GATHERING:
God, who sets us on a journey
to discover, dream and grow,
stir the spirit, stretch our minds,
grant the vision that we lack.
Exploration brings new insights, changes,
choices we must face;
give us wisdom in deciding,
give us courage for the journey,
cherish only what’s essential,
there can be no turning back. (adapt. J. Dine FFS)
Excite our hearts and minds, Creating God,
to trace new truths, to catch creation’s flair,
and to live within the contexts of compassion and care.
May it be so with us. Amen
HYMN: 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)
WELCOME AND NOTICES
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
READING: Mark 1: 21-28 Catherine Fitchett
HYMN: God, Whose Almighty Word (Tune: Moscow WOV 61)
God, whose almighty word
chaos and darkness heard,
and took their flight;
hear us, we humbly pray,
and, where the gospel-day
sheds not its glorious ray,
let there be light.
Saviour, who came to bring
on your redeeming wing
healing and sight,
health to the troubled mind,
sight to the inly blind:
O now to humankind
let there be light.
Spirit of truth and love,
life-giving, holy dove,
speed forth your flight;
move o’er the waters’ face,
bearing the lamp of grace
and in earth’s darkest place
let there be light.
SERMON
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God,
who trusts us with the whole creation,
who calls us to honour that trust
by living in fairness, justice
generosity and grace.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
who walked the way of the cross
to honour God’s love for us,
who shared all our struggles
and lived our deepest fears.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
who is present in our inner longings,
stirring us into new things,
calling us to the risks of faith. (Dorothy McRae-McMahon)
OFFERING
God, we bring these offerings along with the offering of our hearts.
We give thanks for the proud tradition of faith of our congregation,
and pray that you will bless our offerings, and us all, as we in our day seek to serve you in the community and beyond, in the name of
Jesus Christ. AMEN.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE
HYMN: Every Day I will Offer You
Every day I will offer you,
loving God, my heart and mind,
every way I discover you
in the work your hand has signed;
help me see I’m your image, and
you have dreamed what I might be,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!
Every day I will look to Christ,
and give thanks for wine and bread
through the pain and the emptiness
where your world cries to be fed;
help me see I can work for change,
and wherever I might be,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy!
Every day I will take your word,
answer your compassion’s claim,
celebrate every sign of hope,
every deed done in your name;
help me see you are always there,
and your light can shine through me,
every day in your Spirit,
I’ll find the love and energy! © Shirley Murray (AA)
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
From the rising of the sun…people of all times and places, saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in your name…
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing © World Library Publication (VU)
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.
THE BLESSING
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.
PLEASE NOTE: The Combined noticeboard is now the large noticeboard in the foyer.
FOOT CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. Lyndsey 388 1264.
COPY REQUIRED FOR ‘MESSENGER’: Please send articles, poems, photos to anneke.howie@gmail.com or post to 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton 8082 by this THURSDAY 5th FEBRUARY. Many thanks. The magazine will be available on Sunday 22nd February. Anneke 328 7459.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 4th February: Meet 9.30am at “Town Tonic” on the corner of Lincoln Rd & Bernard St for a stroll around Addington. Coffee at “Town Tonic” – non-walkers very welcome to join us. Sue 960 7657.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Wednesday this week as the office will be closed on Friday 6th February for Waitangi Day.
COMBINED LENTEN STUDY: Chris will be leading a four week study series on Monday mornings in Lent. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you are interested. Contact her on 331 6501 for more information.
SUMMER OF FUN Day Saturday 28th February 1.30 – 4.30pm, Holliss Reserve, Cashmere. Bring your family and friends along.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.
ST MARTINS VOLUNTEER LIBRARY & COMMUNITY FACILITY REBUILD: The Council is gathering information on potential uses for a multiuse facility on the corner of Wades Ave & Wilsons Rd (old Library site). Forms will be available in the foyer TODAY. It is important you have your say to support this project for our community.
COURT THEATRE “Le Sud” – a comedy starring Mark Hadlow. Thursday 9th April 6.30pm. Tickets $42 each. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge if you would like to come. Payment (in a named envelope) required by Sunday 1st March. Thank You. Sue 960 7657.
BOYS’ BRIGADE at Beckenham Methodist is seeking new members. Anchor (5-7 yrs) & Team Adventure (8-10yrs) meet on a Thursday night. Company Xtreme for 11-19 year olds meets on a Friday. If you are interested, please contact Sam 981 3529 or Stephen 337 2296. info@14thbb.org.nz. Accept the Challenge!
FIX-IT JOBS: We have people who can help you with small jobs around your property. Please contact the Parish Office for details.
WANTED: old pantyhose for tying up tomato plants! Please bring along to Church and give to Sue. Thank you.
RETIRED BUILDER available to do gardening and light building work. Phone Barry Houston 332 4730.
STOP PRESS: Session has received the final Parish Review Report. This will be emailed next week. There will also be some paper copies at Church next Sunday for those not on email to BORROW and return.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 1st Alice; Wed 4th John S: Fri 6th Rob; Sat 7th Kim.