Church, Sat 27th Oct @ 7pm (Aymes Road, Hornby). Presenter Maata Wharehoka. Register (optional) to assure a seat at www.hopechurch.net.nz/upcoming-events/

or Canterbury Film Society, Sun 4th Nov @ 2pm (Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet?, Montreal Street). Presenter Whakaarahia Tairawhiti-Kukutai. No reservations; first-come-first-served. Doors open at 1.30pm.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 14^th October 2018

 Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000: Only days left to contribute! We’re nearly there. Remember all gifts are tax deductible. Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project closes this Wednesday 17^th October. As at 10^th October we have received $31,670 – less than $4000 to go – but happy to receive over subscriptions! Receipts issued in March 2019.

Craft Crawl to Ashburton Thursday 8^th November 9.30am. Please could those people going on the trip pay Lyndsey McKay $25 TODAY.

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison Blackler 332 0554 or Joan Scott 338 8700.

 Board of Managers meets this Wednesday 17^th October 7.30pm at Merchiston.

 Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Wednesday Walkers 17^th October Meet 9.30am in Clouston St for a saunter around the neighbourhood, then return for morning tea catered by Allison at no.5. {Donations please – funds still being accepted for the church repairs!}. You are welcome to join us for this even if not walking. Fern 332 4725.

Building Report: New windows have been installed. Gib stopping has begun and exterior painting in progress. We have agreed on a solution to stabilising the brick west wall. The kitchen joinery has been finalised and is being constructed. The suspended ceiling is yet to be installed, and the last major job will be installing floor coverings and installing equipment. Outside, the section in front of the office will be sealed and depending on finance we will replace some badly cracked paths, and drainage.

Funding Applications….We have applied to numerous trusts and foundations for support in fitting out the church complex.  So far we have received $5000 from the Jansen Trust for a dishwasher,  $3500 from Presbyterian Development Society for a new data projector and $1000 from the Mainland Trust to purchase 8 folding café tables.  We are very grateful to these organisations for their support.  Our target for applications is $25,000, but it may take some time to reach this.  We acknowledge with thanks the work of Gill Blackler in applying for funds.  Her experience and energy has been invaluable.

New Parish Phone lists available from the Office.

Working with Risingholme Community Centre… the Session has agreed to a key recommendation in Peter Burley’s report that we invite Risingholme to lead classes in our church and community hub.  We have met with the Director and are setting up a Memorandum of Understanding to enable us to work together.  We anticipate small steps to begin with as we set up a working relationship.  We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a Menz Shed or similar in the old Sunday School Rooms.    We would love to have the facilities well utilized and have the opportunity to connect with people from the wider community.

VSA Quiz Night Wednesday 17^th October 7pm at Elmwood Trading Co (Robbies), Normans Rd (railway end). $10 per person. More details from Rob & Barb Meier 379 1474.

Armistice Day A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

CWS Disaster Appeal: Please help Indonesians living in Central Sulawesi following their earthquake and tsunami.  Survivors are in desperate need of support to protect them from hunger and disease. Over 1.5 million people have been affected.  2,010 people have lost their lives and 80,000 are displaced.  More than 65,000 houses have been damaged.

Please help by making a donation to  Indonesia Earthquake Tsunami Appeal via the CWS website or phone 0800 74 73 72 to give your support.  Thank you.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 7^th October 2018

Worship venue this Sunday: St Mark’s Church Hall, cnr Opawa Rd & Vincent Pl

Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000: Final 10 days to contribute!

1 gift of $5,000 and 1 gift of $1,000 would do it. 4 gifts of $1,000 and 10 gifts of $200 would do it

Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project closes on Wednesday 17^th October. Receipts will be issued in March 2019, unless requested otherwise. As at 3^rd October we have received $29,670 – less than $6000 to go – but happy to receive over subscriptions!

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service.

Next week we meet again back at the Mineral & Lapidary Club on Sunday at 10am.

Craft Crawl to Ashburton Thursday 8^th November 9.30am. Please could those people who indicated they would like to join the Crafty Crafters pay Lyndsey McKay $25 next Sunday 14^th October.

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison  332 0554 or Joan 338 8700.

Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Parish Phone List has been updated. If you would like a copy, please contact the Anna at the Parish Office.

Funding Applications….We have applied to numerous trusts and foundations for support in fitting out the church complex.  So far we have received $5000 from the Jansen Trust for a dishwasher,  $3500 from Presbyterian Development Society for a new data projector and $1000 from the Mainland Trust to purchase 8 folding café tables.  We are very grateful to these organisations for their support.  Our target for applications is $25,000, but it may take some time to reach this.  We acknowledge with thanks the work of Gill Blackler in applying for funds.  Her experience and energy has been invaluable.

Working with Risingholme Community Centre… the Session has agreed to a key recommendation in Peter Burley’s report that we invite Risingholme to lead classes in our church and community hub.  We have met with the Director and are setting up a Memorandum of Understanding to enable us to work together.  We anticipate small steps to begin with as we set up a working relationship.  We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a Menz Shed or similar in the old Sunday School Rooms.    We would love to have the facilities well utilized and have the opportunity to connect with people from the wider community.

Wednesday Walkers 10^th October Meet 9.30am at the Beckenham Service Centre and Library for a walk around the area to be led by Benjamin. We should also be able to view the Refugee & Migrant Quilt display at the Library after we have had our coffee at Novel.  All welcome. Judith & Benjamin 332 1577.

Building Report: We are working to resolve issues raised by the structural engineer on the west wall. Of concern to us is that these issues around securing the brickwork have not been raised previously and will require some newly finished construction to be removed. In the meantime painters have begun work and gib stopping begins shortly.

General Assembly meeting in Christchurch….The Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio has been installed as the Moderator. His message to the church is “Don’t neglect the relationship with God and with each other.”

Other business to come before the Assembly will include re-ordering the national church body, a recommendation to reject the current euthanasia bill, and a recommendation to adopt the Accra Declaration – from the Alliance of Reformed churches rejecting neo-liberal economics.

New Sheds: Thank you to Cyril Morris, David Hodder and others who have shifted the garage from next door, cut it in half and built new end walls. We now have new storage areas that will be utilized once the old Sunday School rooms are emptied and the container removed.

CWS Appeal: Please help Indonesians living in Central Sulawesi following their earthquake and tsunami.  Survivors are in desperate need of support.

More than 1.5 million people have been affected.  1,407 people have lost their lives and 70,821 displaced.  65,733 houses have been damaged.  These figures are expected to rise.

We need to get help to the survivors now and protect them from hunger and disease.

This double disaster has caused so much damage. Please help by making a donation to  Indonesia Earthquake Tsunami Appeal via re CWS website or phone 0800 74 73 72 to give you support.  Thank you.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 30^th September 2018

Worship venue this Sunday: St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru, Merivale Lane 10am. Remember to alter your clocks for Daylight Saving!

 Our 10am service next Sunday 7^th October will be at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd (carpark off Vincent Pl).

Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000

• 1 gift of $5,000 and 4 gifts of $1,000 would do it
• 7 gifts of $1,000, and 10 gifts of $200 would do it

Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project closes on Wednesday 17^th October. Receipts will be issued in March 2019, unless requested otherwise.

So far we have received $26,670 – less than $9000 to go – but happy to receive over subscriptions!

Building Report: This week has seen gib being placed so the interior is starting to take shape.  We have had a delay in the foyer area because more steel was required to be welded in to strengthen around the enlarged windows.

Replacement of glazing in the street frontages is in progress.  Seven of the amber glass panels were broken and this glass is no longer obtainable.  We are also installing some low level clear glazing to allow more inside-outside connection.  Louvre windows in the kitchen will be replaced with windows to match the existing.

The mystery of the missing foyer doors has not been solved.  However we have been able to use the doors from the west exit of the foyer with small windows.  These look great.

Painting should begin shortly, we are expecting kitchen joinery to be delivered in mid October, and flooring and ceiling installation completed by the end of October.

Exterior work to place asphalt between the office and the street, and repair of the drains will take place at the end of October.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist Lounge. New volunteers always welcome. Talk to Lyndsey McKay 388 1264 for more information.

Wednesday Walkers 3^rd October: Meet 9.30am in Pentonville Close for a stroll around Westmorland. Coffee at Joan’s 0211442406. All are welcome.

Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Crafty Crafters’ Craft Crawl to Ashburton on Thursday 8^th November. The bus will depart from Beckenham Methodist Church at 9.30am, returning approx. 4.00-4.30pm. Cost for travel is $25. Please see Lyndsey McKay if you would like to come along.

New Sheds: Thank you to Cyril Morris, David Hodder and others who have shifted the garage from next door, cut it in half and built new end walls. We now have new storage areas that will be utilized once the old Sunday School rooms are emptied and the container removed.

 General Assembly is happening this week– 3-7 October in Christchurch. Dugald will be attending. The Opening Service will be held at St Andrew’s College on Wednesday 3rd October at 7pm, and is open to everyone. People are invited to gather for the opening powhiri at 6.45pm, and everyone is welcome to attend. The incoming Moderator, Rev Fakaofo Kaio, will be installed during the service.

Other evening programmes open to the wider church are:

Thursday 4th October, St Andrew’s College Chapel at 7.30pm “Building a Platform for Hope” – A series of stories about re-building churches (not just buildings!) and launching new initiatives over the past few years here in Alpine Presbytery.

Saturday 5th October at St Andrew’s College Chapel at 7.30pm “Going Deeper – Rising Stronger” – A TED Talk / Panel discussion about making changes to the culture of our churches so that we can set a new direction in our relationship with God and each other.

Speakers include: Pastor Amy Page-Whiting, Rev Gary Mauga, Bishop Paul Martin SM

Please note – a koha will be received to bless our keynote speaker.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.?

 Sunday 23^rd September 2018

 NOTICES:

 Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000

• 7 gifts of $5,000 would do it
• 3 gifts of $5,000 and 20 gifts of $1,000 would do it
• 3 gifts of $5,000, 10 gifts of $1,000, and 100 gifts of $200 would do it

Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project will close on October 17^th 2018. Receipts will be issued in March 2019, unless requested otherwise. Our treasurer tells us we have received $11,000 this week (grand total $17,100 so far).

NEXT Sunday 30^th September, we will join St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru, Merivale Lane, for worship at 10am. Treat yourself to a service led by Rev Chris Elliot, and enjoy the pipe organ! Daylight Saving starts next Sunday too – don’t forget to change your clocks forward.

Our 10am service on Sunday 7^th October will be at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd (carpark off Vincent Pl).

 Some Key Points from Peter Burley’s Report to Utilise the Church Complex

Demand for activities/Facilities There does not appear to be a shortage of meeting spaces in the St Martins area and demand for meeting space is LOW

There are no men’s shed activities in the area.

Physical exercise activities for older adults is not well catered for.

There are a good number of community groups but there would appear to be demand for targeted hobby, craft, and arts groups focussed on older adults.

Demographics In area close to church there is a greater number of older adults (St Martins, Opawa, Beckenham.)

Going forward there will be many more people in the early retirement phase.  This group will be interested in activities that improve health and well being.  There will be more people in the pre and early retirement mixing work and ‘play’.

There will also be a need for activities for young families.

Activating the Complex Peter suggests a number of potential partners for the delivery of activities in the complex.   He recommends we partner with a community services partner to run activities in the new church complex, and has made recommendations about who we might partner with.  Session examined this at its meeting last week.

Peter recommends we target three areas:

Men’s shed/hobbies located in the old SS rooms

Wellness programmes particularly for the gold card generation

Young parents’ programme

Session Report

Peter Burley Report … Session has received the Peter Burley report “St Martins Church – Needs and Facility Use Assessment.”   We are exploring the recommendation that we work with a community programme provider to activate full use of the church complex.  Session wishes to see this asset used to bring life to our community.  We are grateful to the Alpine Presbytery Mission Fund for financing this work.

Mission Discernment Group … has presented a report to the session outlining 6 ‘dreams’ for the future.  These dreams which were outlined to the congregation last Sunday will be worked into a updated Mission Plan.  Initially two of the dreams will be more closely examined to look at how they would be implemented.

Ministry review… ministers are required to have a ministry review conducted every three years and the Rev Rob Fergusson will be conducting a review of Dugald’s ministry.

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea and the AGM after the service. Many thanks to Rev Alan Webster for leading today’s service.

FIRESIDE welcomes women to share fellowship at our meetings.  Lyn has very kindly agreed to host us on Tuesday 25^th September at 7.30pm. If you wish, please bring a favourite saying or inspirational reading, and you may like to share why it is important to you.  Enquiries: Margaret 366 8936

Wednesday Walkers 26^th September: Meet 9.30am at South Library carpark for a walk in the Beckenham area. Coffee at Novel Café.  Janette and Cyril 021 075 6780.

Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Rich Living is an event exploring Sustainability and Christian Faith On Friday 28 September, 7.30pm at South West Baptist, a combined churches creative worship service. For all ages and youth-friendly.

Saturday 29 September, a day seminar at Cashmere Presbyterian Church, with a stimulating mix of speakers and workshops. The emphasis is on practical ways that local people and churches can make a difference. www.arocha.org.nz

 Join the Crafty Crafters’ Craft Crawl to Ashburton on Thursday 8^th November. The bus will depart from Beckenham Methodist Church at 9.30am, returning approx. 4.00-4.30pm. Cost for travel is $25. Please see Lyndsey McKay if you would like to come along.

 Preserves for sale today:  Lemon marmalade $4; Grapefruit & Ginger marmalade $5 (by special request!) and Lemon chutney $3 (great with cheese and pork). Also limited pots of lemon honey $5 and sugar free marmalade $4. Many thanks to Sue Saunders!

 Plants 4 U @ Rakaia Saturday 29^th  September 9.00am – 1.00pm, at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Hall, Main Road, Rakaia (by the two big trees).