Sunday 3 February 2013

CALL TO WORSHIP
On this first day of the week we gather:
not alone, but as Christ’s body; as ones who have a shared life.
On this day of celebration, we gather: not in isolation, but in community; as those who care for one another.
On this day we gather to worship, in word, sacrament and song:
not with empty hands, or empty hearts, but as those who come to be built up to truly be God’s people in our time and place.

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…
O praise to the Almighty…

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… ? C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)

OPENING PRAYERS

HYMN: Amazing Grace (WOV 56) – Remain seated
Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound,
that saved someone like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures. C/A

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Wayne Barton

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Bob Kayes
Luke 4: 16-30 Audrey Dunnachie

SERMON: Listening Between the Lines

HYMN: Spirit of God Unseen as the Wind (Tune: Skye Boat Song)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove,
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.

You spoke to us long, long ago,
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.

Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day. © Scripture Union (CH4)

THE OFFERING
God, in offering these gifts may we have the awareness of giving
with others for common goals. In offering these gifts may we have the awareness that deep needs can be met – within this faith community, within communities of our city and beyond.
As we offer these gifts for blessing, may we know your blessing with us the givers, O loving and generous God. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ (WOV 658)
Let us talents and tongues employ,
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again,
earth can breathe again,
pass the Word around:
loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one;
at his table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.
Jesus lives again…

Jesus calls us, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere!
Jesus lives again…

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with us. God is here among us.
Let us open our hearts to God.
We open them to God and to one another.
Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

God of the summer’s day… hymn of praise and thanksgiving:
Holy, holy, holy God, power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna through the ages!
Blest is the One who comes to bring your justice to earth!
In our praise and thanksgiving … Do this in remembrance of him.
Christ has died
Christ has risen
Christ is with us forever.

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (WOV 478)
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Where the healing waters flow;
let the fiery, cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside!
death of death, and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side!
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you. C/A

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

WEDNESDAY 6th February, Waitangi Day walk is a fundraiser in response to the Fireside challenge. Bring at least $5 per person, meet 9.30am on the corner of Longfellow & Southampton Streets, Sydenham (park in Southampton St) and go there and back to see how far it is before enjoying hot scones and real coffee at the Cook’s Garden. Sue 960 7657.

LENTEN STUDIES 2013: Expressions of interest are sought for this year’s study groups. There will be two sessions (Monday afternoon & Tuesday evening) led by Chris Elliot & Alan Webster. They will run for four weeks and be open to both congregations. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are interested. More details later.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is 15-17 February. Please forward information to our new Editor, Anneke Howie 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Phone 328 7459. She is looking forward to receiving any news people wish to share with the members.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. We would love to have some more volunteers for this clinic. It’s not just feet! We require welcomers and tea makers as well as people to massage feet and cut toenails. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

WANTED: Large green bands for preserving jars. Please phone Sue 960 7657 if you can help.

WALTHAM COMMUNITY COTTAGE would love some contributions of food suitable for making a meal. Some suggestions are: cans of lentils, chickpeas, every type of tomato, kidney beans, butter beans; rice; packets of tortillas; salsa.
All the above are very much needed and every contribution is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Fern 332 4725.

THE PARISH OFFICE hours are Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. To have information included in the weekly notices email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz or phone Anna on 332 6192 by 9am Thursday please.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 4th John; Wed 6th Rob; Thu 7th Jean, Kim.