WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP: Come to this Christmas Singing
(Tune: WOV 245)
Come to this Christmas singing!
come to a birthday, bringing
gifts from our country’s treasure,
beauty of shell and stone:
wisdom the old have taught us,
laughter the young have brought us,
love to surround a manger,
making this Child our own.

Wealth of our land and water,
riches of race and culture –
these be our gold and incense
offered for Christmas Day:
where we make peace, declare it,
where we have much, let’s share it,
aroha warm our hearts, and
aroha be our way.

Here where the sheep are grazing,
where summer sun is blazing
harvests for others ripen –
food for the world can grow:
Christ of a cold December,
quicken us to remember
poverty in a stable,
need, like the sting of snow. © Shirley Murray (CoC)

GATHERING PRAYER
(The service will continue unannounced)

READINGS: From Isaiah 9 Barry Moore
From Matthew 1 David Beaumont

SUNG RESPONSE: (Tune: Greensleeves )
What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing,
haste, haste to bring him praise,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey Part 1

CAROL: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down
and glory shone around.

‘Fear not’, said he (for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind),
‘glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and humankind.

‘To you in David’s town this day
is born of David’s line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

‘the heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid’. C/A

Story Part 2

Carol: Where is the Room?
Where is the room,
where is the house of Christmas?
Where shall we welcome Jesus,
where are the signs of home?
Where are the signs of home?

Let Christ have space,
place at the heart of living,
centre for birth’s new breathing,
cradle for hope and peace,
cradle for hope and peace.

Let there be room,
room for the friend and stranger,
room without hurt or anger,
room for whoever come,
room for whoever come.

Let love be here,
love from the Christmas stable,
love at our open table,
love to be shared all year,
love to be shared all year. © Shirley Murray (CoC)

Story Part 3

CAROL: 243(i) Love Came Down at Christmas (remain seated)
Love came down at Christmas, Worship we the Godhead,
Love all lovely, Love divine; Love incarnate, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas, worship we our Jesus:
star and angels gave the sign. but wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
love be yours and love be mine,
love to God and all men,
love for plea and gift and sign. ? Stainer & Bell, London (TIS)

The Candle-lighter comes and lights the 4th Advent Candle

Story Part 4
POEM: Friend ~ Joy Cowley

CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Remain seated)
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 all.

And thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to all.

Till ringing, singing on its way
the world revolved from night to day,
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime
of peace on earth, good will to all.

And in despair I bowed 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 all.” C/A

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

THE OFFERING:
God, we thank you for the gift of the people in our lives –
family, friends and neighbours.
Today as we remember and give thanks for those who have been important to us, and are no longer with us, you remind us
that we are created to live in community;
that our lives are intertwined with others and touched by others.

We thank you that in the gift of yourself in Jesus: you showed us ultimate goodness, complete faithfulness, total compassion.
May we live with that same attitude of being and doing.

Bless these offerings and the offering of our lives in your service,
in Jesus’ name…

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE continue.

CAROL: Star-Child, Earth-Child
Star-Child, earth-Child
go-between of God,
love Child, Christ Child,
heaven’s lightning rod,
This year, this year,
let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes
for everyone,
everyone alive!

Street child, beat child
no place left to go,
hurt child, used child,
no one wants to know,
This year, this year…

Grown child, old child,
mem’ry full of years,
sad child, lost child,
story told in tears,
This year, this year…

Spared child, spoiled child,
having, wanting more,
wise child, faith child
knowing joy in store,
This year, this year…

Hope-for-peace Child,
God’s stupendous sign,
down-to-earth Child,
star of stars that shine,
This year, this year… © Shirley Murray (CoC)

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS: Sun 23rd Graeme; Tue 25th Isobel; Wed 26th Noeline; Mon 31st Jack (5)

WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND

24 December : 7.30 pm Christmas Eve Service
(Beckenham Methodist Service at 11.30 pm)
25 December : 9.30 am Combined Christmas Family Service
30 December : 10.00 am Combined Service led by Alan
6 January : 10.00 am Combined Service led by Chris
Communion

13 January :10.00 am Combined Service led by Chris
20 January :10.00 am Combined Service led by Alan
27 January: 10.00 am Combined Service (Alan & Chris)

3 February : 9.00 am Communion

Please watch for the changed service times during the Christmas season and holiday period.
Services return to normal on the 3 February.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
All around the world people gather giving thanks for the Advent promise of hope: the hope that overcomes the darkness of the world.
In the countries of east and west, of north and south, people gather
praying for peace: the same peace revealed in the promise,
of God with us, Emmanuel.

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

ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING : THE CANDLE OF JOY

SUNG RESPONSE: (WOV 13ii)
Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King!
The heavens are not too high, his praise may upward fly;
the earth is not too low, his praises there may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing: My God and King!

READINGS: Psalm 96 Bob Cathro
Luke 2: 1-7 Wayne Barton

Introduction to Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World Part 1

CAROL: Child in the Manger
Child in the manger,
infant of Mary;
outcast and stranger,
Lord of all!
Child who inherits
all our transgressions,
all our demerits
on him fall.

Once the most holy
child of salvation
gently and lowly
lived below;
now, as our glorious
mighty Redeemer,
see him victorious
o’er each foe.

Prophets foretold him,
infant of wonder;
angels behold him
on his throne;
worthy our Saviour
of all their praises;
happy for ever
are his own. © Oxford University Press (CH4)

STORY TIME: A First Nations Story from Canada
POEM: The Huron Carol

CAROL: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Remain seated)
Infant holy, infant lowly,
for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ, the babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging, angels singing,
noels ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is born for all. X2

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new
saw the glory, heard the story,
tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you. X2 C/A

Christmas Around the World Part 2

CAROL: Silent Night (Remain seated)
Silent night, holy night:
all is calm, all is bright
round the 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;
glories stream 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;
Christ our Saviour is born,
Christ our Saviour is born. C/A
THE OFFERING
O God, bless this money offered,
bless the gifts given.
Accept the offering of our hearts and lives, we pray;
that it may be possible for disappointment to be replaced by joy;
anxiety replaced by happiness,
hopelessness replaced by a sense of purpose.

Bless all our gifts, as once more we prepare to celebrate
with wonder the birth of the Christ Child. AMEN.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 you
born to be our Saviour.
Jesus, to you be glory given:
Word of the Father now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him… C/A

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 16th Ron (90); Tue 18th Anne; Thu 20th Sarah Jayne; Sat 22nd Lyall.

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

A HUGE THANK YOU to the congregation for the tremendous support of our Cake Stall – $561 was raised. Thank you also to everyone who has provided gifts for Waltham Cottage.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525. The last session for 2012 is on 19th December, and Cuppa & Chat will resume on 8th January 2013.

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 19th December 7.30pm at 132 Hawford Rd. Please note change of date and venue

CRAFTY CRAFTERS resumes on Thursday 17th January 10am-12 noon.

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

Anna will be on leave from Friday 21st December. The “office” re-opens on Wednesday 23rd January 2013.

FOOT CLINIC: The next session is Monday 28th January 1-4pm.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS:
23 December : 9.00 am Carol Service
24 December : 7.30 pm Christmas Eve Service
25 December : 9.30 am Christmas Family Service combined with Beckenham Methodist Parish.
On 30 December and for all of January: 10.00 am Combined Service
Please Note: the changing service times during the Christmas season and holiday period.

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

Song Sheet for 9 December 2012

1.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 a-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 and 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, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell …

This star drew nigh to the north-west,
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell …

Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of naught,
and with his blood our life hath bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell …

2. Do You Hear What I Hear (Noel Regney & Gloria Shayne ©Jewel Music)
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
“Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb, do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night,
with a tail as big as a kite, with a tail as big as a kite.”

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
“Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song, high above the tree,
with a voice as big as the sea, with a voice as big as the sea.”

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
“Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king, do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold;
let us bring Him silver and gold,
let us bring Him silver and gold.”

Said the king to the people ev’rywhere,
“Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people ev’rywhere! Listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light.”

3.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 you
born for our salvation;
Jesus, to you be glory given:
Word of the Father now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him…

4. Mary Did You Know (Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene)

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know..
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I Am.

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

Today’s service will be followed by a picnic at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd at 12 noon. Please BYO lunch – icecream, games, tea, coffee & umbrellas provided. All are welcome.

Four Candle-Lighters are required for the 7.30pm service on Christmas Eve. Please email the Office, or phone Anna 332 6192 if you can assist. There will be a very small piece to read.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525. Please note the information in the “Messenger” is incorrect. The last session for 2012 is on 19th December, and Cuppa & Chat will resume on 8th January 2013.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th December. Carpool 9.45am from St Martin’s Church to drive to Pegasus Cafe by the lakes for a stroll, then 11.30am brunch at Pegasus Golf Club Restaurant. June 332 8874.

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 12th December 7.30pm in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. Please note date.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets this Thursday from 10am – 12 noon for the last time this year. $3 per session. Beverley 332 7786.

GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: Thank you to all those who have donated Christmas gifts for Waltham Cottage. Next Sunday is your last opportunity to contribute. Please DO NOT wrap them as they are sorted and given to individuals by the staff. Christmas baking and wrapping paper also very welcome.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Tomorrow 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

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

WANTED: An elderly lady is seeking rental accommodation in this area from early January 2013. Please contact Dr Lusis 329 4400 if you can help.

WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz or email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 12th Richard; Thu 13th Deborah.

LEADER (from the rear): Look and listen, for this is wonder!

HYMN: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Tune: WOV 193)
O come, O come the time is near;
we yearn to know your presence here.
Creation stirs: the time is full.
Be born to us, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to us,
a child shall be the sign.

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by your advent here;
love stir within the womb of night
and death’s own shadows put to flight:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to us,
a child shall be the sign.

O come, O Key of David come,
and open wide your heavenly home;
make safe the path to endless day,
and close the path to misery:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to us,
a child shall be the sign. C/A

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CANDLE – LIGHTING (from CWS Christmas Appeal, Save My Place)
We light this candle signifying hope: our common need,
our common wealth.
Hope is our protest against injustice; Hope is God’s gift.
Come Jesus Christ, Hope of our hearts
Enter our lives so that all people may have a place to stand.

Sung Response: (Tune: WOV 671)
Where is the room? Where is the house of Christmas,
where shall we welcome Jesus, where are the signs of home?
© Shirley Murray (CoC)
AN ADVENT PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE CHRISTMAS APPEAL: Lindsay Day

READINGS: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 Anne Johns
Luke 21: 25-36 Doug Johns

REFLECTION

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God the Creator who created and is creating;
who goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ, who entered our journey as a fragile babe,
who experienced all our living and gave his life for us;
who can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on into all truth
in light beyond our seeing, who stirs within our being
new possibilities, who draws us onward into the very life of God.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING & THE PEACE
Generous God, with grateful hearts we acknowledge the abundance of our lives. With open hands we share these gifts as a reflection of your love for us, and for all people. Amen

COMMUNION HYMN: Let us Talents & Tongues Employ (WOV 658)
Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again,
earth can breathe again,
pass the Word around:
loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one;
at his table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express. Jesus lives again…

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere! Jesus lives again… © Hope Publishing

COMMUNION PRAYER
Come, … where you can rest in the heart of love.
We come to this table, knowing our need for it.
Holy God … as our hearts echo an ancient cry:
O come, O come, Emmanuel.
We prepare … Then, Jesus asked us always to remember.
And so we remember – his life, his words, his love.

BREAKING THE BREAD AND SHARING THE WINE

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (WOV 200)
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne. C/A
THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service, and there is the Fireside Group’s Christmas Cake Stall.

NEXT SUNDAY’S service is at 10am. This is a combined family service with Beckenham Methodist, and will include a special Christmas drama. The service will be followed by a picnic at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd at 12 noon. Please BYO lunch – icecream, games, tea, coffee & umbrellas provided. All are welcome.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525. Please note the information in the “Messenger” is incorrect. The last session for 2012 is on 19th December, and Cuppa & Chat will resume on 8th January 2013.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 5th December: Meet 9.30am in Bamford St, just round the corner to the left off Jubilee St, Woolston. Coffee at The Woolston Daily, a new cafe at 204 Cumnor Tce. June 332 8874.

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

GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: We will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for Waltham Cottage – men, women, teenagers and children. Please DO NOT wrap them as they are sorted and given to individuals by the staff. Bring them along on Sundays 9 & 16 December. Christmas baking and wrapping paper also very welcome. Many thanks.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th December 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone Anna 332 6192 to book.

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

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

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 6th Catherine; Fri 7th Florence; Sat 8th Eleanor.

WELCOME AND NOTICES & SESSION REPORT

CALL TO WORSHIP – together
Jesus, you have called us into this fellowship of your people;
a community of love and support.
Jesus, sign of peace in a divided world,
you have called your church to be a sign of unity,
drawing people together in harmony.
Jesus, you hold out the promise of newness, calling us to use
all God’s gifts, embracing change and opportunity.

HYMN: Joyful, Joyful We Adore You (Tune: WOV 92)
Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, God of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before you
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the dark of doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you,
earth and heaven reflect your rays,
stars and angels sing around you,
centre of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
sound their praise eternally.

You are giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean-depth of happy rest.
Source of grace and fount of blessing,
let your light upon us shine,
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine. C/A

GATHERING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Eleanor Barton & William Penwell

Stir up Sunday

Stir up our hearts as a People of God
As we make this cake…What is it we have brought?
Sweet and tasty butter, sugar and syrup; symbols of all in our church which enrich and grow our life as God’s people.

And what do we seek here?
Our prayer is that God’s Spirit will empower us to both celebrate and live the joy that is Christ’s gift and to have courage to embrace new opportunities.

READING: Psalm 133 Tony Blackler

HYMN: God of Beauty, Truth, and Grace (Tune: WOV 239)
God of beauty, truth, and grace,
you have richly blessed this place,
fertile land and flowing streams,
people filled with hopes and dreams:
grant that we may honour you
by our plans and labours too.

As the trees grow straight and tall,
soft in springtime, bright in fall,
may our lives be strong and true,
rooted in our faith in you.
Grant that we may cherish here
every season, every year.

As the birds their carols raise,
may our voices sing your praise,
speaking words of love and cheer
to your children far and near.
Grant us quiet, gentle touch
when our words might be too much.

With the passing of the years,
full of laughter mixed with tears,
may each generation show
ways to nourish, ways to grow.
Grant us thoughtfulness and care
for each life that’s here to share. © J. Parker Huber (SiC)

Stir up the heart of our community
As we make this cake …What is it we bring?
We bring eggs – symbols of the new life which is our gift in Jesus.

And what do we seek here?
We pray for the new life emerging in the city and communities of Canterbury; that God’s Spirit will enable our communities to move forward with goodwill and co-operation.

READING: Mark 4: 1a; 3-9 Tony Blackler

POEM: May God’s Spring-time Surge Through Us
(Frances Hawkey (alt))
Stir and embrace our World
As we make this cake…What is it we bring?
We bring flour, baking powder and essences: symbols of the common humanity we share with all people.

And what do we seek here?
We pray that God’s Spirit will enable all in our world to enjoy God’s unlimited love and the sense of being part of one human family.

Stir our own hearts
As we make this cake…What is it we bring?
We bring mixed fruit and peel – symbols of the variety we enjoy in each other, and of the mixed-up nature of our own lives.

And what do we seek here?
Our prayer is that God’s Spirit will empower us with all our strengths and weaknesses, to be the body of Christ, with the vision and will to turn crisis into opportunity.

POEM: Planted in Every Human Heart

HYMN: Past and Present (Tune: WOV 478)
Past and present, with our dreaming,
join to make us what we are;
ancient wisdom, ancient follies
shape the way we love and care:
Give us reverence,
give us wisdom,
from the past for life today. (final line repeated in each verse)

Make us mindful of the present –
every force, each strength, each flaw;
free us from those selfish motives
which consume us more and more:
give us vision,
give us courage,
for this modern age of change.

We must face the future’s challenge
to create a better earth
hand in hand with all who labour
dream and suffer for its birth,
for through sharing
and through caring
we shall build community. © Selah Publishing (STSA)

A TIME OF QUIET and THE OFFERING

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: God Gives us a Future (Tune: WOV 170ii)
God gives us a future, daring us to go
into dreams and dangers on a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow in the Spirit’s power,
we will let God change us,
for new life starts now.

We must leave behind us sins of yesterday,
for God’s new beginning is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
and the strength we lack.

Holy Spirit, teach us how to read the signs,
how to meet the challenge of our troubled times.
Love us into action, stir us into prayer,
till we choose God’s life,
and find our future there. © E J Smith (TIS)

THE BLESSING

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

CHRISTMAS CAKE STALL: The Fireside Group will be having a Christmas Cake Stall at Church on Sunday 2nd December in the lounge following worship, An opportunity for you to stock up on your Christmas baking. Allison 332 0554.

Thank you to all those who supported last week’s Tanzanian lunch. We had 31 participants and raised $325 for Your Sisters Orphanage. If anyone else wishes to contribute, please place donation in envelope marked “Your Sisters Orphanage” and hand it to Joan Macdonald, Treasurer.

FIRESIDE meets on Tuesday 27th November 7.30pm for an informal gathering at Joan’s in Pentonville Close. Enquiries to Margaret 366 8936.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 28th November: Westlake Walk at 9.30am. Meet by the playground at Scott Park in Checketts Ave. To get there: leave Halswell Rd at Lillian St. There is a dairy on the corner. From Lillian St, which is short, turn right into Ensign St, then almost immediately turn left into Checketts Ave. This is much easier than it sounds! Margaret 366 8936.
We welcome non-walkers to join us at 10.30am at The Old Vicarage for coffee.

CARING & SHARING meets for the final time this year on Wednesday 28th November 2pm at Beckenham Methodist. We will have some music from ‘our’ orchestra and a chance to sing some Christmas carols followed by afternoon tea – everyone is welcome. While most of the group are over 60, some of us are younger and still enjoy the afternoon. PS: It’s free! Fern 332 4725.

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

GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: We will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for Waltham Cottage – men, women, teenagers and children. Please DO NOT wrap them as they are sorted and given to individuals by the staff. Bring them along on Sundays 2, 9 & 16 December. Christmas baking and wrapping paper also very welcome. Many thanks.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th December 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone Anna to book.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 25th Aescleah; Mon 26th Pat (90); Tue 27th Tony; Wed 28th Martin (80); Fri 30th Judith.
HUB PROGRAM 26th November – 2nd December 2012
St Martins, Cashmere, Hoon Hay & St James: committed to sharing & mutual support

St James Spreydon
Tues 27 Nov 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge ( Kay 339-2370)
7.30pm Parish Council
Thurs 22 Nov 7.30 pm Women’s Dessert Evening 46D Bowenvale Ave. 337-0611
Fri 30 Nov 11.30pm Whareora Community Lunch
4.30pm Friday Kids in Kids Room
Sun 2 Dec 6pm Chch Presbytery Youth Service at St Albans Korean Presbyterian Church, 75 Packe St.

Cashmere
Mon 26th 9.15am Pre-School Music – contact Heidi 332 8460
Wed 28th 10.00 am Forum – discusses last week’s readings and sermon
Thurs 29th 10.45 am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
7.00pm Choir Rehearsal in Church
Sunday 2nd Dec 10.00am Communion service, with guest preacher Rt Rev Ray Coster, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church. This will be followed by a BBQ here. Please bring as follows a contribution to the meal: – surnames A – E finger food; sweets/slices; F – L, fruit; M – Z, salads. Sausages will be provided.

Hoon Hay
Mon 26th 9.30-10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls . Pat 353 0265
Tues 27th 10.00 am mainly music. Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 28th 1.00 pm Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thurs 29th 9.30-10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fri 30th 5.00 pm Messy Church – new way of experiencing church with craft activities, story and a shared meal
7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program. Matt 027 389 0000