News From First Church

Winter Solstice:

A recent Sunday gathering was a reflection on the Winter Solstice which occurred on 22^nd June at 2.57am NZST.

Winter Solstice is one of the most powerful points of the year as the axis of the Earth pauses, shifts and moves in the opposite direction. It also marks the date when the Earth’s axis is furthest away from the sun – the longest night of the year. After the solstice, days gradually get more hours of sunlight (as I write this today, it is hard to believe with fog/mist hanging around until almost 2pm)!  It also marks the first day of winter in the astronomical calendar, whilst in the meteorological calendar, we are already three weeks into winter.

Winter solstice is the great stillness before the Sun’s strength builds, and days grow longer.  It can be an ideal time to rest and reflect, while you sit cosily by the fire or the heat pump. It’s a time when we have the time, to honour our past and clear space literally and figuratively, to make room for what we ‘wish’ for the coming year. Winter solstice and Christmas share similar messages of new hope, gratitude, and thankfulness for all that has been achieved and received throughout the past year.

Café Church

We continue to hold our Sunday gatherings Café style, in the church hall from 9.45am (time for a hot drink and homemade cake or biscuits) with the service commencing at 10am.

All denominations and faiths very welcome and we look forward to meeting and enjoying old and new friends.

Upcoming Events:

This month is looking to be very busy – we hope that you can join us and enjoy some of these events or gatherings.

Saturday 1^st July – Book Fair in the Waihinga Centre 10am to 4pm

Sunday 2^nd July – Book Fair in the Waihinga Centre 10am – 3pm

Tuesday 4^th July – First Church Hall Community Event, come along and enjoy yourself with afternoon tea provided. 12noon till 3pm

Sunday 23^rd July – Mid Winter Christmas lunch -12pm – 2pm in First Church Hall all welcome.

Saturday 29^th July – Book Fair and Bric a Brac sale in the Church Hall 1.30pm – 5pm

Spring Fling Fashion Show

Friday 25^th August at 5pm – Waihinga Centre Martinborough

For the Friday evening, tickets are $30.00 which includes Bubbles, canapes, and tantalising treats.  Tickets available from Sherryl on the below number.

We are asking for donation of items from your wardrobe that are no longer required.

Clothing, Handbags, shoes, and jewellery all-in top-notch order most welcome.  

To have donated clothing, etc collected or to be able to drop these off please phone Sherryl on 027 2405110 or Waverley on 027 4413270