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.

The Golden Rules for worship under “Red Light” setting:

If you’re coming to worship in person, you must hold a vaccine pass

If you’re sick or feeling unwell, get tested and isolate if you’re required to. Use Zoom on Sundays.

If you plan to be in Church, wear a mask that is firmly in place and fully covers your nose and mouth.

Please continue to wear your mask until seated at morning tea.

Scanning in and contact tracing is no longer required.

Next week’s reading is: Luke 24:13-35

Wednesday Walkers 13^th April: Please contact Sonya 027 253 3397 for details of this week’s walk.

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on 15^th April (Good Friday) and Wednesday 20^th April.

Dates for your diaries:

Movie Night Saturday 30^th April 5.15pm  “Fiddler on the Roof”

Parish Breakfast Sunday 1^st May 8.30am

Parish Lunch Sunday 3^rd July to celebrate our 94^th anniversary

EASTER Services:

14^th April 7.30pm           Maundy Thursday service at St Mark’s School Hall, 33 Cholmondeley Ave

15^th April 9.30am           Good Friday Service

17^th April 10am              Easter Day Holy Communion

The new edition of the ‘Messenger’ is now available – many thanks to Charlotte & Sally for their hard work.

Easter Eggs – thanks to your generosity the Pastoral Team has enough eggs to deliver to 20 households over Easter. If you would like to help deliver some, please see Lyndsey. THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS Monday 9.30am             St Mark’s Elder Care Therese 021 2516282. Monday 1-4pm                  Foot Clinic. Janette 021 075 6780. Tuesday 9.30am                South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869. Tuesday 7.15pm                Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007. Wednesday 9.30am          Walking Group: Sonya 027 253 3397. Wednesday 7.30pm          Global Voices (lounge) Nick 027 2255142. Thursday 10am                 Crafty Crafters (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869. Thursday 1.30pm               Sit & Be Fit(church) Anneke 021 077 4065. Thursday 5.30-7.30pm      NO Familial Trust mentor group. Vanessa 981 1093. Thursday 7.30pm                Maundy Thursday service @ St Mark’s School Hall Friday 9.30am                     Good Friday service Friday 10.30am                 NO Sing & Sign (lounge). Rebecca 022 0862211.   A word to those of you who Zoom to church on Sunday: Zoom is turning out to be a most useful way to attend Sunday service and it’s a thrill to see so many of you at church on the big screen. While we understand that some of you may be a bit ‘camera shy’, we would very much like to see you with us in church so would you please use your device’s camera so we can see you and welcome and include you as ‘real people’ rather than just names! (which is all that appears on screen if you’re not using your camera). It also gives us a sense of security and safety to know that behind your names that we are speaking to and engaging with you in person – and not some stranger who might be using the opportunity to hack the system. Thanks for your help and participation. See you on Sunday!

Covid Response Update

Sunday services will continue as Vaccine Pass events for the meantime. The Parish Council will review the situation at its next meeting on Thursday 21 April.

Just a reminder that while you’re not required to scan in any longer, mask wearing remains mandatory for inside locations. We will continue to wear masks during the service though they may be removed when you’re seated and enjoying morning tea.

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.

The Golden Rules for worship under “Red Light” setting:

• If you’re coming to worship in person, you must hold a vaccine pass
• If you’re sick or feeling unwell, get tested and isolate if you’re required to. Use Zoom on Sundays.
• If you plan to be in Church, wear a mask that is firmly in place and fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Please continue to wear your mask until seated at morning tea.
• Scanning in and contact tracing is no longer required.

Next week’s reading is Isaiah 50:4-9a

Wednesday Walkers 6^th April: meet 9.30am in the Armagh St Botanic Gardens carpark by the Bridge. Coffee at Ilex Café. All welcome Sonya 027 253 3397.

We give thanks for the life of Thomas Williams, who died on 26 March aged 64, and we pray for Karlene & Samantha as they mourn.

Dates for your diaries:

Movie Night Saturday 30^th April 5.15pm  “Fiddler on the Roof”

Parish Breakfast Sunday 1^st May 8.30am

Parish Lunch Sunday 3^rd July to celebrate our 94^th anniversary

EASTER Services:

14^th April 7.30pm           Maundy Thursday service at St Mark’s School Hall, 33 Cholmondeley Ave

15^th April 9.30am           Good Friday Service

17^th April 10am              Easter Day Holy Communion

A new Sunday roster is available today – please check to see if there’s a copy for you.

Can you help the Pastoral team distribute Easter eggs and our greetings to older members in our community who are unable to be with us for whatever reasons on a Sunday morning? Available for collection on Good Friday morning or at the Easter Sunday service. You may need to leave them in the office at villages as people may be in lockdown. Please place the eggs in the basket provided at the back of the church. Thank you. Lyndsey.   Pastoral Team meeting Monday 4th April 9.30am – a chance to organise the Easter eggs for distribution!   THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS Monday 9.30am     St Mark’s Elder Care Therese 021 2516282. Monday 9.30am                Pastoral Team meeting. Lyndsey 388 1264. Monday 1.30pm                Hillsborough Heathcote WI. Jennifer 332 3314. Tuesday 9.30am                South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869. Tuesday 7.15pm                Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007. Wednesday 9.30am          Walking Group: Botanic Gardens. Sonya 027 2533397. Wednesday 9.30am          Port Hills U3A (whole complex) Malcolm 022 0979589. Wednesday 7.30pm          Global Voices (lounge) Nick 027 2255142. Thursday 10am                 Crafty Crafters (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869. Thursday 1.30pm               Sit & Be Fit(church) Anneke 021 077 4065. Thursday 5.30-7.30pm      Familial Trust mentor group. Vanessa 981 1093. Friday 10.30am                 Sing & Sign (lounge). Rebecca 022 0862211.   A word to those of you who Zoom to church on Sunday: Zoom is turning out to be a most useful way to attend Sunday service and it’s a thrill to see so many of you at church on the big screen. While we understand that some of you may be a bit ‘camera shy’, we would very much like to see you with us in church so would you please use your device’s camera so we can see you and welcome and include you as ‘real people’ rather than just names! (which is all that appears on screen if you’re not using your camera). It also gives us a sense of security and safety to know that behind your names that we are speaking to and engaging with you in person – and not some stranger who might be using the opportunity to hack the system. Thanks for your help and participation. See you on Sunday!

Covid Response Update

Your Parish Council has considered the continuing health needs of our congregation and have agreed that our Sunday services will continue as Vaccine Pass events at least until Sunday 01 May with the possibility that this arrangement may continue beyond that date. Council will review the situation at its next meeting on Thursday 21 April.

We are committed to protect the health and well-being of the congregation who have been meeting using Vaccine Passes since early December 2021. We have been meeting secure in the knowledge that everyone attending worship is double-vaxxed. Many – if not all – are also boostered with a third vaccination. We want this certainty and security to continue.

Council recommends that anyone who hasn’t yet received a third vaccination to get it for your own safety as well as that of the congregation. In addition we strongly recommend that everyone receives the annual flu jab when it becomes available in April. Health care professionals strongly recommend this since the winter flu season and the surge of Omicron coming together pose increased risks for those of us over 65!

Just a reminder that while you’re not required to scan in any longer, mask wearing remains mandatory for inside locations. We will continue to wear masks during the service though they may be removed when you’re seated and enjoying morning tea.

Parish Council will monitor the situation and report to you again before the end of April.

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, and many thanks to Rev Alan Webster for leading our service this morning.  

The Golden Rules for worship under “Red Light” setting:

• If you’re coming to worship in person, you must hold a vaccine pass
• If you’re sick or feeling unwell, get tested and isolate if you’re required to. Use Zoom on Sundays.
• If you plan to be in Church, wear a mask that is firmly in place and fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Please continue to wear your mask until seated at morning tea.
• You must sign in using the app or the paper copy – this is mandatory.

Daylight Saving ends NEXT Sunday 3^rd April – please remember to change your clocks!!

Wednesday Walkers 30^th March: meet 9.30am at the Bus Exchange for a walk around the city.  Coffee at Child Sister near Margaret Mahy Playground.  All welcome. Sue 960 7657.

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage: next Sunday is your final opportunity to bring these along. Many thanks to those who have already donated some Easter treats.

Dates for your diaries:

Movie Night Saturday 30^th April 5.15pm  “Fiddler on the Roof”

Parish Breakfast Sunday 1^st May 8.30am

Parish Lunch Sunday 3^rd July to celebrate our 94^th anniversary

The door access code has been changed – please see Anna if you require the new one.

EASTER Services:

14^th April 7.30pm           Maundy Thursday service at St Mark’s School Hall

15^th April 9.30am           Good Friday Service

17^th April 10am              Easter Day Holy Communion

Couplands Hot Cross Buns  – this is a fundraiser for St Mark’s Opawa Building project (which is very nearly finished). $5 for a packet of six. Traditional & chocolate available. See Anna to place an order by this Friday 1 April. Delivery date 13^th April. Payment with order appreciated.

Batteries – there is now a container in the foyer for used batteries – bring along any old small batteries that are used for the numerous devices we look at or wear in our ears. Do not dispose of them in the red bin!

Fireside meeting Wednesday 30th March in the church lounge from 1.30pm. If we are able to meet it will be informal like last month, just for conversation and to see each other, masked, bringing your own afternoon tea if you would like some, hoping we can actually be outside.  Any women are welcome to join us but it would be a good idea to check first that we are able to meet.  Enquiries:  Margaret  366 8936 Yes, more Easter Eggs for distribution – to bring a smile on the face and sent with our Easter greetings to our elderly. The Pastoral team want your help in distributing Easter eggs and our greetings to older members in our community who are unable to be with us for whatever reasons on a Sunday morning. They may live in a village or in their own homes. We ask if you could bring 1 or 2 wrapped Easter eggs on Sunday 3rd April and place them in the basket provided. We will then organise them for distribution over Easter – they can be collected by you Good Friday morning & Easter Sunday service. We have a list of names of people/addresses for distribution. You may need to leave them in the office at villages as people may be in lockdown. Thank you so much Lyndsey.     FOUND – a gold coloured key, in the church foyer on Friday 18th March. Is it yours? Contact Anna in the Office.   A Prayer for Ukraine from the Archbishops of Canterbury & York: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS

Monday 9.30am           NO St Mark’s Elder Care Therese 021 2516282.

Tuesday 9.30am           South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

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

Wednesday 9.30am     Walking Group: City. Sue 960 7657.

Wednesday 1.30pm      Fireside meeting (lounge). Margaret 366 8936.

Wednesday 7.30pm     Global Voices (lounge) Nick 027 2255142.

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit(church) Anneke 021 0774065.

Thursday 5.30-7.30pm Familial Trust mentor group. Vanessa 981 1093.

Friday 10.30am             Sing & Sign (lounge). Rebecca 022 0862211.

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.  

The Golden Rules for worship under “Red Light” setting:

• If you’re coming to worship in person, you must hold a vaccine pass
• If you’re sick or feeling unwell, get tested and isolate if you’re required to. Use Zoom on Sundays.
• If you plan to be in Church, wear a mask that is firmly in place and fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Please continue to wear your mask until seated at morning tea.
• You must sign in using the app or the paper copy – this is mandatory.

Wednesday Walkers 23^rd March: meet 9.30am at South Library for a walk around Somerfield and to see the turtles. Coffee at Novel Café. All welcome. Sonya 027 2533397.

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage: please consider popping in a couple of Easter treats when you do your groceries over the next few weeks. Any donations gratefully received. Bring them along to church by 3 April. Thank you for your support.

Deadline for ‘Messenger’ articles THIS Friday 25^th March– please email any contributions to Charlotte & Sally (hooty@xtra.co.nz).

Dates for your diaries:

Movie Night Saturday 30^th April 5.15pm  “Fiddler on the Roof”

Parish Breakfast Sunday 1^st May 8.30am

Parish Lunch Sunday 3^rd July to celebrate our 94^th anniversary

The door access code has been changed – please see Anna if you require the new one.

EASTER Services:

14^th April 7.30pm           Maundy Thursday service at St Mark’s School Hall

15^th April 9.30am           Good Friday Service

17^th April 10am              Easter Day Holy Communion

Couplands Hot Cross Buns  – this is a fundraiser for St Mark’s Opawa Building project (which is very nearly finished). $5 for a packet of six. Traditional & chocolate available. See Anna to place an order by 1 April. Delivery date 13^th April. Payment with order appreciated.

Batteries – there is now a container in the foyer for used batteries – bring along any old small batteries that are used for the numerous devices we look at or wear in our ears. Do not dispose of them in the red bin!

Presbytery Autumn Gathering will be held on Zoom on Saturday 26th March from 9.30am—12noon. Documents regarding any items for vote will be circulated in advance, and voting will be conducted via email. Anyone is welcome to attend, however we do ask that you register to access the Zoom link. There will be opportunities to connect in smaller breakout rooms. A timetable for the morning will be made available closer to the time. alpine.infoodle.com/f/AutumnGathering2022

Fireside will now be on Wednesday 30th March 1.30pm.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS

Monday 9.30am           NO St Mark’s Elder Care Therese 021 2516282.

Tuesday 9.30am           South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

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

Wednesday 9.30am     Walking Group: Somerfield. Sonya 027 2533397.

Wednesday 7.30pm     Global Voices (lounge) Nick 027 2255142.

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit(church) Anneke 021 0774065.

Thursday 5.30-7.30pm Familial Trust mentor group. Vanessa 981 1093.

Friday 10.30am             Sing & Sign (lounge). Rebecca 022 0862211.

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.  

The Golden Rules for worship under “Red Light” setting:

• If you’re coming to worship in person, you must hold a vaccine pass
• If you’re sick or feeling unwell, get tested and isolate if you’re required to. Use Zoom on Sundays.
• If you plan to be in Church, wear a mask that is firmly in place and fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Please continue to wear your mask until seated at morning tea.
• You must sign in using the app or the paper copy – this is mandatory.

Wednesday Walkers 16^th March: for those not going on the bus trip, meet at South Library 9.30am. Coffee at Novel Café. Sue 960 7657.

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage: please consider popping in a couple of Easter treats when you do your groceries over the next few weeks. Any donations gratefully received. Bring them along to church by 3 April. Thank you for your support.

Articles are now being sought for the next ‘Messenger’ – please email any contributions to Charlotte & Sally (hooty@xtra.co.nz) before Friday 25^th March. Thank you.

Dates for your diaries:

Movie Night Saturday 30^th April 5.15pm  “Fiddler on the Roof”

Parish Breakfast Sunday 1^st May 8.30am

Parish Lunch Sunday 3^rd July to celebrate our 94^th anniversary

EASTER Services:

14^th April 7.30pm           Maundy Thursday service at St Mark’s School Hall

15^th April 9.30am           Good Friday Service

17^th April 10am              Easter Day Holy Communion

Couplands Hot Cross Buns  – this is a fundraiser for St Mark’s Opawa Building project (which is very nearly finished). $5 for a packet of six. Traditional & chocolate available. See Anna to place an order by 1 April. Delivery date 13^th April. Payment with order appreciated.

Batteries – there is now a container in the foyer for used batteries – bring along any old small batteries that are used for the numerous devices we look at or wear in our ears. Do not dispose of them in the red bin!

Presbytery Autumn Gathering will be held on Zoom on Saturday 26th March from 9.30am—12noon. Documents regarding any items for vote will be circulated in advance, and voting will be conducted via email. Anyone is welcome to attend, however we do ask that you register to access the Zoom link. There will be opportunities to connect in smaller breakout rooms. A timetable for the morning will be made available closer to the time. Register here: alpine.infoodle.com/f/AutumnGathering2022

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS

Monday 9.30am           NO St Mark’s Elder Care Therese 021 2516282.

Tuesday 9.30am           South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

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

Wednesday 9.30am     Walking Group: South Library. Sue 960 7657.

Wednesday 7.30pm     Global Voices (lounge) Nick 027 2255142.

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869.

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit(church) Anneke 021 0774065.

Thursday 5.30-7.30pm Familial Trust mentor group. Vanessa 981 1093.

Friday 10.30am             Sing & Sign (lounge). Rebecca 022 0862211.

From the Moderator:

Last week we opened our fridge to find some cupcakes with a note from our 4-year-old neighbour Liam, “We love you Hamish and Anne!”. We were out, our doors were unlocked, and Liam claimed ‘neighbourly fridge rights’ (there have been other times when he has come in looking for chocolate!). And so, last night I harvested blackberries, apples, pears, peaches, and grapes from our garden and handed them over the fence to Liam’s mum. In the same spirit, earlier in the year, they did a big pick of our raspberries, made jam, and sent a jar back across the fence.

And then there are a group of elderly Chinese folk in our neighbourhood who wander past each night. I have taken to giving them fruit from the abundance of our harvest. It seems to me they are humbled and thankful for the connection even more than the food. Now, they always look in and wave as they pass by.

What warmth that comes with this sort of neighbourhood. In Otautahi Christchurch, we learnt about this in the wake of the earthquakes when we saw a massive rise in neighbourly connection. And after the Mosque attacks, our Muslim friends reported neighbours who had previously been strangers reaching out hands of support and friendship.

It seems to me that this is deeply inline with core Christian values. The Christian church has a rich tradition of gathering around food. There is obviously the magnificent gracious love and acceptance of the Lord’s Supper. But I am also thinking of the meals shared by the early Christians in various places around the Roman Empire. They were revolutionary and winsome in the way Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female were welcomed and included!

These are examples from then and now of the core Christian value of being a good neighbour. I absolutely endorse Neighbours Day 2022!

Right Rev Hamish Galloway Moderator Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ moderator@presbyterian.org.nz

Kai Connections is the theme for Neighbours Day 2022. A common denominator amongst all communities in Aotearoa is how kai (food) brings us together. During March, Neighbours Day Aotearoa has free online sessions based around making and sharing kai.