WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP

When Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph. God is there.

 

When Jesus is presented in the temple. God is there.

 

When Simeon holds Jesus in his arms. God is there.

 

When Anna recognizes Jesus in the temple. God is there.

 

This very morning God is here. In the future we cannot see, God is there. Let us worship God.

 

HYMN:  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation;

Come all who hear, into his presence, draw near,

joining in glad adoration.

 

Praise to the Lord, who in all things is wondrously reigning,

Shields you from harm and is gently yet firmly sustaining.

Have you not seen how your heart’s wishes have been

granted by God’s wise ordaining?

 

Praise to the Lord, who with blessing and power will defend you;

surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you;

ponder anew what the Almighty can do:

God will for ever befriend you.

 

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!

Let the Amen sound from God’s people again:

gladly for ever adore him.                                           ©J Neander (CH4 124)

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

 

HYMN:  Thank You for Giving Me the Morning

Children’s Song:

Thank You for giving

me the Morning

© Bosworth & Co Ltd WoV

Think Chris may have changed the word ‘family’ below??

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 (neighbours),

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

Children’s Song:

Thank You for giving

me the Morning

© Bosworth & Co Ltd WoV

Think Chris may have changed the word ‘family’ below??

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 (neighbours),

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 d
© Bosworth & Co Ltd WoV

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 148                               Elizabeth Penwell

Colossians 3:  12-17               Gilly Penwell

 

SERMON

 

HYMN: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord’s anointed, great David’s greater Son;

hail, in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression, to let the captive free,

to take away transgression, and rule in equity.

 

He comes with succour speedy to those who suffer wrong,

to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong,

to give them songs for sighing their darkness turn to light,

whose souls condemned and dying were precious in his sight.

 

He shall come down, like showers upon the fruitful earth,

and love, joy, hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth;

before him on the mountains shall peace the herald go,

and righteousness in fountains from hill to valley flow.

 

Kings shall fall down before him, and gold and incense bring;

all nations shall adore him, his praise all people sing;

to him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;

his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.

 

O’er every foe victorious, he on his throne shall rest,

from age to age more glorious, all-blessing and all blest.

The tide of time shall never his covenant remove;

his name shall stand for ever, that name to us is Love.

©J Montgomery (WOV203i)

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

THE OFFERING (together):

Bless these gifts, O God, and bless us as we offer ourselves to serve you in different ways and praise you in many voices.

Send your Spirit upon us, so that when we speak the words of your love, people will hear and understand, as they did on that Pentecost day so long ago.

This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

HYMN: Take My Gifts, and Let Me Love You

Take my gifts and let me love you, God who first of all loved me,

Gave me light and food and shelter, gave me life and set me free,

Now because your love has touched me, I have love to give away,

Now the bread of love is rising, loaves to multiply!

Take the fruit that I have gathered from the tree your Spirit sowed,

Harvest your own compassion, juice that makes the wine of God,

Spiced with humour, laced with laughter – flavour of the Jesus life,

Tang of risk and new adventure, taste and zest beyond belief.

 

Take whatever I can offer – gifts that I have yet to find,

Skills that I am slow to sharpen, talents of the hand and mind,

Things that made beautiful for others, in the place where I must be:

Take my gifts and let me love you, God who first of all loved me.                                       ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

SUNG BLESSING: (Tune: Eidelweiss)

May the Lord God bless and keep you for ever

Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavour

Lift up your eyes and see his face and his grace forever

May the Lord, Mighty God bless and keep you forever. Amen.

 

NOTICES

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

 

SERVICES FOR JANUARY:

Sundays  3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th January 10am     Combined Services

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS: meeting informally in Palatine Tce by Kaizuka every week 9.30am until 3 Feb. All welcome to join us. Sonya 339 7038.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS resumes on Thursday 28^th January 2016.

 

QUALITY USED CLOTHING SALE Saturday 30^th January 2016 9am at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd. We will also be selling jams, pickles, preserves, cakes, sweets etc… All donations gratefully received.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Phone 332 6192, Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. The office will reopen 9am Friday 22^nd January. Anna.

 

ST MARTIN’S BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 31^st Jack; Sat 2^nd Chris.

WELCOME

 

CALL TO WORSHIP: Christmas is not a holiday package wrapped with a bright ribbon and holly. It is a time for recalling that night long ago when Bethlehem cradled to its heart and gave humankind the saviour of the world.

For to us a child was born bringing love, joy, hope and peace to us all.

 

HYMN: Good Christians, All Rejoice

Good Christians, all rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

now give heed to what we say, Jesus Christ is born today,

ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now;

Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

 

Good Christians, all rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

now you hear of endless bliss, Jesus Christ was born for this:

he has opened heaven’s door, and all are blessed for evermore.

Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

 

Good Christians, all rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

now you need not fear the grave, Jesus Christ was born to save,

calls you one, and calls you all, to gain his everlasting hall.

Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!         ©JM Neale (CH4 322)

 

WE PONDER: Advent – lighting the Advent candles – hope, joy, love and peace.

 

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE IS LIT

 

PRAYER:

 

WE OFFER CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THOSE AROUND US

CAROL: Hark the Herald (please remain seated)

Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn king,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’.

Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new born King.

 

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb!

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark

 

Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Hark…

 

CAROL: Once in Royal David’s City (please remain seated)

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed

where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:

Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

 

He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all,

and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall;

With the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

 

And through all his wondrous childhood day by day like us he grew;

He was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew;

And he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.

 

And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love,

For that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above;

And he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. C/A

 

WITH THE FAMILY – THE GIFT

 

READING TOGETHER: “The Christmas Story” (see insert)

Teasing out the story – question time.

CAROL: When the Little Baby Jesus (Tune: Away in a Manger)

When the little baby Jesus came to live here on earth

Sweetly singing, the bellbird praised the new baby’s birth.

While the fantails flew around him, while the tuis gave voice,

Tiny wax-eyes and kiwis came to look and rejoice.

 

The rata’s scarlet blossoms and the kowhai’s rich gold

Were a gift to the baby which he raised hands to hold.

In the warmth of summer sunshine smell the sweet scented brook, while the fragrance of myrtle fills the new baby’s room.

 

Will you bless us, baby Jesus, when the cows and the sheep

Come to show that they love you as you wake from your sleep.

Happy birthday little baby, we are pleased you are here,

And we’ll light you a candle for your birthday each year.      ©Marilynn Dunn

 

CAROL: Upside Down Christmas

Carol our Christmas, an upside down Christmas;

Snow is not falling and trees are not bare.

Carol the summer and welcome the Christ child,

Warm in our sunshine and sweetness of air.

 

Sing of the gold and the green and the sparkle,

Water and river and lure of the beach.

Sing in the happiness of open spaces,

Sing a nativity summer can reach!

 

Shepherds and musterers move over hillsides,

Finding not angels, but sheep to be shorn;

Wise ones make journeys, whatever the season,

Searching for signs of the truth to be born.

 

Right side up Christmas belongs to the universe.

Made in the moment a woman gives birth;

Hope is the Jesus gift, love is the offering,

Everywhere anywhere, here on the earth.                               ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

OFFERING: Gracious God who gave us the gift of all gifts, Jesus Christ, we offer now our gifts to you. May they bring love, joy, peace and hope to someone else in your name. Amen.

 

REFLECTION: ‘Still No Room’

 

PRAYERS FOR OTHER PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

REFLECTION: ‘If Jesus was Born Today’

 

THE CHRISTMAS BAUBLE

 

CAROL: Joy to the World   

Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive its king;

let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

 

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns; let us our songs employ;

while fields and streams, rocks, hills and plains

repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,

repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

 

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.                             C/A

 

BENEDICTION: We Sing ~

We wish you a merry Christmas x3 and a happy new year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin

Good tidings for Christmas and a happy new year.

We wish you a merry Christmas x3 and a happy new year.

 

WE GO OUT LISTENING TO: ‘Hallelujah’ from The Messiah.

 

Sundays 27^th December and 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th January

10am Combined Services

WELCOME AND NOTICES

 

Fern to light Advent Candle during singing of this carol…

CAROL: Once in Royal David’s City

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed

where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:

Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

 

He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all,

and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall;

With the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

 

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by,

We shall see him: but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high

When, like stars, his children crowned all in white shall wait around.

 

OPENING PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER                          John Shanks

 

1^st READING: Genesis 3: 8-15                                  John

Humanity’s sinfulness moves God to anger

 

CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day,

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth,good will to men.

 

I thought how,as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th’un broken song

Of peace on earth,good will to men.

 

And in despair I bow’d my head;

“There is no peace on earth’,I said,

“For hate is strong,and mocks the song

Of peace on earth ,good will to men”

 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead,nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail,the right prevail,

With peace on earth,good will to men.                             ©Henry W Longfellow.

 

2^nd Reading:  Genesis 22: 1-19                                                   John

God promises Abraham & Sarah that the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

 

CAROL: Of the Father’s Love Begotten (remain seated)

Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be,

he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he,

of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore.

 

O that birth for ever blessed when the virgin, full of grace,

by the Holy Ghost conceiving bore the saviour of our race,

and the babe, the world’s redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore.

 

In the heights of heaven adore him, angel hosts his praises sing,

all dominions bow before him and extol our God and King;

let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert sing

evermore and evermore.

 

3^rd READING: Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7          The people who walked in darkness                                                                                                              John

CAROL: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (remain seated)

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

 

O come, thou key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home

Make safe the way that leads on high and close the path to misery…

 

O come, thou rod of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny; from depths of hell thy people save and give them victory o’er the grave…

 

4^th READING: Isaiah 11:1-9                                                  Audrey

The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown

 

CAROL: Above the Peaks the Angels Sing (Tune: Sussex Carol)

Above the peaks the angels sing, across the snow their voices ring, and musterers come riding down, to find the little country town

where Christ is waiting to be born,

our summer Child, this Christmas morn.

 

Across the hills the rata spread their signal fires of smokey red;

by golden sands and whit’ning shell pohutukawa flames to tell

that  Christ is waiting to be born,

our summer Child, this Christmas morn.

 

Beneath a Southern Cross of light, led by Pointers, through the night

three travellers are hast’ning home from distant lands to find their own; for Christ is waiting to be born,

our summer Child, this Christmas morn.

 

We too would sing that ancient song and join the busy, hurrying throng, and take the road once more to find that hallowed place in heart and mind where Christ is waiting to be born,

our summer Child, this Christmas morn.                               ©Colin Gibson

 

 

5^th READING: Luke 1:26-38                                                  Audrey

The Angel Gabriel Salutes the Virgin Mary

 

CAROL: Silent Night (remain seated)

Silent night, holy night: all is calm, all is bright

round yon virgin mother and child: holy infant so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

 

Silent night, holy night: shepherds quake at the sight;

glory streams  from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia;

Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.”

 

 

Silent night, holy night: wondrous star, lend your light;

with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King;

Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.                         C/A

 

6^th READING: Luke 2:1-7 Luke tells of the birth of Jesus     Audrey

 

CAROL: O Little Town of Bethlehem (remain seated)

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see you lie!

Above your deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by:

yet, in your dark streets shining the everlasting light,

the hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight.

 

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.     C/A

 

7^th READING: Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds go to the manger       June

 

CAROL: O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him Born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,

            O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

 

True God of true God, light of light eternal,

Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb;

Son of the Father, begotten, not created:

O come,let us adore him…

 

Sing choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,

“Glory to God in the highest”:

O come, let us adore him…     

 

8^th READING: Matt 2:1-11 The wise men are led by the star        June

 

 

 

CAROL: We Three Kings

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again.
King for ever, ceasing never over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone cold tomb.

 

9^th READING: John 1:1-14 The Mystery of the Incarnation          June

 

OFFERING

 

PRAYER ~ June Service

 

CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn king,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’.

Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new born King.

 

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb!

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark

 

Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Hark…

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 20^th Sarah Jayne; Tue 22^nd Lyall; Wed 23^rd Graeme; Fri 25^th Isobel.

 

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning, Please stay for morning tea following the service. Thanks to the Worship Commitee for leading our service.

 

SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS & JANUARY:

Thursday 24^th December Christmas Eve

You are invited to join Beckenham Methodist at 11.30pm, or come along to St Anne’s Anglican Church at 11pm, or attend a service near you.

 

Friday 25^th December 9.30am Combined Christmas Day Celebration

 

Sundays 27^th December and 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th January 10am     Combined Services

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS: meeting informally in Palatine Tce by Kaizuka every week 9.30am until 3 Feb. All welcome to join us. Sonya 339 7038.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS resumes on Thursday 28^th January 2016.

 

QUALITY USED CLOTHING SALE Saturday 30^th January 2016 9am at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd. We will also be selling jams, pickles, preserves, cakes, sweets etc… All donations gratefully received.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Phone 332 6192, Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. The office will close at 12 noon on 24^th December and reopen 9am Friday 22^nd January. Anna.

 

2015 CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL: At the heart of the Appeal are stories of determination and courage that give a glimpse of the work of CWS partners helping to rebuild people’s lives one by one.

Advent 4: Love – Growing Good Gardens in Vanuatu.

18 year old Allick is replanting the family garden after Cyclone Pam. He will also build a new home strong enough to withstand further cyclones and collect rain water for survival. Preparing for disasters is now central to the work of ACT Alliance.  Please give generously to this Appeal. Over 70 years, your gifts have helped people get through difficult times. www.christmasappeal.org.nz.

 

THE FINAL ALPINE PRESBYTERY NEWSLETTER for 2015 is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

God is here. God is now.

It is time for celebration.

Let us create new songs of praise to our God.

Wherever one turns, God’s presence is apparent.

Let us celebrate God’s presence in our world today.

 

HYMN: Joy to the World     

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;

let earth receive its king;

let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

 

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;

let us our songs employ;

while fields and streams, rocks, hills and plains

repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,

repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

 

He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.                             C/A

 

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER:  June Service

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN   ~                  Audrey

 

 

HYMN: When the Little Baby Jesus (Tune: Away in a Manger)

When the little baby Jesus came to live here on earth

Sweetly singing, the bellbird praised the new baby’s birth.

While the fantails flew around him, while the tuis gave voice,

Tiny wax-eyes and kiwis came to look and rejoice.

 

The rata’s scarlet blossoms and the kowhai’s rich gold

Were a gift to the baby which he raised hands to hold.

In the warmth of summer sunshine smell the sweet scented brook, while the fragrance of myrtle fills the new baby’s room.

 

Will you bless us, baby Jesus, when the cows and the sheep

Come to show that they love you as you wake from your sleep.

Happy birthday little baby, we are pleased you are here,

And we’ll light you a candle for your birthday each year.      ©Marilynn Dunn

 

BIBLE READING:

Luke 2: 8-20                Joan Macdonald

 

MEDITATION: New Beginnings  ~  Audrey

 

A TIME OF QUIET

 

HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see you lie!

Above your deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by:

yet, in your dark streets shining the everlasting light,

the hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight.

 

For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,

while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,

and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.

 

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.     C/A

WENDY’S GIFT

OFFERING:

OFFERTORY PRAYER: Help us who have received so freely from you, to give as freely in our turn, and so have the pleasure of giving as well as the happiness of receiving.

 

GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE:  John Shanks

 

HYMN: Still the Night (CH4)

Still the night, holy the night!

Sleeps the world; hid from sight,

Mary and Joseph in stable bare

watch o’er the Child beloved and fair,

Sleeping in heavenly rest,

sleeping in heavenly rest.

 

Still the night, holy the night!

Shepherds first saw the light,

heard resounding clear and long,

far and near, the angel-song,

Christ the Redeemer is here!

Christ the Redeemer is here!

 

Still the night, holy the night!

Son of God, O how bright

love is smiling from thy face!

Strikes for us now the hour of grace,

Saviour, since thou art born!

Saviour,since thou art born!

 

BENEDICTION

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 13^th Deborah; Wed 16^th Ron; Fri 18^th Anne

 

SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS & BEYOND

 

Sunday 20^th December 9am

Nine Lessons & Carols

 

Thursday 24^th December Christmas Eve

You are invited to join Beckenham Methodist at 11.30pm, or come along to St Anne’s Anglican Church at 11pm, or attend a service near to where you live.

 

Friday 25^th December 9.30am

Christmas Day Celebration ~

a combined service with Beckenham

 

Sundays 27^th December and

3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th January

10am Combined Services

****************************************

Please note: this is a correction to the information published in the ‘Messenger’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning, Please stay for morning tea following the service. Thanks to Audrey Dunnachie for leading our service.

 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: TODAY is your last opportunity to place gifts under the Christmas Tree. Thank you for your support.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16^th Dec: Meet 9.30am at Kaizuka, Centaurus Rd.

 

BOARD OF MANAGERS & SESSION meeting Wednesday 16^th Dec 7.30pm.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS resumes on Thursday 28^th January 2016.

 

QUALITY USED CLOTHING SALE Saturday 30^th January 2016 9am at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd. We will also be selling jams, pickles, preserves, cakes, sweets etc… All donations gratefully received.

 

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am – 12noon, and Fridays 9-11am. Phone 332 6192, Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am every Thursday please.

 

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS: Perhaps this is the time to consider putting our church on your Christmas present list. A small portrait of Sir Apirana Ngata, Queen Elizabeth II,  Kate Sheppard or Sir Edmund Hillary, [or even some jingly gold coins] placed in an envelope marked “Church Christmas present” and added to the Sunday offering plate could provide another welcome contribution to the building fund. Happy Christmas everyone  – Fern [Sir Ernest Rutherford’s portrait would also be an acceptable gift]

 

2015 CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL: At the heart of the Appeal are stories of determination and courage that give a glimpse of the work of CWS partners helping to rebuild people’s lives one by one.

 Advent 3: Joy – Investing in women in South India

Local women’s groups are confronting violence caused by despair and the loss of cultural traditions. Indian fisherwomen have received training from Neythal which has enabled them to earn money by taking fish further inland ion their new icebox, to sell fish snacks to day workers.  Please give generously to this Appeal. Over 70 years, your gifts have helped people get through difficult times. www.christmasappeal.org.nz.

 

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY NEWSLETTER is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING TODAY 6pm in Ford Rd, Opawa by the footbridge. All are welcome.

A Children’s Christmas Celebration

 

CALL TO WORSHIP led by Gillian, Ethan, Ellen:

We are now in the season of Advent, a time of promise and a time of preparing. We will light the advent candle and pray that God will be with us here. Help us to listen.

God who listens. Help us to pray.

God who sees. Help us to act.

God who acts. Help us to share.

(Lighting the candle)

We light this candle and remember God’s word spoken down the ages, a promise of peace and life for everyone.

Peace and life for everyone.

 

Let us pray:

O God of hope, send your light to us as we make ready to welcome Jesus again. Live in us and help us to live in you. Amen.

 

SONG: Come and Join the Celebration

Come and join the celebration, it’s a very special day;

Come and share our jubilation, there’s a new King born today!

 

See the shepherds hurry down to Bethlehem;

Gaze in wonder at the Son of God who lay before them. Come…

 

‘God is with us’, round the world the message sing;

He is with us, ‘Welcome!’ all the bells on earth are pealing. Come…

©Valerie Collison (CH4)

 

OPENING PRAYER led by Wayne, Eleanor, Adam, Jack:

 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PLAY

 

CAROL: The First Nowell

The first nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay: in fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

They looked up a saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light,

and so it continued both day and night. Nowell…

 

And by the light of that same star three wise men

came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went. Nowell…

 

CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn king,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’.

Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new born King.

 

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb!

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark…

 

Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Hark…

 

CAROL: We Three Kings

We three kings of orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again.
King for ever, ceasing never over us all to reign. O star…

 

Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high. O…

 

CAROL: Mary’s Boy Child

Long time ago in Bethlehem so the Holy Bible say, Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new King born today, and man will live for evermore, because of Christmas day. Trumpets sound and angles sing, listen to what they say, that man will live for evermore, because of Christmas day.

 

CAROL: O Come all Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him Born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,

            O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

 

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,

“Glory to God in the highest”: O come, let us adore him…

 

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,

Jesus, to thee be glory given;

Word of the Father now in flesh appearing:  O come…  

 

POWERPOINT: The Story of Christmas ~ Gillian

 

PRESENTATIONS  ~ Eleanor

 

SHARING THE PEACE & GREETING OTHERS:

Gillian: May the God of peace make you completely holy, ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.

 

MUSIC VIDEO: Love Crashed into the World  ~ Introduced by Gillian

http://crossroadskidsclub.net/song/love-crash-into-the-world/

(to be shown as powerpoint)

 

OFFERING led by Gillian

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION ~ Alice

 

SONG: Carol our Christmas (Upside down Christmas)

Carol our Christmas, an upside down Christmas;

Snow is not falling and trees are not bare.

Carol the summer and welcome the Christ child,

Warm in our sunshine and sweetness of air.

 

Sing of the gold and the green and the sparkle,

Water and river and lure of the beach.

Sing in the happiness of open spaces,

Sing a nativity summer can reach!

 

Shepherds and musterers move over hillsides,

Finding not angels, but sheep to be shorn;

Wise ones make journeys, whatever the season,

Searching for signs of the truth to be born.

 

Right side up Christmas belongs to the universe.

Made in the moment a woman gives birth;

Hope is the Jesus gift, love is the offering,

Everywhere, anywhere, here on the earth.                     ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

THE BLESSING:

May our generous God meet all our needs and our loving God hold us fast. And the blessing of God be with us all and those we love, this day and always. Amen.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 6^th Catherine; Mon 7^th Florence; Tue 8^th Eleanor; Sat 12^th Richard.

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning, Please stay for morning tea after the service. Thanks to our young people (and their helpers!) for leading our service today.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 9^th Dec: Meet at Kaizuka 9.30am.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Final session for the year this Thursday 10am.

 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: Next Sunday is your last opportunity to place gifts under the Christmas Tree. Gifts are required for men, women, teenagers & children. PLEASE DO NOT WRAP YOUR GIFTS. Edible items acceptable. Boxes of chocolates are especially handy. Donations of wrapping paper also very welcome. Thank you for your support.

 

COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING Sunday 13^th December 6pm in Ford Rd, Opawa by the footbridge. All are welcome.

 

QUALITY USED CLOTHING SALE Saturday 30^th January 2016 9am at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, 101 Opawa Rd. We will also be selling jams, pickles, preserves, cakes, sweets etc… All donations gratefully received.

 

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am – 12noon, and Fridays 9-11am. Phone 332 6192, Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices to Anna by 9am every Thursday please.

NB: Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday 10^th December.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY NEWSLETTER is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

2015 CWS CHRISTMAS APPEAL: At the heart of the Appeal are stories of determination and courage that give a glimpse of the work of CWS partners helping to rebuild people’s lives one by one.

Advent 2: Peace – Strengthening Rural Communities in Nicaragua

15 year old Giselle has been offered training as a Peaceful Community Mentor by CEPAD to enable her to confront some of the violence, mediate conflicts and build self-esteem among her peers in her rural village where drugs, alcohol and unemployment are a way of life.

Please give generously to this Appeal. Over 70 years, your gifts have helped people get through difficult times. www.christmasappeal.org.nz.

 

 

 

SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS & BEYOND

 

Sunday 20^th December 9am

Nine Lessons & Carols

 

Thursday 24^th December Christmas Eve

You are invited to join Beckenham Methodist at 11.30pm, or come along to St Anne’s Anglican Church at 11pm, or attend a service near to where you live.

 

Friday 25^th December 9.30am

Christmas Day Celebration ~

a combined service with Beckenham

 

Sundays 27^th December and

3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th January

10am Combined Services

 

************

Please note: this is a correction to the information published in the ‘Messenger’