Sunday 12th July 10am

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

ANNUAL REPORTS NOW DUE: If you convene a Parish Group or committee, please submit an Annual Report to the Office by 23rd July.

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 15th July: Meet 9.30am in carpark on McCormacks Bay Rd at beginning of causeway. Coffee in Ferry Rd. All are welcome. Anneke 328 7459.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 a session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
NB: There will be no Craft on 23rd July.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am each Thursday. PLEASE NOTE: The Office is closed on Wed 15th July.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. Please support this opportunity to contribute to the Link Building fundraising. Rob & Barbara Meier 379 1474.

INSPIRING MISSION Saturday 1st August Hope Church, Hornby. Workshops 10am – 4pm, followed by an evening of inspiration and encouragement (7pm start). See the poster in the Lounge for details. To register, email alpinepresoffice@gmail.com. All are welcome.

AFTERNOON FUNDRAISING CONCERT for Beckenham Methodist on Sunday 23rd August at 2pm in the Church. $10.00; children under 10 free. Bring family and friends and enjoy our musical talents. If you are interested in performing an item, contact Jean Morris 332 1814.

AN INVITATION: Rev David Coster is retiring from Parish Ministry on Sunday 2nd August. Cashmere Presbyterian Church extends an invitation to attend his final service at 10am followed by a farewell lunch. Please RSVP for catering purposes to cashmere.church@xtra.co.nz or phone 332 7129.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sat 18th Peggy, Fiona.

Sunday 5 July 10am

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

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 8th July: Meet 9.30am at the Wigram Air Force Museum Carpark, Harvard Ave for a walk around some of the new housing area. Coffee will be at The Air Force Museum Café. All Welcome. Judith 332 1577.

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

MINISTRY SETTLEMENT BOARD PROGRESS REPORT:
The Ministry Settlement Board, made up of three members from Presbytery and six from the congregation, is given the task to discern the type of leadership and ministry appropriate for a congregation in the event of a ministerial vacancy and to make appropriate recommendations to the Session, congregation and the Presbytery. There are a range of options: Nationally Ordained Minister, Local ordained, Local ministry team, Amorangi, Stated supply, Transition ministry or KCML intern (ministry student under supervision).
The MSB has met twice and discussed at length the unique situation and characteristics of the St Martin’s parish. A significant amount of good work is conducted in this community in the name of Christ, and this in spite of being ‘homeless’. We are keen to see this continue and built upon so that a thriving faith community be maintained in this part of Christchurch.
I am very aware of the anxiety a ministry vacancy can produce in a congregation and want to assure you that we are working diligently through the required process to ensure the best possible outcome for St Martin’s and its future mission. Many will want to know when this will be completed. That is impossible to say as it is determined by so many factors. I would simply ask that you be patient and pray for us.
Yours in Christ’s service,
Rev Brent Richardson, Ministry Settlement Board Convener.

Alpine Presbytery newsletter is on the board in the Lounge.

ANNUAL REPORTS NOW DUE: If you convene a Parish Group or committee, please submit an Annual Report to the Office by 23rd July.

NEW SUNDAY READERS’ ROSTER available today – please check to see if there is a copy for you. Anna.

FIX-IT JOBS: If you need assistance with any little jobs around your home or property, please contact the Office (332 6192). We have people who can help.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz
PLEASE NOTE: Anna will be on leave from 9 – 15 July inclusive. Any notices for Sunday 12th July need to be sent to the Office by 9am THIS Wednesday please.

St Martin’s 2016 Calendars $20 each. Please support this opportunity to contribute to the Link Building fundraising. Rob & Barbara Meier 379 1474.

INSPIRING MISSION Saturday 1st August Hope Church, Hornby. Workshops 10am – 4pm, followed by an evening of inspiration and encouragement (7pm start). See the poster in the Lounge for details. To register, email alpinepresoffice@gmail.com. All are welcome.

AN INVITATION: Rev David Coster is retiring from Parish Ministry on Sunday 2nd August. Cashmere Presbyterian Church extends an invitation to attend his final service at 10am followed by a farewell lunch. Please RSVP for catering purposes to cashmere.church@xtra.co.nz or phone 332 7129.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Wed 8th Adam.

Sunday 28th June 2015 10am

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
God of the past, we give you thanks for yesterday; our yesterday,
and the yesterday of long ago. You gave your people
all they needed, and they gave you thanks and praise.
God of the present time, we give you thanks for today; this day which is our own, and the today that belongs to all people under the sun.
You give us what we need; and we give you thanks and praise.
God of the future, we give you thanks for tomorrow. It hasn’t yet come, but it will be our day, and yours.
You will continue to give us what we need,
and we will always give you thanks and praise.

HYMN: Tell Out My Soul
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy Name – the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children’s children and for evermore! © Hope Publishing (HFTC)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

CHILDREN’S SONG: One More Step Along the World I Go
One more step along the world I go,
one more step a-long the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you’ll be looking at along with me:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you’ll be telling me the way, I know:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: From Isaiah 43: 1-5a June Service
From Psalm 27: 1-4, 13 & 14 John Shanks
Matthew 5: 1-9 from the Message Rev. Chris Elliot

HYMN: All the Wonder That Surrounds Us (Tune: All Through the Night)
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. © 2002 WGRG, Iona Community, (4451767)

REFLECTION: The Carnival is Over…

HYMN: All My Hope on God is Founded (Tune: Groeswen)
All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown, he alone
calls my heart to be his own.

Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power, hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.

Daily doth the almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.

God’s great goodness ay endureth,
deep his wisdom passing thought:
splendour, light and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore. C/A

THE OFFERING:
In faith, we dare to venture forth. In faith, we dare to claim your promises, O God. In faith, we dare to give.
As you have been with us on our journeys, as you have gifted us with healing beyond our dreams, as you have transformed us into new people, so we give back to you. Bless these offerings, bless the work of our congregations, and challenge us afresh to new directions and new ventures, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE RETURN OF THE SYMBOLS OF MINISTRY

HYMN: Song of Faith That Sings Forever
Song of faith that sings forever
through God’s people, ages long,
Word that holds the world together
when our hearts take up the song,
always, always somewhere sounding,
though the source we do not see,
counterpoint to all despairing,
it is hope that sets the key.

Song of faith in exultation,
rising through the vaults of prayer,
tune of simple celebration
offered up in open air,
song in chapel and cathedral,
descant to our daily tone,
song from sickbed or in prison:
faith must often sing alone.

And when life would overwhelm us,
when there seems no song to sing,
hear the constant voice of courage
out of fear and suffering:
all who’ve loved and trusted Jesus,
all who lift us to be strong,
endless, endless are the voices
of the faith that makes the song. © Shirley Murray (FFS)

THE BLESSING

At the end of the service, there will be a farewell to Chris.

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

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August

The stunning St Martin’s Calendars are available today. $20 each. Please support this opportunity to contribute to the Link Building fundraising. Rob & Barbara Meier 379 1474.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 1st July: Meet 9.30am in Hoon Hay Rd near Cashmere Rd for a walk around Lower Cashmere. Coffee at Silverbacks Café. All welcome. Sonya 339 7038.

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

MEN’S GROUP: Thursday 2nd July 6pm at Merchiston. A representative from St James’ will be sharing part of their story with us. All men welcome. Contact Tony 332 0554 for further information.

The Alpine Presbytery newsletter is on the board in the Lounge for those who wish to read it.

The latest issue of Spanz is now available – please take a copy.

ANNUAL REPORTS NOW DUE: If you convene a Parish Group or committee, please submit an Annual Report to the Office by 23rd July.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Please ensure Notices in by 9am Thursday each week. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz
Anna will be on leave from 9 – 15 July. Any notices for Sunday 12th July need to be sent to the Office by 9am Wednesday 8th please.

‘TALK WITH TIM’: Come and chat with Tim Scandrett, Spreydon Heathcote City Councillor at his Community Clinic Wednesday 1st July 4.30 – 6.00pm at Beckenham Service Centre.

Sunday 21st June 2015 10am

WELCOME AND NOTICES ~ Board of Managers’ Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Jesus, head of the Church,
you have called us into the fellowship of your people;
into communities of love and support.
Jesus, sign of peace in a divided world,
you have called your Church to be a sign of unity,
drawing nations and races together in harmony.
Jesus, you hold out the promise of a new creation,
you have called us to respect all people,
as God’s loved sons and daughters.

HYMN: 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.

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 all go out to share in offices and homes,
your never-failing love and care in substance, deeds, and forms. © Sound the Bamboo

OPENING 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. © W. Jenkins (CH4)

READINGS: Acts 8: 26-40 Wayne Barton
Matthew 5: 13-16 Joan Macdonald

Faith, Culture and The Church – with John E & Mele

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.

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.

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. © Stainer & Bell (WOV)

THE OFFERING:
God, in your grace you call us on, to never settle for what has always been. You call us to a greater understanding of the rich diversity of people and cultures you have blessed us with.
We bring these gifts for blessing, along with our commitment to work together; that your church might build healthy community, sharing with all the fullness of your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: God Gives Us a Future (Tune: Camberwell WOV 170ii)
God give us a future, daring us to go
into dreams and dangers on a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow in the Spirit’s power,
we will let God change us,
for new life starts now.

We must leave behind us sins of yesterday,
for God’s new beginning is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
and the strength we lack.

Holy Spirit, teach us how to read the signs,
how to meet the challenge of our troubled times.
Love us into action, stir us into prayer,
till we choose God’s life,
and find our future there. © Elizabeth Smith (TIS)

THE BLESSING

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.

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

Singing Group today at 4pm (note time) in the Church. Bill 338 1651.

NEXT Sunday 28th June: Chris will be leading worship next Sunday and we will take the opportunity to thank her for her years given to St Martin’s at the end of the Service. You are all invited to morning tea in the Lounge.
For those coming to the Cashmere Club (the list is now full), please make your way over by 12.20 – lunch will be served at 12.30. Please pay on your arrival ($30.50) and your name will be crossed off the list. Allison 332 0554.

FIRESIDE: Tuesday 23rd June 7.30pm at Joan’s, 2 Pentonville
Close, Westmorland. Please bring along an old favourite recipe to share and maybe a story as to why it’s a favourite. All women are very welcome.
Joan 338 8700.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 24th June: Meet 9.30am in Richmond (angle park in London St off Stanmore Rd). Coffee at Ma & Pa’s, 319 Stanmore Rd. All are welcome. Sonya 339 7038.

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

CARING AND SHARING: THURSDAY 25th June 2015 at 2pm. Bring your memories of Caring and Sharing in days gone by. Afternoon tea will be provided. Please let anyone know who has been associated with Caring and Sharing over the years. For more information, check with Irene 332 7306.

PHONE LIST UPDATE: The phone number for Alice Shanks is 337 1256.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Please ensure Notices in by 9am Thursday each week. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz

STOP PRESS: Fundraising Calendars for sale next Sunday ($20). Bring cash! Rob & Barbara Meier 379 1474.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 23rd Betty; Fri 26th Christine; Sat 27th Gwendoline.

Sunday 14 June 10am

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

Winter Combined services at 10.00am continue until 16th August.

Singing Group today at 3pm (note time) in the Church. Bill 338 1651.

FOOT CLINIC: TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge. More helpers are always welcome. Lyndsey 388 1264.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 17th June: Meet 9.30am by Hawford Rd entrance to Opawa Mall carpark. Coffee at Opawa Bakery & Café. All are welcome.

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 17th June at 7.30pm.

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

Chris is holding a Garage Sale on Saturday 20th June 8am – 12 noon. She is looking for helpers both on the day and the evening before to move heavy stuff. If you make an offer for anything on the Friday, half of the proceeds will be donated to St Martin’s. Let her know if you can help.

Sunday 28th June will be Chris’ final Sunday before her retirement.
She will be leading worship that Sunday and we will take the opportunity to thank her for her years given to St Martin’s at the end of the Service. You are all invited to join for morning tea in the Lounge following the service.
For those who have put their names on the list for the Lunch at the Cashmere Club (the list is now full), please make your way over by 12.20 – lunch will be served at 12.30. Please pay on your arrival and your name will be crossed off the list. Meal price $30.50. Queries? Contact Allison 332 0554.

A very special Caring and Sharing afternoon will be held on THURSDAY 25th June 2015 at 2pm.Bring your memories of Caring and Sharing in days gone by. Afternoon tea will be provided. Please let anyone know who has been associated with Caring and Sharing over the years. For more information, check with Irene 332 7306.

PTO…
Now that you have all enjoyed the fun and frolics of Scottish Country
Dancing (simple form) – or Ceilidh Dancing, do keep it going. At the New Brighton Union Church 10am to 11am every Wednesday ($3.00 with morning tea included) join the enthusiastic group of dancers for some gentle dancing to great music. Everyone is welcome. For more information, check with Irene or give her a phone call – 332 7306

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Please ensure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday each week.
Keep an eye on the website: www.stmartins.org.nz

NEWS FROM MARILYN & DAVID TAIT:
Two days in Israel, berthed at Haifa, and bussed to Jerusalem and Bethlehem the first day. Garden of Gethsemane a highlight. Jerusalem was so busy and full of tourists and we were walked too quickly through the old quarter but did get to the wailing wall (heads covered, no photos), as well as the Church where the tomb of Jesus is supposed to be. There were hundreds waiting in line so we did not get time to wait. We had lunch at a Kibbutz before driving to Bethlehem (in Palestine) past security to view where Jesus was born, now a Church, again very touristy and not the atmosphere we expected. It was interesting that we had a Jewish and a Palestinian guide for both sites, giving us their version of the Bible stories. Yesterday was a much better day when we went to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee (actually a lake) not so many tourists, and actually stood on the mountain where Jesus preached his sermon on the mount. We went to the River Jordan where he was baptised and also to Caperneum the Town of Fishermen where he lived and worked. These places seemed to bring the Bible stories to life, there was such a lot to take in.
This morning we berthed at Cyprus, took a tour to Nicosia (only divided city in Europe), saw the border to the Turkish side of the island, got a few more details on their politics etc, and visited a wee village up in the hills where they make lovely lace – the ladies sit outside their shops stitching it.
Tomorrow we will be at a Turkish port, these last two days replacing our planned visit to Egypt which was cancelled because of unrest. Next is Crete, Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia, all very different and interesting places to visit.
We are both fine, enjoying every busy minute, lots of exercise on the cobbled streets and uneven steps, having such a wonderful trip.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 14th John; Mon 15th Julian; Fri 19th June, James, Ethan.