CALL TO WORSHIP

 

HYMN: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise (Tune: St Denio)

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

 

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

 

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on a tree,
and wither and perish: but nought changeth thee.

 

All laud we would render: O help us to see,
’tis only the splendour of light hideth thee;
and so let thy glory, Almighty, impart
through Christ in the story, thy Christ to the heart. Walter C Smith (WOV 80)
OPENING PRAYER

 

CHILDREN’S TALK ~ with Brent

 

HYMN: Ten thousand reasons  (Brent  to lead with guitar)

Chorus:          Bless the Lord, O my, O my soul

Worship His holy name.

                        Sing like never before, O my soul

 I’ll worship your holy name.

 

The sun comes up it’s a new day dawning

It’s time to sing your song again,

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

 

You’re rich in love and you’re slow to anger,

Your name is great and your heart is kind,

For all your goodness I will keep on singing,

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

 

And on that day when my strength is failing,

The end draws near and my time has come,

Still my soul will sing your praise unending,

Ten thousand years and then forever more.                  ©Matt Redman
READINGS:

Psalm 22: 1-15                        Sonya Hodder

Mark 10: 17-31                       David Hodder

 

SERMON

 

HYMN: Take My Life and Let It Be (Tune: Nottingham)

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Frances R Havergal (WOV 520)

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE: John Shanks

 

HYMN: Lord of the Dance (WOV 183)

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
and I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun;
and I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth,
at Bethlehem I had my birth:

Dance then, wherever you may be;

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he;
and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he!

I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,
but they would not dance and they wouldn’t follow me.
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John –
they came with me and the dance went on: Chorus…
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame:
the holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,
and they left me there on a cross to die: Chorus…
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;
it’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried my body and they thought I’d gone;
but I am the dance and I still go on: Chorus…

 

They cut me down and I leap up high,
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me:
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He: Chorus…

© Sydney Carter Stainer & Bell 1963

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

 

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK: Tue 13^th Jenny.

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Pastor Brent Richardson for leading our worship today.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 14^th Oct: Meet 9.30am in Cumnor Tce by The Tannery, where we will have coffee. All welcome. Anneke 328 7459.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.  Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices  to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

 

***SUNDAY WORSHIP 25^th OCT is combined with Beckenham at 10am***

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD boxes: please return by 25^th October.

 

ARE YOU CLEANING OUT YOUR WARDROBE THIS SPRING? If so, please put aside the clothes  for a sale scheduled to be held jointly with Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish on Saturday 30^th January 2016. Your support of this fundraising event would be greatly appreciated. Irene 332 7306

 

GIVE AWAY TO A GOOD HOME: “The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking”, 14 volumes. This is an Australian publication and includes both metric and imperial measurements. A great idea for grandchildren going flatting. Contact Sue 960 7657 for more information.

 

VSA QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER: THIS TUESDAY 13^th October 7pm at Robbie’s, 201 Clarence St, Riccarton. $10 per person. Rob & Barb 379 1474.

 

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH FAIR THIS Saturday 17^th October 9am – 1pm, 101 Opawa Rd. Rain or shine. Everyone Welcome.

 

WINNIE BAGOES FUNDRAISER Sunday November 22nd.The money raised will go towards the building fund. We invite everyone to come along for a fun night.  Any special dietary needs can be catered for.  The start time is 5.45 pm at Winnie Bagoes in Ferrymead.  Cost is $25 pp. and  $15 for children under 12 years old. Tickets available from Irene 332 7306 and Anneke 328 7459.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Service this Sunday 4th October is at St James’ Presbyterian Church,  corner of Barrington St & Bewdley St at 10am. All are Welcome. 

NOTICES:

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 7^th Oct: Meet 9.30am near Oderings for a stroll around Spreydon. Suggested parking: in Therese St at Stourbridge St end due to roadworks. Coffee at Oderings Café. All are welcome. Janette & Cyril 332 1240.

 CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3.  All Welcome.

FIX-IT JOBS: Do you need some help with little jobs around your property? We have people who are willing to assist. Phone the Office for details.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.  Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices  to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LIST now available. If you require a printed copy, please contact Anna at the Parish Office 332 6192.

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: If you would like to participate, please collect a box from June Service. These need to be returned by Sunday 25^th October.

ARE YOU CLEANING OUT YOUR WARDROBE THIS SPRING?If so, please put aside the clothes  for a sale scheduled to be held jointly with Opawa-St Martins Anglican Parish on Saturday 30^th January 2016. Your support of this fundraising event would be greatly appreciated. Irene Gray, Session Clerk.

‘TALK WITH TIM’: Come and chat with Tim Scandrett, Spreydon Heathcote City Councillor, at his Community Clinic Wednesday 7^th October, 4.30 – 6.00pm at the Beckenham Service Centre.

GIVE AWAY TO A GOOD HOME: “The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking”, 14 volumes. This is an Australian publication and includes both metric and imperial measurements. A great idea for grandchildren going flatting. Contact Sue 960 7657 for more information.

ORGAN CONCERT by John Dodgshun. TODAY 2.30pm, St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru. $5.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 5 – 11 October. This year’s theme is GIVE: your time, your words, your presence. See www.mhaw.nz for more information.

CHOLMONDELEY CHILDREN’S CENTRE OPEN DAY: Saturday 10^th October 10am-2pm, 6 Cholmondeley Lane, Governors Bay. Come and take a peek at the brand new fit-for-purpose facility designed to cater to the needs of today’s children. All Welcome.

2015 QUAKER LECTURE Saturday 10^th October 7.30pm at the Transitional Cathedral. Bryan Bruce, internationally acclaimed documentary maker, will speak on issues of poverty, inequality and ethical decision making in this year’s lecture entitled   “What we know, what we say and what we do”. Contact Peg Norris 337 1424 for more information. All are welcome.

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE invite you to hear Rod Oram speak about “How small change can make big change”. Tuesday 13^th October 6.30pm at the Transitional Cathedral. RSVP: cws@cws.org.nz by 9/10.

VSA QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER: TUESDAY 13^th October 7pm at Robbie’s, 201 Clarence St,  Riccarton.  It would be great to enter a parish team (needs 6 people). $10 per person. Rob & Barb 379 1474.

PRESBYTERY RESOURCING NIGHT Tuesday 13^th October 7.30 – 9.15pm. All are welcome. Venue to be advised. Please RSVP to Darryl Tempero 03 420 1400 or email presbytery.resource@gmail.com

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH FAIR Saturday 17^th October 9am – 1pm onsite at 101 Opawa Rd. Rain or shine. Everyone Welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 5^th David H & David B

Celebrating Daylight Saving – Darkness & Light

 

Tena Kotou, Katoa.

Greetings to you in the name of Christ. And also to you.

WELCOME

NOTICES & BIRTHDAYS

 

We begin in darkness ~

 

BIBLE READING: Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning… Lyndsey McKay

 

HYMN: As Earth Turns Toward Light (Tune: Hanover)

As earth turns toward light, as flowers face the sun,

from morning till night we yearn toward the One: designer and Maker of creatures and sod, of calm sea and breaker, our life giving God!

 

You call us to care for justice and peace, for new ways to dare to work and not cease, till there comes a dawning that ends the dark night of apathy’s yawning and sin’s gripping fright.

 

Unite us in prayer on this day of days, and teach us to share in un-numbered ways. Our skills, strengths, and voices no project need shirk, when each heart rejoices in worship and work.

 

O come and rejoice together in prayer. Praise God in one voice,

good news to declare, for Christ is victorious in conquering fear.

The future is glorious! Salvation is here!                     ©Jane Parker Huber

 

PRAYER:

In the stillness of the morning; as night separates from day;

dawn silently comes, bringing forth a world of awe and wonder.

A new day has begun. So we gather before you gracious God.

To give you praise and thanks.

 

In the stillness of the night you are there,

In the busyness of the day you break through

surprising us in so many ways.

Gracious God you have created all things.

You have created humankind and provided for us.

Gracious God we give you thanks and praise. Amen.

 

Darkness and light….

 

NATURAL LIGHT:     Sun moon and stars

Sunrise and sunset

Northern and Southern lights

 

STARS GIVING (an adaptation of the poem from the book Reaching for Rainbows by Ann Weems)

 

Humans were restless to lighten the darkness and thus created – firelight, candles, lanterns, lightbulbs…

Humans continued in their search for light to lengthen the day…….

 

BEHOLD Daylight Saving…

What do people do with that extra hour?

Let us create a symbol representing how people spend that one hour…

 

AFFIRMATION – JESUS LIGHT OF THE WORLD

The Christ candle is lit.

 

BIBLE READINGS:                                                   Martin Cleland

Isaiah 9:2b & 6 the people have seen a great light…

John 3: 16, 19-21 God so loved the world…

John 8:12 Jesus said ‘I am the light of the world’

 

HYMN: I am the Light of the World

‘I am the light of the world. You people come and follow me!’

If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery

of what you were meant to do and be

 

.

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home,

the work of Christmas is begun:

 

to find the lonely and the lost, to heal the broken souls with love,

to feed the hungry children with warmth and good food,

to feel the earth below the sky above;

 

to free the prisoners from their chains, to make the powerful care,

to re-build the nations with strength of goodwill,

to be at one with people everywhere.

 

To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth,

to make music in an old person’s heart,

and sing to the colours of the earth.                         ©Jim Strathdee (WOV669)

 

Let your light shine…

 

Darkness and Light (an adaptation from the book The Other Side of Silence by Morton Kelsey)

 

BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:14-16 Let your light shine

Gwendoline Cleland

 

HYMN: This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine x3

Let it shine, let it shine. Let it shine.

 

This light that shines is the light of love,

lights the darkness from above

It shines on me and it shines on you,

and shows what the power of love can do.

I’m gonna shine my light both far and near,

I’m gonna to shine my light both bright and clear.

Where there’s a dark corner in this land

I’m gonna to let my little light shine…                                 ©Galliard Ltd 1967

 

 

OFFERING (together): Light of all light, we come to offer the gift of money and produce to be used in your service. May our light shine where there is darkness within the world. May it be that we follow in the steps of Jesus, light of the world. Amen.

 

TIME TO GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

PRAYERS FOR OTHER PEOPLE                          Joan Scott

THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

HYMN: Lord Your Almighty Word (Tune: Moscow)

Lord, your almighty word chaos and darkness heard,

and took their flight: hear us, we humbly pray,

and where the gospel day sheds not its glorious ray, let there be light.

 

Saviour, who came to give those who in darkness live

healing and sight, health to the sick in mind, sight to the inly blind,

O now to humankind let there be light.

 

Spirit of truth and love, life-giving holy dove, speed forth your flight; move on the waters’ face, bearing the lamp of grace,

and in earth’s darkest place let there be light.

 

Holy and blessed Three, glorious Trinity, Wisdom, Love, Might, boundless as ocean’s tide rolling in fullest pride,

through the earth far and wide, let there be light.          John Marriott (WOV61)

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

 

Many thanks to Rev Lyndsey McKay for leading our worship today.

 

PLEASE NOTE: NEXT Sunday 4^th October we will be joining St James’ congregation at 10am to celebrate World Communion Sunday.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30^th Sept: Meet 9.30amat Crosbie Park, Woodbury St, Avonhead. Coffee at Café Beauvais 186 Yaldhurst Rd (cnr of Nortons Rd). Everyone is very welcome.  Judith 332 1577.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3.  All Welcome.

 

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.  Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices  to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

 

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LIST now available. If you require a printed copy, please contact Anna at the Parish Office 332 6192.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: If you would like to participate, please collect a box from June Service. These need to be returned by Sunday 25^th October.

 

POSITIVE AGING EXPO TOMORROW 9.30am-2.30pm at Papanui High. Free admission.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 28^th Hannah; Thu 1^st Ken; Fri 2^nd Jeremy; Sat 3^rd Lyn.

 

 

 

PTO…

 

 

OCTOBER EVENTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:

 

“THE POWER OF SONG” The Newcastle People’s Chorus present songs of protest, peace and working life at Knox Church Hall, cnr Bealey Ave & Victoria St on Friday 2^nd October at 7pm.

 

ORGAN CONCERT by John Dodgshun. Sunday 4^th October 2.30pm, St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru. $5.

 

2015 QUAKER LECTURE Saturday 10^th October 7.30pm at the Transitional Cathedral. Bryan Bruce, internationally acclaimed documentary maker, will speak on issues of poverty, inequality and ethical decision making in this year’s lecture entitled   “What we know, what we say and what we do”. Contact Peg Norris 337 1424 for more information. All are welcome.

 

PRESBYTERY RESOURCING NIGHT Tuesday 13^th October 7.30 – 9.15pm. All are welcome. Venue to be advised. Please RSVP to Darryl Tempero 03 420 1400 or email presbytery.resource@gmail.com

 

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE invite you to hear Rod Oram speak about “How small change can make big change”. Tuesday 13^th October 6.30pm at the Transitional Cathedral. RSVP: cws@cws.org.nz by 9/10.

 

VSA QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER: 14^th October 7pm at Robbie’s, 201 Clarence St,  Riccarton.  Phone Rob & Barb 379 1474 after they return on 30 Sept if you are keen.

 

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH FAIR Saturday 17^th October 9am – 1pm onsite at 101 Opawa Rd. Rain or shine. Everyone Welcome.

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

Call to Worship:

In Christ, the God of heaven has made his home on earth.

Christ dwells among us and is one with us.

Highest of all creation, he lives among the least.

He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.

Come now, all who thirst, and drink the water of life.

Come now, all who hunger, and be filled with good things.

Come now, all who seek, and be warmed by the fire of love.

 

HYMN: Song of the Wilderness (Tune: Glenross)

When we go into the night, leave behind each friendly light,

when the shadows of the world have gathered round,

may we know there is no place separated from your grace;

for the wilderness can be your holy ground.

 

You have walked the desert sand, crossed the dry and thirsty land; cloud of fire, to bless and guard, ahead you go.

When we’re weak, for us be strong, when we’re silent, sing our song, lead us, God, through every wilderness we know.

 

Forty days you watched alone in a world of rock and stone,

while the voices of temptation filled the air.

Be the friend we cannot find, be the guardian of our mind, by our side, O desert Christ, stand ever there.

 

On your name, O Lord, we call, mighty saviour of us all,

give us courage to confront our every fear.

Christ who walked the desert ways, be companion to our days;

hold us close within the compass of your care. ©Colin Gibson, Hope Publishing

 

OPENING PRAYER:

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION:

Merciful God,

you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you.

We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy.

We have not loved you with a pure heart,

nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves.

We have not done justice, loved kindness,

or walked humbly with you, our God.

 

Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness.

In your great compassion,

cleanse us from our sin.

Create in us a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within us.

Do not cast us from your presence,

or take your Holy Spirit from us.

Restore to us the joy of your salvation

and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. —based on Psalm 51:10-12

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN: Wayne Barton

 

HYMN: From the Waiting Comes the Sign (Tune: Signum)

From the waiting comes the sign come, Holy Spirit, come

from the Presence comes the peace come, Holy Spirit, come,

from the silence comes the song, come Holy Spirit, come,

and be to us, in truth, the sign, the peace, the song.

 

In the burning is the fire come, Holy Spirit, come

in the spending is the gift come, Holy Spirit, come

in the breaking is the life come, Holy Spirit, come

and be to us, in faith, the fire, the gift, the life.  ©Shirley Murray, Hope Publishing

 

READINGS:   Exodus 16: 9-35                      Catherine Fitchett

John 6:25-40                           Peggy Cree

 

SERMON:  Andrew Nicol

 

 

HYMN: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (Tune: Cwm Rhondda)

Guide me O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand:

bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.

 

Open now the crystal fountain whence the living waters flow;

let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through:

strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield.

 

When I tread the verge of Jordan bid my anxious fears subside;

death of death, and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side: songs and praises, I will ever give to thee.                         W Williams (WOV478)

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE: Irene Gray

 

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

THE OFFERING (Together):

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us.

In the upside down world of the gospel,

we measure our wealth not by what we have,

but what we can give away.

Let us give away generously, in this offering,

To bless your church, your people, your creation.

 

HYMN: Fill Your Hearts with Joy and Gladness (Tune: Regent Square)

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,

sing and praise your God and mine!

Great the Lord in love and wisdom, might and majesty divine!

He who framed the starry heavens

knows and names them as they shine.

 

Praise the Lord for times and season,

cloud and sunshine, wind and rain;

spring to melt the snows of winter till the waters flow again;

grass upon the mountain pastures,

golden valleys thick with grain.

 

 

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,

peace and plenty crown your days;

love his laws, declare his judgements, walk in all his words and ways;

he the Lord and we his children –

praise the Lord, all people, praise!                         © Timothy Dudley-Smith (HFTC)

 

BLESSING

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea and the Annual Meeting following the service.

Many thanks to our Interim Moderator, Rev Dr Andrew Nicol for leading our worship.

 

Our service next Sunday will be celebrating Daylight Saving (darkness and light). What do people do with their extra hour? (Remember to alter your clocks!)

 

FIRESIDE meets this Tuesday 7.30pm at Glennys’ 111 Garlands Rd. All women are very welcome.  You are invited to share a highlight from your latest holiday.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 23^rd Sept: Meet 9.30am at Crosbie Park, Woodbury St, Avonhead. Coffee at Café Beauvais 186 Yaldhurst Rd (cnr of Nortons Rd). Everyone is very welcome.  Judith 332 1577.

 

PLEASE NOTE: On Sunday 4^th October we will be joining St James’ congregation at 10am to celebrate World Communion Sunday.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3.  All Welcome.

 

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.  Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices  to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

OPERATION SHOEBOX: If you would like to participate, please collect a box from June Service. These need to be returned by Sunday 25^th October.

 

POSITIVE AGING EXPO Monday 28^th Sept 9.30am-2.30pm at Papanui High. Free.

 

VSA QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER: 14^th October 7pm at Robbie’s, 201 Clarence St,  Riccarton.  Phone Rob & Barb 379 1474 after they return on 30 Sept if you are keen.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 22^nd Hilary; Wed 23^rd Daniel.

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

Call to Worship

God gave us creation to enjoy, with rolling landscapes of delight, with wonders of earth and sea and the endless discoveries of beauty.

God made us in infinite diversity, with all the vivid colours of our differences, the marvel of our gifts and skills to be explored and celebrated.

Let us come in praise in thanksgiving.

 

HYMN: For the Music of Creation (Tune: Austria)

For the music of creation, for the song your Spirit sings,

for the sound’s divine expression, burst of joy in living things.

God, our God, the world’s composer, hear us, echoes of your voice. Music is your art, your glory, let the human heart rejoice.

 

Psalms and symphonies exalt you, drum and trumpet, string and reed, simple melodies acclaim you, tunes that rise from deepest need, hymns of longing and belonging, carols from a cheerful throat,

lilt of lullaby and love song catching heaven in a note.

 

All the voices of the ages, in transcendent chorus meet.

Worship lifting up the senses, hands that praise and dancing feet.

Over discord and division, music speaks your joy and peace,

harmony of earth and heaven, song of God that cannot cease.

 

OPENING PRAYER: John Shanks

 

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

 

PIANO RECITAL ~ Ethan Doughty

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ ???

 

HYMN: All Things Bright and Beautiful

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful – the Lord God made them all.

 

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings –

He made their glowing colours, he made their tiny wings.

 

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden – he made them every one.

 

The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,

the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky,

 

He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.

©CF Alexander (WOV70)

 

READINGS:

Ephesians 4: 1-7 & Psalm 29 (Leslie Brandt)             Joan Macdonald

REFLECTION: Audrey Dunnachie

 

A TIME OF QUIET

 

THE OFFERING (together):

You have gifted each one of us, living God. Some with spontaneous friendship, some with ability to plan, some with an observant eye, some with a generous nature, some with warm compassion.

Bless our gifts of personality, the gifts that make us who we are.

Bless these gifts of money and food, that together all these things may advance the way of Jesus, in our church family and in this city. Amen.

 

HYMN: In the bulb there is a flower

In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree;

In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody,

there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future: what it holds a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

 

In our end is our beginning, in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

©Hope Publishing (VU)

 

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE: June Service

 

HYMN: For the Beauty of the Earth (Tune: Lucerna Laudoniae)

For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,

for the love which from our birth over and around us lies,

Christ, our God, to thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

 

For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,

hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light,

 

For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight,

for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight,

 

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,

friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,

 

For each perfect gift of thine to our race so freely given,

graces human and divine, flowers of earth and buds of heaven,

 

 

BLESSING

 

 

 

 

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

 

Many thanks to the Worship committee for leading our worship this morning.

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the Annual General Meeting of parishioners on Sunday 20^th September 2015 following Morning Worship. All are encouraged to attend.  Please send any items for General Business or apologies to me by Thursday.

Irene Gray, Session Clerk.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16^th Sept: Meet 9.30am at South Library for a river walk led by Lorraine. Coffee at Red Café.  All are welcome.  Sonya 339 7038.

 

SESSION meets on Wednesday 16^th September at 7.30pm in the Lounge.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am -12noon in the Lounge. $3.  All Welcome.

 

ST MARTIN’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.  Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Any notices  to Anna by 9am each Thursday please.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY Newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

NEW READERS’ ROSTER available today – check to see if there’s one for you.

 

Please accept this as a personal thank you for all the wonderful Get well cards and messages sent to Tony, Gill and myself following my recent by-pass surgery.  Your messages, your prayers and concern have meant a great deal to us following the unexpected ‘blip’ in my life.

I am making really good progress, a strict regime of walking, resting and gentle household chores seem to fill my day.  Hopefully I will be back at worship in the next few weeks.    Thank you – Allison.

 

OPERATION SHOEBOX: If you would like to participate, please collect a box from June Service. These need to be returned by Sunday 25^th October.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER meets tomorrow 134 William Brittan Ave, Halswell for a shared lunch at 12.30pm. Bruce McKessar will be speaking about his experience white water rafting on the Zambesi. All men welcome.

 

A letter has been received from the Acting Moderator regarding the Presbyterian Church’s response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis – see the noticeboard for details.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 13^th Peter; Wed 16^th Bob; Fri 18^th Gilly, Benjamin.