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 29^th July 2018

Fireside welcomes women to join us at our meeting to enjoy hearing about Judith’s recent visit to Copenhagen for the 2018 World Rose Convention.  This will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 31st July at Joan Mac’s home.  Enquiries: Margaret 366 8936.

 Wednesday Walkers 1^st August: meet at the Hawford Road entrance of the Opawa Mall at 9.30am for a walk around Woolston.  Coffee at the Opawa Café. All welcome. Joan Mac 337 1648.

Men’s Group meets this Thursday 2^nd August at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd, for a shared tea and chat. The speaker for the evening will be Alan Webster with a huge range of stories for you. All men welcome – contact Tony 332 0554 for further details.

Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. New faces always welcome. See Lyndsey McKay for more information.

Open Day at Knox – Come along and see our stunning new stained glass window, Sunday 5^th August 1-3pm.

Annual Reports: Yes, it’s that time of year again. Please email reports to the Parish Office (stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz) by Wednesday 22^nd August at the latest. Recent photos of your group and/or activities would also be appreciated.

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday 23^rd September.

Family Quiz Night at St Anne’s Hall on Sunday 26^th August 5pm. $10 adults, $2 kids. We need to enter at least one team (4-6 people) from St Martins – invite friends, family and neighbours too. BYO drinks and nibbles. Juice and snacks, as well as raffle tickets for sale – bring cash. This is a fundraiser for Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish. Tickets available from Anna at the Office 332 6192. 

Risingholme Singers Concert– Saturday 4^th  August at the Heaton Intermediate School Performing Arts Centre, 7.30 pm.  Admission $15, children free.  An entertaining mix of musical styles is planned.  Enquiries: John Shanks 366 8936.

General Assembly October 3-7 at St Andrew’s College Helpers wanted: There are many ways in which you can assist – administration, first aid, baking and hospitality, car parking, ushering, or helping out with technology. If this sounds like something you can help us with, please email Abi Trevathan pcanzassembly2018@gmail.com

 RESOURCE TEAM LEADER Are you interested in making a positive difference in the culture and mission of our Presbytery…?

Alpine Presbytery are looking for a person to come alongside our congregations and other ministries, to listen, support and respond to their needs in developing their ministry and mission. This is a half-time position. For more information including a job description please contact Eoin Powell pres4eoin@gmail.com. Closing date: Monday 13^th  August.

Building Report: We have decided to replace the internal brick wall between the foyer and church with timber framing. This will allow steel reinforcing to be hidden inside the wall. This change will delay completion until the end of October. The bricklayer was supposed to begin last week but has been held up. They should start this week.

We have begun the process of seeking funding from outside trusts for kitchen appliances, data projector, chairs etc… If we can raise $20,000 from outside sources we will need to seek $20,000+ from members to meet our budget.

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 22^nd July 2018

Parish Midwinter Lunch TODAY 12 noon at the Cashmere Club – $24.50 per head. For those who signed up to attend, please remember to pay on arrival at the venue.

Wednesday Walkers 25^th July: Meet at 9.30am in the Barnett Park Carpark just past the shops on the way to Sumner – on your right, for a walk around Redcliffs. Coffee at The Spur Café in the shopping area. All welcome. Judith Mackay 332 1577.

Reminder: Fireside Women’s Group meets this month on Tuesday 31^st July – details next week!

 Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. New faces always welcome. See Lyndsey McKay for more information.

 Waltham Cottage Foodbank:  Please consider adding an extra item or two to your weekly groceries to help fill the Cottage’s larder. Not sure what to buy? Cereals, tinned fruit & fish, pasta, soups and personal hygiene products are always welcome.

Annual Reports: Yes, it’s that time of year again. Please email reports to the Parish Office (stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz) by Wednesday 22^nd August at the latest. Recent photos of your group and/or activities would also be appreciated.

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday 23^rd September.

Family Quiz Night at St Anne’s Hall on Sunday 26^th August 5pm.  $10 adults, $2 kids.

We need to enter at least one team (4-6 people) from St Martins – invite friends, family and neighbours too. BYO drinks and nibbles. Juice and snacks, as well as raffle tickets for sale – bring cash.

This is a fundraiser for Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish.  Tickets available from Anna at the Office 332 6192. 

The Politics of Compassion: in an age of ruthless power
Public Lecture: Prof. Kevin Clements, Chair and Foundation Director The National Centres for Peace and Con?ict Studies, University of Otago. Hosted by Durham St Methodist Church.
Friday 10th August, 7pm, Knox Centre, Bealey Avenue (free light refreshments available form 6.30pm).

Notes from Session

Irene Malcolm… we noted the recent death of Irene a long time member of the Session and recalled memories of her life.

Mission Discernment Team Reported…  In our discernment we currently believe God is calling us to focus on engaging with the spiritual searching of those in the latter part of life.  We believe we are called to address a key issue of loneliness, especially amongst the very elderly.  We are also called to care for creation and in particular to work to restore the life of the Heathcote river. Fourthly we believe we are called to initiate a new ministry amongst younger people.

Peter Burley… We have engaged Peter with the assistance of the Alpine Presbytery Mission fund to conduct a survey of our community

• To outline the demographics / sociographics for the community around the church
• To determine the need for opportunity for hobbies, crafts, sport, recreation, community, social, health, education, spiritual and leisure pursuits. 
• Recommend how the St Martins church building could be utilised activities above.
• Develop a plan for meeting those needs.

Peter has begun visiting other groups in our community.  Some of the ideas emerging are: Market (One near by needs to move), exercise/active focus  , hobbies focus , education courses, indoor bowls, pre-school.  Peter will engage with the congregation on Sunday 5^th August.

Office Administrator…. A review of Anna’s position in the office has been conducted.  Anna is thanked for her work and the friendly engagement she offers.

St Martins South Elder Care (Homeshare)  We applied to Manchester Unity for funding as Presbyterian Support have withdrawn their support.  This application for funds (approx. $8,000) has been successful.  The volunteer team has a good group of clients presently but are advertising with local doctors and other places.    The changeover has gone smoothly thanks to excellent work by the volunteer team.

Your Sisters Orphanage…Barb and Rob are currently in Tanzania to visit and undertake work at the orphanage.   They will offer feedback at the service on 19^th August.

Insurance – We will continue to seek Full Replacement cover for our buildings, but we seek only Indemnity cover in the event of Natural Disaster.

Communion – Requested that we trial an alternative pattern of serving communion that allowed quiet space immediately after receiving the elements, possibly by inviting a group to receive communion in a circle.   

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 22^nd July 2018

 The Building Team reports that interior colours have been chosen with a light off white for the walls and a dark black for the interior columns.  Carpet tiles will be a dark grey with slight pattern.  We have been advised that the structural steel work has been more complicated than estimated with numerous alterations to the design and costs for the engineering monitoring have increased from the estimated $7500 to a new estimate of $17,000.  Small amounts of soffit containing asbestos have been removed in the foyer.  The builder has also recommended that the sliding doors from the lounge to the exterior should be replaced as they leak and an estimate of cost is $10,000. The electrical wiring work in the rebuild is being re-costed as we need to reconnect power to the Sunday School rooms and provide significantly more power outlets throughout the church. The extra cost will be approximately $20,000. We are grateful for the recent allocation from the Presbytery of $66,000!

The Session have hired Peter Burley to produce a feasibility study of possible activities that we might house in the new church.  We are wanting the building to have significantly more use than in the past and want to explore possible uses that meet our mission of “discerning, modeling, and teaching what makes for true aliveness.”  We have been successful in applying for funding for the total cost of this project from the Alpine Presbytery Mission Fund.   Expected outcomes would be that we will:

1. More clearly identify needs in the community that fit with our mission
2. Determine how to develop and utilize our buildings
3. Develop an operational plan that will ensure activation of (2) including a workable budget

We hope to have a final report by mid September.  This work will hopefully be of assistance in applying for funding from community trusts who will want to see clear evidence that this is a building that will be used to serve the community.  Peter will hopefully give a short update after worship on 5^th August and will seek feedback from us at that time.

 Thank you to the Fireside members for this morning’s delicious breakfast!

Parish Midwinter Lunch NEXT Sunday 22^nd July 12 noon at the Cashmere Club – $24.50 per head. (Please pay on arrival at the venue). Last chance to sign up TODAY!

 Wednesday Walkers 18^th July: Meet at 9.30am in Mary Muller Drive (off Chapmans Rd) for a walk around Hillsborough. Coffee at Castle Rock Café. All welcome. Anneke 328 7459.

Session meets this Wednesday 18^th July 7.30pm at Joan Mac’s.

 Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. New faces always welcome. See Lyndsey McKay for more information.

Wool for Waltham Cottage: The knitting club is seeking donations of 8 ply  wool or acrylic for the blankets they are knitting for Nurse Maude Hospice.  Any donations welcome – please pop them in the box at the back of the church. Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

 Waltham Cottage Foodbank:  Please consider adding an extra item or two to your weekly groceries to help fill the Cottage’s larder. Not sure what to buy? Cereals, tinned fruit & fish, pasta, soups and personal hygiene products are always welcome.

Dementia and Loss: Tuesday 17^th July, 10.30am to noon. Dementia Canterbury (Unit 3, 49 Sit William Pickering Drive, Burnside – behind “Café 43 Degrees”). With dementia comes change and loss – both for the person diagnosed, and for families. Experienced Social Worker Elizabeth Hamilton will outline some of the changes and losses for family members and how to live with, and through them. There will be time for questions. This seminar is specifically for family members and friends currently supporting a person with dementia. Each month Dementia Canterbury runs FREE Community Education Seminars. These seminars are designed for families and wh?nau supporting someone with dementia.

Bookings are essential as places are limited to 30 participants.

Register online: admin@dementiacanterbury.org.nz  to attend these FREE Seminars. Everyone is welcome! Contact Dementia Canterbury for more information 379 2590.

Family Quiz Night at St Anne’s Sunday 26^th August 5pm. $10 adults, $2 kids. Details next week!

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 8^th July 2018

The Building Team reports that interior colours have been chosen with a light off white for the walls and a dark black for the interior columns.  Carpet tiles will be a dark grey with slight pattern.  We have been advised that the structural steel work has been more complicated than estimated with numerous alterations to the design and costs for the engineering monitoring have increased from the estimated $7500 to a new estimate of $17,000.  Small amounts of soffit containing asbestos have been removed in the foyer.  The builder has also recommended that the sliding doors from the lounge to the exterior should be replaced as they leak and an estimate of cost is being obtained.   The electrical wiring work in the rebuild is being re-costed as we need to reconnect power to the Sunday School rooms and provide more power outlets throughout the church.

The Session have hired Peter Burley to produce a feasibility study of possible activities that we might house in the new church.  We are wanting the building to have significantly more use than in the past and want to explore possible uses that meet our mission of “discerning, modeling, and teaching what makes for true aliveness.”  We have been successful in applying for funding for the total cost of this project from the Alpine Presbytery Mission Fund.   Expected outcomes would be that we will:

1. More clearly identify needs in the community that fit with our mission
2. Determine how to develop and utilize our buildings
3. Develop an operational plan that will ensure activation of (2) including a workable budget

We hope to have a final report by mid September.  This work will hopefully be of assistance in applying for funding from community trusts who will want to see clear evidence that this is a building that will be used to serve the community.  Peter will hopefully give a short update after worship on 5^th August and will seek feedback from us at that time.

Parish Breakfast NEXT Sunday 15^th July 8.45am. Brought to you by members of Fireside. Come along and enjoy winter warming porridge and other yummy goodies. Gold coin koha appreciated.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. New volunteers always welcome – come along and have a look at what’s involved or speak to Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

Wednesday Walkers 11^th July: Meet at 9.30am in South Library carpark (river end) for a walk around Beckenham led by Benjamin.  Coffee at Novel Cafe.  All welcome.  Sonya 027 253 3397.

Crafty Crafters meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. New faces always welcome. See Lyndsey McKay for more information.

Parish Midwinter Lunch Sunday 22^nd July 12 noon at the Cashmere Club – $24.50 per head. (Please pay on arrival at the venue). If you would like to come, please add your name to the list at the back of the Church, and indicate how many will be attending. We need to know numbers by next Sunday at the latest. Any queries? Speak to Allison 332 0554.

Wool for Waltham Cottage: The knitting club is seeking donations of 8 ply  wool or acrylic for the blankets they are knitting for Nurse Maude Hospice.  Any donations welcome – please pop them in the box at the back of the church. Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

Waltham Cottage Foodbank:  Please consider adding an extra item or two to your weekly groceries to help fill the Cottage’s larder. Not sure what to buy? Cereals, tinned fruit & fish, pasta, soups and personal hygiene products are always welcome.

Prayer Requests: A book is located in the foyer for anyone to write in prayer requests. If suitable these requests will be actioned in public worship. In making a request please ensure if people are identifiable they have given permission.

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 1^st July 2018

 Wednesday Walkers 4^th July: Meet at 9.30am cnr Broken Run & Longspur Ave followed by coffee at Muffin Break Wigram. All welcome. Barbara & Alan.

Men’s Group meets on Thursday 5^th July at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd, beginning with a Shared Tea at 6pm. Military Chaplain Chris Purdie will share the story of his secondment to the British Army last year. All men welcome – we look forward to seeing you.  For more information, contact Tony Blackler 332 0554.

Parish Breakfast Sunday 15^th July 8.45am. Brought to you by members of Fireside. Gold coin koha appreciated.

Parish Midwinter Lunch Sunday 22^nd July 12 noon at the Cashmere Club – $24.50 per head. (Please pay on arrival at the venue). If you would like to come, please add your name to the list at the back of the Church, and indicate how many will be attending. We need to know numbers by Sunday 15^th July. Any queries? Speak to Allison 332 0554.

Wool for Waltham: The knitting club is seeking donations of 8 ply  wool or acrylic for the blankets they are knitting for Nurse Maude Hospice.  Any donations welcome – please pop them in the box at the back of the church. Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

 Caving at Charleston on the West Coast…. A parish trip for a small group 21^st – 24^th August.   A gentle introduction to some awe inspiring caves.  No experience required other than ability to walk along a track for a couple of km.  Talk to Dugald if you might be interested in joining the group.

 Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am – 12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Contact Lyndsey McKay 388 1264 for more information.

Waltham Cottage Foodbank:  As the colder weather sets in, the Cottage will see greater demand for food parcels.  Please consider adding an extra item or two to your weekly groceries to help fill the Cottage’s larder. Not sure what to buy? Cereals, tinned fruit & fish, pasta, soups and personal hygiene products are always welcome.

Prayer Requests: A book is located in the foyer for anyone to write in prayer requests. If suitable these requests will be actioned in public worship. In making a request please ensure if people are identifiable they have given permission.