First Church, Martinborough is one of only two Presbyterian churches left in the whole of the Wairarapa that has not been forced to form a union with another denomination to survive. These Unions have mainly been brought about because of decreasing numbers of attendees and therefore a lack of funds to pay a Minister and keep up with maintenance and other requirements on buildings etc.
Burnside Church down the valley near Pirinoa is owned by the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand and falls under the responsibility of First Church. We are indeed fortunate to have a dedicated committee of local people who keep Burnside Church property in tip top condition and who oversee weddings and events at the church. Our Minister, Jim Veitch, takes services there at Easter and Christmas time for the local community.
Why we need to fundraise to stay alive.
First Church is dependent upon the goodwill and support of those who attend our Book Fair, Kirk Fair, Rotary Country Fairs and the Fashion Show and High Tea held last month. There is no financial assistance given from our national body, the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa NZ. The minister’s stipend, maintenance on buildings (which are church, hall, manse, Burnside Church), insurance, rates etc all have to be met by regular giving from the congregation and heavily supplemented by fundraising.
Our Minister’s position is half-time, and we are fortunate that we have a service every week as well as weekly pastoral visiting. Treasurer, Secretary, Parish Council and Organist roles are all volunteer positions and no payment is made for these.
We enjoy getting together in the hall on Sundays where we have a café style service beginning with morning tea and chatter. On most Sundays there are 25 of us and sometimes over 30 attending. We use modern hymns with meaningful words and Jim is great on sharing with us what he continues to learn about what happened in the first three or four centuries of the Jesus movement. Church this way is very different, but most of all, it is the support and friendship we share with each other.
We are a small band of people striving to encourage one another day by day in a loving, compassionate and caring way by trying to follow in the footsteps of a non-violent Jesus.
Fashion Show & High Tea
Thank you to everyone for a very successful High Tea and Fashion Parade, to those who came along and helped set up, made and distributed the posters and tickets, donated coat hangers and clothing racks, items for the raffles, baked food (which was absolutely amazing), donated items from their wardrobes, the models (Kirsty, Maddie, Sophie, Jorjah, Lynly, Charlotte & Rachel) who showed off the clothes to their best advantage, and those who came along on the Friday evening and Saturday. Your support has meant we have raised just over $3,500 to help with the work of our church. A stirling effort by all involved.
A very BIG thank you to our very generous sponsors, we really appreciate your support and are sure the winners of our raffles appreciated this too.
- Pain & Kershaws The General Store
- Susan Stephen Real Estate
- Kitchener’s Café & Tea Rooms
- Jessica’s Living Room
- 17 Blond.
Keep an eye out for more fun events coming up.
