GATHERING: (Both inside and outside)
Humble and riding on a donkey, we greet you.
Acclaimed by crowds and carolled by children, we cheer you.
Moving from the peace of the countryside to the corridors of power,
we honour you, Christ our Lord.
You are giving the beasts of burden a new dignity;
you are giving majesty a new face;
you are giving those who long to be freed a new song to sing.
With them, with heart and voice we shout, `Hosanna!’
PROCESSION OF PALMS
During the hymn those outside move into the church, laying their palms along the front and in the centre aisle.
HYMN: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (Tune: WOV 277 Ellacombe)
Hosanna, loud hosanna,
the happy children sang;
through city street and temple
their joyful welcome rang.
They shouted out their praises
to Christ, the children’s friend,
who welcomes all with blessing,
whose love will never end.
From Olivet they followed,
a large exultant crowd,
the victory palm-branch waving,
and singing clear and loud;
bright angels joined the chorus,
beyond the cloudless sky,
`Hosanna in the highest!
Glory to God on high!’
`Hosanna in the highest!’
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
earth, let your anthems ring.
Oh, may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his humble presence
eternally rejoice! C/A
OPENING PRAYERS
WELCOME AND NOTICES
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton
SONG: The Day He Came Riding into Town
The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
His people tore the branches down (hurrah! hurrah!)
They cheered his name with voices loud,
And everyone joined the chanting crowd,
“May the king be blessed: he comes in the name of God!”
The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
He threw the sellers’ tables down (hurrah! hurrah!)
“God’s house should be a place of prayer
But you’ve made a haunt of pirates there!”
And he speaks with fire who comes in the name of God!
The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
It caused the men of power to frown (hurrah! hurrah!)
“We have our laws! We have our ways!
We need no king to rule our days!
We denounce his right to come in the name of God!”
The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
He offered love and not a crown (hurrah! hurrah!)
His song of peace could not be heard
For they wanted a throne and not a word.
And the word was life – new life in the name of God. (Frederick A Styles)
READINGS: Allison and Tony Blackler
Zechariah 9: 9 -10 – The Future King
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 – A Joyous Celebration (yet not without shadow)
A Conversation
A TIME OF QUIET
HYMN: Ride On, Ride On, the Time is Right (Tune: Winchester New)
Ride on, ride on, the time is right:
the roadside crowds scream with delight;
palm branches mark the pilgrim way
where beggars sit and children play.
Ride on, ride on, your critics wait,
intrigue and rumour circulate;
new lies abound in word and jest,
and truth becomes a suspect guest.
Ride on, ride on, while well aware
that those who shout and wave and stare
are mortals who, with common breath,
can crave for life, and lust for death.
Ride on, ride on, though blind with tears,
though voiceless now and deaf to jeers.
Your path is clear, though few can tell
their garments pave the road to hell.
Ride on, ride on, God’s love demands;
justice and peace lie in your hands.
Evil and angel voices rhyme;
this is the man and this the time. ? WGRG, GIA Publications (CH 4)
THE OFFERING:
God, like palms of rejoicing, like cloaks on the ground,
we bring these gifts and offer them here.
May both gifts, and givers, be lifted up, blessed,
and sent forth to love and serve the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: Lift High The Cross
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his glorious name!
Come, Christian people, sing your praises, shout!
If we are silent, even stones cry out.
Jesus, you wept to see our human strife,
teach us compassion for each human life.
Peace was your plea and peace your living theme
let peace be our passport, peace a living dream.
Great is the cost of walking on this road,
to follow and suffer with the Son of God.
Worlds to be born and children yet to be
come, take up this song into eternity. © Shirley Murray (AA)
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.
HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES 2014:
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th April
7pm Holy Week Meditations
Maundy Thursday 17th April 7pm Combined Service led by Chris
Good Friday 18th April 10am Combined Service led by Mele
Easter Day 20th April 7.30am Sunrise Service and breakfast
9.00am St Martin’s Easter Communion
10.30am Beckenham Easter Service
Part Two of Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the Risingholme Singers TODAY, St Andrew’s Church at Rangi Ruru, 2.30 pm. This part covers the death, resurrection and triumph of the Messiah. The music will include choir and soloists, with orchestra and real pipe organ accompaniment! Tickets from John Shanks – $10, or at the door for $12.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 13th John; Wed 16th Mavis.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16th April: Carpool 9am from 43 St Martins Rd to meet outside Thyme Café 597 Springs Rd Prebbleton at 9.30am. Park in Springs Rd, or, if you can find the entrance, behind the café. Sue 960 7657.
BOARD OF MANAGERS meets this Wednesday 16th April at 7.30pm in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. The first part of this meeting will be combined with the Session.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
CARING & SHARING Wednesday 23rd April 2pm in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. We will be celebrating St George’s Day with the Pearly King & Queen. All are welcome. Irene 332 7306.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 28th April 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH replacing smoke alarm batteries, changing light bulbs or tap washers, fixing doors that stick, gardening, small carpentry jobs?? Members of our congregation have offered their services to help with these jobs at no cost for parish folk only. If you require assistance with the above, please phone Anna in the Office 332 6192 Wednesday – Friday mornings.
WALTHAM COTTAGE – If you want to make a donation, brochures are available in the Church foyer. Have you made a response to Waltham Cottage’s projects? Phone Adrienne 942 2173 if you can help.
THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.
NB: The Office will be closed on Good Friday & Anzac Day.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: This week’s Hub Report is on the wall in the Lounge.
Hub Activities for the week 13th – 20th April 2014
St James’ Presbyterian Church
Thurs 17 Apr 7.00 pm Maundy Thursday service with St Martins at Beckenham.
Fri 18 Apr 9.30 am Ecumenical Good Friday service at Sacred Heart, Addington,
Sun 20 Apr 10.00 am Rev Ivan Pierce will be preaching
Sun 29 Apr Bruce Hanson will be leading our worship.
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 13 Apr 9am Palm Sunday Celebration
Mon 14 Apr 7pm Holy Week Meditation
Tue 14 Apr 7pm Holy Week Meditation
7.30pm Indoor Bowls, Salvation Army Hall, Southampton St.
Wed 15 Apr 9.30am Walking Group. Thyme Cafe Prebbleton. Sue 960 7657.
7pm Holy Week Meditation
7.30pm Board of Managers meeting
Thu 17 Apr 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
7pm Maundy Service combined with Beckenham Methodist
Fri 18 Apr 10am Good Friday Service combined with Beckenham Methodist
Sun 20 Apr 7.30am Easter Sunrise Service followed by breakfast
9am Easter Day Communion
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824
Wednesdays: 8.00 – 11.00am Vege Co-op in halls – contact Shilo 338 3943
1.00 pm West Spreydon Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
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. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program in lounge. Matt 027 389 0000
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group in lounge. Suzie 338 1017
1.30 pm Hoon Hay Indoor Bowls. Brian 338 4488
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 14th April 9.15am Pre-School Music – contact Jane 96 52425
1.45pm Cashmere Garden Club
Wed 16th April 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
Thurs 17th April 10.30am Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
7.30pm Maundy Thursday Service at Cashmere Presbyterian Church
Fri 18th April 10.30am Good Friday Service at St Augustine’s Anglican Church