CALL TO WORSHIP:

This is one world and we are one people.

There is one God and we are all God’s people.

There is one life, and we are called to live it together.

There is one hope and we share it with one another.

With one voice, one joy, one faith, one love we worship God together.

 

HYMN: God of Nations

E Ihoa Atua, o nga Iwi Matoura, ata whaka rongonga;

me aroha noa.

Kia hua ko te pai; kia tau to atawhai;

manaakitia mai Aotearoa.

 

God of nations, at thy feet, in the bonds of love we meet;

hear our voices we entreat, God defend our free land!

Guard Pacific’s triple star from the shafts of strife and war,

make her praises heard afar; God defend New Zealand!

 

Men of every creed and race gather here before thy face,

asking thee to bless this place; God defend our free land!

From dissension, envy, hate and corruption guard our state;

make our country good and great, God defend  New Zealand!

 

Let our love for thee increase, may thy blessings never cease,

give us plenty, give us peace; God defend our free land!

From dishonour and from shame guard our country’s spotless name; crown her with immortal fame, God defend New Zealand!

 

May our mountains ever be freedom’s ramparts on the sea;

make us faithful unto thee, God defend our free land!

Guide her in the nations’ van, preaching love and truth to man,

working out thy glorious plan; God defend New Zealand!          ©T Bracken

 

GREETING:

May the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, with all whom you love, and all whom you pray for here this day.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord be with you also.

 

PRAYER OF INVOCATION AND CONFESSION:

Almighty God, you spoke light into the darkness:

light to dispel the gloom, light to form the day, light to reveal creation’s vivid, colourful palette.

 

You came as light of the world:

Light to shine in the shadows, light to point out the path, light to pierce the hearts of humans, caught in division, disharmony that failed to see uniqueness and unity.

 

You call us to be light in a dark world:

light to lead people home, light to challenge injustice,

light to weave a pattern, that blends and shapes humanity together.

 

The house of God is our home: a place of comfort, familiarity, of easily held opinions, common causes, shared values. Here our faith and kingdom values are affirmed.

 

Here also we see heaven opened. What seems unclean is precious to God. What looks ungodly is counted worthy. Sinners made saints, outsiders pulled in to be warmed at the hearth – the walls of this community pushed out to make room.

Forgive us Lord the narrow-mindedness that excludes; forgive us the tendency to disapprove and judge, and open our hearts and arms to the life you promised. Open our doors to make room for those you would welcome.

 

WORDS OF ASSURANCE:

Though we wander from the path, though we step out of the light,

though we embroider truth, though we deny fullness of life –

Despite all this you come bearing life, light, truth, and new life to us all and by this we are made whole through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

 

NOTICES

 

WE PASS THE PEACE OF CHRIST TO EACH OTHER.

 

HYMN: Honour the Dead, our Country’s Fighting Brave

Honour the dead, our country’s fighting brave, honour our children

left in foreign grave, where poppies blow and sorrow seeds her flowers, honour the crosses marked forever ours.

 

Weep for the places ravaged with our blood, weep for the

young bones buried in the mud, weep for the powers of violence

and greed, weep for the deals done in the name of need.

 

Honour the brave whose conscience was their call, answered no bugle, went against the wall, suffered in prisons of contempt

and shame, branded as cowards, in our country’s name.

 

Weep for the waste of all that might have been, weep for the

cost that war has made obscene, weep for the homes that ache

with human pain, weep that we ever sanction war again.

 

Honour the dream for which our nation bled, held now in trust

to justify the dead, honour their vision on this solemn day:

peace known in freedom, peace the only way.          ©Shirley Murray (NZHBT)

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS:

Revelation 21:1-6: The Revelation to John concludes with a vision of “a new heaven and a new earth” in which the pain and tragedies of earth are healed by the one who is the “Alpha and Omega.”         John Shanks

 

John 13:31-35: Christ gives his followers a commandment: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”                                           Margaret Shanks

 

PRAYER BEFORE SERMON

 

SERMON: Heavenly Vision!

 

HYMN: God of the Ages, by Whose Hand (Tune: Hereford)

God of the ages, by whose hand through years long past

our lives were led, give us new courage now to stand,

new faith to find the paths ahead.

 

You are the thought beyond all thought,

the gift beyond our utmost prayer; no farthest reach where you are not, no height but we may find you there.

 

Lift up our hearts, and set us free from wild alarms and trembling fears; in your strong hand eternally rests the unfolding of the years.

 

Though there be dark unchartered space, with worlds on worlds beyond our sight, still may we trust your love and grace,

and wait your word, ‘Let there be light’.                      ©EH Burrowes (WOV662)

 

OUR FREEWILL OFFERING

to support the mission and Church of Jesus Christ will be received.

As God gives to us, so let us give to God and to all those who wait for the love of God in so many ways.

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Risen Lord Jesus, what can we bring,
but what we have already received from you;

love, life and the substance of our world and work?
Grant us, by your companion Spirit, the love to use our lives and our gifts to the glory of your name., Our Father…(sung WOV 676)

 

OUR PRAYERS FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS

 

 

 

 

HYMN: How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art,

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

 

When through the woods and bushclad hills I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the creek and feel the gentle breeze:

 

And when I think that God, his son not sparing,

Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin;

 

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,

Then I shall bow in humble adoration,

And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art.                  C/A

 

BENEDICTION         

 

THREEFOLD AMEN

 

Please leave promptly, to allow the Methodist congregation to prepare for worship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 David Coster for leading our worship today.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: TOMORROW 10am at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd. All are welcome.

 

WORKING BEE 43 St Martins Rd, Saturday 7^th May 9.30am – 12noon (weather permitting). Please bring your gardening tools to help tidy up the church grounds.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 27^th April: Meet 9.30am on the steps of New Brighton Library, Marine Parade. Coffee at Salt on the Pier café. All welcome. Sue 960 7657.

 

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

 

POTLUCK LUNCH for St James’, Hoon Hay, Cashmere & St Martin’s on Sunday 22^nd May 12 noon at Cashmere Presbyterian. An opportunity for everyone to mix and mingle and enjoy fellowship. Irene.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. 7 Wilsons Rd South (at the rear of the section).

Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz.

Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

COURT THEATRE “Educating Rita” Thursday 16^th June 6.30pm. $45. Sign the clipboard if you would like to go. Payment in NAMED envelope to Sue by 8^th May please. We still need a few more people to come – invite your friends, family, neighbours.

 

FOR SALE: Homemade jams, sauces, pickles. Please support this fundraising venture for St Martin’s – much better than buying from  the supermarket!

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 26^th Rob; Thu 28^th Joan.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP: on screen

 

HYMN: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Tune: Lobe den Herren)

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;

O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation;

all you who hear, brothers and sisters draw near,

praise him in glad adoration.

 

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

shelters you under his wings and so gently sustains life:

have you not seen how your heart’s longings have been

granted in what he’s unfolding?

 

Praise to the Lord, who has prospered your work and defends you;

surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend you:

ponder anew what the Almighty can do

when with his love he befriends you.                          ©J Neander (WOV28)

 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

 

OFFERINGS

 

SOMETHING FOR THE YOUNGER AT HEART

 

HYMN FOR THE YOUNGER AT HEART: One More Step

     (Tune: Southcote)

One more step along the world I go,

one more step along the world I go;

from the old things to the new keep me travelling along with you.

And it’s from the old I travel to the new;

keep me travelling along with you.

 

Round the corners of the world I turn,

more and more about the world I learn;

all the new things that I see you’ll be looking at along with me:

 

As I travel through the bad and good,

keep me travelling the way I should;

where I see no way to go you’ll be telling me the way, I know:

 

Give me courage when the world is rough,

keep me loving though the world is tough;

leap and sing in all I do, keep me travelling along with you:

 

You are older than the world can be,

you are younger than the life in me;

ever old and ever new, keeping me travelling along with you:

©Sydney B Carter (CH4 530)

 

MISSION FOCUS: Barbara Meier ~  Your Sisters’ Orphanage

 

HYMN: I the Lord of Sea and Sky              ©Daniel L. Schutte (OCP, CH4 251)

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

 

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them. They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my Word to them. Whom shall I send? Here I am…

 

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Here I am…

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

 

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER  ~ Tune: Auld Lang Syne

 

READINGS:   Psalm 23                    Tony Beasley

John 10:22-30             Elizabeth Penwell

MESSAGE

 

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me (Tune: Kelvingrove)

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,

will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

 

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

 

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?

Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,

and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

 

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.

In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

©John Bell & Graham Maule (WGRG)

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

Please leave promptly, to allow the Methodist congregation to prepare for worship.

 

 

 

 

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 Alan Webster for leading our worship.

 

WORKING BEE 43 St Martins Rd, Saturday 7^th May 9.30-12noon (weather permitting). Please bring your gardening tools to help tidy up the church grounds.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 20^th April: Meet 9.30am at 101 Rannoch Drive for a ramble around Broomfield and Delamain. Suggest car pool. Directions: From Motorway turn right onto Curletts Rd, go through to Yaldhurst Rd, left at Masham Rd, second right onto Kintyre Drive, through roundabout to Rannoch Drive. We are on corner with Glen Kieran Close.  Rosalie 021 2395005.

 

CWS thanks St Martin’s Parish for donating $1153 to the 2015 Christmas Appeal.

 

NO CRAFTY CRAFTERS this Thursday.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: 25^th April 10am at St Anne’s Church. All welcome.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

WANTED: storage for some cartons containing items for our next church sale. Please see Rosalie Sterritt 981 1819 if you can help.

 

MEN’S GROUP will commence for the year on THURSDAY 2^ND JUNE – 6 pm at Merchiston, St Martins Rd. All men are welcome. Please note the change of start date. If you have ideas for a speaker please contact Tony – 332 0554.

 

COURT THEATRE “Educating Rita” Thursday 16^th June 6.30pm. $45. Sign the clipboard if you would like to go. Payment to Sue by 8^th May please.

 

FOR SALE: Homemade jams, sauces, pickles. Please support this fundraising venture for St Martin’s – much better than buying from  the supermarket!

WELCOME AND NOTICES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

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

 

HYMN: Come You Thankful People Come (Tune: St George’s Windsor)

Come, you thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest-home:

all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, will provide for our needs to be supplied:

come to God’s own temple, come; raise the song of harvest-home.

 

All this world is God’s own field, bearing fruit his praise to yield;

wheat and tares together sown, are to joy or sorrow grown;

first the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear:

Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

 

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take his harvest home; from his field shall in that day all offences purge away;

give his angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast,

but the fruitful ears to store in his storehouse evermore.

 

Even so, Lord, quickly come; bring your final harvest home:

gather all your people in, free from sorrow, free from sin;

there, for ever purified, in your presence to abide:

come, with all your angels come, raise the glorious harvest-home!    C/A

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

 

SONG: YouTube clip ~ Harvest Samba (on screen)

 

BIBLE READING: Matt 13:24-30  Parable of the Weeds

Joan Macdonald

MEDITATION: Audrey Dunnachie

 

HYMN: We Plough the Fields and Scatter (Tune: Wir Pflugen)

We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,

but is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand;

he sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,

the breezes and the sunshine and soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;

then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love.

 

He only is the Maker of all things near and far;

he paints the wayside flower, he lights the evening star;

the winds and waves obey him, by him the birds are fed;

much more to us, his children, he gives our daily bread…

 

We thank you then, O Father, for all things bright and good,

the seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.

Accept the gifts we offer for all your love imparts,

with what we know you long for: our humble, thankful hearts…          C/A

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE

 

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

 

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

 

THE OFFERING

 

HYMN: Praise God for the Harvest (Tune: St Denio)

Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field,

praise God for the people who gather their yield,

the long hours of labour, the skills of a team,

the patience of science, the power of machine.

 

Praise God for the harvest that comes from afar,

from market and harbour, the sea and the shore:

foods packed and transported, and gathered and grown

by God-given neighbours, unseen and unknown.

 

Praise God for the harvest that’s quarried and mined,

then sifted, and smelted, or shaped and refined;

for oil and for iron, for copper and coal,

praise God, who in love has provided them all.

 

Praise God for the harvest of science and skill,

the urge to discover, create and fulfil:

for dreams and inventions that promise to gain

a future more hopeful, a world more humane.

 

Praise God for the harvest of mercy and love,

from leaders and peoples who struggle and serve

with patience and kindness, that all may be led

to freedom and justice, and all may be fed.                       ©Brian Wren (CH4)

 

BLESSING:

May your roots go deep into God’s marvellous love;

may you grow day by day in his blessing.

For God so loved the world he gave His only Son to show us his Father’s love.

How long, how wide, how deep, how high;

how steadfast, enduring his love really is.

O may Christ dwell in you so you may know his love,

and the fullness of God be yours.

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:  Wed 13^th John E; Sat 16^th Mavis.

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Audrey Dunnachie and the Worship committee for leading our worship today.

Thanks to all those who have donated goods to stock the pantry at Waltham Cottage.

 

MISSION MOMENT next Sunday: Barbara will update us on Your Sisters Orphanage.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 13^th April: Meet 9.30am in Annex Rd near Lincoln Rd.  We will walk through Linden Grove and along to Lyttelton St, where we will visit the Garden Valley to view the Ultra Marine: Paintings by Jane Thomas and Denise Nicholls.  Coffee at Caffeine, in the Hillmorton shops between Cappell Pl and Hoon Hay Rd. All are welcome. Sonya 339 7038.

 

BOARD OF MANAGERS meets THIS Wednesday 13^th April 7.30pm in the Lounge.

 

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

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: 25^th April 10am at St Anne’s Church. All are welcome.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

WANTED: storage for some cartons containing items for our next church sale. Please see Rosalie Sterritt 981 1819 if you can help.

 

MEN’S GROUP will commence for the year on THURSDAY 2^ND JUNE – 6 pm at Merchiston, St Martins Rd.  A plate for a shared tea, a time of chat and then a speaker.  All men are welcome. Please note the change of start date.

If you have ideas for a speaker or a site visit please contact Tony – 332 0554.

 

COURT THEATRE “Educating Rita” Thursday 16^th June 6.30pm. $45. Sign the clipboard if you would like to go. Payment to Sue by 8^th May please.

 

FOR SALE: Homemade jams, sauces, pickles. Please support this fundraising venture for St Martin’s – much better than buying from  the supermarket!

 

PARENTING ROADSHOW: Monday 9^th May “Raising happy, confident and resilient children” 7.30-9.00pm at Grace Vineyard Beach campus. $5 entry fee.

Thursday 12^th May “Growing Great Relationships” 7.30-9.00pm at Riccarton High School.$15 per couple. To book: go to www.theparentingplace.com or ph 379 6053.

WELCOME, NOTICES, CELEBRATIONS ~ Irene Gray

 

HYMN: Lift High the Cross

Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adore his sacred name!

 

Come, Christian people, sing your praises, shout!

If we are silent, even stones cry out …

 

Jesus, you wept to see our human strife,

Teach us compassion for each human life …

 

Peace was your plea and peace your loving theme

Let peace be our passport, peace a living dream …

 

Great is the cost of walking on this road,

To follow and suffer with the Son of God …

 

Worlds to be born and children yet to be

Come, take up this song into eternity …                         ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

RESPONSIVE READING of Psalm 112:                             Joan Scott

Joan: What about the person who trusts in God and is committed to his will and purposes?

These are people who are rich indeed. Even amidst the circumstances of poverty the wealth and blessings of God are within their reach.

Joan: Such a person has purpose and meaning in their life. Even amid the disorder and void of this temporal existence they are aware of God’s concern and love for them.

These people walk unafraid. The threats of violence or prophesies of doom do not detract from their validity nor alter their course.

Joan: Such a person relates to their fellow human beings. They identify with them in their sorrows and complaints. And share with them their lives and gifts.

These people are truly happy and through them God is working out His purposes in this world today.

             Adapted from “Psalms Now” by Leslie Brandt.

 

Spoken prayers will be interspersed between each verse of

HYMN: Your Kingdom Come (Tune: Old 100th) please remain seated

“Your kingdom come! Great God we pray

rule be our delight and rule

stretch love and justice in our day

from east to west and pole to pole.”

 

“On earth your will be rightly done

your law our focus and our frame

as we become more nearly one

with Christ who calls us each by name.”

 

“May all who hunger now be fed

may those who thirst drink full and deep

give us the grace to share the bread

and in the cup Christ’s memory keep.”

 

“Oh God, forgive our pride and greed,

wash clean our hearts to do your will,

stir us awake to human need

so may our lives, your plan fulfil.”

 

WE STAND AND SING:

“In confidence we hope and pray

we long to see your reign, full blown

all discord past, our joy to say

‘Yours is the kingdom. Yours alone!’.”                        ©Jane Parker Huber

 

TALE TIME FOR THE GOLDEN OLDIES & CHILDREN:

‘The Rabbi’s Gift’

 

HYMN: Community of Christ (Tune: Leoni)

Community of Christ, who make the Cross your own,

Live out your creed and risk your life for God alone:

The God who wears your face, to whom all worlds belong,

Whose children are of every race and every song.

 

Community of Christ, look past the Church’s door

And see the refugee, the hungry and the poor.

Take hands with the oppressed, the jobless in your street,

Take towel and water, that you wash your neighbour’s feet.

 

Community of Christ, through whom the word must sound –

Cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round:

Disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy,

Turn bombs to bread, and tears of anguish into joy.

 

When menace melts away, so shall God’s will be done,

The climate of the world be peace and Christ its Sun;

Our currency be love and kindliness our law,

Our food and faith be shared as one forever more.        ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

SCRIPTURE READING:  Luke 12: 22-32                        David Hodder

 

OFFERING

 

TALK: “Anxiety, Life and Faith”

 

PRAYER

 

HYMN: Who is this Man? (Tune: Londonderry Air)

Who is this man, who gathered people to him,

and touched their lives along each dusty way;

who spoke to all with passion and with peacefulness

and valued all their ordinary days?

Who is this man, who, at the long day’s ending,

would draw apart to wait on God and pray,

and, in that mystery that knows no ending,

would find God’s wisdom and would know God’s words to say.

Who is this man, who gave to women dignity

in partnership of worth and equal grace,

who listened to the stories that they told him,

and honoured each whatever was their place;

who let them choose to come and join his company

and learned with them God’s love for every race,

who showed to each the courage of their nature

to care and tend each lonely and each suffering face?

 

Who is this man, who spoke to men of gentleness

and showed them all the children at his side;

who taught of love and justice for all people,

and took a towel and washed away their pride?

In him they saw the strength of truth and mercy,

and how he trusted God to be his guide,

knew how he led them through misunderstanding,

and then forgave them when they ran away to hide.

 

Who is this man, who calls us now to follow,

a shadow presence asking us to be

companions of the way through this life’s journey,

to live in truth, to set our tired world free?

So, let us find each other now in partnership,

with ears to hear and eyes awake to see,

that we might grow in grace and understanding,

and walk beside that man who comes from Galilee.                         ©Mary Pearson.

 

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 Trevor Crew for leading our worship today.

 

HARVEST THANKSGIVING – NEXT SUNDAY 10 APRIL.

All our goods will once again go to stock the pantry at Waltham Cottage.

Fresh garden produce fruit and vegetables, packets of dried food, cereals and cans are all very welcome. We will be decorating the Church from 3 pm on Saturday so if you have produce or goods you might like to drop off please let us know. Allison 332 0554 & Bill 338 1651.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 6^th April: Meet 9.30am at Sumner Surf Club. Coffee at Joe’s Garage 19 Marriner St. All are welcome. Judith 332 1577.

 

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

 

STEADY AS YOU GO:  Falls prevention and general fitness class. Starts Wednesday 20^th April 9.30 – 10.30am at Waltham Cottage. Ph 366 0903 to register.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: Monday 25^th April 10am at St Anne’s Anglican Church. All are welcome.

 

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED ~ ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP?

The Christchurch Community Response Volunteers team (CCR) will be doorknocking in the St Martins area on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5-7th April and 12-14th April, between 9.30am – 1.00pm. See Irene TODAY if you would like to be involved.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

COURT THEATRE “Educating Rita” Thursday 16^th June 6.30pm. $45. Sign the clipboard if you would like to go. Payment to Sue by 8^th May please.

 

FOR SALE: Homemade jams, sauces, pickles. Please support this fundraising venture for St Martin’s – much better than buying from  the supermarket!

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER scheduled for 11^th April has been cancelled.

 

FOR YOUR DIARIES: Spreydon/Heathcote Older Adults Winter Warmer event. Thursday 14^th  July, 1.30 – 3.30pm Cashmere Club, Sydenham Room. All Welcome.

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:  Mon 4^th Rosalie B; Thu 7^th Rosemary W; Sat 9^th Samantha-Rose.

Mary’s great good news! (based on John 20:1-18)

 

Jesus is risen! Alleluia!

He is risen indeed!

We live in hope. We are an Easter people living in the vitality which comes from an Easter faith.

 

GREETINGS TO ONE ANOTHER. Happy Easter!

 

HYMN: Christ is Alive

Christ is alive, and the universe must celebrate, and the stars and the suns shout on this Easter Day!

Christ is alive, and his family must celebrate in a great alleluia,

a great alleluia to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

 

Here is our hope: in the mystery of suffering is the heartbeat of Love, Love that will not let go, here is our hope,

that in God we are not separate, and we sing alleluia,

we sing alleluia to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

 

Christ Spirit, dance through the dullness of humanity to the music of God, God who has set us free!

You are the pulse of the new creation’s energy; with a great alleluia,

a great alleluia we praise the power that made the stone roll away.   ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

PRAYER OF PRAISE, CONFESSION & THANKSGIVING

 

INTRODUCTION  TO THE READING:

BIBLE READING:  Acts 10: 34-43                            Deborah Fitchett

 

REFLECTION: Come to the Easter Party!

 

 

HYMN: Resurrection’s Real (Tune: Thornbury)

Christ naming faithful Mary, forgiving Peter’s fall,

Christ showing questing Thomas, declaring peace to all.

Christ breaking bread at supper, in blessing of a meal,

so proving to disciples that Resurrection’s real.

 

Christ charging the defeated, providing them new power,

Christ sending rock-like Peter to serve his present hour;

disciples bound together in sharing of a meal,

so preaching to the nations that Resurrection’s real.

 

Church certain of the presence of Christ the Living One,

Church suffering and serving for each and every one,

church breaking bread together in Mystery of a meal,

the Church of God declaring that Resurrection’s real.

©Bernard Braley Stainer & Bell Ltd

 

OFFERING: Gracious and compassionate God we bring before you our gift of money and food. May these gifts go toward sharing your love with one another. Amen.

 

PRAYERS FOR OTHER PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

WE AFFIRM OUR FAITH:

No one is alone; all people live in God’s world. We believe in God; who has created and is creating, who has come in the true man, Jesus, to reconcile and renew. God works within us and among us by the spirit. We trust God. God calls us to be the church; to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil. We proclaim God’s kingdom, in life, in death God is with us. We are not alone. We believe in God.                                                                                                             United Church of Canada 1969.

 

THE INVITATION: The crucified, yet risen Christ invites each one of you to this family meal. In the bread and the wine, the sign of Christ’s presence with us, we are united in love with God through Jesus Christ and with one another.

I come to the table in response to the invitation of Jesus Christ, who came among us and was human like us. I come knowing that I am loved by God. I come seeking forgiveness, healing and wholeness. I come knowing that in the risen Christ I am offered abundant life working always to bring about justice and peace.

 

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

 

SILENCE:

Be still, be silent. Remember, God so loved the world………….

 

HYMN: Now to Your Table Spread (Tune: Love Unknown)

Now to your table spread we come, each one, in faith that you alone provide the words of life and death: in wine and bread, in promised food we find your loving heart, O God.

 

Hands of the world stretch out, your mystery to touch in longing to believe a truth beyond our reach, to sing in joy, to cry in grief, to know your meaning for our life.

 

Here is our common wealth in sharing what is good, as though all humankind around one table stood, this bread to break, this wine to taste – one people in the name of Christ.                               ©Shirley Murray (AA)

 

THE INSTITUTION: On the night before he died……In the bread and wine we recall your great love for us.

God of past and present, we your people remember your son; we thank you for his death on the cross and in resurrection, that he is always with us.

As the bread is broken and the cup is shared, our brokenness and the brokenness of the world are one with brokenness of Christ and one with the life of Christ.

As we remember the risen and glorious Christ this day we are thankful for the hope that is offered to us and that of the world in his resurrection. Your death in Christ we celebrate. Your resurrection we proclaim. Your presence we give thanks.

 

DISTRIBUTION:

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION:

Risen and loving Christ you have put your life in our hands. Now we put our lives in yours. Take us, mix us, knead us; that through the power of your rising in us we may be bread for the world. Amen.

 

WE OFFER EACH OTHER THE HAND OF PEACE

 

HYMN: Thine Be the Glory

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;

endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won;

angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave clothes, where thy body lay.

            Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,

            endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won.

 

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;

Lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;

let the Church with gladness hymns of triumph sing;

for her Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting.

 

No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of Life;

life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife;

make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love:

bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above.

© World Student Christian Federation (WOV)

 

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY:

As Christ’s followers we therefore claim the privilege of committing ourselves anew in service to the risen Christ. May we know the freedom to move into the unknown and untried. May we see opportunities each new day and serve our present age with compassion, imagination and courage offering hope which comes through the power of the risen Christ.

 

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.

 

EASTER MESSAGE from the Moderator of the General Assembly is on the noticeboard for those who wish to read it.

 

HARVEST THANKSGIVING – SUNDAY 10 APRIL.

All our goods will once again go to stock the pantry at Waltham Cottage.

Fresh garden produce fruit and vegetables, packets of dried food, cereals and cans are all very welcome. We will be decorating the Church from 3 pm Saturday 9^th so if you have produce or goods you might like to drop off please let us know. Allison 332 0554 & Bill 338 1651.

 

FIRESIDE meets on Tuesday 29^th March 7.30pm at Joan Mac’s. All women are welcome.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30^th March: Meet 9.30am in Caulfield Avenue, Longhurst.  From Halswell Junction Road turn left into Murphys Road, then second right into Caulfield Ave.  There is parking on the left past Gosling Crescent, before the Medical Centre. Please consider car pooling.

Coffee at Verge Cafe. All are welcome. Sonya 339 7038.

 

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

 

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

 

WALTHAM COTTAGE INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN:

Steady As You Go – falls prevention and general fitness class.

Starts Wednesday 20^th April 9.30 – 10.30am. Free.

Organised by Age Concern Canterbury. Ph 366 0903 to register.

 

Community Lunch at the Cottage every Wednesday 12 –1 pm.

All Welcome. No charge.

 

Compassionate Communication Class – learn how to communicate in a way that avoids conflict and encourages clarity. Ph Jillie 942 2173.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: Monday 25^th April 10am at St Anne’s Anglican Church. All are welcome.

 

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED ~ ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP?

Shortly the Christchurch Community Response Volunteers team (CCR) will be doorknocking in the St Martins area at the request of the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board. Our purpose is to connect with the people of St Martins to ensure they are not isolated and are connected to events going on in the community. We will also be asking them if they have any outstanding earthquake related issues.

The dates we will be in the area are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5-7th April and 12-14th April, between 9.30am – 1.00pm.

The more people we have the better as we don’t want to wear people out. Everyone will be teamed up with a person from St Christopher’s and you will be provided with all the questions etc to ask those that are called on.

It’s a really worthwhile mission project to be involved in and the more people we have on board (alongside everyone else in the area that is helping) the sooner it is completed.

Please see Irene TODAY if you would like to be involved.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

COURT THEATRE “Educating Rita” Thursday 16^th June 6.30pm. $45. Sign the clipboard if you would like to go. Payment to Sue by 8^th May please.

 

FOR SALE: Homemade jams, sauces, pickles. Please support this fundraising venture for St Martin’s – much better than buying from  the supermarket!

 

FOR YOUR DIARIES: Spreydon/Heathcote Older Adults Winter Warmer event. Thursday 14^th  July, 1.30 – 3.30pm Cashmere Club, Sydenham Room

The event will have a French theme seeing it is Bastille Day, and will feature entertainment and a French-themed menu.

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:  Fri 1^st Aileen; Sat 2^nd Anna.