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 23^rd December 2018

CHRISTMAS & JANUARY Services

 Christmas Eve 24^th  December 7pm

Christmas Day 25^th  December 9.30am

Both services to be held at CMLC, 110 Waltham Rd

 Sunday 30^th  December 10am at Beckenham Methodist

Sunday 6^th  January 10am at CMLC

Sunday 13^th  January 10am at Beckenham Methodist

Sunday 20^th January 10am at CMLC

Sunday 27^th January 10am at CMLC

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

CWS Christmas Appeal: bring envelopes back to church any Sunday until January 20^th.

Wednesday Walkers: Informal walks will leave from South Library on 9^th & 23^rd January at 9.30am. On 16^th January: Meet 9.30am at Bus Exchange for walk to Otakaro Orchard and talk by Peter Wells, Permiculture Designer.  Contact Sue Saunders 960 7657.

The Parish Office closes on Friday 21^st  December and will re-open on Wednesday 16^th January.

Elder Care resumes on Tuesday 15^th January 10am – 2.30pm at Sydenham Community Centre.

Crafty Crafters resumes on Thursday 31^st January 10am.

Building Work completed this week at the church….Ceiling insulation has been placed and installation of ceiling tiles completed in the church. The heaters have new seismic restraints installed. Carpet tiles have been delayed till the new year. The sliding doors are sliding.The final plumbing fit out has been completed. Kerbing at the front of the section has been installed.

The  structural engineer has been on site and has confirmed he will supply a PS4 statement saying the structural work is complete and the building has been brought up to 67% NBS.

Post Christmas there will be a small amount of work to be completed in the upstairs store and the chip sealing of the car park will be completed. Inside carpet tiles will be laid on 15^th January. With the Christmas shut down of 3 weeks it will be the end of January before Simon’s complete their work.  Practical completion will therefore be early February and then we will apply for a Code of Compliance Certificate.  We expect to be able to use the building sometime in March 2019.

There will be considerable amounts of work then required in the grounds including landscaping and the laying of concrete paths.

Costs of our Church Repair: We have received the latest update of costs and it isn’t good news.  We contracted with Simon Construction to undertake the repairs and strengthening with a price of $830,000 (GST incl).  The latest update of costs shows we have nearly 60 variations to the contract and costs for these are $235,000.  Approximately half of the costs are attributable to extra work required to install the steel reinforcing.  Rewiring the building has cost approx. $40,000, new stacker doors $12,000 and extra fire requirements $8,500. In the last few days we have been faced with extra costs of replacement damaged ceiling tiles $4,000, extra connection to street storm water $5,000, seismic bracing to be installed for heaters $5,000.  These are not luxury add ons, but essential work that will have to be done to get a Certificate of Compliance.

We believe we have approx. $260,000 left to complete payment for the repair work on the building.   Funds currently available amount to $210,000. This includes a GST return due in January of approx. $90,000.  That still leaves a shortfall of approx $50,000. We are working to ways we may address this situation, including beginning a ‘Give a Little’ page on the internet. Suggestions of ways we might raise this shortfall are gratefully received.

The Building Team & Board of Managers.

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 16^th December 2018

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

Minister has led you astray…. some members of the Session have raised concerns about using the church without full sign off from the City Council.  I doubt this will happen before February with the big Christmas shutdown and therefore I need to withdraw my promise to lead services in the church for Christmas.  I also advertised an opening service on 27^th January.  This will not be the case.  We need to expect that an opening service will be in March at a date yet to be determined.

Carol Singing at Opawa Community Church, cnr Opawa Rd & Aynsley Tce TODAY 5pm with Stedfast Brass. BYO seat/rug. Light refreshments available to purchase.

 Wednesday Walkers: Informal walks will leave from South Library 19^th December, 9^th & 23^rd January at 9.30am. On 16^th January: Meet 9.30am at Bus Exchange for walk to Otakaro Orchard and talk by Peter Wells, Permiculture Designer.  Contact Sue Saunders 960 7657.

CWS Christmas Appeal: bring envelopes back to church any Sunday until January 20^th.

CHRISTMAS & JANUARY Services

Christmas Eve 24^th  December 7pm

Christmas Day 25^th  December 9.30am

NB: Now to be held at CMLC, 110 Waltham Rd

Sunday 30^th  December 10am at Beckenham Methodist

Sunday 6^th  January 10am CMLC

Sunday 13^th  January 10am at Beckenham Methodist

The Parish Office closes on Friday 21^st  December and will re-open on Wednesday 16^th January.

Good News Story…. The old lights from the church have been donated to an electrician from Papanui Baptist who will utilize them in one of the charitable projects he is working on.

Costs of our Church Repair: We have received the latest update of costs and it isn’t good news.  We contracted with Simon Construction to undertake the repairs and strengthening with a price of $830,000 (GST incl).  The latest update of costs shows we have nearly 60 variations to the contract and costs for these are $230,000.  Approximately half of the costs are attributable to extra work required to install the steel reinforcing.  Rewiring the building has cost approx. $40,000, new stacker doors $15,000, and plaster repairs $16,000.  In the last few days we have been faced with extra costs of replacement damaged ceiling tiles $4,000, extra connection to street storm water $5,000, seismic bracing to be installed for heaters $5,000.  These are not luxury add ons, but essential work that will have to be done to get a Certificate of Compliance.

We believe we have approx. $300,000 left to complete payment for the repair work on the building.   Funds currently available amount to $155,000, but we also have a GST return due in January of approx. $90,000.  That still leaves a shortfall of approx $55,000.  There will be a further GST refund due in July 2019 which may total $40,000+ but obviously we will have accounts to be paid before then.  We are still working to clarify this situation, but feel you all need to be informed of the situation we are facing.

Board of Managers and Building team

Other Matters from the Board of Managers

We will erect a fence between the church and the old manse….

The insulation in the manse roof will need to be topped up before July 2019.

Work completed this week at the church….

1. Ceiling insulation has been placed and installation of ceiling tiles begun. The heaters have to be seismically restrained.
2. Vinyl is laid in the kitchen and bathroom. Sanding of the floor in the church and lounge is complete. Carpet tiles will be laid this week.
3. We think the sliding doors can be raised by 10mm which will mean they are easy to slide.
4. The final plumbing fit out will occur this week.

Post Christmas there will be a small amount of work to be completed in the upstairs store and the chip sealing of the car park will be completed.  With the Christmas shut down of 3 weeks it will be the end of January before Simon’s complete their work.  Practical completion will therefore be early February and then we will wait for a Code of Compliance Certificate.  We expect to be able to use the building sometime in March 2019.

There will be considerable amounts of work then required in the grounds including landscaping and the laying of concrete paths.

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 9^th December 2018

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

Thank you to everyone who has brought Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage.

 Minister has led you astray…. some members of the Session have raised concerns about using the church without full sign off from the City Council.  I doubt this will happen before February with the big Christmas shutdown and therefore I need to withdraw my promise to lead services in the church for Christmas.  I also advertised an opening service on 27^th January.  This will not be the case.  We need to expect that an opening service will be in March at a date yet to be determined.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist Lounge.

 Wednesday Walkers 12^th December: We will carpool leaving Christchurch at 10am and drive out to Lincoln where we will do all or part of the Historic Walk.  Lunch is booked for 11.30am at The Flaming Rabbit. Please make sure Janette or Sonya know if you are coming. This is the last official walk for 2018.

NEXT Sunday 16^th December – All Age Service… we’ll be building mangers, making stars, decorating angel biscuits, and creating beauty out of junk. There will be conversations, interaction, and creativity as we draw closer to Christmas together. Bring your children and grandchildren.

2019 morning tea and door duty roster now available – please pick up your copy.

 Session meets Wednesday 12^th December 7pm at Merchiston, followed by Board of Managers at 8pm. Please bring a plate for supper.

CWS Christmas Appeal: bring envelopes back to church any Sunday until January 20^th.

South Elder Care Vacancy – we are looking for a couple of men to work with our increasing number of male clients, alongside David Hodder on the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesdays. We would like someone who enjoys the company of men, prepared to take part in active games – table tennis, darts, quoits, walking etc… We resume on 15^th January 2019. Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

CHRISTMAS & JANUARY Services

Christmas Eve 24^th  December 7pm

Christmas Day 25^th  December 9.30am

NB: Now to be held at CMLC, 110 Waltham Rd

Sunday 30^th  December 10am at Beckenham Methodist

Sunday 6^th  January 10am CMLC

Sunday 13^th  January 10am at Beckenham Methodist

 ‘The pressures of Christmas can be particularly hard on those who are working in and dealing day by day with those in our community who struggle everyday with life, let alone

Christmas time and the extra issues it can bring – the daily basics of food on the table, monetary worries, health and addiction.

A request to please include in your prayers those NGO’s and all the staff in organisations who work so tirelessly to ensure that everyone in our community is treasured and nurtured at this Christmas time.’

Carol Singing at Opawa Community Church, cnr Opawa Rd & Aynsley Tce, Sunday 16^th December 5pm with Steadfast Brass. BYO seat/rug. Light refreshments available to purchase.

Building News: The external scaffolding is gone, and we believe all extra structural work is finished. Vinyl is laid in the kitchen and stainless benchtops have been installed. Interior painting is almost complete. Ceiling tiles and insulation should be installed this week. Concreting the drive has been delayed by weather but should happen this week.

Our issues with the Fire Engineer appear to be resolving without too much extra work and cost.

We are required to put extra gib in the upstairs store and in the stairwell.

So far there have been 57 major variations to the contract for this job, most of which have been from the structural engineer.

FREE tomato and capsicum plants available from Peter Saunders. Must be picked up by end of Sunday 9th, or they’ll be compost!

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 2^nd December 2018

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

Wednesday Walkers 5^th December: Meet 9.30am for a cruise and walk in Lyttelton (weather permitting!) Take the No 28 bus from Garlands Road at 9.20am, to catch the 9.50 Ferry to Diamond Harbour for a return trip, followed by coffee at Anneke’s home. People who prefer to drive should be at the ferry at 9.50.  Don’t forget your gold-card or Metro card for the bus and/or ferry. All welcome.  Anneke 021 077 4065.

NEXT SUNDAY is your last chance to bring Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage. Gifts are required for men, women, teenagers and children –  toiletries, clothing, toys, books, biscuits, sweets etc – all the things you would like to receive.

South Elder Care Vacancy – we are looking for a couple of men to work with our increasing number of male clients, alongside David Hodder on the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesdays. We would like someone who enjoys the company of men, prepared to take part in active games – table tennis, darts, quoits, walking etc… We resume on 15^th January 2019. Please talk to Lyndsey McKay 388 1264 for more details.

2019 morning tea and door duty roster now available – please pick up your copy.

CHRISTMAS & JANUARY Services

Christmas Eve 24^th  December 7pm

Christmas Day 25^th  December 9.30am

Sunday 30^th  December 10am at Beckenham Methodist

Sunday 6^th  January 10am Here

Sunday 13^th  January 10am at Beckenham Methodist

 Sunday 16^th December – All Age Service… we’ll be building mangers, making stars, decorating angel biscuits, and creating beauty out of junk. There will be conversations, interaction, and creativity as we draw closer to Christmas together. Bring your children and grandchildren.

 CWS Christmas Appeal:   envelopes can be delivered back to church any Sunday until January 20^th.

South Brighton Voices Concert  ‘Gifts of Song’ will be held on Sunday 9^th December, 3pm at the Linwood Ave Baptist Church, cnr Linwood Ave/Worcester St. Refreshments will be served. Tickets $15 adults $2 children available  from Lyndsey McKay.

Building News: The concrete drive outside will be poured this week; the asphalt carpark will then be prepared.

Bricklaying is completed, and we believe all structural work has been completed. We wait for the sign off from the engineer.

The kitchen joinery has been installed and final plastering throughout the complex completed. Shipleys are installing the data projector and sound system. The electrician has almost completed the electrical fitout. We will hold the first services on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

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 25^th November 2018

Session Report: Session recorded the passing of Daphne Cynthia Lloyd. Daphne and Bill had been married for 66 years and up until they both moved in to Brookhaven, had been regular members at St Martins. Latterly Daphne had resided at Ngaio Marsh. Both had a long association with Boys’ Brigade. At Daphne’s request a short and simple service was held at the Linwood Crematorium and was conducted by Daphne’s nephew.

Should members of the congregation be aware of any deaths of church members and/or extended family, please would they let the Session Clerk know asap.

With fewer folk having access to newspapers these days, and whilst it is possible to access information via the internet, sometimes this is a slower route than a phone call to Irene Gray 332 7306 or email – irenegray@xtra.co.nz

Relationship with Risingholme….we will sign a simple Memorandum of Understanding to work together to utilize the church facilities.  We plan to take small steps to begin with.

Menzshed at St Martins… after some encouraging conversations with representatives from Menzshed NZ and the City Council we are slowly proceeding with this project.  We plan to call a public meeting in early February.

Elder Care and Foot Clinic are operating very well.  The Foot Clinic and Crafty Crafters will shift back to 43 St Martins Road in the New Year.

Mission Plan…. From the work of the Mission Discernment group and work by Peter Burley we have adopted a Mission Plan which sets out 8 focus areas that we will work on:

Build relationships and enhance life in the South Christchurch Community through activating the church complex as a Community Centre.

Initiate a regular worship and hospitality event for seniors (80+) to connect with God and build bonds of community with each other.

In all our activities we will increase our awareness of a God dimension.

Initiate a regular “Time to be Still” that focuses on spiritual practices of quietness and listening to the inner voice of God.

Initiate a “Caring for Creation” action group to study, discern, and promote sustainable living practices.

Enhance the ability of members to talk openly and honestly about faith and being a disciple of Jesus.

Initiate community singing activities with a spiritual edge.

Employ a leader to initiate a new church seedling that focuses on young families.

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

Wednesday Walkers 28^th November Meet 9.30am for a cruise and walk in Lyttelton.  Take the No 28 bus from Garlands Road at 9.20am, to catch the 9.50 Ferry to Diamond Harbour for a return trip, followed by coffee at Anneke’s home. People who prefer to drive should be at the ferry at 9.50.  Don’t forget your gold-card or Metro card for the bus and/or ferry. All welcome.  Anneke 021 077 4065.

South Elder Care Vacancy – we are looking for a couple of men to work with our increasing number of male clients, alongside David Hodder on the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesdays. We would like someone who enjoys the company of men, prepared to take part in active games – table tennis, darts, quoits, walking etc… We resume on 15^th January 2019. Please talk to Lyndsey McKay 388 1264 for more details.

Ethical Christmas Market Saturday 1^st December 4-8pm at South West Baptist Church, 244 Lyttelton St, Spreydon.

St Albans Community Choir concert “Carol our Christmas – Unusual carols from many lands”. TODAY 5pm at St Paul’s Parish Church, 1 Harewood Road. Admission by donation to a local charity.

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

“Deck the Halls – a celebration of the festive season” with violinist Fiona Pears, and the Cathedral Choristers.  Saturday 15^th December, 7pm. Transitional Cathedral. Tickets available from Eventfinda.

 50s Up Brass 25^th Anniversary Christmas Concert Wednesday 28^th November, 11am-12noon at the Woolston Club, Hargood Street. Entrance $5 or gold coin. Contact Bob 385 1926 for more details..

South Brighton Voices Concert  ‘Gifts of Song’ will be held on Sunday 9^th December, 3pm at the Linwood Ave Baptist Church, cnr Linwood Ave/Worcester St. Refreshments will be served. Tickets $15 adults $2 children available  from Lyndsey.