Sunday 24 August 2014

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING: (Based on the alternate psalm for the day Ps 138)
We are exceedingly grateful, O Lord, for you have heard our cries,
and you have responded with mercy and strength.
Now our lives overflow with thanksgiving,
and our lips sing your praises.
If only the leaders of our disjointed world would listen to your words and direct their people in accordance with your will,
they would then know the meaning of peace,
and they would rejoice in the ways of God.
You are have not shielded us from the pains of trouble or the ravages of conflict, but you have kept us even amid sorrow and suffering.
Thus we know that you will fulfil your purpose for our lives.
Your love and mercy is everlasting; you will not let us go.
(adapted from Leslie Brandt)
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 (HFTC)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

CHILDREN’S SONG: With a Hoot and a Toot
With a hoot and a toot
on a pipe or a flute
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a hum or a thrum,
with a roll on a drum,
we will make him a joyful noise.
Bow a cello that is mellow,
sound a trumpet call,
blow a horn and a deep bassoon;
every instrument is playing,
with our voices we are saying
we rejoice, we are glad in God.

With a flat or a sharp,
with a chord on a harp,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a ping on a string,
with a choir that can sing,
we will make him a joyful noise.

With the clap of a hand,
or the sound of a band,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a paper and comb,
on an old trombone,
we will make him a joyful noise.
With a peal on a bell,
with a cheer or a yell,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a bong on a gong,
through the words of this song,
we will make him a joyful noise. © Colin Gibson (AA)

READING: Exodus 1:1-12 John McKean

What a Choice!

REFLECTION

THE OFFERING
God, sometimes it is hard to believe that our small actions can make
a difference in the world. Sometimes we feel like an insignificant ripple
in a vast ocean. Sometimes we feel this way, even though
we know how small actions have greatly affected our lives:
the unsuspected kind word; the simplest touch of love.
Although our offering may sometimes feel small, we know that, through your grace, it can have an unexpected impact.
We ask your blessing, that these offerings may touch others and your world, in Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 peoples 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 to 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 be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? © OCP Publications USA (CH 4)

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 25th Ken (90), Irene, Joan; Wed 27th Marie.

NOTICES:
NEXT SUNDAY 31 AUGUST our Morning Worship service will be at St James’ Presbyterian Church, cnr Bewdley & Barrington Streets at 10am.

BECKENHAM LOOP QUIZ NIGHT Tuesday 23rd September 7.30 – 9.00pm at Beckenham Methodist, hosted by St Martin’s Presbyterian. Come along with a team of 5 or 6. Have fun and win some fun prizes! Nibbles and hot drinks provided. $2 entry fee per person. Please enter your team by 15 September – phone Anna on 332 6192 or email the Office. Be in quick – places are limited!

HELP NEEDED: The new roster is currently being prepared. If you are going to be at Church on 26th October (Labour Weekend) could you please let Anna know. We require two volunteers to read.

THE NEW ISSUE OF THE ‘MESSENGER’ is available today.

INTER-FAITH JOURNEYING seminar Saturday 18th October: please sign the list if you are interested in attending.

NOTICES cont…
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea and the Annual General Meeting after the service.

FIRESIDE Tuesday 26th August 7.30pm at Sonya’s. The ‘entertainment’ is to have anyone who wants to speaking about a favourite book for 1-2 minutes. This can be read recently or long ago, a favourite, or disliked. All are welcome. Contact Sonya 339 7038 or Margaret 366 8936 for further information.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 27th August: Meet 9.30am in Titoki St off Kahu Rd. Coffee at Riccarton House. June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

CARING & SHARING Wednesday 27th August 2pm will be entertained by the Neerlandia Choir. We are endeavouring to contact all congregational members in rest homes and further afield in Christchurch who may like to share in the very special afternoon. However we will need drivers. If you are able to help with this, please contact Irene 332 7306 or email irenegray@xtra.co.nz. As always, everyone is very welcome to join us.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD shoeboxes available from today. See article in the “Messenger” for details of what to put in them. June 332 8874.

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. www.stmartins.org.nz. Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday 28th.

COURT THEATRE Thursday 25th September: Money to Sue in a NAMED envelope please on or before Sunday 31st August. The tickets are $42 each. Sue 960 7657.

PRE-ELECTION SOCIAL ISSUES SEMINARS: Venue: Knox Church Centre, 28 Bealey Ave at 5.30pm. Thursday 28th August: “Every Child Counts”. Thursday 4th September: “Rethinking Crime & Punishment”. Koha appreciated. All Welcome.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 8th September 1-4pm.

Many thanks to Elizabeth, Rob & Irene for leading our music over the last three weeks.

REMINDER: Parish Review Questionnaires need to be completed by 7th September.

THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed in the wall in the Lounge.

Hub Activities for the week 24th – 31st August 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Sun 24 Aug 2.00pm Music Hall Madness concert with afternoon tea,
raffles & lucky ticket number. Addington School: entrance off Simeon St. $10 Door sales available.

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, 83 Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 24th Aug 9am Morning Worship & AGM
Tue 26th Aug 7.30pm Fireside Women’s Group at Sonya’s. 339 7038.
7.30pm Indoor Bowls, Salvation Army Hall, Southampton
St. Bruce 332 7786.
Wed 27th Aug 9.30am Walking Group. Meet Titoki St off Kahu Rd. Coffee
at Riccarton House. June 332 8874.
2pm Neerlandia Concert. All Welcome. Irene 332 7306.
Thu 28th Aug 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. New Faces welcome. $3. Beverley 332 7786.
5.30pm Social Issues Seminar #2, Knox Centre, Bealey Ave.
Sun 31st Aug 10am Morning Worship at ST JAMES’ (note time and place!)

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824
Wednesdays: 8.00 – 11.00am Vege Co-op. Shilo 338 3943
10.00 am Craft Group. Linda 322 4437
1.00 pm West Spreydon Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
7.30 pm Parish Council meets.
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge contact 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
5.00 pm Messy Church in hall.
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group. Suzie 338 1017
1.30 pm Hoon Hay Indoor Bowls. Brian 338 4488

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 24 Aug 11.30am Healing Service
Mon 25 Aug 9.30am Pre-School Music Group. Anna 331 6252
Wed 27 Aug 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
Thurs 28 Aug 10.30am Prayer Group at 1 Dalefield Drive.