We give thanks for everything that changes and challenges us
For surprises and holidays, the unexpected meeting with a friend,
The chance to do something different
For new people and new ideas in our lives
The combined churches Advent service held in First Church at the beginning of December was a joyful and thoroughly enjoyable occasion. All the local churches and many friends joined us to celebrate Advent with contributions from each church and delightful music from the Martinborough String Quartet. It was such a success that there are plans to join together again at Easter at one of our other local churches – this will be an event to look out for! What can be better than a happy uplifting occasion for the whole community?
Martinborough Country Fairs on Saturdays 2 February and 2 March: (they seem to come upon us so soon in the year!), and again we will be running our usual stall on the Square, across from the former BNZ now Wine Bank. Our baking, preserves and produce are always good buying, and we look forward to meeting up with all our regular friends and supporters.
Looking ahead – We are rather excited at the prospect of running the Annual Midwinter Book Fair – this year in the refurbished Town Hall! That will be something to look forward to in mid-June.
First Church is continuing to hold the Sunday morning services in our hall on Weld Street, where we enjoy a relaxed a café-style time together – lots more chatting than the pews in the church allowed, and we have interesting interactive discussions, and can share our thoughts and experiences, comment and raise questions about how we are living and the world around us. Members are having an opportunity to know and relate to other better than before. We like to feel we are an open and friendly bunch, prepared to explore new ideas – and we sing some good new hymns with meaningful words for today.
Find out about First Church: www.martinborough1stchurch.org
Mboro,firstchurch@xtra.co.nz
Some words we sometimes use at the end of our time together on Sundays:
Today, let us breathe deeply and embrace life’s gifts
Let us be gentle with ourselves and each other
Let us keep our balance as we dive head-first into life’s rhythms
And let us reach out to support and care for each other.
Go well Go with God
