16October

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
God asks that we come away from the tasks of the week; put aside the demands of the daily round:
to gather for worship, to focus on spiritual things, to reflect and pray and share in the life of this faith community.
God also calls us to grapple with Jesus’ response to the issues
of the wider community, the questions of our day.

HYMN: Songbook 19 Praise With Joy (Tune: Praise My Soul WOV 68)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

PRACTICE FOR ADVENT / CHRISTMAS
Come and join the celebration,
it’s a very special day;
come and share our jubilation,
there’s a new King born today!

See the shepherds
hurry down to Bethlehem,
gaze in wonder
at the Son of God who lay before them. Come and join…

`God is with us’,
round the world the message sing;
he is with us,
`Welcome!’ all the bells on earth are pealing. Come and join …

Wise men journey,
led to worship by a star,
kneel in homage,
bringing precious gifts from lands afar, So, Come and join …
© High-Fye Music Ltd (CH4)
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to all.

I thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to all..

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“for hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to all.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, good will to all.”

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
the world revolved from night to day,
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
of peace on earth, good will to all! (Henry Longfellow)

INTRODUCTION AND READINGS: Exodus 33.12-23 Jill Grierson
Matthew 22.15-22 Tony Beasley

SERMON: Give God his due

HYMN: 635 First Set Your Mind on the Kingdom of God

OFFERING:
We do not bring our money alone, O God.
Nor do we offer our time, nor our talents alone, O God.
We bring all three – money, time, and talent, along with gifts of food
that we might have a worthy offering.
God, we pray that you will bless these offerings, that
all will be carefully used in your service, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: God of History – Recent, Ancient (Tune: Hyfrydol WOV 148ii )
God of history – recent, ancient –
God of every yesterday,
still our God in this day’s moments,
where we go and where we stay:
You have set us in this context,
time, relationship, and place,
hear our praise and glad thanksgiving
for all signs of present grace.

You have called us from division
into unity and hope.
Each and all belong together
in the world’s kaleidoscope.
Help us listen to the voices
daring us to be and do
what you plan for church and people, loving others, praising you.
How are we, then, called to answer
as we work and as we live,
called to justice, called to mission,
learning to receive and give?
Shall we build a bridge of promise?
Tear down walls that split, divide?
Fling wide doorways, open windows?
Let the spirit come inside?

God, you point us t’ward the future
where Christ leads and shows the way.
Here and now, work not yet finished
needs our strength and will today.
Thus we move into tomorrow,
called to live and work and be
reconcilers, pilgrim people,
called by Christ, by Christ set free. ? Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th October – Meet 9.30am on the corner of Wilsons Rd North & Charles St for a stroll around Charleston. Coffee to follow at church. June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge.
Help!! No excuses please – Crafty Crafters require a kitchen hand for 1½ hours once every six weeks only to serve tea/coffee and do dishes. For details, please contact Beverley 942 7821 or text 027 787 5868.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 17th November – please book through the Parish Office 332 6192.

Working with Kids – Presbytery Resourcing Event Saturday 5th November 2011 9am – 12.30pm at St Mark’s, Withells Rd, Avonhead. See noticeboard for details.

There are copies of Chris’ study leave report on the table in the foyer. Please sign the notebook if you borrow a copy.

Issues Group – the first meeting will be Sunday 30th October, at the Manse, at 5.30pm. Bring tea to share. The topic that evening will be Crossing Denominational lines in the Christchurch Re-build. All Welcome.

DO YOU HAVE SPARE BEDDING? Sheena Dickson (St George’s/Iona) is having many requests for blankets, pillows, duvets etc from people whose belongings have been ruined by liquefaction in abandoned homes. If you can help, please bring items to Church and put them in the kitchen, and we will deliver them. Many thanks for your help.

BIRTHDAYS this week: Tue 18th Barbara; Thu 20th Fern; Sat 22nd Bruce & Lesley.