A very warm welcome to all who worship here today. Please stay for a cuppa and conversation after the service. Many thanks to Rev Sandra Wright-Taylor for leading our worship this morning.

Minister on leave: Don is on leave until 6^th December. For urgent pastoral matters in his absence, please contact Irene 332 7306.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday 6^th December following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to be updated by the Ministry Settlement Board.

ANOTHER VERY BRIEF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will also be held on Sunday 13^th December to approve the formation of a Parish Council.

From the Session minutes 18^th November 2020: ‘That the Session approves the idea of moving to a Parish Council at St Martins and should the Board of Managers agree, that we take it to a congregation meeting…’

Wednesday Walkers 2^nd December: Meet 9.30am  – contact Sonya 027 2533397 for details.

What’s On This Week:

Tuesday 10am – 2pm South Elder Care. Jeannette 332 9869.

Tuesday 7.15pm Christian Meditation Group. Contact Dugald 380 5024.

Wednesday 9.30am Walking Group: Sonya 027 2533397.

Thursday 10am – 12 noon Crafty Crafters. Bring along your own craft items or learn a new skill. $3 per session. Jeannette 332 9869.

Thursday 1.30 – 2.30pm Sit & Keep Fit. See Anneke for more information.

Thursday 5-7pm Familial Trust. Graeme 021 365 433.

Pastoral Team meeting Monday 7^th December 9.30am in the foyer. Please keep us informed of any changes, special birthdays, illness, anniversaries. Lyndsey McKay 388 1264.

THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered to clean the churchJ

Working Bee Saturday 5^th December 9am-12noon. Please come along and lend a hand. Talk to Peter Mechaelis or Barry Moore for more details.

South Brighton Voices concert “Reflections” Sunday 6^th December 2pm at St John’s Anglican Church Woolston. Tickets $20 for adults, $2 for children – available from Lyndsey McKay.

Essential items needed in Christchurch please! A request from Presbyterian Support Upper South Island: We are currently running very low on some essential items for our young parents and young adults. If you could donate any of these items we would be extremely grateful:- nappies; wet wipes; Baby bath wash; sanitary items; toothpaste; toothbrushes; deodorants; shampoo and conditioner; soap. Please contact Megan Waddington on 363 8209 or meganw@psusi.org.nz for further information. If you could drop these off to our Christchurch office—44 Bealey Ave—that would be much appreciated.

Gifts for Waltham Cottage: We will be collecting these until 13^th  December. Unwrapped gifts are required for men, women, teenagers, boys & girls. Buy the sort of things you would buy for your own family – items MUST be NEW.

Donations of food welcome also very welcome – please bring these to Church on Sunday 13^th December. Wrapping paper also appreciated.

Moderator’s Advent Message – Prepare Yourself 

Advent is the season of preparation; when Christians get ready, focus, and plan in anticipation for Christmas. This year may be very different from any other Christmas due to Covid-19. Preparation is the keyword. 

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, this year 29 November. We, the Church, recall our hopes and expectancy in the comings of Christ – past, present, and future. Christmas will always be Christmas. That magical day when we celebrate the Baby of Bethlehem. 

Whether it be in the snow of the Northern Hemisphere or be in the warm summer of the Southern hemisphere, it is a wonderful season of hope, love, peace, and joy. Let’s be prepared in mind, heart, and attitude. Let’s be prepared for whatever coronavirus restrictions we may face. 

This is a wonderful season for each one of us to strive to clear the deck. Remove any unnecessary baggage that has accumulated over the year. Prepare yourself for the baby of Christmas, Jesus. 

Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio