Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Christmas, filled with God’s grace and love.

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

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

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm

A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am

Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am

Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

January services are all at St Martins.

On the 5^th & 19^th we will be joined by our neighbours from Beckenham Methodist.

Volunteers to serve morning tea on 5^th January still required please.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers: over summer we will meet 9.30am at South Library – all are welcome. Check with Sonya 027 253 3397 for details.

CWS Christmas Appeal envelopes can be placed in the offertory plate on any Sunday until 26^th January.

CONSERVATION – Week 12. We all know that alcohol is not good for us and it’s not good for the planet either. Like nearly everything, it has a big carbon footprint. It would be far better that vineyards grew crops for biofuel rather than alcohol for human consumption. What can you do? Cut back on alcohol consumption. It will be good for you. Instead, burn the alcohol in tractors. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

The Parish Office re-opens on Thursday 23^rd January.

Come, Christmas Child

Come, Christmas Child, come again in your wonder,

changing the world with the light that you hold;

burst through the mist and the dust of the ages,

Word for our time to unwrap and unfold.

Come to be born in a comfortless cradle,

come where our cruelties keep us in chains:

Herod still hunts for our innocent children,

Rachel still weeps and her sorrow remains.

Bring us your mirror of hope and compassion,

bring us your mindset that mends and restores,

bake us the bread of new life you will offer,

knocking once more on humanity’s doors.

Come, Christmas Child, in the festival’s flurry,

come in the silence, the pain and the night,

come in the hearts that are faith-filled as Mary’s,

bringing the joy of the love you invite.

Shirley Murray

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

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

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Informal Walk 18^th December: meet 9.30am at South Library.

CONSERVATION – Week 11. Most of us eat far too much. It is not healthy for us or the planet. All food has a carbon footprint – particularly meat. Eat health foods. What can you do? Don’t eat for pleasure. Sure, enjoy the company that food can bring, but in moderation. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Waltham Cottage is closed from 19 December until late January – if you could refrain from bringing groceries that would be appreciated.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: South Library

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm

A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am

Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am

Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

ALL Services in January are here at St Martins

Opawa Community Church Carol Singing with Stedfast Brass Friday 20^th December 6pm – all welcome.

From the Parish Council Meeting – 11.12.24

• Anna’s last day in the office before she goes on leave will be Friday 20^th December 2024 – returning again on Thursday 23^rd January 2025.
• Warren has carried out a ‘walk through’ of the Manse, noting a few jobs that need to be done. Donna is an excellent tenant.
• For when the weather is wet and one is wanting to hang up one’s wet coat – 4 coat hooks have been placed in the toilet area and 4 hooks in the cupboard in the foyer.
• You will have enjoyed the Christmas card with the photo of the Cross on front of the church. Thanks to Rob Connell for taking the photo and to Dan for arranging that everyone got a copy. Also sent to all clergy who have helped over the past year.
• Discussion regarding funeral disbursements. In February 2025, we will review guidelines regarding funeral costings and the use of the church complex.
• Budget – Finances are ‘OK’ but, according to our budget, we have a $3000 deficit. Given that we have a full time Minister (who is working extremely hard) is it time for us all to review the amount we give? Many members give by direct credit. On the plus side, we have received our first Solar credit ($52 rebate).
• Thanks to the MenzShed for building the planter box positioned at the end of the office building. Soil and plants to be in position soon.
• Church piano – is in a pretty sad state and would require quite substantial repairs. Earthquakes and being stored in a container has led to its demise. If you would like to contribute towards funding for a new piano, please see the Parish Clerk. Given the piano’s use, not only on Sunday, but during the week for other groups, we need to replace it soon.
• Garage Sale – date with the MenzShed to be considered.

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

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

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers 11^th December: meet 9.30am in or near Barrington Mall carpark in Simeon Street.  Coffee at Mosaic.  All welcome – Janette 021 075 6780.

CONSERVATION – Week 10. Food has a big carbon footprint and is likely to stay that way as there is little that can be done with our present population density to convert oil to food. Food that is transported from overseas is particularly bad with its transport carbon footprint. What can you do? Don’t buy imported food. Only eat NZ in-season food preferably sourced from the grower.  warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Thank you to everyone who has donated Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage:

Sue has located the wild plums she wanted and has made wild plum jelly to go with Christmas ham, or just on toast. Bottles on sale, $5 each.

Seniors’ Communion Service Wednesday 11^th December 2pm – bring a friend and enjoy singing and listening to some Christmas music. Afternoon tea will follow. All are welcome.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Tuesday 10am              South Elder Care lunch Jeannette 332 9869

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Barrington. Janette 021 075 6780

Wednesday 2pm           Seniors’ HC service

Wednesday 7.30pm      Parish Council meeting

Thursday 12.15pm        Crafty Crafters’ lunch

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit (church) Anneke 021 077 4065

Saturday 9.30am           Private function (lounge)

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm

A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am

Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am

Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

NOTICES:

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

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

We give thanks for the life of Bill Irvine, who died on 26^th November, and pray for Isobel and his family and friends as they mourn. We remember his music ministry here at St Martins for 30+ years – for the tremendous contribution to the parish that he gave so willingly. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers 4^th December: meet 9.30am Hawford Rd near or in Opawa Mall carpark for a walk around Opawa. Coffee at Opawa Café.  All welcome. Sonya 027 253 3397.

CONSERVATION – Week 9. This week’s conservation suggestion is to live close to where you work or commonly travel to. Our church’s biggest carbon footprint is from our transport to church. This will be especially true with solar added to our church. What can you do? If it is not practical to shift, try ride sharing. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Seniors’ Communion Service Wednesday 11^th December 2pm – bring a friend and enjoy singing and listening to some Christmas music. Afternoon tea will follow. All are welcome.

Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage: Please bring along suitable new gifts for boys, girls, teenagers and adults and place them under the Christmas tree in the church by 8^th December. Donations of wrapping paper also appreciated.

Sue has located the wild plums she wanted and has made wild plum jelly to go with Christmas ham, or just on toast. Bottles on sale, $5 each.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Monday 1-4pm              Foot Clinic (lounge) Janette 021 0756780

Tuesday 10am              South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Opawa Sonya 027 253 3397

Wednesday 9.30am      Port Hills U3A (whole complex) Joy 337 2393

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Sally 332 4730

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit (church) Anneke 021 077 4065

Saturday 1-11pm          Private function (whole complex)

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

NOTICES:

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

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers 27^th November: meet 9.30am at corner of Creyke & Ilam Rds near L B & Co Café where we will have coffee after a walk around Ilam.  All are welcome. Sonya 027 253 3397.

CONSERVATION – Week 8. This week’s candidate is what I call burning carbon for pleasure. This includes driving for pleasure, flying for pleasure, power boating, spectating, ship cruises (horrible). What can you do? Cut back burning carbon for pleasure. Warren.

ROSTERS: The 2025 morning tea & door duty is now available, as well as a new Sunday roster. Please collect your copy today.

Sue is looking for the ‘wild’ cherry plums which are on trees now. They are a deep wine colour and about the size of a $1 – $2 coin. The leaves are also the same deep wine colour. Often planted in older properties/suburbs.

Be creative for Christmas – help us decorate the Christmas Tree this year, with DIY Festive Stars. Colourful Christmas wrapping paper is ideal – use two sheets, back-to-back, so the star can be viewed from both sides. Attach some string or cotton thread so it can be tied to the tree, or looped over a branch. Bring your stars anytime after 30 Nov. Instructions for the stars and some examples are in the foyer. Worship Committee.

Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage: Please bring along suitable new gifts for boys, girls, teenagers and adults and place them under the Christmas tree in the church on Sundays 1^st & 8^th December. Donations of wrapping paper also appreciated.

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian

Seniors’ Communion Service Wednesday 11^th December 2pm – bring a friend and enjoy singing and listening to some Christmas music. Afternoon tea will follow. All are welcome.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Monday 12 noon           Fireside lunch @ Richmond Club

Tuesday 10am              South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Ilam Sonya 027 253 3397

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Sally 332 4730

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit (church) Anneke 021 077 4065

Friday 5-11pm               Private function (whole complex)

Saturday 4-11pm          Private function (whole complex)