Asia Sunday commemorates the founding of
the Christian Conference of Asia – the all Asia Council of Churches founded in 1957 – and calls upon member churches and councils as well as ecumenical partners around the world to pray for one another.
WELCOME AND NOTICES
GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE:
In Asia, the people are called to worship by the ringing of the bell, the gong, or by a call to prayer. [A gong is rung]
In Asia, people prepare themselves for worship with the lighting of the
candle, the incense, or the lamp. [Lighting of a candle]
CALL TO WORSHIP:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Yet we find that people walk in darkness, live in conditions which deny life, work for those who squeeze life out of them, support systems and structures which are dead!
But Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. I have come in order
that you might have life – life in all its fullness.
We praise and worship the Lord of Life. Amen
HYMN: Golden Breaks the Dawn © Sound the Bamboo
Golden breaks the dawn, comes the eastern sun;
Like a man of brawn, set his course to run.
Birds above me fly, flowers bloom below;
Through the earth and sky God’s great mercies flow.
Holy Father God, keep me safe today;
Help me as I plod, make me kind, I pray.
Let me guide our youth, honour weak and old;
Let me serve with truth, and God’s love unfold.
Give me daily bread, while I do my part;
Bright skies overhead, gladness in my heart.
Simple wants provide, evil let me shun;
Jesus at my side, till the day is done.
OPENING PRAYERS
READINGS: Psalm 107: 1-3, 7-10,13-16 Tony Blackler
Matthew 8: 5-12a Cynthia Cross
HYMN: The Love of God is Broad (WOV 667)
The love of God is broad like beach and mountain, wide as the wind, and our eternal home. God leaves us free to seek him or reject him; he gives us room to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The love of God is broad like beach and mountain, wide as the wind, and our eternal home.
We long for freedom, where our truest being is given hope and courage to unfold. We seek in freedom space and scope for dreaming, and look for ground where trees and plants may grow.
The love of God…
But there are walls that keep us all divided; we fence each other in with hate and war. Fear is the bricks and mortar of our prison; our pride of self the prison coat we wear.
The love of God…
O, judge us, Lord, and in your judgment free us, and set our feet in freedom’s open space; take us as far as your compassion wanders among the children of the human race.
The love of God…
ADDRESS by Rev Dr John England
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
HYMN: Lord of Light Whose Name Shines Brighter (WOV 392)
Lord of light, whose name shines brighter than all stars of sun and space, deign to make us your co-workers in the kingdom of your grace; use us to fulfil your purpose in the gift of Christ your Son: Father, as in highest heaven, so on earth your will be done.
By the toil of lowly workers in some far outlying field, by the courage where the radiance of the cross is still revealed, by the victories of meekness through reproach and suffering won:
Father…
Grant that knowledge, still increasing, at your feet may lowly kneel; with your grace our triumphs hallow, with your charity our zeal; lift the nations from the shadows to the gladness of the sun:
Father…
By the prayers of faithful watchmen, never silent day or night; by the cross of Jesus bringing peace to men, and healing light; by the love that passes knowledge, making all your children one:
Father…
THE OFFERING (From the Church of South India – adapted)
By the grace of God we are a pilgrim people, ever moving forward,
and never settling down with the status quo.
We bring these gifts for blessing, along with our commitment
to unity and mission, sharing with all the fullness of the good news of Jesus Christ. Gracious God, fill us with the power of your Spirit that we may be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ASIA
(adapted from CCA Resources for Asia Sunday)
Lord hear us: O Lord, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: O Many People of All Lands © Sound the Bamboo
O many people of all lands now come to God with praise;
Together shall we praise our God, Lord of all culture’s ways.
O varied tongues of humankind, now congregate to sing
With hymns of joy and wonderment, thank off’ring we would bring.
O Fount of Love and Light and Life, we thank you for this day;
We are assured of your supply of grace all through the way.
O Source of hope, desire and dream, just as we are, we come,
Inspired by you and your great beam to know more of your home.
From here we will go out to share in offices and homes,
Your never-failing love and care in substance, deeds and forms.
DISMISSAL AND BLESSING (from Thailand – adapted)
Please note in your diaries:
There is a change to our Sunday Worship time for Winter ~
Beginning on Sunday 16th June, we will be combining with the Methodist congregation at 10am each week, until 4th August
(except for 21st July, which will be 9am).
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.
FIRESIDE will meet on Tuesday 28th May at Merchiston at 7.30pm, and Fern suggests everyone thinks of a (short) story about an ancestor/descendant/interesting cousin to share with the group. Bring a visual aid if you like… Fern 332 4725.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th May: Contact June 332 8874 for details of this week’s destination.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
MEN’S GROUP will meet on Thursday 6th June 6pm at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd. Bring a plate for a shared tea and come along for a time of fellowship together. What do you know about Sea Camels? Come and hear what the speaker, John Nimmo, is going to tell you. Further details from Tony 332 0554.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Do pop in to the new location at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit) and say hello!
NB: Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday, 30th May.
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: Sun 26th Barbara; Mon 27th Jim; Wed 29th Margaret; Thu 30th Keith; Sat 1st Madg.