WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP:
God calls each of us to be faithful to all that we are as individuals, but also to take up the task of responsible involvement in bringing
life and vitality to the Body of Christ in this place.
In our worship and life together, we share the vision
of where the Body of Christ most needs to be involved
in our world; we open our hearts and minds to hear God’s personal challenge to us, and we ready our lives to be caught up in the response to that challenge.
HYMN: Ours is a Singing Faith (Diademata WOV 163)
Ours is a singing faith! Now here the hymns we raise.
Resounding, strong, the years a long and echoing our praise.
Ours is a singing faith! In confidence we sing:
Creation’s throne is God’s alone, so joyous voices ring.
Ours is a singing faith! Through all the ebb and flow
of youth and age, on history’s page we see saints come and go.
Ours is a singing faith! The melody rolls on,
sustained by those whose voices rose in praise in times long gone.
Ours is a singing faith! Upheld by work and prayer
that justice, peace and hope not cease but flourish everywhere.
Ours is a singing faith! Though grief or pain hold sway,
Christ still shall dwell, Emmanuel! God with us all the way.
Ours is a singing faith! All thanks to God be sung
by people here both far and near in every land and tongue.
Ours is a singing faith! Let psalms and anthems rise
from sun and moon and stars in tune till music fills the skies!
© Jane Parker Huber (ASF)
OPENING PRAYERS
STORY-TIME
SONG: Hope is a Star (Tune: Away in a Manger)
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth.
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
telling the world that the Saviour is born.
Love is a flame that burns in our heart,
Jesus has come and will never depart. © Hope Publishing (VU)
News from Your Sisters in Tanzania
READINGS: A Dream for the Future based on Isaiah 65: 17-25
Allison Blackler
Responsive Reading from Isaiah 12 ~ led by Tony Blackler
I will praise you, O God,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away, and you comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation.
I will trust and not be afraid,
for you, God, are my strength and might;
you show yourself my savior.
With joy we draw water from the wells of salvation.
Give thanks and call on God’s name.
Make known God’s deeds among the nations;
proclaim that God’s name is exalted.
Sing praises to God, whose work is glorious,
let it be known in all the earth.
Acts 4: 32-37 The Post-Resurrection People of The Way
HYMN: Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind (Tune: Skye Boat Song)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove,
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.
You spoke to us long, long ago,
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.
Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day. © Scripture Union (CH4)
REFLECTION
A TIME OF QUIET
THE OFFERING dedicated with In Loving Partnership
(Tune: Church Triumphant WOV 1)
In Loving partnership we come,
seeking, O God, your will to do.
Our prayers and actions now receive;
we freely offer them to you.
We are the hands and feet of Christ,
serving by grace each other’s need.
We dare to risk and sacrifice
with truthful word and faithful deed.
Loving community we seek;
your hope and strength within us move.
The poor and rich, the strong and weak
are brought together in your love.
In loving partnership, O God,
help us your future to proclaim.
Justice and peace be our desire,
we humbly pray in Jesus’ name. © Desert Flower Music (VU)
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord; is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night;
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain;
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word of them.
Whom shall I send?
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame;
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? © Daniel Schutte & New Dawn Music (NJS)
THE BLESSING
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tues 19th Thomas.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.
FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS MARKET STALL Sunday 1st December. We will be having our usual Christmas baking, but would be very grateful for any contributions from the congregation eg Christmas decorations, novelties, new gifts that you think may be suitable for Christmas. Judith 332 1577 or Allison 332 0554.
The theme for the service on December 15th is “I’m Dreaming of a Hot Christmas”. Chris is looking for people who have experienced Christmas in the Pacific Islands, Indonesia/Malaysia, Equatorial Africa, or South America, who would be willing to briefly share something of that, in a similar vein to last year (when it was winter Christmases).
A message from Sue: We have an excess of tomato & capsicum seedlings to go to a good home. Folk should phone Peter 960 7657.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 20th November: Meet 9.30am outside “Cup” 127 Hackthorne Rd (park in Hackthorne Rd either above or below Dyers Pass Rd). Coffee at the Cup. NB: A HILLY WALK! June 332 8874.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. New faces 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. Please ensure Anna has any notices by 8am on Thursdays due to internet connection difficulties in the Office. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
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.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE: $100 a low-sided trailer load. Please contact Barry 338 4622 or David 339 7038 if you would like a load (or two!)
PLANT & QUALITY PRE-LOVED CLOTHING SALE: Saturday 23rd November 10am-1pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church Hall, cnr Wilsons & Centaurus Roads. There will also be a sausage sizzle. Everyone welcome.
Hub Activities for the week 17th – 24th November
St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tues 19 Nov 9.30am Little Kidz Music meet in Hall Lounge
Thurs 21 Nov 11.30am Pot-luck lunch at Whareora
7.30pm Women Journeying at Gaynor’s.
Fri 22 Nov 4.30pm Friday Kids in Kids Alive room
Sat 23 Nov 9am-4pm ‘Rethinking Retirement’ Workshop. WEA. $30
2-4pm ‘Old Time Christmas Singalong’ at South West
Baptist. Free.
Sun 24 Nov 7pm-8.30pm Choral Festival at CBS Arena.
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 17 Nov 12 noon Tanzanian Lunch
Wed 20 Nov 9.30am Walking Group. Meet at “Cup”. June 332 8874
7.30pm Session meeting
Thu 21 Nov 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3 per session. New faces always
welcome. Beverley 332 7786
Sun 24 Nov 9am Morning Worship
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mon 18 Nov 9.30am & 10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tues 19 Nov 10.00am Mainly Music. Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 20 Nov 7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thurs 21 Nov 9.30am &10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.00 pm Beading guild. Contact Gayle 322 6073
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fri 22 Nov 7.00pm Lift Youth Group – contact Matt 027 3890000
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 18 Nov 9.30am Pre-School Music. Anna 331 6252
Wed 20 Nov 10.00am Forum on last week’s readings
Thurs 21 Nov 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
7.30pm Choir Practice
Fri 22 Nov 7.30pm Tango weekend – see website for details:
www.tangovibe.co.nz
Sun 24 Nov 11.30am Healing Service with Communion
5.30pm Sunday Night Lights
Saturday 30th November
Calico Christmas Fare
9am – 12noon
at Cashmere Presbyterian Church
Festive gifts; clever cups; cakes for Christmas & special occasions;
jams, chutneys & pickles; scrumptious homemade pies; fudge & more; sausage sizzle; raffles