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!!

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.

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.

Psalm 23 (from CEV Bible):                                                                          You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.                                                  You let me rest in fields of green grass.                                                                     You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.                        You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.                             I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.                         You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.                            You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.                                                          You honour me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.                           Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,                      and I will live for ever in your house, Lord.

Kia kaha                                 Be strong

Kia maia                                 Be brave

Kia manawanui                      Be steadfast

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 are open, but you must book in advance.

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 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