Sunday 16 February 2014

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
O God, give us light!
Light in the dark places of our world: the light of refugees settled, the light of political prisoners released.
O God, give us light!
Light in our country: the light of strangers embraced, the light of generosity of spirit.
O God, give us light!
Light in our church: the light of newcomers welcomed; the light of communities supported.
O God, give us light! Light in the dark places of our life: the light of new ventures begun, the light of neighbours cared for, the light of discipleship taken seriously.

HYMN: Here to the House of God we Come Tune: Surrey WOV332
Here to the house of God we come,
home to the people of the way,
here to give thanks for all we have,
naming our needs for every day,
we who have roof and rent and bread,
sure of a place to rest our head.

There is a knocking at our door,
sound of the homeless of the world,
voice of the frightened refugee,
cry of the children in the cold,
asking the least that is their right,
safety and shelter for the night.

God who is shelter, who is home,
in borrowed rooms you came to live,
pleaded to save the dispossessed,
crucified, lay in borrowed grave:
these are no strangers in your eyes,
this is your family who cries.
Shelter us, tenants of your love,
gather us round a common fire,
warm us in company with Christ,
give us the heart to feel, to share
table and lodging, without bond,
space in our living, in our land. © Shirley Murray (AA)

OPENING PRAYERS:

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore

HYMN: How is Jesus Present?
How is Jesus present? How is Jesus present?
How is Jesus present today?
Tell me how he’s present. Tell me how he’s present.
Tell me how he’s present today.

He’s present in the children, present in the family,
present in the meal that you share.
He’s present when you’re laughing, present when you’re giving,
present when you listen and care.

But I cannot see him, but I cannot see him,
but I cannot see him today.
Are you just pretending? How can it be real?
I would like to see him today.

Every time you listen, every time you’re sorry,
every time you care for a friend,
that is when he’s present, though you do not see him,
“I am with you always”, he said.

Now I understand. Now I understand.
Let us celebrate today!
He’s present in the WORD, present in the PEOPLE,
present in the breaking of BREAD. © Cecily Sheehy (AA)

READINGS: Deuteronomy 10:12-20 Cynthia Cross
Mark 2: 1-5, 15-17 Herb Madgwick

HYMN: Where the Road Runs Out (WOV 672)
Where the road runs out and the signposts end,
where we come to the edge of today,
be the God of Abraham for us;
send us out upon our way.
Lord, you were our beginning,
the faith that gave us birth.
We look to you, our ending,
our hope for heaven and earth.

When the coast is left and we journey on
to the rim of the sky and the sea,
be the sailor’s friend, be the dolphin Christ;
lead us on to eternity.

When the clouds are low and the wind is strong,
when tomorrow’s storm draws near,
be the spirit bird hov’ring overhead
who will take away our fear. © Colin Gibson (WOV)

SERMON (an Action Report): When does a Christ-like church happen?
~ Rev Dr John England
THE OFFERING:
God, we bring gifts for the world!
May these gifts not only find a home in the ministry and outreach of our congregation; may they find a home among those who are suffering, tested and alone.
God, we bring gifts for the world! May these gifts find a home among strangers, and among those who are searching for dignity and survival.
God, bless these gifts and bless us, we pray, as we grow in faith; grow in commitment to our Calling, in Jesus name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Community of Christ
Community of Christ,
who make the Cross your own,
live out your creed and risk your life
for God alone:
the God who wears your face,
to whom all worlds belong,
whose children are of every race
and every song.
Community of Christ
look past the Church’s door
and see the refugee, the hungry and the poor.
Take hands with the oppressed,
the jobless in your street,
take towel and water, that you wash
your neighbour’s feet.

Community of Christ,
through whom the word must sound –
cry out for justice and for peace
the whole world round:
disarm the powers that war
and all that can destroy,
turn bombs to bread,
and tears of anguish into joy.

When menace melts away,
so shall God’s will be done,
the climate of the world be peace
and Christ its Sun.
Our currency be love
and kindliness our law;
our food and faith be shared as one forever more. © Shirley Murray

THE BLESSING

Hub Activities for the week 16th – 23rd February 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Sun 16 Feb 10am Stephanie’s last Sunday at St James. Lunch follows
Tues 18 Feb 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge
Thurs 20 Feb 7.30pm Women’s Journeying, 134 William Brittan Ave
Fri 21 Feb 4.30pm Fri Kidz

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 16 Feb 9am Morning Worship
2.30-4.30pm Summer Fun Day @ 43 St Martins Road. All Welcome
Wed 19 Feb 9.30am Walking Group. For more details, contact June on 332 8874
7.30pm Board of Managers meeting.
Thurs 20 Feb 10am-12 noon Crafty Crafters. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 23 Feb 9am Morning Worship

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824 (School Term)
Wednesdays: 7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program in lounge. Matt 027 389 0000

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 17 Feb 9.15am Pre-School Music. Anna 331 6252
Wed 18 Feb 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome.
Thurs 19 Feb 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive