WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

 Sunday 17^th September 2017

AGM: After worship today we will hold our AGM. We do not anticipate a long meeting.

Agenda:           Apologies

Remembering those who go before us

Approval of Annual Reports 2017 (but not Financial Report)

Adoption of Financial Position

Adoption of Financial Performance

Approval of Budget

Election of Managers

General Business

-Building

Next week…..we will begin a short series looking at Moses and the Exodus. Read the story in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament.

A Summary:  Living in a place that we can call home is an important for all people.

In New Zealand we have a housing crisis…..

About half our population are now renters because houses are so costly.

Buying an average house has risen from 2.5 times to 7 times the average income.

We have an issue with unsatisfactory housing that is leading to health issues for too many children.  (40,000 needless admissions to hospital each year)

“The politicians, both local and national, must take action on this very fixable social disgrace. “The market” cannot sort out this problem. Real leadership and intestinal fortitude is needed now!” Bruce Plested, Chairman of Mainfreight Policies to consider….

Encourage home ownership as an ideal for all New Zealanders

See an increased supply of affordable and social housing

Encourage the ability to build smaller and innovative housing

Fairly tax capital invested in housing

Establish good standards for all rental houses that will encourage ideals of ‘home’.

 Southern Seed Exchange Growing & Saving TODAY 1pm – 3pm, at former Seven Oaks School, 35 Hassals Lane, Opawa.  Southern Seed Exchange tutorial on the growing and seed saving of brassicas, corn, beans and radish. A different speaker will cover each seed for half an hour allowing time for questions and discussion. Seeds of the varieties covered will be available on the day. Gold coin donation on entry.

 Notices: A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea and the AGM after the service.

Daylight Saving begins next Sunday. Remember to change your clocks forward!

PLEASE NOTE: On Sundays 1 & 8 October our morning worship services will be at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd at 10am.  There is a carpark off Vincent Pl.

Session meets this Wednesday 20^th September 7.30pm at Allison Blackler’s.

Wednesday Walkers 20^th September: Meet 9.30am in St Mary’s Church carpark in Manchester St (south side). Coffee at Maryville Courts. Everyone welcome. Trevor & Heather Crew 942 4384.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Bring along your own craft project, or learn a new skill! Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

Anyone enrolled for the 23 September General Election can vote in advance. Go to the South Library foyer, 66 Colombo Street, Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd September 9am-6pm.

 BACON FUNDRAISER: Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon – 400gms (12-14 slices) – $8.00 per packet. Orders close NEXT SUNDAY 24 September 2017. Delivery date is unknown at present, but will be advised upon placement of the order. Please add you order to the list on the table at the back near the door. It would be wonderful if you could take away a list and fill with orders from family, friends and neighbours. The more we sell the greater the amount raised. Any queries please contact Joan Macdonald 337 1648.

 Community Seminar on Youth Wellbeing THIS Friday 22 September 7.30 – 9.30pm Cashmere Presbyterian Church, 2 Macmillan Ave. Forum on youth mental health and suicide prevention for parents, grandparents and the wider community. Information, resources and strategies. Speakers: Michael Hempseed, the Collaborative Trust; Blair Stirling, Te Whare Awhero; Juliana Kirwin, CAFS. Free seminar (koha appreciated) with supper. Ph 332 7129 or go to www.cashmereconference.weebly.com for more information.

WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

Sunday 10^th September 2017

NOTICES:

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

Parish Annual General Meeting is NEXT Sunday 17^th September following Worship. Please remember to bring your annual reports and financial statements with you! Apologies to Irene please.

 Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. New volunteers always welcome. See Lyndsey McKay for details.

 Wednesday Walkers 13^th September: Meet 9.30am at Crosbie Park, in Woodbury Street (right off Cutts Road) for a walk around Avonhead. Coffee will be at Café Euro at the Avonhead shopping centre.  All welcome. Judith  332 1577.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Bring along your own craft project, or learn a new skill! Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

 Copies of the Spring issue of “People Helping People” (the magazine of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island) are available.

For Your Diaries:  On Sundays 1 & 8 October our morning worship services will be at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd at 10am, due to the unavailability of the CMLC Hall.

BACON FUNDRAISER

Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon – 400gms (12-14 slices) – $8.00 per packet.

Orders close 24 September 2017. Delivery date is unknown at present, but will be advised upon placement of the order.

Please add you order to the list on the table at the back near the door.

It would be wonderful if you could take away a list and fill with orders from family, friends and neighbours. The more we sell the greater the amount raised. Any queries please contact Joan  337 1648.

 Thank you…. Adrienne Carmichael from the Waltham Community Cottage has written to us to say thank you for the special food donations at the end of June and for ongoing support through our regular weekly donations of non perishable food.  She notes that the support was particularly welcome as people faced higher power bills at this time of year.  “Please pass on our grateful thanks to the congregation for their generous donations.  It is very much appreciated.”

 We are having issues with technology….Sound levels at the front of the hall will inevitably be louder than at the rear. Our lectern microphone doesn’t always work so we have ordered a new hand held radio microphone.  This will mean we don’t have more cords to trip over. We are sorting issues with the electric piano. We welcome and appreciate feedback.

 Christian Savings…..Remember our own Presbyterian Savings and Development Society (PSDS).  Because of new regulations and costs of compliance it merged with Baptist Savings and other church groups to form a much larger entity as what is now known simply as Christian Savings.  By investing with Christian Savings you can choose to receive interest that is benchmarked to rates offered by major banks, or you can even make charitable deposits whereby your interest is credited to a charity nominated by you.

By investing with Christian Savings you know you are making an ethical investment with New Zealand’s only charitable non-bank deposit taker.  Your deposits empower Christian Savings to make affordable loans to churches for new building and projects like affordable housing.

An example of this is the new Oxford Terrace Baptist Church here in Christchurch.  Working with Christian Savings they have been able to undertake an exciting new project that will provide a church community auditorium, meeting rooms and kitchen, but also office space for NGOs and social enterprises, mixed use accommodation units, and a café.  This means they will have an income stream that is independent of the wealth or otherwise of their parishioners.

Currently Christian Savings is offering a special rate on term investments for a minimum deposit of $1000 of 3.6%.  To make a deposit or find out more:

Ph(toll free): 0508SAVINGS (0508728464), email: office@christiansavings.co.nz  website: www.christiansavings.co.nz

Hillview Christian School  Market Day Friday September 15^th 11am – 2pm in the Gym 150 Wilsons Rd. Come along and enjoy the entertainment, food and arts and crafts. Everyone is welcome.

Community Seminar on Youth Wellbeing Friday 22 September 7.30 – 9.30pm Cashmere Presbyterian Church, 2 Macmillan Ave Forum on youth mental health and suicide prevention for parents, grandparents and the wider community. Information, resources and strategies. Speakers: Michael Hempseed, the Collaborative Trust; Blair Stirling, Te Whare Awhero; Juliana Kirwin, CAFS Free seminar (koha appreciated) with supper. Ph 332 7129 or go to www.cashmereconference.weebly.com for more information.

WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

Sunday 3^rd September 2017

Father’s Day

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

 Thank You to the Fireside ladies for providing our delicious Breakfast this morning.

 New Readers’ Roster available today – please check to see if there is a copy for you. Anna.

 Wednesday Walkers 6^th September: Meet 9.30am in St Mary’s Church carpark in Manchester Street (south side), and finishing up at Maryville Courts for coffee. All are welcome.Heather & Trevor Crew 942 4384.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Bring along your own craft project, or learn a new skill! Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

Men’s Group meets this Thursday 7^th September 6pm at Merchiston for a shared tea. Rob Meier will be speaking. All men welcome. Please speak to Tony Blackler 332 0554 for details.

Parish Annual General Meeting is on Sunday 17^th September following Worship. Apologies to Irene please.

 Elders: Please note that the latest ‘Messenger’ and AGM reports are available this morning. It is essential that these be delivered promptly please. Irene Gray, Session Clerk.

CRAFT CRAWL: The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a Craft Crawl on Thursday 19^th October to Darfield and Methven. There are 41 seats to fill on the bus. Departure time to be confirmed. Cost $20. For further information, please contact Beverley Hudson  384 7814.

IMPORTANT: On Sundays 1 & 8 October our morning worship services will be at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd at 10am, due to the unavailability of the CMLC Hall.

 Report from Managers: New building… we are thrilled to hear the projected start date for work is late September.  We have requested the Session to apply for the capital sum ($38,000) held in the St David’s Trust Fund for building the strengthening work at St Martins.

Finances….Over the last two months of the financial year we had income of approx. $21,606 and expenditure of $23,876.  This included manse repairs of $1,400 and the purchase of a new photocopier of $1,400.  We also made a donation to Beckenham Methodist Church of $500 to cover costs of housing the Foot Clinic and the craft group.

Financial performance for year ending June 2017…. The total income for the year was $180,739 with expenditure of $147,269.  Thus we had a healthy surplus of $33,472.  Of note is $52,825 expended on matters related to the rebuild of the church for which we were fully reimbursed from our insurance allocation.  We also only employed our minister half time.

Projected Budget for the next year…. With a major building project looming this budget is very significantly higher than last year with projected expenditure of $1,016,808.  Joan has however produced a simplified budget with all rebuild matters removed.  This shows an updated operating deficit for the year of $15,128 (up from $13,628).  The projected deficit occurs largely because we are now employing a minister on 2/3rds time.

 Building Report: With detailed drawings being completed more accurate costing has been undertaken.  This has resulted in an increase in the estimate with some increase in work because of design changes in the kitchen and foyer areas, some additional timber work required by the engineer, quotes for painting being higher than expected, and quotes for steel work being higher than expected.  Our new estimated cost which includes all the fit out costs (eg sound system, data projector, kitchen equipment) is $926,658

To meet this increase we will draw on the money held in the St David’s Trust ($38,000) on our behalf, and increase our special fundraising to from $20,000 to $30,000.  Because we now have more accurate costs we have reduced the contingency sum to $40,000 (from $68,000).  We have also made the decision to trim the work to be completed by $40,000. This will mean we will not repair the concrete paths outside and will reduce improvements to the foyer area.  If extra funding were found (we may not spend all our contingency sum) these works could easily be completed later.  We do not want to commit more of our reserves (amounting to $100,000) to this project but need to protect these to fund future mission and ministry projects.

Presbytery has approved our financial plan and with a definite tender price now determined we will present a contract to the Church Property Trustees for signing in the next few weeks.

Pope Francis has been a keen advocate for the role of Christians in caring for God’s earth.  His recent encyclical on Caring for Creation made these points…

1. Climate change is real, and it’s getting worse. While some still argue about the reality of the climate change, Pope Francis doesn’t mince words: “Climate change is a global problem with grave implications….If present trends continue, this century may well witness extraordinary climate change and an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems, with serious consequences for all of us.”
2. Human beings are a major contributor to climate change. Pope Francis—a trained chemist—says human beings are responsible for tipping the balance of greenhouse gasses that are causing global warming. “We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will.”
3. Climate change disproportionately affects the poor. Climate change’s worst impact, Pope Francis says, “will probably be felt by developing countries in coming decades. Their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystemic services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry.”
4. We can and must make things better. Francis believes we should have hope. “Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start”
5. Individuals can help, but politicians must lead the charge. Francis argues that personal responsibility is an important step toward reversing climate change, but that political and structural transformations are needed for lasting change. “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in lifestyles, models of production and consumption, and the established structures of power which today govern societies.”

“I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!”

MY DAD…

4 years: My Daddy can do anything!’

7 years: ‘My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.’

8 years: ‘My father does not know quite everything.’

12 years: ‘Oh well, naturally Dad does not know that either.’

14 years: ‘Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old fashioned.’

21 years: ‘Oh, that man; he is out of date!’

25 years: ‘He knows a little bit about it, but not much.’

30 years: ‘I must find out what Dad thinks about it.’

35 years: ‘Before we decide, we will get Dad’s idea first.’

50 years: ‘What would Dad have thought about that?’

60 years: ‘My Dad knew literally everything!’

65 years: ‘I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.’

WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

 Sunday 27^th August 2017

Honour the Earth

The universe in its awesomeness, reflects the loving, dreaming and shaping of the Divine Artist, who looks upon what has been created, sees how good it is and celebrates its life.

Scripture affirms the value of human beings, within nature’s intertwining tapestry, for we who are formed from the cosmic dust, have the breath of God within us.

Each of us is Adam and Eve, responsible for nurturing the life and resources of this greening planet.

Each of us like the woman, and her husband Noah, is entrusted with the survival of the species.

Each of us in the spirit of Tane and Tangaroa is called by God to nurture and protect Aotearoa’s sacred soil, water and bush for generations yet unborn.

We commit ourselves to join with you, O God

to nurture the plants and the animals, the elements,

the sacred womb of sea and soil.

We offer to you, our ability to create and our potential to release people’s loving energies for the benefit of all creation.

We sing with you the song of the universe!

We dance with you the dance of life!

We are yours, and you in us are hope for the renewing of nature through the healing of the nations.

May Aotearoa be bread and wine for us all.

Notices:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea after the service. Thanks to Lyndsey McKay & Alice Shanks for leading our worship today.

Wednesday Walkers 30^th August: Meet 9.45am outside Casual & Country
Homestore, 1027 Ferry Road for a walk around the area. Sturdy shoes recommended. Coffee at café  “Ten 27” (at Casual & Country). All welcome. If you aren’t able to walk come along for coffee. Joan S
338 8700 or Joan Macd 337 1648.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Bring along your own craft project, or learn a new skill! Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

Parish Breakfast: NEXT Sunday 3^rd September 8.45am. Come along and enjoy freshly ground coffee, a selection of muffins and other goodies. Hosted by Fireside ladies.

Parish Annual General Meeting is on Sunday 17^th September following Worship. Apologies to Irene please.

CRAFT CRAWL The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a Craft Crawl on Thursday 19^th October to Darfield and Methven. There are 41 seats to fill on the bus. Departure time to be confirmed. Cost $20. For further information, please contact Beverley Hudson  384 7814.

Chicken Manure for Sale 12kg bag for $6 or 4 bags for $20 Saturday 2 Sept Colombo St outside Cashmere Club. Contact Graham Foulds 355 6348 for details. A Community Project of Christchurch South Rotary.

Men’s Group meets next on Thursday 7^th September 6pm at Merchiston for a shared tea. Rob Meier will be speaking. All men welcome. Please speak to Tony Blackler 332 0554 for details.

WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

Sunday 20^th August 2017

Finding ways to reduce inequality isn’t easy.  You have to look at policies of taxation through which we redistribute wealth.  Do taxation rates favour the wealthy?  Is it right that wealth that’s put into property isn’t usually taxed and is this a good use of wealth?  What is an efficient way of redistributing wealth and ensuring everyone has a decent income to ensure a quality of life.  How do you engender a sense of responsibility among those with wealth to use it for the good of all?  Do we err on grace and generosity in support for those at the bottom or do we wind back any offer of help to the bare minimum.  How do we put a human face on the situations of some families in our local community say the ability to heat your home well or take the kids on holiday is not a luxury but is a part of being human?

Report from Managers

New building… we are thrilled to hear the projected start date for work is late September.  We have requested the Session to apply for the capital sum ($38,000) held in the St David’s Trust Fund for building the strengthening work at St Martins.

Finances….Over the last two months of the financial year we had income of approx. $21,606 and expenditure of $23,876.  This included manse repairs of $1,400 and the purchase of a new photocopier of $1,400.  We also made a donation to Beckenham Methodist Church of $500 to cover costs of housing the Foot Clinic and the craft group.

Financial performance for year ending June 2017…. The total income for the year was $180,739 with expenditure of $147,269.  Thus we had a healthy surplus of $33,472.  Of note is $52,825 expended on matters related to the rebuild of the church for which we were fully reimbursed from our insurance allocation.  We also only employed our minister half time.

Projected Budget for the next year…. With a major building project looming this budget is very significantly higher than last year with projected expenditure of $1,016,808.  Joan has however produced a simplified budget with all rebuild matters removed.  This shows an operating deficit for the year of $13,628.  The projected deficit occurs largely because we are now employing a minister on 2/3rds time.

Notices:

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

 Articles required now for the next ‘Messenger’.Please email any contributions to anneke.howie@gmail.com. The deadline is Friday 25^th August. Thank You.

Fireside Women’s Group meets this Tuesday 22^nd August 7.30pm at Joan’s 2 Pentonville Close. All women are very welcome. Please contact Joan 338 8700 for more details.

 Wednesday Walkers 23^rd August: Meet 9.45am in McMahon Drive off Aidanfield Drive (horticultural end) for a walk around the area. Coffee at the Old Vicarage. All are welcome are join us – if you aren’t able to walk, come along for coffee! Judith 332 1577. Didn’t the walking group have an interesting explore around the CBD last Wednesday!

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Bring along your own craft project, or learn a new skill! Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

An Invitation: You are invited to Te Whare Roopu o Oterepo Waltham Community Cottage’s Annual General Meeting TOMORROW at 5.30pm.

Next Parish Breakfast: Sunday 3^rd September hosted by Fireside ladies.

WANTED: Photos of parish groups and events. If anyone has photos of what’s happening around the parish please email them to the Office.

CRAFT CRAWL: The Crafty Crafters invite anyone interested to join them on a Craft Crawl on Thursday 19^th October to Darfield and Methven. There are 41 seats to fill on the bus. Departure time to be confirmed. Cost $20. For further information, please contact Beverley Hudson  384 7814.

 Chicken Manure for Sale 12kg bag for $6 or 4 bags for $20 Saturdays 26 Aug & 2 Sept Colombo St outside Cashmere Club. Delivery is available for a fee. Contact Graham Foulds 355 6348 for details. A Community Project of Christchurch South Rotary.

 Thank you to all the blokes who helped clean out the church and shift all the chairs, tables, pianos, organs, and other items into the container.  We trust backs are still OK!  Well done fellows.