WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP:
As communities of faith, we gather to worship.
We come with our differences, but with Christ as our common ground.
We gather to worship and to be reminded of our connection to each other.
So we come together here, joining hearts and hands in the great quest: to love God, to love one another, and to serve God’s world.
HYMN: Sing Praise and Thanksgiving (WOV 25)
Sing praise and thanksgiving, let all creatures living
now worship their maker with gladness and song;
all glory and honour we come to him bringing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God!
Our lives of his making he brings to their waking;
in darkness he held us in his gracious care,
now into the light we are called from our sleeping:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God!
Lord, frame our desiring to do your requiring,
that unto your glory be all that we do;
and where we have faltered, give strength and give healing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God! © C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER – sung
STORY-TIME
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Psalm 123 Martin Cleland
Two Perspectives on Matthew 25: 14-30
HYMN: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (Tune:WOV 635)
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God’s righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, allelu, alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you,
seek and you shall find,
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.
We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia. © Maranatha Music / Copycare Ltd (VU)
SERMON
A TIME OF QUIET
HYMN: For the Healing of the Nations (Tune: WOV 343ii)
For the healing of the nations,
God, we pray with one accord;
for a just and equal sharing
of the things that earth affords.
To a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word.
Lead us forward into freedom,
from despair your world release;
that, redeemed from war and hatred all may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness fear will die and hope increase.
All that kills abundant living,
let it from the earth be banned:
pride of status, race or schooling,
dogmas that obscure your plan.
In our common quest for justice
may we hallow life’s brief span.
You, Creator God, have written
your great name on humankind,
for our growing in your likeness
bring the life of Christ to mind;
that, by our response and service,
earth its destiny may find. © Hope Publishing (VU)
THE OFFERING:
Generous God, we bring these gifts of money and food for your blessing. You give us opportunities and gifts of time,
patience and care.
May we use the gifts from you to encourage others,
to share with others, and to work with others, as we seek to be part
of your reign of justice, peace, and love. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
These hills where the hawk flies lonely,
beaches where the long surf rolls,
mountains where the snows meet heaven,
these are our care.
Pastures where the sheep graze calmly,
orchards where the apples grow,
gardens where the roses cluster,
these are our prayer.
Forests where the tree ferns tower,
rivers running strong and clear,
oceans where the great whales wander,
these are our care.
Race meeting race as equals,
justice for age-old wrong,
worth for every man and woman,
these are our prayer.
Cities where the young roam restless,
lives brought to deep despair,
homeless and powerless people,
these are our care.
Places where the Word is spoken,
hands held in serving love,
faiths of our many cultures,
these are our prayer.
All that the old world gave us,
all that the new world brings,
language, ideas and customs,
these are our care.
Life finding joy and value,
faith seeking truth and light,
God heard and seen in all things,
this be our prayer. © Colin Gibson (AA)
THE BLESSING
FUNDRAISER – GARAGE SALE: NEXT Saturday 22nd November
9am-12 noon at 259 Centaurus Rd.
Along with plants, seedlings, gardening tools and edible goodies we are asking folk to look out knick-knacks (ie SMALL items) and bring them along ON THE DAY from 8am. Please no furniture, electronics or electrical items and nothing big! Donations of items to sell (cakes, jams, lemon honey, sweets, fresh vegetables etc…) will also be required.
Cash donations also welcome! This is a fundraiser for the Link building.
For details, contact Sue 960 7657 or Lindsay 981 1587.
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.
ANNUAL TANZANIAN LUNCH TODAY. Many thanks to those who have offered to host a lunch. Money raised supports “Your Sisters” Orphanage in Tanzania. This is a mission outreach project of this parish. Donations are very welcome – place money in an envelope marked “Your Sisters” and pop it in the offertory plate.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th November: Meet 9.30am at 315 Eastern Tce (halfway between Tennyson St & Waltham Rd) for a stroll around the river. Coffee at my place, fundraising for our church. Judith 332 1577.
SESSION meeting Wednesday 19th November 7.30pm.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3 per session. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
CARING & SHARING are having a ceilidh on Wednesday 26th November from 2pm in honour of St Andrew’s Day. All are welcome. Irene 332 7306.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon & Fri 9-11am. 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd. www.stmartins.org.nz.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 8th December 1-4pm.
FESTIVAL 200 Sunday 7th December 6pm in the Horncastle Arena. Christians from all over the city are gathering to worship and give thanks for the 200th anniversary of the gospel in our nation. Tickets $6 adults, $4 children from Ticketek.
HORSE MANURE available now – $3 a bag. Lindsay 981 1587.
THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed on the wall in the Lounge.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 19th Thomas.
Hub Activities for the week 16th – 23rd November 2014
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
All events at Beckenham Methodist, 83 Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise stated
Sun 16 Nov 10am Combined Morning Worship with Beckenham
Methodist, followed by Tanzanian Lunch
Wed 19 Nov 9.30am Walking Group. Contact Joan 338 8700 for destination.
7.30pm Session meeting
Thu 20 Nov 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. All welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
Sat 22 Nov 9am-12noon Garage Sale at 259 Centaurus Rd.
Sun 23 Nov 9am Morning Worship
St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tue 18th Last day for Connect items to be handed to Dorothy
Little Kids music in hall lounge
Fri 21st Friday Kids
Sun 23rd Ken Shields will be preaching
A book has been written to mark the Hokitika 150 year gold rush celebrations. Four faith stories from Hokitika. Allan Davidson, Richard Waugh, Ted Schroder, and Steve Lowe share their faith journeys in God Knows where they come from! The book, available in November will be launched in Hokitika during the celebrations.
Price $29.90 plus postage. Brochure and order forms available from Heather. The other book (on the order form) by Rev Dr Richard Waugh is about growing up in the 1960’s in Hokitika.
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
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
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi. Brian 338 6228
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 in lounge. Suzie 338 1017
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 17 Nov 9.30am Pre-School Music Group. Emma: 332 2965
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes –
contact them through their website:
www.parentscentre.org.nz/christchurch-south/
Tue 18 Nov 12.30pm Ministers Association meet in lounge
Wed 19 Nov 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome
2.00pm Cashmere APW
Thurs 20 Nov 10.30am Prayer Group. Barbara 332 8668
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes
7.00pm Choir Practice for Christmas Music – in the Church