South Elder Care has resumed on Tuesdays.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm. New helpers always welcome.

Crafty Crafters is back!! Bring along your own craft items or learn a new skill. Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Parish Lounge. $3 per session.

Talk to Lyndsey McKay for more information about any of these groups.

Contact Tracing: If you are on the church premises you MUST fill in the contact tracing form. Groups using the facilities may record their own details and then email a copy to Anna at the parish office.

Sunday Service continues to be posted on our website: (www.stmartins.org.nz). Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church for making this available to the people of St Martins.

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

Combined meeting of Session & Board of Managers: Wednesday 10^th June 7.30pm on the Lounge.

Cleaning Roster: volunteers urgently required please – email the Office if you can help! This is important. Having the building open for use is conditional on regular cleaning.

Wednesday Walkers 10^th June: Meet 9.30am Hawford Road by Opawa Café carpark for a walk around Opawa.  Coffee at Opawa Café. All welcome.  Joan Mac 022 081 4088.

Sit & Be Fit resumes this Thursday 11^th June 1.30pm. For more information, talk to Anneke

Meditation Group meets each Tuesday in the Parish Lounge from 7.15-8pm. New members welcome. Contact Dugald 380 5024 for more details.

Our Elder Care group celebrated 5 years last Tuesday as they re-opened after lockdown. The volunteers were presented with certificates by the eldest member of the group. A celebratory morning tea was held, and members’ partners were invited to share in this.

The Garage Series

This week we visit Wellington and Timaru. Both a bit longer than usual with more people, and some great questions

Episode #9: Wayne and Gordon from Wellington: 

https://youtu.be/9_mqeuscxI8 
Episode #10: Helen, Brent and Rory from Timaru (sorry about the video quality, but the audio is loud and clear):https://youtu.be/ujz6axh1IHY

See previous episodes on the Alpine Presbytery YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN1zIOMYMjvl78CcIqMRcVQ

Unite Against Covid-19: The Golden Rules for Alert Level 1

If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.

If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.

Wash your hands regularly with soap.

Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.

If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.

If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.

Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.

Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.

Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.

People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.

The UN has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Virtually all countries are expected to see substantial growth in the number of older persons between 2015 and 2030, and that growth will be faster in developing regions. Because the numbers of older persons are growing, the amount of elder abuse can be expected to grow with it. While the taboo topic of elder abuse has started to gain visibility across the world, it remains one of the least investigated types of violence in national surveys, and one of the least addressed in national action plans.

Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.

Key facts

• Around 1 in 6 older people experience some form of abuse, a figure higher than previously estimated and predicted to rise as populations age worldwide.
• Rates of abuse may be higher for older people living in institutions than in the community.
• Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
• Elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
• The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

Parish Office Hours: (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday mornings). Pop in and say hello, whilst maintaining physical distancing!

South Elder Care has resumed on Tuesdays.

Foot Clinic Monday 8 June 1-4pm. New helpers always welcome.

Crafty Crafters is back!! Bring along your own craft items or learn a new skill. Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Parish Lounge.

Talk to Lyndsey McKay for more information about any of these groups.

Contact Tracing: If you are on the church premises you MUST fill in the contact tracing form. Groups using the facilities may record their own details and then email a copy to Anna at the parish office.

Sunday Service continues to be posted on our website: (www.stmartins.org.nz). Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church for making this available to the people of St Martins.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. 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

Cleaning Roster: volunteers required please – email the Office if you can help!

Wednesday Walkers 3^rd June: Meet 9.30am at the Gardens by the footbridge. Coffee at Ilex (TBC). Please let Sonya know if you are coming.

Sit & Be Fit resumes on Thursday 11^th June.

Meditation Group meets each Tuesday in the Parish Lounge from 7-8pm. New members welcome. Contact Dugald 380 5024 for more details.

The Garage Series

Here are this week’s episodes of “The Garage Series.” This is where we go out and about and find out what questions people are asking.

  
#7:Barry & Clare from Lake Hood in Mid Canterbury: 

#8: Mo Morgan from Whanganui, one segment of her sharing at our weekly ministry leaders meeting: https://youtu.be/_WAtQOFKpN4

You may want to subscribe to the Alpine Presbytery YouTube channel while you are there. Maybe you have the same questions? Maybe you can talk about them in your congregation leadership meetings? Please share with us what solutions and ideas, and maybe further questions you come up with.

Unite Against Covid-19

Enjoy going out and about, but remember to maintain physical distancing and good hygiene practices. Keep a record of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. Gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted. Stay home if you are sick.

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

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

NOTICES:

Under Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions the St Martins facilities are available to be used by groups of no more than 10, with strict guidelines in place.

Parish Office Re-Opens this week: Anna will be back on site from Wednesday 27^th May and normal Office hours will resume (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday mornings). Pop in and say hello, whilst maintaining physical distancing!

Contact Tracing: If you are on the church premises you MUST fill in the contact tracing form. Groups using the facilities may record their own details and then email a copy to Anna at the parish office.

Sunday Service: on our website (www.stmartins.org.nz). Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church for making this available to the people of St Martins.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. 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

Cleaning Roster: volunteers required please – email the Office if you can help!

Foot Clinic Monday 8^th June 1-4pm.

NO Fireside meeting this month.

The Garage Series

Here are this week’s episodes of “The Garage Series.” This is where we go out and about and find out what questions people are asking.  

#5 – Lyn from Greymouth, https://youtu.be/SJcRMQwcou8 – Apologies for the audio issues near the end of this clip, keep listening and do not adjust your sets!

#6 – Phyllis from Lincoln, https://youtu.be/g92krMRO9J4

You may want to subscribe to the Alpine Presbytery YouTube channel while you are there. Maybe you have the same questions? Maybe you can talk about them in your congregation leadership meetings? Please share with us what solutions and ideas, and maybe further questions you come up with.

From the Council: Unite Against Covid-19

Under Alert Level 2 you can go out and about, but remember to maintain physical distancing and good hygiene practices. Keep a record of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted. Stay home if you are sick.

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

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

Under Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions the St Martins facilities are available to be used by groups of no more than 10, with strict guidelines in place.

Sunday Service: on our website (www.stmartins.org.nz). Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church for making this available to the people of St Martins.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. 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

The next ‘Messenger’ is due out soon. Please email any contributions to anneke.howie@gmail.com by Friday 22^nd May. Photos, recipes, reflections on your lockdown experience all welcome.

Sue Saunders has not been sitting idle and still has five boxes of goodies left. Please phone her late afternoon or at the weekend – 960 7657. Bottled Pears, 1 bottle Peaches, Tomato Puree (great for soup/pasta sauce etc), Tomato Sauce, 3 bottles Lemon Curd, Marmalades: Grapefruit; Lemon; Orange & Peach , Jam: Plum; Blackberry & Apple; Feijoa & Ginger; Feijoa & Pear, Chutneys: Peach & Tomato; Spicy Apple & Red Pepper; Plum & Blackberry Chutney; Lemon & Mustard, Feijoa, Pear & Ginger, Kasundi – an Indian type relish suitable for vegetarian dishes etc

The Garage Series

Here are this week’s episodes of “The Garage Series.” This is where we go out and about and find out what questions people are asking.  

Episode #3, Don from Takaka. This one is a bit longer with a bonus extra reflection from Don about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

Episode #4, Jess from Christchurch https://youtu.be/_TMSKdN1h90 

You may want to subscribe to the Alpine Presbytery YouTube channel while you are there. Maybe you have the same questions? Maybe you can talk about them in your congregation leadership meetings? Please share with us what solutions and ideas, and maybe further questions you come up with.

From the Council: Unite Against Covid-19

Under Alert Level 2 you can go out and about, but remember to maintain physical distancing and good hygiene practices. Keep a record of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted. Stay home if you are sick.

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

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.

From the Prime Minister:

“Play it safe. Remember that wall of defence we built together as a team now rests with every one of us. So when you’re out and about, acknowledge your fellow team mates, enjoy being out more and seeing others. Keep it small. Keep your distance. And be kind.”

Moderator’s Covid-19 Pastoral Message

The storm of Covid-19 has rocked and shaken us all. Each bubble, each person – in fact the whole nation, and maybe all of the world – are in disarray. The invisible enemy is wreaking havoc like never experienced before. We have a common foe. “Keep the faith, stand firm, do not be afraid.” These are the words of our Lord Jesus to his disciples in times of trials, fears, death and uncertainty. Our Lord speaks these words to us, today.

Please keep going forward with how you have faced this intruder in the past seven weeks. Your resolve and your desire for life is profound. There is nothing stronger in life than human will. It is a precious gift of God from the beginning of time. You are making a difference for yourself and others. You are appreciated, valued and loved.

“Keep going, do not be tired of doing good.” (1 Peter 3:13)

Beloved, this dark cloud will not subdue us or cause us to surrender or concede. We will live, we will learn, we will prosper. We hold on to our hope and to our faith. Our God is the Creator of heaven and earth. In the image of God we were created. Praise and thank God always.

For our part also, keep everything and everyone in daily prayers. Call, email, and make contact with others as the Covid-19 alert moves down to level two. Adapt, adjust and do more where you can. We must lead by example, adhering to government guidelines. Remember the “front liners” in these unprecedented times. Look out for the least, the ill and the unfortunate.

Build and rebuild the church of our Lord wherever you are. Let the Spirit of God guide and lead. Many of our church services are online, reaching thousands weekly, globally.

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,” the old hymn calls of us today.

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

The St Martins facilities remain closed under Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions. Information about Level 2 available next week.

Sunday Service: on our website (www.stmartins.org.nz). Many thanks to Rev Anne Stewart and the team from Village Presbyterian Church for making this available to the people of St Martins.

Moderator’s live streaming of devotions every Sunday at 9am. 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

In Memoriam: Tony Blackler 27 November 1949 – 4 May 2020

It is with much sadness that we record the death of Tony Blackler. Tony gave strong support and guidance to St Martins Presbyterian Church. He was an accomplished leader and this was evident in his work with Rotary – especially with young people, and also with the Men’s Group at St Martins, and as an Elder (since 19^th September 1982).

Tony retired from his work at the Hospital early last year, and whilst his health has had its ups and downs over the past months, his death comes suddenly.

Later in the year a memorial service for Tony will be planned.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Allison and Gill at a very difficult time.

Jesus our Saviour, comfort us with the great power of your love as we mourn the sudden death of Tony. Give us a patient faith in this time of darkness and help us to understand and know your ways. Strengthen us in our faith that he is with you for ever. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from A New Zealand Prayer Book p857)

Sonya spoke with Allison on Wednesday.  As one should expect with Allison and Gillian, they seem to be completely in control and highly organised and assured us they are doing OK.  They are feeling very loved and surrounded by flowers and cards.

Where is God in a Pandemic?

St Barnabas’ Anglican Church are hosting a Zoom seminar with theological and author Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan on Thursday 14 May at 7.30pm, addressing the question ‘Where is God in a Pandemic?’ It will be a very stimulating seminar with lots of time for Q and A.

Nicola is a theologian based in Auckland.  She specialises in the interface between evolutionary theory and systematic theology and has broad interests also in all issues of public and contextual theology and ecology.  Her recent book, Animal Suffering and the Problem of Evil (OUP, 2013), examined theodicy given the reality of long aeons of animal suffering before humans arrived. She is currently completing a book on Free Will. Nicola has taught theology (and previously mathematics) in the US and NZ. She is co-Director of New Zealand Christians in Science, and is an adjunct supervisor at  Flinders University, South Australia.  She worships at All Saints in Ponsonby.

The link to join the seminar is https://anglicanchurch-nz.zoom.us/j/95427063994

Pray As One NZ

These ZOOM-based nation-wide prayer gatherings, which began last month and which many hundreds of people participated in, are now to be held weekly, on Monday nights from 8pm to 9pm.

Join the Prayer meeting here: https://prayasone.nz/resources/#zoomprotocol

The Garage Series

In uncertain times like this, it is important to ask questions with each other, so to help we have a new Youtube series called “The Garage Series. This is where we go out and about and find out what questions people are asking. 

Watch the series introduction here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2XeRLo1grM&t=3s

Episode 1, all the way from Bryndwr Christchurch (Martin and Anne) is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMY-VHBMdOI&t=39s
 

Episode 2, from Twizel (Grant) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3pPhfWSV2o

Maybe you have the same questions? Maybe you can talk about them in your congregation leadership meetings? Please share with the Presbytery what solutions and ideas, and maybe further questions you come up with.

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.

The Council is making plans to re-open public facilities when we move to Level 2.

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

When walking the dog, keep them on the lead.

Only put plastics with code 1,2 & 5 in your yellow bin.

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.

The next ‘Messenger’ is due out soon. Please email any contributions to anneke.howie@gmail.com by Friday 22^nd May. Photos, recipes, reflections on your lockdown experience all welcome.

A Very Happy 80^th Birthday to Jill TODAY!!