WELCOME AND NOTICES
• Session report ~ Wayne Barton

CALL TO WORSHIP:
We come seeking God’s grace, that we may become healthy and whole.
As Jesus Christ has shared the life of the earth,
through Christ we may share the life of God,
in growing maturity, justice and love.
In awe, faith, and thanksgiving, we rejoice in God’s presence
and share God’s life!

HYMN: Great Creator God, You Call Us (Tune: Regent Square)
Great Creator God, you call us
through the church to do your will.
Stewards of both past and promise,
may we each our work fulfil,
building up in faith and nurture
Christ’s own mission, lively still.

Out of all our varied stories
may we weave a single tale,
here confessing sin and discord,
times we stumble, times we fail.
Yet forgiven, cleansed, refashioned,
in Christ’s strength shall we prevail.

Christ still calls to peace and justice,
health and wholeness, love and grace.
We are partners in that mission
for this time and in this place.
O God, grant us sense and courage
in the daily tasks we face.

Without vision, people perish,
without challenge, drift and die.
Give us then the tools of daring
and the clarity of eye
for creating in the present
visions far and wide and high. © JP Huber (ASF)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Wayne Barton

A “NEW YEAR” PRAYER
God, we pray this day for our children and young people and all who care for them and nurture them. As the new year opens out in school, church and community, we give thanks for them in all their diversity and uniqueness; we give thanks for them as a sign of hope – hope in the present and in the future.
Bless them, and bless leaders and all involved in the work of Christian Education in our Parish.
As we recall the work of the year past, we pray that 2012 may be a year of new opportunity, achievement, joy and fulfilment; in the name of Jesus. AMEN.

SONG: Songbook 2 Christians Are All Kinds of People

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: 2 Kings 5: 1-14 Audrey Dunnachie
Mark 1: 40-45 Bob Kayes

SERMON: God in the Surprising & Unexpected

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Songbook 10 I, the Lord of Sea and Sky

OFFERING
God, we bring this offering as an act of commitment;
as a pledge that our discipleship is for real.
Receive our offerings and bless them,
that these gifts might grow ministry and mission
within this church family and the wider world.
O God, enable us to know the Source and the Love
that makes all things possible. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Songbook 47 That Christ May be Known

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

NEXT SUNDAY 19th February: Pancake Sunday – there will be pancake races and yummy pikelets and cream for morning tea.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 15th February ~ meet 9.30am on corner of Somerfield & Strickland Streets for a walk around Somerfield, followed by coffee at Savoire in Colombo St. Allison 332 0554.

BOARD OF MANAGERS meets Wednesday 15th February at 7.30pm.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am until 12 noon. Newcomers welcome. Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session on this Thursday is fully booked. For more information about the clinic, please contact Lyndsey 388 1264.

NEIGHBOURHOOD BBQ Sunday 26th February 5.00 – 7.00pm. Everything provided. Enquiries to Sonya please 339 7038.

MARMALADE FOR MISSIONS ~ please support this fundraiser!

SENIORS’ DAY TRIP Archer is running its next day trip for Seniors on Thursday 16th February. We are travelling to a farm near Springfield, and having a farm tour and shearing exhibition.
After lunch there is an optional jet boat ride up the Waimak Canyon, where there are historic sites to view and you can look at where the Coast to Coast competition takes place.
Archer tour of $45 includes travel, farm tour and exhibition, morning tea, BBQ lunch. The optional jet boat ride is discounted to $40 (normally $90!). For inquiries and bookings, please contact Archer on 943-6006.

ASH WEDNESDAY COMMUNION & REMEMBRANCE SERVICE On Wednesday 22nd February at 7pm the Association of Presbyterian Women and the Methodist Women’s Fellowship will be holding an Ash Wednesday Communion Service at St Martin’s. The service is open to everyone in the congregation to attend and will also include a Remembrance for 22/2/11. We look forward to seeing you all at this service. Allison 332 0554.

A LENTEN STUDY is planned for four weeks in March, based on the film The King’s Speech. The studies will be held in the evening, probably Thursdays (8, 15, 22 & 29). If you are interested, please sign the clipboard in the foyer. Chris Elliot.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 2nd March 10am at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, Opawa Rd. Details to follow.

An Invitation is extended to all from St Martins, St James & Hoon Hay to join Cashmere Hills for a picnic on Sunday 11th March, Halswell Quarry at midday. The booked site is the Lions picnic area – enter from Kennedys Bush Rd. The site will be labelled. All Welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 13th Margot; Wed 15th Alexandria, Beryl; Fri 17th Joan, Peter.

CALL TO WORSHIP (from the back of the church)
We have come to praise God, who has done wonderful things among us.
In Jesus, the Christ, God has shown us love, giving light for our darkness, and strength for all our days.
Let us sing praise to God’s name and come before God with open hearts and minds.

HYMN: 28 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (omit verse 4)

OPENING PRAYERS and THE LORD’S PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: Songbook 17 One More Step Along the World I Go

READINGS: Isaiah 40.21-31 Herb
Mark 1.29-39 Lyn

SERMON: The Whole Town at the Door

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
These are gifts of love that we bring to you, O God:
gifts to grow in compassion, that those who are ill, those who are bereaved will find comfort and the wholeness they need;
gifts to uncover injustice, that the oppressed may be freed and the refugee find a home.
Bless them, that they may be gifts that offer your newness and life,
in the name of Jesus Christ, who was your perfect gift of love. AMEN.

A PRAYER FOR WAITANGI WEEKEND

INVITATION TO COMMUNION and THE PEACE

COMMUNION HYMN: I Come With Joy (Tune: Kilmarnock, WOV 186)
I come with joy to meet my Lord,
forgiven, loved, and free,
in awe and wonder to recall
his life laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ’s communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share
each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.

And thus with joy we meet our Lord,
his presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see, and praise him here.

Together met, together bound,
we’ll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world
we’ll live and speak his praise. © Hope Publishing (TIS)

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

From the rising of the sun … your people past as well as present saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in your name.
Hosanna in the highest….

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
Generous giver of life, you supply us with all good things.
May this bread and wine be the nourishment we seek, and may it transform us into disciples who serve your creation and your people.
in Christ’s name. AMEN.

HYMN: God Who Carved This Timeless Landscape
God who carved this timeless landscape, (Tune:Hyfrydol WOV 148)
Snow-clad ridge to valley plain,
power of surging race and river,
limestone crag and scarred terrain;
Maker still of earth, fire, water,
artistry of sight and sound,
Southern lights and sunset splendour,
raise our eyes and you are found.

Calendar of nature’s balance,
rhythms of the farming year,
shearing, milking, ploughing, pruning,
Manger setting ever near!
Lonely struggles in the byways,
nor’west dust or snow and flood,
fellowship of tears and laughter:
Lord, with you, we’re understood.

Giving thanks for those before us,
village life and tussock track,
as we turn to face the future,
history’s wind upon our back;
scattered are our congregations,
each now shares in ministry,
bonding strength of work together:
spirit of community. © Doug Grierson (FFS)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

THE NEW READERS’ ROSTER is available – please check to see if there is a copy for you in the foyer. Thank you. Anna.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 8th February ~ please check the noticeboard in the lounge for details. Judith 332 1577.

APW meets this Wednesday 8th February at St Martin’s 9.45am. The speaker is Linda Cowen, Youth Worker at St Stephen’s Parish for a number of years. There will be a Sales Table and all are welcome. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am until 12 noon. Newcomers welcome. Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session on Thursday 16th February is fully booked. For more information about the clinic, please contact Lyndsey 388 1264.

NEIGHBOURHOOD BBQ Sunday 26th February 5.00 – 7.00pm. Please note this date in your diaries. More details soon. Enquiries to Sonya 339 7038.

NEW CONTACT DETAILS for Bruce & Beverley Hudson: their new address is 2-174 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 7786. Email hudsonba@actrix.co.nz. Please update your phone lists.

THE HALL is out of bounds and no access is permitted at this stage. We are awaiting a detailed engineers’ report and will update the parish when the information is available. John McKean.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 6th Rob; Tue 7th Jean, Kim; Sat 11th William.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP
On the first day of a new week, God calls us into stillness.
We hear the call and come into that stillness.
As the work of a new year calls us to action,
God calls us out of our busyness.
In faith and anticipation we respond to God’s call
and enter into this time of worship.

HYMN: 25 Sing Praise and Thanksgiving

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: Songbook 26 The Church is Wherever God’s People

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Deuteronomy 18: 14-20 Bob
Psalm 111 selections from The Message Judith

A Dramatic Presentation of Mark 1: 21-28 ~ Jill

Sung Response: Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, move among us all,
make us one in heart and mind, make us one in love:
humble, caring, selfless, sharing.
Spirit of the living God, fill our lives with love © Hope Publishing (VU)

SERMON: With Authority

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Songbook 35 Who is This Man?

OFFERING
We are called to be the body of Christ.
Christ’s body we seek to truly be –
Christ’s body, Christ’s healing,
Christ’s message of love to the world.
God, we ask that you bless the money and goods
we have offered, along with the offerings of ourselves,
in service of Christ’s body,
Christ’s healing, and Christ’s message of love to the world. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 (CH4)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 1st February ~ Hansen Park/Opawa: Meet 9.30am in “blind end” of Riverlaw Tce off Armstrong Ave by the footbridge. Coffee at Flo. June 332 8874.

SESSION meets this Wednesday 1st February 7.30pm in the Lounge.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am until 12 noon. Newcomers welcome. Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session on Thursday 16th February is fully booked. For more information about the clinic, please contact Lyndsey 388 1264.

THE CONTACT DETAILS for Bruce & Beverley have changed. Their new address is 2-174 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 7786. Email hudsonba@actrix.co.nz. Please update your phone lists.

THE HALL is out of bounds and no access is permitted at this stage. We are awaiting a detailed engineers’ report and will update the parish when the information is available. John .

STOP PRESS: Neighbourhood BBQ is now scheduled for Sunday 26th February 5.00 – 7.00pm. Please note this date in your diaries. More details next week. Enquiries to Sonya 339 7038.

BIRTHDAYS: Fri 27th Nola, Bernie; Tue 31st Bryan, Adrienne; Wed 1st Alice; Sat 4th John.

CALL TO WORSHIP: O Come All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,
“Glory to God
in the highest”: O come, let us adore him…

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born for our salvation;
Jesus, to thee be glory given:
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him… (C/A)

ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING

SUNG RESPONSE: A Candle is Burning
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December’s dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.

A candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease:
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay.

A candle is burning, a candle of joy,
a candle to welcome brave Mary’s new boy.
Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow
As joy lights the ocean, when summer winds blow.

A candle is burning, a candle of love,
a candle to point us to heaven above.
A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth,
for Jesus is bringing God’s love to the earth. © Sandra Dean (VU)

GATHERING PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

We Celebrate Jesus’ Coming in Word and Song

1st Lesson: God’s Covenant with His people Genesis 17: 1-7
David Beaumont

2nd Lesson: The Promise from Isaiah 11: 1-14
Bob Cathro

CAROL: 240 O Little Town of Bethlehem verses 1-3

3rd Lesson: God Turns Power Upside Down Isaiah 9: 2b, 6-7
Audrey Dunnachie

HYMN: The People That in Darkness Walked
The people that in darkness walked
have seen a glorious light;
the light has shined on them who dwelt
in death’s surrounding night.

To us a child of hope is born,
to us a Son is given;
him shall the tribes of earth obey,
him all the hosts of heaven.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
for evermore adored,
the Wonderful, the Counsellor,
the great and mighty Lord. © Oxford University Press (TIS)

4th Lesson: Others Prepare the Way Luke 1: 11-17 John Shanks

5th Lesson: A Surprising Discovery Luke 1: 26-38 Bev Hudson

6th Lesson: The Birth of Jesus Luke 2: 1-7 Peggy Cree

CAROL: Mary’s Boy Child (remain seated)
Long time ago in Bethlehem so the Holy Bible say,
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,
was born on Christmas day.
Hark, now hear the angels sing,
a new King born today.
And we will live for ever-more,
because of Christmas Day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen to what they say.
That we will live for ever-more
because of Christmas Day

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
them see a bright new shining star,
them hear a choir sing, the music seemed to come from afar.
Now Joseph and his wife, Mary,
come to Bethlehem that night,
them find no place to birth her child,
not a single room was in sight. Refrain

By and by they find a little nook,
in a stable all forlorn.
And in a manger cold and dark,
Mary’s little Boy was born.
Long time ago in Bethlehem so the Holy Bible say,
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,
was born on Christmas day.
Refrain- repeat the final line © Bourne Music Ltd, London

7th Lesson: Giving Thanks Matthew 2: 1-2, 9-11 Peggy Cree

POEM: Gifts to Bring

HYMN: All Poor Ones and Humble
All poor ones and humble
and all those who stumble,
come hastening, and feel not afraid;
for Jesus, our treasure,
with love past all measure,
in lowly poor manger was laid.

Those wise men who found him
laid rich gifts around him,
yet oxen they gave him their hay,
and Jesus in beauty accepted their duty;
contented in manger he lay.
Then haste we to show him
the praises we owe him;
our service he ne’er can despise:
whose love still is able to show us that stable,
where softly in manger he lies. © Oxford University Press (VU)

THE OFFERING:
God whose love has no limits, accept these gifts of our
imaginations and our love for you; and may they be part of
the pouring out of your love for the world. Amen.

8th Lesson: Recognising Our Saviour Wayne Barton

REFLECTION: Who is Christmas For?

9th Lesson: Matthew 1: 22-23 Spreading The Word Chris Elliot

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

TODAY: 2.30 – 4.30pm Open House at the Manse (9a Buxton Tce). Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat .All welcome.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! This is continuing throughout January.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS will resume on Thursday 19th January 2012 from 10am – 12 noon. Newcomers welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 16th February 2012. Please book through the Parish Office.

THE CONTACT DETAILS for Bruce & Beverley Hudson have changed. Their new address is 2-174 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 7786. Email hudsonba@actrix.co.nz. Please update your phone lists.

The Parish Office will be closed from 11am on Friday 23rd December until 9am on Wednesday 25th January 2012. Anna.

UPCOMING SERVICES
Tuesday 20th Dec 7.30pm A Blue Christmas Service
Saturday 24th Dec 7.30pm Christmas Eve Service
Sunday 25th Dec 9.00am Christmas Day Family Service

HOLIDAY PROGRAMME:
Mondays 9, 16 & 23 Jan Craft Morning 9.30am – 12 noon
Cost: $1.
Wednesdays 11, 18 & 25 Jan Ball games at Waltham Park 1.30pm
Free. BYO water bottle. If wet, meet at church hall.
Fridays 13, 20 & 27 Jan Games in church hall 3.00 – 5.00pm
Contact Lyndsey 388 1264 for further information. All Welcome.

BIRTHDAYS in the next fortnight: Sun 18th Anne; Tue 20th Sarah Jayne; Thu 22nd Lyall; Fri 23rd Graeme; Sun 25th Isobel; Mon 26th Noeline; Sat 31st Jack.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

SONG: Come and Join the Celebration
Come and join the celebration, it’s a very special day;
come and share our jubilation,
there’s a new King born today!
See the shepherds
hurry down to Bethlehem,
gaze in wonder
at the Son of God who lay before them. Come and join…

`God is with us’,
round the world the message sing;
he is with us,
`Welcome!’ all the bells on earth are pealing. Come and join …

Wise men journey,
led to worship by a star,
kneel in homage,
bringing precious gifts from lands afar, So, Come and join …
© High-Fye Music Ltd (CH4)
OPENING PRAYER

ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING
Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for the hope,
peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love.
It reminds us to look for where God’s way of love is present in our world today. Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy.
We wait – not because we do not know the story of Jesus, and not because God is not already and always here.
We wait because to wait is to expect something more.
To wait is to expect that the story might enter our hearts and
our world in new ways, to bring the change for which we long.

(A candle-lighter lights three purple Advent candles.).

PRESENTATION BY THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

CAROL: Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road.
Got to keep on plodding onwards, with your precious load.
Been a long time, little donkey, thro’ the winter’s night.
Don’t give up now, little donkey, Bethlehem’s in sight.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way.

Little donkey, little donkey, journey’s end is near.
There are wise men, waiting for a sign to bring them hear.
Do not falter, little donkey, there’s a star a head.
It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way. © Eric Boswell

CAROL: 242 Away in a Manger

CAROL: Songbook 67 We Three Kings of Orient are

CAROL: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,
Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!”

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!” C/A

PRESENTATIONS

THE OFFERING & PRAYER

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS

CAROL: See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw
See him lying on a bed of straw
Draughty stable with an open door
Mary cradling the babe she bore
The Prince of glory is his name.
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
To see the Lord appear to men
Just as poor as was the stable then
The prince of glory when he came.

Star of silver sweeps across the skies
Show where Jesus in the manger lies
Shepherds swiftly from your stupor rise
To see the Saviour of the world. Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

Mine are riches from thy poverty
From thine innocence, eternity
Mine, forgiveness by thy death for me
Child of sorrow, for my joy.
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

Angels, sing again the song you sang
Bring God’s glory to the heart of man
Sing, “Bethlehem’s little baby can
Be salvation to the soul.”
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Today is your final opportunity to place gifts under the Tree. Thank you for your support.

Carol Service readers: please sign the list in the foyer and take a copy of the reading. A balance of men and women would be appreciated!

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 14th Dec: Meet 10am at The Colombo. See noticeboard for details. End of Year brunch at Oderings 11.30am. June 332 8874.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome.
FOOTCARE CLINIC on Thursday 15th December is fully booked.

Thank you to those who filled out the recent Church Life Survey. Results will be available in the New Year.

New Readers’ Roster is available – please collect your copy today.

Sunday 18th December 2.30 – 4.30pm Open House at the Manse. Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

UPCOMING SERVICES
Tuesday 20th Dec 7.30pm A Blue Christmas Service
Saturday 24th Dec 7.30pm Christmas Eve Service
Sunday 25th Dec 9.00am Christmas Day Family Service