While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

 Sunday 4^th November 2018

NOTICES: A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service. Many thanks to Rev. David Coster for leading this morning’s worship.

Building News….There is still unplanned strengthening work to be completed on the west wall (furthest wall from the street) demanded by the engineer which means gib lining in the new bathroom cannot be completed.   More steel beams will be put in place and approx. 200 helifix ties through the bricks will be installed.

Work has begun on sealing the area in front of the church office.

Inside the gib stopping is almost complete.  Work to install the hanging ceiling in the church will commence this week and interior painting will get underway.  Kitchen joinery has been delayed by up to 4 weeks because plans had to be re-drawn.

This means we will delay any official opening until Sunday 27^th January at our morning service and also a special afternoon tea for our neighbours.

All Saints Memorial Service: Once a year on a Sunday close to All Saints Day we remember in particular people close to us who have died in the past year.  We do this by remembering their names and placing a lit candle on the communion table.  There is also an opportunity for people to remember all those who are gathered in God’s eternal embrace by lighting your own candle of remembrance.

This year we will celebrate  memorial Sunday on November 11^th and you are invited to forward any names of those close who have died in the past year to Anna in the office that you would appreciate being named in the service.

 Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

 Wednesday Walkers 7^th November Meet 9.30am at Waltham Cottage, 201 Hastings Street East, and we will return there for coffee. The cottage is having market stalls that morning and also a sausage sizzle for lunch.  Please bring either a packet of biscuits or something for their pantry. Judith  332 1577, or 027 688 1861.  All welcome.

Our next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 18^th November (note date) at 8.45am, hosted by the Worship committee. Come along and enjoy delicious muffins, cereal & fruit. All are welcome. Gold coin donation appreciated.

Articles are now required for the next ‘Messenger’. Please email any contributions to: anneke.howie@gmail.com before Thursday 15^th November.

Crafty Crafters bus trip to Ashburton this Thursday 8^th November. Please be at Beckenham Methodist by 9.15am at the latest.

Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage.    These gifts for men, women, teenagers and children can be brought to Church from Sunday 25^th November, and on 2^nd and 9^th December.    Toiletries, clothing, toys, books, biscuits, sweets etc.  All the things you would like to receive.

Anna will not be in the Office this Thursday. Please send in any notices by 11am Wednesday. Thanks!

Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish Fair Saturday 24^th November 8.30am at St Anne’s Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. Donations of books, good quality summer clothing & white elephant treasures gratefully received. Items can be collected. Contact Anna at the Office 332 6192 for details.

Armistice Day – A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. NEXT Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome. The service will be followed by afternoon tea.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 28^th October 2018

 NOTICES: A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service. Many thanks to Rev. Alan Webster for leading this morning’s worship.

Building News….Scaffolding around the front of the building has been removed.  The new sliding door in the west wall has been installed and all broken windows have been replaced.  There is still unplanned strengthening work to be completed on the west wall (furthest wall from the street) demanded by the engineer which means gib lining in the new bathroom cannot be completed.   More steel beams will be put in place and helifix ties through the bricks will be installed. This hold up will mean planned opening on the 25^th Nov will need to be delayed until December 16^th, or even the New Year for any official opening. Work has begun on sealing the area in front of the church office.

Inside the work of installing plaster moulds around each of the small windows is now complete and gib stopping almost complete.  Work to install the hanging ceiling in the church will commence this week and interior painting will get underway.  Kitchen joinery has been delayed because the plans as drawn were inaccurate and need to be altered but the architect has been away.

We now have a clearer picture of the cost of the over 30 variations demanded by the engineer.  We estimate costs have increased by over $100,000 due to this extra work.  We have of course expressed our displeasure at this situation, and negotiated that all the engineer’s work from October will be at no cost to the parish.

Dugald has produced an estimated budget going forward which indicates that we still face costs of $413,000 (GST incl) and currently we have approx. $420,000 in available funds.  We will receive a large GST return (hopefully about $70,000) in January 2019.

Managers’ Report: Our thanks to Cyril Morris and David Hodder for completing work to transform a garage into two sheds on our property for storage purposes.

Our insurance bill for $10,000 has been paid.

Approval given to explore using the old Bible Class rooms at the rear of the property as a MenzShed.

Judith Mackay was thanked for her service to the Board of Managers and as the secretary.

We are keeping our eyes and ears open for a possible person to undertake cleaning duties in the refurbished church.  We will need to appoint someone early in the new year.

Fireside Women’s Group meets this Tuesday 30^th October 7.30pm. We are fortunate that Gaynor has arranged for us to meet at her home to hear about the work that Christine Lloyd does when she volunteers on a Mercy ship, travelling to countries where poverty and hardship is a way of life.  Her Christian faith and dental assistant training help her assist others in dire need of medical assistance.  She is one of the many Christian volunteers who give their time, energy and skills to bring hope.   Enquiries: Margaret 366 8936.

All Saints Memorial Service: Once a year on a Sunday close to All Saints Day we remember in particular people close to us who have died in the past year.  We do this by remembering their names and placing a lit candle on the communion table.  There is also an opportunity for people to remember all those who are gathered in God’s eternal embrace by lighting your own candle of remembrance.

This year we will celebrate memorial Sunday on November 11^th and you are invited to forward any names of those close who have died in the past year to Anna in the office that you would appreciate being named in the service.

Dugald away… Dugald will be away this week for a family gathering near Masterton.

 Wednesday Walkers 31^st October Meet 9.30am at the Bus Exchange corner of Lichfield & Colombo Streets for a stroll around the Central City and visit to the new Library.  All are welcome. Coffee venue TBC. Sonya 027 253 3397.

Our next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 11^th November at 8.45am, hosted by the Worship committee. All are welcome. Gold coin donation appreciated.

Articles are now required for the next ‘Messenger’. Please email any contributions to: anneke.howie@gmail.com before Thursday 15^th November.

 Armistice Day A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist Church. New faces always welcome.

Global Voices invite you to their concert on Saturday 3^rd November 7.30pm at Elmwood Auditorium. Tickets $25 or $12 for children – available from Anna in the Office.

St Mark’s Avonhead Twilight Fair, 150 Withells Rd on Friday 2 November 5 – 7pm. Bargains galore, children’s activities, plenty of food for tea. Plant stall opens at 11am. 10% of net proceeds to be donated to St Luke’s Centre.

Singalong Messiah with the Jubilate Singers. Sunday 18^th November 2pm in the Transitional Cathedral. Door sales cash only.

Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish Fair Saturday 24^th November 8.30am at St Anne’s Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. Donations of books, good quality summer clothing & white elephant treasures gratefully received. Items can be collected. Contact Anna at the Office for details.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 21^st October 2018

 NOTICES: A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service. Many thanks to Trevor Crew for leading this morning’s worship.

Getting Across the Line…. We made it! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this fundraising campaign. Receipts will be issued in March 2019. This week we received $6000, culminating in a grand total of $37,670.

Labour Day commemorates the struggle for an eight hour working day in New Zealand. Around 1900 parades were held followed by picnics and sports events to celebrate the importance of good working conditions. For most it is now just another holiday.

Managers’ Report: Our thanks to Cyril Morris and David Hodder for completing work to transform a garage into two sheds on our property for storage purposes.

Our insurance bill for $10,000 has been paid.

Approval given to explore using the old Bible Class rooms at the rear of the property as a MenzShed.

Judith Mackay was thanked for her service to the Board of Managers and as the secretary.

We are keeping our eyes and ears open for a possible person to undertake cleaning duties in the refurbished church.  We will need to appoint someone early in the new year.

Building News….

Scaffolding around the front of the building has been removed as exterior painting has been completed.  The new sliding door in the west wall has been installed and broken windows have been replaced.  There is still unplanned strengthening work to be completed on the west wall (furthest wall from the street) demanded by the engineer which means gib lining in the new bathroom cannot be completed.   This hold up will mean planned opening on the 25^th Nov will need to be delayed until December 9^th or 16^th.

In the coming week the construction containers will be moved from the front of the property to allow work to begin on sealing the area in front of the church office.

Inside the work of installing plaster moulds around each of the small windows is now complete and gib stopping almost finished.  Work to install the hanging ceiling will commence this week and interior painting will get underway.  Kitchen joinery has been delayed because the plans as drawn were inaccurate and need to be altered but the architect has been away.

We now have a clearer picture of the cost of the over 30 variations demanded by the engineer.  We estimate costs have increased by over $100,000 due to this extra work.  We have of course expressed our displeasure at this situation.

Dugald has produced an estimated budget going forward which indicates that we still face costs of $413,000 (GST incl) and currently we have approx. $420,000 in available funds.  We will receive a large GST return (hopefully about $70,000) in January 2019.

Global Voices invite you to their concert on Saturday 3^rd November 7.30pm at Elmwood Auditorium. Tickets $25 or $12 for children – available from Anna in the Office.

Singalong Messiah with the Jubilate Singers Sunday 18^th November 2pm at the Transitional Cathedral. Tickets $25/$20 unwaged. Door sales available (cash only).

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison 332 0554 or Joan 338 8700.

Wednesday Walkers 24^th October Meet 9.30am at Janette’s 62 Frankleigh St for a stroll in Spreydon, and return there for coffee. All are welcome.

Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist Church. New faces always welcome.

Our next Parish Breakfast is on Sunday 11^th November at 8.45am, hosted by the Worship committee. Details to follow.

Armistice Day A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

St Mark’s Avonhead Twilight Fair, 150 Withells Rd on Friday 2 November 5 – 7pm. Bargains galore, children’s activities, plenty of food for tea. Plant stall opens at 11am. 10% of net proceeds to be donated to St Luke’s Centre.

Articles are now required for the next ‘Messenger’. Email contributions to: anneke.howie@gmail.com please before Thursday 15^th November.

All Saints Memorial Service: Once a year on a Sunday close to All Saints Day we remember in particular people close to us who have died in the past year.  We do this by remembering their names and placing a lit candle on the communion table.  There is also an opportunity for people to remember all those who are gathered in God’s eternal embrace by lighting your own candle of remembrance.

This year we will celebrate memorial Sunday on November 11^th and you are invited to forward any names of those close who have died in the past year to Anna in the office that you would appreciate being named in the service.

Parihaka Day: In the lead-up to this year’s Parihaka Day on 5th November  the documentary T?tarakihi: the Children of Parihaka will be screened in Christchurch. This film is not commercially available and can only be viewed in arrangement with presenters from Parihaka. It is an incredible story and one that all New Zealanders should know something about. Suitable for children/general admission. Entry is free/koha.

Screenings are at:

Hope Presbyterian Church, Sat 27th Oct @ 7pm (Aymes Road, Hornby). Presenter Maata Wharehoka. Register (optional) to assure a seat at www.hopechurch.net.nz/upcoming-events/

or Canterbury Film Society, Sun 4th Nov @ 2pm (Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet?, Montreal Street). Presenter Whakaarahia Tairawhiti-Kukutai. No reservations; first-come-first-served. Doors open at 1.30pm.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 14^th October 2018

 Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000: Only days left to contribute! We’re nearly there. Remember all gifts are tax deductible. Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project closes this Wednesday 17^th October. As at 10^th October we have received $31,670 – less than $4000 to go – but happy to receive over subscriptions! Receipts issued in March 2019.

Craft Crawl to Ashburton Thursday 8^th November 9.30am. Please could those people going on the trip pay Lyndsey McKay $25 TODAY.

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison Blackler 332 0554 or Joan Scott 338 8700.

 Board of Managers meets this Wednesday 17^th October 7.30pm at Merchiston.

 Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Wednesday Walkers 17^th October Meet 9.30am in Clouston St for a saunter around the neighbourhood, then return for morning tea catered by Allison at no.5. {Donations please – funds still being accepted for the church repairs!}. You are welcome to join us for this even if not walking. Fern 332 4725.

Building Report: New windows have been installed. Gib stopping has begun and exterior painting in progress. We have agreed on a solution to stabilising the brick west wall. The kitchen joinery has been finalised and is being constructed. The suspended ceiling is yet to be installed, and the last major job will be installing floor coverings and installing equipment. Outside, the section in front of the office will be sealed and depending on finance we will replace some badly cracked paths, and drainage.

Funding Applications….We have applied to numerous trusts and foundations for support in fitting out the church complex.  So far we have received $5000 from the Jansen Trust for a dishwasher,  $3500 from Presbyterian Development Society for a new data projector and $1000 from the Mainland Trust to purchase 8 folding café tables.  We are very grateful to these organisations for their support.  Our target for applications is $25,000, but it may take some time to reach this.  We acknowledge with thanks the work of Gill Blackler in applying for funds.  Her experience and energy has been invaluable.

New Parish Phone lists available from the Office.

Working with Risingholme Community Centre… the Session has agreed to a key recommendation in Peter Burley’s report that we invite Risingholme to lead classes in our church and community hub.  We have met with the Director and are setting up a Memorandum of Understanding to enable us to work together.  We anticipate small steps to begin with as we set up a working relationship.  We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a Menz Shed or similar in the old Sunday School Rooms.    We would love to have the facilities well utilized and have the opportunity to connect with people from the wider community.

VSA Quiz Night Wednesday 17^th October 7pm at Elmwood Trading Co (Robbies), Normans Rd (railway end). $10 per person. More details from Rob & Barb Meier 379 1474.

Armistice Day A special service of hymns, readings and prayers to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. Sunday 11^th November 2pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

CWS Disaster Appeal: Please help Indonesians living in Central Sulawesi following their earthquake and tsunami.  Survivors are in desperate need of support to protect them from hunger and disease. Over 1.5 million people have been affected.  2,010 people have lost their lives and 80,000 are displaced.  More than 65,000 houses have been damaged.

Please help by making a donation to  Indonesia Earthquake Tsunami Appeal via the CWS website or phone 0800 74 73 72 to give your support.  Thank you.

While our Church Building is Repaired we are meeting each Sunday at The Mineral & Lapidary Club 110 Waltham Rd (next to Waltham School) at 10am.

We would love to have the opportunity to welcome you.

Sunday 7^th October 2018

Worship venue this Sunday: St Mark’s Church Hall, cnr Opawa Rd & Vincent Pl

Getting Across the Line…. Target $35,000: Final 10 days to contribute!

1 gift of $5,000 and 1 gift of $1,000 would do it. 4 gifts of $1,000 and 10 gifts of $200 would do it

Gifts can be made by cheque to St Martins Presbyterian Church and given to our treasurer Joan Macdonald or with a bank transfer with “Newbuild” in the Particulars and your name in the Reference Box to the St Martins Presbyterian Church:  ANZ    06-0829-0201306-050

This special fundraising project closes on Wednesday 17^th October. Receipts will be issued in March 2019, unless requested otherwise. As at 3^rd October we have received $29,670 – less than $6000 to go – but happy to receive over subscriptions!

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea after the service.

Next week we meet again back at the Mineral & Lapidary Club on Sunday at 10am.

Craft Crawl to Ashburton Thursday 8^th November 9.30am. Please could those people who indicated they would like to join the Crafty Crafters pay Lyndsey McKay $25 next Sunday 14^th October.

Rosters for Door Duty and Morning Tea 2019 will be drawn up at the beginning of November. If you would like to add your name, or remove it, please contact Allison  332 0554 or Joan 338 8700.

Sound operators…. When we move into the church again we will need someone to be responsible for the operation of sound each Sunday as we will be operating a sound desk that was in the St James Church.  Full training will be given.  At this stage we simply need to establish a team of preferably six people who might be willing to be part of this team.  Speak to Dugald or Warren to register your interest.

Parish Phone List has been updated. If you would like a copy, please contact the Anna at the Parish Office.

Funding Applications….We have applied to numerous trusts and foundations for support in fitting out the church complex.  So far we have received $5000 from the Jansen Trust for a dishwasher,  $3500 from Presbyterian Development Society for a new data projector and $1000 from the Mainland Trust to purchase 8 folding café tables.  We are very grateful to these organisations for their support.  Our target for applications is $25,000, but it may take some time to reach this.  We acknowledge with thanks the work of Gill Blackler in applying for funds.  Her experience and energy has been invaluable.

Working with Risingholme Community Centre… the Session has agreed to a key recommendation in Peter Burley’s report that we invite Risingholme to lead classes in our church and community hub.  We have met with the Director and are setting up a Memorandum of Understanding to enable us to work together.  We anticipate small steps to begin with as we set up a working relationship.  We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a Menz Shed or similar in the old Sunday School Rooms.    We would love to have the facilities well utilized and have the opportunity to connect with people from the wider community.

Wednesday Walkers 10^th October Meet 9.30am at the Beckenham Service Centre and Library for a walk around the area to be led by Benjamin. We should also be able to view the Refugee & Migrant Quilt display at the Library after we have had our coffee at Novel.  All welcome. Judith & Benjamin 332 1577.

Building Report: We are working to resolve issues raised by the structural engineer on the west wall. Of concern to us is that these issues around securing the brickwork have not been raised previously and will require some newly finished construction to be removed. In the meantime painters have begun work and gib stopping begins shortly.

General Assembly meeting in Christchurch….The Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio has been installed as the Moderator. His message to the church is “Don’t neglect the relationship with God and with each other.”

Other business to come before the Assembly will include re-ordering the national church body, a recommendation to reject the current euthanasia bill, and a recommendation to adopt the Accra Declaration – from the Alliance of Reformed churches rejecting neo-liberal economics.

New Sheds: Thank you to Cyril Morris, David Hodder and others who have shifted the garage from next door, cut it in half and built new end walls. We now have new storage areas that will be utilized once the old Sunday School rooms are emptied and the container removed.

CWS Appeal: Please help Indonesians living in Central Sulawesi following their earthquake and tsunami.  Survivors are in desperate need of support.

More than 1.5 million people have been affected.  1,407 people have lost their lives and 70,821 displaced.  65,733 houses have been damaged.  These figures are expected to rise.

We need to get help to the survivors now and protect them from hunger and disease.

This double disaster has caused so much damage. Please help by making a donation to  Indonesia Earthquake Tsunami Appeal via re CWS website or phone 0800 74 73 72 to give you support.  Thank you.