Advent Sunday 30 November 2014 9am

CALL TO WORSHIP:
On this day when we celebrate St Andrew’s Day and Advent Sunday. We remember Andrew the agile and hardy
Galilean fisherman, whose name means strong.
On this day when we celebrate St Andrew’s Day and Advent Sunday, we recall Advents past, where we waited in excited expectation, for the celebration of Jesus’ Coming.
We pray that in this new season of Advent, we might capture that same sense of expectation, excitement, and hope.

HYMN: Sing of Andrew, John’s Disciple (Tune: Austria WOV 577)
Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple,
led by faith through ways untrod,
till the Baptist cried at Jordan,
`There behold the Lamb of God.’
Stirred by hearing this new teacher,
Andrew freed from doubt and fear,
ran to tell his brother Simon.
`God’s Anointed One is here!’

Sing of Andrew, called by Jesus
from the shores of Galilee,
leaving boats and nets and kindred,
trusting in that `Follow me.’
When a boy’s small meal fed thousands,
when enquiring Greeks found care,
when the Spirit came in blessing –
Andrew faithfully was there.

Sing of Andrew, bold apostle,
sent to make the gospel known,
faithful to his Lord’s example,
called to make a cross his own.
So may we who prize his memory
honour Christ in our own day,
bearing witness to our neighbours,
living what we sing and pray. © Hope Publishing (CH 4)

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

MISSION MOMENT: Christian World Service 69th Christmas Appeal

ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING: The Candle of Hope
We come with anticipation, as the Advent journey towards
the celebration of Christ’s birth begins once more.
Lead us, God, on this journey into your future.
We come with commitment, prepared to live out a faith
that is hope-filled and vibrant.
Show us, God, the paths you would have us take,
as we seek to serve.
We light the candle of Hope, a sign that God is with us;
encouraging, and beckoning us forward along the way.

(The first candle is lit.)

Sung Response: remain seated (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December’s dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh. © Sandra Dean (VU)

READINGS: Isaiah 40: 1-11 Audrey Dunnachie
Mark 1:1-8 Lindsay Day

REFLECTION: What do you hope for?

A TIME OF QUIET

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God the Creator who created and is creating;
who goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ who entered our journey
as a fragile baby, who experienced all our living
and gave his life for us; who can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on into all truth
in light beyond our seeing,
who stirs within our being new possibilities,
who draws us onward into the very life of God. Amen.

THE OFFERING
Loving and gracious God, we offer these gifts in gratitude,
yet also in anticipation of the gift of Christ to our lives,
and our life together.
May these gifts be used, that others might hear the story
and feel the joy that we know in the coming of Christ,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Response after each candle is lit: We wait, watching
for a way we can shine God’s light of hope in the world.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: Where is the Room
Where is the room,
where is the house of Christmas?
Where shall we welcome Jesus,
where are the signs of home?
Where are the signs of home?

Let Christ have space,
place at the heart of living,
centre for birth’s new breathing,
cradle for hope and peace,
cradle for hope and peace.

Let there be room,
room for the friend and stranger,
room without hurt or anger,
room for whoever come,
room for whoever come.

Let love be here,
love from the Christmas stable,
love at our open table,
love to be shared all year,
love to be shared all year. © Shirley Murray (AA)

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR ADVENT
May God be with you and also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
We praise you….down through the ages; saying:
Holy, holy, holy God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in your name.
Hosanna in the highest. [pause]

Holy are you; blessed is your Son,
Jesus Christ who, long ago came
in the humble birth of a child,
a child of your amazing love,
a child of Mary’s ‘yes’ to you,
a child of Joseph’s acceptance;
the child who would be our Saviour…

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (WOV 200)
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne. (Charles Wesley C/A)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 3rd December: Meet 9.30am on the corner of Mona Vale Ave & Kilmarnock St. Non walkers welcome to join us for coffee at Dux Dine, Riccarton Rd at 10.30am. Joan 338 8700.

CAN YOU HELP cook on the BBQ? Next Sunday 7th December at Halswell Domain. For more information, talk to a Fundraising committee member – Sue, Irene, Bill, Jill, Lindsay, Anneke or Chris.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Monday 8th December 1-4pm. Volunteers to assist are always welcome. On the job training provided. Lyndsey 388 1264.

FESTIVAL 200 NEXT Sunday 7th December 6pm in the Horncastle Arena. Christians from all over the city are gathering to worship and give thanks for the 200th anniversary of the gospel in our nation. Tickets $6 adults, $4 children from Ticketek.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: We are collecting gifts for Waltham Cottage – for men, women, boys, girls and teenagers. All the gifts that you would like to receive. There will be a box at the Church from today through until 14th December for you to put your gifts in.
Please DO NOT wrap the gifts as the staff at the Cottage like to choose appropriate gifts for each person. Gifts of wrapping paper are also acceptable along with Christmas baking.
Thank you for helping to make someone else’s Christmas a happy one.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Beverley 332 7786.

PICNIC AT MERCHISTON: There will be a lunchtime picnic at Merchiston on Sunday 14th December. Everyone welcome. Bring your own lunch and, if you wish, your own ‘camp’ chair. Drinks and icecreams will be provided. Hope for a fine day and come and enjoy! If there is a volunteer to organize, carols will be sung.

THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.

HORSE MANURE available now – $3 a bag. Lindsay 981 1587.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon & Fri 9-11am. 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. www.stmartins.org.nz.

CHANGE IN SERVICE TIMES:
Please note that from Sunday 21st December until 25th January all Sunday services will be at 10am.

ADVANCE NOTICE – FOR YOUR DIARIES:
Pizza Evening at Winnie Bagoes, Ferrymead Sunday 25th January. This is a fundraiser for the Link Building Project. Tickets $25 per person, which will be available from members of the Fundraising committee. If we can get 50 people to come along, we will raise $500!

New temporary contact phone number for Joan Mac: 338 8700.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 30th Judith; Sat 6th Catherine.

Sunday 23rd November 2014 9am

Celebrating our Volunteers

WELCOME AND NOTICES: Session Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Today we come to recognise and honour those who give of themselves, that our neighbourhoods and city (and world), may be enriched and strengthened.
In worship, we focus on God’s love shown through people,
as they serve their communities; and we give thanks for their
gift of themselves. May we hear the voice of God, challenging
us all with the task of making his love a tangible reality.

HYMN: Take Up The Song (Tune: Chilton Foliat WOV 530)
Take up the song, and sing the praise of God,
who gave the world its skies and lands and seas,
then formed the fish and creatures of the earth;
our God be praised for wondrous gifts like these!

Take up the song, and sing the praise of God,
who gave the power of choice to humankind,
that we might heal the earth through servanthood,
and so find joy in all that God designed.

Take up the song, and sing the praise of God;
with music make both earth and heaven ring,
for God is good and loves all he has made;
so now to him all thanks and praises bring! © Selak Publishing (CH 4)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

HYMN: The Church is Wherever God’s People are Praising
The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The Church is wherever disciples of Jesus
remember his story and walk in his way.

The Church is wherever God’s people are helping
caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The Church is wherever God’s people are sharing
the words of the Bible in gift and in deed. © W. Jenkins
(Adapted by permission of John Knox Press (VU) )

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 100 June Service
Matthew 25: 31-46 Warren Pettigrew

Introduction and Volunteers’ Reflections

HYMN: Christ be our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your Church gathered today.

Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ, be our light…

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Tanzanian Lunch for ‘Your Sisters’ Orphanage last week. We have raised $400!

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 26th November: Ph Joan 338 8700 for destination.

CARING & SHARING: ‘The dancers are ready – as is the piper and a good Ceilidh will be had on WEDNESDAY 26th November 2014 – 2pm in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. Wear your tartan, bring some ‘Scottish fare’ to enjoy with your cup of tea – let’s celebrate St Andrew’s Day (officially on the 30th November) in style. Bring your friends, family – whoever – you’re all welcome.’ Irene 332 7306.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Beverley 332 7786.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon & Fri 9-11am. 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. www.stmartins.org.nz.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Monday 8th December 1-4pm. Volunteers to assist are always welcome. On the job training provided. Lyndsey 388 1264.

FESTIVAL 200 Sunday 7th December 6pm in the Horncastle Arena. Christians from all over the city are gathering to worship and give thanks for the 200th anniversary of the gospel in our nation. Tickets $6 adults, $4 children from Ticketek.

HORSE MANURE available now – $3 a bag. Lindsay 981 1587.

THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 24th Deirdre; Tue 25th Aescleah; Wed 26th Pat; Thu 27th Tony; Fri 28th Martin.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE

We will be once again collecting gifts for Waltham Cottage – for men, women, boys, girls and teenagers. All the gifts that you would like to receive. There will be a box at the Church from Advent Sunday (30th November) through until 14th December for you to put your gifts in.

Please DO NOT wrap the gifts as the staff at the Cottage like to choose appropriate gifts for each person. Gifts of wrapping paper are also acceptable along with Christmas baking.

Thank you for helping to make someone else’s Christmas a happy one.

Hub Activities for the week 23rd – 30th November 2014

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
All events at Beckenham Methodist, 83 Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise stated
Sun 23 Nov 9am Morning Worship
Wed 26 Nov 9.30am Walking Group. Call Joan 338 8700 for destination
2pm Caring & Sharing – a ceilidh for St Andrew’s Day. Irene 332 7306.
Thu 27 Nov 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 30 Nov 9am Morning Worship.

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tue 25 Nov Little Kids music in hall lounge
7.30pm Parish Council meets.
Fri 28 Nov Friday Kids
Sun 30 Nov 5.30pm Ecumenical Advent Service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Sat 6th Dec 7.30pm Christmas with the Plainsmen – Transitional Cathedral.

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
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. Shilo 338 3943
10.00 am Craft Group. Linda 322 4437
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
7.30 pm Parish Council meets
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge contact Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls in hall. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth programme. Matt 027 389 0000
5.00 pm Messy Church in hall
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group. Suzie 338 1017

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 23 Nov 11.30am Healing Service
Mon 24 Nov 9.30am Pre-School Music Group. Emma 332 2965
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes
Wed 26 Nov 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
7pm Choir Practice
Thurs 27 Nov 10.30am Prayer Group. Barbara 332 8668
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes
Fri 28 Nov 3-7pm CALICO CHRISTMAS FARE

Sunday 16 November 2014 10am

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
As communities of faith, we gather to worship.
We come with our differences, but with Christ as our common ground.
We gather to worship and to be reminded of our connection to each other.
So we come together here, joining hearts and hands in the great quest: to love God, to love one another, and to serve God’s world.

HYMN: Sing Praise and Thanksgiving (WOV 25)
Sing praise and thanksgiving, let all creatures living
now worship their maker with gladness and song;
all glory and honour we come to him bringing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God!

Our lives of his making he brings to their waking;
in darkness he held us in his gracious care,
now into the light we are called from our sleeping:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God!

Lord, frame our desiring to do your requiring,
that unto your glory be all that we do;
and where we have faltered, give strength and give healing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God! © C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER – sung

STORY-TIME
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Psalm 123 Martin Cleland
Two Perspectives on Matthew 25: 14-30

HYMN: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (Tune:WOV 635)
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God’s righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, allelu, alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you,
seek and you shall find,
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.

We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia. © Maranatha Music / Copycare Ltd (VU)

SERMON

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: For the Healing of the Nations (Tune: WOV 343ii)
For the healing of the nations,
God, we pray with one accord;
for a just and equal sharing
of the things that earth affords.
To a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word.

Lead us forward into freedom,
from despair your world release;
that, redeemed from war and hatred all may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness fear will die and hope increase.

All that kills abundant living,
let it from the earth be banned:
pride of status, race or schooling,
dogmas that obscure your plan.
In our common quest for justice
may we hallow life’s brief span.

You, Creator God, have written
your great name on humankind,
for our growing in your likeness
bring the life of Christ to mind;
that, by our response and service,
earth its destiny may find. © Hope Publishing (VU)

THE OFFERING:
Generous God, we bring these gifts of money and food for your blessing. You give us opportunities and gifts of time,
patience and care.
May we use the gifts from you to encourage others,
to share with others, and to work with others, as we seek to be part
of your reign of justice, peace, and love. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
These hills where the hawk flies lonely,
beaches where the long surf rolls,
mountains where the snows meet heaven,
these are our care.
Pastures where the sheep graze calmly,
orchards where the apples grow,
gardens where the roses cluster,
these are our prayer.

Forests where the tree ferns tower,
rivers running strong and clear,
oceans where the great whales wander,
these are our care.
Race meeting race as equals,
justice for age-old wrong,
worth for every man and woman,
these are our prayer.

Cities where the young roam restless,
lives brought to deep despair,
homeless and powerless people,
these are our care.
Places where the Word is spoken,
hands held in serving love,
faiths of our many cultures,
these are our prayer.

All that the old world gave us,
all that the new world brings,
language, ideas and customs,
these are our care.
Life finding joy and value,
faith seeking truth and light,
God heard and seen in all things,
this be our prayer. © Colin Gibson (AA)

THE BLESSING

FUNDRAISER – GARAGE SALE: NEXT Saturday 22nd November
9am-12 noon at 259 Centaurus Rd.
Along with plants, seedlings, gardening tools and edible goodies we are asking folk to look out knick-knacks (ie SMALL items) and bring them along ON THE DAY from 8am. Please no furniture, electronics or electrical items and nothing big! Donations of items to sell (cakes, jams, lemon honey, sweets, fresh vegetables etc…) will also be required.
Cash donations also welcome! This is a fundraiser for the Link building.
For details, contact Sue 960 7657 or Lindsay 981 1587.
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

ANNUAL TANZANIAN LUNCH TODAY. Many thanks to those who have offered to host a lunch. Money raised supports “Your Sisters” Orphanage in Tanzania. This is a mission outreach project of this parish. Donations are very welcome – place money in an envelope marked “Your Sisters” and pop it in the offertory plate.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th November: Meet 9.30am at 315 Eastern Tce (halfway between Tennyson St & Waltham Rd) for a stroll around the river. Coffee at my place, fundraising for our church. Judith 332 1577.

SESSION meeting Wednesday 19th November 7.30pm.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

CARING & SHARING are having a ceilidh on Wednesday 26th November from 2pm in honour of St Andrew’s Day. All are welcome. Irene 332 7306.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon & Fri 9-11am. 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. www.stmartins.org.nz.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 8th December 1-4pm.

FESTIVAL 200 Sunday 7th December 6pm in the Horncastle Arena. Christians from all over the city are gathering to worship and give thanks for the 200th anniversary of the gospel in our nation. Tickets $6 adults, $4 children from Ticketek.

HORSE MANURE available now – $3 a bag. Lindsay 981 1587.

THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 19th Thomas.

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

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
All events at Beckenham Methodist, 83 Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise stated
Sun 16 Nov 10am Combined Morning Worship with Beckenham
Methodist, followed by Tanzanian Lunch
Wed 19 Nov 9.30am Walking Group. Contact Joan 338 8700 for destination.
7.30pm Session meeting
Thu 20 Nov 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. All welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
Sat 22 Nov 9am-12noon Garage Sale at 259 Centaurus Rd.
Sun 23 Nov 9am Morning Worship

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tue 18th Last day for Connect items to be handed to Dorothy
Little Kids music in hall lounge
Fri 21st Friday Kids
Sun 23rd Ken Shields will be preaching

A book has been written to mark the Hokitika 150 year gold rush celebrations. Four faith stories from Hokitika. Allan Davidson, Richard Waugh, Ted Schroder, and Steve Lowe share their faith journeys in God Knows where they come from! The book, available in November will be launched in Hokitika during the celebrations.
Price $29.90 plus postage. Brochure and order forms available from Heather. The other book (on the order form) by Rev Dr Richard Waugh is about growing up in the 1960’s in Hokitika.

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
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. Shilo 338 3943
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth programme. Matt 027 389 0000
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group in lounge. Suzie 338 1017

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 17 Nov 9.30am Pre-School Music Group. Emma: 332 2965
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes –
contact them through their website:
www.parentscentre.org.nz/christchurch-south/
Tue 18 Nov 12.30pm Ministers Association meet in lounge
Wed 19 Nov 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
2.00pm Cashmere APW
Thurs 20 Nov 10.30am Prayer Group. Barbara 332 8668
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes
7.00pm Choir Practice for Christmas Music – in the Church

Sunday 9 November 2014 9am

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
We begin this time of worship with a moment of silence:
for a moment is the least we can do as we come
as a family of God’s people. [pause]
We begin this time with praise and thanksgiving:
as we gather to worship God in word and song.
We begin this time of worship with a moment of remembrance:
remembering the week past, the people we have met,
the times we enjoyed, the work done.
And this week we remember all who have made sacrifices,
that we might have peace, that we may worship without fear.

OPENING PRAYERS

JIM COTTER’S PRAYER
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
loving God, in whom is heaven.
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe.
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world.
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings.
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
Now and forever. Amen.

HYMN: Lord For the Years
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the Word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.

Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt him,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without him:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign. © Hope Publishing (CH 4)

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

CHILDREN’S SONG: Give Me Oil in My Lamp (Tune: WOV 115)
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Keep me burning ’til the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to the King.

Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising.
Give me joy in my heart, I pray.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising.
Keep me praising ’til the break of day.

Give me love in my heart, keep me serving.
Give me love in my heart, I pray.
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving.
Keep me serving ’til the break of day.

Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting.
Give me peace in my heart, I pray.
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting.
Keep me resting ’til the break of day. C/A

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 78: 1-7 Wayne Barton
Matthew 25: 1-13 Jeannette Beaumont

SERMON: Is today’s reading really about end times?

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING:
The spirit of giving changes, O God, when we are in partnership
with you. Our reluctance becomes generosity; our vision of offering widens to encompass gifts, skills and talents; our focus changes
to include needs beyond our community and city.
Transform our giving, loving God, in the way of Jesus,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

HYMN: In Loving Partnership (Tune: Church Triumphant WOV 1)
In Loving partnership we come,
seeking, O God, your will to do.
Our prayers and actions now receive;
we freely offer them to you.

We are the hands and feet of Christ,
serving by grace each other’s need.
We dare to risk and sacrifice
with truthful word and faithful deed.

Loving community we seek;
your hope and strength within us move.
The poor and rich, the strong and weak
are brought together in your love.

In loving partnership, O God,
help us your future to proclaim.
Justice and peace be our desire,
we humbly pray in Jesus’ name. © Desert Flower Music (VU)

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: To Abraham and Sarah (Tune: Thornbury WOV 389)
To Abraham and Sarah
the call of God was clear:
“go forth and I will show you
a country rich and fair.
You need not fear the journey
for I have pledged my word:
that you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

From Abraham and Sarah
arose a pilgrim race,
dependent for their journey
on God’s abundant grace;
and in their heart was written
by God this saving word:
“that you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

We of this generation
on whom God’s hand is laid,
can journey to the future
secure and unafraid,
rejoicing in God’s goodness
and trusting in this word:
“that you shall be my people and I will be your God.” © Judith Fetter (VU)

THE BLESSING
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

**REMINDER: NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE IS AT 10AM**

COPY DEADLINE FOR ‘MESSENGER’ is this Thursday 13th November. Anneke 328 7459 or email: anneke.howie@gmail.com.

ANNUAL TANZANIAN LUNCH next Sunday 16th November. $5 per person.
Money raised supports “Your Sisters” Orphanage in Tanzania. This is a mission outreach project of this parish. If you are unable to attend, donations are very welcome – place money in an envelope marked “Your Sisters” and pop it in the offertory plate. Please sign the list in the Lounge TODAY if you wish to attend. Lyndsey 388 1264; Barb & Rob 379 1474.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th November go looking for Giraffes in the City. Meet near the Bus Depot Lichfield St/Ballantynes carpark 9.30am. Café to be confirmed – Duo’s in Rolleston Ave or C1 Espresso. Sonya 027 253 3397.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon & Fri 9-11am. 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. www.stmartins.org.nz.

THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 8th December 1-4pm.

FESTIVAL 200 Sunday 7th December 6pm in the Horncastle Arena. Christians from all over the city are gathering to worship and give thanks for the 200th anniversary of the gospel in our nation. Tickets $6 adults, $4 children from Ticketek.

GLOBAL VOICES present a capella music from around the world TONIGHT 6pm at Elmwood Theatre. Tickets $20 at the door.

MANY THANKS to all those who supported yesterday’s Clothing Sale.

HORSE MANURE available now – $3 a bag. Lindsay 981 1587.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 9th Chris; Mon 10th Denise; Tue 11th Barbara; Fri 14th Berta, Ruby.

FUNDRAISER – GARAGE SALE
Saturday 22nd November
9am-12 noon
at 259 Centaurus Rd.

So along with plants, seedlings, gardening tools and edible goodies we are asking folk to look out knick-knacks (ie SMALL items) and bring them along ON THE DAY from 8am.
Please no furniture, electronics or electrical items and nothing big!
Donations of items to sell (cakes, jams, lemon honey, sweets, fresh vegetables etc…) will also be required.
Cash donations to purchase sausages and bread would be welcome.

This is a fundraiser for the Link building.
For details, contact Sue 960 7657 or Lindsay 981 1587.