We Celebrate the Children
WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
We celebrate birth
The wonder, the miracle, of that tiny life already asserting its selfhood.
We celebrate children
Who laugh out loud, who walk in the mud, who cry at the top of their lungs, who constantly ask questions. Who are so busy living they don’t have time for our hang-ups.
So bring your balloons, bring your toys, dance your dances, sing your songs
Today we celebrate the children.

HYMN: With a Hoot and a Toot
With a hoot and a toot on a pipe or a flute
We will praise, we will worship God;
With a hum or a thrum, with a roll on a drum
We will make him a joyful noise

Bow a cello that is mellow, sound a trumpet call,
Blow a horn and a deep bassoon;
Every instrument is playing, with our voices we are saying
We rejoice, we are glad in God.

With a flat or a sharp, with a chord on a harp,
We will praise, we will worship God;
With a ping on a string, with a choir that can sing,
We will make him a joyful noise.

With the clap of a hand, or the sound of a band,
We will praise, we will worship God;
With a paper and comb, on an old trombone,
We will make him a joyful noise.

With a peal on a bell, with a cheer or a yell,
We will praise, we will worship God;
With a bong on a gong, through the words of this song,
We will make him a joyful noise. ©Colin Gibson (AA)

OPENING PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Being a child in 2014.

HYMN: I’ve Never Seen an Elephant
I’ve never seen an elephant, and an elephant’s never seen me.
I can’t swing like a monkey can from the branch of a tropical tree.
I don’t roar like a lion does, but a lion can’t read my books;
I’m not as huge as a hippo is, but a hippo hasn’t my looks.
Thank you God, thank you God, for it’s very plain to see
that the animals like the way they are, and I’m glad that I like me.

I’ve never met an octopus, and no octopus ever met me.
I can’t dive like a dolphin does through the waves of an indigo sea.
I can’t flop like a flounder can, or sing like a whale in the blue;
I can’t leap like a flying fish, but that fish can’t think like I do.
Thank you God, thank you God, for it’s very plain to see
that the fish all like the way they are, and I’m glad that I like me.

I’ve never heard a mocking-bird, and a mocking-bird’s never heard me.
I can’t climb like a skylark climbs, or nest on the top of a tree.
I don’t hold what a peli-can, but a pelican cannot cry;
I can dream of an aeroplane even though I cannot fly.
Thank you God, thank you God, for it’s very plain to see
that the birds all like the way they are, and I’m glad that I like me.
©Colin Gibson (AA)

BIBLE READINGS:
Exposition
Mark 10: 13 – 16 Beverley Hudson
1 John 4: 7 – 12 Fern Wakefield

SHARING OUR STORIES OF CHILDHOOD

REFLECTION
THE OFFERING:
Gracious God, we bring the gift of money and produce to be used in your service as a sign of love.
We offer ourselves; our time, energy and giftedness to be used in your service within our everyday lives. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD: Rob & Barbara Meier
THE LORD’S PRAYER

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:
We believe in God, the source of life who created human beings to be different and to get on with each other.
We believe in Jesus Christ, who calls us to a life which is absurd by the standards of the world.
We believe in the Spirit of God within and around us, and you and me.
We believe the times when the church is the church when we are a community, a source of love, laughter and the sharer of tears; a people prepared to take risks, working together, that one day this world may be a place where people can live in justice, freedom and peace.
This is our hope, this is our faith. That we dare to believe, always and in spite of everything, in God’s power to transform.

The children join us
HYMN: Do this in Remembrance of Me
Do this in remembrance of me, do this in remembrance of me.
As you eat the bread and drink the cup,
do this in remembrance of me.

My body broken for you, my body broken for you,
and here is my cup, come now take it up and
do this in remembrance of me.
©Val Cash arr Jillian Bray (AA)

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

ACCEPTANCE: I come to the table in response to the invitation of Jesus Christ, who walked among us and was human like us. I come knowing that I am freed from those things that separate me from God and one another. I come seeking healing and wholeness through Jesus Christ who gave the gift of life for us all.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

INSTITUTION OF THE SACRAMENT

DISTRIBUTION

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

OFFERING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST TO ONE ANOTHER

HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ (WOV 658)
Let us talents and tongues employ,
Reaching out with a shout of joy;
Bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one;
At his table he sets the tone,
Teaching people to live to bless,
Love in word and in deed express.

Jesus calls us, sends us out
Bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
Gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere! ©F Kaan

BENEDICTION: Go in peace and carry this sacrament into your everyday life. May the God of justice go with you, the peace of Christ be with you and the loving Spirit be your guide.

Let us celebrate the children with our balloons – blow up your balloon and let it fly free!
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.

LENTEN STUDIES: Anyone interested in a four week study course please speak to Chris.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 5th March: Meet 9.30am in Hawford Rd by entrance to Opawa Mall. Coffee at Opawa Bakery. June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: On Thursday 6th March from 10.45 – 11.45am Jo Giles is coming to share her expertise on skincare and makeup. Cost $6 per person, including morning tea in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. Everyone is very welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

CHURCH A5 DIRECTORY WITH PHOTOS: Session seeks permission to print the Church Directory with a photo beside each family/person to help everyone put names with faces. Sonya has undertaken to take photos, so simply tell her if you are not agreeable, or advise Anna.

NAMETAGS: A reminder to everyone that it is helpful if you wear your Church nametag. Please see Sonya if you require a new one.

GUESS WHO IS COMING TO LUNCH? Sunday 16th March 12.30pm
Lists are in the foyer – sign up TODAY! Guests pay $5 to the Host to cover expenses. Hosts are asked to provide a simple lunch and can indicate how many Guests they would like. Feel free to put your name on both the Host and the Guest list if you are happy to be either. Guests will be handed an envelope with directions to their Host’s home at the morning service on 16 March. The St James’ congregation has also been invited to participate. Sonya 339 7038.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone the Parish Office 332 6192 to book.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: This week’s information is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.

ASH WEDNESDAY Service 7.30pm 5th March at St Anne’s Anglican Church, cnr Wilsons & Centaurus Roads: all are welcome to attend.

We have been invited to sell produce and baking at the St Nicholas’ Anglican Church Fun Day on Saturday 8th March from 12 noon-3pm. If you are able to bake something, please price it and drop it off at the venue (cnr Barrington & Frankleigh Streets) on the day around noon. All contributions gratefully received. See Sue 960 7657 for details.

HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Court Theatre Thursday 15th May 6.30pm. $41 each, cash payment to Sue on or before Sunday 13th April please. A great idea for Mothers’ Day presents. We need to sell a minimum of 20 seats – please add your name to the list on the clipboard on the table in the Lounge. “Sherlock Holmes goes barking mad! Three actors tackle murder, madness and a monster marauding on the moors in this gloriously funny makeover of the classic British mystery”. Phone Sue 960 7657 for more information.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Beckenham Baptist Church on Friday 7th March – all are welcome.

Has anyone mislaid a pair of spectacles? Joan Averis has some that are not hers and she would love to reunite them with their rightful owner!

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 2nd Marilyn; Thu 6th Errol; Sat 8th Anne.

HUB Activities for the week 2nd – 9th March 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Fri 7 Mar World Day of Prayer Service at Sacred Heart
Church Spencer Street, Addington. Morning Tea
at 10.00am; Service 10.30am.
Sun 9 Mar 10am Communion, followed by shared lunch
5.00pm Stephanie’s Commissioning service,Trinity Church, Darfield.
.

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 2 Mar 9am Children’s Day Service & Communion
Wed 5 Mar 9.30am Walking Group. Meet Hawford Rd by entrance
to Opawa Mall. Coffee at Opawa Bakery. June 332 8874
Thu 6 Mar 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. Speaker: Jo Giles $6. Beverley 332 7786
Fri 7 Mar 10am World Day of Prayer, Beckenham Baptist . Ph 337 1416
Sun 9 Mar 9am Morning Worship

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824
Wednesdays: 9.30 am U3A in lounge. Pauline 332 0453
1.00 pm West Spreydon Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge contact Brian 338 6228
7.00 pm Beading Guild. Gayle 322 6073
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program in lounge. Matt 027 389 0000

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 2 Mar 10.00am Morning Worship
Mon 3 Mar 9.15am Pre-School Music . Jane 965 2425
1.45pm Cashmere Garden Club
Wed 5 Mar 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
Thurs 6 Mar 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
Mon 10 Mar 2.00pm Foot Clinic

Saturday 8th March, 9am-12noon
MONSTER GARAGE SALE
at Cashmere Presbyterian Church

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
In calling the Church into being, God had a vision of a body
to give expression to the life the disciples had seen in Jesus.
This Body of Christ, the Church, is created with the mandate
to make real the love of God in tangible ways, for a world
where that love is the greatest challenge and the greatest hope.

Let us respond to God’s call, and open ourselves to the Spirit,
that we may reach beyond our own capacities,
to be all that God intended the Church to be.

HYMN: Praise With Joy (Tune: Praise My Soul WOV 68)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge,
force of greatness without cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
power to rescue and release.

Praise the Son 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, Son 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. © Wild Goose (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS:

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

HYMN: He Came Singing Love (WOV 636)
He came singing love and he lived singing love;
he died, singing love. He arose in silence.
For the love to go on we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing faith and he lived singing faith;
he died, singing faith. He arose in silence.
For the faith to go on we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing hope and he lived singing hope;
he died, singing hope. He arose in silence.
For the hope to go on we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing peace and he lived singing peace;
he died, singing peace. He arose in silence.
For the peace to go on we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers. © Colin Gibson (WOV)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 119: 33-40 from The Message Warren Pettigrew
Matthew 5:38-48 Judith Mackay

SERMON

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Diverse in Culture, Nation, Race (Tune:ChurchTriumphant WOV 1)
Diverse in culture, nation, race,
we come together by your grace.
God, let us be a meeting ground
where hope and healing love are found.

God, let us be a bridge of care
connecting people everywhere.
Help us confront all fear and hate
and lust for power that separate.

When chasms widen, storms arise,
O Holy Spirit, make us wise.
Let our resolve, like steel, be strong
to stand with those who suffer wrong.

God, let us be a table spread
with gifts of love and broken bread,
where all find welcome, grace attends,
and enemies arise as friends. © Ruth Duck (DTU)

THE OFFERING:
Lord with our gifts today we bring ourselves as an offering.
Take us and use us in the week ahead.
Use our feet to go places for you.
Use our hands to serve you.
Use our mouths to speak for you
that your reign may come on earth. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Be Thou My Vision (Tune: Slane WOV 455)
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art,
thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, my calm in all strife;
I ever with thee, and thou in my life;
thou loving parent, thine own I would be;
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

Riches I heed not, nor vain empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou, and thou only, the first in my heart,
great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.

Great God of heaven, after victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O ruler of all. C/A

THE BLESSING

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

LENTEN STUDIES: Anyone interested in a four week study course please speak to Chris.

FIRESIDE meets on Tuesday 25th February 7.30pm at 43 St Martins Rd. While we catch up with each other after the holidays, we plan to pack up the contents of the church kitchen. Enquiries: Allison 332 0554 or Margaret 366 8936.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 26th February: Meet 9.30am in Port Hills Rd by Martindales Rd roundabout, Heathcote Valley. Afterwards, car pool to Castle Rock Café, Mary Muller Drive (off Chapmans Rd). June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: On Thursday 6th March from 10.45 – 11.45am Jo Giles is coming to share her expertise on skincare and makeup. Cost $6 per person, including morning tea. Everyone is very welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

GUESS WHO IS COMING TO LUNCH? Sunday 16th March 12.30pm
Lists are in the foyer. Guests pay $5 to the Host to cover expenses. Hosts are asked to provide a simple lunch and can indicate how many Guests they would like. Feel free to put your name on both the Host and the Guest list if you are happy to be either. Guests will be handed an envelope with directions to their Host’s home at the morning service on 16 March. St James’ congregation has also been invited to participate. Sonya 339 7038.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone the Parish Office 332 6192 to book.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.

HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Court Theatre Thursday 15th May 6.30pm. $41 each, cash payment to Sue on or before Sunday 13th April please. We have seats in the front two rows pencilled in – please add your name to the list on the clipboard on the table in the Lounge. “Sherlock Holmes goes barking mad! Three actors tackle murder, madness and a monster marauding on the moors in this gloriously funny makeover of the classic British mystery”. Phone Sue 960 7657 for more information.

NEW SUNDAY READERS’ ROSTER OUT TODAY – please check to see if there’s one for you.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 23rd Bessie; Tue 25th Bill; Thu 27th Elizabeth.

Hub Activities for the week 23rd February – 2nd March 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tue 25 Feb 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge
7.30pm Parish Council meets
Fri 28 Feb 4.30pm Fri Kidz

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 23 Feb 9am Morning Worship
Tue 25 Feb 7.30pm Fireside. 43 St Martins Rd. Margaret 366 8936.
Wed 26 Feb 9.30am Walking Group. June 332 8874.
Thurs 27 Feb 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 2 Mar 9am Children’s Day Service

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
1.30 pm Hoon Hay Halswell Friendship Club. Jean 338 2317
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824
Wednesdays: 10.00 am Craft Group. Linda 322 4437
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 3227954
7.30 pm Parish Council meets in study
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program in lounge. Matt 027 389 0000
5.00 pm Messy Church -last Friday of month.

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 23 Feb 11.30am Healing Service
5.30pm Sunday Night Lights
Mon 24 Feb 9.15am Pre-School Music. Jane 965 2425
Wed 25 Feb 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
Thurs 26 Feb 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
O God, give us light!
Light in the dark places of our world: the light of refugees settled, the light of political prisoners released.
O God, give us light!
Light in our country: the light of strangers embraced, the light of generosity of spirit.
O God, give us light!
Light in our church: the light of newcomers welcomed; the light of communities supported.
O God, give us light! Light in the dark places of our life: the light of new ventures begun, the light of neighbours cared for, the light of discipleship taken seriously.

HYMN: Here to the House of God we Come Tune: Surrey WOV332
Here to the house of God we come,
home to the people of the way,
here to give thanks for all we have,
naming our needs for every day,
we who have roof and rent and bread,
sure of a place to rest our head.

There is a knocking at our door,
sound of the homeless of the world,
voice of the frightened refugee,
cry of the children in the cold,
asking the least that is their right,
safety and shelter for the night.

God who is shelter, who is home,
in borrowed rooms you came to live,
pleaded to save the dispossessed,
crucified, lay in borrowed grave:
these are no strangers in your eyes,
this is your family who cries.
Shelter us, tenants of your love,
gather us round a common fire,
warm us in company with Christ,
give us the heart to feel, to share
table and lodging, without bond,
space in our living, in our land. © Shirley Murray (AA)

OPENING PRAYERS:

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore

HYMN: How is Jesus Present?
How is Jesus present? How is Jesus present?
How is Jesus present today?
Tell me how he’s present. Tell me how he’s present.
Tell me how he’s present today.

He’s present in the children, present in the family,
present in the meal that you share.
He’s present when you’re laughing, present when you’re giving,
present when you listen and care.

But I cannot see him, but I cannot see him,
but I cannot see him today.
Are you just pretending? How can it be real?
I would like to see him today.

Every time you listen, every time you’re sorry,
every time you care for a friend,
that is when he’s present, though you do not see him,
“I am with you always”, he said.

Now I understand. Now I understand.
Let us celebrate today!
He’s present in the WORD, present in the PEOPLE,
present in the breaking of BREAD. © Cecily Sheehy (AA)

READINGS: Deuteronomy 10:12-20 Cynthia Cross
Mark 2: 1-5, 15-17 Herb Madgwick

HYMN: Where the Road Runs Out (WOV 672)
Where the road runs out and the signposts end,
where we come to the edge of today,
be the God of Abraham for us;
send us out upon our way.
Lord, you were our beginning,
the faith that gave us birth.
We look to you, our ending,
our hope for heaven and earth.

When the coast is left and we journey on
to the rim of the sky and the sea,
be the sailor’s friend, be the dolphin Christ;
lead us on to eternity.

When the clouds are low and the wind is strong,
when tomorrow’s storm draws near,
be the spirit bird hov’ring overhead
who will take away our fear. © Colin Gibson (WOV)

SERMON (an Action Report): When does a Christ-like church happen?
~ Rev Dr John England
THE OFFERING:
God, we bring gifts for the world!
May these gifts not only find a home in the ministry and outreach of our congregation; may they find a home among those who are suffering, tested and alone.
God, we bring gifts for the world! May these gifts find a home among strangers, and among those who are searching for dignity and survival.
God, bless these gifts and bless us, we pray, as we grow in faith; grow in commitment to our Calling, in Jesus name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Community of Christ
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

THE BLESSING

Hub Activities for the week 16th – 23rd February 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Sun 16 Feb 10am Stephanie’s last Sunday at St James. Lunch follows
Tues 18 Feb 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge
Thurs 20 Feb 7.30pm Women’s Journeying, 134 William Brittan Ave
Fri 21 Feb 4.30pm Fri Kidz

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 16 Feb 9am Morning Worship
2.30-4.30pm Summer Fun Day @ 43 St Martins Road. All Welcome
Wed 19 Feb 9.30am Walking Group. For more details, contact June on 332 8874
7.30pm Board of Managers meeting.
Thurs 20 Feb 10am-12 noon Crafty Crafters. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 23 Feb 9am Morning Worship

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824 (School Term)
Wednesdays: 7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre programme
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program in lounge. Matt 027 389 0000

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 17 Feb 9.15am Pre-School Music. Anna 331 6252
Wed 18 Feb 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome.
Thurs 19 Feb 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive

WELCOME AND NOTICES
• Session Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
With a taste of salt and a glimmer of light:
food is enhanced and the darkness dispelled.
With life in God and the practice of faith,
neighbours are served and Christ is proclaimed.

Let life find its savor in service among others,
as the light of the gospel becomes a beacon of hope.

HYMN: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Tune: WOV 28)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation;
O my soul, praise him, at all times our health and salvation.
Come, all who hear:
brothers and sisters draw near,
gladly with praise we adore him.

Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously 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 has 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 & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

SONG: Hello Everybody!
Hello everybody! How do you do? How do you do? How do you do?
Hello everybody! How do you do? God loves you today.

If your name is — clap now,
If your name is — clap now,
If your name is — clap now,
If your name is — clap now.
Hello everybody!…

If you have red on, clap now,
If you have blue on, clap now.
If you have green on, clap now,
If you have yellow on, clap now.
Hello everybody!…

If you like spaghetti, clap now,
If you like swimming, clap now,
If you like rainbows, clap now,
If you like biking, clap now.
Hello everybody!…

C INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Isaiah 58:1-12 Gwendoline Cleland
Matthew 5:13-20 Martin Cleland

SERMON: We are Salt. We are Light?

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING:
This past week we have marked our national day in various ways.
As we remember those who first came to these shores; as we remember our forebears who came to this land seeking freedom and space and new opportunity, we acknowledge that for all of this land’s beauty and opportunities there are also shadows where we have spoilt or broken your world.
God, we pray that this offering may be used to share your love,
to mend brokenness, to change negative attitudes and build life-giving relationships, that your light might shine,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN: Christ be our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your Church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.

Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come. © Bernadette Farrell (CH4)

THE 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 today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.

SUMMER OF FUN Community Event next Sunday 16 February 2.30 – 4.30pm on our site, 43 St Martins Rd. Bring your family, friends and neighbours along.

CAN YOU HELP? We would like donations of baking and jams to sell at the Fun Day on 16th Feb if possible. If anyone has spare fresh fruit or vegetables on the day that would be great too. Please see Sue 960 7657 for details.
If the Tomato Sauce bottle isn’t claimed today, it will be donated to the Fun Day sausage sizzle.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th February: Meet 9.30am on the Oxford Tce/Lichfield St cnr for Festival of Flowers. Taking the BlueLine bus at 9.03 from PMH will save carparking fees! June 332 8874.

CHRISTCHURCH APW Wednesday 12th February 9.45am at St James’ Barrington St. There will be a Sales Table and all are welcome to attend. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. New faces welcome ?. $3 per session. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please phone the Parish Office 332 6192 to book.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: This week’s information is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 11th William; Thu 13th Margot; Sat 15th Alexandria, Beryl