Coronavirus (COVID-19) There are two important things to remember…

* Do not panic! Be properly informed.

* Take all reasonable steps to keep yourself and others safe.

From PCANZ Council of Assembly:

COVID-19 is rapidly developing into a global health crisis. Its impact here in Aotearoa New Zealand, and across the globe, is changing daily.

We encourage everyone to remain compliant with health and safety procedures, avoid unnecessary exposure, and act responsibly to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

We recommend we all follow advice given by the Ministry of Health (see updates at  https://www.health.govt.nz/).

The Assembly Office will work hard to keep up-to-date with the best practice for churches as things continue to develop in Aotearoa New Zealand; and they will keep us informed accordingly.

In times like these, we are reminded that: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” (Ps. 46: 1-2).

A very warm welcome to you all this morning. Please come through to the Lounge after the service for a cuppa and a time to talk. Many thanks to Craig Fairhall for leading today’s worship.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW in the lounge 1-4pm.

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage – all donations gratefully received.

Anna will not be in the Office this Thursday.

Book Sale Saturday 21^st March 9am – 1pm at St Mark’s Anglican Church 101 Opawa Rd.

Singing Group meets next Sunday at 9.15am.

Wednesday Walkers 11^th March: Meet 9.30am in Simeon Street near the Barrington Mall Carpark, for a walk around Spreydon. There is the option of having coffee at Whareora House Life at 8 Athelstan Streetat 10.30am prior to the Power of Attorney meeting.

Mark your calendars now for a ceilidh on Saturday 25^th April. More details soon.

Thank You….. Janet and Dugald say a huge Thank You to the congregation of St Martins for the very generous appreciation gift of a new tramping pack for Dugald and a monetary gift following Dugald’s retirement.  The pack will get a trial run shortly.   We were thrilled to receive a photo book with numerous messages and will value this reminder of being part of the precious St Martins Presbyterian Church community.   Go well with God.

Crafty Crafters Trip

Please be ready at the church at 8.30am on Thursday to board the bus.

BOOKS – to fit on to the bookcase for folk to purchase (at a very reasonable price), read, return (if you want to) and buy another.

Perhaps you have some good quality books – whatever their genre – that are surplus to your requirements – feel free to bring them along or drop them into the office so that we might put them on the bookshelf so that others might share the enjoyment you have had with them. Thank you.

A dollar a day…and you can have Sunday off!

Meditation Group: meets in the lounge every Tuesday from 7.00-7.45pm. We are learners who are following an ancient Christian practice of being still with God. 

St Martins Presbyterian Twilight Fair –

Friday 3^rd April – 4pm through until 6.30pm.

See Peter Mechaelis, Barbara & Rob Meier, Lyndsey McKay, Sue Saunders.

Dog Visiting Service

This new visiting service by Age Concern Canterbury is designed to assist in the reduction of loneliness and isolation for elderly Christchurch people living in their own home, by having a visit from a volunteer and pet dog.Those interested in a visit, and also those interested in becoming a dog visitor volunteer can ring Beverley Mason 366 0903.

National Remembrance Service North Hagley Park on Sunday March 15 at 3pm. The service, Ko T?tou, T?tou We Are One, will be jointly led by the local Muslim community, Christchurch City Council, the Government and Ng?i T??huriri as mana whenua.

It will be an opportunity for people to come together in unity, to show compassion, love and support for all our communities, and the value we place on being an inclusive and diverse country. 

It is a chance to acknowledge the unity shown in ?tautahi-Christchurch, New Zealand and the world in response to the tragedy, and to express appreciation for the responders and all those who helped and to stand in solidarity with the bereaved, injured and all those affected.

Hot Cross Buns are available.  $5 for a packet of 6 (Traditional or chocolate). Money with order please. See Anna in the Office for details. This is a fundraiser for Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish.

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to you all this morning. Please come through to the Lounge after the service for a cuppa and a time to talk. Many thanks to Rev Hugh Perry for leading today’s worship.

It was a lovely gathering last Sunday after Church. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Irene.

No Singing Group this morning.

Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML) has announced that Rev Dr Mark Johnston, an exceptional and gifted leader,is leaving his role at KCML to take up a teaching role overseas. Mark has provided 12 years of dedicated, pioneering and innovative service as a KCML Fieldwork Co-ordinator and ministry formator. As the inaugural Auckland Co-ordinator, he played a significant role in establishing KCML nationally. 

Water restrictions are now applied to Christchurch City at level 1. This means no outdoor water use is permitted between 3pm and 9pm, and hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can be used only on alternate days: odd number addresses on odd number dates, and even numbered addresses on even number dates. The measures are needed so that flow and pressure can be maintained at sufficient levels, and to make sure reserves for firefighting are available.

Power of Attorney:

If you lose the capacity to handle your own affairs, you’ll need someone to do it on your behalf. But you need to arrange this ahead of time. Jane Yee, Solicitor,  will be speaking at Whareora House of Life, 8 Athelstan St, Spreydon on Wednesday 11^th March at 11am to explain what a power of attorney is, how to set it up, what to look  out for, and what your obligations are  if you become an attorney for someone else.

Wednesday Walkers 4^th March: Meet 9.30am in Gamblins Road for a walk around St Martins. All welcome. Coffee at Rosalie Bacon’s 021 239 5005.

National Remembrance Service Sunday 15^th March in North Hagley Park 3pm.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces very welcome. Lyndsey 388 1264.

Mark your calendars now for a ceilidh on Saturday 25^th April. More details soon.

Check out the Jam Stall – there might be something new you haven’t tried. Sue.

World Day of Prayer Friday 6^th March 7pm at Beckenham Methodist Church, 83 Malcolm Ave. A service prepared by Zimbabwe with the theme “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk”.  All are welcome.

Court Theatre Group Booking:

“Lysander’s Aunty” Friday 17^th April 7.30pm Tickets $54 or $42 Add your names to the clipboard please, and money to Sue Saunders TODAY.

Craft Crawl Thursday 12^th March Kaiapoi-Rangiora area. Leaving from the church at 8.30am for optional 10am sailing on the “River Queen” (cost for this is $20 payable on the day) or explore Kaiapoi. On to Rangiora 11.30am for lunch and shopping, back home by 3pm. Bus cost approx. $25. Please let Lyndsey McKay know TODAY if you would like to come.

A dollar a day…and you can have Sunday off!

Meditation Group: meets in the lounge every Tuesday from 7.00-7.45pm. We are learners who are following an ancient Christian practice of being still with God. 

   Jesus often withdrew to places of stillness and solitude to re-orientate his life in God.  Early Christians practiced mediation.  Today this practice has often been ignored, yet passages like  “be still and know that I am God” attract us.  Spiritual teacher of our time Fr Thomas Keating said “silence is God’s language”.  A new group is starting with the aim of learning and practicing the art of Christian Meditation.  

   Christian Meditation is based on: stillness, silence and simplicity. The aim is to move closer to union with God by sitting quietly. To aid us in being still we are invited to repeat in silence the word “Maranatha” which means “come Lord”.  We come in simplicity, not asking for anything, or seeking to tell God anything, just wanting to be open to God. We are leaving busyness and self-consciousness aside to let God transform us deep to deep. We’re not thinking about anything, spiritual or otherwise, just seeking to be in the presence of God and to be wholly present to God.  Those who persevere will inevitably see the results in their lives, “the fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

   Meditation does need to be regular, and it does require discipline.

The new group will meet for the first time at St Martins Presbyterian Church, 43 St Martins Road, on Tuesday June 11^th at 7pm.  If you are interested come and see.  The group is not for experts, but for people interested in exploring a form of prayer that is much needed in our time.  Our aim is to meet weekly for those who can make it, but to also encourage a daily personal practice of mediation.

   For more information make contact with Dugald at dugaldwil@gmail.com or go to www.christianmeditationnz.org.nz &/or www.wccm.org