Sunday 10 December 2017 Advent 2

WHILE OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS REPAIRED WE ARE MEETING EACH SUNDAY AT THE MINERAL & LAPIDARY CLUB 11O WALTHAM RD (NEXT TO WALTHAM SCHOOL) AT 10AM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU.

 Sunday 10th December 2017

Advent 2

A Children’s Christmas Celebration

Welcome: Birthdays and Notices – Wayne

Karakia:  Adam

Call to Worship led by Gillian and Ellen: Living God as your people here in Aotearoa, we gather in this time of expectation.  With Simeon and Anna and the saints through the ages we wait and we hope, for the unfurling of your promise.

(Light the first Advent Candle)

We hear God’s call to us: Kia Kaha, be strong.

And so we look forward in hope for the coming Christ Child.                       Emmanuel God with us. Amen.

 

Lighting the 2nd Advent Candle: We light the candle of peace.

May it light the way for us as we make peace our story.

 

Bible Reading: Luke Chapter 2 – Ellen

This Advent we wait and watch for God.                                                          For God is coming and God has something to say.

God has spoken to our heads and our hearts. Now let us respond in prayer with hopeful hands.

Oh God of Hope, we are so used to thinking of you holding us in your hands, But Simeon and Anna held you in theirs. We remember that you and your hope came to us small and fragile.

Help us to hold hope gently.

Space/Silence

We confess we want everything to happen straight away, but you are building a world to last forever and are prepared to take the time to do it right.

Help us to be patient and let hope grow.

Space/Silence

There are many who are fragile and weak, many who can be cut down by unkindness and injustice. Yet your hope is planted in these very lives.

Help us to guard the hopeless that hope might appear.

Space/Silence

In our waiting and our watching, hold onto us God as we hold onto hope. Amen.

Notices:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea after the service. Many thanks to our young people for leading today’s service, and Wayne & Gillian!

 Today is your final opportunity to donate gifts for Waltham Cottage. Thank you to those who have already done so.

Foot Clinic TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. Contact Lyndsey 388 1264 for details.

Board of Managers meeting THIS Wednesday 13th 7.30pm at Merchiston.

PLEASE NOTE:On Sunday 24th December, there is one service only at 7pm. 

Christmas & January Services

will be combined with Beckenham Methodist.

Christmas Day 9.30am at BMC Sunday 31st Dec here at the MLC

 Sunday Jan 7th at BMC

Sunday Jan 14th here at MLC.

Home Share Plus finishes for the year on Tuesday 12th December, and will resume on Tuesday 16th January 2018.

The Walking Group are celebrating the end of the year with a trip to Akaroa this Wednesday.

Crafty Crafters Thursdays 10am-12 noon at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. Last session for the year this week on the 14th December, and will resume on 18th January 2018. Contact Beverley 384 7814 for further details.

 Prayer Request Book: Requests for prayer may be made through the office, minister, or by filling in a request in a book that will be available at worship. It is helpful if those prayed for indicate specifically what they would like the congregation to pray for.

South Brighton Voices bring you “Christmas Memories” TODAY 2pm at Wainoni Methodist Church. Tickets $10, available at the door.

Christmas for the City~ A Festive Event for everyone. THIS Saturday 16th 4-9pm at Ara City Campus, 130 Madras St. Free entry.

Fundraiser for St Martins:Handmade greeting cards for sale. $3 each.  All proceeds to St Martins Building fund.

A big thank you to the bakers and buyers for the Christmas Stall last Sunday. $629 has been banked into the Building Fund with another $110 in IOUs still to come. Joan Macdonald.

Community Carol Singing Sunday 17th December 6pm at Opawa Community Church, Aynsley Tce. BBQ sausages and refreshments available from 5.30pm. Everyone welcome!

Christian World Service – Christmas Appeal.  You are invited to give a Christmas Gift that honours Jesus and will be used to help others help themselves.  With your parish newsletter you will receive an appeal envelope.  This can be returned to church before mid January or posted directly to CWS.  You can also donate online at christmasappeal.org.nz, but do remember to include your address to get a tax receipt, and to acknowledge our parish of St Martins Presbyterian.