On racking my brains for something to write about, as our resident writer is tripping their way overseas at present, I revisited Thelma Feist’s book, Martinborough Presbyterian Parish 1871 to 1971 and was pleasantly surprised that in some ways what happened in the Parish during those early 100 years, is still happening today.
The starting quote “ What is the Church? A Building?
People gathered together for worship each Sunday? or is it a Holy fellowship in which people unite to worship, teach and serve?
What do you think?
I then turned a few pages in and came to WOMEN’S WORK:
How could one go past this!!!
“The work of the Church has always owed a great deal to women. Men kept the accounts and administered the funds, but frequently the women carried the main burden of raising them. In spite of endeavours to raise the necessary funds by direct giving, the congregational budget was often supplemented by some kind of special effort. Women are naturally interested in the Church’s mission in the world – it became part of their task and witness.”
The same can be said today, it is the women who do the organising of the social events, be it morning tea at the church service, where parishioners enjoy a social chat about their week or getting to know visitors. Then on the first Tuesday of the month there is Afternoon tea Plus, a time where ladies and men of the church and the wider community come together for a provided lunch and an afternoon of fellowship.
One of our biggest community events is our Community Lunch, which is being held this year on Saturday 25 July at 12 noon. This is a sumptuous 3 course meal, which is home made from the starters, mains and desert – we would love you to come along and enjoy the meal, fellowship and entertainment.
