08 Marton
St Martin Lutheran Church
The worshipping community at St Martin has remained steady at around 20 people attending per Sunday. We have two communion services per month and one non communion, and on fifth Sundays we join with the other churches in the town for combined services. The highlight of our combined gatherings is the Walk of Witness where walk through the town with the Cross and “drop in” at various Churches. We currently do not have services on the first of each month. Regular and special services are normally taken by myself, Pastor Trevor Jurgens, or Barbara and Peter Dawson. We also have a few people who provide the music for the service. An important part of the Sunday service is the Morning Tea which follows the service for the getting together of our community.
Pastor Warren recently moved to his own home in Palmerston North and now transits into Marton for work. We have arranged set days that Pastor is in town so that people can visit or arrange to meet with him. The manse has now been rented out, and the congregation are currently discussing plans to sell a portion of land (while keeping the manse). Potentially this would involve “breaking up” the land. This would bring needed funds to the Church.
We also gather during the week for bible studies on books by various authors, at the moment we are reading Mark Worthing’s book on the Catechism.
In order to connect to our community we believe our Hall can be better used. We have three groups using the Hall. It has been encouragement that we have recently had two new groups using our Hall. One of the groups, we are partnering with is a support group for parents for care for those with Autism. We are looking at the possibility of developing a sensory room and a monthly sensory service with this group.
We have been working together with the Manawatu Parish and they have offered to help us with services when needed. We are a part of the Shedmen’s group, for example, which meet in and around the Marton – Palmerston North area.
In Christ
Pastor Warren.
Financial reports
Marton: https://lca.box.com/shared/static/h22osn71hfxw3tfz4j6599ha4uf9xewm.pdf
