CALL TO WORSHIP:
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
God is our refuge and our stronghold
A timely help in trouble
HYMN: O Laughing Light (Tune: Christe Sanctorum WOV2)
O laughing Light, O first-born of creation,
Radiance of glory, light from light begotten,
God self-revealing, holy, bright and blessed:
You shine upon us.
Day’s light is fleeting, yours is light eternal;
We look to you, our light within the shadow.
We sing to you, Creator, Christ, and Spirit.
You shine before us.
Light of the world, O Jesus Christ, we bless you.
Giver of life and Child of God, we praise you.
Hear as the universe proclaims your glory!
You shine among us. © Sylvia G. Dunstan (CH4)
PRAYERS OF ADORATION, CONFESSION & SUPPLICATION
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
HYMN: The Church is Wherever
The church is wherever God’s people are praising,
singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The Church is wherever disciples of Jesus
remember his story and walk in his way.
The Church is wherever God’s people are helping,
caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The Church is wherever God’s people are sharing
the words of the Bible in gift and in deed. ©W. Jenkins (VU)
READINGS FROM SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 46 Jill Grierson
John 15: 9-17 Warren Pettigrew
SERMON: Difficult Connections Rev. Dr. John McKean
HYMN: God the Omnipotent (tune: Russia WOV89)
God the Omnipotent! King, who ordainest
Great winds thy clarions, lightnings thy sword:
Show forth thy pity on high where thou reignest;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
God the All-merciful! Earth hath forsaken
Meekness and mercy, and slighted thy word;
Bid not thy wrath in its terrors awaken;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
God the All-righteous One! We have defied thee;
Yet to eternity standeth thy word;
Falsehood and wrong shall not tarry beside thee;
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord.
God the All-wise! By the fire of thy chastening,
Earth shall to freedom and truth be restored;
Through the thick darkness thy Kingdom is hastening;
Thou wilt give peace in thy time, O Lord.
So shall thy children, with thankful devotion,
Praise him who saved them from peril and sword,
Singing in chorus, from ocean to ocean,
Peace to the nations, and praise to the Lord. ©CH4
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
THE PEACE
OFFERING:
God, Creator, Saviour, Spirit Holy,
We give you thanks and praise;
And dedicate to you our thoughts, our words,
Our gifts, our deeds
The workings of our hands, the thinking of our minds
The loving of our hearts.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: It is God who holds the nations (Tune: Vision WOV205i)
It is God who holds the nations in the hollow of his hand;
It is God whose light is shining in the darkness of the land;
It is God who builds the city on the rock and not on sand:
May the living God be praised!
It is God whose purpose summons us to use the present hour;
Who recalls us to our senses when a nation’s life turns sour;
In the discipline of freedom we shall know his saving power:
May the living God be praised!
When a thankful nation, looking back, has cause to celebrate
Those who win our admiration by their service to the state;
When self-giving is a measure of the greatness of the great:
May the living God be praised!
God reminds us every sunrise that the world is ours on lease –
For the sake of life tomorrow may our love for it increase;
May all people live together, share its riches, be at peace:
May the living God be praised!
BLESSING AND THREE-FOLD AMEN.
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.
BECKENHAM-ST MARTINS GUESS WHO IS COMING TO LUNCH EVENT: NEXT Sunday 3 May 12.30pm Last chance to sign up today!
FIRESIDE Tuesday 28th April 7.30pm at Joan Scott’s. Please bring along any family WW1 items or stories to share. All women are very welcome. Contact Margaret 366 8936 for details.
REMINDER: Celebration of 50th anniversary of ordination of women to ministry, and 60 years of women Elders Friday 8th May, Knox Centre.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th April: Meet by the bridge in the Botanical Gardens off the carpark accessed from Rolleston Avenue, at 9.30am for a walk around the Garden. Coffee will be in the Museum Cafe. Note: Please phone Sonya 339 7038 if you are not on the Walkers email list for latest info on road closures in the area. Armagh St is closed. Gloucester St then right into Rolleston Ave, left into Gardens by Christ’s College recommended.
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CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
MEN’S GROUP Thursday 7th May 6pm at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd. Please bring a plate of food to share,and enjoy some fellowship. Our guest for the evening is our own Bob Kayes! All men welcome. Tony 374 6673.
FOOT CLINIC: Monday 4th May 1-4pm. Bookings: Judith 332 1577.
Please ensure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday each week. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz
INVITATION TO A FAMILY GAMES NIGHT Sunday 17th May 5 – 7.30 p.m.
Beckenham Church Lounge. Bring your own tea and a favourite game. Drinks provided. THIS EVENING IS FOR EVERYONE.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 26th Rob M;Tue 28th Joan; Fri 1st Margaret.