Sunday 7th December 9am

Children’s Christmas Service
Christmas Star

WELCOME AND NOTICES

ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING:

(The candle of hope is relit.)

We have relit the Candle of Hope: a sign that God is with us, encouraging us along our way.
In a world where many are affected by violence, we are called to be people who are caring; people who work to make a difference to others’ lives.
We light the Candle of Peace: a reminder that Jesus came to share God’s peace with all people.

THE CANDLE OF PEACE IS LIT

SUNG RESPONSE: (Tune: Away in a Manger) Remain seated
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December’s dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.

A candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease:
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. © Sandra Dean (VU)

OPENING PRAYER

Christmas Star

CAROL: And Did You See Him, Little Star
And did you see Him little star,
long, long ago?
and was it you, I wonder, shone
on manger low?
And did you see the shepherd men,
when angels sang?
‘Peace on the earth, goodwill to all,’
the message rang.

And did you guide the three wise kings
with shining light?
and bring them to the holy Child
on that great night?
And will you still shine down on earth,
though from afar,
and lead us back to Bethlehem,
O little star? © The estate of Helen Clyde (CoC)

Christmas Star

CAROL: Away in a Manger Remain seated
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes,
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from on high,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
close by me for ever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and fit us for heaven, to live with you there. C/A

Christmas Star

CAROL: The First Nowell

The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from the country far;
to seek for a King was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. C/A

Christmas Star

CAROL: We Three Kings of Orient Are Remain seated
We three kings of orient are,
bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain
moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
gold I bring to crown Him again.
King for ever, ceasing never
over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I,
incense owns a deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Christmas Star

CAROL: O Come All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,
“Glory to God in the highest”:
O come, let us adore him…

Yea, Lord, we greet you
born for our salvation;
Jesus, to you be glory given:
Word of the Father now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him… C/A

THE OFFERING
Gift giving, God, we thank you for all your gifts,
and especially for the gift of Jesus.
May these gifts we bring
help make his love known in the world. Amen

PRESENTATIONS

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS

CAROL: Not on a Snowy Night
Not on a snowy night by star or candle light,
nor by an angel band there came to our dear land,
Te Harinui, Te Harinui, Te Harinui
glad tidings of great joy!

But on a summer day within a quiet bay,
the Maori people heard the great and glorious word,

The people gathered round upon the grassy ground,
and heard the preacher, say “I bring to you this day …”

Now in this blessed land united heart and hand,
we praise the glorious birth, and sing to all the earth,
© Willow Macky (AA)
THE BLESSING

May the God of the stable
help us to see the wonder of Christmas:
the wonder of children who can hardly wait,
the wonder of Mary and Joseph who feel
the power of God’s love,
the wonder of the shepherds who hear the Good News,
the wonder of wise men from afar
who kneel and offer their gifts,
the wonder of the ages
that God would come in such a simple birth. Amen.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 7th Florence; Mon 8th Eleanor; Fri 12th Richard; Sat 13th Deborah.

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 10th December: Meet 9.30am at Helios House, Fifield Tce. Coffee at Willows. Barbara & Allan 337 6202.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: TOMORROW 1-4pm. Volunteers to assist are always welcome. On the job training provided. Lyndsey 388 1264.

PICNIC AT MERCHISTON next Sunday 14th December. Everyone welcome. Bring your own lunch and your own ‘camp’ chair. Drinks and icecreams will be provided. Hope for a fine day and come and enjoy! Any volunteers to organize carol singing?

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WALTHAM COTTAGE: There will be a box at the Church until next Sunday for you to put your gifts in. Please DO NOT wrap them. Gifts of wrapping paper are also acceptable along with Christmas baking. Worship committee.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS finishes for the year on 11th December and will resume on Thursday 22nd January 2015. Beverley 332 7786.

WALKING GROUP lunch 11.30am Wednesday 17th December at ‘Just Desserts’, 33 Wordsworth St. RSVP to Sue 960 7657 (leave a message with your name and the number attending) if are coming by 16/12 at the latest please.

OPEN HOUSE at the Manse Sunday 21st December from 2pm. Come for a chat and a cuppa as you are able. All welcome. Chris.

TANZANIAN BAGS: Lyndsey has 24 more to sell this morning. Cost: $20.

FUN DAY 28th February 2015: Volunteers required. Lyndsey will be coming round with a clipboard today. Please have a look and offer to help – we need you!

Christmas 2014 and beyond for St Martin’s & Beckenham
CAROL SERVICE & ACT of REMEMBRANCE: Sunday 21st December 10am
CHRISTMAS EVE: Wednesday 24th December 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS DAY: Thursday 25th December 9.30am
Please note that from Sunday 21st December until 25th January all Sunday services will be at 10am.

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.

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

Hub Activities for the week 7 – 14th December2014

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
All events at Beckenham Methodist, 83 Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise stated
Sun 7 Dec 9am Children’s Presentation: “Christmas Star”
7pm Festival 200, Horncastle Arena
Mon 8 Dec 1-4pm Foot Clinic. Lyndsey 388 1264
Wed 10 Dec 9.30am Walking Group. Helios House, Fifield Tce. Coffee at Willows.
Thu 11 Dec 10am-12noon Final Crafty Crafters for 2014. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 14 Dec 9am Celebrating 200 years of the Gospel in NZ
12noon Picnic at ‘Merchiston’,75 St Martins Rd

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Tue 9th Dec Little Kids music in hall lounge.
Fri 12th Dec Friday Kids at the church hall

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
10.00 am Craft Group. Linda 322 4437
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. Suzie 338 1017

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Sun 7 Dec 10.00am Christmas Communion
Mon 8 Dec 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/
Mon 8 Dec 2.30pm } Foot Clinic. Phone office on 332 7129
Tues 9 Dec 9.30am } for appointments
Wed 10 Dec 3.30pm Youth Choir rehearsals
7.00pm Choir Practice
Thurs 11 Dec 10.30am Prayer Group. Barbara 332 8668
7.00pm Christchurch South Parents Centre Classes –
contact them through their website:
www.parentscentre.org.nz/christchurch-south/
Sun 14 Dec 10.00am Christmas Family Service, with BBQ to follow