Session Report:

Minutes of AGM approved.

Memorandum of understanding with St Martins MenzShed approved. This outlines simply how we will work together.

Accepted offer of Alan McKinnon to loan the organ from St James. This organ has now been installed.

Looking at simplifying our Members’ Roll and disbanding the Associate Members Roll.

Fern Wakefield and Rob Meier voted on to the Ministry Settlement Board (MSB) to join Carol Mechaelis, Gaynor Allen, Charlotte Houston, Ken Austin & Jeannette Beaumont, elected by the congregation.

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 Nancy-Jean Whitehead for leading our worship today.

Fireside: For the Fireside meeting on Tuesday 24th September we invite other women to join us at 7.45pm in the church lounge.   Hilary and Carol will tell us some of the highlights of their visits to Europe earlier in the year.  Please remember that the Meditation Group will be in the church until 7.45pm and come in quietly. Enquiries: Margaret 366 8936.

Singing, Singing, Singing….

On the first and third Sundays of the month at 9.15 sharp – 9.45am we will gather around the piano in the church and learn a new song and if time permits sing a known song that we will sing that Sunday. 

Next time we will learn local hymn writer Marnie Barrell’s song “We Do Not Hope to Ease our Minds”.

Crafty Crafters: Meets on Thursdays in the Church lounge 10am-12noon. $3 per session.

The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a bus trip to Little River, Leeston & Lincoln on Thursday 31^st October 9.30am-4.30pm. $25 per person – see Lyndsey to sign up.

Wednesday Walkers 25^th Sept: Meet at the gates outside Mona Vale, (Girls’ High side) at 9.30am for a walk around Fendalton and Mona Vale.

Coffee will be at Dux Dine in Riccarton Rd – there is parking behind the house.

All welcome.  Judith Mackay Ph: 3321577 or 027 688 1861.

BINS: Please put any rubbish with food waste attached and soft plastics in the RED bin. Only clean paper, card, glass, grade 1 & 2 plastic go in the yellow bin. Thank You.

Dugald is on silent retreat this weekend at the Fourviere Retreat Centre, Leithfield.

Meditation Group: Tuesdays 7.00-7.45pm in the church this week. You’re welcome to ‘come and try’.

Presbytery Gathering next Friday/Saturday/Sunday at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific in Fitzgerald Ave. The focus for this Gathering is ‘Caring for Creation’.

Focus on Finances

At our AGM Dugald presented a broad picture financial assessment for a typical year. 

Income: We should receive from the following sources:

Offerings                                          $61,000

Mission Activities including grants   $19,000

Interest                                            $ 2,000

Rent from manse                             $23,000

Rent from Community Centre          $ 5,000

Fundraising                                      $ 5,000

Total Income                           $115,000

Expenditure

• Meetings costs of building ownership, current mission activities, staff, and administration with minister employed 2/3rds time:  $148,000
• Meetings costs of building ownership, current mission activities, staff, and administration with minister employed full time:  $173,000

This leaves a shortfall of $33,000pa if we employ a minister 2/3rds time…..

Or a shortfall of $58,000pa if we employ a minister full time.

The Session and the Board of Managers are looking at ways to address this shortfall.

1. It is difficult to see where expenditure could be further cut.  Operating a building is costly with ongoing compliance costs, insurance, and maintenance. 
2. We will need to increase income from hiring spaces in our Community Centre.  Our initial target could be to raise an extra $15,000 pa.
3. We will need to increase income from offerings and will plan to put details in front of the congregation by the end of October.  The Ministry Settlement Board will need to know the regular input from offerings by the end of the year as they make decisions about what sort of ministry to seek for the future.  (1/2 time, 2/3 time, full time)
4. We acknowledge the huge contribution that legacies have made to the ongoing running of our parish, and encourage the practice of leaving money for ongoing ministry in our parish.
5. We will need fresh and innovative ideas about how we might fundraise from the wider community.  A regular monthly twilight market day on site for example.  We are aware we have limited energy, but we do have an ideal site.
6. We need to be thinking creatively not hunkering down.  Could we start a new ministry that we could apply for funding to provide leadership for.  Eg a new “Messy Church” initiative for families, a new seniors initiative.
7. We do have wonderful assets in our buildings, the manse, and more importantly the gifts God has given each of us.    So keep positive and know that God does have a future for us!

New Organ

Today we are trialling the new organ that has very generously been loaned to us by Alan McKinnon.   It is not easy playing an unfamiliar instrument so please bear with Rob and Bill as they get used to playing it, and give some feedback immediately if volumes are not right.   Thanks to Warren and Alan who have wired up the instrument.   

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to you all this morning.

Many thanks to members of the Walking Group for hosting this morning’s delicious breakfast!

Our AGM follows the service and we will have a cuppa together after the meeting is concluded. As part of the meeting we will seek nominations to the Board of Managers.  Ideally two new Managers are sought.  We are particularly in need of someone with financial experience and planning, and someone with some marketing skills to promote our activities.  

We also will receive nominations for four congregational appointments to Ministry Settlement Board.  People selected for this role will be expected to formulate a clear picture of where we are going, what sort of ministry is needed, and to choose a suitable person to fulfil the role they have discerned.  The Session will also elect two of their members to the MSB. 

What is happening to our old organ? Warren Pettigrew has spent hours working to repair our old valve organ but has had to admit defeat. It is no longer repairable so will be broken down for parts. We have a very generous offer to loan a newer organ (ex St James), and we hope to have this in place at the beginning of October.

Annual Reports are available in the foyer – share one with a friend and save costs.

Community Spring Fun Day TODAY 12 noon – 3pm at Opawa Baptist Church, 285 Wilsons Rd. Cash only (no eftpos). Everyone is welcome.

Singing, Singing, Singing….

For September and October we are trialling a new group at church to sing together and learn four new songs.   On the first and third Sundays of the month at 9.15 sharp – 9.45am we will gather around the piano in the church and learn a new song and if time permits sing a known song that we will sing that Sunday. This Sunday we have learned “In the Darkness of the Still Night”. In two weeks’ time we will learn local hymn writer Marnie Barrell’s song “We Do Not Hope to Ease our Minds”.

Session meets this Wednesday 18^th September in the church foyer at 7.30pm.

Crafty Crafters: Meets on Thursdays in the Church lounge 10am-12noon. $3 per session.

The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a bus trip to Little River, Leeston & Lincoln on Thursday 31^st October 9.30am-4.30pm. $25 per person – see Lyndsey to sign up.

Wednesday Walkers 18^th Sept: In Search of Blossoms. Meet 9.30am in the Botanic Gardens Car Park off Armagh Street in the first area near the tennis courts. Rob and Barb Meier will host us for Coffee at 5 Kilmore Street.  Sonya 027 253 3397. We had a very interesting walk last week at QEII – and, no, Benjamin, car-pooling doesn’t mean we all went for a swim!

Meditation Group: Tuesdays 7.00-7.45pm in the church lounge each week. You’re welcome to ‘come and try’.

This is the classroom we plan to move onto our church site.  We are able to obtain the building and get it delivered for no charge, but in order to get a council consent we have to get reports from a fire engineer, and provide details of the site and the piles it will sit on.  We believe these costs will mount to approx $20,000.  The Menzshed will undertake any work needed on the building to ensure it is weatherproof, and meets the requirements detailed by the fire engineer.It will be sited approx. 3m from the boundary fence so we can get a car and trailer past it.

Alpine Presbytery Gathering: Instead of monthly business meetings the Alpine Presbytery meets twice annually for inspiration and encouragement. These meetings are called ‘Gatherings’. The next Gathering will be at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific new hall, 45 Fitzgerald Ave on Friday afternoon 27^th & Saturday 28^th September. Anyone is welcome to attend. This Gathering has a focus on Caring for God’s Creation, with a number of speakers on the Saturday speaking on this theme. An agenda is available from Dugald.

St Martins MenzShed meets tomorrow night in our lounge for a finger food tea at 5.30pm followed by a short meeting to update members on what is happening.

It is now an Incorporated Society with a membership fee of $40, and t has completed its first community project – repairing and painting two forms for St Martins School. They will have a working bee on site next Saturday. Donations of tools and materials gratefully received.

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to you all this morning. After the service please come through to the Lounge for a cuppa and a time to chat.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Parish Lounge.

Singing, Singing, Singing….

For September and October we are trialling a new group at church to sing together and learn four new songs.   On the first and third Sundays of the month at 9.15 sharp – 9.45am we will gather around the piano in the church and learn a new song and if time permits sing a known song that we will sing that Sunday.  Simply turn up with your voice ready to sing next Sunday 15^th September.  You can even have breakfast here first!  Copies of the first song we will learn (In the Darkness of the Still Night) are available in the foyer.

Alpine Presbytery Gathering: Instead of monthly business meetings the Alpine Presbytery meets twice annually for inspiration and encouragement. These meetings are called ‘Gatherings’. The next Gathering will be at St Paul’s Trinity Pacific new hall, 45 Fitzgerald Ave on Friday afternoon 27^th & Saturday 28^th September. Anyone is welcome to attend. This Gathering has a focus on Caring for God’s Creation, with a number of speakers on the Saturday speaking on this theme. An agenda is available from Dugald.

Grass has been sown in the new lawn outside the church lounge.

MenzShed: The St Martins MenzShed is now an Incorporated Society, with Warren Pettigrew and Keith Mitchelmore on the committee and Dugald as an advisor. We have now located a transportable classroom that could be used as a workshop. This could be placed on our church site at no charge. However consent fees, fire and ground reports, and installation of piles may cost about $20,000. An application to the Alpine Presbytery Mission Fund has been made.

Annual General Meeting NEXT Sunday 15^th September 2019 following morning worship. Apologies and items of General Business to Irene TODAY please.

Annual Reports are available in the foyer – share one with a friend and save costs.

Crafty Crafters: Meets on Thursdays in the Church lounge 10am-12noon. $3 per session.

The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a bus trip to Little River, Leeston & Lincoln on Thursday 31^st October 9.30am-4.30pm. $25 per person – sign the clipboard in the foyer or see Lyndsey 388 1264.

Wednesday Walkers 11^th Sept: Meet 9.30am QEII carpark off Dick Tayler Drive for a walk around QEII, new High Schools and Gym. Coffee at QEII. Car pooling suggested. All welcome Joan Macdonald 022 081 4088.

Men’s Group: Last Thursday Martin Cleland shared his passion for wood carving.  It was special to see the way Martin lets the wood speak to him and sculptures figures and forms that lie hidden within.   Really wonderful talk was enjoyed by us all.

Parish Breakfast next Sunday 15^th September at 8.45am, hosted by members of the Walking Group. Gold coin koha appreciated.

Ministry Settlement Board – St Martins: A Ministry Settlement Board (MSB) will be set up to find our new minister.  It will include 3 persons appointer by the Presbytery, two persons appointed by the church council, and four persons elected by the congregation. 

The function of the MSB is to review the life of the congregation and future direction and form, determine the terms under which a new minister is called, and discern and locate a suitable candidate to fulfil the ministry as determined. 

We will seek nominations at the AGM for the four people to be elected by the congregation. Your urgent consideration of this important role is essential. Please speak to your Elder or myself if you are interested in being one of the four people. Irene Gray, Parish Clerk

New Sunday roster available today – please check to see if there’s a copy for you in the foyer. Anna.

Meditation Group: Tuesdays 7.00-7.45pm in the church lounge each week. You’re welcome to ‘come and try’.

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to you all this morning. After the service please come through to the Lounge for a cuppa and a time to chat.

Managers’ Report

The design and construction of concrete paths and decking has gone well thanks to great work from Cyril Morris, Graham McNicholl, Keith Mitchelmore, David Hodder, and our minister.  Rob Meier and Keith are currently working on fencing and gates.

Shelving has been installed in the foyer storeroom.  We will install racks for large tables in the lounge and in one of the foyer storerooms.

Security Fencing has been sold – thanks to Ken Austin.

Two new groups will be using the complex on Wednesdays from October – Port Hills U3A, and The Familial Trust.  The Familial Trust works with families who have a member affected by an addiction.

Our Treasurer Joan Macdonald has prepared annual accounts.  These show that after the rebuild we still have approx. $66,500 of cash assets at the end of the financial year.  The budget for the year ahead however indicates a projected deficit of $12,000.  This includes the scenario of only 2/3^rd’s time paid ministry for 2/3rds of the year.  Managers and Session will be looking at options which will include a review of giving, sourcing other income from increased use of facilities, and sourcing income from other sources.  We are aware that going forward we would be in a much better position if we could find ways to employ a minister full time.

Ongoing costs (updated)….our insurance account for the year has arrived – $9,000.  Our power account for July was $650 (NB: about half of this is for the Manse, which the tenant pays).  We have to pay approx. $1000 per annum to have our building checked to ensure we meet fire regulations.

Chairperson resigns….Wayne Barton has indicated he will be stepping down at our AGM.  This means the Board of managers has vacancies to be filled at the AGM.  We are particularly in need of someone with financial experience and planning, and someone with some marketing skills to promote our activities.  We are very grateful to Wayne for the work chairing the Board through a difficult phase and wish him well as he looks to further his teaching career.

MenzShed: The St Martins MenzShed is now an Incorporated Society, with Warren Pettigrew and Keith Mitchelmore on the committee and Dugald as an advisor. We have now located a transportable classroom that could be used as a workshop. This could be placed on our church site at no charge. However consent fees, fire and ground reports, and installation of piles may cost about $20,000. An application to the Alpine Presbytery Mission Fund has been made.

Rosters: Church Cleaning – we need a volunteer urgently for this week!

Lawn Mowing volunteers are also required. Barry Moore 338 4622.

Annual General Meeting Sunday 15^th September 2019 following morning worship.

Apologies and items of General Business to Irene please.

Annual Reports are available in the foyer – share one with a friend and save costs.

Crafty Crafters: Meets on Thursdays in the Church lounge 10am-12noon. $3 per session. Contact Lyndsey 388 1264 for more information.

Wednesday Walkers 4^th Sept: Meet 9.30am in Stourbridge Street near Oderings for a walk around Spreydon. We will have coffee in the new café. All welcome. Sonya 027 253 3397

For your diaries: The next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 15^th September at 8.45am, hosted by members of the Walking Group. Gold coin koha appreciated.

Ministry Settlement Board – St Martins

A Ministry Settlement Board (MSB) will be set up to find our new minister.  It will include 3 persons appointer by the Presbytery, two persons appointed by the church council, and four persons elected by the congregation. 

The function of the MSB is to review the life of the congregation and future direction and form, determine the terms under which a new minister is called, and discern and locate a suitable candidate to fulfil the ministry as determined. 

We will seek nominations at the AGM for the four people to be elected by the congregation.

Your urgent consideration of this important role is essential. Please speak to your Elder or myself if you are interested in being one of the four people.

Irene Gray, Parish Clerk

Men’s Group will meet this Thursday 5^th September at 6pm in the Church Lounge for a shared tea and chat time.    The speaker for the evening will be Martin Cleland and he will share with us his amazing creativity as a wood carver

All men welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.  Contact Tony 332 0554 if you have any queries.

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

Sue has the Court Theatre tickets, which she will hand out this morning.

Meditation Group: Tuesdays 7.00-7.45pm in the church lounge each week. You’re welcome to ‘come and try’.

Saturday Night Movie…

There are many different stories we tell ourselves about our singing: we can’t read music, we sing off-key, we are embarrassed to raise our voice in public, and the like. But as many choir directors know, the point is not to learn how to sing properly but to connect with our soul and make music in our unique way.  Singing and finding the confidence to let our soul burst forth in song is what our final winter-time movie series is all about.

As It Is in Heaven, is a 2004 Swedish film that was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in the 2005 Academy Awards. (It does have English subtitles) The story focuses on a lonely but gifted conductor who arrives in a small rural village in northern Sweden, his new found role of leading the local church choir, the idiosyncratic and very human members of the choir, but ultimately the power of music to release the Spirit of love and hope and break open people’s hearts.   This is a must see! 

THIS Saturday 7^th September at 6.15pm in our church lounge.  Bring your tea at 5.45pm

and share conversation before the movie.

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to you all this morning. After the service please come through to the Lounge for a cuppa and a time to chat. Many thanks to Rev Nancy-Jean Whitehead for leading our worship today.

Managers’ Report

The design and construction of concrete paths and decking has gone well thanks to great work from Cyril Morris, Graham McNicholl, Keith Mitchelmore, David Hodder, and our minister.  Rob Meier and Keith are currently working on fencing and gates.

Shelving has been installed in the foyer storeroom.  We will install racks for large tables in the lounge and in one of the foyer storerooms.

Security Fencing has been sold – thanks to Ken Austin.

Two new groups will be using the complex on Wednesdays from October – Port Hills U3A, and The Familial Trust.  The Familial Trust works with families who have a member affected by an addiction.

Our Treasurer Joan Macdonald has prepared annual accounts.  These show that after the rebuild we still have approx. $66,500 of cash assets at the end of the financial year.  The budget for the year ahead however indicates a projected deficit of $16,000.  This includes the scenario of only 2/3^rd’s time paid ministry for 2/3rds of the year.  Managers and Session will be looking at options which will include a review of giving, sourcing other income from increased use of facilities, and sourcing income from other sources.  We are aware that going forward we would be in a much better position if we could find ways to employ a minister full time.

Ongoing costs….our insurance account has arrived and with our decision to not insure for natural disaster is approx. $9,000.  Our power account for July was $650.  We have to pay approx. $1000 per annum to have our building checked to ensure we meet fire regulations.

Chairperson resigns….Wayne Barton has indicated he will be stepping down at our AGM.  This means the Board of managers has vacancies to be filled at the AGM.  We are particularly in need of someone with financial experience and planning, and someone with some marketing skills to promote our activities.  We are very grateful to Wayne for the work chairing the Board through a difficult phase and wish him well as he looks to further his teaching career.

Fireside: For the Fireside meeting on Tuesday 27th August we invite others [men as well as women] who are interested in hearing our speaker. Angela Kearney will tell us about some of her experiences nursing in Syria and Afghanistan.  Anyone who wishes may like to donate a gold coin [or more!] towards her work.  The meeting time is 7.45pm in the church lounge, and remembering that the Meditation Group will be in the church until then, please come in quietly.  Enquiries: Margaret 366 8936.

Rosters: Church Cleaning – please pop your name on the clipboard in the foyer if you can help.

Lawn Mowing volunteers are also required. Contact Barry Moore 3384622, or leave a message at the Office.

Annual General Meeting Sunday 15^th September 2019 following morning worship. Apologies and items of General Business to Irene please.

Waltham Cottage Te Whare Roopu o Oteropo AGM Monday 26^th August 5.30pm at the Cottage 201 Hastings St East. All welcome.

Crafty Crafters: Meets on Thursdays in the Church lounge 10am-12noon. $3 per session. Contact Lyndsey 388 1264 for more information.

Wednesday Walkers 28^th August: Meet 9.30am at Nga Puna Wai sports hub carpark off Augustine Dr in Aidanfield. Coffee at the Old Vicarage. All welcome. Marilyn 027 3631642.

For your diaries: The next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 15^th September at 8.45am, hosted by members of the Walking Group. More details next week!

Men’s Group will meet on Thursday 5^th September at 6pm in the Church Lounge for a shared tea and chat time.    The speaker for the evening will be Martin Cleland and he will share with us his amazing creativity as a wood carver. All men welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.  Contact Tony 332 0554 if you have any queries.

Meditation Group…About ten people are meeting each week to spend time in stillness (20 mins) with a small message of teaching.  Tuesdays 7.00-7.45pm in the church this week. New members are always welcome or speak with Jeannette & David, Keith, Janet, or Helen.

MenzShed…the St Martins MenzShed has been Incorporated and is now an official group! Plans are to use the community room as an electronics hub and to install a 40 foot container to act as a woodworking workshop. We are already undertaking projects on behalf of the community. Keith Mitchelmore and Warren Pettigrew are on the newly formed leadership team with Dugald as an advisor.

Saturday Night Movie…

There are many different stories we tell ourselves about our singing: we can’t read music, we sing off-key, we are embarrassed to raise our voice in public, and the like. But as many choir directors know, the point is not to learn how to sing properly but to connect with our soul and make music in our unique way.  Singing and finding the confidence to let our soul burst forth in song is what our final winter-time movie series is all about.

As It Is in Heaven, is a 2004 Swedish film that was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in the 2005 Academy Awards. (It does have English subtitles) The story focuses on a lonely but gifted conductor who arrives in a small rural village in northern Sweden, his new found role of leading the local church choir, the idiosyncratic and very human members of the choir, but ultimately the power of music to release the Spirit of love and hope and break open people’s hearts.   This is a must see! 

Saturday 7^th September at 6.15pm in our church lounge.  Bring your tea at 5.45pm

and share conversation before the movie.