NEWSLETTER

December 2016/January 2017

NEWSLETTER

2

Greetings everyone

Happy New Years – and that is a greeting in the plural not an abbreviation for New

Year’s Day. Why a plural? We have just started a new Church year. Sunday, 27

November 2016 is the beginning of Advent. Sunday, 1 January 2017 is the beginning

of a new calendar year – hence new years. New years are things we often associate

with resolutions, promises to ourselves that we will do things better or different in the

future. I wonder how many at the end of Christmas last year said “I must do things

differently next year.” Well, now is your chance.

Given all the commercial excitement and domestic upheaval that seems to occur at this

time of the year it probably seems odd to describe Advent as a time of waiting. The

excitement and upheaval often suggest that it is a time of wishing – wishing it was all

over. But Advent really is a time of waiting.

This waiting isn’t passive, sitting still, disengaged kind of waiting. Rather it is a

waiting that is an active, doing kind of waiting. For example, during Advent we at St

Margaret’s have a tradition of lighting four candles. These candles represent peace,

hope, joy and love. As part of your waiting you might like to think about for example

the places and people in the world who need God’s peace.

Then there is this topic of hope. Who among us does not have dreams that this year

will be different? I began by talking about resolutions and our desires perhaps to do

things differently this Christmas. Perhaps send our Christmas greetings earlier than we

did last year. Perhaps do Christmas dinner differently. Perhaps change the way in

which we give our gifts. The hope within Advent is something that continues a

centuries old expectation for the Messiah as we too look forward to the promise and

wonder of Jesus.

And that promise was initially met not with joy or wonder, but with fear by those who

first heard of the birth; the shepherds. However their fear turned to joy after they had

done what the angels told them to do – to go and see. They were so filled with joy that

they went away rejoicing and telling others what they had seen. Even today there are

times when we just have to tell other people about occasions that have filled us with joy.

Some of us will have little choice about doing things differently this year because we are

unable to share Christmas with someone we love. May your sadness be lifted by the

fact that “you are not alone for he is born this day for you” (Ann Weems, “Not

Celebrate?”). The gift that we celebrate at Christmas is a gift from God, given in love.

Love is our fourth but not the last candle because on Christmas day we light the Christ

candle to remind ourselves that Jesus is the light of the world and that the darkness of

commercialism, business, worry, and sorrow have not put that light out .

I came across the following poem; another one written by Ann Weems which I think

rather beautifully describes how this year, singular or plural will be different. And

that’s the title of the poem: This Year Will Be Different. The last part of the poem

goes like this:

3

This year we intend to follow the Star

instead of the crowd.

But, of course, we always do

intend the best.

(And sometimes best intentions tend to get in the best of us!)

This year, when we find ourselves off the path again

(and we invariably will!),

let’s not add yet another stress to our Advent days,

that of “trying to do Christmas correctly”!

Instead, let’s approach the birth of our Lord

with joyful abandon!

And this year

let’s do what Mary did and rejoice in God,

let’s do what Joseph did and listen to our dreams,

let’s do what the Wise Men did and go to worship,

let’s do what the shepherds did and praise and glorify God

for all we have seen and heard!

As for the Advent frantic pace, we don’t have time for that,

We’ll be too busy singing!

This year will be different!”

As you journey through Advent may it be peaceful, hopeful, joyful and love filled for

you.

Personal Notes

There have been several who have had spells in hospital recently. Our

prayers for the continuing recovery of those who have been in Hutt Hospital

during November.

Congratulations to Emma Main on gaining the College Sport Wellington

female Footballer of the Year award

Building Report: Commencement of the building work has been delayed and current

indications are that work will begin some time in April.

4

Christmas Services

4 December 10.00 a.m. Communion

11 December 10.00 a.m. Sunday School Pageant

18 December 10.00 a.m. Music and readings

22 December 7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas

(A service of Solace)

24 December 6.00 p.m. Picnic on the lawn

7:30 p.m. Carols

9:15 p.m. Christmas Eve

25 December 10.00 a.m. Christmas Day

Christian World Service Appeal .....

Included with this newsletter is an envelope for

this year's CWS appeal. For 70 years the

Christmas Appeal has kept hope shining like light

shining in the darkness. Each gift shared has

contributed to a mountain of hope that is

providing food for the hungry, shelter for the

homeless, medicine for the sick, school for

children and opportunities for a future.

Your gift at Christmas will give hope to people in

need.

Those who are on email will have their envelopes

delivered. These can be placed in the offering

bag at any time during December/January.

5

Happy and Safe Christmas to all our families these holidays. We’ve loved having you as part of our St Margaret’s family and look forward to another fantastic year together in 2017. Thank you to all our Sunday School teachers, Girls Brigade leaders, Play Group volunteers, Messy Church helpers, Pause coordinators and everyone who has made St Margaret’s such a family friendly place to be. YOUTH GROUP 4 Dec – Youth Group finishes for the year on December 4

th with a “Black Tie” dinner at

McDonald’s. 12 Feb – Start Back for 2017 SUNDAY SCHOOL 11 Dec – This is Pageant Day and also the last day for Sunday School for the year. Please have all children at church by 8.45am for costumes and a quick run through. With the Pageant practices underway, please if you can get your children along on a Sunday it would be greatly appreciated. 12 Feb – Start back for 2017 GIRLS BRIGADE Girls Brigade is finished for 2016 – come along in 2017 for some great fun. 14 Feb – Start Back for 2017 PLAY GROUP 8 Dec – Is last day for Playgroup. 9 Feb – Start back for 2017 MESSY CHURCH Look out for our next Messy Church in Term One next year…

Children, Youth & Families @ St.Margaret’s December 2016

CONTACTS Sunday School, Rosenda – 5289851 Pause Group, Jo - 021616376 Playgroup, Pat – 9380374 Messy Church, Delena 9776338 Youth Group, Sian - 0273631315 and Jo - 021616376 Girls Brigade, Delwyn – 9769116 and Sue 0275288551

6

Michael, Hazel, Lynne, & Kerry O'Brien and

families wish to say a huge thank you to all

who helped us when Michael collapsed in

church recently.

To Lin Coleman whose medical skills were

outstanding, the young men who assisted, and for all your concern, both at the time, and

since, we are so grateful. We really are so fortunate to be a part of such a caring church

family. Thank you everyone.

TOYS & BAKING

We are collecting good quality toys for

the staff at Family Works in Upper Hutt

to give to the families they serve.

Let's help make happy Christmas memories by

giving toys and baking.

There is a box in the foyer for toys.

They will be collected until 11 December.

Baking will be collected on 18 December.

Enquiries to Pat Lerwill ph.938 0374 or Lois Rowe.

.... THANK YOU From Pam Hurly to those people who gave me cardboard boxes for

my Fascinator Hats for the “Well Made Craft Fair” on the 12 November.

Afternoon Fellowship meets on Wednesday 7 December

at 12.30 p.m. (note change of time). Please bring $5.00 as

a contribution to the cost of the lunch.

Evening Fellowship is having a Christmas meal on Wednesday 14 December - 6.30

p.m. in the lounge. As in previous years the Fig Tree are providing an excellent meal -

cost $40.00 pre-paid by Sunday 11 December. Contact Joyce Castle 528.6376. All

women are invited to join in.

What's On

7

ROSTERS

Morning Tea

4 Dec. Lin Coleman/Karen Coleman

11 Shirley Graham/Loretta Hastie

18 Lynley & Caitlin McInnarney

1 Jan. Riek Kleinjan/Jean Rothwell

8 Lynn Russell/Jacqueline Kitchen

15 Hazel & Lynne O'Brien

22 Chris Scotton/Margaret Donaldson

27 Shirley Main/Caitlin McInnarney

5 Feb. Clive & Jeanette McGovern

Setting Up Church 4 Dec. Sue & Phil Taylor

11 Pageant set up

18 Rosenda & Chris Upton

Stay set up over January

29 Jan. Alfred Enslin/Matt Radley

5 Feb. Warren & Melissa Potter

Lectionary:

4 Dec. Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7,18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12

11 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

18 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7,17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25

25 Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 John 1:1-14

1 Jan. Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23

8 Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17

15 Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42

22 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1,4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23

29 Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12

5 Feb. Isaiah 58:1-9a Psalm 112:1-9 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20

Data Projector 4 Dec. David Ross

11 Hazel O'Brien

18 Blair McInnarney

24 Lynley McInnarney

25 Hazel O'Brien

1 Jan. David Ross

8 Scott Taylor-Hall

15 Trevor English

22 David Lottering

29 Lynley McInnarney

5 Feb. Blair McInnarney

Lawns 3 Dec. Martin Barr

17 Warren Potter

31 Phil Taylor

14 Jan. Stewart Turner

28 Rhys West

11 Feb. Malcolm Foster

8

REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF MANAGERS

Giving Analysis By Months 4 months July - October 2016

Month No. of Actual

No. of Actual Budget Surplus(Deficit)

Sundays Last Year

Sundays This Year This Year This Year

July 4 5,960.80

4 5,788.60 6,308.00 (519.40)

Aug 5 6,652.40

5 6,089.10 7,885.00 (1,795.90)

Sep 4 6,384.10

4 5,538.50 6,308.00 (769.50)

Oct 4 6,018.60

5 6,584.30 7,885.00 (1,300.70)

17 25,015.90

18 24,000.50 28,386.00 (4,385.50)

Budget Giving for 12 months to 30 June 2017 $82,000 as approved by the congregation at

the AGM and does not include any contributions towards the Earthquake Redevelopment

Fund.

Earthquake Redevelopment Fund - Donations to the EQ Redevelopment Fund this

month totalled $1,000 and increased the balance to $54,302.43 at 31 October 2016.

Plant Sale 15 October 2016 - Takings for the Plant Sale came to $3,114.20 with a

further $60.00 added in November. These amounts exclude proceeds from sales made at

the Mini Fair and are before deducting $1,819.88 for the cost of Plants.

Mini Fair 29 October 2016 - No one knew what to expect given the limitations

imposed beforehand, but thankfully everyone pulled together to help make this a

successful event. Takings on the day amounted to $9,946.50 with $187.00 added the

next day, and $245.00 in November, taking the total to $10,378.50 before expenses of

$217.00. This was a tremendous achievement and sincere thanks go to Melissa Potter

for her drive and enthusiasm and to all those who assisted in all aspects of the Mini Fair.

Melissa is looking to find an apprentice to help learn the ropes for next year 2017, so

9

that she can step aside in 2018. Please have a chat to her if you think you might be able

to help.

CWS Haiti Appeal - The congregation contributed $252.20 in retiring offerings in

October and this has been passed onto Christian World Service on your behalf.

CWS Christmas Appeal - Special Envelopes for the Christmas Appeal will be

available shortly and as in past years, contributions can be put in with the normal weekly

collection. Please, if you are paying by cheque, make it out to St. Margaret’s rather

than to Christian World Service. The process is that all donations to the appeal are

banked to St Margaret’s Account first, and then paid over to CWS later in a single sum.

Receipts are issued by CWS and sent to us for distribution to those who have asked for

them.

Other monies to be banked - Every Sunday, Managers lock themselves away to count

and record the monies received. This not only includes the offering, but also special

donations, fundraising income, Hall Hire etc. It is important that the amount is double

checked as part of the process so please, if you have any money that is to be banked,

make sure that it is suitably labeled and put in with the Offering, rather than interrupting

Managers during the counting operation or handing it in after everything has been

balanced for the day.

New Valuation for the Church property - Quotable Value Ltd has issued a new

Rating Valuation for the Dunns St property as at 1 August 2016. This shows an

increase in Land Value by $120,000 from $500,000 to $620,000, and the Value of

Improvements by $10,000 from $330,000 to $340,000. The Total Valuation has

increased by $130,000 from $830,000 to $960,000.

Stormwater Drainage Repairs - A decision has been made to have a contractor reopen

and replace the two soak pits on the northern boundary. This is intended to help reduce

some pooling of water in the grounds and stop run off to properties at the rear of the

hall. The extent of the work required is not yet known, or when it will be done, but

hopefully disruption to users will be minimal.

CWS Christmas Appeal - Special Envelopes for the Christmas Appeal will be

available shortly and as in past years, contributions can be put in with the normal weekly

collection. Please, if you are paying by cheque, make it out to St Margaret’s rather than

to Christian World Service. The process is that all donations to the appeal are banked to

St Margaret’s Account first, and then paid over to CWS later in a single sum. Receipts

are issued by CWS and sent to us for distribution to those who have asked for them.

Other monies to be banked - Every Sunday, Managers lock themselves away to count

and record the monies received. This not only includes the offering, but also special

donations, fundraising income, Hall Hire etc. It is important that the amount is double

checked as part of the process so please, if you have any money that is to be banked,

make sure that it is suitably labeled and put in with the Offering, rather than interrupting

10

Managers during the counting operation or handing it in after everything has been

balanced for the day.

New Valuation for the Church property - Quotable Value Ltd has issued a new

Rating Valuation for the Dunns St property as at 1 August 2016. This shows an increase

in Land Value by $120,000 from $500,000 to $620,000, and the Value of Improvements

by $10,000 from $330,000 to $340,000. The Total Valuation has increased by $130,000

from $830,000 to $960,000.

Stormwater Drainage Repairs - A decision has been made to have a contractor reopen

and replace the two soak pits on the northern boundary. This is intended to help reduce

some pooling of water in the grounds and stop run off to properties at the rear of the

hall. The extent of the work required is not yet known, or when it will be done, but

hopefully disruption to users will be minimal.

11

WORSHIP AT THE FAIR

Early morning, trestles banging, tents flapping,

showers sprinkling, wind whipping, clouds ominous,

boxes laden, frantic feet flying,

paddling on soaked grass,

plants watered and waiting,

clothes sorted and mounded,

marmalade and preserves glowing,

cakes mouthwateringly waiting,

sweets and toffee apples stickily standing,

morning tea for hungry shoppers.

Gran's ginger beer,

sausage smells fill the nostrils,

books lurking for fresh readers

faces to be painted, dips luckily boxed,

raffles filled,

china and steptoe filling the tables.,

These were once peoples' treasures,

now seeking new owners.

Punters line the fence

scanning from afar.

Gates open -

whoosh, in they rush

This is our church, our community, our neighbour

God is here, in the weather

in the child with the toffee face

the old man, the collector,

in the woman with pain-ravaged face, and walking stick

in young parents seeking bargains

in the girl with her pink bag for 50c,

in the smiling baby in the pram

in the gardeners who pray in their gardens with our plants

He is in the workers, the planners, the buys and sellers,

His love fills the air,

fills us all.

Thank God for the Fair.

Pat Lerwill

December 2016 -

January 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Play Group

Wgt. Watchers

Choir Practice

2

60's Up

3

4

Communion

5

Friendship Grp

6 7

Afn. Fellowship

12.30 p.m.

Session

8

Play Group

Wgt. Watchers

Choir Practice

9 10

11

SS Pageant

Shared lunch

12 13 14

Evg.Fellowship

6.30 p.m lounge

15

Wgt. Watchers

Choir Practice

16 17

18

Music &

readings

19 20 21

Bd. Managers

22

Wgt. Watchers

Blue Christmas

23 24

Picnic

Carols on lawn

Christmas Eve

25

Christmas Day

26 27 28 29

Wgt. Watchers

30 31

Services during January - normal time 10.00 a.m.

Minister: Rev. Chris Rosanowski 971.7530 Family Team: Contact the Session Clerk:

Marilyn Anderson 527.8601

Hall Bookings: Carol McConnell 527.9462 Website: http://stmargaretschurch.net.nz

Facebook: St. Margaret's Family Page

Deadline for February

newsletter -

Monday 23 January