WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP
God calls us to be people of hope;
to live in and through faith and hope.
God calls us to be a people of community,
loving into being new possibilities for one another.
God calls us to an active role in building the wider community.

HYMN: Great Creator God You Call Us (Tune: Regent Square WOV 84)
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

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

SONG:The Church is Wherever People are Praising
The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing they’re wanted and loved by their Lord.
The Church is wherever Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God.

The Church is wherever God’s people are loving,
where all are forgiven and start once again,
where all are accepted, whatever their background,
whatever their past and whatever their pain.

The Church is wherever God’s people are seeking
to reach out and touch folk wherever they are –
conveying the Gospel, its joy and its comfort,
to challenge, refresh, and excite and inspire.

The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing we’re wanted and loved by our Lord.
The Church is where we as Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God. © W. Jenkins (CH4)

ADDRESS: Cassie Welch
Community Development Co-ordinator
for the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Christchurch

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: From Isaiah 35 Joan Scott
John 6: 1-11 (from The Message) Aubrey McLeod

HYMN: We Sing a Love (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
We sing a love that sets all people free,
that blows like wind, that burns like scorching flame,
enfolds the 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 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. © Stainer & Bell (CH4)

OFFERING
God, you know us in the high moments of life and you are with us
when life is difficult and the journey challenging.
With gratitude we bring these gifts to you.
Bless this offering as it is used with love.
Bless this offering as it is used to give people new life and hope.
Bless this offering as it is used to bring renewed vision.
In Jesus name. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

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

THE BLESSING

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

PARISH REVIEW REPORT: If you borrow a copy to read, please return it promptly.

ASH WEDNESDAY Services 18th February: Our Anglican neighbours have invited us to join them at 10am at St Mark’s Lounge, Opawa Rd or 7.30pm at St Anne’s, Wilsons Rd.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 18th February: Meet 9.30am by Helios Medical Centre, Fifield Tce. Coffee at Willows Cafe next to medical centre. Barbara & Alan 337 6202.

BOARD OF MANAGERS meets Wednesday 18th February 7.30pm in the Lounge. The first part of this meeting will be with the Session.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

COMBINED LENTEN STUDY #2: Mele will be leading a four week study series on Tuesdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 March, based on “Seasons of Your Heart” by Macrina Wiederkehr. If interested, please let Maria or Mele know.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

COURT THEATRE “Le Sud”. Thursday 9th April 6.30pm. Tickets $42 each. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge and pay (in a named envelope) by Sunday 1st March. Sue 960 7657.

FELLOWSHIP SHARED MEAL INVITATION: Saturday 20th February 6.30pm in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All are welcome. Pam 332 1055.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 16th March 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Anna must have any notices by 9am Thursday please.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 15th Alexandria, Beryl; Tue 17th Joan, Peter.

WELCOME AND NOTICES
* Session Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
On this day as we gather with our brothers and sisters to
celebrate God’s gifts;
we hear the call to refresh our hearts and minds,
and to receive strength for our tasks.
On this day we remember the rich tapestry of our nation
and the blessings we share as peoples together.
We open our hearts to celebrate all that is good,
and commit to working for life-giving opportunities for all.

HYMN: All the Wonder That Surrounds Us
All the wonder that surrounds us
springs from God’s care:
all that marvels or confounds us,
raw, rich or rare;
touch and texture, sights and voices,
nature’s countless forms and choices:
all for which the heart rejoices
springs from God’s care.

Every creature, every human
lives by God’s grace:
every family, man and woman,
culture and race;
those whom fortune seems to favour,
those exploited for their labour,
those who need to know a neighbour
live by God’s grace.
God has willed that peace and justice
walk hand in hand.
These, with love, shall build foundations
on which we’ll stand:
love for lover, friend and stranger,
love defying death and danger,
love as first born in a manger –
heaven close at hand. © Iona Community (Wild Goose)

CANDLE – LIGHTING

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
… ask your forgiveness for the times we have fallen short:
For opportunities not taken, for care not given,
Forgive us we pray.
For sorrow not shared, for joy not celebrated,
Forgive us we pray.
For love not offered, forgiveness not extended,
Forgive us we pray.
For those failings we cannot speak aloud,
Forgive us, we pray…

STORY-TIME: Tarore’s Story

HYMN: Lord of Earth and All Creation (Tune: Westminster Abbey WOV 343ii)
Lord of earth and all creation,
let your love possess our land:
wealth, and freedom, far horizons,
mountain, forest, shining sand:
may we share, in faith and friendship,
gifts unmeasured from your hand.

People of the tangata whenua,
they who found this country first,
ask with those, the later comers,
will our dream be blessed or cursed?
Grant us, Lord, new birth, new living,
hope for which our children thirst.
Lord, life-giving healing Spirit,
on our hurts your mercy shower;
lead us by your inward dwelling,
guiding, guarding, every hour.
Bless and keep our land New Zealand:
in your will her peace and power. © M R Thwaites (TIS)

READINGS: Psalm 144: 9-15 Barry Moore
Matthew 6: 19-24 Hilary Moore

SERMON: Celebrate, say yes to life

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Land of Shining Primal Forests (Tune: Austria WOV 374)
Land of shining primal forests,
sculptured ribbon framed by sea;
land of mystic snow-clad markers
charged with raw vitality;
valleys wreathed in mists of morning,
earth caressed by sparkling light,
gift of God, our awesome homeland,
signed with nature’s cross by night.

Sing each race’s different story,
sing their hopes and sing their needs.
Let the Treaty write our story,
frame our vows and shape our deeds.
Bid the people sit at table,
share their joy and share their pain;
join in Covenant and banquet,
break the bread and break the chains.

To the Nation’s patterned weaving
we have brought our vibrant threads –
gifts of language, gifts of custom,
precious gifts of heart and head.
Let us name our river, mountain,
make this soil our spirits’ earth,
find the Christ in land and people,
bring God’s tender dream to birth.

Dream our country’s future pathway,
shape that journey day by day;
use our forebears founding wisdom,
share the power and share the praise.
Then beyond our present struggles,
festive joys and lurking fears,
nation – building based on justice
shall empower the people’s prayers. © Bill Wallace (Singing the Circle Book 1)

THE OFFERING
These are gifts of love that we bring to you, God:
gifts to grow our congregation in ministry and mission;
gifts to grow in compassion, that people who are hurting
will find caring support and comfort;
gifts to promote justice, that all in our communities may share
the fruits of this land.
Bless these offerings, that they may be gifts offering your newness
and life, in the name of Jesus Christ, your gift of love. AMEN.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

A PRAYER FOR THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND

HYMN: These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
These hills where the hawk flies lonely,
beaches where the long surf rolls,
mountains where the snows meet heaven,
these are our care.
Pastures where the sheep graze calmly,
orchards where the apples grow,
gardens where the roses cluster,
these are our prayer.

Forests where the tree ferns tower,
rivers running strong and clear,
oceans where the great whales wander,
these are our care.
Race meeting race as equals,
justice for age-old wrong,
worth for every man and woman,
these are our prayer.

Cities where the young roam restless,
lives brought to deep despair,
homeless and powerless people,
these are our care.
Places where the Word is spoken,
hands held in serving love,
faiths of our many cultures,
these are our prayer.

All that the old world gave us,
all that the new world brings,
language, ideas and customs,
these are our care.
Life finding joy and value,
faith seeking truth and light,
God heard and seen in all things,
this be our prayer.

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

‘MESSENGER’: Last chance to contribute! Give articles etc to Anneke TODAY.

PARISH REVIEW REPORT now available. If you borrow a copy to read, please return it promptly.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 11th February: Meet 9.30am Westlake Reserve, Westlake Drive, Halswell for a leisurely walk. All welcome to join us or for coffee. Coffee at Old Vicarage. Judith 332 1577.

APW Wednesday 11th February 9.45am at St James’ Barrington St. Margaret Good will be speaking about the years she and husband Ted worked in the South American slums. There will be a Sales Table. We look forward to seeing you there. Allison 374 6673.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

COMBINED LENTEN STUDY: Chris will be leading a four week study series on Monday mornings in Lent. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you are interested. Contact her on 331 6501 for more information.

SUMMER OF FUN Day Saturday 28th February 1.30 – 4.30pm, Holliss Reserve, Cashmere. Bring your family and friends along.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

ST MARTINS VOLUNTEER LIBRARY & COMMUNITY FACILITY REBUILD: The Council is gathering information on potential uses for a multiuse facility on the corner of Wades Ave & Wilsons Rd (old Library site). Forms will be available in the foyer TODAY. Make sure you have your say.

COURT THEATRE “Le Sud” – a comedy starring Mark Hadlow. Thursday 9th April 6.30pm. Tickets $42 each. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you would like to come. Payment (in a named envelope) required by Sunday 1st March. Sue 960 7657.

BOYS’ BRIGADE at Beckenham Methodist is seeking new members. Anchor (5-7 yrs) & Team Adventure (8-10yrs) meet on a Thursday night. Company Xtreme for 11-19 year olds meets on a Friday. Sam 981 3529 or Stephen 337 2296. info@14thbb.org.nz. Accept the Challenge!

RETIRED BUILDER available to do gardening and light building work. Phone Barry Houston 332 4730.

BECKENHAM METHODIST “A” FELLOWSHIP MEAL INVITATION: held in the church lounge at Beckenham Methodist Church on the third Saturday of each month at 6.30pm.
It consists of a shared meal and a programme to follow. Come and join with us, it is a good way to get to know each other, and enjoy our time together.
Phone Pam Milne on 332 1055 for further details. Look forward to seeing you there.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 16th March 1-4pm. New volunteers always welcome – on the job training provided. Lyndsey 388 1264.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am every Thursday.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 11th William; Fri 13th Margot.

GATHERING:
God, who sets us on a journey
to discover, dream and grow,
stir the spirit, stretch our minds,
grant the vision that we lack.
Exploration brings new insights, changes,
choices we must face;
give us wisdom in deciding,
give us courage for the journey,
cherish only what’s essential,
there can be no turning back. (adapt. J. Dine FFS)

Excite our hearts and minds, Creating God,
to trace new truths, to catch creation’s flair,
and to live within the contexts of compassion and care.
May it be so with us. Amen

HYMN: In Loving Partnership (Tune: Church Triumphant WOV 1)
In Loving partnership we come,
seeking, O God, your will to do.
Our prayers and actions now receive;
we freely offer them to you.

We are the hands and feet of Christ,
serving by grace each other’s need.
We dare to risk and sacrifice
with truthful word and faithful deed.

Loving community we seek;
your hope and strength within us move.
The poor and rich, the strong and weak
are brought together in your love.

In loving partnership, O God,
help us your future to proclaim.
Justice and peace be our desire,
we humbly pray in Jesus’ name. © Desert Flower Music (VU)

WELCOME AND NOTICES

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

READING: Mark 1: 21-28 Catherine Fitchett

HYMN: God, Whose Almighty Word (Tune: Moscow WOV 61)
God, whose 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 bring
on your redeeming wing
healing and sight,
health to the troubled 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 o’er the waters’ face,
bearing the lamp of grace
and in earth’s darkest place
let there be light.

SERMON

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God,
who trusts us with the whole creation,
who calls us to honour that trust
by living in fairness, justice
generosity and grace.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
who walked the way of the cross
to honour God’s love for us,
who shared all our struggles
and lived our deepest fears.

We believe in the Holy Spirit
who is present in our inner longings,
stirring us into new things,
calling us to the risks of faith. (Dorothy McRae-McMahon)

OFFERING
God, we bring these offerings along with the offering of our hearts.
We give thanks for the proud tradition of faith of our congregation,
and pray that you will bless our offerings, and us all, as we in our day seek to serve you in the community and beyond, in the name of
Jesus Christ. AMEN.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: Every Day I will Offer You
Every day I will offer you,
loving God, my heart and mind,
every way I discover you
in the work your hand has signed;
help me see I’m your image, and
you have dreamed what I might be,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!

Every day I will look to Christ,
and give thanks for wine and bread
through the pain and the emptiness
where your world cries to be fed;
help me see I can work for change,
and wherever I might be,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!
Every day I will take your word,
answer your compassion’s claim,
celebrate every sign of hope,
every deed done in your name;
help me see you are always there,
and your light can shine through me,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy! © Shirley Murray (AA)

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…people of all times and places, 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…

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing © World Library Publication (VU)
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.

THE BLESSING

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

PLEASE NOTE: The Combined noticeboard is now the large noticeboard in the foyer.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. Lyndsey 388 1264.

COPY REQUIRED FOR ‘MESSENGER’: Please send articles, poems, photos to anneke.howie@gmail.com or post to 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton 8082 by this THURSDAY 5th FEBRUARY. Many thanks. The magazine will be available on Sunday 22nd February. Anneke 328 7459.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 4th February: Meet 9.30am at “Town Tonic” on the corner of Lincoln Rd & Bernard St for a stroll around Addington. Coffee at “Town Tonic” – non-walkers very welcome to join us. Sue 960 7657.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Wednesday this week as the office will be closed on Friday 6th February for Waitangi Day.

COMBINED LENTEN STUDY: Chris will be leading a four week study series on Monday mornings in Lent. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you are interested. Contact her on 331 6501 for more information.

SUMMER OF FUN Day Saturday 28th February 1.30 – 4.30pm, Holliss Reserve, Cashmere. Bring your family and friends along.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

ST MARTINS VOLUNTEER LIBRARY & COMMUNITY FACILITY REBUILD: The Council is gathering information on potential uses for a multiuse facility on the corner of Wades Ave & Wilsons Rd (old Library site). Forms will be available in the foyer TODAY. It is important you have your say to support this project for our community.

COURT THEATRE “Le Sud” – a comedy starring Mark Hadlow. Thursday 9th April 6.30pm. Tickets $42 each. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you would like to come. Payment (in a named envelope) required by Sunday 1st March. Thank You. Sue 960 7657.

BOYS’ BRIGADE at Beckenham Methodist is seeking new members. Anchor (5-7 yrs) & Team Adventure (8-10yrs) meet on a Thursday night. Company Xtreme for 11-19 year olds meets on a Friday. If you are interested, please contact Sam 981 3529 or Stephen 337 2296. info@14thbb.org.nz. Accept the Challenge!

FIX-IT JOBS: We have people who can help you with small jobs around your property. Please contact the Parish Office for details.

WANTED: old pantyhose for tying up tomato plants! Please bring along to Church and give to Sue. Thank you.

RETIRED BUILDER available to do gardening and light building work. Phone Barry Houston 332 4730.

STOP PRESS: Session has received the final Parish Review Report. This will be emailed next week. There will also be some paper copies at Church next Sunday for those not on email to BORROW and return.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 1st Alice; Wed 4th John S: Fri 6th Rob; Sat 7th Kim.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
God calls us to celebrate our sense of belonging, to accept
the joys and challenges that are part of relationship with him;
and to live in faithful response, that we might become fully human, in the way of Jesus of Nazareth,
who has shown us The Way.

HYMN: God is Here (Tune: Blaenwern WOV 165ii)
God is here! As we his people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share:
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of His Spirit
into open minds and hearts

Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font and pulpit,
here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence, as in speech,
here in newness and renewal
God the Spirit comes to each.

Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.

Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel,
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication,
all we have to give, receive;
we who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe. © Hope Publishing (VU)

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

HYMN: Go, Tell Everyone
God’s Spirit is in my heart,
he has called me and set me apart.
This is what I have to do,
what I have to do.

He sent me to bring the Good News to the poor,
tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more,
tell blind people that they can see,
and set the downtrodden free.
And go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come,
and go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom has come.

And just as the Father sent me,
so I’m sending you out to be
my witnesses throughout the world,
the whole of the world.

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10 Lyn Steele
Mark 1: 14-20 Warren Pettigrew

HYMN: Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult
Jesus call us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, “Christian, follow me”:

Long ago apostles heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for his dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more”. C/A

SERMON

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me
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?

Will you love the ‘you’ you hide
if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside
and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found
to reshape the world around
through my sight and touch and sound
in you and you in me? © Iona Community (VU)

OFFERING:
God, we hear your voice calling us in the voice of Jesus calling his disciples; we hear your voice calling us as you called Jonah long ago.
You have given us many gifts and you invite us to respond to your generosity; and so we bring our gifts today, gifts of money and food, along with ourselves, prepared to follow in the Way of Jesus. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: We Remember With Thanksgiving Tune: Hymn to Joy WOV92
We remember with thanksgiving
those who dared frontiers of old.
Speaking words of faithful living,
they in truth the gospel told.
They believed the church’s story
that in Christ all folk are one.
Both the mission and the glory
were that God’s good will be done.

We rejoice to see the Spirit
working here and now as then,
claiming lives of those who hear it –
good news told by tongue and pen.
Reconciling, teaching, healing,
saving body, mind and soul;
peace with justice, love revealing
God’s desire to make us whole.

Into future generations
may the Word go out abroad,
so all people, lands and nations
join to praise our gracious God.
Then, in gratitude for vision,
reaffirm, recall, rejoice,
recommit ourselves to mission,
still the church’s clearest voice. © Jane Parker Huber (SiC)

THE BLESSING

ST MARTIN’S NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

***FROM NEXT WEEK OUR SERVICE IS AT 9AM***

WINNIE BAGOES: Thank you to all the people who have bought and sold tickets for tonight’s fundraiser. If you haven’t paid for your ticket(s), please give the money to Joan Macdonald immediately so she can make one bulk payment. Wishing you all a lovely time and I am really sorry I can’t come. Anneke.

PLEASE NOTE: The Combined noticeboard is now the large noticeboard in the foyer.

COPY REQUIRED FOR ‘MESSENGER’: Please send articles, poems, photos to anneke.howie@gmail.com or post to 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton 8082 by THURSDAY 5th FEBRUARY. Many thanks. Anneke 328 7459.

ROSTER: New readers’ roster available – please check to see if there’s a copy for you.

WALKING GROUP: Please check with Sonya to find out this week’s destination.

SESSION meets this Wednesday 28th January at 7.30pm.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 2nd February 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

OPAWA-ST MARTINS FUN DAY Saturday 31st January at St Mark’s Anglican Church, 101 Opawa Rd. 10am-1pm. All are welcome. Free.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

SUMMER OF FUN Day Saturday 28th February 1.30 – 4.30pm, Holliss Reserve, Cashmere. Bring your family and friends along.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 27th Nola, Bernie; Sat 31st Bryan, Adrienne.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
In a day when differing cultures and religious faiths are used as tools to separate peoples, and to inflame existing hostilities, God calls us to honour the sincere efforts of others to find a truth to live by.
In worship we hear the call of God to live the faith we know, and to draw wisdom and insight from our faith. In our age God also calls us to seek to understand the faith of others, for then faith itself can become a bond to hold us together.
Let us worship God.

HYMN: In This Familiar Place
In this familiar place
I know the mystery of your grace.
For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

In halting song and word
the music of your voice is heard.

Among these friends of mine
I taste the company divine.

Within this narrow sphere
I learn that you are everywhere.© Colin Gibson (AA)

OPENING PRAYER

READINGS: Genesis 12: 1-7
Song to the Holy Spirit – James K Baxter

ADDRESS: Rev Dr John England

HYMN: Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life (Tune: Fulda WOV 137)

Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of man.

In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.

From tender childhood’s helplessness,
from woman’s grief, man’s burdened toil,
from famished souls, from sorrow’s stress,
your heart has never known recoil.

The cup of water given for you still
holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the sweet compassion of your face. C/A

DISCUSSION and MORNING TEA

OFFERING
Loving God,our Creator, who gives us life and meaning,
wholeness and hope,
peace and joy,
we bring our gifts to you:the things we have, the time we spend,
the people we are.Use us to show your love and understanding
in the world,in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN:Christ Has Called Us to New Visions (Tune: Austria WOV 577)
Christ has called us to new visions
here to celebrate and praise,
here confess our old divisions,
here our peace petitions raise.
Come repentant, come forgiving,
come in joy and hope and prayer.
Christ, once crucified, now living,
bids us faith and love to share.

As we listen to each other,
as we speak in joy and pain,
we become as sister, brother,
reconciled, at one again.
Only thus in work and feeling
for our neighbour far or near
can we worship God revealing
gifts of grace among us here.

All creation struggles, yearning
for a time of true shalom.
Are we trying, are we learning
now to make the earth our home?
For the hungry and despairing,
for the poor of all the earth,
make us partners, burdens sharing,
bringing all a sense of worth.

Christ still calls us, young and ageing,
men and women, bound and free,
colours, talents, thoughts engaging,
joined in one community.
Christ remoulding, healing, leading,
sins forgiven! Life restored!
Let us live, God’s justice heeding,
strengthened by our risen Lord. © Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

THE BLESSING