WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
This is one world and we are one people.
There is one God and we are all God’s people.
There is one life and we are called to live it together.
There is one hope and we share it with one another.
With one voice, one joy, one faith, one love
we worship God together.

HYMN: Praise With Joy (Tune: Praise My Soul WOV 68)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge,
God whose grace shall never cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
power to rescue and release.

Praise the Christ who feeds the hungry,
frees the captive, finds the lost,
heals the sick, upsets religion,
fearless both of fate and cost.
Celebrate Christ’s constant presence –
friend and stranger, guest and host.

Praise the Spirit sent among us,
liberating truth from pride,
forging bonds where race or gender,
age or nation dare divide.
Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure –
foolishness none dare deride.

Praise the Maker, Christ and Spirit,
one God in community,
calling Christians to embody
oneness and diversity.
Thus the world shall yet believe,
when shown Christ’s vibrant unity. © Iona Community (VU)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung)

STORY-TIME

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 148 Deborah Fitchett
(from A New Zealand Prayer Book)

Acts 11:1–18 Marilyn Tait

John 13: 31-35 Deborah Fitchett

HYMN: In Christ There is No East or West
In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great family of love
throughout the whole wide earth.

In him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find,
his service is the golden cord
close-binding humankind.

Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate’er your race may be;
all children of the living God
are surely kin to me. (C/A)

SERMON: Beyond Boundaries

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: We are Many, We are One
We are many, we are one,
and the work of Christ is done
when we learn to live in true community,
as the stars that fill the night,
as a flock of birds in flight,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the branches of a tree,
as the waves upon the sea,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine.
All division is made whole
when we honour every soul,
find the life of God in every you and me,
as the fingers of a hand,
as the grains that form the sand,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the threads upon a loom,
as a field of flowers in bloom,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine.

We will join creation’s song,
make a world where all belong,
build as one in peace and loving harmony,
as the voices of a choir,
as the flames within a fire,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the snowflakes in the snow,
as the colours of a bow,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine. © Colin Gibson (FFS)

THE OFFERING
God, all creation ~ from greatest to least
and all equal in your sight ~ praises you.
In response to your love, we bring these gifts for blessing:
the gifts of money and food, skills and time,
love and energy; to be caught up and used in your work in the world,
through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: We Remember With Thanksgiving (Tune:Blaenwern WOV 165ii)
We remember with thanksgiving
those who dared frontiers of old.
Speaking words of faithful living,
they in truth the gospel told.
They believed the church’s story
that in Christ all folk are one.
Both the mission and the glory
were that God’s good will be done.
We rejoice to see the Spirit
working here and now as then,
claiming lives of those who hear it –
good news told by tongue and pen.
Reconciling, teaching, healing,
saving body, mind and soul;
peace with justice, love revealing
God’s desire to make us whole.

Into future generations
may the Word go out abroad,
so all people, lands and nations
join to praise our gracious God.
Then, in gratitude for vision,
Reaffirm, recall, rejoice,
recommit ourselves to mission,
still the church’s clearest voice. © Jane Parker Huber (SiC)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.
A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is called for Sunday 12th May following Morning Worship. The meeting will consider a recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish. The recommendation from the combined meeting of the Session and the Board of Managers will be e-mailed or circulated this week. If you have an e-mail address not on the parish list, but are willing to share it for the purpose of receiving this information, please e-mail Anna at stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz
SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am: This is Pentecost Sunday so what better way to start off than with Breakfast! There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend this breakfast. For further information, speak to a Worship Committee member: Bill, June, Audrey, John S, Joan Mac, Fern, Allison or Chris.
THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS to Anneke by Friday 3rd May please. Post to 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton 8082 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Queries? Phone Anneke on 328 7459.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 1st May: Meet 9.30am – details from Judith 332 1577.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
MEN’S GROUP will recommence for the year on Thursday 2nd May at 6pm with a shared tea. Venue: Merchiston 75 St Martins Rd. Rob Meier will be talking about his adventures in Vietnam, and you are all invited to attend. For further information, phone Tony 332 0554.
Turakina Maori Girls’ College presents a musical and cultural afternoon on Saturday 11th May at the Archer Leisure Centre, 166 Colombo Street. Admission by ticket ($20) only – available from the Archer Office 943 6006. Afternoon tea included. All Welcome.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Phone the Parish Office 332 6192 to book.
THE PARISH OFFICE is now at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 28th Joan; Wed 1st Margaret, Betty.

WELCOME AND NOTICES:
• Board of Managers Report

GATHERING:
Let us gather now in worship: not just because we believe in God,
but because God believes in us. May we live forever in the faith
that begins and ends with God. God of the journey, in this time together, may we be aware of the great company of your people, who will worship you this day. Together may we look for a time, and work for the day, when there will be joy at sunrise and peace at sunset, and all will be free.

HYMN: God Whose Love is Everywhere
God whose love is everywhere
made our earth and all things fair,
ever keeps them in his care;
praise the God of love!
He who hung the stars in space
holds the spinning world in place;
praise the God of love!

Come with thankfulness to sing
of the gifts the seasons bring,
summer, winter, autumn, spring;
praise the God of love!
He who gave us breath and birth
gives us all the fruitful earth;
praise the God of love!

See the sign of love appear,
flame of glory, bright and clear,
light for all the world is here;
praise the God of love!
Gloom and darkness, get you gone!
Christ the Light of life has shone;
praise the God of love! © Jubilate Hymns

O.T. READING: Exodus 17: 1-7 Is the Lord with us or not?
Catherine Fitchett
PRAYER OF CONFESSION

HYMN: O God of Bethel – remain seated
O God of Bethel, by whose hand
your people still are fed,
who through this earthly pilgrimage
have all your servants led.

Our vows, our prayers, we now present
before your throne of grace;
God of past ages, be the God
of each succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life
our wandering footsteps guide;
give us each day our daily bread,
and shelter fit provide.

O spread your covering wings around,
till all our wanderings cease,
and at our God’s beloved abode
our souls arrive in peace. C/A

N.T. READING: Acts 16: 16-34 Paul and Silas Released from Prison
Herb Madgwick
A Story of Freedom

HYMN: We Sing a Love (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
We sing a love that sets all people free,
that blows like wind, that burns like scorching flame, enfolds like earth, springs up like water clear:
come, living love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love that seeks another’s good
that longs to serve and not to count the cost,
a love that yielding, finds itself made new:
come, caring love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love, unflinching, unafraid
to be itself, despite another’s wrath,
a love that stands alone and undismayed:
come, strengthening love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love, that, wandering, will not rest
until it finds its way, its home, its source,
through joy and sadness pressing on refreshed:
come, pilgrim love, live in our hearts today.

We seek a burning, fiery, Holy One,
that seeks out shades of ancient bitterness,
transfiguring these, as Christ in every heart:
come, joyful love, live in our hearts today. © Stainer & Bell (CH4)

The Ant and the Elephant

REFLECTION: Freedom, you know, is a funny thing!

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
God of unlimited grace, you gift us with wonder and pleasure
and delight, goodness and beauty and bounty.
We bring these gifts for blessing, that they might work to transform us and our world, from all that is negative and ugly and enslaving;
that we and others may know ourselves to be blessed by your abundant love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

HYMN: Take My Gifts
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 of love to multiply!

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 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)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: O God You Build the Church (Tune: Leoni WOV 53 )
O God, you build the church
in earthly time and space;
yet not alone by stone on stone,
but grace on grace.
You temper us by fire
with your refiner’s skill,
to give resiliency and strength
to do your will.

From ashes we arise,
our spirits soaring free,
since Christ has called us to the work
of ministry.
May we respond in faith,
with talents, word, and deed,
Wherever you may challenge us
through human need.

We look ahead with hope,
relying on your care,
for your redeeming providence
is everywhere.
Your workplace is the world;
may we be builders too,
when Spirit guided, led by Christ,
we build with you. © JP Huber (Singing in Celebration)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to our friends from St James’ Spreydon and all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped with last week’s Fair. The amount raised after known expenses was $4375.90.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

THE PARISH OFFICE is now at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
NB: Anna is on leave Thursday & Friday this week.

THANKSGIVING OFFERING may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS to Anneke by Friday 3rd May please. Post to 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton 8082 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Queries? Phone Anneke on 328 7459.

FIRESIDE members and others interested are invited to Barbara’s home on Tuesday 23rd April at 7.30pm to hear about her trip with Rob, which included visiting Vermont to meet friends from their time in Vietnam. Enquiries to Barbara 379 1474 or Margaret 366 8936.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 24th April: Meet 9.30am on the corner of Catherine & Heathcote Streets for a wander in Woolston. Coffee at Holy Smoke. Fern 332 4725.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786. NO Session this week (ANZAC Day).

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

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

Turakina Maori Girls’ College presents a musical and cultural afternoon on Saturday 11th May at the Archer Leisure Centre,
166 Colombo Street.
Admission by ticket ($20) only – available from
Archer Office 943 6006.
Afternoon tea included. All Welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 21st David; Fri 26th Rob.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP: (adapted from Worship for an Easter People, Vol. 4) Let us come in thanksgiving: thanksgiving to God who has accompanied us
and blessed us along the way.
We remember the blessings of family and friends and love,
of good food and health of body and mind to appreciate
the gifts of life, of work that gives meaning to the lives we live,
and of wisdom to understand how much we have been blessed.
May our thanksgiving take us beyond ourselves to understand the needs of others who have few of these blessings in life.
May our thanksgiving lead us to share the good things
we have known, that thanksgiving might be real for all people.

HYMN: Fill Your Hearts With Joy (Tune: Regent Square WOV 84)
Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
sing and praise your God and mine!
Great the Lord in love and wisdom,
might and majesty divine!
He who framed the starry heavens
knows and names them as they shine.

Praise the Lord, his people, praise him!
wounded souls his comfort know;
those who fear him find his mercies,
peace for pain and joy for woe;
humble hearts are high exalted,
human pride and power laid low.

Praise the Lord for times and season,
cloud and sunshine, wind and rain;
spring to melt the snows of winter
till the waters flow again;
grass upon the mountain pastures,
golden valleys thick with grain.

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
peace and plenty crown your days;
love his laws, declare his judgements,
walk in all his words and ways;
he the Lord and we his children –
praise the Lord, all people, praise! © Timothy Dudley-Smith (HFTC)

OPENING PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Hilary Moore

CHILDREN’S HYMN: We Plough the Fields (Tune:WOV 59)
We plough the fields with tractors
with drills we sow the land,
but growth is still the wondrous gift
of God’s almighty hand.
We add the fertilisers
to help the growing grain,
but for its full fruition
it needs God’s sun and rain.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
for all his love.

To gather in the harvest
machines now lead the way.
We reap the fields with combines,
we bale the new mown hay;
but it is God who gives us
inventive skills and drive;
which lighten daily labour
and give us fuller lives!

Then why are people starving
when we have life so good?
And some in crowded cities
search dustbins for their food;
and even some go hungry
who farm in distant lands;
Lord, help us learn more swiftly
to share with open hands. (author unknown)
READINGS: A Paraphrase of Psalm 136 (Brandt) Jeannette Beaumont
John 21: 1-17 Lindsay Day

The Great Catch

HYMN: Break Now the Bread of Life ~ Remain seated (Tune: WOV 334)
Break now the bread of life,
Saviour, to me,
as once you broke the loaves beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page, I seek you, Lord;
my spirit waits for you, O Living Word.

Bless your own truth, dear Christ,
to me, to me,
as when you blessed the bread by Galilee;
then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall,
and I shall find my peace, my all in all. C/A

Reflection: Life Transformed

A LITANY FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH (Susan K. Bock adapted)
In the unfolding of time, God chose a people to help make known to all the world the breadth and depth of God’s divine love.
Blessed be the God who remembered, and remembers, his beloved world with longing and compassion.
In the unfolding of time, God heard the cries of a people in bondage, and led them out, through wilderness, to a home of abundance. Blessed be the God who liberates, and in love prepares a home for us all.
In the unfolding of time, God spoke through prophets, calling for goodness
and truth. Blessed be the God whose voice is never silent,
who may ever be heard and honoured.
In the unfolding of time, God laid a straight and level path, strewn with blossom, and traversing streams of water. Blessed be the God who finds us in exile, and restores us to safety and belonging.
In the fullness of time, God gave us Jesus, who proclaimed a new covenant and in whose likeness we are made and called. Blessed be the God Incarnate, who worked and played, rested and loved, who laughed and wept and dreamed.
In the fullness of time, God gave us the Spirit, who stays with us always
to guide and bless. Blessed be God, our God, whose love creates and calls, heals and renews, blesses and sends.
Blessed be our God, forever and ever. Amen.
THE OFFERING:
God, as we share worship … you surprise and enrich and transform our lives.
God, with thanksgiving we present these offerings of money and food for your blessing; and pledge our commitment to ministry in this community and world, knowing that it is together we serve you; together with and within Christ’s love. Amen.

HYMN: As Those of Old (Tune: Forest Green WOV 240)
As those of old their first-fruits brought
of vineyard, flock, and field
to God, the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield;
so we today our first-fruits bring:
the wealth of this good land,
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind and heart and hand.

A world in need now summons us
to labour, love, and give,
to make our life an offering
to God, that all may live.
The church of Christ is calling us
to make the dream come true:
a world redeemed, by Christ-like love,
all life in Christ made new

With gratitude and humble trust
we bring our best to you,
not just to serve your cause,
but share your love with neighbours too.
O God, who gave yourself to us
in Jesus Christ, your son,
help us to give ourselves each day
until life’s work is done. © Hope Publishing (VU)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: For All Christ’s Friends (Tune: Sine Nomine WOV 384)
For all Christ’s friends whose lives this world have blessed,
who by their faith and actions Christ confessed,
we praise you Lord, their source of graciousness.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

You were their hope, their comfort, their delight;
you helped them grow in wisdom and in might;
in joy and pain you were their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Like them may we have Christ-like caring ways,
lives lived with wonder, tenderness and praise,
that we may live for others all our days.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

O great Communion spanning time and space,
beyond our wealth, our learning or our race,
we can be one in Jesus and his grace.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

They shall be one who value people’s worth,
one when they work for justice on the earth,
one when they love the Lord of all new birth,
Alleluia! Alleluia! © Bill Wallace (STSA)

THE BLESSING

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

Today is our Thanksgiving Offering Sunday. Your thanksgiving gift may be made on any Sunday in the next month.

NEXT SUNDAY, 21st APRIL, we will be joined by the congregation of St James’ Spreydon.

THE PARISH OFFICE has a new home at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Pop in and say hello! Anna.

The new Sunday readers’ roster is now available – please check to see if there is a copy for you TODAY.

There will be a combined meeting of the Board of Managers & Session on Wednesday 17th April at 7.30pm.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 17th April: Meet 9.30am in Smith St at the side entrance to Portstone Garden Centre. Coffee at the cafe. June 332 8874.

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

Beckenham Methodist Church will be having a tidy-up of the church grounds at 83 Malcolm Ave this Saturday 9am-12noon. Helpers welcome. Morning tea provided: please bring pruning tools etc. For details, phone Peter 332 1501.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 22nd April 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 16th Mavis.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
You speak to my fears O Lord;
You offer no guarantees about the future of the world.
But you have assured me that my status as your beloved child is safe.

Whatever happens to my world, you will never let me go.
You have set me free from fear, and you will keep me safe.
You are my God, whatever happens to the world around me,
I will celebrate your love forever.

HYMN: To God be the Glory (WOV85)
To God be the Glory, great things He has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give him the glory! Great things he has done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God!
And every offender who truly believes,
The moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Praise the Lord…

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.
Praise the Lord…

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Alice Shanks

SONG: One More Step
One more step along the world I go,
One more step along 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 corners 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…

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…

Keep me singing when the road is rough,
Give me courage when the world is tough
Leap and laugh in all I do,
Keep me travelling along with you…

You are older than the world can be;
You are younger than the life in me.
Ever old and ever new,
Keep me travelling along with you…
Song for New Beginnings No 4

READINGS:
Acts 5: 27-32 Sonya Hodder
John 20: 19-31 Anneke Howie

SERMON: Fear to Faith

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: He Came Singing Love (WOV636)
He came singing love and he lived singing love;
He died, singing love. He arose in silence.
For the love to go on we must make it our song:
You and I be the singers.

He came singing faith and he lived singing faith;
He died, singing faith. He arose in silence.
For the faith to go on we must make it our song:
You and I be the singers.

He came singing hope and he lived singing hope;
He died, singing hope. He arose in silence.
For the hope to go on we must make it our song:
You and I be the singers.

He came singing peace and he lived singing peace;
He died, singing peace. He arose in silence.
For the peace to go on we must make it our song:
You and I be the singers. Colin Gibson

OFFERING:
Gracious and Loving God,
You are the creator and source of all that blesses us.
You call us to live lives where grace and generosity shine,
and where through our words and actions others may find hope renewed.
Bless now these gifts that we bring, that they may be a blessing in the lives of others, for we pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

HYMN: In Heavenly Love Abiding (WOV504)
In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here:
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Wherever he may guide me no want shall turn me back,
My shepherd is beside me and nothing can I lack:
His wisdom ever waketh, his sight is never dim,
He know the way he taketh and I will walk with him.

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen;
Bright skies will soon be o’er me where the dark clouds have been:
My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free;
My Saviour has my treasure, and he will walk with me.

THE BLESSING & THREEFOLD AMEN

Fair Weather – Trestle Fair

Saturday 13th April (if wet Saturday 20th April)
9.00am – 12 noon
on the St Martin’s Church site

A simple trestle fair this year, but we will need lots of helpers on the day and lots of goods to sell!

Remember, we are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books

NO household furniture, TVs, stereos or computers please

Beckenham Methodist Church will be having a tidy-up of the church grounds at 83 Malcolm Ave on Sat 20 April 9am-12noon. Helpers welcome. Morning tea provided: please bring pruning tools etc.If you need to know more, phone Peter Morrish 332 1501.

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

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE: NEXT Sunday 14th April.
All goods and produce will be given to Waltham Community Cottage. They have a special need for dry goods – packets and tinned – to help with the cooking classes. Pasta, lentils, canned tomatoes and all beans are always acceptable along with any other food that is given. Fresh produce will also be welcome and we ask that you bring your contribution along to this special service. Worship Committee.

THE PARISH OFFICE has a new home at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Pop in and say hello! Anna.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 10th April: Meet 9.30am at the corner of Centaurus Rd & Remuera Ave for a Lower Cashmere stroll. Non walkers are welcome to join us for coffee at Elevate. Joan 338 8700.

The Christchurch APW will meet on Wednesday 10th April at 9.45 am at St James Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. The speaker for the morning will be Mrs Ellen Paynter from the Hamlin Charitable Fistula Hospital Trust talking about the work they do in Ethiopia to aid the plight of women in that country. All welcome and there will be a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

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

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 22nd April 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 7th Rosemary; Tue 9th Samantha-Rose; Sat 13th John.

CALL TO WORSHIP: from the back
It is the Christ, in the dawning;
in the renewal, in the arrival, in the new day.
It is the Christ, risen and returned,
alive for evermore, giving us new life,
saving us in strife.
It is the Christ. For Christ is risen, risen indeed.

HYMN: Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of joy then let us sing Alleluia!
praising Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the anguish he endured Alleluia!
our salvation has procured; Alleluia!
now exalted he is king, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing: Alleluia! C/A

OPENING PRAYERS

STORY-TIME

READINGS: Isaiah 65: 17-25 Barbara Meier
A new heaven and a new earth; the wolf and the lamb together

Luke 24: 1-12 Rob Meier
The women report that the tomb is empty

SERMON: Good Friday really happened, BUT…

HYMN: Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing (Tune: Truro )
Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.
The cross stands empty to the sky.
Let streets and homes with praises ring;
Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound
to distant years in Palestine,
but saving, healing, here and now,
and touching every place and time.

In every insult, rift and war,
where colour, scorn or wealth divide,
Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,
and lives, where even hope has died.

Women and men, in age and youth
can feel the Spirit, hear the call,
and find the way, the life, the truth,
revealed in Jesus, freed for all.

Christ is alive, and comes to bring
good news to this and every age,
till earth and sky and ocean ring
with joy, with justice, love and praise. © Stainer & Bell (CH4)

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in a world meant for everyone to live together happily in. We believe in living a life of love, sharing with friend and neighbour alike. We believe this is the way of Jesus, who enables us to see and acknowledge our faults, and to experience new beginnings.
We believe he died for us and rose again for us, and for the whole world; and calls us to join with the people who follow him now.
And, I believe he can use even me to carry on his work in the world.

OFFERING
Loving God, our Creator, who gives us life and meaning,
our Saviour, who gives us wholeness and hope,
our Comforter, who gives us peace and joy, use us, and our gifts, to your glory, we pray, in the name of Jesus, the Christ. AMEN.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION AND THE PEACE

COMMUNION 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. © Josef Weinberger Ltd (WOV)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – incl The Prayers of the People
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Jesus – companion and Saviour…we proclaim with joy,
Holy, holy, holy God of new and transforming life
heaven and earth are full of your glory
hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name,
hosanna in the highest… as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

On Good Friday he died.
On Easter he rose again.
Today he lives forever. ..

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Christ is Alive
Christ is alive, and the universe must celebrate,
and the stars and the suns shout on this Easter Day!
Christ is alive, and his family must celebrate
in a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Here is our hope: in the mystery of suffering
is the heartbeat of Love, Love that will not let go,
here is our hope, that in God we are not separate,
and we sing alleluia,
we sing alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Christ Spirit, dance through the dullness of humanity
to the music of God, God who has set us free!
You are the pulse of the new creation’s energy;
with a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
we praise the power that made the stone roll away.
? Shirley Murray (AA)

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 1st Aileen, Grace; Thu 4th Rosalie.

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

Chris will be away from Tuesday this week. Bruce will lead the service on 7 April.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 3rd April: Carpool from St Martin’s church 9.10am or meet at 101 Rannoch Drive 9.30am for a walk around Kintyre Estate and Delamain subdivisions. (Travel west along motorway, R along Curletts Rd, L into Yaldhurst Rd, L into Masham Rd, 2nd R onto Kintyre Drive, go to the end then L onto Rannoch Drive. We are 1st house on R which is corner of Glen Kerran Close. Our house is cream and grey.) Look forward to seeing you! Rosalie 332 5489.

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

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE: Sunday 14th April.
All goods and produce will be given to Waltham Community Cottage. They have a special need for dry goods – packets and tinned – to help with the cooking classes. Pasta, lentils, canned tomatoes and all beans are always acceptable along with any other food that is given. Fresh produce will also be welcome and we ask that you bring your contribution along to this special service. Worship Committee.

PARISH OFFICE hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Contact Anna on 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.

The information presented to the parish on 3 March regarding the future of the church buildings is available on the website: www.stmartins.org.nz

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 22nd April 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

Fair Weather – Trestle Fair

Saturday 13th April (if wet Saturday 20th April)
9.00am – 12 noon
on the St Martin’s Church site

A simple trestle fair this year, but we will need lots of helpers on the day and lots of goods to sell, so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will be able to accept goods after Easter – please contact a member of the Fair committee to arrange to have the church open.
Remember, we are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books

NO household furniture, TVs, stereos or computers please