News from First Church

If you should find yourself driving semi-aimlessly up the east coast on the Ponatahi or equivalent charming back road, you will be struck by the sheer number of small parish churches which are mouldering into obscurity – usually because the congregations that used to bolster them have evaporated or the earthquake code has rendered them uninhabitable. 

Gone are the days when a fledgling community armed with mattocks and horse drawn farm equipment, built their first homes, closely followed by the mandatory place of worship.

Until superceded by the rugby clubs, these small churches of the late nineteenth century were the vibrant centre of gravity of these communities both for serious worship and social activity.

First Church was no exception. Pews were full and people got down on their knees. 

A rough (but not comprehensive) litany of local churches that have bitten the dust in the rush to secularisation includes St. Anthony’s, Gospel Hall, Burnside, Mauriceville, Hinekura, Morrisons Bush, Kahutara, Kaiwaiwai, etc. 

First Church is not under immediate threat _ but serious decisions relating to the building’s integrity are just around the corner.

Now for some housekeeping.

Winter Book Fair

As the ad. declares, we have a book fair on 22/23 June (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Donations of books required please! We’d also like an extra book shelf if one is lurking in your garage. Please call Ronnie 0274586257 or Graham 0274474082.

The Spring Fling

That annual fandango the Spring Fling is scheduled for 6 September.

This quintessential fashion parade thrives on elegance and we need a nice array of upmarket items for the catwalk. If you can help with suitable top notch clothing/shoes/handbags/accessories please contact Sherryl 0272405110 or Karen 0274209775.

Martinborough Cook Book 

Although we have the biblical injunction that man doesn’t live by bread alone, First Church has decided to reprint the 5th edition of the renowned classic Martinborough Cook Book which has sold over 5,000 copies in the past 20 years. 

Covering the reprint cost of this worthy enterprise is being co-ordinated by Sherryl 0272405110 who would welcome a call from altruistic sponsors who will see their name up in lights side by side with the other historical sponsors ie. an advertising opportunity. 

Dig deep for $100 if you’re a business or an irresistible $50 for individuals/families.

Remember, you can’t go past a healthy mind in a healthy body!