Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen provides a nutritious meal and a food parcel to homeless men and women every Thursday morning. 

As Rosebank becomes more of a metropolitan centre, our Church’s role in reaching out to the homeless becomes more and more important.

On average, 150 people are served every Thursday.  We would love you to join our team of helpers who collect ingredients, and prepare and serve the food each week.  

Crafts Circle

The Craft Circle is a group of dedicated people who come together primarly to benefit people in need; those who have very little. We come together on the second Saturday of every month, 9:15am, armed with our knitting and crocheting.  However, during the weeks of Lent we meet every Saturday.

After Easter we hold “Jersey Sunday” where our many knitted items are displayed in the church, blessed, and then distributed to the needy.  We also knit / crochet Prayer Shawls, and there is a constant demand for baby clothes for newborns in our government hospitals who would otherwise be sent home wrapped in newspaper. 

A big thank you to all our donors who make this vital work possible!

This is a warm and welcoming group, which anyone is welcome to join (even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet – we will teach you!). 

Adult Basic Education

Adult English classes are held at St. Martin’s Church from 14h00 to 16h00 on Thursdays.

Many local people and migrants working in the neighbourhood would like to have a better understanding of English. So, we aim to help those who want to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills, while enjoying a spirit of friendship.  Our classes range from beginners up to ABET level 3 (which is the approximate equivalent of Grade 7).  We use the Media Works computer-based program for some of our learners.

If you feel you could benefit or know anyone who would benefit, please join us.

Hospice and Rehabilitation Outreach

St Martin’s supports the Alexandra Hospice and Rehabilitation Centre. This facility is licensed to care of residential patients and is usually operating at maximum capacity.

The percentage of young patients has been on the rise and the centre could not continue without the unpaid voluntary time given by student nurses. St Martin’s – through its Soup Kitchen, OVC outreach and individual parishioners - usually donate mealie meal, rice, vegetables, soup. Occasionally, fruit, clothing, linen, gardening equipment, and seeds are also given.

Some of the Lotsha courses we've participated in include, “Ukhuphula Iketanga” (“Breaking Chains”), “Uyaphe Manje?” (“Where To Now?”), and the “Prayer of Jabez” (a well-known book and associated bible study covering topics such as, temptation and how Christians should resist temptation whilst waiting on God’s answers to prayer).  Another course we have delivered successfully is “Bridges to Life”, developed in the Texas prison system.

Our team is usually between five and ten members.  We deliver courses to between ten and thirty inmates who graduate with a certificate from each course they complete. Courses must be approved by the Department of Correctional Services.  Sessions are at Leeukop Medium C prison, Sunninghill. The team enters the prison on Saturdays at 09h00.

 We would love for you to get involved!

 Please contact Greg Skeen at skeengregory@gmail.com to learn more.

Around 2001, St Martin’s set up a committee to tackle some of the social problems, in impoverished communities, emanating from the HIV-AIDS epidemic, looking at the effect on orphaned and vulnerable children in particular.

Since 2001, St Martin’s has supported several orphaned and vulnerable children initiatives in the Johannesburg vicinity. Currently, we support ‘Uncedalowabantu Feeding Scheme’ in Alexandra. St Martin’s OVC Committee purchases groceries on a monthly basis, and also donates winter woollies, Christmas gifts, and stationery annually. The number of children supported by the feeding scheme has now ballooned to over 600.

 We exist to support, assist, and put smiles on the faces of children at risk, as well as to create an environment conducive for mutual support.

 Please contact Jane Sproule: janes@worldonline.co.za   or   Blondie Mokgata: Blondie.Mokgata@sibanyegold.co.za

St Martin’s-in-the-Veld Wellness Centre

The St Martin’s-in-the-veld Wellness Centre provides free Primary Health Care to those who are not members of a medical aid scheme, living in and around our community. Our target groups are:

• Parishioners of St Martin’s

• Retired people / pensioners, including those living in old age homes

• Homeless people

• Domestic workers and gardeners

• Anyone who requires treatment

We are also licensed to dispense chronic medication to those currently being serviced by the government and provincial clinics.

The clinic is manned by qualified doctors and nurses. It is open on Sundays, between 09h00 – 12h00.

Please contact Dr Nosiba Skenjana – Moahloli (Medical Director) at sibaskenj@yahoo.com or on 082-410-2038 to find out more.

Sustainable Community Development Initiatives

Sustainable development is about finding better ways of doing things, both for the future and the present. Small actions, taken collectively, can add up to real change.

To promote the sustainable living of orphaned children, St Martin’s embarked on renovating a children’s safe house in Westbury towards the end of 2015. By early December 2016, approximately 90% of the planned work had been completed. The interior refurbishment has brought life back to the house, making it more comfortable, fun, and safer for the children; the smiling faces one is now greeted with says it all!

More sustainable community projects to be explored in the near future.

 Please contact Zintle Mjali: zintle@fm-law.co.za for more information.