WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP: Based on the Psalm for the day: Ps 146
Praise God, O my soul. As long as I live I will praise God.
I will praise God with all my being;
I will sing joyfully and with thanksgiving.
Put no trust in riches, in illusionary things that fade away.
For when our day comes to depart this world,
we will carry only the love imprinted upon our soul.
Blessed are those whose strength, whose trust, is in God. God, who lives forever in our hearts,
loose the fetters of fear that bind us,
that we might praise you always with joyful song.

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
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

CHILDREN’S SONG: The Church is Wherever
The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing they’re wanted and loved by their Lord.
The Church is wherever Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God.

the Church is wherever God’s people are loving,
where all are forgiven and start once again,
where all are accepted, whatever their background,
whatever their past and whatever their pain.

The Church is wherever God’s people are seeking
to reach out and touch folk wherever they are –
conveying the Gospel, its joy and its comfort,
to challenge, refresh, and excite and inspire.

The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing we’re wanted and loved by our Lord.
The Church is where we as Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God. © W. Jenkins (CH4)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: 1 Kings 17: 8-16 John Shanks
Luke 7: 11-17 Margaret Shanks
SERMON: Ministry with

HYMN: Great Creator God You Call Us Tune: Regent Square WOV84
Great Creator God, you call us
through the church to do your will.
Stewards of both past and promise,
may we each our work fulfil,
building up in faith and nurture
Christ’s own mission, lively still.

Out of all our varied stories
may we weave a single tale,
here confessing sin and discord,
times we stumble, times we fail.
Yet forgiven, cleansed, refashioned,
in Christ’s strength shall we prevail.

Christ still calls to peace and justice,
health and wholeness, love and grace.
We are partners in that mission
for this time and in this place.
O God, grant us sense and courage
in the daily tasks we face.

Without vision, people perish,
without challenge, drift and die.
Give us then the tools of daring
and the clarity of eye
for creating in the present
visions far and wide and high. © JP Huber (ASF)

THE OFFERING
We bring these gifts remembering our vision, to be a vibrant
growing church reaching out in love.
We pray, O God, that you will bless these gifts, and us
as we work together with our community, that people may experience your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Loving Spirit, Great Creator (Tune: Hyfrydol WOV 148ii)
Loving Spirit, great Creator,
gracious Saviour, holy God.
We who worship and adore you
stand in awe on hallowed sod.
We would move in new directions,
in the service of your call.
Journey with us; keep us faithful
where you lead, we follow still.

Grant us in our inward journeys,
depth of insight, calm of heart;
flowering spirits, strength of purpose,
listening hearts (prayer’s purest art).
As disciples – Christ our teacher –
and as stewards of your grace,
grant us wisdom, faith, and courage
for our time and in this place.
When you call us for new service
through community or church,
may our full response be joyful
in our labour, love, and search.
Keep us focused, strong yet selfless,
daring paths untrod before,
delving deep beyond the surface
of each challenge to its core.

May our ministries and mission
stretch our vision pole to pole,
reaching outward, reaching inward,
touching body, heart, and soul.
People working, loving, sharing,
building bridges, clearing space –
finding in our mutual service
Christ in every human face. © JP Huber (SiC)

THE BLESSING

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR WINTER:
Beginning next 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).

Please Note: during the time of combined services, we suggest you place your cash offering in
an envelope and label it “St Martins”.

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

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Details from Lyndsey 388 1264.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th June: Carpool 9.10am from 43 St Martins Rd to gather outside CPIT, Madras Street at 9.30am, opposite Countdown carpark. Park in Countdown (maximum 90 minutes before being clamped) or behind Black Betty Café (entrance off Allen St – Wilson Carpark, $2 per hour). Coffee at Black Betty’s, 165 Madras St, in the cupping room, 10.30am, wet or fine. Sue 960 7657.

THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN will meet on Wednesday 12th June 9.45am at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. The speakers for the morning will be Georgina & Bernard from the Neonatal Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. There will be a short Conference report and also a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

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

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!

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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: Thu 13th Marette; Fri 14th John; Sat 15th Julian

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Come, praise God; sing of his great love.
Come, enjoy God in his creation:
Praise him for the wonders of the world.
Praise him for the smallest atom.
Proclaim his glory in the greatest star.
Come, praise God, for the breath of life:
that the Spirit of God flows in each creature.
Let us rejoice that he has made us out of love.
Let us praise our God, sing of his love.

HYMN: All the Wonder That Surrounds Us (Tune: Ar Hyd y Nos)
All the wonder that surrounds us
springs from God’s care:
all that marvels or confounds us,
raw, rich or rare;
touch and texture, sights and voices,
nature’s countless forms and choices:
all for which the heart rejoices
springs from God’s care.

Every creature, every human
lives by God’s grace:
every family, man and woman,
culture and race;
those whom fortune seems to favour,
those exploited for their labour,
those who need to know a neighbour
live by God’s grace.

God has willed that peace and justice
walk hand in hand.
These, with love, shall build foundations
on which we’ll stand:
love for lover, friend and stranger,
love defying death and danger,
love as first born in a manger –
heaven close at hand. © Iona Community WGRG

OPENING PRAYERS (& Jim Cotter’s Prayer – on screen only)

WELCOME AND NOTICES

STORY-TIME

READINGS: 1 Kings 18: 20-26, 30-39 Jenny Brettell
Responsive Psalm – Ps 96 – on screen only

HYMN: Ours is a Singing Faith (Tune: Diademata WOV 163)
Ours is a singing faith! Now here the hymns we raise.
Resounding, strong, the years a long and echoing our praise.
Ours is a singing faith! In confidence we sing:
Creation’s throne is God’s alone, so joyous voices ring.

Ours is a singing faith! Through all the ebb and flow
of youth and age, on history’s page we see saints come and go.
Ours is a singing faith! The melody rolls on,
sustained by those whose voices rose in praise in times long gone.

Ours is a singing faith! Upheld by work and prayer
that justice, peace and hope not cease but flourish everywhere.
Ours is a singing faith! Though grief or pain hold sway,
Christ still shall dwell, Emmanuel! God with us all the way.

Ours is a singing faith! All thanks to God be sung
by people here both far and near in every land and tongue.
Ours is a singing faith! Let psalms and anthems rise
from sun and moon and stars in tune till music fills the skies!
© Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

Luke 7:1-10 Wayne Barton

REFLECTION

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING: O God, we give thanks that the bread on the table is a gift which goes beyond personal nourishment and speaks of spiritual nourishment; that the wine on the table is a gift which goes beyond refreshment and speaks of love poured out; and these offerings, gifts that will also go beyond this faith community; speaking of our common humanity with all people. AMEN.

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God who created us from nothing
and goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ who entered our unknown journey
and experienced all our living,
who walked in our earthiness and can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on to truth
in light beyond our seeing,
who liberates us from powerlessness, and goes before us
calling us to be the church; to live out the hope of God’s realm.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord (Tune: Kilmarnock WOV 186)
I come with joy to meet my Lord,
forgiven, loved, and free,
in awe and wonder to recall
his life laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ’s communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share
each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.

And thus with joy we meet our Lord,
his presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see, and praise him here.

Together met, together bound,
we’ll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world
we’ll live and speak his praise. © Brian Arthur Wren (WOV)

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May the Spirit of Christ be with you, And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts to God.

Let us give thanks to God who is Wisdom and Love.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God of light … we raise our voices in praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord. God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest …

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.
© World Library Publications (VU)
THE BLESSING

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

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).

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

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!

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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 2nd Rose; Mon 3rd Joan; Thu 6th Jessie.

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.

GATHERING: (From the back)
Spirit come. Come with water and with fire,
and be the renewal for our souls.
Spirit come. Come with word and with song,
and be the transformation in our worship.
Spirit come. Come with passion and with intent,
and be the stirrer in our faith.
Spirit come. Come with impatience and with frustration,
and be the kindling in our justice.
Spirit come. Come with challenge and with purpose,
and be the energizing of our community.
Spirit come. Come with promise and with grace,
and be the enlivening of our church.
Spirit come. Come with love and with hope.
Come and be among us.

HYMN: On Pentecost They Gathered (Tune: Ellacombe WOV 277)
On Pentecost they gathered quite early in the day,
a band of Christ’s disciples to worship, sing and pray.
A mighty wind came blowing, filled all the swirling air,
and tongues of fire a-glowing inspired each person there.

The people all around them were startled and amazed
to understand their language, as Christ the Lord they praised.
What universal message, what great good news was here?
That Christ, once dead, is risen to vanquish all our fear.

God pours the Holy Spirit on all who would believe,
on women, men, and children who would God’s grace receive.
That Spirit knows no limit, bestowing life and power.
The church, formed and reforming, responds in every hour.

O Spirit, sent from heaven on that day long ago,
rekindle faith among us in all life’s ebb and flow.
O give us ears to listen and tongues a-flame with praise,
so folk of every nation glad songs of joy shall raise. ©JP Huber (ASF)

OPENING PRAYERS

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Cynthia & Jamie Cross

SONG: We Are the Church
The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!

We’re many kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too
from all times and places.

Sometimes the church is marching;
sometimes it’s bravely burning,
sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding;
always it’s learning.

At Pentecost some people
received the Holy Spirit
and told the Good News through the world
to all who would hear it. © Hope Publishing (UMH)

LEARN TWO SONGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY (words on insert)
• Golden Breaks the Dawn
• O Many People of All Lands

READINGS: Genesis 12: 1-9 Allison Blackler
Acts 2: 1-21 Joan Scott

PENTECOST AND PILGRIMAGE

HYMN: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness
calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
wind, wind on the sea.

You moved on the waters,
you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains
from the valleys of sleep;
and over the ages you called to each thing,
wake from your slumbers
and rise on your wings.

You swept through the desert,
you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people
with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded
with their idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets
to open their eyes.

You sang in a stable,
you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence
when the whole world was still;
and down in the city
you called once again,
when you blew through your people
in the rush of the wind.

You call from tomorrow,
you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow
the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions,
our men clear their eyes
with bold new decisions
your people arise. © James Manley (VU)
THE OFFERING
To the possibility, persistence, growth, imagination,
and adventure of the Spirit, we dedicate ourselves and this offering, knowing the stuff that makes things happen is your energy, God –
the energy of your Spirit, moving across the church,
and we will be part of it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Filled With the Spirit’s Power (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
Filled with the Spirit’s power, with one accord
the infant church confessed its risen Lord.
O Holy Spirit, in the church today
no less your power of fellowship display.

Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,
that unity may be our great desire.
Give joy and peace, give faith to hear your call,
and readiness in each to work for all.

Widen our love, good Spirit, to embrace
with your compassion all the human race.
Like wind and fire with life among us move,
till we are known as Christ’s, and Christian prove.
© Hope Publishing (VU)

THE BLESSING

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

We will observe Asia Sunday next Sunday, 26th May. Please let John England know, (or Chris), if there is anything in particular you would like to know about the churches, or other faiths, in Asia.

BACON FUNDRAISER: Last chance to order TODAY! The bacon will be delivered after 29th May; any bacon not delivered that week will be named and in the fridge on Sunday 2nd June. Joan 337 1648.

PARISH PHONE LIST: If you require a paper copy, please collect one from the Office. Anna 332 6192 (see hours below).

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 22nd May: Meet 9.30am in Cambridge Tce just off Barbadoes St by the cemetery. Coffee venue TBC (possibly Muffin Break at South City). June 332 8874.

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

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!

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: Wed 22nd Jennifer, Judith; Fri 24th Hadley.

SONGS TO LEARN:
(from “Sound the Bamboo”, Christian Conference of Asia Hymnal 2000)

Golden Breaks the Dawn
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.

Words transl. from Mandarin by Frank W Price
Music: LE P’ING; Te-ngai Hu, China; arr. Bliss Wiant

O Many People of All Lands
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.

Words: Natty G Barranda, Philippines
Music: MATERNIDAD; Lois F Bello

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING (together):
We look for you, straining our eyes into the far country,
but our vision is disrupted by the least, the lost,
the littlest, the last among us.

We race after you, trying to catch up, and turning the corner
find only a homeless family in our path.

We wander the streets, yearning to find you, calling your name,
but it is only a single mother who turns and wearily smiles,
a street person who whispers hello,
a little girl who pirouettes and takes our hand.

Gone…
But you are still here Lord.
Help us to see.

HYMN: Lift up Your Hearts, Believers (Tune: WOV 250)
Lift up your hearts, believers!
This is the holy day
when Jesus our Redeemer,
completes salvation’s way.
The forty days are over,
and clouds shine high and bright
as Christ, the overcomer,
is taken from our sight.

Lift up your hearts, believers!
Ye gates, lift up your heads!
Though minds be full of wonder,
though souls be filled with dread.
The Spirit has been promised,
and, though we are alone,
we wait until the moment
when fire and wind are known.

Lift up your hearts, believers!
And do not be downcast,
for Jesus, our Redeemer,
receives the crown at last.
The thorns of crucifixion
are changed to stars of light,
and Christ, the Lord of glory,
is named as God’s delight. (Author unknown)

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

SONG: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our brothers and our sisters in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got you and he’s got me in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands. C/A

READINGS: Psalm 93 Barry Moore
Acts 1: 1-11 Hilary Moore

A DIALOGUE

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
O God, creative and caring, just and giving;
receive and bless these gifts we bring that they may be used:
to create, to care, to free, to promote justice, and to share
your goodness with the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Christ, be our light…

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…

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ, be our light…

Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
Christ, be our light… Bernadette Farrell (CH4)

THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service, followed by a congregational meeting to consider the recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish.

NEXT SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am Pentecost Sunday Breakfast: There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend. Worship Committee.

We will mark Asia Sunday on 26th May. Please let John England know, (or Chris), if there is anything in particular you would like to know about the churches, or other faiths, in Asia.

BACON FUNDRAISER: We will be selling packets of 400 grams (12-14 slices) of Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon for $8.00 each. Delivery day will probably be the weekend of 26 May. Order forms are available from Joan Mac 337 1648.

THE NEW PARISH PHONE LIST is now available. If you require a paper copy, please sign the list in the foyer, or contact the Office. Anna.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 15th May: Meet 9.30am on corner Colombo/Tuam Streets (near carpark opposite Ballantynes back entrance). Coffee at C1 Espresso 185 High St (cnr Tuam & High Sts). Sonya 339 7038.

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

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!

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

HUB REPORT: please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s news.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 16th Kim; Sat 18th Margaret.