CALL TO WORSHIP:
In each new day that dawns, each new week,
or month, or year,
God still believes in us, still holds out new possibilities.
God calls us constantly to begin again
in living out the destiny that is ours,
in being truly a people of covenant,
participants and co-workers in shaping a world that reflects
God’s love for humanity, for the earth and all its creatures.
HYMN: God Whose Love is Everywhere
God whose love is everywhere
made our earth and all things fair,
ever keeps them in his care;
praise the God of love!
He who hung the stars in space
holds the spinning world in place;
praise the God of love!
Come with thankfulness to sing
of the gifts the seasons bring,
summer, winter, autumn, spring;
praise the God of love!
He who gave us breath and birth
gives us all the fruitful earth;
praise the God of love!
See the sign of love appear,
flame of glory, bright and clear,
light for all the world is here;
praise the God of love!
Gloom and darkness, get you gone!
Christ the Light of life has shone;
praise the God of love! © Hope Publishing (HFTC)
WELCOME AND NOTICES
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN & A SONG (on screen) Wayne Barton
READINGS: From Psalm 32 – a paraphrase Barry Moore
2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12 Hilary Moore
REFLECTIVE GOSPEL READING, Jesus and Zacchaeus
(Presentation ~ Irene Gray)
A TIME OF SILENCE
HYMN: There’s a Wideness in God’s mercy
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness in God’s justice which is more than liberty.
There’s no place where human sorrows are more deeply felt than heav’n.
There’s no place where human failings have such kindly judgements giv’n.
For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal is most wonderfully kind.
But we make that love to narrow by the limits of our own;
and we magnify God’s strictness with a zeal love will not own.
There is grace enough for thousands of new worlds as great as this;
there is room for fresh creations in that end- less world of bliss.
If our love were but more simple we would trust the living Word;
and our lives would fill with gladness in the joy of Christ our Lord.
(Words: Frederick Faber , alt Colin Gibson)
THE OFFERING
We give ourselves and these gifts with enthusiasm
because our spirits seek what is truly real.
In love, in faith, in community, you reveal to us a new way of belonging,
of being, of becoming. Bless us and those around us in all these ways. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR OTHERS
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God whose creativity is not defeated
by concrete or traffic, but shines forth in the centre of our life.
We believe in Jesus Christ who lived as friend and Saviour
to the people of both city and countryside:
who ate and laughed, wept and celebrated
with ordinary people like us.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who moves through the city
as truth and moments of love,
who goes between us with threads of community
and never leaves us without hope.
And we believe in the church which is real
when it stands open to the life of the city
and bears witness to the love and justice of God. AMEN.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE
A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with us. God is here among us.
Let us open our hearts to God.
We open them to God and to one another.
Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God, we come to this table … prejudice and selfishness;
We come to this table, gifted, thankful. We have come to offer back the gifts and skills, you have given each of us.
We have come to celebrate the resources of this congregation,
the opportunities for new life and service.
We come to this table … that takes away our burdens;
We have come to this table, searching.
We have come to drink from your cup of blessing,
that breaks open the promise; that unseals the covenant;
that offers its very self.
And so we come to this table with thanksgiving;
free to move out into the world; free to go where you call and to share your love in Christ’s name …
COMMUNION
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.
© World Library Publication (VU)
THE BLESSING
FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Following the cutting down of the big cedar tree beside the church, by a contract arborist, the roundels are in the process of being split by church members using a motorised log splitter. Approx 60% has been split creating around 9 cubic metres of firewood stacked at the back of the church. The Board of Managers has agreed to sell this to members at $100 a low-sided trailer load.
Please contact Barry Moore 338 4622 or David Hodder 339 7038 if you would like a load (or two!)
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.
TANZANIAN LUNCH: The annual lunches to raise funds for the Orphanage we support in Tanzania will be held on Sunday 17th November. Put your names down for one of the venues: Sonya & David; Lyndsey McKay; Aubrey & Rachel; Rob & Barb. $5 for a simple lunch. Please support us if you can. Barb 379 1474.
DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is Sunday 10th November. Anneke is looking for contributions NOW. Please email them to: anneke.howie@gmail.com or post to 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton 8082. Queries? Phone Anneke on 328 7459.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 6th November: meet 9.30am at St James’ Church, corner Barrington & Bewdley Streets. Coffee there 10.30 as a fundraiser for St Martin’s Church – thanks to the people of St James’ for this. June 332 8874.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. New faces are always welcome ?. $3 per session. Beverley 332 7786.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
NB: Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday (7th November) from 10am.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: This week’s information is displayed in the Lounge.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 9th December 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.
CHRISTMAS MARKET STALL Sunday 1st December. Fireside would be very grateful for any contributions of new items from the congregation.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 7th Audrey (80!); Fri 8th Sonya; Sat 9th Chris.
Hub Activities for the week 3rd – 11th November
St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tues 5 Nov 9.30am Tuesday Kidz in Hall Lounge
Fri 8 Nov 4.30pm Friday Kidz in Kidz Live Room
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Wed 6 Nov 9.30am Walking Group. Please phone June 332 8874 for
this week’s destination.
Thu 7 Nov 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3 per session. New faces always
welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 10 Nov 9am Morning Worship
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mon 4 Nov 9.30am & 10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tues 5 Nov 10.00am Mainly Music. Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 6 Nov 9.30 am U3A in Lounge. Pauline 332 0453
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thurs 7 Nov 9.30am & 10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.00 pm Beading guild. Gayle 322 6073
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fri 8 Nov 7.00pm Lift Youth Group. Matt 027 3890000
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 3 Nov 3-5pm Neighbourhood Week community barbecue in
association with Cashmere Residents
Association. Refreshments, activities and
information from Civil Defence and associated
agencies. Come join us for a snack and a chat,
and enjoy meeting more neighbours.
Mon 4 Nov 9.30am Pre-School Music. Anna 331 6252
1.45pm Cashmere Garden Club
Tues 5 Nov 9.30am Foot Clinic – phone office for appointments
Wed 6 Nov 10.00am Forum – a group to discuss and reflect on the
previous Sunday’s Readings and Sermon. All
Welcome
Thurs 7 Nov 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
Mon 11 Nov 2.00pm Foot Clinic – phone office for appointments