The St Martins facilities will remain closed under Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions

Sunday Service: Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church (Papanui & Bryndwr) for making this available to the people of St Martins. There is also a midweek reflection which will be e-mailed to you.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. Go to the Moderator’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/modpcanz/

Watch Sunday’s service from Beckenham Methodist: the video link/s are available after 11am from their webpage:  www.bmc.nz  Services/Reflections

Want to re-stock your pantry? Sue has the following for sale:

Bottled – Black Boy Peaches, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Tomato Puree

Chutneys – Pasta Sauce, Relishes, Tomato Sauce

Jams – Feijoa & Ginger, Feijoa & Pear, Feijoa & Lemon

Chilli Sauces – some with only a little sugar in them.

Kasundi – tomato relish

Give her a phone call 960 7657 to place an order. As we will be in ‘Level 3’ from Tuesday, and you will be able to travel a little further, Sue will leave your order in her letterbox for you to collect and leave money there.

Charitable Giving Tax Credit 

Our treasurer, Joan Macdonald, will have your receipts available for you once the COVID19 lockdown is over.

You may have been considering donating your Charitable Giving Tax Credit to the church. For more information, contact Joan – 337 1648.

Moderator’s Anzac Day Message
Greetings

“Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.” (John 15:12-14)

The words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ring and echo loudly in our situation today.

In fact, as we all attest to this truth in life, it is the sound of Jesus’ words that permeate our being as we move from Easter toward Anzac Day. Easter was very different this year, with the crowds and gatherings, worship and fellowship, meals of fish and bread, communion – all carried out using digital communication. This is an unprecedented situation due to unusual times affecting the whole world. What stands out for me each and every year is: “Jesus died on the Cross, for you and I”.

ANZAC Day appropriately follows Easter on our calendar. The underlying theme of the Cross is echoed by the soldiers that died for “God, King and country”. Their lives, their commitments, their sacrifices were for you and I, which is commemorated on ANZAC. It is poignant, significant and sacred.

Many lives were lost. We are forever indebted to the brave men and women who died on the frontier of the battlefields for our freedom, for all that we have. We will never forget them. We remember and recall ANZAC every year, and we educate our children about this alliance. We will remember them: they are our heroes, our champions, our “game-changers”.

Today, in our world and in our country, we have new heroes, champions and “game-changers”. These new heroes are the many men, women and children who have stepped up, arisen, “taken the bull by the horns” and made a difference in the lives of many during the Covid-19 crisis. To all the essential workers (police, nurses, doctors, firefighters, rest home carers, orderlies, supermarket workers, chaplains… the list is long), thank you. Bless you.

Your service for the masses, for our country, is both courageous and brave. You are valued and loved, appreciated and cherished. You risk your lives every day against an unseen enemy – Covid-19. You work is in the same order of sacrifice as our Lord Jesus on the Cross and the soldiers on the battlefields. Your lives are on the line every time you step up and step out. We salute you and keep you and your loved ones in our prayers. We will not forget you.

Jesus said, “I came that you may have life, life in all its fullness”. (John 10:10)

Blessings,
Right Reverend Fakaofo Kaio, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

A Prayer for Anzac Day:

Almighty God and Heavenly Father, whose kingdom rules over all and in whom there is perfect freedom. We give you thanks at this time for all who have served in the defence of this country.

As we remember those men and women who served – in the ranks of our Navy, Army, Air Force, Merchant Navy and Police, we give thanks to you, gracious God, for their great sacrifices in conflict and in captivity – for the cause of peace and freedom. In our nation of wealth, prosperity and comfort, let us not forget the cost of these privileges which we now enjoy. 

We pray for peace. Have mercy on our broken and divided world and banish the spirit that makes for war. We ask that leaders of nations and governments will pursue freedom, justice and the welfare of all peoples.

We pray for ourselves. In the midst of worldly turmoil and lockdown, make us yearn for peace – not only with each other – but peace with you through our crucified and risen Saviour.  Trusting in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, help us to look forward to His kingly return.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Council: Unite Against Covid-19

Under Alert Level 3 you still need to Stay Home, Save Lives. If you’re going out for fresh air, stay local. Take care of yourselves and stay connected with family and friends over the phone.

Some takeaway businesses will be open.

If you need welfare assistance, call the CCC helpline 0800 24 24 11

When walking the dog, keep them on the lead.

Recycling will be sorted again from May – please make sure you only put recyclables in the yellow bin.

The Eco Depots will be open from Tuesday.

For health advice, contact Healthline 0800 358 5453. If you are feeling unwell, call your GP before you visit.

Call the free Government Helpline 0800 779 997 (8am-1am) 7 days a week if you need advice.

Keep an eye on the official website – Covid19.govt.nz – for updates.

Due to Coronavirus lock-down the St Martins facilities are closed until further notice.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. Go to the Moderator’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/modpcanz/

Watch Sunday’s service from Beckenham Methodist: the video link/s are available after 11am from their webpage:  www.bmc.nz  Services/Reflections

We would like to thank our friends at St Martins for their thoughts and concern for Rob and myself.

We are both well and well looked after and today we will have meals back in the dining room and can move a little.

Our rooms are very close and Rob comes to my room a lot of the time. Today there will be activities again in small groups.

It has certainly been a different Celebration time of Easter but technology  has helped a little.

I  wondered how I would manage living in one Room but we both have a nice bright  sunny room with an outside door on to a courtyard and small flower beds.

Greetings to each one.

God bless you all

Margaret and Rob McLean

Charitable Giving Tax Credit 

Our treasurer, Joan Macdonald, will have available your receipts for you once the COVID19 lockdown is over.

You may have been considering donating your Charitable Giving Tax Credit to the church. For more information, contact Joan – 337 1648.

Two Prayers by Bill Wallace

Easter

Easter hope shines out like snow on the mountain peaks

Clear and defining, high and promising

God of resurrection,

help us look beyond the foreground of our worries,

to the glorious hope of the risen Christ. Amen.

Easter Life and Light

Dear God, this is the best season of the year.

The autumn leaves are banners of colourful joy.

Jesus who was dead is alive for ever.

In this Easter season help us see your love,

and push aside the darkness that holds us.

For Jesus lives,

In the power of the Father and the Spirit. Amen.

From the Council: Unite Against Covid-19

Thanks for heeding the call to Stay Home, Save Lives. If you’re going out for fresh air, stay local. Take care of yourselves and stay connected with family and friends over the phone.

Information about when we move to Level 3, and how it will work will be available next week.

If you need welfare assistance, call the CCC helpline 0800 24 24 11

Ratepayers facing financial hardship will be able to defer the rate payments for up to six months.

When walking the dog, keep them on the lead and please take used dog poo bags home with you.

Please keep neighbourhood noise down.

Kerbside rubbish collection continues as normal.

Street sweeping also continues.

For health advice, contact Healthline 0800 358 5453. If you are feeling unwell, call your GP before you visit.

Call the free Government Helpline 0800 779 997 (8am-1am) 7 days a week if you need advice.

Keep an eye on the official website – Covid19.govt.nz – for updates.

Due to Coronavirus lock-down the St Martins facilities are closed until further notice. See information below for service details.

Moderator’s Easter message – He is Risen
Jesus the Christ is risen, indeed.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid… Jesus, who was crucified…. he is risen, just as he said. Go quickly and tell his disciples. He has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:5-7).

Rejoice and be glad that our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, did rise from the tomb. Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures. Every page, every word foretold about the Messiah of God, prophesied by God’s prophets since the beginning of time, came true.

Jesus the Christ of God has risen.

This risen Christ spoke to the women, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me” (Matthew 28:10). The encouragement from the angel, and the words of our Lord Jesus speak to us clearly! “Do not be afraid”. The disciples were terrified, they had lost all hope at Golgotha. Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied him, most of them scattered for fear from the Roman soldiers and of the religious authorities. They were lost and afraid.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ our Lord Saviour died and rose from the tomb. What does it mean for us? 

It means salvation, eternity with God is ours, if we believe and accept that Jesus is Lord. That he came to redeem humanity back to God. He taught and exemplified the way of the Kingdom of God. His resurrection defeated death. His sacrifice, the perfect Lamb of God, paid for our transgressions. Jesus personifies the love of God, in life, in death, in resurrection. May we sing everyday with the faithful gone before us, “He is Lord, He is Lord. He has risen from the dead and he is Lord. Every knee shall bend, every tongue confess. That Jesus Christ is Lord”. Alleluia, Praise the Lord, Amen. 

Beloved, do not be afraid. Jesus is risen. Nothing on earth, in heaven and in the world below can separate us from the love of God, in Jesus Christ. This was Paul’s words in encouraging the early church. Especially the persecuted faith community in Rome. Do not be afraid. Be careful out there. Be wise in life, be strong in the faith. Be kind to everyone. Be the light of Christ in our challenging times. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always to the very end of age” (Matthew 28:26).

Yours in Christ’s service
Right Reverend Fakaofo Kaio
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. Go to the Moderator’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/modpcanz/

Charitable Giving Tax Credit 

Our treasurer, Joan Macdonald, will have available your receipts for you once the COVID19 lockdown is over.

You may have been considering donating your Charitable Giving Tax Credit to the church. For more information, contact Joan – 337 1648.

From the Session Clerk:

Alpine Presbytery Council have advised and appointed the Rev Dr Matthew Jack (currently Minister of Knox Church, ChCh) as St Martins temporary Interim Moderator – that is until a Stated Supply begins at St Martins.

Are you aware of any parishioners who may have an email address that we don’t have? Let Anna know. Email Anna also: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz if you would like to receive an up to date parish phone list.

Rob McLean was 99 last Sunday and Margaret was able to spend a couple of hours with him. The family were able to join them electronically!

Happy birthday to all those folk having birthdays during this week – but especially to John England who, on the 13^th April, celebrates a very special milestone. Congratulations John.

From the Council: Unite Against Covid-19

Thanks for heeding the call to Stay Home, Save Lives. If you’re going out for fresh air, stay local. Take care of yourselves and stay connected with family and friends over the phone.

If you need welfare assistance, call the CCC helpline 0800 24 24 11

Ratepayers facing financial hardship will be able to defer the rate payments for up to six months.

When walking the dog, please take used dog poo bags home with you.

Please keep neighbourhood noise down.

Kerbside rubbish collection continues as normal.

Water restrictions have been lifted.

For health advice, contact Healthline 0800 358 5453. If you are feeling unwell, call your GP before you visit.

Call the free Government Helpline 0800 779 997 (8am-1am) 7 days a week if you need advice.

Keep an eye on the official website – Covid19.govt.nz – for updates.

A Message from the Moderator of Alpine Presbytery

To the people of our churches in Alpine Presbytery

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I do hope and pray that you and your family are coping with these strange times we find ourselves in. Hopefully too, you are finding ways to stay connected both with your family and friends as well as with your church community. Although many things are restricted at present, there are still opportunities to renew old connections or maybe meet your neighbours – from a safe distance, perhaps, even, for the first time – and I hope you are finding ways to do this. Reaching out, in whatever ways we can, is especially important as we go through this time, in order to protect those among us who have vulnerable health, but also to build appropriate bridges once the Covid-19 levels are lifted.

During this time when we cannot physically meet and activities that might have previously helped support the church are suspended, all of our churches will be feeling the strain financially. I want to humbly put a suggestion to you that I would like you to give your careful and prayerful consideration to.

I wonder if you would, if you do not do so already, consider redirecting any tax rebate that you receive from donations through the last year, back to your church. The Government is, currently, kind enough to encourage this generosity by paying us back one third of the donated amounts if our churches are registered as charities. It seems to me to be reasonable to make that third, which was initially given to the church, back to the church. This would provide at least some initial help to your parish over what is likely to be time of considerable struggle with cashflow. Martin and I have practiced this discipline for the past thirteen years, and of course, it follows that each year our donations grow without any noticeable pain to our own living!

Secondly, there is a bit of talk around about remembering to be missional in this time of hunkering down. I think this is timely in that when we are under threat we tend to want to tighten up and withdraw, believing that survival is paramount. Can I encourage you in these times to do the opposite; to be more open to your community, braver in our call to be generous, and remembering always that relationships are missional in their very core. Don’t be afraid to offer care and kindness to others, be confident that there is enough of these things to go around when God is at work among us! While we are unable to start, or continue, new programmes or activities, we can chat with a neighbour, over the fence or down a drive on your daily walks, or on the phone. The most common thing I hear in talking around our parish is ‘I have great neighbours!’ That is such a good thing to be hearing. May I also encourage you in the holy art of being great neighbours!

Go well in Christ, and please stay well!!

Rev Anne Stewart

Alpine Presbytery Moderator

An Easter Prayer –

Christ, we thank you for all rebirths.

We thank you for forgiveness and for second chances,

both for ourselves and others.

This Easter season, as, in this part of the world,

the trees are painted with autumn colours

and nature is readying itself for winter rest,

help us all to be at peace, calm, thoughtful

yet mindful of the needs of others,

and to be the people you mean us to be.

Here’s the link to Beckenham Methodist’s services:http://www.bmc.nz/?fbclid=IwAR2hgjhhyF4ICjd49Yki-zhQ4iIdJtA4Yp1CajaOgWA7AclPwcs_hb84Mzk

Due to Coronavirus lock-down the St Martins facilities are closed until further notice.

Important information from Canterbury Civil Defence:

• Social connection is hugely important – keep phoning people and stay in touch.
• Refer any at-risk person with health needs to Healthline 0800 358 5453.  
• For any financial needs they should call the Government Helpline 0800 779 997. 

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Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am.             Together we will feel and share the love of Jesus Christ, the great healer. This devotion is one way that our Church can be there for each other and them. Let’s share our hope and pray together for each other. Go to the Moderator’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/modpcanz/ Please share these links widely. Let us show we are together apart, and fully present. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 Right Reverend Fakaofo Kaio, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand

From the Session Clerk:

Alpine Presbytery Council have advised and appointed the Rev Dr Matthew Jack (currently Minister of Knox Church, ChCh) as St Martins temporary Interim Moderator – that is until a Stated Supply begins at St Martins.

Good wishes to St Martins have been received from Barry Ayers (Executive Officer – Alpine Presbytery), Phil Harris – Human Resources and Dave Theyers (MSB Chair).

Dugald Wilson has also sent greetings and the hope that everyone is keeping safe and well. He comments that –

“The meditation group is keeping going.  We are probably not going to do a zoom connection each week, but I’ll send out regular emails to keep people connected.

Menzshed has of course cut all working bees, but there may be some lone workers doing some work on preparing the facility.    We have been hit with a range on unforeseen costs including a rather large bill from council to process the consent.  We asked for a waiver but to no effect.  We can get a building on site for free, but to meet consent and get it on piles etc will end up costing $40,000.”

Anna continues to oversee office proceedings from her home. Thank you Anna. Email her stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz if you would like to receive an up to date phone list.

And Sonya Hodder has advised that if there is anything that you are aware of in the community that is of concern, please let her know before Thursday say 6pm as she has been asked to go on a video link with Council, Police Community, and other Resident Groups to discuss areas of concern to look at how they should be addressed. (s.d.hodder@xtra.co.nz)

Thank you to everyone who is keeping in touch with folk who are not on email. That phone call makes a lot of difference.

From all accounts there are lot of cupboards and pantries being cleaned and sorted, a mouse to be found! – and an office that has been like an expedition to darkest Peru and unearthed some lost treasures.

And don’t forget – this weekend ‘clocks go back’.

“I am a firm believer in the people.

If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis.

The great point is to bring them the real facts.” 

Abraham Lincoln (A real President)

Go well, go safely.

Irene

A Prayer in Lockdown

“The doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked” (John 20:19)

Ever present God

be with us in our isolation

be close to us in our distancing

be healing in our sickness

be joy in our sadness

be light in our darkness

be wisdom in our confusion

be all that is familiar when all is unfamiliar

that when the doors re-open

we may with the zeal of Pentecost

inhabit our communities and speak of your goodness

to an emerging world.

For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Due to Coronavirus lock-down the St Martins facilities are closed until further notice.

From the Alpine Presbytery:

In the midst of this strange new phenomenon called “lock-down” we may find ourselves taking time to adjust. New ways of living and new rhythms for your day might need to be discovered. So.… be kind to yourself; find ways of readjusting your life; take time to make a plan for how to work out each day; don’t expect things to just switch over easily! Take time to talk and think and plan your way into a new way of being. This phase may yet last longer than we expect. Go easy on yourself and look after yourself and each other as you adjust in the time ahead.

Take care and keep safe!

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Message from the Moderator
Greetings.

During this stressful time when we are unable to gather in our churches for worship, comfort and support, I will be live streaming devotions for our Church family every Sunday at 9am. Please join me. My Sunday devotion is not just for our Church family, it is for anyone who needs the comforting word that God is with us.

No matter what we face in the coming weeks as a family, community and nation, Jesus will be with us, never forsake us. Together we will feel and share the love of Jesus Christ, the great healer.

We are in a time of crisis, people are fearful of what lies ahead, and they will be searching for spiritual guidance, strength and courage. This devotion is one way that our Church can be there for each other and them. Let’s share our hope and pray together for each other.

My video devotion will be on my Moderator Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/modpcanz/ There is also a link on the Church website and Facebook. Please share these links to my devotions widely. Let us show we are together apart, and fully present. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

Right Reverend Fakaofo Kaio,

Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand

One of the most important things we can do at this time is to check in with one another, by phone, video messaging or email. Please send me an email if you require an up to date parish contact list. Do keep in touch!

Anna  – stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

God speed you on your way,
safe keep you every day,
give you wing, cause to sing,
All this we wish and pray.

God give you space to thrive,
all senses kept alive,
health and hope, means to cope,
joyfully to arrive.

God lead you to the new,
places and points of view,
roads to take, friends to make,
more life to travel through. ©Shirley Murray