WELCOME AND NOTICES
GATHERING (together):
We look for you, straining our eyes into the far country,
but our vision is disrupted by the least, the lost,
the littlest, the last among us.
We race after you, trying to catch up, and turning the corner
find only a homeless family in our path.
We wander the streets, yearning to find you, calling your name,
but it is only a single mother who turns and wearily smiles,
a street person who whispers hello,
a little girl who pirouettes and takes our hand.
Gone…
But you are still here Lord.
Help us to see.
HYMN: Lift up Your Hearts, Believers (Tune: WOV 250)
Lift up your hearts, believers!
This is the holy day
when Jesus our Redeemer,
completes salvation’s way.
The forty days are over,
and clouds shine high and bright
as Christ, the overcomer,
is taken from our sight.
Lift up your hearts, believers!
Ye gates, lift up your heads!
Though minds be full of wonder,
though souls be filled with dread.
The Spirit has been promised,
and, though we are alone,
we wait until the moment
when fire and wind are known.
Lift up your hearts, believers!
And do not be downcast,
for Jesus, our Redeemer,
receives the crown at last.
The thorns of crucifixion
are changed to stars of light,
and Christ, the Lord of glory,
is named as God’s delight. (Author unknown)
OPENING PRAYERS
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks
SONG: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our brothers and our sisters in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and he’s got me in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands. C/A
READINGS: Psalm 93 Barry Moore
Acts 1: 1-11 Hilary Moore
A DIALOGUE
A TIME OF QUIET
THE OFFERING
O God, creative and caring, just and giving;
receive and bless these gifts we bring that they may be used:
to create, to care, to free, to promote justice, and to share
your goodness with the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
Christ, be our light…
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ, be our light…
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ, be our light…
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
Christ, be our light… Bernadette Farrell (CH4)
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service, followed by a congregational meeting to consider the recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish.
NEXT SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am Pentecost Sunday Breakfast: There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend. Worship Committee.
We will mark Asia Sunday on 26th May. Please let John England know, (or Chris), if there is anything in particular you would like to know about the churches, or other faiths, in Asia.
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 are available from Joan Mac 337 1648.
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.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 15th May: Meet 9.30am on corner Colombo/Tuam Streets (near carpark opposite Ballantynes back entrance). Coffee at C1 Espresso 185 High St (cnr Tuam & High Sts). Sonya 339 7038.
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!
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB REPORT: please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s news.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 16th Kim; Sat 18th Margaret.