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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Limiting the Spread:

With regard to the Coronavirus Pandemic and the need for everyone to take care of, not only oneself, but our neighbours too, it has been decided that as from THIS Sunday, the following changes will take place:

1.       Communion – wafers only will be used and these will be passed to each person by the officiating Minister. There will be no juice. The Minister will reference the sacraments of bread and wine during the service.

2.       Offering – to save handing the wooden collection plates from one to another, as you enter, the plates will be just inside the church door. Please place your offering in them prior to sitting down. During the service one person will bring them forward to be blessed. For information about joining the automatic payment system, see Joan

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. It is vital that people who feel even slightly unwell do not attend worship and put others at risk. 

Do not panic, stay informed and take all reasonable steps to keep yourself and others safe by following good personal hygiene practices (especially washing hands regularly, not sneezing or coughing in public and into a tissue or crook of arm if you are in public).

Wash hands thoroughly before coming to worship, and utilize hand sanitizer when you arrive. People on duty to welcome worshippers should ensure door handles are regularly cleaned.

Social distance guidelines: 1-2metres apart.

Hand shaking should be discouraged and other forms of greeting used. It can be a fun thing to experiment with foot touching, elbow touching, or some other form of non touching greeting.

Cups of tea/coffee after worship are an important time to encourage interaction. While there is no confirmed community transmission we believe this practice should continue, but with extra care to limit physical contact and common contact with any surface. Servers should have washed hands before undertaking their duty. 

It is appropriate that protocols for cleaning of church plant be reviewed e.g. all surfaces that are touched or potentially sneezed/coughed on will require wiping after each gathering of people.

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 Lyndsey McKay for leading today’s worship.

St Martins Presbyterian Twilight Food Fair which was to have been held on Friday 3^rd April has been postponed.  We will continue to review the situation and perhaps later in the year there will be an opportunity for it to take place.

Thank you for your valued support and concerns.

Irene Gray, Parish Clerk

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage – all donations gratefully received.

Singing Group next meets on 5^th April at 9.15am.

The ceilidh scheduled for Saturday 25^th April has been postponed until November.

Easter cards – $3  and icing Easter eggs – $5  for sale in the foyer. All proceeds to St Martins Church.

Meditation Group: meets in the lounge every Tuesday from 7pm –

7.45pm. We are learners who are following an ancient Christian practice of being still with God. 

Wednesday Walkers 25^th March: Meet 9.30am for walk around the Avon Loop Walkway and coffee at Little Poms. Park in the stony area next to Little Pomson Fitzgerald Ave, or in Kilmore St.  Meet opposite Little Poms by the start of the Walkway.  Janette 021 075 6780

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Lyndsey 388 1264.

Beckenham Methodist Church fundraiser: Daffodil bulbs grown by David Bell Bulbs. $10 for a bag of 12 or $20 for a bag of 25. To order, please contact Graham McHarg 332 5856 or talk to Sonya.

From PCANZ: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The Assembly Office recommends we all follow advice given by the Ministry of Health (see https://www.health.govt.nz/). Should they issue instructions concerning public gatherings, Presbyterian parishes and are expected to follow these guidelines.
• Do not panic, stay informed and take all reasonable steps to keep yourself and others safe by following good personal hygiene practices (especially washing hands regularly, not sneezing or coughing in public and into a tissue or crook of arm if you are in public).
• Advice could be received that Church services and other activities may need to be postponed, changed or delivered differently.
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK.
• Stand at least one metre apart from anyone with cold or flu symptoms
• Communion & the common cup: due to the risk of passing on coronavirus via fingertips, it is not recommended that intinction be practiced with the common cup.
• Communion & Passing of the Peace: while there are currently no recommendations to avoid shaking hands or hugging, please respect those who do not wish to at this time.

St Martins Presbyterian Twilight Food Fair –

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

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

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

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. Please order by 19 March.

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 Silvia Purdie for leading today’s worship.

National Remembrance Service TODAY in the Horncastle Arena at 3pm. 

Easter Eggs for Waltham Cottage – all donations gratefully received.

Singing Group meets today at 9.15am.

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

Session meeting Wednesday 18^th March 7.30pm in the foyer.

Meditation Group: meets in the lounge every Tuesday from 7pm –

7.45pm. We are learners who are following an ancient Christian practice of being still with God. 

Wednesday Walkers 18^th March: Meet 9.30am in the carpark of the Te Ara Marina (entrance off Godley Quay, Lyttelton).Coffee at Super by the bridge on Norwich Quay in the middle of the walk. All welcome.  Car pooling suggested. Anneke 021 077 4065.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Lyndsey 388 1264.

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.

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.