WELCOME & NOTICES

 

A LENTEN REFLECTION

 

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Leader and congregation together:

Christ Jesus, child of Mary

King and suffering servant, High Priest and Lamb of God

Teacher and word, living, suffering, dying and rising again

you challenge, redeem and restore us

 

Holy Spirit, Breath of life

Counsellor and Comforter, Fire of God

you inspire, sustain and purify us

 

Forming us in the nature of Christ transforming us with your gifts

you bind us together in one body, your church

God of all creation

your boundless love exposes our rebellion and greed

 

Like a mother who will not abandon her child

Like a father who welcomes the prodigal home

you forgive, accept and embrace us

and call us into  loving communion for ever

In life and death we belong to you Heavenly Father

 

HYMN: Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

gold of obedience and incense of lowliness

bring, and adore him: the Lord is his name.

 

Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,

high on his heart he will bear it for thee,

comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,

guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.

 

Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness

of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:

truth in its beauty and love in its tenderness,

these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.

 

These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,

he will accept for the name that is dear,

mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,

trust for our trembling and hope, and hope for our fear.

 

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

gold of obedience and incense of lowliness

bring, and adore him: the Lord is his name.               ©JSB Monsell (WOV382)

 

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

TIME WITH THOSE YOUNG AT HEART ~ Wayne Barton

 

HYMN: Thank you for giving me the morning

Thank you for giving me the morning, thank you for every day that’s new,
thank you for new things in store for me and for work to do.

 

Thank you for all my friends and family, thank you for everyone that lives,
thank you that even greatest enemies I can forgive.

 

Thank you for many little sorrows, thank you for every kindly word,
thank you that in the midst of trouble, sympathy is stirred.

 

Thank you, I see the word has meaning, thank you, I know your spirit here,
thank you because you love all people, those both far and near.

 

Thank you, O Lord, for speaking to us,thank you for telling us you care,
thank you, O Lord, you came among us, bread and wine to share.

 

Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless, thank you that I am full of you, thank you, you make me feel so glad and thankful as I do.      ©Bosworth & Co Ltd

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS:

Psalm 126                                                       Lyn Steele

Philippians 3:4b-14                                          Deborah Fitchett

 

MESSAGE:  Defiance

 

HYMN: Be Still my Soul

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;

bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;

leave to your God to order and provide,

in every change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake

to guide the future as he has the past.

Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake,

all now mysterious shall be clear at last.

Be still my soul: the tempests still obey

his voice, who ruled them once on Galilee.

 

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart

and all is darkened in the vale of tears,

then you shall better know his love, his heart,

who comes to soothe your sorrow, calm your fears.

Be still, my soul: for Jesus can repay

from his own fullness all he takes away.

 

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

when we shall be for ever with the Lord,

when disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

sorrow forgotten, love’s pure joy restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,

all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.      ©K von Schlegel (WOV48)

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE

 

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

 

THE OFFERING Leader and congregation together:

We have the means to give. We have the reason to give

There are so many waiting to be given

Our offering and all others given this day

Is blessed by you for their needs

 

Stepping out in faith, down the road of faith

We do this united, as your people

Called and sent to be a blessing for all the world

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

GREET AND BLESS ONE ANOTHER

 

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me © WGRG, The Iona Community (VU)

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,

will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

 

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

 

Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same?

In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.

this I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

 

BLESSING Leader and congregation together:

Fortify us with the grace of your Holy Spirit

Give your peace to our souls

That we may be free from all needless, anxiety, concern and worry

Assist us to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you

So that your will, Heavenly Father, may be our will also

Amen.

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to David Beaumont for leading our worship today.

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES:

24^th March         7pm      Maundy Thursday Combined Service

25^th March         10am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March         9am      Easter Day Communion for St Martin’s

All of these services will be led by Rev Lyndsey McKay. Please join us.

 

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge. New helpers are always very welcome. See Lyndsey 388 1264 for details.

 

LENTEN STUDIES conclude with Mele on Wednesday16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16^th March: Meet at 9.30 at main entrance South Library for a walk in lower Cashmere.  Coffee at Red Cafe at the Library.   All welcome on walk and/or coffee. Joan 338 8700.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

NO ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter this week.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER: This group will meet in the St James Church Lounge TOMORROW at 7 pm. Alan Chapman will speak about his recent trip to Wellington and show a short power point presentation.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The City to Surf Fun Run is on next Sunday. This may impact on your travel plans to/from Church.

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 17^th Marie; Sat 19^th Rosalie S.

CALL TO WORSHIP:

 

HYMN: Praise our God the Great Creator (Tune: Marching)

Praise our God, the great creator, world evolving through his might, darkness shattered by explosion, filled his world with life and light.

 

Great inventors splitting atoms energy and power extend, firing rockets, space exploring, search his light which has no end.

 

King of kings beyond our vision, none could tell what he might be; in the image of his Father Jesus came, and we can see.

 

When he calls the strong will follow, dare to travel by his side, facing danger, find adventure, take his light to be their guide.

 

Poet, artist, composer capture colour all ablaze,

words of splendour tell the story,

Light of all the world we praise.                      ©W & I Bulman (WOV 110)

 

CONFESSION:         

 

NOTICES

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

 

HYMN:  Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands (Tune: Au Clair de la Lune)

Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all,

healing pain and sickness, blessing children small;

Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall;

Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all.

 

Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you,

make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do; l

et me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too,

till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you. ©M B Cropper (CH4 351)

 

READING: Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32                                Jessie Robb

             

SERMON:

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION                              Irene Gray

 

OFFERING

 

HYMN: Lord Jesus Christ

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us, you are one with us,

Mary’s son; cleansing our souls from all their sin,

pouring your love and goodness in,

Jesus, our love for you we sing, living Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, now and every day teach us how to pray,

Son of God. You have commanded us to do this,

in remembrance, Lord of you:

into our lives your power breaks through, living Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us, born as one of us,

Mary’s son; led out to die on Calvary,

risen from death to set us free, living Lord Jesus,

help us see you are Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, I would come to you, live my life for you,

Son of God. All your commands I know are true,

your many gifts will make me new,

into my life your power breaks through, living Lord. ©P Appleford (WOV 451)

 

COMMUNION (on screen)

 

HYMN: Now Let Us From This Table Rise (Tune: Niagara)

Now let us from this table rise renewed in body, mind and soul;

with Christ we die and rise again,

his selfless love has made us whole.

 

With minds alert, upheld by grace, to spread the Word in speech

and deed we follow in the steps of Christ,

at one with all in hope and need.

 

To fill each human house with love, it is the sacrament of care;

the work that Christ began to do we humbly pledge ourselves to share.

 

Then grant us grace, Companion-God,

to choose again the pilgrim way,

and help us to accept with joy the challenge of tomorrow’s day.

©Fred Kaan (CH4 675)

 

BENEDICTION

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev Andrew Nicol for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES continue with Mele on Wednesdays 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 9^th March: We are going to the Groynes. There is a new drive (from Johns Rd) into the Groynes. Where the drive divides, go left and meet at the first car park by the lake. This is the car park by the old suspension bridge which is no longer used. As it is a 30 mins car drive there we will meet at 8.50 am at our church in St Martins Rd for those that would like to car pool. Coffee is at Coffee Culture Redwood, 286 Main North Rd at the Redwood shops. There is parking behind the shops, which is easiest to get to – if coming from the Groynes, turn left into Daniels Rd and then immediately turn left into the parking area. For details please contact Rob on 384 4320. All Welcome.

 

SESSION MEETING: Wednesday 9^th March 7.30pm in the Lounge.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 14^th March 1-4pm in the Lounge. New helpers are always very welcome. See Lyndsey 388 1264 for details.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

FUNDRAISER: Daffodil Bulbs

20 beautiful bulbs – 8 or 9 varieties – $10. Payment                           with the order please. See Barbara 379 1474 or Margaret 366 8936.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER: This group will meet in the St James Church Lounge on Monday 14th March at 7 pm. Alan Chapman will speak about his recent trip to Wellington and show a short power point presentation.

 

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES:

24^th March         7pm      Maundy Thursday Combined Service

25^th March         10am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March         9am      Easter Day Communion for St Martin’s

All of these services will be led by Rev Lyndsey McKay. Please join us.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 6^th Errol; Tue 8^th Anne; Wed 9^th Sharyn.

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Come, everyone who is thirsty!Thirsty? We are all thirsty in some ways..

Thirsty for what?

Thirsty for justice…thirsty for meaning…thirsty for comfort, for ease, for that satisfied feeling of a job well done: thirsty for significance, for recognition, for understanding

Come: you are with travellers who are also thirsty..but also and with those who have  been thirsty, and have had their thirst quenched

We are hungry for the same things

Come: you are with travellers who are hungry..and who are finding food that fills, food that strengthens, food that enables us to carry on
We have been promised food that has turned out to be tasteless, not sustaining, bland or inedible

Come: the food that we eat, and the waters that we drink are the very bread and wine of life

Who gives us this food, this water, this life?

We gather in the name of God who listens…God who provides…God whose continuing story challenges and sustains, rebukes and inspires, lifts up and draws forward

Where is this God who provides what we long for, and how can we feed and drink from his provision?

He is here: call on him now: call on him in the quietness of your heart or the volume of your singing voice: call on him in your strength and in your weakness: for he is near.

How then shall we see our God?

For all that our God is beyond all human knowing, he will be seen: he will be seen in ways that you cannot yet imagine. He will be visible in the tiniest graces in our meeting here today that will resonate in your heart. He will be here in the conversations you have with this people here today, and he will be here in the surprises of words thought familiar, in the long-forgotten feelings and the dimly seen pictures of the heart and the soul…He will be known: for he is Love, and we all recognise love.

As we lift our voices and our hearts, our minds and our feelings in worship we choose to eat and drink from what is offered, in the desire that grace will supply all we long for
In the name of him whose name is love: Amen       -based on Isaiah 55:1-9

 

 

HYMN: Come Now Where We Least Expect You

Come now where we least expect you,

Christ our hope and longing, come.
Show us where we still reject you in the world you made your home.
Look around! Christ is found far beyond our sacred ground.

 

Come where we have tried to own you locked within the distant past,
where your Church has scarcely known you,

where the least remain the last.
Enter still where you will, come to challenge and fulfil.

 

Christ-child, come in loving kindness; Come, great Judge whom

angels praise! Heal us of our pride and blindness, purge our hearts and change our ways,
God’s own Word, love outpoured, come to us, O Christ our Lord.                                                                               ©Marnie Barrell (COC)

 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

 

OFFERING

 

LEARNING FOR ALL ~ especially the children

 

SONG: My God is So Big

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

there’s nothing my God cannot do     x2

The mountains are His.The rivers are His.The stars are His handiwork too…My God is so big…x2

 

My God is so close, so warm and so tender,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.

The cities are his. The streets are all his.

The homes are his handiwork too. My God is so close…

 

My God is so close, He knows how my heart beats,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.

The future is His.The present is His

The future’s His handiwork too. My God is so close…

My God is so wide, so deep and so awesome,

Yet nearer to me than my breath

All heartbeats are his. All breathing is his

All artwork his handiwork too. My God is so wide…

 

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

That sometimes he’s quite hard to see

But Jesus is his. Yes Jesus is his

Yes Jesus shows God’s love for me x2

 

My God is so big, So awesome and lovely

There’s nothing my God cannot do x2

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

 

READING: Psalm 63:1-8                               Tony Blackler 

 

HYMN: How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art,

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

 

When through the woods and bushclad hills I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the creek and feel the gentle breeze:

 

And when I think that God, his son not sparing,

Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin;

 

 

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,

Then I shall bow in humble adoration,

And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art.                              C/A

 

READING: Isaiah 55:1-9                                Allison Blackler

 

MESSAGE

 

HYMN: In this familiar place

In this familiar place I know the mystery of your grace.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

In halting song and word the music of your voice is heard.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

Among these friends of mine I taste the company divine.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

Within this narrow sphere I learn that you are everywhere.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.            ©Colin Gibson (AA)

 

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev Alan Webster for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES with Mele continue on Wednesdays 2, 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

FUNDRAISER: Daffodil Bulbs Fireside are selling bulbs now.

20 beautiful bulbs – 8 or 9 varieties – $10.  If 20 are too many for you, share with a friend. Have flowers inside during the Winter or outside in Spring.

Wonderful presents (for Easter instead of chocolate?). Introduce children to gardening. Strictly payment with the order please. See Barbara 379 1474  or Margaret 366 8936.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 2^nd March: Meet 9.30am on Warren Cres, near the corner of Charles Upham Drive where there is an entrance across the river to Curletts Reserve. We will walk round the reserve and part of the show grounds before returning to the cars and driving to have coffee at “Café ine” in the Hillmorton shops (park in Coppell Place which is off Hoon Hay Rd a little towards the hills from Halswell Rd). All Welcome. Alan & Barbara McKinnon.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:  This year St Martin’s Presbyterian  will be leading the service: 10am THIS Friday 4^th  March at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Wilsons Rd. We encourage you all to attend. The service has been written by the women of Cuba.  A plate for morning tea following the service would be appreciated. Allison 332 0554.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Office will be closed on 2, 3 & 4 March. Anna is in Dunedin with son Alexander who is having surgery for scoliosis.

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

 

 

 

CWS FIJI APPEAL:

Dear St Martin’s Presbyterian Parish

By now you will have seen the devastating pictures from Fiji after Cyclone Winston. Most of the country has been affected by this storm – the likes of which the people of Fiji have never seen before. Wind gusts of up to 325 kilometres an hour have smashed homes and livelihoods. Trees have been ripped from the ground and crops destroyed.  Nearly 14,000 people found shelter in evacuation shelters.

It is a major catastrophe for our neighbours and they need to recover quickly.

The people of Fiji are working hard to clear debris, build temporary shelter and salvage what they can.

CWS has now heard from partners who had lost power and communications. The Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) is planning their response. Their immediate focus is on isolated communities in the hilly interior of Viti Levu. They will assist with food, shelter and psychosocial programmes for children. The Peoples Community Network working in the informal settlements is working out what needs to be done. Both groups are coordinating with local government, other community groups and churches.

Please remember the people of Fiji in your prayers that they might find the strength and resources they need to recover.

The devastation is great and together we can make sure many more Fijians get the help they need. Please give generously.

 

Thank you. Pauline McKay CWS National Director

CALL TO WORSHIP:

All that we are is welcomed here: our deepest thoughts and feelings, the parts of ourselves we treasure and that which we do not understand. Everything is accepted and acceptable.

May the Lenten spirit draw us deeper into the circle of God’s love. Let us worship with open hearts.

 

HYMN: Christ is the World’s Light (Tune: Christe Sanctorum)

Christ is the world’s light, he and no other; born in our darkness,

he became our brother. If we have seen him, we have seen the Father: Glory to God on high.

 

Christ is the world’s peace, he and no other; no one can serve him

and despise his brother. Who else unites us, one in God the Father? Glory to God on high.

 

Christ is the world’s life, he and no other; sold once for silver, murdered here, our brother – he, who redeems us, reigns with

God the Father: Glory to God on high.

 

Give God the glory, God and no other; give God the glory, Spirit, Son and Father; give God the glory, God in man my brother:

Glory to God on high.                                                           ©F Pratt Green (WOV 191)

 

GREETING:

May the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, with all whom you love, and all whom you pray for here this day.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord be with you also.

           

OPENING PRAYER:

May we shape a space in our lives to meet you, O God, a space that plays with mystery, opens up justice, seeks peace, and binds us together as community.

May we make alive the Lenten journey of promise, full of expectant hope that the going will come good.

May we travel through dust and ashes, bread and wine, water and hope to find you, the God who travels with us.

Creating God, we live in a world broken by prejudice and greed, violence and abuse, corruption and self serving. Forgive us when we make choices that side with the powerful while ignoring the plight of those trapped by circumstances beyond their control in poverty. May our lives and faith be a reflection of your grace, compassion, truth and justice.

We seek your face, O God. Do not hide your truth or your forgiveness from us, O God of our salvation.

 

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

When absence is at its greatest it is then that grace is most profoundly felt. Like the smallest flicker in the darkest of nights, the holy one becomes known and this presence is enough to sustain us.

We are held. We are loved. Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

NOTICES

 

WE PASS THE PEACE OF CHRIST TO EACH OTHER

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

 

HYMN:  I Cannot Tell   (Tune: Londonderry Air)

I cannot tell why He, whom angels worship, should set his love upon the sons of men, or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers, to bring them back, they know not how or when.

But this I know, that He was born of Mary, when Bethlehem’s manger was His only home, and that he lived at Nazareth and labored, and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world is come.

 

I cannot tell how silently He suffered, as with His peace He graced this place of tears, or how his heart upon the Cross was broken,

the crown of pain to three and thirty years.

But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted, and stays our sin,

and claims our lurking fear, and lifts the burden from the heavy laden, for yet the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.

 

I cannot tell how He will win the nations, how He will claim His earthly heritage, how satisfy the needs and aspirations of East and West,

of sinner and of sage.

But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory, and He shall reap the harvest he has sown, and some glad day His sun shall shine in splendour when He the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.

 

I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship, when, at His bidding, every storm is stilled, or who can say how great the jubilation when all the hearts of men with love are filled.

But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture, and myriad, myriad human voices sing, and earth to heaven, and heaven to earth,

will answer: at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world is King! W Y Fullerton

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE READINGS:    

Genesis 15:1-12 & 17-18                                            Rob Meier

God shows Abram the stars and promises, “So shall your descendants be.” The story of God and the people shall continue because of the gracious, miraculous intervention of God.

Luke 13:31-35                                                             Barbara Meier

Jesus “sets his face toward Jerusalem” as he laments the fate of the city.

 

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERMON

SERMON: This family of God!

 

HYMN: When we Walk with the Lord

When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

but his smile quickly drives it away;

not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,

can abide while we trust and obey…

But we never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay, for the favour he shows and the joy he bestows

are for those who will trust and obey…

 

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet, or we’ll walk by his side in the way; what he says we will do, where he sends we will go –

never fear, only trust and obey…                               ©JH Sammis (WOV 531)

OUR FREEWILL OFFERING to support the mission and church of Jesus Christ will be received. As God gives to us, so let us give to God and to all those who wait for the love of God in so many ways.

DEDICATION OF OFFERING (together):

O God, we pray that what we have given here will be used to cover others with the gentle love of Christ. Guide us as we use these offerings for your work and bless all that we offer through Jesus Christ our Lord who taught us to pray…

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

 

PRAYERS FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS

 

HYMN: Be Thou my Vision

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me save that thou art; thou my best thought in the day or the night,

waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

 

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word; I ever with thee,

and thou with me Lord; thou my great Father: thine own I would be;

thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

 

Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight; be thou my dignity, thou my delight, thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower;

raise thou me heavenward, O power of my power.

 

Riches I heed not, nor earth’s empty praise, thou mine inheritance, now and always; thou, and thou only, the first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

 

High King of Heaven, after victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys,

O bright heaven’s sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.                                Irish, 8^th century (CH4 465)

BENEDICTION & THREEFOLD AMEN   

SUNG BLESSING

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev David Coster for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES: Mele is leading a series for Lent on Wednesdays 24 Feb, 2, 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church. All of our congregation are welcome to join with them. Please contact Beckenham Methodist Parish Office if you would like to attend. Ph 942 2715 or email: beckmeth@clear.net.nz

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 24^th February: Meet 9.30am in Lyttelton. Details available from Anneke 328 7459.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

FIRESIDE WOMEN’S GROUP: First meeting of the year is on Tuesday 23^rd February 7.30pm at Barbara’s. New members and visitors are always welcome. Please bring scissors! To find out more, please speak to Margaret 366 8936.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

PLEASE NOTE: The Office will be closed on 2, 3 & 4 March. Any notices for 6^th March need to be with Anna by THIS Thursday.

 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:  This year St Martin’s Presbyterian  will be leading the service.  It will be held on Friday 4^th  March at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Wilsons Road commencing at 10am.  We encourage you all to attend. The service has been written by the women of Cuba.  A plate for morning tea following the service would be appreciated. Allison 332 0554.

 

PRAYER SERVICE FOR CHRISTCHURCH:

You are invited to a service of prayer TODAY at 5pm in the Transitional Cathedral in remembrance of those who died as a result of 22 February 2011; to intercede for those injured that day five years ago; in thanksgiving for the First Responders who risk their lives for others and for all who have worked to rebuild this city; to pray God’s blessing on our city and beyond and to ask God’s blessing for our future.

All are Welcome.                                                                       PTO…

 

“BLOOM” Exhibition 1-28 Feb: Visitor Lounge, Canterbury Museum. Free. Poetry, stories, flowers – marking the 5^th anniversary of the 22 Feb quake.

 

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 24^th February at 7.30pm.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

FUNDRAISER: Daffodil Bulbs 

Fireside are selling bulbs now.

20 beautiful bulbs – 8 or 9 varieties – $10.

If 20 are too many for you, share with a friend.

Have flowers inside during the Winter or outside in Spring.

Wonderful presents [for Easter instead of chocolate?]

Introduce children to gardening.

Fireside members will take orders but we would appreciate payment with the order please.

Barbara 379 1474  Margaret 366 8936

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 22^nd Lindsay, Ross; Tue 23^rd Bessie; Thu 25^th Bill (80); Sat 27^th Elizabeth.

WELCOME, NOTICES & CELEBRATIONS

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

In a city where we talk about the winds: the beasterly easterly
the southerly coming through, the dry nor-wester.

Awareness of wind is part of who we are as Cantabrians:
and the reminders of the unpredictability of air movements
is part of our story

we pause: take breath and contemplate the difference
between stillness and movement,

between breeze and gale, between exhilaration and fear,
between something to move yachts, aerofoils on hilltops, flags on masts

and something uncontrollable, unpredictable,

terrifying in its power.

On this day we breathe in air, filling our lungs with that

which gives life

and we wonder that this same life-giving necessity whips up storms,
shifts sands in desert landscapes, sinks ships and rips buildings apart

We gasp….“take a deep breath”
We are “breathless”, have “the wind knocked out of our sails”,

are “winded”, “breathe in beauty and calm”
experience and celebrate the stillness of evening peace…
and surrounded by air, depending on air, grateful for air

we come to worship.
We come to give breath to exhilaration, to calm, to joy and hope:
to celebrate in music and in word

to inhale what is here of God’s love and grace
to exhale all that does not encourage, enliven, invigorate, inspire

And then  – oh joy! – to inhale again more love, more grace
In the ongoing, God-breathed, Spirit-given rhythm of life.
Let us fill our lungs, and give breath to worship in song:

 

HYMN: Breathe on me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
That I may love all that you love, and do what you would do.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure,
Until with you I will one will, to do and to endure.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me Glows with your fire divine.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die,
But live with you the perfect life of your eternity.          ©Edwin Hatch (CH4 596)

 

PRAYERS OF PRAISE – A LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

We continue to worship in thanksgiving, Lord
thanking you in this moment

Thanking you for breath with which to praise you
thanking you for the health that we have

Thanking you for friendship
Thanking you for freedom to worship, to gather, to celebrate

We thank you this particular morning for the path that has brought us to here and now, for the men and women of faith who taught us, encouraged us, listened to us, comforted us, loved us

We thank you for people who inspired us in the past: with the ferocity of their passion, the committed devotion to difficult journeys and the people who just quietly got on and did what needed to be done

We think of people we love who are no longer with us….and we thank you for memories, for the effects they have had upon our lives, our communities, our churches, our circles of friendships

and we honour them now…

We thank you for our leaders…for ministers who have opened your word, who have graced us with gospel, who have stretched and challenged and nurtured and inspired us… and we honour them

we thank you for writers and artists…people who have shown us glimpses of how it could be, how it should be
writers of songs and hymns, carols and choruses

poets and letter-writers, story-tellers, historians and tale-spinners

artists who have taken colours..and shapes..and canvasses of all kinds: musicians and gardeners and florists and seamstresses and builders and jewellers and bannermakers, computer people and people-people: all who have poured out creatively and constructively to make us aware of the things that really matter
This morning we give thanks. Teach us always to be thankful,

to keep taking time to be grateful
To listen, to look and to be touched afresh with all wonders of grace. Amen.

OFFERING: (on screen)

 

LEARNING FOR ALL

 

HYMN: Come teach us Spirit of our God

Come, teach us, Spirit of our God the language of your way,
The lessons that we need to live, the faith for every day.

 

Excite our minds to follow you, to trace new truths in store,
New flight paths for our spirit space, new marvels to explore.

 

Engage our wits to dance with you, to leap from logic’s base,
To capture insight on the wing, to sense your cosmic grace.

 

Inspire our spark to light from you, to catch creation’s flair,
New artistry to celebrate, new harmonies to dare.

 

Delight our hearts to worship you, to learn compassion’s code,
To live in context of your love, great teacher who is God!

©Shirley Murray (FFS)

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS & LORD’S PRAYER

 

HYMN: Come and find the Quiet Centre

Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be

 

Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.

 

In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain,
Let our lives and fears unravel, celebrate the .pace we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!                                                                                                ©Shirley Murray (FFS)

READINGS:   Psalm 112: 1-10         Wayne Barton

Matt 5: 13-20               Peggy Cree

MESSAGE:

 

HYMN: Nothing is Lost on the Breath of God          ©Shirley Murray (FFS)

Nothing is lost on the breath of God, nothing is lost forever;
God’s breath is love, and that love will remain,

holding the world forever.

No feather too light, no hair too fine, no flower too brief in its glory,
no drop in the ocean, no dust in the air,

but is counted and told in God’s story.

 

Nothing is lost to the eyes of God, nothing is lost forever;
God sees with love, and that love will remain,
holding the world forever.

No journey too far, no distance too great,

no valley of darkness too blinding,
no creature too humble, no child too small
for God to be seeking and finding.

 

Nothing is lost to the heart of God,
nothing is lost forever;
God’s heart is love, and that love will remain,
holding the world forever.

No impulse of love, no office of care,
no moment of life in its fulness,
no beginning too late, no ending too soon,
but is gathered and known in its goodness

 

SUNG BENEDICTION: Now Unto Him

Now unto him who is able to keep, able to keep you from falling

And present you faultless before the presence of his glory

with exceeding joy to the only-wise God our Saviour

be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Alan Webster for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES: Mele is leading a series for Lent on Wednesdays 24 Feb, 2, 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church. All of our congregation are welcome to join with them. Please contact Beckenham Methodist Parish Office if you would like to attend. Ph 942 2715 or email: beckmeth@clear.net.nz

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 17^th February: Meet 9.30am at the Hawford Rd end of Opawa Mall carpark for a walk to Edmonds Garden. Coffee at Opawa Café. All welcome. Judith 332 1577.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

DEADLINE for ‘Messenger’ articles is this Friday.

 

FIRESIDE WOMEN’S GROUP: First meeting of the year is on Tuesday 23^rd February 7.30pm at Barbara’s. New members and visitors are always welcome. To find out more, please speak to Margaret 366 8936.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

TO ST MARTIN’S CHURCH CONGREGATION:

The Board of Te Whare Roopu o Oterepo Waltham Community Cottage would like to thank you all for the amazing array of gifts you collected and donated for distribution. Many members would not receive anything at all for Christmas were it not for the generosity of people like yourselves. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. It really is appreciated.

Adrienne Carmichael, Community Development Co-ordinator.

 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:  This year St Martin’s Presbyterian  will be leading the service.  It will be held on Friday 4^th  March at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Wilsons Road commencing at 10am.  We encourage you all to attend. The service has been written by the women of Cuba.  A plate for morning tea following the service would be appreciated. Allison 332 0554.

 

“BLOOM” Exhibition 1-28 Feb: Visitor Lounge, Canterbury Museum. Free. Poetry, stories, flowers – marking the 5^th anniversary of the 22 Feb quake.

 

14^th CHCH Boys’ Brigade is starting in the second week of February. BB is a fun filled Christian based programme for boys aged 5-19 yrs old. We operate in three sections, Anchor 5-7 years, Team Adventure 8-10 years and Company Xtreme 11-19 years old.  It is an action packed programme geared for Young Kiwi guys. Anchor and Team meet on a Thursday night and Company on a Friday night at Beckenham Methodist. Stephen Gregory 337 2296, info@14thbb.org.nz or visit www.14thbb.org.nz  Accept the Challenge!

 

FIX-IT JOBS: Do you need assistance with any small jobs around your home or property? We have people who can help. Please contact the Parish Office 332 6192 for details.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER: TOMORROW 6.30pm. Meet at St James’ to carpool for a visit to Theophany Loudspeakers. Roger Allen.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 15^th Beryl (80), Alexandria; Wed 17^th Joan, Peter.