CALL TO WORSHIP:
Like the multi-hued pebbles gathered onto a beach,
so we come from many places.
Like river stones, smooth from life’s surges or
chipped in the world’s torrents, so we come worn and wounded.
Like precious stones, chosen, crafted and valued,
so we come, cared about and loved by God.
Like the stones of a building, so God brings us together.
Let us come, as living stones, into God’s presence!
We come to worship God.
HYMN: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Tune: WOV 343(ii))
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion’s help forever
and our confidence alone.
We as living stones implore you:
Come among us, Lord, today!
with your gracious loving-kindness
hear your children as we pray;
and the fullness of your blessing
in our fellowship display.
Here entrust to all your servants
what we long from you to gain –
that on earth and in the heavens
we one people shall remain,
till united in your glory
evermore with you we reign. ? This version Jubilate Hymns (HFTC)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Cynthia Cross
CHILDREN’S 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 the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He’s got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He’s got you and he’s got me in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody there in His hands,
He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands. (author unknown)
MISSION MOMENT: Rob Meier
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: 1 Peter 2: 2-10 Margaret Shanks
Psalm 31: 1-5, 14-16
Left: In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Right: Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
Left: You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
Right: take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Left: Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Right: My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
All: Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
HYMN: In Suffering Love (Tune: Belmont WOV 435) – Remain Seated
In suffering love the thread of life
is woven through our care,
for God is with us, not alone
our pain and toil we bear.
There is a rock, a place secure
within the storm’s cold blast;
concealed within the suffering night
God’s covenant stands fast. © Elinor Johns (VU)
The Younger Saul and Older Paul (Based on Acts 7: 55-60)
~ John Shanks
SERMON: Courageous Faith
HYMN: Song of Faith That Sings Forever
Song of faith that sings forever
through God’s people, ages long,
Word that holds the world together
when our hearts take up the song,
always, always somewhere sounding,
though the source we do not see,
counterpoint to all despairing,
it is hope that sets the key.
And when life would overwhelm us,
when there seems no song to sing,
hear the constant voice of courage
out of fear and suffering:
all who’ve loved and trusted Jesus,
all who lift us to be strong,
endless, endless are the voices
of the faith that makes the song. © Shirley Murray (FFS)
THE OFFERING:
Gracious God, we give of our time, our talent, and our financial resources to help in the transformation of the world to a place where stories of death and despair are replaced by stories of new life and hope, as people face the challenges that lie before them.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: Great and Deep the Spirit’s Purpose (Tune: Austria WOV 577 )
Great and deep the Spirit’s purpose
hidden now in mystery;
nature bursts with joyful promise,
ripe with what is yet to be.
In a wealth of rich invention,
still the work of art unfolds –
barely have we seen, and faintly,
what God’s great salvation holds.
Great and deep the Spirit’s purpose
making Jesus seen and heard.
Every age of God’s creation
grasps new meanings from the Word.
Show us, Holy Spirit, show us
your new work begun today;
eyes and ears and hearts are open,
teach us what to do and say.
Great and deep the Spirit’s purpose
all God’s children brought to birth,
freed from hunger, fear and evil
every corner of the earth.
And a million million voices
speak with joy the Saviour’s name;
every face reflects his image,
never any two the same.
Great and deep the Spirit’s purpose
nothing shall be left to chance.
All that lives will be united
in the everlasting dance.
All fulfilled and all perfected,
each uniquely loved and known,
Christ in glory unimagined
once for all receives his own. © Marnie Barrell (AA)
THE BLESSING
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 18th Margaret; Thu 22nd Jennifer, Judith; Sat 24th Hadley.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.
NEXT SUNDAY is the Induction & Ordination of the three new Elders: David Beaumont, Irene Gray & Anneke Howie. There will also be Communion. Please note there will be no Communion on 1st June.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 21st May: Carpool from 43 St Martins Rd at 9.05am or assemble 9.30am in Riccarton at the corner of Rata & Rimu Streets. There is plenty of 120 minute parking in that area. Walk through the Riccarton House grounds, bush and nearby streets. Coffee at Riccarton McCafe on Matipo Street corner. June 332 8874.
SESSION meets this Wednesday 21st May at 7.30pm.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
CARING & SHARING is on Wednesday 28th May from 2pm in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. Everyone is welcome. This is the last time it will be known as “Caring & Sharing” – look out for a new name in June! Irene 332 7306.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 9th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.
THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. Due to never-ending roadworks in Wilsons Rd, the best way to access the Office at the moment is to use the backdoor of St Anne’s (opposite Fava in Centaurus Rd) and come through the kitchen and the hall.
FOR YOUR DIARIES: Our 10am Combined Midwinter Services with Beckenham Methodist commence on Sunday 15th June.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed in the wall in the Lounge.
Hub Activities for the week 18th – 25th May 2014
St James Presbyterian Church
Tues 20 May Little Kids Music
Fri 23 May Friday Kids
Sun. 8 June Communion then Congregational Meeting at 11.15 a.m. with lunch
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Tue 20 May 7.30pm Indoor Bowls at Salvation Army. Southampton St. Bruce 332 7786.
Wed 21 May 9.30am Walking Group, Riccarton Bush. June 332 8874.
7.30pm Session meeting.
Thu 22 May 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 25 May 9am Induction & Ordination of three new Elders, with Communion.
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls in hall. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor. 960 4824
Wednesdays: 8.00 – 11.00am Vege Co-op in halls. Shilo 338 3943
1.00 pm West Spreydon Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth programme. Matt 027 389 0000
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group. Suzie 338 1017
1.30 pm Hoon Hay Indoor Bowls. Brian 338 4488
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 19 May 9.15am Pre-School Music. Jane 965 2425
Wed 21 May 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
2pm Cashmere APW meet at 47 Birdwood Avenue
Thurs 22 May 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th May
Crime, Punishment, and Restorative Justice Seminar.
With speakers Professor Chris Marshall, and Kim Workman.
See website for more details: www.cashmerechurch.org.nz/specialevents.html