OPENING REFLECTION – from the back

HYMN: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See! from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all. C/A

OPENING PRAYER

READING 1: John 18: 1-14 Ken Cree

Time for reflection (Shadows Gather, Deep and Cold)

READING 2: John 18: 19-24 Ken Cree

Time for reflection (Shadows Gather, Deep and Cold)

READING 3: John 18: 28-38 Ken Cree

The Nails Speak

(Adapted from Lament, written by Karen MacNeill)

Introduction

Betrayal ~ Tony Blackler

Love Denied ~ Audrey Dunnachie

Injustice ~ Aubrey McLeod

Complicity ~ Judith Mackay

Ridicule ~ June Service

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: O Come and Mourn with Me Awhile (remain seated)
O come and mourn with me awhile;
O come now to the Saviour’s side;
O come, together let us mourn:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified

Have we no tears to shed for him,
while soldiers scoff and foes deride?
Ah! Look how patiently he hangs:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Seven times he spake, seven words of love;
and all three hours his silence cried
for mercy on the souls of all:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified. C/A
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
What part of ourselves is found in the ones who walk over others’ dreams….and so we pray:
God, forgive us when we are guilty of silence;
when we misuse power;
when we behave like cowards;
when, we too, deny you.

READING: Isaiah 53: 1-3 Alan Webster

HYMN: Where You There? (remain seated)
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they led him to the trial?
Were you there when they led him to the trial?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they led him to the trial.

Were you there when they mocked and hurt our Lord?
Were you there when they mocked and hurt our Lord?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they mocked and hurt our Lord?

Were you there when they handed him the cross?
Were you there when they handed him the cross?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they handed him the cross?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they gambled for his robe?
Were you there when they gambled for his robe?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they gambled for his robe?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
O…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
(This version C/A)
A LITANY OF BELIEF
We will not go from here believing this is all there is.
We will believe through the days ahead.
and we will believe into the dawn.
We will not go from here believing this is all there is.
We will believe beyond abandonment and torture,
and we will believe into freedom.
We will not go from here believing this is all there is.
We will believe against the darkness,
and we will believe into the light.
We will not go from here believing this is all there is.
We will believe beyond tombs,
and we will believe in stones rolling.
We will not go from here believing this is all there is.
We will believe beyond the cross,
and we will believe through to resurrection.

CALL TO WORSHIP: From the back
Steadfast God, it has been a long journey.
We have been with ancestors in the desert
and sought you in unexpected places.
We have left footprints in the sand
and our souls in the wilderness.
The pilgrimage has been long
but the promise remains within us.
Now the long shadow of the cross
and the footsteps of Jesus find us waiting
at the gates of Jerusalem. We have arrived.
Yet it seems the journey is still not complete;
there is a deeper journey still to make.
This Lenten wandering has been just the beginning.
The greatest story is still to be told.

HYMN: All Glory, Praise and Honour (WOV 250 St Theodulph)
All glory, praise and honour,
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the king of Israel,
and David’s royal son;
you ride in lowly triumph,
the Lord’s anointed one!

The multitude of pilgrims
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.

To you before your passion,
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.

Their praises you accepted;
accept the prayers we bring,
great author of all goodness,
O good and gracious king! C/A

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: The Day He Came Riding into Town
(Tune: When Johnny Comes Marching Home)
The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
His people tore the branches down (hurrah! hurrah!)
They cheered his name with voices loud,
and everyone joined the chanting crowd,
“May the king be blessed: he comes in the name of God!”

The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
He threw the sellers’ tables down (hurrah! hurrah!)
“God’s house should be a place of prayer
but you’ve made a haunt of pirates there!”
And he speaks with fire who comes in the name of God!

The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
It caused the men of power to frown (hurrah! hurrah!)
“We have our laws! We have our ways!
We need no king to rule our days!
We denounce his right to come in the name of God!”

The day He came riding into town (hurrah! hurrah!)
He offered love and not a crown (hurrah! hurrah!)
His song of peace could not be heard
for they wanted a throne and not a word.
And the Word was life – new life in the name of God. ? Frederick Styles

READINGS: From Psalm 118: 1-2; 19-29 Elizabeth Penwell

Welcome to Jerusalem based on Luke 19:28–40
~ Judith Mackay and the congregation. Responses on screen.
REFLECTION: Welcome to Jerusalem

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Ride On, Ride On (Tune: WOV 264 Winchester New)
Ride on, ride on, the time is right:
the roadside crowds scream with delight;
palm branches mark the pilgrim way
where beggars sit and children play.

Ride on, ride on, your critics wait,
intrigue and rumour circulate;
new lies abound in word and jest,
and truth becomes a suspect guest.

Ride on, ride on, while well aware
that those who shout and wave and stare
are mortals who, with common breath,
can crave for life, and lust for death.

Ride on, ride on, though blind with tears,
though voiceless now and deaf to jeers.
Your path is clear, though few can tell
their garments pave the road to hell.

Ride on, ride on, God’s love demands;
justice and peace lie in your hands.
Evil and angel voices rhyme;
this is the man and this the time. ? WGRG, GIA Publications (VU)

THE OFFERING Gifts of the past; clothes strewn in his path; a carpet of palm branches;
token of loyalty; tokens of enthusiasm.
Our gifts; tokens of thanksgiving, symbols of commitment,
instruments of compassion and service.
God, as you blessed Jesus, the anointed one, bless these gifts now,
for they are given in remembrance and in service of Jesus. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Lift High The Cross (Tune: WOV 271 Crucifer)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his glorious name!

Come, Christian people, sing your praises, shout!
If we are silent, even stones cry out.

Jesus, you wept to see our human strife,
teach us compassion for each human life.

Peace was your plea and peace your living theme
let peace be our passport, peace a living dream.

Great is the cost of walking on this road,
to follow and suffer with the Son of God.

Worlds to be born and children yet to be
come, take up this song into eternity. © Shirley Murray (AA)

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 24th Bob, Maurice (80), Karlene; Mon 25th Georgia, Oliver; Tue 26th Liam.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES 2013
Mon 25th, Tue 26th & Wed 27th March
7pm Holy Week Reflections

Maundy Thursday 28th March
7pm Combined Service with Beckenham Methodist

Good Friday 29th March
10am Combined Service with Beckenham (NOTE TIME)

Sunday 31st March
9am Easter Day Celebration & Communion

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

THANK YOU to all those who helped with last weekend’s plant stall at Cashmere’s Fair, which raised $500. Well done!

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

FIRESIDE: Tuesday 26th March – an informal gathering at Joan S’s, with a flexible start time from 7.30pm, as some may wish to attend the Holy Week service first. Supper: Lesley & Allison. Enquiries to Joan 338 8700 or Margaret 366 8936.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 27th March: Meet 9.30am outside Silverbacks Cafe in the Cracroft Shops (please park in Worsleys Rd). Coffee afterwards at Silverbacks. 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.

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

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Philippians 3: 12-14):
God, go with us on our journey,
God, stay with us through these days of Lent.
Not that we have already reached the goal,
not that we have fully arrived,
but laying aside what lies behind,
and stretching forward to what lies ahead,
we press on toward the goal of God’s call in Christ Jesus;
but we know we will never run this race alone.

HYMN: Sing Your Praise to God Eternal
Sing your praise to God eternal, sing your praise to God the Son,
sing your praise to God the Spirit, living and forever One.
God has made us, God has blessed us, God has called us to be true.
God rules over all creation, daily making all things new.

Join the praise of every creature, sing with singing birds at dawn;
when the stars shine forth at nightfall, hear their heavenly antiphon.
Praise God for the light of summer, autumn glories, winter snows,
for the coming of the springtime and the life of all that grows.

Praise God on our days of gladness for the summons to rejoice;
praise God in our times of sadness for the calm, consoling voice.
God our Maker, strong and loving, Christ our Saviour, Leader, Lord,
living God, Creator Spirit, be your holy name adored!
© Emmanuel College, Toronto (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN – Cynthia & Jamie Cross

SONG: How is Jesus Present?
How is Jesus present? How is Jesus present?
How is Jesus present today?
Tell me how he’s present. Tell me how he’s present.
Tell me how he’s present today.

He’s present in the children, present in the family,
present in the meal that you share.
He’s present when you’re laughing, present when you’re giving,
present when you listen and care.

But I cannot see him, but I cannot see him,
but I cannot see him today.
Are you just pretending? How can it be real?
I would like to see him today.

Every time you listen, every time you’re sorry,
every time you care for a friend,
that is when he’s present, though you do not see him,
“I am with you always”, he said.

Now I understand. Now I understand.
Let us celebrate today!
He’s present in the Word, present in the people,
present in the breaking of bread. © Cecily Sheehy (AA)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Isaiah 43:16-21 John McKean

John 12:1-8 ~ Jessie Robb and others

SUNG RESPONSE: Be Still My Heart, My Mind, My Busy World
Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word.
Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word. © John Murray (FFS)

SERMON: Waste not want not?

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: We Sing a Love That Sets All People Free (Tune: Woodlands)
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 sing a burning, fiery, Holy Ghost
that seeks out shades of ancient bitterness,
transfiguring these, as Christ in every heart:
come joyful love, live in our hearts today. © Stainer & Bell (CH 4)

OFFERING: God, we bring this offering to you, mindful of all the gifts you give. Touch our gifts with Mary’s generosity of spirit, that they may touch the sad, the lonely, and the needs
of our communities; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, my calm in all strife;
I ever with thee, and thou in my life;
thou loving parent: thy child may I be;
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

Riches I heed not, nor earth’s empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou and thou only, the first in my heart,
great God of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

Great God 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. C/A

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 17th Marie; Tue 19th Rosalie; Fri 22nd Audrey; Sat 23rd Eian.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM SCIRT:
Burnbrae Street will be closed from Monday 18 March to mid May for traffic going down to the river from St Martins Rd – open to one way traffic from river up to St Martins Rd. SCIRT recommends using Eastern Tce – EXCEPT THIS IS CLOSED NEXT SUNDAY 23 MARCH FOR CITY2SURF.
Plan your route to Beckenham Methodist with care and allow extra time!

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

READERS are still required for Good Friday. Please sign the list on the clipboard in the foyer if you are available. Thank You.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 20th March: A Morning at Diamond Harbour. Gold Card Special. Catch No 28 bus which goes along Opawa Rd to Lyttelton at 9.20am (park in Hawford Rd). This bus links with the 9.50 ferry to Diamond Harbour. “Energetic” walk up to the Country Store, then undulating meander round to the church and a conducted tour of the Goddard Reserve. Coffee at The Country Store for “brunch”. June 332 8874.

COMBINED Session & Board of Managers’ meeting Wednesday 20th March 7.30pm.

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.

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)

We will be having a Fair Weather – Trestle Fair on the Church site on Saturday 13th April 2013, (if wet Saturday 20th April) so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will let you know in good time where to deliver your goods or would you like them to be collected?
We are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books
We do not want large electrical items, such as TVs, Computers,Stereos No household furniture please.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING (together):
As we gather may the peace of Christ rest upon our busy lives
that we may be quieted into prayer.
May the love of God flow through this time of reflection and fellowship, seeking out our every need.
May the Spirit of God then stir our hearts
to be open to opportunities for service.

HYMN: God is Here (Tune: Blaenwern WOV 165ii)
God is here and we his people, meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts.

Here are symbols to remind us of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font, and pulpit, here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching, here in silence, as in speech,
Here, in newness and renewal, God the Spirit comes to each.

Here our children find a welcome in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here, as bread and wine are taken, Christ sustains us, as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living, to believe and to adore.

God of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt
keep us faithful to the gospel, help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication, all we have to give, receive.
We, who cannot live without you, we adore you! We believe!
© Hope Publishing (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS
Lord of earth and sky….we are tempted to do nothing in response to need.
When we are too busy to spend time in prayer, to listen
for your Word in our lives, forgive us, God.
When we are too busy to notice the needs of others and to seek ways
to be present with them, forgive us, God.
When we are too preoccupied with what we want, rather than helping one another, taking time to talk and to laugh with one another; or simply even noticing one another, forgive us, God.
When life becomes overwhelming, and we do not even take time for our own needs: help us to listen to your voice within our hearts, calling us back to centre our lives with you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Alice Shanks
SONG: Christians are All Kinds of People
Christians are all kinds of people,
they’re average, they’re short, and they’re tall,
from all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of outlooks,
our gracious God uses them all.
Christians are all kinds of people,
not even especially good,
but God’s love is mighty, and that is what counts,
with mercy as wide as the sea;
it reaches to you and to me.

Christians are all kinds of people,
they’re smilers, they’re grouchers, they’re clowns.
In all kinds of weather, wherever they gather,
you’ll find every kind of them round.
Christians are all kinds of people,
and sometimes all kinds are in me;

God uses all kinds of people,
the black, and the pale and the tan,
new Born and the aged, the fit and disabled,
they all have a part in the plan.
God uses all kinds of people,
with problems, with hang-ups, with scars, (Stan and Pauline Stewart)

READINGS: Psalm 15 (from Psalms for Praying: Nan Merrill)
David Hodder

Dramatic presentation from Luke 10: 38-42 Fern Wakefield,
Audrey Dunnachie, Wayne Barton, Carol Sheldon

SERMON: Martha or Mary?

A TIME OF QUIET

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 of love to multiply!

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

THE OFFERING
Life-giving God, you are the source of change and renewal.
Through these gifts, may new possibilities open up for us
and for the communities around us.
Through our listening and prayer, our words and actions,
may others be encouraged and hope brought alive.
Bless these gifts, and us, as your love goes to work, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Filled With the Spirit’s Power (WOV 328)
Filled with the Spirit’s power, with one accord
the infant church confessed its risen Lord.
O Holy Spirit, in the church today
no less your power of fellowship display.

Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,
that unity may be our great desire.
Give joy and peace, give faith to hear your call,
and readiness in each to work for all.

Widen our love, good Spirit, to embrace
with your compassion all the human race.
Like wind and fire with life among us move,
till we are known as Christ’s, and Christian prove. © Hope Publishing

THE BLESSING

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

READERS are required for the Holy Week Reflections and Good Friday. Please sign the list on the clipboard in the foyer if you are available. Thank You.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. More volunteers desperately required please! Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 13th March A Morning at Diamond Harbour. Gold Card Special. Catch No 28 bus which goes along Opawa Rd to Lyttelton at 9.20am (park in Hawford Rd). This bus links with the 9.50 ferry to Diamond Harbour. “Energetic” walk up to the Country Store, then round the road to the Church and back. Coffee/light lunch at the Store; probably return on 12pm ferry. June 332 8874.

THE CHRISTCHURCH APW will meet on Wednesday 13th March at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington St at 9.45am. The speaker for the morning will be Frances from Lifeline. You are 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.

PLANTS for Cashmere Fair will be collected from Beckenham Methodist on Friday at 3.30pm. Volunteers required please to transport plants up the hill. Spare supermarket bags also needed! Please phone Lyndsey 388 1264 if you require plants to be picked up.

CASHMERE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FAIR Saturday 16th March 9am until 12 noon. All are welcome.

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

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)

We will be having a Fair Weather – Trestle Fair on the Church site on Saturday 13th April 2013, (if wet Saturday 20th April) so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will let you know in good time where to deliver your goods or would you like them to be collected?
We are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books
We do not want large electrical items, such as TVs, Computers,Stereos No household furniture please.

We look forward to everyone helping to make this event a success.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
This is the mystery of God’s accepting grace –
that we bring to worship what little we have:
five small loaves and two fish, or a widow’s mite,
a glimpse of faith or an awakening love,
a moment of truth or a brief sense of gratitude,
a slender hope or a thirsting spirit.
And God takes what we bring,
multiplies, enriches, and increases it,
so that it becomes his gift to us.

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.

Among these friends of mine
I taste the company divine.

Within this narrow sphere
I learn that you are everywhere. © Colin Gibson (AA)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

READINGS:
Paraphrase of Psalm 32 Ken Cree
Dramatic reading Luke 15: 11-32 ~ Irene Gray

SERMON: That’s just … the way … Grace … is

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – remain seated
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness in God’s justice which is more than liberty.
There’s no place where human sorrows are more deeply felt than heav’n.
There’s no place where human failings have such kindly judgements giv’n.

For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal is most wonderfully kind.
But we make that love too narrow by the limits of our own;
and we magnify God’s strictness with a zeal love will not own.

There is grace enough for thousands of new worlds as great as this;
there is room for fresh creations in that endless world of bliss.
If our love were but more simple we would trust the living Word;
and our lives would fill with gladness in the joy of Christ our Lord.
(Frederick Faber , alt) C/A

A LENTEN AFFIRMATION
In the turning of shadow into light,
of chaos into cosmos in that first creation,
and every new day’s creation,
we travel within God’s promise.
In the voice of prophets, calling us to turn about,
from God’s hurt towards God’s healing,
and move from wilderness into pasture,
we travel within God’s promise.
In the long forgiveness of God, ever remoulding us,
calling us anew to be renewed,
from a lost people to a saved generation,
we travel within God’s promise.
In the travelling through on the pilgrims’ way,
letting go and letting God,
in the cleansing of Lent,
we travel within God’s promise.
In the deep longing for rebirth, journeying towards dawn’s light,
from wilderness to tombstones,
from crosses to resurrection,
we travel, always, within God’s promise.

THE OFFERING
O God, the generosity of your grace astounds us.
We can simply stand in awe, but you call us to respond;
and these gifts are a token of our response.
We give, so your love may be shared, shared with our communities,
our city and our world.
Bless these gifts and us, that it may be so, in Jesus’ name…

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION AND THE PEACE

COMMUNION HYMN: Every Day
Every day I will offer you,
Loving God my heart and mind
Every way I discover you,
In the work your hand has signed;
Help me see I’m your image, and
You have dreamed what I might be –
Every day – in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!

Every day I will look to Christ
And give thanks for wine and bread.
Through the pain and the emptiness
Where your world cries to be fed;
Help me see I can work for change,
And wherever I might be.
Every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!

Every day I will take your word,
Answer your compassion’s claim,
Celebrate every sign of hope,
Every deed done in your name;
Help me see you are always there,
And your light can shine through me,
Every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy! © Shirley Murray (AA)

A COMMUNION PRAYER:
The night on which Jesus gave himself up for us,
he reminded his followers of God’s saving grace:
Just as God walked through the Red Sea with the Israelite people, as a widow offered her last bit of food to a stranger,
as God offered forgiveness to David;
Jesus reminded followers of how God worked through a carpenter’s son:
healing the sick, assisting the needy, overturning the status quo, offering life everlasting.
Jesus also reminded them of God’s work yet to be done
in the healing, challenging, guiding, forming movement
of the Holy Spirit…

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

SUNG BLESSING: May the Grace of Christ (Tune: Omni Die, WOV 5)
May the grace of Christ our Saviour,
and our Maker’s boundless love,
with the Holy Spirit’s favour,
rest upon us from above.

Thus may we abide in union
held together by the Word,
and possess, in rich communion
joys which earth cannot afford. John Newton C/A

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 6th Errol; Fri 8th Anne; Sat 9th Sharyn.

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service. After morning tea, there will be a congregational discussion about the way ahead with our church buildings.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 6th March Meet 9.30am on the corner of Riverlaw Tce & Armstrong Ave, Coffee to follow at ‘Willow’ (ex ‘Flo’), Fifield Tce. June 332 8874.

READERS are required for the Holy Week Reflections and Good Friday. Please sign the list on the clipboard in the foyer if you are available. Thank You.

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

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 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. More volunteers desperately required please! Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

GARDENERS UNITE and divide your perennials. We will be having a garden stall at Cashmere Presbyterian Church’s Fair on 16th March. More details later regarding transport of plants to Cashmere. If you would like to help on the day, with setting up, pricing, selling – even for a short time – please let Anna know 332 6192. Mission Resource Committee.

Children’s Bible Ministries Teacher Development Course Friday 8th March 7.30-9.30pm & Saturday 9th March 9.15am-3.30pm at Lincoln Baptist Church, 530 Birchs Rd. Free. For more information, or to register please email rgsmithies@xtra.co.nz

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

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)

We will be having a Fair Weather – Trestle Fair on the Church site on Saturday 13th April 2013, (if wet Saturday 20th April) so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will let you know in good time where to deliver your goods or would you like them to be collected?
We are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books
We do not want large electrical items, such as TVs, Computers,Stereos No household furniture please.

We look forward to everyone helping to make this event a success.