This morning we especially welcome Christine and Andrew Cox,
Clare and Paul Dolheguy, Brenda Lorimer and Lecia McCallum,
members of the Richmond Handbell Choir.

GATHERING: From the rear of the church
In the wild beauty of the wilderness, in the rush hour wildness of the city streets; in the fierce coldness of wind-swept mornings
in the heavy heat of summer afternoons:
We are called to be people of promise.
When our way seems clear and the steps even, when our path
is winding and each step an effort; when all crowd around
to hear your Word, when no one notices that you walk among us:
We are called to be people of promise.

Gracious God, help us to prepare the way
for Jesus’ Good News to be found in us.
Make us an Advent people of hope and anticipation,
of peace and forgiveness,
answering the challenge of the Spirit. Amen

ADVENT CAROL: Look Toward Christmas
Look toward Christmas!
Advent is here:
welcome December,
changing the year.
Whistle up, shepherds!
Saddle up, kings!
Chorus up, angels,
flexing your wings.
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing out the story,
sing about hope and peace.

Set the world singing, Mary and Joseph,
make the world glad; soon is the day:
now is good reason ready the donkey,
not to feel sad! start on your way.
Hear John the Baptist You are the chosen,
shout to prepare: willing to trust,
Good News is coming, joyful your burden,
earth be aware. carrying Christ.
Sing, sing alleluia … Sing, sing alleluia …
? Shirley Murray (CoC)

WELCOME AND NOTICES

ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING

SUNG RESPONSE: A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
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. © Sandra Dean (VU)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

INTRODUCTION BY THE RICHMOND HANDBELL CHOIR.

ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS

BELLS, OUR ADVENT THEME

CAROL: O Christmas Bells, O Christmas Bells (Tune: Tannenbaum)
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing. (repeat first 2 lines)
They tell us of God’s gift for all
a baby in a manger stall;
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing.

O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts. (repeat first 2 lines)
It calls us forth to show God’s love
that came to earth from heaven above.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts.

O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring our through this land of ours. (repeat first 2 lines)
We’ll follow Jesus in God’s way
and share his gifts of grace each day.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring out through this land of ours.

READINGS: Isaiah 11:1-4, 6, 9 God’s Chosen One Catherine Fitchett
Luke 1: 68-79 The Song of Zechariah Marilyn Tait
(father of John the Baptist)
REFLECTION

THE OFFERING

CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to 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.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on earth, good will to all.”

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

CAROL: 224 Joy to the World

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.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th November ~ Sydenham rejuvenation: Meet 9.30am cnr Elgin & Colombo Streets. Coffee at Just Desserts. June 332 8874.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. All are welcome. For details, please contact Beverley 942 7821.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 15th December – please book through the Parish Office 332 6192.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Gifts for men, women, teenagers, boys and girls are required and can be brought to Church and placed under the Tree today, and next Sunday. Thank you for your support.

READERS are required for the Carol Service & Blue Christmas Service. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are available.
Extra copies of the December & January Services brochure are available in the foyer for you to give away to friends and neighbours.

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LISTS are now available. Please contact the Office if you would like a copy.

BIRTHDAYS this week: Tue 6th Catherine; Wed 7th Florence; Thu 8th Eleanor.

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: A letter from a saint. (based on 1 Corinthians 1:3–9)
My sisters and brothers in Christ… to unfold in your lives.
Voice 1: We wait?
Voice 2: Yes, we wait.
Voice 1: What are we waiting for?
All: We wait for a world filled with God’s love.
Voice 2: We are longing.
Voice 1: Longing?
Voice 2: Yes, longing.
All: Hoping with trust in God that Love will reign in the world…

HYMN: 200 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
WELCOME & NOTICES

ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING:
Leader: Advent is a season of waiting… the candle of hope.
Voice 2: We wait… to bring the change for which we long.

First Advent Candle lit

Voice 1: As we light the candle of hope… born, anew, in us.

SUNG RESPONSE: A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
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. © Sandra Dean (VU)

CONFESSION AND WORDS OF ASSURANCE

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE

HYMN: 669 I Am the Light of the World

READINGS: Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 Joan
Isaiah 64:1–9¬ John
The story of Isaiah 64:1–9¬ invites the listener to imagine a potter holding, moulding, and shaping clay.

REFLECTION: High Hopes

A TIME OF QUIET

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
During the prayer candles will be lit. After each candle is lit,
you are invited to join in the response:
We wait, watching for a way we can shine the light
of your hope in the world.

OFFERING:
In this season of waiting and lighting candles, loving God,
we offer these gifts of money, of creation, of wondering,
and we offer ourselves as bearers of the light of your hope
in the world. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: 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.

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR ADVENT
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 God thanks and praise.
We praise you, Eternal God… your people down through the ages; saying: Holy, holy, holy 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. [pause]
Holy are you; blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ
who, long ago came in the humble birth of a child,
a child of your amazing love, a child of Mary’s ‘yes’ to you,
a child of Joseph’s acceptance.
The child of our salvation…

COMMUNION & PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: 109 Tell Out My Soul

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. There will also be a Christmas Cake stall run by the Fireside Group.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th November ~ Richmond: Meet 9.30am in London St just off Stanmore Rd. Coffee at Ma & Pa’s. June 332 8874.

NEWSLETTER: It’s been some time coming, but the Christmas Newsletter will be distributed by your Elders after the service on Dec 4. If your Elder isn’t at Church that day, please ask Lyn or Madg. Remaining newsletters will be delivered.

ROSTERS FOR 2012: We are still looking for more names to add to our rosters for 2012. This is for serving morning tea after worship, church cleaning and flowers. If you can help, please contact Joan 338 8700 or Allison 332 0554.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. All are welcome. For details, please contact Beverley 942 7821.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 15th December – please book through the Parish Office 332 6192.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Once again, we will be collecting gifts for the Cottage. Gifts for men, women, teenagers, boys and girls are required and can be brought to Church and placed under the Tree today, and the 4th & 11th of December. Thank you for your support.

Marmalade for Missions: please support this fundraiser.

Extra copies of the December & January Services brochure are available in the foyer for you to give away to friends and neighbours.

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LISTS are now available. Please contact the Office if you would like a copy.

BIRTHDAYS this week: Sun 27th Tony; Mon 28th Martin; Wed 30th Judith.

CALL TO WORSHIP – from the back of the church
Our worship on this Sunday following All Saint’s Day gives us opportunity to celebrate and remember those in our community who have gone before us.
Their presence in our community has contributed and shaped
our work, and life, character, and story.
We remember those whose faithful lives proclaimed  the gospel
of Jesus Christ in words loud and soft, in actions great and small.
We gather before  God, and remember the saints who have told the stories of God’s people, who  witnessed to their faith
in times past.

HYMN:  Ours is a Singing Faith   (Tune:  WOV 163 Diademata)
Ours is a singing faith!
Now here the hymns we raise.
Resounding, strong, the years a long
and echoing our praise.
Ours is a singing faith!
In confidence we sing:
Creation’s throne is God’s alone,
so joyous voices ring.

Ours is a singing faith!
Through all the ebb and flow
of youth and age, on history’s page
we see saints come and go.
Ours is a singing faith!
The melody rolls on,
sustained by those whose voices rose
in praise in times long gone.

Ours is a singing faith!
All thanks to God be sung
by people here both far and near
in every land and tongue.
Ours is a singing faith!
Let psalms and anthems rise
from sun and moon and stars in tune
till music fills the skies!              ©Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

OPENING PRAYERS  and  THE LORD’S PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: He’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,?He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,?He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands.??He’s got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,?He’s got the oceans and the seas in His hands,?He’s got you and he’s got me in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands.??He’s got everybody here in His hands,?He’s got everybody there in His hands,?He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,?He’s got the whole world in His hands.               (author unknown)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS:  Revelation 7: 9-17            Bob  Cathro
From  Matthew 5  (The Message)    Joan Scott

SERMON:  Wounded Healers

A TIME OF QUIET

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH  – together
We believe in God who created and who goes on creating in us.
We believe that God so loved the world that he came to us
in Jesus Christ, living  life with us, preaching, teaching and healing.
We believe that God remains with us through the Spirit,
to be our strength and guide.
We believe that God has called his people  through the ages to be peacemakers,  to hunger and thirst for what is right, and to show mercy to others.
Along with the people of God around the world, and in company with the other churches in this city, we name ourselves
as those called to do the task in this time and this place.
We too have heard the call of Christ to follow in the way of the cross.
In faith we lay down our fear, our weakness and our lack of worth,
and announce  again,  with those who have gone before us,
the Good News of God’s love for us in  Jesus Christ.  AMEN.

OFFERING
God of us all, you love us and give us so much.
We pray that our daily giving and receiving, may be like this offertory, not tired habit or empty duty alone, but prompted and steered
by celebration of your love shown in Jesus. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE  PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION  & THE PEACE

COMMUNION HYMN:  656  Take our Bread

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God be with you.  And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.  We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to God.  It is good to give God thanks and praise.
It is always good … have joined together to praise you saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of  power and might;
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…

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God you feed us that we might go out from here to be
your people in the world.  Strengthen and empower us.
Bless us and send us into the world you love; the world that needs your love and your healing, transforming power.
May we be bearers of  your love;  awed but not overwhelmed by the task you call us to,  in the name of Christ.  Amen.

HYMN:  We Shall Go Out With Hope           (Tune: Londonderry Air)
We shall go out with hope of resurrection;
we shall go out, from strength to strength go on,
we shall go out and tell our stories boldly;
tales of a love that will not let us go.
We’ll sing our songs of wrongs that can be righted;
we’ll dream our dreams of hurts that can be healed;
we’ll weave a cloth of all the world united
within the vision of a Christ who sets us free.

We’ll give a voice to those who have not spoken,
we’ll find the words for those whose lips are sealed;
we’ll make the tunes for those who sing no longer,
expressing love alive in every heart.
We’ll share God’s  care  with those who still are weeping,
raise  hymns of strength for hearts that break in grief,
we’ll leap and dance the resurrection story,
including all within the circles of our love.
© June Boyce-Tillman (VU)

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.

Thank you to those who helped with last weekend’s Garage Sale. We raised $400, which is a good result.

Marmalade for Missions: please support this fundraiser.

NOTICES
The Christchurch APW will meet at St Martins on Wednesday 9th November at 9.45am. This will be our final meeting of the year and we will be entertained by the junior pupils of Hillview Christian School. Please remember to bring your grocery items for the hampers for Pillars. There will be a Sales Table. Look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Allison 332 0554.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 9th November – Ilam Gardens: Meet 9.45am at the bus stop In Ilam Rd opposite carpark by Ngaio Marsh building. This will allow Orbiter travellers to catch 9.12 bus from St Martins and en route. Fern 332 4725.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. Please help!! We require a person to help us out on the days Audrey has Foot Clinic in the afternoon (once every six weeks). Please contact Beverley 942 7821 or text 027 787 5868. ?

ROSTERS FOR 2012
We are looking for more names to add to our rosters for 2012. This is for:
*Serving morning tea after worship
*Church cleaning
*Flowers
If you can help with any/all of these we would be very grateful. The more people we have sharing in this makes it lighter for everyone.
Please contact Joan 338 8700 or Allison 332 0554.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!

FOOTCARE CLINIC: the next session on Thursday 17th November is fully booked.

There are copies of Chris’ study leave report on the table in the foyer. Please sign the notebook if you borrow a copy.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

Session Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Like life itself, faith is a journey,
a pilgrimage whose purpose is a constant walk with God.
God calls us to respond to his call,
with the conviction that God will be beside us.
When we feel the fear and do it anyway:
whole new horizons open up, faith is honoured and shared.

HYMN: 115 Let us Sing to the God of Salvation

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Wayne

SONG: The Church is Wherever (Tune: Streets of Laredo)
©WL Jenkins (CH4)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: 1 Kings 19: 9-18 Tony
Matthew 14: 22-33 Allison

SERMON: Between Trust and Fear

RESPONSIVE LITANY: (Cesareo Gabarain)
Right: God, you have come to the seashore,
neither searching for the rich nor the wise,
desiring only that I should follow.

Left: God, see my goods, my possession;
in my boat you find no power, no wealth.
Will you accept, then, my nets and labour?

Together: O Lord, with your eyes set upon me,
gently smiling, you have spoken my name.
All I longed for I have found by the water,
at your side I will seek other shores.

Right: God, take my hands, and direct them.
Help me spend myself in seeking the lost,
returning love for the love you gave me.

Left: God, as I drift on the waters,
be the resting-place of my restless heart,
my life’s companion, my friend and refuge.

Together: O Lord, with your eyes set upon me,
gently smiling, you have spoken my name.
All I longed for I have found by the water,
at your side I will seek other shores.

HYMN: Songbook 28 Will You Come and Follow Me

THE OFFERING:
God, you say to us the timeless word, Come.
Lead us along the path we are to follow.
May it take us to the side of the grieving, lonely, and hurting.
May it encourage us to rejoice with those who celebrate.
May all we offer this morning enable us to serve you faithfully,
in the name of Jesus. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: 672 Where the Road Runs Out
©Colin Gibson

THE BLESSING

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

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Pop in for a bit of company! Details from Aubrey 930 2525 or Audrey 337 3846.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 17th August: meet 9.30am corner of Somerfield & Strickland Sts. We will walk around Somerfield & Thorrington and have coffee at True Brew Café. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays in the Lounge from 10am until 12 noon. Phone Beverley 942 7821 for details.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session this Thursday 1-4pm. There are still a few spaces available – please book through the Parish Office.

Marmalade for Missions ~ there is a small table in the lounge with marmalade, jams, pickles, etc, even surplus vegetables or fruit or even baking for people to purchase after worship on a Sunday. Please support this fundraiser by providing goods to sell and/or buying items!

ADVANCE NOTICE: The Annual Meeting is to be on 25th September – please note it has been changed from the 11th.