WELCOME AND NOTICES & SESSION REPORT

CALL TO WORSHIP – together
Jesus, you have called us into this fellowship of your people;
a community of love and support.
Jesus, sign of peace in a divided world,
you have called your church to be a sign of unity,
drawing people together in harmony.
Jesus, you hold out the promise of newness, calling us to use
all God’s gifts, embracing change and opportunity.

HYMN: Joyful, Joyful We Adore You (Tune: WOV 92)
Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, God of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before you
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the dark of doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you,
earth and heaven reflect your rays,
stars and angels sing around you,
centre of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
sound their praise eternally.

You are giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean-depth of happy rest.
Source of grace and fount of blessing,
let your light upon us shine,
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine. C/A

GATHERING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Eleanor Barton & William Penwell

Stir up Sunday

Stir up our hearts as a People of God
As we make this cake…What is it we have brought?
Sweet and tasty butter, sugar and syrup; symbols of all in our church which enrich and grow our life as God’s people.

And what do we seek here?
Our prayer is that God’s Spirit will empower us to both celebrate and live the joy that is Christ’s gift and to have courage to embrace new opportunities.

READING: Psalm 133 Tony Blackler

HYMN: God of Beauty, Truth, and Grace (Tune: WOV 239)
God of beauty, truth, and grace,
you have richly blessed this place,
fertile land and flowing streams,
people filled with hopes and dreams:
grant that we may honour you
by our plans and labours too.

As the trees grow straight and tall,
soft in springtime, bright in fall,
may our lives be strong and true,
rooted in our faith in you.
Grant that we may cherish here
every season, every year.

As the birds their carols raise,
may our voices sing your praise,
speaking words of love and cheer
to your children far and near.
Grant us quiet, gentle touch
when our words might be too much.

With the passing of the years,
full of laughter mixed with tears,
may each generation show
ways to nourish, ways to grow.
Grant us thoughtfulness and care
for each life that’s here to share. © J. Parker Huber (SiC)

Stir up the heart of our community
As we make this cake …What is it we bring?
We bring eggs – symbols of the new life which is our gift in Jesus.

And what do we seek here?
We pray for the new life emerging in the city and communities of Canterbury; that God’s Spirit will enable our communities to move forward with goodwill and co-operation.

READING: Mark 4: 1a; 3-9 Tony Blackler

POEM: May God’s Spring-time Surge Through Us
(Frances Hawkey (alt))
Stir and embrace our World
As we make this cake…What is it we bring?
We bring flour, baking powder and essences: symbols of the common humanity we share with all people.

And what do we seek here?
We pray that God’s Spirit will enable all in our world to enjoy God’s unlimited love and the sense of being part of one human family.

Stir our own hearts
As we make this cake…What is it we bring?
We bring mixed fruit and peel – symbols of the variety we enjoy in each other, and of the mixed-up nature of our own lives.

And what do we seek here?
Our prayer is that God’s Spirit will empower us with all our strengths and weaknesses, to be the body of Christ, with the vision and will to turn crisis into opportunity.

POEM: Planted in Every Human Heart

HYMN: Past and Present (Tune: WOV 478)
Past and present, with our dreaming,
join to make us what we are;
ancient wisdom, ancient follies
shape the way we love and care:
Give us reverence,
give us wisdom,
from the past for life today. (final line repeated in each verse)

Make us mindful of the present –
every force, each strength, each flaw;
free us from those selfish motives
which consume us more and more:
give us vision,
give us courage,
for this modern age of change.

We must face the future’s challenge
to create a better earth
hand in hand with all who labour
dream and suffer for its birth,
for through sharing
and through caring
we shall build community. © Selah Publishing (STSA)

A TIME OF QUIET and THE OFFERING

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: God Gives us a Future (Tune: 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. Morning tea will be served after the service.

CHRISTMAS CAKE STALL: The Fireside Group will be having a Christmas Cake Stall at Church on Sunday 2nd December in the lounge following worship, An opportunity for you to stock up on your Christmas baking. Allison 332 0554.

Thank you to all those who supported last week’s Tanzanian lunch. We had 31 participants and raised $325 for Your Sisters Orphanage. If anyone else wishes to contribute, please place donation in envelope marked “Your Sisters Orphanage” and hand it to Joan Macdonald, Treasurer.

FIRESIDE meets on Tuesday 27th November 7.30pm for an informal gathering at Joan’s in Pentonville Close. Enquiries to Margaret 366 8936.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 28th November: Westlake Walk at 9.30am. Meet by the playground at Scott Park in Checketts Ave. To get there: leave Halswell Rd at Lillian St. There is a dairy on the corner. From Lillian St, which is short, turn right into Ensign St, then almost immediately turn left into Checketts Ave. This is much easier than it sounds! Margaret 366 8936.
We welcome non-walkers to join us at 10.30am at The Old Vicarage for coffee.

CARING & SHARING meets for the final time this year on Wednesday 28th November 2pm at Beckenham Methodist. We will have some music from ‘our’ orchestra and a chance to sing some Christmas carols followed by afternoon tea – everyone is welcome. While most of the group are over 60, some of us are younger and still enjoy the afternoon. PS: It’s free! Fern 332 4725.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: We will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for Waltham Cottage – men, women, teenagers and children. Please DO NOT wrap them as they are sorted and given to individuals by the staff. Bring them along on Sundays 2, 9 & 16 December. Christmas baking and wrapping paper also very welcome. Many thanks.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th December 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone Anna to book.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 25th Aescleah; Mon 26th Pat (90); Tue 27th Tony; Wed 28th Martin (80); Fri 30th Judith.
HUB PROGRAM 26th November – 2nd December 2012
St Martins, Cashmere, Hoon Hay & St James: committed to sharing & mutual support

St James Spreydon
Tues 27 Nov 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge ( Kay 339-2370)
7.30pm Parish Council
Thurs 22 Nov 7.30 pm Women’s Dessert Evening 46D Bowenvale Ave. 337-0611
Fri 30 Nov 11.30pm Whareora Community Lunch
4.30pm Friday Kids in Kids Room
Sun 2 Dec 6pm Chch Presbytery Youth Service at St Albans Korean Presbyterian Church, 75 Packe St.

Cashmere
Mon 26th 9.15am Pre-School Music – contact Heidi 332 8460
Wed 28th 10.00 am Forum – discusses last week’s readings and sermon
Thurs 29th 10.45 am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
7.00pm Choir Rehearsal in Church
Sunday 2nd Dec 10.00am Communion service, with guest preacher Rt Rev Ray Coster, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church. This will be followed by a BBQ here. Please bring as follows a contribution to the meal: – surnames A – E finger food; sweets/slices; F – L, fruit; M – Z, salads. Sausages will be provided.

Hoon Hay
Mon 26th 9.30-10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls . Pat 353 0265
Tues 27th 10.00 am mainly music. Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 28th 1.00 pm Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thurs 29th 9.30-10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fri 30th 5.00 pm Messy Church – new way of experiencing church with craft activities, story and a shared meal
7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program. Matt 027 389 0000

CALL TO WORSHIP:
In this time of worship let us remember that the good news
reaches to the ends of the earth.
Let us remember that the embrace of God’s love is world-wide –
that it leaps every barrier.
In this time of worship let us remember that when the service is over, the open door will lead us to the wider world.
As we have worshipped God here, by word and song and silence,
there we will worship God by our care for others.

HYMN: Praise with Joy the World’s Creator (Tune: Praise My Soul)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge,
God whose grace shall never cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
power to rescue and release.

Praise the Christ who feeds the hungry,
frees the captive, finds the lost,
heals the sick, upsets religion,
fearless both of fate and cost.
Celebrate Christ’s constant presence –
friend and stranger, guest and host.

Praise the Spirit sent among us,
liberating truth from pride,
forging bonds where race or gender,
age or nation dare divide.
Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure –
foolishness none dare deride.

Praise the Maker, Christ and Spirit,
one God in community,
calling Christians to embody
oneness and diversity.
Thus the world shall yet believe,
when shown Christ’s vibrant unity. © Iona Community (VU)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

STORY-TIME

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)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-7 Hilary Moore

Matthew 25: 31-40 Barry Moore

AN UPDATE FROM BARBARA AND ROB

REFLECTION: God made the Earth to be a Common Treasury

HYMN: Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You (Barbara’s choice)
Brother, sister, let me serve you, We are pilgrims on a journey,
let me be as Christ to you, we are travellers on the road,
pray that I may have the grace we are here to help each other
to let you be my servant too. walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you I will weep when you are weeping,
in the night-time of your fear, when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you,
I will hold my hand out to you, I will share your joy and sorrow
speak the peace you long to hear. till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together
of Christ’s love, and agony.
Repeat first verse © S in S (AA)

A TIME OF QUIET FOLLOWED BY THE OFFERING

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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)
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service. Next week we will be celebrating Stir Up Sunday,

TANZANIAN LUNCH TODAY 12 noon. $5 per person. Please see Sonya if you would like to join one of the groups. Please note there are now three venues – thanks to the Meiers, Hodders & McLeods for hosting a lunch.
For those unable to attend, there will be an opportunity to make a donation during this morning’s service.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 21st November: Meet 9.30am by Hoon Hay Park at the end of Victors Rd. Coffee to follow at the Old Vicarage. June 332 8874.

SESSION meets on Wednesday 21st November in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge at 7.30pm.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th December 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone Anna to book.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

The Christchurch City Mission is opening and dedicating their new building at 274 Hereford St on Friday 23rd November at 2pm. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to 371 0615.

St Mark’s Anglican Church Opawa Fair Saturday 24th November from 9am. Everyone welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 19th Thomas; Sat 24th Deirdre.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
Come! This is a church of the open door; all are welcome.
Jesus touched a leper and, breaking the taboo of misunderstood illness, widened the circle of community.
He spoke to a woman alone and, shattering the myth of superiority, healed the pain of gender prejudice.
Jesus welcomed children and, leaping the divide of age, acknowledged the faith of young believers.
He praised Samaritans, Romans and, defying iron curtains, built a roadway into every nation.
What next?
What next through us, who come in thanksgiving and praise?

HYMN: Tell Out My Soul
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy Name – the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children’s children and for evermore! © Timothy Dudley-Smith (HFTC)
OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Elizabeth Penwell

CHILDREN’S HYMN: How Much Am I worth?
How much am I worth? What value’s in me?
Do I count if I stand or I fall?
If I’m weak or I’m strong, if I win or I lose,
am I someone or no one at all?
I am worth everything, everything, everything,
I am worth everything in the eyes of God.
You are worth everything, everything, everything,
we are worth everything in the eyes of God.

I am that bird that dropped to the ground,
the tiniest bird of them all,
and nobody knew, and nobody cared,
but our Father who cares for us all.

How much am I worth? Do I matter at all?
When I’m thinking it through may I see
that I’m worth all the love of the Son of God,
who laid down his life just for me. © Hope Publishing (SRP)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Ruth 3: 1-5; 4: 13-17 Cynthia Cross
Mark 12: 38-44 John McKean

SERMON: Stranger…Danger?
OFFERING
God, you call us to encourage each other, to build up this faith community. You call us to serve those who are in need,
those who are ill, those who grieve. You call us to widen our ideas of church; you call us to serve the community.
May this offering enable your work to be continued, and for us to grow in faith and commitment, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

HYMN: For All Christ’s Friends (Tune: Sine Nomine WOV 384)
For all Christ’s friends whose lives this world have blessed,
who by their faith and actions Christ confessed,
we praise you Lord, their source of graciousness.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Like them may we have Christ-like caring ways,
lives lived with wonder, tenderness and praise,
that we may live for others all our days. Alleluia! Alleluia!

O great Communion spanning time and space,
beyond our wealth, our learning or our race,
we can be one in Jesus and his grace. Alleluia! Alleluia!

They shall be one who value people’s worth,
one when they work for justice on the earth,
one when they love the Lord of all new birth, Alleluia! Alleluia! ? Bill Wallace (STC)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Go Forth and Tell (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
Go forth and tell! O church of God, awake!
God’s saving news to all the nations take;
proclaim Christ Jesus, saviour, Lord, and king,
that all the world his worthy praise may sing.

Go forth and tell! God’s love embraces all;
he will in grace respond to all who call:
how shall they call if they have never heard
the gracious invitation of his word?

Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:
share God’s good gifts – let no one be denied;
live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,
your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.

Go forth and tell! O church of God, arise!
go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies;
go till all nations his great name adore
and serve him, Lord and king for evermore. ? M. Seddon (HFTC)

THE BLESSING

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

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 14th November: Meet 9.30am at Opawa Mall in Hawford Rd. Coffee to follow 10.30am at Opawa Bakery & Café. Margaret 366 8936.

Christchurch APW will meet on Wednesday 14th November 9.45am at Beckenham Methodist. This is our final meeting for the year, and we will be having a Christmas service, followed by the blessing of the Gift Hampers for Pillars and morning tea. See you there. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am-12noon. $3 per session. New faces always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

A TANZANIAN LUNCH Sunday 18th November 12 noon.
Cost $5 per person. Under 12s free. Please pay on the day.
For those unable to attend, there will be an opportunity to make a donation during the Sunday service.
The lunch will be served in four homes – places are limited to 12 at each venue.
Please put your name down TODAY. Directions are available from Barbara Meier.
Thanks to hosts Barbara & Rob Meier, Sonya & David Hodder, Rachel & Aubrey McLeod and Lyndsey McKay.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Monday 10th December. Please phone Anna 332 6192 to book.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 11th Barbara; Wed 14th Berta, Ruby; Fri 16th Olwen.

HUB NOTICES for this week:
St James Spreydon

Mon 12 7.00pm Craft Group in Church Lounge
7.00pm Men’s Muster in Church Hall
7.00-9.00pm Church Leaders’ Health Post-Quake Workshop. Free at Burwood Christian Centre, 54 Bassett St.
Tues 13 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge (Contact Kay 339-2370
Wed 14 9.45am Discussion Group in Church office “Giving and Getting” (4wks)
Deadline for contributions to ‘Connect’ to Dorothy Ph. 338-5142 or Dorothyh1@xtra.co.nz
Fri 16 NO Friday Kids due to holiday

Cashmere

Mon 12 9.15am Pre School Music in the Lounge – contact Heidi 3328460
Wed 13 10.00am Forum – a group to discuss the previous Sunday’s readingst and Sermon.

Thurs 14 10.45am-12 noon (approx) Prayer Group at 20 Major Aitken Drive

Relief Cleaner wanted: Our regular cleaner will be taking 2 weeks leave towards the end of ember. The person who usually covers for her is not available, so we are looking for someone else to do the cleaning whilst she is away. If you are able to help, or can recommend someone, please contact Gail in the Church Office (332 7129)

Hoon Hay

No report received

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Let us worship God with people of every time and place –
worship God in faith: for God is our constant and trustworthy God,
as he has always been;
worship God in hope: for God is our saving and healing God,
who brings his people from darkness into light;
worship God in love: for God is our generous and gracious God,
who bless and nurtures all his people.
Let us worship God together with joy in our hearts.

HYMN: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Tune: WOV 28)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
O my soul, praise him, for he is our health and salvation.
Come, all who hear:
brothers and sisters draw near,
joining in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, above all things so mightily reigning,
keeping us safe at his side, and so gently sustaining.
Have you not seen
how all you needed has been
met by God’s gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper our work and defend us;
surely his goodness and mercy will daily attend us;
ponder anew
what the Almighty can do,
who out of love will befriend us.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen
sound from God’s people again:
gladly with praise we adore him. C/A

OPENING PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore

CHILDREN’S SONG: We Are the Church
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!
The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.

We’re many kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too
from all times and places.

And when the people gather,
there’s singing and there’s praying;
there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying: © Hope Publishing (UMH)

READINGS: Psalm 146 Lindsay Day
Ruth 1: 1-18 Deborah Fitchett
SERMON

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God: source of all life, source of all love
ever creating, our past and our future
Father and mother of all that is to be.
We believe in God: Christ of our history, link with eternity
one with our humanness, revealing life’s hopefulness;
Traveller before us, the Sign of the Way.
We believe in God: Spirit of newness, Spirit of power,
wisdom and wonder, mystery and miracle
moving in freedom, transforming the earth
We believe in the Church: born amidst struggle, open to changes
centred in loving and sharing and moving and growing
heart of community turned to the world. Amen.

OFFERING
God of us all, you love us and give us so much;
We pray that our daily giving and receiving,
may be like this offertory, not simply out of habit or out of duty alone,
but out of a deep sense of gratitude and celebration of your love and grace toward us through Jesus Christ. AMEN.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: For Your Generous Providing (Tune: WOV 93 Abbots Leigh)
For your generous providing
which sustains us all our days,
for your Spirit here residing,
we proclaim our heartfelt praise.
Through the depths of joy and sorrow.
though the road be smooth or rough,
fearless, we can face tomorrow
for your grace will be enough.

Round your table, through your giving,
show us how to live and pray
till your kingdom’s way of living
is the bread we share each day:
bread for us and for our neighbour,
bread for body, mind, and soul,
bread of heaven and human labour –
broken bread that makes us whole. ? Leith Fisher

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to God. It is good to give God thanks and praise.
It is always right and good … more like Jesus each day.
We give thanks for the many people who have gone before us,
who are forever part of our stories:
who tried to live God’s love every day,
and with their lives, have shown us how to be followers of Jesus…

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

HYMN: Song of Faith That Sings Forever
Song of faith that sings forever
through God’s people, ages long,
Word that holds the world together
when our hearts take up the song,
always, always somewhere sounding,
though the source we do not see,
counterpoint to all despairing,
it is hope that sets the key.

Song of faith in exultation,
rising through the vaults of prayer,
tune of simple celebration
offered up in open air,
song in chapel and cathedral,
descant to our daily tone,
song from sickbed or in prison:
faith must often sing alone.

And when life would overwhelm us,
when there seems no song to sing,
hear the constant voice of courage
out of fear and suffering:
all who’ve loved and trusted Jesus,
all who lift us to be strong,
endless, endless are the voices
of the faith that makes the song. © Shirley Murray (FFS)

THE BLESSING

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING: (Together)
We are here to meet each other by conversation and friendship,
and within the mystery of worship.
We are here to meet people of our community through others’ experience and stories, and within the mystery of prayer.
We are here to meet the world by remembering its needs and opportunities, and within the mystery of being one humanity.
We are here to meet our God or rather, to know that God is meeting us.

HYMN: Fill Your Hearts with Joy and Gladness
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, his people, praise him!
wounded souls his comfort know;
those who fear him find his mercies,
peace for pain and joy for woe;
humble hearts are high exalted,
human pride and power laid low.

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)

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

CHILDREN’S SONG: There’s a Song of Love in My Heart
There’s a song of love in my heart;
love is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of love in my heart;
love is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Love in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Love is a gift from God.

There’s a song of hope in my heart;
hope is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of hope in my heart;
hope is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Hope in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Hope is a gift from God.

There’s a song of joy in my heart;
joy is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of joy in my heart;
joy is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Joy in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Joy is a gift from God. ©Norman Habel (SoS)

READING: Luke 10: 25-37 Anneke Howie

The Cottage in the lives of the local people

HYMN: Here I am, Lord
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, Lord; is it I, Lord….

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 are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord; is it I, Lord… © Oregon Catholic Press (VU)

THE OFFERING:
God, we bring an offering of money and food, along with the offering of ourselves in your service. Our prayer is that this offering may be used for good: to continue the ministry of St Martin’s, to reach out into the wider community and world, to bring new life, hope and opportunity,
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: As a Fire is Meant For Burning
As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission, giving, glory to God’s name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations, finding neighbours everywhere.

We are learners, we are teachers, we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers, we are givers, we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions, we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit, we would live to God’s delight.

As a green bud in the springtime is a sign of life renewed,
so may we be signs of oneness mid earth’s peoples, many hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance of God’s new and glorious dawn.
© Ruth Duck (VU)
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 31st October: Meet 9.30am at the corner of Rolleston Ave & Cashel Street for a walk around the city, followed by coffee. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Lyndsey 388 1264.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 1st Nov Gillian.

HUB PROGRAM October 29th – November 4th
committed to sharing and mutual support

St James Spreydon
Sun 28th 12pm LA LA LAC [Ladies Alone, Living Alone, Lunching
AfterChurch] gathering at Oderings.
Tues 30th 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge (Kay 339-2370)
Fri 2nd 4.30pm Friday Kids in Kids Room (Stephanie 337 9871)

Cashmere
Mon 29th 9.15am Pre-School Music – contact Heidi 332 8460
2pm Foot Clinic
Tues 30th 9.30am Foot Clinic – phone the office (332 7129) to book an
appointment
Tues 30th 7pm Cashmere Residents Association AGM
Wed 31st 10.00 am Forum – to discuss last week’s readings & Sermon.

Thurs 1st Nov 10.45 am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive 7.30pm Choir Rehearsal in Church

Relief Cleaner wanted: Our regular cleaner will be taking two weeks’ leave towards the end of November. The person who usually covers for her is not available, so we are looking for someone else to do the cleaning whilst she is away. If you are able to help, or can recommend someone, please contact Richard (981 7381)

Hoon Hay
Tues 30th 10.00 am Mainly music – 0 – 5 years Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 31st 1.00 pm Ladies Indoor Bowls – Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing – David 322 7954
Thurs 1st 9.30-10.40 am Tai Chi in lounge: Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls Pat 353 0265
Fri 2nd 5.00 pm Messy Church – a new way of experiencing church with craft activities, story and a shared meal
7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program. Matt 027 389 0000

A KEEP FIT CLASS from your chair: “Sit and Stay Fit”. Every Thursday 1.15-2.30pm at the St Peter’s Church Hall, Fisher Ave, Beckenham. $4 pp. and a cuppa to follow. It is lots of fun, good music we all know and led by an enthusiastic instructor. Anneke 328 7459.