WELCOME AND NOTICES
GATHERING:
Come, listen to stories of faith and trust from long ago.
We come, celebrating Christ with us in the here and now.
Come, dream exciting new possibilities for the future.
We come, conscious of the need to have the courage
of past generations.
Let us join generation upon generation in worshipping God.
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! © Hope Publishing (WOV)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
STORY-TIME
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Psalm 67 June Service
Acts 16: 9-15 Joan Macdonald
HYMN: One More Step Along the World I Go
One more step along the world I go,
one more step a-long the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
Round the corners of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you’ll be looking at along with me:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new…
As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you’ll be telling me the way, I know:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new…
Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new… © Stainer & Bell Ltd (CH4)
SERMON: Courage in Vulnerability
A TIME OF QUIET
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The United Church of Canada Creed)
We are not alone, We live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
THE OFFERING
God of new life, out of the abundance of our lives
we offer these gifts to you.
Through your blessing and our willingness to share,
may these offerings become a source for hope and love
in this church family, and in the community beyond us,
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE
HYMN: For Your Generous Providing (Tune: Austria WOV577)
For your generous providing
which sustain 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 heav’n and human labour –
broken bread that makes us whole.
© Church of Scotland Panel on Worship (CH4)
COMMUNION PRAYER
When we are travelling, God is with us.
When we are alone, God comes to us.
When we feel weak and unsure, God offers us food for the journey.
Loving God… who have gone before us and those who will follow us.
Holy, Holy, Holy God, of power and might;
Heaven and earth are full of your glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest….
COMMUNION
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
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
A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is called for Sunday 12th May following Morning Worship. The meeting will consider a recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish.
The recommendation from the combined meeting of the Session and the Board of Managers has been e-mailed.
Paper copies for those who do not have e-mail are available today:
please make sure you collect your NAMED copy.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.
THE NEW PARISH PHONE LIST is now available. If you require a paper copy, please sign the list in the foyer, or contact the Office. Anna.
BACON FUNDRAISER: We will be selling packets of 400 grams (12-14 slices) of Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon for $8.00 each. Delivery day will probably be the weekend of 26 May. Order forms to take away or fill in will be available in the Lounge after Church. Joan Mac 337 1648.
SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am: This is Pentecost Sunday so what better way to start off than with Breakfast! There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend this breakfast. For further information, speak to a Worship Committee member: Bill, June, Audrey, John S, Joan Mac, Fern, Allison or Chris.
THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 8th May: Meet 9.30am in Smith St at the side entrance to Portstone Garden Centre. Coffee at the cafe. June 332 8874.
CHRISTCHURCH APW will meet on Wednesday 8th May at 9.45am at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. Our speaker will be from the City Guided Walking Tours and you are all welcome to attend. There will be a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Do pop in to the new location at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit) and say hello! Anna. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 7th Lucy; Fri 10th Jill.