Sunday 15th December 2024

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 18th 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

Opawa Community Church Carol Singing with Stedfast Brass Friday 20th 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 20th December 2024 – returning again on Thursday 23rd 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.

Sunday 8th December 2024

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 11th 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.

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.

Sunday 1st December 2024

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 26th 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 4th 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 11th 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 8th 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)

Sunday 24th November 2024

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 27th 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 1st & 8th December. Donations of wrapping paper also appreciated.

Seniors’ Communion Service Wednesday 11th 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)

Sunday 17 November 2024

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, and especially to Rev Sheena Dickson for leading today’s service. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

Dan is on leave until 20th November. For urgent pastoral matters please email the Parish Office.

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.

Articles are required now for the next ‘Messenger’. Deadline is Friday 22nd November so we can have the magazine available for distribution on 1st December. Please email any contributions to Charlotte (hooty@xtra.co.nz).

Wednesday Walkers 20th November: meet 9.30am near Madras & Kilmore Streets for a walk around the Avon River. Coffee at Table at Monks. All welcome – Janet 027 240 4967.

CONSERVATION – Week 7. Tourism, particularly international travel, has a huge carbon footprint which is utterly unsustainable. It’s not just the carbon emissions from fuel, but the emissions from all the infrastructure that is built around tourism. Civilisation could exist quite nicely without any tourism. Millions would be looking for new jobs. Growing food without using oil would be very labour intensive. What can you do? Simple. Stop travelling for pleasure.

Cook N Save class – would you or someone you know like to make their money go further in and out of the kitchen? Come along to St Mark’s Church, on Tues 28th Nov 9.30am. Email opawa.stmartins@gmail.com to book.

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.

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 1st & 8th December. Donations of wrapping paper also appreciated.

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.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

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

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

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Avon River Janet 027 240 4967

Wednesday 7-9pm       Cantabile Choir (lounge) Rose 027 254 0586

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Sally 332 4730

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

Saturday 10am              Pathways study group (lounge)

Saturday 2.30pm           Cantabile Concert & private function (whole complex)