WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN: Come Host of Heaven’s High Dwelling Place (Tune: St Columba)
Come, Host of Heaven’s high dwelling place,
Come, earth’s disputed guest;
Find where we meet a welcome home,
Stay here and take your rest.

Surround these walls with faith and love
That through the nights and days,
When human tongues from speaking cease,
These stones may echo praise.

Bless and inspire those gathered here
patience, hope and peace,
And all the joys that know the depth
In which all sorrows cease.

Here may the loser find his worth,
The stranger find a friend;
Here may the hopeless find their faith
And aimless find an end.

Build, from the human fabric signs
Of how your kingdom thrives,
Of how the Holy Spirit changes life
By changing lives. ©Iona Community GIA Publications
OPENING PRAYERS & LORD’S PRAYER

NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

READING: Isaiah 45:1-8 Sue Saunders

HYMN: O Lord and Master of Us All (Tune: Wetherby)
O Lord and Master of us all, whate’er our name or sign,
we own thy sway, we hear thy call, we test our lives by thine.

Our thoughts lie open to thy sight and naked to thy glance,
our secret sins are in the light of thy pure countenance.

Yet weak and blinded though we be, thou dost our service own;
we bring our varying gifts to thee, and thou rejectest none.

To thee our full humanity, its joys and pains belong;
the wrong of man to man on thee inflicts a deeper wrong.

Apart from thee all gain is loss, all labour vainly done;
the solemn shadow of thy cross is better than the sun.

Our friend, our brother and our Lord, what may thy service be?
Nor name, nor form, nor ritual word, but simply following thee.

We faintly hear, we dimly see, in differing phase we pray;
but dim or clear, we own in thee the Light, the Truth, the Way.
JG Whittier (WOV)

READING: Acts 17: 19-28 David Beaumont

SERMON

HYMN: All Loving God We Come to You (Tune: Melita)
All loving God, we come to you and pray for peace on earth this day: that wars may cease, aggression fail, and tyranny no more hold sway. In this and every other land, Lord, hold your people in your hand.

Show us the way of making peace in every thought and word and deed: to love our neighbours as ourselves, whatever colour, race or creed. In this and every other land, Lord, hold your people in your hand.

Give us an all-embracing heart, forgiving, caring, loving, strong: that we may show our love for you and work for peace, our whole life long. In this and every other land, Lord, hold your people in your hand.
©Jan Chamberlin

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS

OFFERING & PRAYER

HYMN: Father of Peace and God of Love (Tune: Caithness)
Father of peace, and God of love!
We own your power to save,
that power by which our shepherd rose
victorious o’er the grave.

Him from the dead you brought again,
when, by his sacred blood,
confirmed and sealed for evermore
the eternal covenant stood.

O may your Spirit seal our souls,
and mould them to your will,
that our weak hearts no more may stray,
but keep your precepts still;

That to perfection’s sacred height
we nearer still may rise,
and all we think, and all we do,
be pleasing in your eyes. P Doddridge & others (WOV)

BENEDICTION

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

Many thanks to Charles Manning for leading our worship this morning.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the Annual General Meeting of parishioners on Sunday 20th September 2015 following Morning Worship. All are encouraged to attend. Please send any items for General Business or apologies to me. Irene Gray, Session Clerk.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 2nd Sept: Meet 9.30am in Lichfield St outside Bus Interchange for a city walk, and view NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year exhibition. Coffee at C1 café. All Welcome. Sonya 339 7038.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3. All Welcome.

MEN’S GROUP will meet on Thursday 3rd September at 6 pm at Merchiston for a shared tea. The speaker will be Wayne Barton talking about his role with Radio Lollipop in the Children’s Ward at Christchurch Hospital. Look forward to seeing you all there. Tony 332 0554.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. There are only 10 left – contact Anna in the Office 332 6192 if you would like one.

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

CONCERT AT KNOX CHURCH TODAY 2.30pm. The Knox Singers present Schubert & More with sacred choral music from Bruckner to Stainer, featuring Schubert’s Mass in G Major. $15 waged; $10 unwaged.

Copies of the Moderator’s Pastoral Letter are available for those not on email.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 3rd Charlotte; Sat 5th Anneke, Lyndsey.

WELCOME & NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Come let us give thanks to God together
For our God always keeps His promises
Let us sing hymns and make music together
For our God always keeps His promises
Let us acknowledge His presence among us
For our God always keeps His promises
Let us remember all the wonderful things He has done for us
For our God always keeps His promises
Let us open our hearts and minds to the wonder of worship
For our God always keeps His promises
Let us find consolation in the assurance of the truth of God’s word in scripture. For our God always keeps His promises

HYMN: Dear Lord and Father (Tune: Repton WOV 519(ii))
Dear Lord and Father of mankind forgive our foolish ways
reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find
in deeper reverence praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian sea
the gracious calling of the Lord let us like them, without a word
rise up and follow thee.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee. O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love.

Drop thy still dews of quietness,till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire.
O still small voice of calm. ©JG Whittier

OPENING PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

SONG: Christians are all kinds of people (please remain seated)
Christians are all kinds of people
They’re average, they’re short, and they’re tall
From all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of outlooks,
Our gracious God uses them all.
Christians are all kinds of people, not even especially good,
But God’s love is mighty, and that is what counts,
With mercy as wide as the sea; It reaches to you and to me

Christians are all kinds of people
They’re smilers, they’re grouchers, they’re clowns.
In all kinds of weather, wherever they gather,
You’ll find every kind of them round.
Christians are all kinds of people,
And sometimes all kinds are in me.

God uses all kinds of people,
The black, and the pale, and the tan,
New born and the aged, the fit and disabled,
They all have a part in the plan.
God uses all kinds of people,
With problems, with hang- ups, with scars. ©Stan & Pauline Stewart

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS:
Psalm 111 Joan Scott
Ephesians 5: 15-20 Irene Gray

REFLECTION: Forgiveness
A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: In Heavenly love abiding (Tune: Penlan WOV 504)
In Heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe in such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me,
no want shall turn me back;
my shepherd is beside me,
and nothing can I lack:
His wisdom ever waketh,
His sight is never dim;
He knows the way He taketh,
and I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies will soon be o’er me,
where the dark clouds have been:
My hope I cannot measure,
my path to life is free;
My Saviour has my treasure.
and He will walk with me. ©Anna Laetitia Waring

THE OFFERING (together):
Loving God, this is the time when we offer up that which matters.
This is the time for good gifts of love.
This is the time for giving of ourselves.
This is the time for the healing of the nations.
Bless, O God, all that we offer this day;
And send us to love and serve the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Be still, my soul (Tune: Finlandia WOV 48)
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake,
all now mysterious shall be clear at last.
Be still, my soul: the tempests still obey
His voice, who ruled them once on Galilee.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart
and all is darkened in the vale of tears,
then you shall better know His love, his heart
who comes to soothe your sorrow, calm your fears.
Be still, my soul: for Jesus can repay
from His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be ever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
sorrow forgotten, love’s pure joy restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

THE BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face
to shine upon you and be gracious to you:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
ST MARTIN’S NOTICES 16th AUGUST 2015:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

Many thanks to David Beaumont for leading our worship this morning.

***PLEASE NOTE: FROM NEXT SUNDAY our service is at 9am.***

New Season’s orange marmalade and crab apple jelly for sale today beside the kitchen door. Sue 960 7657.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th Aug: Meet 9.30am in carpark south of New Brighton Library, Marine Parade. Coffee at Salt on the Pier Café. All Welcome. Barbara & Alan.

BOARD OF MANAGERS meeting Wednesday 19th August 7.30pm in the Lounge.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3. All Welcome.

Opawa St Martins Anglican Parish presents “New Zealand Families at War” – local people sharing stories of New Zealanders at war 100 years ago. TODAY 3pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, Opawa Rd. Entry by koha. All Welcome.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. Contact the Office .

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

BECKENHAM METHODIST CONCERT Sunday 23rd August at 2pm in the Church. $10. Children under 10 free. Bring family and friends and enjoy our musical talents.

DIVERSITY IN WORSHIP WORKSHOP: Saturday 29th August 9.30am-3.15pm, St Luke’s, cnr Main North & Daniels Rds. $10 per person or $30 per parish. Registrations to lindacowan@xtra.co.nz by 19/8 please.

Christchurch Housing Forum presents Shamubeel Eaqub, Economist and author of ‘Generation Rent’. Wednesday 2nd September 12-2pm at Oxford Tce Baptist Hall. Please RSVP by 20/8 – ph 379 1122 or email projectsupport@tpa.org.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 17th Sam; Tue 18th Andreas, Doug.

From Rev Dr Colin Marshall re: TURAKINA MAORI GIRLS’ COLLEGE.

On Wednesday the Church was informed that the Minister of Education has decided to initiate consultation on the future of Turakina Maori Girls’ College due to concerns regarding its falling roll and the financial position this places the school in.

The Minister of Education states that she has not made a decision about the future of the school. She is seeking the views of interested parties about the possibility of closing the school in January 2016. This consultation process will finish on 11 September 2015.

This news is unsettling. The Church has long been a strong supporter of Turakina. We have rejoiced in its many outstanding students who have gone on to high achievement at university and to become outstanding M?ori women leaders.

The next few weeks will be a time of great uncertainty for the staff, students, whanau and community of Turakina Maori Girls’ College and for Te Aka Puaho. Te Aka Puaho has reached out offering pastoral care and support.

Our Church has both an historical and ongoing relationship with Turakina, however this role is only in an advisory and support capacity. Being an integrated school for the past 34 years, the operations of the school are government funded, while the hostel and catering operations are self funding, primarily through fees charged to parents.

Over the years the school has experienced ongoing financial pressure due to a fall in the roll, and rising operating costs. Being a low decile school, there has been pressure on some parents to fully pay hostel fees.
I know that many of you have supported the school over the years.

Since October 2008, the Church has committed $130,000 in funding to the school hostel and made administrative and management support available to the Board of Proprietors, including the CoA appointment of Kathie Irwin as Commissioner of the Turakina Maori Girls College Board of Proprietors. Te Aka Puaho has assisted the school with a $80,000 loan. Presbyterian Women provided over $60,000 in scholarships to students.

Together our Church and the school’s Board of Proprietors have explored many fundraising options seeking ways to improve the school’s financial viability.

The Church will be writing to the Minister of Education as part of the Ministry’s consultation process. Submissions are encouraged from all within Turakina’s community, these can be sent to: Jann Marshall, Director of Education, Ministry of Education, Private Bag 3012, Whanganui 4540 or Jann.Marshall@Education.govt.nz

We ask for your prayers at this time for the staff, students and whanau of Turakina.

ST MARTIN’S NOTICES 9th AUGUST 2015:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning, and especially to our preacher, Rev Prince Devananand who leads the Methodist Mission and Ecumenical team. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

PLEASE NOTE: NEXT SUNDAY is the last Winter Combined Service. From Sunday 23rd August, our service returns to 9am.

COPY URGENTLY REQUIRED for ‘Messenger’ please. Deadline NEXT SUNDAY 16th August. Anneke 328 7459 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com

GATHER & GO: Combined Presbytery Youth Event Saturday 15th August 5.30 – 8pm St Paul’s Trinity Pacific. RSVP mike.dodge@cys.org.nz by 12/8 for catering.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th Aug: Meet 9.30am at Airforce Museum carpark, Harvard Ave. Coffee at Airforce Museum Café. All Welcome. Judith 332 1577.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3. All Welcome.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. Contact the Office .

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

Visit the Garden Gallery – a new art venue at 291 Lyttelton St, Spreydon. The opening exhibition “People and Places” features Mike Glover, John Boyd & Maxine Burney. On now until 23 Aug. Hours: 1-4pm Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue & Thu. 338 1571.

Opawa St Martins Anglican Parish presents “New Zealand Families at War” – local people sharing stories of New Zealanders at war 100 years ago. Sunday 16th August 3pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, Opawa Rd. Entry by koha. All Welcome.

BECKENHAM METHODIST CONCERT Sunday 23rd August at 2pm in the Church. $10. Children under 10 free. Bring family and friends and enjoy our musical talents.

ST JAMES’ MENS MUSTER at 34 Meadowville Ave (entrance off Cheviot St) TOMORROW 12.30 pm. Please bring a plate. Iain Lynn will present a movie and relate his experiences staying on Campbell Island in 1968. Roger Allen.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 10th Irene M; Wed 12th Kathryn; Thu 13th Catherine; Fri 14th Thomas.

St Martin’s Presbyterian &
Beckenham Methodist Parishes
2 August 2015 ~ Pentecost 10

Tene Kotou, Katoa.
Talofa Lava.
Greetings to you in the name of Christ.
And also to you.

WELCOME & NOTICES
BIRTHDAYS

CALL TO WORSHIP:
The cross…. We shall take it
The bread we shall break it. Nourishing, life giving bread
The pain we shall bear it. The joy we shall share it.
The cup we shall drink from it. New beginnings await.
The gospel. We shall live it
The love. We shall share it.

HYMN: God is Here (Tune: Abbot’s Leigh)
God is here! As we his people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share:
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of His Spirit
into open minds and hearts

Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font and pulpit,
here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence, as in speech,
here in newness and renewal
God the Spirit comes to each.

Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.

Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel,
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication,
all we have to give, receive;
we who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe. © Hope Publishing (VU)

PRAYER

BIBLE READINGS:
Ephesians 4: 1-16 How you shall live Joan Scott
John 6: 24-35 ‘I am the bread of Life’ Joan Macdonald

REFLECTION ON COMMUNION:

OFFERING:
Gracious God, we bring the gift of money and produce to be used in your service as a sign of you love. Amen.

HYMN: Take My Gifts
Take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me,
gave me light and food and shelter,
gave me life and set me free.
Now, because your love has touched me,
I have love to give away;
now the bread of love is rising,
loaves of love to multiply!

Take the fruit that I have gathered
from the tree your Spirit sowed,
harvest of your own compassion,
juice that makes the wine of God;
spiced with humour, laced with laughter-
flavour of the Jesus life,
tang of risk and new adventure,
taste and zest beyond belief.

Take whatever I can offer-
gifts that I have yet to find,
skills that I am slow to sharpen,
talents of the hand and mind,
things made beautiful for others
in the place where I must be:
take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me. © Shirley Murray (AA)

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION: Let us again affirm our faith in God.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH together:
We believe in God, the source of life who created human beings to be different and to get on with each other.
We believe in Jesus Christ, who calls us to a life which is absurd by the standards of the world.
We believe in the spirit of God within and around us, and you and me.
We believe the times when the church is the church when we are a community, a source of love, laughter and the sharer of tears. A people prepared to take risks, working together, that one day this world may be a place where people can live in justice, freedom and peace.
This is our hope, this is our faith, that we dare to believe, always and in spite of everything, in God’s power to transform. (source unknown)

THE INVITATION:
Jesus Christ invites each one of you to this family meal.
In the bread and the wine, the sign of Christ’s presence, we are united in love with God, through Jesus Christ and with one another.
ACCEPTANCE: I come to the table in response to the invitation of Jesus Christ, who walked among us and was human like us. I come knowing that I am freed from those things that separate me from God and one another. I come seeking healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ who gave the gift of life for us all.

The children now join us
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

SILENCE:
Be still, be silent.
Let God be God.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

INSTITUTION OF THE SACRAMENT
DISTRIBUTION
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

OFFER THE PEACE OF CHRIST TO ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS FOR OTHER PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ
Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy:
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
pass the word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one.
at his table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share.
God (Immanuel) everywhere! © Stainer & Bell Ltd (CH 4)

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY:
We go now, having committed ourselves afresh to serve Christ. We go now knowing that God goes with us, Jesus Christ being our guide and the spirit of God will empower us. May we know the freedom to seek opportunities each new day and serve with compassion, imagination and courage.

BENEDICTION: Go in peace and carry this sacrament with you into your everyday life. We share the Grace with one another:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

******
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Our thanks to Rev. Lyndsey McKay for leading our
worship today.
Next Sunday our preacher is Rev Prince Devananand from Auckland who leads the Methodist Mission and Ecumenical team.
He will share news of his recent visits to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
There will be a retiring offering for Missionary outreach.

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.
ST MARTIN’S NOTICES 2nd AUGUST 2015:
COPY REQUIRED now for ‘Messenger’ please. Deadline 16th August. Anneke 328 7459 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com

WALNUTS for sale today – $4 a bag. Be in quick!

WEDNESDAY WALKERS Meet 9.30am cnr Neville/Lyttelton Sts. Coffee at Garden Gallery 291 Lyttelton St. All welcome. Sonya 339 7038 or 025 273 3397.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3. All Welcome.

MEN’S GROUP will meet at Merchiston, St Martins Rd on THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST AT 6 PM. There will be a shared tea and then Mike Bruce will talk about his work on the Lyttelton Tug. All men welcome. Tony 332 0554.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. Contact the Office .

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

Visit the Garden Gallery – a new art venue at 291 Lyttelton St, Spreydon. The opening exhibition “People and Places” features Mike Glover, John Boyd & Maxine Burney. On now until 23 Aug. Hours: 1-4pm Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue & Thu. 338 1571.

Opawa St Martins Anglican Parish presents “New Zealand Families at War” – local people sharing stories of New Zealanders at war 100 years ago. Sunday 16th August 3pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, Opawa Rd. Entry by koha. All Welcome.

AFTERNOON FUNDRAISING CONCERT for Beckenham Methodist on Sunday 23rd August at 2pm in the Church. $10.00; children under 10 free. Bring family and friends and enjoy our musical talents. If you are interested in performing an item, contact Jean Morris 332 1814.

FIX-IT Jobs – We have people who can help you with small jobs around your property. Contact the Office 332 6192 for details.

ST JAMES’ MENS MUSTER at Peter Mechaelis’ home 34 Meadowville Ave (entrance off Cheviot St ) Monday 10th August 12.30 pm. Please bring a plate. Iain Lynn will present a movie and relate his experiences staying on Campbell Island in 1968. It is a rare and fascinating in sight to this remote island. Roger Allen.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 3rd Meg.

ST MARTIN’S NOTICES 26th JULY 2015:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.

FOOT CLINIC TOMORROW 1-4pm. Helpers welcome. Lyndsey 388 1264.

FIRESIDE meets at 7.30pm on Tuesday 28th July at Lesley’s to shell and bag walnuts to sell. Please bring nutcrackers and aprons. Lesley 332 3773 or Margaret 027 228 3386. All women are very welcome.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th July: Meet 9.30am cnr Lichfield/Colombo Streets (outside Bus Exchange). Coffee downstairs at Ballantynes. All are welcome to join us. Joan 338 8700.

NO CRAFTY CRAFTERS THIS WEEK!

WALTHAM COTTAGE NEWS:
? AGM Monday 27th July 6.30pm at the Cottage.
? Midwinter Lunch & Bric-a-Brac/Jewellery Stall Wednesday 29th July. Stall from 10.30am. Lunch at 12 noon. Open to anyone who would like to come along.
? 2nd Hand Goods – the Cottage would appreciate donations of warm clothing and bedding at this time.
? WANTED: one driver for Senior Group on 1st Tuesday each month 1.30 – 3.30pm. Contact Adrienne 942 2173 if you can help.

A LOVELY THANK YOU:
A bit more “gratitude and love” to all at St Martin’s for the moving farewell, as I retired as Minister and from fulltime active ministry. My thanks and appreciation to the congregation for the gifts – the Weber Baby Q that I knew about, but also the monetary gift to spend in England, and the Ballantyne’s voucher. I have been rather overwhelmed by people’s generosity and love.
It was a privilege to serve the parish and its people – it is the people I will miss and you’ll remain in my heart in a special way. My best wishes to you all. May the future unfold with renewed hope and encouragement. Love, Chris.

THE RISINGHOLME SINGERS are presenting a semi-staged version of ‘The Mikado’ on Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd August at the Heaton Street Intermediate School Performing Arts Centre at 3pm. Great soloists, great acting and lots of laughs! Tickets from John Shanks.

AFTERNOON FUNDRAISING CONCERT for Beckenham Methodist on Sunday 23rd August at 2pm in the Church. $10.00; children under 10 free. Bring family and friends and enjoy our musical talents. If you are interested in performing an item, contact Jean Morris 332 1814.

INSPIRING MISSION Saturday 1st August Hope Church, Hornby. Workshops 10am – 4pm, followed by an evening of inspiration and encouragement (7pm start). The workshops offer a rare opportunity to share in a high quality resourcing event and involve some very gifted leaders. The evening event includes an opportunity to hear from our Moderator, Rt Rev Andrew Norton. See the poster in the Lounge for details. To register, email alpinepresoffice@gmail.com asap, or phone 420 1400. All are welcome. Rev Barry Ayres, Executive Officer, Alpine Presbytery.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. See Rob & Barbara Meier 379 1474.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am each Thursday.

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

ORGAN RECITAL Sunday 2nd August 2pm at St Michael & All Angels, Oxford Tce. Jeremy Woodside, Organ Scholar, Westminster Abbey will perform works by Bach, Elgar, Widor and the NZ premiere of Fractures: In Memoriam by Matthew Everingham. Door sales $20.

THANK YOU to everyone who has submitted Annual Reports?. Anna.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 26th Rachael; Tue 28th Wayne; Wed 29th Sylvia; Thu 30th Fay, Drew.